Department of
Performance Studies in Music
Course Descriptions
General Requirements (MUG)
MUG 2000. Recital/Workshop Attendance (0). Attendance at a prescribed number of student, faculty and guest recitals, as well as major assemblies, workshops, and master classes as approved for credit. Required of all music majors and minors for a specified number of semesters. ($30.00 course fee)
MUG 2010. Piano Proficiency Examination (0). Students must demonstrate basic piano proficiency in technical skills, repertory, improvisation, and sight reading. Students must pass Piano Proficiency before registering for Senior Recital.
MUG 2020. Sophomore Technical (0). Students must demonstrate technical understanding and mastery of their instrument or voice as a part of the Admission to Junior Standing and completion of lower division study.
MUG 4015. Senior Capstone in Music (1-3). Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of academic advisor. To be taken in the final year of residence before graduation. This course is designed to provide a culminating experience for music majors, and address the integration of the major with the BELL Core curriculum. Activities are designed to allow students to reflect on their own professional development, explore the role of music in society, synthesize and expand their knowledge of music history and theory, apply their broadening understanding of music by writing about their own repertory, performance area, and/or career path. Among the activities in this course, students will read and write about music and culture, listen to and analyze music, attend guest lectures, create a CV or other professional material, and create and present a final project or showcase.
Class Applied Study (MF_)
A series of classes in a variety of applied areas which develop functional performance skills. These courses provide secondary, supportive or elective study. See curricular requirements for details. In addition to the course tuition, the fee for class instruction in voice, piano, guitar, percussion and composition is $90.00.
MFA 1110. Class Voice I (1). First semester secondary or elective voice study. Sections are offered in both commercial and classical styles. ($90.00 course fee)
MFA 1120. Class Voice II (1). Second semester secondary or elective voice study. Sections are offered in both commercial and classical styles. ($90.00 course fee)
MFB (Piano)
MFB 1000. Class Piano – Preparatory (1). Development of fundamental piano skills necessary for entry into Class Piano I. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MFB 1110. Class Piano I (1). First semester class piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MFB 1120. Class Piano II (1). Second semester class piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MFB 2110. Class Piano III (1). Third semester class piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MFB 2120. Class Plano IV (1). Fourth semester class piano study. Piano Proficiency Exam required upon completion of this course. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)
MFD (Guitar)
MFD 1110. Introduction to Guitar Study (1). An introductory class for elective students of all levels of playing. The course covers the key issues related to proper technical foundations, efficient practice techniques, chords, chart reading, and accompaniment styles. All elective students must take this course before enrolling in private guitar lessons. ($90.00 course fee)
MFK (Composition)
MFK 1110. Commercial Class Composition (1). A beginning commercial composition class, this course is a prerequisite for MBK 1120. ($90.00 course fee)
Private Applied Study (M__)
Private applied study is provided in voice, piano, organ, guitar, orchestral and band instruments. In addition to classical study in these areas, study is provided in commercial styles when appropriate. The fee for a one-credit 25-minute lesson is $150, the fee for a two-credit 25-minute lesson is $225, and the fee for a 50-minute lesson is $300 in addition to the course tuition.
The applied course identification is indicated by a three-letter and four-number system. The second letter shows the area of study – classical or commercial.
MA_ – Classical Applied Study
MB_ – Commercial Applied Study
MC_ - Applied Blended
The third letter indicates the area of study:
A – voice; B – piano; D – guitar; E – brass; F – woodwinds; G – strings; H – percussion; I – other instruments; J – electric bass; K – composition; L – arranging; M – conducting; N – carillon; P - Organ. (Examples: MAA – classical vocal study; MBD – commercial guitar study; MAE – classical brass study.)
The numerical sequence identifies the following:
- 1st number – year of study in the applied area: O preparatory student, 1 – 1st year, etc.
