Music (MUS)

A beginning level keyboard skills class for music majors. Includes basic techniques, sight reading, elementary repertoire and functional theory-related keyboard skills.

An elementary, but not beginning, level keyboard skills class for music majors. Includes basic techniques, sight reading, elementary repertoire and functional theory-related keyboard skills.

The study of English and Italian pronunciation using the phonetic alphabet with emphasis on the performance of song literature in each language. Open to music majors and minors or by permission of instructor.

The study of French and German pronunciation using the phonetic alphabet with emphasis on the performance of song literature in each language.

Covers basic information in music theory, basic ear-training and sight-singing skills, and basic keyboard skills designed for the non-music major.

Designed for non-music majors, music minors, musical theater majors, and students wishing to take songwriting, this course introduces students to the fundamental materials of music, both in written and aural form. Topics covered include: notation, rhythm and meter, key signatures, scales, intervals, triads, seventh chords, lead-sheet symbols, cadence, basic harmonic progressions, and form in popular music. This course may not be taken as a substitute for MUS 141 or MUS 143/MUS 144.

In this course students will master elements of musical literacy, including such concepts as rhythm and meter, clef reading, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. Placement in this course is determined by diagnostic exam and recommendation from the music theory and composition area in the School of Music.

Study of ear training and sight singing involving diatonic materials. Includes melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation; singing with moveable Do and Do-based minor solmization; and improvisation in classical and blues styles.

Continuation of MUS 143. Study of ear training and sight singing involving diatonic and chromatic materials. Includes melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation of excerpts involving tonicization and modulation; solo, ensemble and accompanied singing with moveable Do and Do-based minor solmization; and identification, description and discussion of small forms in a variety of genres.

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of multiple applications of technology in music teaching. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: notation software, instructional software (including creative, practice, and performance), MIDI, productivity applications, and digital audio/recording.

Required of all music majors for the first six semesters of their enrollment as a major. Successful completion of the course requires attendance at a specified number of approved recitals/concerts each semester. For complete course guidelines, please refer to the Undergraduate Music Student Handbook.

This course focuses on the cultural and historical contexts of music, primarily of the European and American musical traditions, past and present. It is designed to increase the student's perceptual ability in listening to music and to encourage an interest in both familiar and unfamiliar music. Specific musical focus will vary by section. May be used for general education credit. May not be used for music major credit.

An intermediate level course in functional keyboard skills for music majors. Includes sight reading, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, playing by ear and accompanying techniques.

Knowledge and skills to increase the student's perceptual ability in music listening with a survey of American music; examining relationships between popular and classical music styles. May be used for general education credit. May not be used for major credit.

History of rock is a music appreciation course designed to develop an understanding of both musical and cultural roots of rock music and the ability to hear a direct relationship between those roots and current popular music. A major component of the course is a survey of the history of 20th century American popular music.

A survey of various world music traditions, including those of Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Americas. The course will focus on aesthetics, musical forms and styles, and the relationship between music and other arts. Emphasis will be placed on historical, religious, and cultural events and their influence on the creation and development of music. May be used for general education credit.

Students in this course will explore the historical and cultural contexts of European and American art music from antiquity to the present, and will study a wide variety of musical repertoire as they do so.

Required, non-credit School of Music Assessment Test course which is to be taken before the Bachelor of Music degree is received, normally in the final spring semester of senior year.

Presents the fundamentals of improvisation in both jazz and popular musical styles. The class emphasis will be on creative work although some theory and chord nomenclature will be taught. Both vocal and instrumental musicians will be permitted to enroll, including both the general student and the music major.

This course investigates harmony and phrase structure in common-practice works. Students will develop an awareness for common harmonic progressions and syntax and an understanding of such chromatic harmonic practices as tonicization and modulation. Students should complete the music theory placement test before enrolling in this course. Please contact the theory area coordinator to take the placement test.

