MU-Music Courses

MU 100. Fundamentals of Music. 3 Hours.

Basic elements of music and music notation: rhythm, scales, keys, and chords.

MU 105. Introduction to Music Technology for Non-Majors. 3 Hours.

Introductory survey course for non-music majors with emphasis placed on exposing the general student to the vast array of software, hardware, and basic principles of recording and editing sound and music. The foundations of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), digital audio, and computer and mobile applications for music creation and manipulation are explored, as well as the impact these technologies now have on careers in the recording and entertainment industry. No prior experiences as a musician or music technologist are required.

MU 115. Computer Music I. 3 Hours.

Introduction to hardware and software for creating and performing music with computers. Concepts include digital sampling, binary computation, properties of waveforms, graphical notation, and audio sequencing. Quantitative Literacy is a significant component of this course.
Prerequisites: MU 100 [Min Grade: B]

MU 120. Music Appreciation. 3 Hours.

Guided listening and class discussion covering variety of styles. Emphasis on European concert music of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with flags in Justice and Global and Multicultural Perspectives.

MU 141. Musical Acoustics. 3 Hours.

Physical nature of musical tones (pitch, loudness, and timbre) and numerical basis of scales, tuning, and musical instrument design. Laboratory/discussion including use of oscilloscope to study actual acoustic systems.

MU 145. The Music Business. 3 Hours.

Business aspects of music industry.

MU 159. Introduction to Composition. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the craft of musical composition.
Prerequisites: MU 221 [Min Grade: C] and MU 224 [Min Grade: C]

MU 160. First Year Experience in Music. 1 Hour.

The objective of this course is to introduce incoming freshmen to an education in music and music education in context of the university. It is meant to help prepare students for a successful collegiate career in the study of music. 1 hour.

MU 165. Jazz Styles: History and Appreciation. 3 Hours.

American jazz with emphasis on instrumental and vocal performers, jazz bands, and combos. Development of big band, swing, and popular music. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with a flag in Global and Multicultural Perspectives.

MU 199. Independent Studies. 1-3 Hour.

Directed projects in music. Permission of Department Chair based on written proposal submitted prior to registration.

MU 203. Introduction to Music Education. 2 Hours.

An introduction to the expectations of the modern-day public school music teacher, including the role of the teacher, curricular and legal expectations of teaching, and historical and philosophical underpinnings of public school music teaching.

MU 205. African-American Music 1619-Present. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to help the student understand the musical forms and structures, historical background, stylistic richness, and cultural impacts of the many genres of African-American music in North America from 1619 to the present. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with a flag in Global and Multicultural Perspectives.

MU 210. Special Topic. 1-3 Hour.

Specialized subjects taught as opportunity allows. May be repeated for credit.

MU 211. Recording Studio Workshop. 1-3 Hour.

Specialized subjects taught as opportunity allows. May be repeated for credit.

MU 213. Wellbeing in Performance. 1 Hour.

Many of us perform in many areas of our lives, and not just on stage. We perform, in a sense, each time we give a class presentation, teach, take a job interview, ask a boss for a raise, or have a difficult conversation with a loved one. This class addresses many of the ways we can function at our peak when under pressure of any sort. This course focuses on proven coping skills developed especially for those aged 18-30. More than ever before, especially since the pandemic began in 2020 and perhaps partially because of societal changes in recent decades, college students struggle with anxiety and depression. Unhelpful thought patterns often contribute to a cycle of poor physical habits, resulting in a downward spiral affecting one’s work, sense of self-worth, and ability to enjoy life.

MU 221. Music Theory I. 3 Hours.

Melody, harmony, and rhythm; their interaction in music. Diatonic musical materials with emphasis on choral and simple keyboard idioms.
Prerequisites: MU 100 [Min Grade: C]

MU 222. Music Theory II. 3 Hours.

Continuation of MU 221.
Prerequisites: MU 221 [Min Grade: C] and MU 224 [Min Grade: C]

MU 224. Aural Skills I. 1 Hour.

Required laboratory for MU 221.

MU 225. Aural Skills II. 1 Hour.

Required laboratory for MU 222.
Prerequisites: MU 224 [Min Grade: C]

MU 232. Instrumental Literature I. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the layout of instrumental scores, a history and development of the orchestra, extensive work with transpositions, ranges, and tone colors of instruments, and a survey of instrumental literature.

MU 233. Piano Literature I. 3 Hours.

Survey of the important piano solo repertoire from Bach through Schubert. Examination of the development of keyboard repertoire from the time of the harpsichord through the time of the early piano through playing, analysis and listening. Two terms of Applied Piano required.
Prerequisites: MUP 150 [Min Grade: C]

MU 234. Vocal Literature I. 3 Hours.

Introductory survey of representative non-operatic solo vocal repertoire of North America, the British Isles, and Italy. Techniques of song study, interpretation, and performance practice. Two terms of Applied Voice required.
Prerequisites: MUP 140 [Min Grade: C]

MU 235. English and Italian Diction. 2 Hours.