- 2nd number – hours of credit awarded
(1,2 hours credit = 25-minute lesson week)
(3,4 hours credit = 50-minute lesson week) - 3rd number – semester of study within the year indicated in 1st number
MA_/MB_ 1000. Private Applied – Preparatory (1). Private study (secondary or elective) at preparatory level. 25-minute private lesson per week. ($150.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_1110, 1120, 2110, 2120. Private Applied (1). Lower Division private study (principal level, secondary or elective). One 25-minute private lesson per week. ($150.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_ 3110, 3120, 4110, 4120. Private Applied (1). Upper Division private study (principal level, secondary or elective). One 25-minute private lesson per week. ($150.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_ 1210, 1220, 2210, 2220. Private Applied (2). Lower Division private study (principal level). One 25-minute private lesson per week. ($225.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_ 3210, 3220, 4210, 4220. Private Applied (2). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper Division private study (principal level). One 25-minute lesson per week. ($225.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_ 1310, 1320, 2310, 2320. Private Applied (3). Lower Division private applied study (principal level). One 50-minute lesson per week. ($300.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_ 3310, 3320, 4310, 4320. Private Applied (3). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper division private applied study (principal level). One 50-minute lesson per week. ($300.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_ 1410, 1420, 2410, 2420. Private Applied (4). Prerequisite: Permission of Associate Dean for Performance Studies. Extra-credit lower division private applied study (principal level). One 50-minute lesson per week. ($300.00 course fee)
MA_/MB_ 3410, 3420, 4410, 4420. Private Applied (4). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper division private applied study (principal level). One 50-minute lesson per week. ($300.00 course fee)
Recitals
MA_/MB_ 3000. 25-minute Recital (0). Prerequisite (if recital is Senior Recital): MUG2010. This recital is the Junior Recital for Performance majors and the Senior recital for all students pursuing all other music majors.
MA_/MB_ 4000. 50-minute Recital (0). Prerequisite (if recital is Senior Recital): MUG 2010. The recital is the Senior Recital for Performance majors.
MCY 3000. 25-Minute Integrative Recital (0). Prerequisite: MUG2010. This recital is the Senior Recital for students pursuing a major or an applied track requiring both classical and commercial applied study. The recital includes both classical and commercial components.
Applied Support Courses
Classical Voice
MAA 1060. Diction & Song Literature I (English and Italian) (1). The study of Italian and English diction and song literature.
MAA 2050. Diction and Song Literature II (German and French) (1). Prerequisite: MAA 1060. The study of German and French diction and song literature.
MAA 3010. Musical Theatre Coaching (1). Coaching in style and presentation of musical theatre songs and monologues. Attention will be given to character development and repertoire to support student recitalists as well as new material for auditions. Open to Junior and Senior Musical Theatre majors. Repeatable course. ($100.00 course fee)
MAA 3050. Opera Literature & Vocal Pedagogy (1). Prerequisite: MAA 2050. The study of opera literature and methodology of teaching singing.
MAA 3070. Vocal Seminar (0). (Required every semester enrolled in MAA applied principal) An extension of the private lesson providing opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from the instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, historical context, vocal health, repertory, technique and pedagogy.
MAA 4010. Musical Theatre Coaching (1). Prerequisite: MAA 3010. More in-depth coaching in style and presentation of musical theatre songs and monologues. Students will study audition technique, develop monologues and songs to support their recital, and learn new material for auditions. Repeatable course. ($100.00 course fee)
MAA 4070. Musical Theatre Seminar (0). This course offers performance practice opportunities for Music Theatre majors with an emphasis on learning performance, staging, and audition techniques. Class includes discussions of topics specific to musical theatre performers. Guests from the musical theatre community present workshops and master class sessions each semester as a part of Seminar. ($40.00 course fee)
Commercial Voice
MAA 1060. Diction & Song Literature I (1). The study of Italian and English diction and song literature.
MBA 3030. Commercial Vocal Styles I - Jazz (1). Prerequisite: MBA 2120. An in-depth study of Jazz styles.
MBA 3040. Commercial Vocal Styles II - Pop (1). Prerequisite: MBA 2120. An in-depth study of rock and pop styles.
MBA 3050. Commercial Vocal Styles III - Country (1). Prerequisite: MBA 2120. An in-depth study of country styles.
MBA 3060. Singers' Reading Lab (1). Prerequisite: MUT 2350. Chart-writing and dictation using Nashville number system. Prerequisite to MUC 3180, Studio Singers.
