All courses listed may not be offered each year. Lists of courses available in any given year may be obtained from the School of Music office.

MUS 101, 102, 103: Foundations of Music I: Aural Skills (2 Credits per Term)
Sight-singing, rhythm, melodic and harmonic dictation. Coordinates with freshman Theory and Keyboard Skills classes. Prerequisites for MUS 102: MUS 101 & 104, or permission of instructor; prerequisites for MUS 103: MUS 102 & 105, or permission of instructor.

MUS 104, 105, 106: Foundations of Music I: Theory (2 Credits per Term)
Written and aural theory fundamentals (intervals, major and minor scales, triads, seventh chords), harmonic analysis, four-part tonal writing, simple forms. Incorporates basic improvisation and composition skills. Coordinates with freshman Aural Skills and Keyboard Skills classes. Prerequisites for MUS 105: MUS 104. Prerequisites for MUS 106: MUS 105.

MUS 107, 108, 109: Foundations of Music I: Keyboard Skills (2 Credits per Term)
Coordinates with freshman Theory and Aural Skills classes to develop fundamental musicianship skills. Students also build basic keyboard technique and improvisation skills. Prerequisites for MUS 108: MUS 104, 107. Prerequisites for MUS 109: MUS 105, 108.

MUS 111, 112: Introduction to Music Technology (1 Credit per Term)
An introduction to the techniques, equipment and software used in creating and recording music. Topics will include recording, digital sound editing, MIDI sequencing, sound design and music notation software.

MUS 121, 122, 123: Bassoon Reed-Making, Maintenance, and Repair (1 Credit per Term)
Fall and winter terms focus on techniques in production of bassoon and contrabassoon reeds. Spring term focuses on techniques of bassoon maintenance and repair.

MUS 131, 132, 133: Collaborative Piano Class (1 Credit per Term)
Introduction to collaborative skills, through work with both instrumental and vocal partners, in a class setting with individual coaching. Topics to include sound and ensemble issues, quick study, stylistic versatility, repertoire, and professional behavior. Prerequisite for High School students and those for whom the course is not required: permission of the instructor and major teacher.

MUS 137, 138, 139: Foundations of Music I: Keyboard Skills for Pianists and Organists (1 Credit per Term)
Coordinates with freshman Theory and Aural Skills classes to develop musicianship, improvisation, and score reading skills in pianists and organists. Prerequisites for MUS 108: MUS 104, 107. Prerequisites for MUS 109: MUS 105, 108.

MUS 141: Foundations of Music I: Introduction to Styles (1 Credit)
Seeks to develop basic listening skills using a variety of musical styles, including classical, jazz, non-western , and popular musics. Also provides a brief historic overview of western art music in preparation for the Styles sequence which begins in the sophomore year. Offered in Fall term only.

MUS 173: Introduction to Stage Makeup for Singers (1 Credit)
An introduction to stage makeup with an emphasis placed on the needs of the operatic singer.

MUS 174, 175, 176: Dance/Movement for Singers (1 Credit per Term)
Basic dance technique to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of body movement and coordination as well as basic dance terms and forms.

MUS 17: Vocal Diction: Italian (1 Credit)
Introduction to Italian phonetics, mastery of international phonetic alphabet as it applies to Italian. Study of principles of diction for singers. Phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in Italian.

MUS 178: Vocal Diction: German (1 Credit)
Introduction to German phonetics, mastery of international phonetic alphabet as it applies to German. Study of principles of diction for singers. Phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in German.

MUS 179: Vocal Diction: French (1 Credit)
Introduction to French phonetics, mastery of international phonetic alphabet as it applies to French. Study of principles of diction for singers. Phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in French.

MUS 200: Non-Required Secondary Instrument (1 Credit per Term)
A student may elect to study an instrument other than his or her specialty instrument. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor, the student’s specialty teacher and the Dean. Requires an additional fee.

MUS 201, 202, 203: Foundations of Music II: Aural Skills (2 Credits per Term)
Continuation of MUS 101,102,103 on a more advanced level. Coordinates with second-year Theory and Keyboard Skills classes. Prerequisites for MUS 201: MUS 103 & 106, or permission of instructor; Prerequisites for MUS 202: 201 & 204, or permission of instructor; Prerequisites for MUS 203: MUS 202 & 205, or permission of instructor.

MUS 204, 205, 206: Foundations of Music II: Theory (2 credits per Term)
Continued study of chromatic harmony, four-part writing and harmonic analysis; basic counterpoint; larger forms; orchestral transposition and score reading. Prerequisites for MUS 204: MUS 104, 105, 106. Prerequisites for MUS 205: MUS 201, 204. Prerequisites for MUS 206: MUS 202, 205.