Instruction in standard English and Italian stage pronunciation.

MU 236. French and German Diction. 2 Hours.

Instruction in the standard French and German stage pronunciation.

MU 245. Recording Technology I. 3 Hours.

Concepts and techniques of music production in recording studios. Limited enrollment. First class meets on campus.
Prerequisites: MU 115 [Min Grade: C] and MU 221 [Min Grade: C] and MU 224 [Min Grade: C]

MU 261. Introduction to Music Literature. 3 Hours.

Score reading and elementary analysis. Chronological survey of styles and forms of each historical period. Basic music reading ability.

MU 282. Accompanying. 3 Hours.

Principles of accompanying singers and instrumentalists; practical experience in accompanying; and facility in sight-reading for keyboard performers. Experience is gained through assigned projects and/or assigned studio accompanying.

MU 298. Introduction to Technology in the Arts. 3 Hours.

Applications of computer-based technology to the arts: music, theatre, video, and visual arts. Demonstrations of multimedia capabilities.

MU 299. Independent Studies. 1-3 Hour.

May be repeated for credit. Permission of Department Chair based on wriiten proposal submitted prior to registration.

MU 303. Foundations of Music Education. 3 Hours.

Analysis into the historical, social, and philosophical foundations of music education by studying the application of education principles to music and emphasizing the development of a personal philosophy towards music education.
Prerequisites: MU 203 [Min Grade: C]

MU 321. Music Theory III. 3 Hours.

Emphasizes chromatic harmony, modulation, and the analysis of musical form.
Prerequisites: MU 222 [Min Grade: C] and MU 225 [Min Grade: C]

MU 322. Music Theory IV. 3 Hours.

Emphasizes chromatic harmony and voice-leading, the expansion of tertian harmony, and includes an overview of 20th century and contemporary compositional and analytical techniques.
Prerequisites: MU 321 [Min Grade: C] and MU 324 [Min Grade: C] and MUP 125 [Min Grade: C]

MU 324. Aural Skills III. 1 Hour.

Required laboratory for MU 321. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course.
Prerequisites: MU 225 [Min Grade: C] and MU 222 [Min Grade: C]

MU 325. Aural Skills IV. 1 Hour.

Required laboratory for MU 322.
Prerequisites: MU 324 [Min Grade: C] and MU 321 [Min Grade: C] and MUP 125 [Min Grade: P]

MU 329. Conducting. 2 Hours.

Basic conducting techniques and rehearsal procedures.

MU 330. Marching Band Techniques. 3 Hours.

Organizing and administering a marching band, including show design and computer-assisted drill-writing experience.

MU 331. Band Literature. 3 Hours.

Frequently performed modern concert band literature.

MU 332. Instrumental Literature II. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the layout of instrumental scores, a history and development of the orchestra, extensive work with transpositions, ranges, and tone colors of instruments, and a thorough study of instrumental literature including orchestral, wind, and chamber music.
Prerequisites: MU 232 [Min Grade: C]

MU 333. Piano Literature II. 3 Hours.

Survey of the important solo repertoire from the early Romantic era through the present. Examination of the development of piano technique from Chopin and Liszt through Cage and Crumb by playing, analyzing and listening.
Prerequisites: MU 233 [Min Grade: C]

MU 334. Vocal Literature II. 3 Hours.

Introductory survey of representative non-operatic solo vocal repertoire of France, Germany, and Austria. Techniques of song study, interpretation, and performance practice.
Prerequisites: MU 234 [Min Grade: C] and MU 236 [Min Grade: C]

MU 341. Computer Music II. 3 Hours.

Using computer applications, including MIDI and sampling technology, in the creation of musical compositions.
Prerequisites: MU 115 [Min Grade: C] and MU 221 [Min Grade: C] and MU 224 [Min Grade: C]

MU 342. Computer Music III. 3 Hours.

Continuation of MU 341. Advanced computer music projects utilizing sound synthesis, sound file manipulation, and hard disk recording techniques.
Prerequisites: MU 222 [Min Grade: C] and MU 225 [Min Grade: C] and MU 245 [Min Grade: C] and MU 341 [Min Grade: C]

MU 345. Recording Technology II. 3 Hours.

Advanced concepts and techniques of multitrack recording in project and professional recording studio, including signal processing mixing and mastering.
Prerequisites: MU 115 [Min Grade: C] and MU 221 [Min Grade: C] and MU 224 [Min Grade: C] and MU 245 [Min Grade: C]

MU 359. Composition I. 1-2 Hour.

Discussions and creative projects designed to help beginning composers or arrangers gain experience in handling variety of musical styles, and in shaping musical ideas. May be repeated for maximum of 3 hours credit.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]

MU 364. American Music. 3 Hours.