This course is a continuation of MUS 144. Students continue their study of sight singing and ear training with diatonic and chromatic materials though exercises in melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation, and singing of melodic exercises with solmization.

This course is a study of sight singing and ear training with modal and atonal materials through melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation exercises and singing of melodic exercises with solmization.

This course has two main goals: To familiarize students with Baroque-era imitative forms and Classical-era forms, including binary, ternary, sonata and concerto, among others; and to continue students' study of chromatic harmony.

This course has two main goals: To familiarize students with Romantic-era developments in forms such as binary, ternary, sonata and concerto, among others; and to continue students' study of chromatic harmony.

An investigation of music from the first half of the twentieth century. Students will gain an understanding of compositional techniques and formal processes in atonal and centric music and an awareness of compositional trends during the time period.

An investigation of music from the second half of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century. Students will gain an understanding of compositional techniques and formal processes and an awareness of compositional trends during the time period.

An investigation of popular music in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Students will develop an understanding of formal, harmonic, metric, rhythmic and timbral aspects of popular music in a variety of eras as well as an awareness of its historical trends.

This course introduces students to the basic elements of jazz melodic, rhythmic and harmonic structure and style. Written analytical techniques and aural skills development will be emphasized.

Study of counterpoint through analysis and composition. Although the course emphasizes eighteenth-century counterpoint, other kinds of counterpoint (such as sixteenth- or twentieth-century) may also be covered.

This course will familiarize students with various techniques of contemporary (i.e. 20th-21st century) composition, including working with various pitch materials, rhythmic devices, formal considerations, writing for various instruments, voices and ensembles, and more. Students will apply these techniques to compositional etudes throughout the semester, listen to relevant repertoire and create larger projects that will allow for more individual exploration. Private lessons with a teaching assistant and/or composition faculty will be included. A class recital will be held at the end of the semester, if possible. This course may be used to fulfill part of the core music theory requirement. It may be repeated, as the content may vary, but only one instance would count toward the core requirement. Any further instances would be eligible for elective credit only.

This course will familiarize students with various techniques of film music from the past to the present, including functional/non-functional harmonies, phrase constructions, forms, instrumentations and more. Students will apply their knowledge to several analytical tasks such as transcriptions, short analyses and critiques, watch relevant films, and write final term papers that will allow for more individual exploration.

A moderately advanced course in functional keyboard skills for music majors. Includes sight reading, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, playing by ear and accompanying techniques. Designed to prepare music major students for required Keyboard Proficiency Examination.

This is a keyboard skills course for music majors whose primary instrument is piano. It includes sight reading, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, playing by ear and accompanying techniques. This course is designed to prepare music major students for the required Keyboard Proficiency Examination.

This course introduces and develops the keyboard skills necessary to construct piano accompaniments in the jazz idiom using a progression of chord symbols or a lead sheet. Successful completion of this course is required in order to enroll in upper level courses in the Jazz Studies major.

Designed to acquaint the student with the fundamental elements of conducting technique, such as beat patterns, cueing, expression, transposition and score reading, with an emphasis on applying these techniques in practical conducting experiences involving vocal and instrumental forces.

Consists of the further application of basic conducting skills learned in MUS 317 to the choral situation with emphasis on baton techniques, score reading, and preparation and introduction to choral literature.

A continuation of basic conducting to develop skills in baton technique with emphasis on advanced literature for public school use. Included are score sight-reading skills and literature selection.

This course introduces a brief survey of skills required to develop a career in performance and help students navigate professional environments post-graduation. Topics include entrepreneurship skills, non-profit arts organizations and the evolving musical landscapes of the working world.

In this course, students develop performance skills through the introduction and application of acting and movement techniques in opera. Beginning with the exploration of various methods and pedagogies, students will work both individually and as a class to build their own acting technique which can be applied to any theatrical setting. Classroom work will consist of ensemble building, character development, staged presentations, stylistic exploration, period movement and creative exercises.