MUS 207, 208, 209: Foundations of Music II: Keyboard Skills (2 Credits per Term)
Continuation of MUS 107, 108, 109. Prerequisites for MUS 207: MUS 106,109. Prerequisites for MUS 208: MUS 204, 207. Prerequisites for MUS 209: MUS 205, 208.

MUS 210: Composition for Non-Majors (1 Credit per Term)
Private composition lessons for non-composers. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and approval of the Dean.

MUS 237, 238, 239: Foundations of Music II: Keyboard Skills for Pianists and Organists (1 Credit per Term)
Continuation of MUS 137, 138, 139. Prerequisites for MUS 237: MUS 106,109. Prerequisites for MUS 238: MUS 204, 207. Prerequisites for MUS 239: MUS 205, 208

MUS 241: History of Musical Styles I: Antiquity - 1650; 1650 - 1800; 1800 - 1880 (2 Credits)
Historical survey of Western art music with reference to cultural context, performance practice, etc. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and writing skills. Prerequisites: MUS 141.

MUS 242: History of Musical Styles I: Baroque (2 Credits)
Historical survey of Western art music with reference to cultural context, performance practice, etc. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and writing skills. Prerequisites: MUS 241 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 243: History of Musical Styles I: Classical (2 Credits)
Historical survey of Western art music with reference to cultural context, performance practice, etc. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and writing skills. Prerequisites: MUS 242 or permission of the instructor.

MUS 271: Vocal Diction: German (1 Credit per Term)
Continuation of MUS 179. Continued introduction to German phonetics, mastery of international phonetic alphabet as it applies to German. Study of principles of diction for singers. Phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in German. Prerequisites: MUS 177, 178.

MUS 272, 273: Vocal Diction: French (1 Credit per Term)
Introduction to French phonetics, mastery of the international phonetic alphabet as it applies to French. Study of principles of diction for singers. Phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in French.

MUS 274, 275, 276: Acting for Singers (1 Credit per Term)
Basic acting technique to familiarize the student with stage movement and character development. Prerequisites: MUS 101-109 and MUS 174, 175, 176.

MUS 277, 278, 279: Keyboard for Singers (1 Credit per Term)
The study of piano with the objective of providing the singer with the ability to play simple vocal accompaniments. Prerequisites: MUS 109.

MUS 300: Required Secondary Instrument (1 Credit per Term)
Students specializing on certain instruments and in composition are required to study a second instrument (usually piano) as an indispensable part of the learning process in the study of the specialty subject. Consult the requirements for each concentration.

MUS 308: Introduction to Form (1 Credit per Term)
A study of the principles of form and structure; thematic, tonal and rhythmic organization; and basic genres from common practice period. Prerequisite: MUS 201-209. Required only for students registered prior to Fall 2002.

MUS 311, 312, 313: Counterpoint (1 Credit per Term)
Students investigate Renaissance (species) and Baroque contrapuntal procedures, and compose inventions, canons, and fugues. Polyphonic techniques are observed in Mozart, Brahms, Bartok, and American jazz.

MUS 314, 315, 316: Orchestration (1 Credit per Term)
Detailed study of instrumentation, orchestration, history of orchestration, survey and acoustics as applied to orchestral instruments.

MUS 321, 322, 323: Guitar History and Literature (2 Credits per Term)
Survey of important solo and ensemble literature for the guitar from the Renaissance through Contemporary periods. Social history and physical development of the guitar. Transcription of early tablatures.

MUS 324, 325, 326: Saxophone Literature & Pedagogy (1 Credit per Term)
A survey of important solo and chamber works for saxophone, as well as literature about and resources for the saxophone. Teaching tools and techniques are discussed and practiced.

MUS 331: Piano Literature: Baroque and Classical (1 Credit)
Survey of keyboard works from the Baroque Period suitable for performance on the modern piano.

MUS 332: Piano Literature: Romantic Period (1 Credit)
Survey of piano works for the Romantic Period.

MUS 333: Piano Literature: Modern/Contemporary (1 Credit)
Survey of piano works of the Modern/Contemporary Period.

MUS 334, 335, 336: Sacred Music Skills (1 Credit per Term)
Emphasis on skills necessary to become a successful church musician. Improvisation will be an integral part of the course each term. Units in hymnology, liturgy and worship styles, creative hymn playing, accompanying, sight-reading, transposition, conducting from the console, rehearsal techniques and church music administration.

MUS 341: History of Musical Styles II: Romantic (2 Credits)
Historical survey of Western art music with reference to cultural context, performance practice, etc. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and writing skills. Prerequisites: MUS 106 & 243, or permission of instructor.

MUS 342: History of Musical Styles II: Modern (2 Credits)
Historical survey of Western art music with reference to cultural context, performance practice, etc. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and writing skills. Prerequisites: MUS 341, or permission of instructor.