MAA 3070. Vocal Seminar (0). (Required each semester enrolled in MAA applied study.) An extension of the private lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from the instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, historical context, vocal health, repertory, technique and pedagogy.
MBA 3080. Commercial Vocal Seminar (0). Seminar provides an opportunity for students to perform commercial vocal repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, cultural context, vocal health, technique and pedagogy. Students take Commercial Vocal Seminar (designated "Lower") prior to beginning of commercial voice private lessons. Lower Seminar introduces commercial vocalists to commercial vocal styles and techniques in preparation for beginning of commercial private applied lessons. Commercial Vocal Seminar designated "Upper" functions as an extension of the private applied lessons and provides opportunity for performance, critique and instruction.
Classical Piano
MAB 2050. Piano Literature I (Baroque and Classical Eras) (1, even years). A study of piano literature of the Baroque and Classical Eras.
MAB 2060. Piano Literature II (19th and 20th Centuries) (1, even years). A study of piano literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.
MAB 3050. Piano Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MAB 2050 and 2060. A study of the methods and materials of teaching piano.
MAB 3070. Piano Seminar (0). An extension of the private piano lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, historical context, technique, pedagogy, as well as health and safety.
Commercial Piano
MBI 2010. Improvisation I (1). A theoretical and practical approach to improvisation.
MBI 2020. Improvisation II (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. Continuation of study of improvisation from MBI 2010.
MBI 3030. Commercial Styles (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. A study of the major styles of commercial music with attention to the characteristics that distinguish each style.
MBB 3080. Commercial Keyboard Seminar (0). Extension of the private commercial piano lessons providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, cultural context, technique and pedagogy, as well as issues related to practice and performance health.
Organ
MAP 2050. Organ Literature I (1). The study of organ literature through the works of J. S. Bach. Required of all organ principals and majors.
MAP 2060. Organ Literature II (1). A study of organ literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Required of all organ principals and majors.
MAP 3050. Service Playing (1). A study of methods and materials used in service playing. Required of all organ principals and majors.
MAP 3070. Organ Seminar (0). An extension of the private organ lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, historical context, technique and pedagogy, as well as issues related to practice and performance health.
Classical Guitar
MAD 2050. Classical Guitar Literature I (1, even years). Study of early music written and transcribed for guitar.
MAD 2060. Classical Guitar Literature II (1, even years). A study of the classical guitar repertory of the 19th and 20th centuries.
MAD 3050. Classical Guitar Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MAD 2050, MAD 2060. A study of methods and materials of teaching classical guitar.
MAD 3070. Classical Guitar Seminar (0). An extension of the private guitar lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, historical context, technique and pedagogy, as well as issues related to practice and performance health.
Commercial Guitar
MBI 2010. Improvisation I (1). A theoretical and practical approach to improvisation.
MBI 2020. Improvisation II. (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. Continuation of study of improvisation from MBI 2010.
MBI 3030. Commercial Instrumental Styles (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. A study of the major styles of commercial music with attention to the characteristics that distinguish each style.
MBD 3080. Commercial Guitar Seminar (0). An extension of the private guitar lesson providing a time for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, cultural context, technique and pedagogy, as well as issues related to practice and performance health.
Classical Instruments
MAI 2050. Technique and Literature of the Major Instrument I (1, even years). Study of the techniques and literature of the student’s principal instrument.
MAI 2060. Technique and Literature of the Major Instrument II (1, even years). Continuation of the technical and literature studies of MAI 2050.
MAI 3050. Instrumental Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MAI 2050 and 2060. A study of the methods and materials for teaching the student’s major instrument.
MAI 3070. Instrumental Seminar (0). An extension of the private instrumental lesson providing an opportunity for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, historical context, technique and pedagogy, as well as issues related to practice and performance health.
Composition
MAK 3070. Composition Seminar (0). This seminar provides a weekly forum whose activities include: 1) performance of student’s compositions, 2) writing for seminar members and reading these compositions, 3) discussion of compositions by faculty members, and 4) presentations on other pertinent topics. Required for composition majors and commercial music majors with a composition and arranging emphasis each semester registered for private or class composition or arranging.