This course introduces students to the techniques of arranging for two-horn, three-horn, and four-horn jazz ensembles. Students will study the classic repertoire of small jazz groups between 1930 and the present day, and create and record small ensemble arrangements in various styles.

This course introduces students to the techniques of arranging for large jazz ensemble ("big band"). Students will study representative works of seminal big band composers active between 1930 and the present day, and create and record a full big band arrangement.

Individual/seminar instruction in composition. Compositions are performed publicly. May be repeated.

A study of American jazz with particular emphasis on its practices with reference to principal performers and composers of jazz-style periods.

Survey of musical theatre genres, composers, lyricists, performers, directors and choreographers in America from 1750 to present. Includes practical study of the format of the libretto and musical score in relationship to the major musical theatre genres. Consideration of how music theatre developed from and reflected the cultural, social and political landscape of its time.

This course will cover the different approaches to piano pedagogy, the pros and cons of precollege-level methodologies and materials, and how to teach students of various ages and abilities. Observed teaching is also a component of this course.

Students in this course will employ critical musicological perspectives as they explore a series of issues and concepts (socio-cultural, technical, ethical, theoretical, ethnographic, philosophical, etc.) of vital importance to musicians. Students will approach these issues via a wide variety of musical case studies taken from diverse genres, regions, periods and styles as they build upon knowledge gained in previous courses.

Students in this course will work to improve their music-specific research and writing skills.

Presentation of a half recital, representative in quality of passing performance level 6 or 7 as set by the pertinent performance area faculty. Memorization is required in those areas that traditionally expect it. Course graded on credit/no credit basis.

Designed for vocal music majors. The emphasis is on achieving fluency in reading vocal accompaniments, SATB open scores and incorporating solo voice parts with accompaniments in preparation for the Advanced Keyboard Skills Exam. This is a group class, which can be repeated.

This course is an introduction to the acoustical and mechanical design and history of the piano. Students will learn the theory of tuning and temperaments and will be introduced to the procedures and techniques used in regulating and voicing pianos.

Students will practice tuning pianos under the supervision of the instructor. This will allow for practical application of the skills learned in MUS 420. Required for students in the piano performance concentration. Other students may take the course as space allows.

This course explores intentional uses of music to achieve outcomes with atypical populations. Students will observe intentional music activities in varied settings, study research-based applications of intentional music, and develop intentional music activities for case study populations. They will also reflect on their own musical identities, and those of potential clients, to develop skills in communication and planning.

This course integrates psychological and cultural functions of music with activities and goals of human service organizations. Representatives of human services organizations are invited to explain their interventions with diverse populations. Students will be offered practicum experiences in these agencies. Through relating these experiences to the class, in seminar fashion, interdisciplinary practices will be illustrated.

In-depth practicum on idiomatic writing for orchestral instruments both individually and in an ensemble setting. Students are introduced to the characteristics and limitations of each instrument with written exercises, listening and score study examples from significant orchestral works, demonstrations by representative instrumentalists and small-scale scoring projects.

This course presents intermediate to advanced improvisation skills in the jazz idiom alone. There is an emphasis on the theoretical analysis of chord progressions as well as on creative musical application. The course concludes by introducing some advanced musical improvisation concepts. This course may be repeated for credit.

This course presents intermediate to advanced improvisation skills in the jazz idiom alone. There is an emphasis on the theoretical analysis of chord progressions as well as on creative musical application. The course concludes by introducing some advanced musical improvisation concepts.

This course examines arranging for vocal ensembles. Included will be fundamental concepts of orchestration developed with the use of appropriate technologies.

This course covers arranging for various instrumental ensembles, including fundamental concepts for orchestration through appropriate technology.

Survey of modern orchestration techniques building on the foundations established in MUS 435. Students will gain familiarity with current practice and nuances of scoring for large instrumental ensembles through examples from traditional and contemporary literature and small-scale scoring assignments. Students will focus on the preparation and production of a professional-quality score and orchestral parts leading to a reading session with the JMU Symphony Orchestra at the end of the term.