MUS 343: History of Musical Styles II: Contemporary (2 Credits)
Historical survey of Western art music with reference to cultural context, performance practice, etc. Emphasis is placed on developing listening and writing skills. Prerequisites: MUS 342, or permission of instructor.

MUS 351, 352, 353: Choral Conducting (1 Credit per Term)
Study of basic conducting techniques, with emphasis on those needed for choral singing. MUS 414 explores basic conducting gestures. MUS 415 explores choral singing and choral sound. MUS 416 explores orchestral techniques and choral/orchestral works. Includes laboratory conducting session with School of Music vocal/choral ensembles. Prerequisite: completion of at least two Styles courses (MUS 241-246).

MUS 354, 355, 356: Instrumental Conducting (1 Credit per Term)
Study of the basic conducting techniques pertinent to instrumental performance: instrumental balance, articulation and phrasing. Laboratory conducting sessions with School of Music instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: completion of at least two Styles courses (MUS 241-246).

MUS 361, 362: Harp Literature (1 Credit per Term)
A survey of the literature for the harp (solo and with other instruments, including orchestra) from Renaissance through Contemporary periods.

MUS 363: Harp Pedagogy (1 Credit per Term)
Study of effective teaching techniques for teaching basic harp studies to students. Prerequisite: MUS 361, 362.

Vocal Literature Courses (1 Credit per Term)
MUS 381: Vocal Literature: Baroque Period/Classical Period
MUS 382: Vocal Literature: Romantic Period
MUS 383: Vocal Literature: Modern/Contemporary Periods
A survey of vocal literature from the major stylistic periods with emphasis on style, interpretation, poetic content, performance and program building. Prerequisites: MUS 201-209. Co-requisites: Related Style and Literature Courses.

MUS 390: Performance Attendance (3 Terms/1 Credit per Year)
Attendance at weekly Performance Hour is required of all high school and undergraduate music students.

MUS 398: Special Topics in Music
The School of Music offers a variety of courses on topics of special interest. The school makes every attempt to respond to both faculty and student interest in the formulation and scheduling of such courses. The number of hours and credits will vary according to the nature and the scope of the project. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor and approval of the dean.

MUS 400: Applied Lessons and Studio Class (Instruments/Voice) (3 Credits per Term)
Private instruction (one hour per week) on specialty instrument or voice. This also includes the required studio class (each specialty performance teacher maintains a weekly class for his or her students). Included are in-class performance and critique in addition to specialized studies related to the particular concentration study.

MUS 410: Composition Lessons and Seminar (3 Credits per Term)
Private instruction in original composition and monthly seminars with faculty and guests on a variety of artistic and professional topics.

MUS 414, 415, 416: Jazz Improvisation (1 Credit per Term)
Provides students with the aural, technical, and theoretical skills required for jazz improvising. In addition, students learn a minimum of jazz repertoire.

MUS 417, 418, 419: Jazz Arranging (1 Credit per Term)
Arranging techniques in the jazz/commercial style from rhythm section to full jazz band. Study includes basic instrumentation and transposition, chord voicings, harmonization of melody, jazz counterpoint, and background writing and scoring techniques for big band. Prerequisites: MUS 414, 415, 416 and the permission of the instructor.

MUS 421, 422, 423: Guitar Pedagogy (2 Credits per Term)
Study of the psychological and physical aspects of teaching the guitar. survey of important guitar methods and materials. Application to classroom and studio teaching.

MUS 431: Piano Literature: Art Song (1 Credit)
Survey of major works of the literature for voice and piano, with emphasis on the 19th and early 20th centuries.

MUS 432: Piano Literature: Chamber Music (1 Credit)
Overview and analysis of major works for piano in diverse instrumental ensembles, 18th century to the present.

MUS 433: Piano Pedagogy (1 Credit per Term)
Seminar style exploration of methods of teaching early piano studies and the available music and exercise books and methods for the student to use.

MUS 434, 435, 436: Organ History and Literature (1 Credit per Term)
Principles of organ design and construction. History of the development of the organ. Fall term includes a survey of organ literature from the Robertsbridge Codex (1325) to the Contemporary Period. Winter and spring terms include research and performance projects focusing on the performance practices of each period.

MUS 461, 462, 463: Rhythm Section Fundamentals (1 Credit per Term)
Explores the history, music and performance techniques of large and small jazz ensemble rhythm sections. Assigned music in swing, Latin, Dixieland, Afro-Cuban, and rock will be prepared outside class and performed as a group. Students will also be required to prepare transcriptions of music, in all styles, and perform them in class.

MUS 491, 492, 493: Career Development Seminar (1 Credit per Term)
An introduction to the “business” side of the music profession. Discussions revolve around issues such as resumes, publicity photos, finding management, dealing with contracts, taxes, etc.