Commercial Instruments
MBI 2010. Improvisation I (1). A theoretical and practical approach to improvisation.
MBI 2020. Improvisation II (1). Prerequisite: MBI 2010. Continuation of study of improvisation from MBI 2010.
MBI 2030. Ethnic Percussion (1). Course provides materials and instruction covering the history, style, and performance techniques of ethnic percussion, hand-drumming, and electronic drumset. Students acquire knowledge and skill related to a wide range of African, Cuban, Brazilian, and Middle Eastern percussion instruments. The course also includes an electronic percussion component. Meets 2 hours per week.
MBI 3030. Commercial Instrumental Styles (1). Prerequisites: MBI 2010. A study of the major styles of commercial music with attention to the characteristics that distinguish each style. Required of all commercial instrumentalists.
MBI 3080. Commercial Instrumental Seminar (0). An extension of the private commercial instrumental lesson providing a time for students to perform repertory with feedback from instructor and students. Seminar also provides a forum for covering elements of improvisation, stylistic interpretation, stage presence, repertory, cultural context, technique and pedagogy, as well as issues related to practice and performance health.
MFI (Chamber Ensembles)
MFI 3110. Chamber Ensemble-Brass (1). A chamber brass ensemble designed for upper level students. Instrumentalists enrolled explore chamber repertoire for groups of like or mixed brass instruments. Permission of the director is required.
MFI 3120. Chamber Ensemble-String Quartet (1). A chamber string ensemble designed for upper level students. Instrumentalists enrolled will explore string quartet repertoire for groups of like or mixed string instruments. Permission of the director is required.
Music Ensembles (MUN)
Ensembles are open by audition, or consultation with the director, to all Belmont University students. Ensembles may be repeated for additional credit.
MUN 3810. Phoenix (1). A 10-12 member commercial vocal ensemble accompanied by a band. Phoenix performs music which is currently charting or has charted in Billboard magazine. The ensemble features music from all current rock/pop commercial genres. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 3820. Belmont Pops (1). A 30-50 voice commercial vocal ensemble. Pops performs a variety of commercial styles (blues, jazz, pop/rock, country, indie, original works, R&B and gospel). Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 3830. Southbound (1). An 8-10 member commercial vocal ensemble accompanied by a band. Southbound performs music featured on country radio formats including progressive country, traditional country, country dance music, country rock, rockabilly and western swing. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 3840. Session (1). Session is a 16-24 member women's commercial vocal ensemble. The ensemble sings arrangements of pop literature written primarily by its members. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 3860. Company (1). A 14-member show choir which performs popular music literature with fully-staged choreography. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 3890. University Singers (1). An SATB choir which provides performance study in a variety of SATB choral ensemble repertoire. Open to all students of the university without audition. A two-semester commitment is expected.
MUN 3900. Oratorio Chorus (0). Oratorio Chorus performs one major choral work each semester, with orchestra. Open to all Belmont students without audition. ($65.00 course fee)
MUN 3910. Chorale (1). A 40-60 voice mixed choir which performs a variety of sacred and secular choral literature. Chorale tours in the spring of each year. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 3920. Chamber Singers (1). A 16-20 voice mixed choir which performs a wide range of music from pre-Renaissance to modern. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 3930. Women's Choir (1). Open to all women of the university without audition. A two-semester commitment is expected.
MUN 3960. Opera Theatre (1-3). Opera Theatre performs fully-staged operas as well as scenes from operas. Selected by audition. Credit is one hour per semester for solo and chorus roles. Two- or three-hours credit may be earned for the performance of a major role at the recommendation of the director and approval of the voice faculty and the Dean.
MUN 3970. Musical Theatre (0-3). Musical Theatre performs fully-staged musicals as well as scenes from musicals. Selected by audition with priority given to Musical Theatre majors. Credit varies but is typically zero credit for freshman who are minimally involved in the performance and one hour per semester for solo and chorus roles. Two- or three-hours credit may be earned for the performance of a major role at the recommendation of the director and the approval of the voice faculty and the Dean.