An introduction to techniques of jazz composition. Students will study classic jazz compositions and create original compositions utilizing various harmonic techniques.

Analytical investigation of musical examples in a variety of styles. Topics vary. See department to request information about the topic for a given semester. Course may be repeated for different topics.

A survey of baroque and classical literature for the piano encompassing solo and concerto repertoire. An examination of literature for the clavichord, harpsichord and pianoforte.

A survey study of the history of opera. Consideration will be given to the chronological development of all forms of music theatre with an emphasis on style characteristics through aural identification.

This course is a study of selected topics in solo vocal literature. Topics vary each semester. The course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes.

A survey of vocal art-song literature in Western culture.

A survey of romantic, impressionistic and 20th-century literature for the piano, including solo and concerto repertoire, with an emphasis on stylistic trends of the 20th century.

A survey of piano literature from the middle of the 20th century to the present day. In addition to studying the most well-known works, the class will explore and evaluate piano music by composers who may be considered underrepresented and marginalized by reasons of ethnicity, gender, political or sexual identity.

Presentations of instrumental methods, solo and ensemble literature related to the instrumental performer's own major area. Private instruction approaches and techniques are also considered with particular reference to the beginning player.

This course addresses all aspects of instrumental jazz instruction (big band and small group). Teaching philosophies, rehearsal techniques and resource materials will be examined; the syllabus includes opportunities to observe and rehearse jazz groups. Enrollment is not limited to traditional jazz instrumentation. Required for the jazz studies concentration and recommended as an elective for music education students.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of classical vocal pedagogy, tailored for aspiring vocal instructors and singers. Students will delve into vocal anatomy, historical techniques and effective teaching methodologies. Key topics include vocal technique, vocal mechanics, repertoire selection, instruction methods and performance practice. Interactive lectures and practical workshops will equip students with the skills to inspire and guide future vocalists. Ideal for those with a foundational understanding of vocal performance, this course refines pedagogical skills and fosters a deep appreciation for classical singing.

Embark on an 8-week journey into modern and musical theater vocal pedagogy, designed for vocal instructors and performers eager to master contemporary techniques and teaching strategies. This course covers essential aspects of modern vocal performance and pedagogy, and key topics include vocal techniques, contemporary styles, repertoire development, teaching approaches and performance skills. Through interactive sessions and hands-on workshops, students will gain practical experience and develop a personalized teaching philosophy. This course is perfect for those with a basic understanding of vocal performance seeking to enhance their pedagogical skills and passion for modern and musical theater.

An intensive study of a single topic in musicology or ethnomusicology. Topics change each semester, and may include studies of a specific musical issue (performance practice, etc.), a single composer's music, a single musical genre (the string quartet, etc.), or music at a specific time and/or place (music in fin de siecle Paris, music in modern South Africa, the second Viennese school, etc.). Fulfills the College of Visual and Performing Arts writing-intensive requirement for the major. May be repeated for credit.

An intensive study of a single topic in jazz studies. Topics change each semester, and may include studies of a specific musical issue (performance practice, etc.), a single composer's or performer's music (Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, etc.), a single musical genre (the development of big band style, etc), or a sociological study (jazz in Europe, jazz and American culture, etc.). May be repeated for credit.

Designed to give superior music students an opportunity to complete independent study under faculty supervision.

This course is intended for students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Music. Students enroll in this course at the end of their degree program, working closely with a faculty mentor and a committee selected by the student in consultation with their mentor to complete their project. Repeatable. Must be taken for a total of three credit hours.

Presentation of a full recital, with the quality of performance to meet standards for admission to graduate school master's of music programs. Memorized recital presentations will be required in those areas which traditionally demand them.

Analytical paper or other topic approved by the theory-composition area. Enrollment is for students who want to do graduate work in music theory.

Courses in music or music education which are of a topical nature. This may be repeated.

This is a year long course.