MUS 497: Pedagogy and Materials (1 Credit per Term)
Students will review and evaluate materials and explore teaching techniques with specialist teachers to provide a working knowledge of the instructional literature and teaching of specific individual instruments. Prerequisites: participation is by invitation with the permission of the instructor and the approval of the dean.

MUS 499: Independent Study
Independent study in the form of performance, research or composition under the supervision of a member of the faculty. The number of hours and credits will vary according to the nature and the scope of the project. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor and approval of the dean.

MUS 499: Independent Study: Music Fundamentals Lab (No Credit; Pass/Fail)
An independent computer lab-based course designed to address deficiencies in the basic fundamentals of music theory (pitch and rhythmic notation, scales, intervals, triads). Graded on a pass/fail basis. Required of any student who fails Foundations of Music I: Theory.

MUS 500: Private Lessons for Non-Matriculated Students (Special Students) (3 Credits per Term)
Private instruction in instruments, voice or composition for special students. This includes a one-hour weekly lesson and participation in the instructor’s studio class. Each specialty performance teacher maintains a weekly class for his/her students. Included are in-class performance and critique in addition to specialized studies related to the particular concentration study, such as reed-making for oboists. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor, approval of the dean and a special student fee.

MUS 505: Jazz Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of works for large and small ensemble using arrangements and improvisation. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 507: SACE - School of the Arts Contemporary Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of new music. Instrumental and/or vocal combinations vary from piece to piece.

MUS 508: Orchestra (NCSA Symphony Orchestra) (1 Credit per term)
Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature, including opera and dance. Performances on- and off-campus. To initiate instrumentalists to a broad spectrum of orchestral literature and to develop sight-reading abilities. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 509: Chamber Music (1 Credit per Term)
Study and preparation with possible performance of representative works from the chamber music repertoire. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 510: Large Ensembles for Wind Players (NCSA Wind Ensemble/Orchestra) (1 Credit per Term)
Performance in NCSA Orchestra or Wind Ensemble. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 511, 512, 513: Electronic and Computer Music (1 Credit per Term)
Topics covered in this course will include: advanced recording, digital sound editing, MIDI sequencing, sound design, computer music programming environments. The course will also include compositional strategies and analysis of recognized classic works in the genre.

MUS 520: Trombone Choir (1 credit per term)
Performance in trombone choir.

MUS 521: Guitar Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of works for more than one guitar or guitar with other instruments. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 525: Saxophone Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of a wide variety of literature for saxophone ensembles. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 526: Wind Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of representative works for wind ensemble. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 527: Brass Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of representative works for brass ensemble. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 528: Symphonic Repertoire for Woodwinds and Brass (1 Credit per Term)
The study of the major literature of the respective instruments with an emphasis upon the materials most frequently used in the development of skills and techniques of successful auditioning.

MUS 560: Ensembles for Percussionists (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of representative works for Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and SACE . Prerequisite: audition/assignment by the primary teacher.

MUS 565: Harp Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and performance of music which uses more than one harp. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 567: Percussion Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of a wide variety of contemporary percussion music. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 568: Symphonic Repertoire (Strings) (1 Credit per Term)
Applied study of orchestral works, both excerpted and entire, which commonly appear as required symphony audition repertoire. Weekly in-class performances are critiqued on style, tempi and technical problems. The term exam is a mock audition behind a screen as in the professional world.

MUS 575: Opera Workshop (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of fully staged opera productions in cooperation with the School of Design & Production. Workshop productions of opera scenes from several operas with students learning a variety of roles. Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.

MUS 576: Cantata Singers (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and performance of choral works from the Renaissance through the Modern Period for unaccompanied chorus and chorus with instruments. Performances on- and off-campus. This ensemble also is open to members of the community by audition. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 578: Vocal Ensemble (1 Credit per Term)
Preparation and public performance of chamber vocal music from all of vocal literature. Prerequisite: audition/assignment.

MUS 590: Studio Class for Non-Music Specialists and Non-Matriculated Students (Special Students) (1 Credit per Term)
Each specialty performance teacher maintains a weekly class for his or her students. Included are in-class performance and critique in addition to specialized studies related to the particular concentration study, such as reed-making for oboists. Special students who wish to attend these sessions may register in this course. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor, approval of the dean and a special student fee.

MUS 599: Intensive Arts Projects (2 Credits per Term)
During the two-week period immediately following Thanksgiving break, students participate in special projects, classes, seminars and performances. Students are encouraged to pursue musical studies; however, interdisciplinary interests may be considered. Students must enroll in the course each fall term they are in attendance at NCSA. The course is graded “pass/fail.”

MUS 599: Composition Recital (3 Credits)
Senior composition recital, including manuscript preparation, rehearsal and production. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.