MUN 3980. Jazzmin (1). A 12-14 member mixed commercial vocal jazz ensemble which performs vocal jazz literature including blues, standards, Latin, bebop, swing and contemporary. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required.
MUN 4710. Jazz String Quartet (1). A chamber string ensemble designed for upper level students. Instrumentalists explore jazz string quartet repertoire for groups of like or mixed string instruments. Permission of the director is required.
MUN 4720. Jazz String Septet (1). A chamber string ensemble designed for upper level students. Instrumentalists explore jazz string ensemble literature for groups of like or mixed string instruments and rhythm section. Permission of the director is required.
MUN 4730. Concert Band (1). The Concert Band provides an opportunity for wind and percussion instrumentalists (primarily non-music majors) to perform in a concert ensemble. The ensemble performs traditional and contemporary band repertoire. No formal audition is required; however, a part placement audition determines seating within the ensemble.
MUN 4740. String Chamber Orchestra (1). The ensemble rehearses and performs Baroque and other string orchestra repertoire. No formal audition is required; however, a part placement audition determines seating within the ensemble. Membership is open to all students regardless of major.
MUN 4750. Commercial Guitar Ensemble (1). Commercial Guitar Ensemble, studies and performs a wide variety of jazz and commercial music (past and present) arranged for multiple guitars and rhythm section. Ensemble members read prepared arrangements; they also have opportunities to practice improvisation skills within the repertoire being rehearsed and performed. Permission of the director is required.
MUN 4830. Bass Ensemble (1). This ensemble provides experience to both electric and upright bass players in all styles of commercial music. Permission of the director is required.
MUN 4840. Bluegrass Ensemble (1). The ensemble performs traditional and current bluegrass, folk and country music. Open to all students by audition.
MUN 4850. Guitar Ensemble (1). This ensemble studies and performs traditional guitar ensemble repertoire. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director. Specific sections of Guitar Ensemble focusing on sight reading skills may be offered to meet the needs of beginning guitar principals.
MUN 4860. Percussion Ensemble (1). This ensemble studies and performs traditional and contemporary percussion ensemble repertoire. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director. Specific sections of Percussion Ensemble focusing on sight reading skills may be offered to meet the needs of beginning percussion principals.
MUN 4870. Piano Ensemble (1). This ensemble studies and performs traditional piano ensemble music in a variety of configurations: two piano, four hand, eight hand, etc. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director. Specific sections of Piano Ensemble focusing on sight reading and accompanying may be offered to meet the needs of beginning piano principals.
MUN 4880. World Percussion Ensemble (1). This ensemble studies and performs works from the world and ethnic percussion ensemble repertoire, with a particular emphasis on works written for steel drum ensemble. Permission of the director is required.
MUN 4900. Wind Ensemble (1). The ensemble performs standard concert band and contemporary wind ensemble repertoire. Open by audition to all students having previous band experience.
MUN 4910. Jazz Band I (1). Jazz Band I performs a wide variety of advanced traditional big band and contemporary commercial music. Open to all students by audition.
MUN 4915. Jazz Band II (1). Jazz Band II performs a wide variety of traditional big band and contemporary commercial music. Open to all students by audition.
MUN 4930. Symphony Orchestra (1). The orchestra performs standard and contemporary orchestral literature. Open to all students by audition.
MUN 4960. Jazz Small Group (1). Jazz Small Group provides experience in contemporary instrumental jazz. The group is composed of four to seven players including a rhythm section. Members are encouraged to compose and arrange music for the ensemble. Specific leveled sections of Jazz Small Group (e.g., I, II, III) are regularly offered to meet the needs of developing commercial instrumentalists, with Small Group I being the most advanced. Admission into all jazz small groups is by audition.
MUN 4970. Rock Ensemble (1). This ensemble provides experience in all styles of rock music. Standard rock instrumentation is used. Permission of the director is required.
MUN 4980. New Music Ensemble (1). This ensemble performs 20th and 21st century compositions for diverse instrumentation. The ensemble frequently performs music by student and faculty composers. Permission of the director is required.