Music in United States from colonial times to the present.
Prerequisites: MU 120 [Min Grade: C] or MU 261 [Min Grade: C]

MU 365. The Evolution of Jazz. 3 Hours.

Origins and survey of jazz types and styles. Lectures, recordings, and readings.
Prerequisites: MU 120 [Min Grade: C] or MU 261 [Min Grade: C]

MU 366. Music in World Cultures. 2-3 Hours.

Characteristics of musical styles found in various cultures throughout the world. 3-hour option requires semester project directed by the instructor.

MU 367. Introduction to Ethnomusicology. 3 Hours.

Holistic approach to study of music. Musicians' training, instruments, and role in society. Methods for documenting and transcribing, social functions and economic context, and theories of performance and creativity. Ghanaian and Indian traditions, with other music, including Western, as appropriate. Six semester hours of ANTH, MU or MUP courses required.
Prerequisites: MU 120 [Min Grade: C] or MU 120 [Min Grade: C]

MU 381. Instrumental Pedagogy. 3 Hours.

Overview of important components of teaching instrumental music in the secondary school program, including developing a personal philosophy of music education and teaching strategies. Prerequisites: Four terms of Applied Lessons (MUP 161 - 195).

MU 382. Piano Pedagogy. 3 Hours.

Study of teaching objectives, techniques, literature, methods and materials (including observation) for the pre-college student as well as the study of the history of the piano and piano mechanism. Two terms of Applied Piano required.
Prerequisites: MUP 150 [Min Grade: C]

MU 383. Vocal Pedagogy. 3 Hours.

Principles of healthy voice production as the foundation for an approach to teaching voice. Two terms of Applied Voice required.
Prerequisites: MUP 140 [Min Grade: C] or MUP 240 [Min Grade: C]

MU 399. Independent Studies. 1-3 Hour.

Permission of Department Chair based on written proposal submitted prior to registration.

MU 410. Music Technology Workshop. 1-3 Hour.

Workshop in Music Technology.

MU 429. Advanced Conducting/Techniques. 2 Hours.

Rehearsal techniques, expression, and interpretation. May occasionally work with University ensembles.
Prerequisites: MU 329 [Min Grade: C]

MU 431. Methods of Teaching Music N-6. 3 Hours.

Organization of appropriate music concepts and musical experiences for all young learners; elementary children; development of methods and skills needed for direct student involvement in musical experiences for each grade level.

MU 432. Methods I: Choral Music. 3 Hours.

Introduction to teaching choral music to adolescent learners. Developing basic skills in planning, instruction, and assessment.

MU 433. Methods I: Instrumental Music. 3 Hours.

Introduction to teaching instrumental music to adolescent learners. Developing basic skills in planning, instruction, and assessment.

MU 441. Multimedia Productions. 3 Hours.

Techniques for producing music for television, film, video, computer presentations, and slide shows using computer-based technologies.
Prerequisites: MU 321 [Min Grade: C] and MU 324 [Min Grade: C] and MU 342 [Min Grade: C] and MU 345 [Min Grade: C]

MU 445. Modal Counterpoint. 3 Hours.

Important characteristics of vocal polyphonic writing based on modal scales with emphasis on style of Palestrina and other Renaissance composers.
Prerequisites: MU 222 [Min Grade: C]

MU 446. Tonal Counterpoint. 3 Hours.

Important characteristics of polyphonic writing based on major and minor scales with emphasis on style of J.S. Bach and other eighteenth century composers.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]

MU 448. Orchestration. 3 Hours.

Scoring techniques for orchestra, band, and other instrumental groups.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]

MU 451. Topics in Music Theory. 3 Hours.

Aspects of music theory and analysis. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]

MU 455. Form and Analysis. 3 Hours.

Principles and techniques of organization in tonal music; analytical methods.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]

MU 458. Contemporary Techniques. 3 Hours.

Techniques and materials employed in contemporary music, including nonfunctional and nontertian harmony, polyharmony, atonal and serial music, contemporary notation.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]

MU 459. Composition II. 1-2 Hour.

Directed individual projects in composition and discussions on related topics. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: MU 359 [Min Grade: C] or MU 322 [Min Grade: C]

MU 461. Seminar in Music Literature. 3 Hours.

Selected topics concerning specific periods, genres, and forms. May be repeated for credit.

MU 462. Methods II: Choral Music. 3 Hours.

Preparation to plan, teach and assess choral music with adolescent learners: making informed decisions about context, learners, learner differences, teaching strategies, methodologies, curricula, and assessment.
Prerequisites: MU 432 [Min Grade: C]

MU 463. Methods II: Instrumental Music. 3 Hours.

Preparation to plan, teach, and assess instrumental music with adolescent learners: making informed decisions about context, learners, learner differences, teaching strategies, methodologies, curricula, and assessment.
Prerequisites: MU 433 [Min Grade: C]

MU 471. Music History and Literature to 1750. 3 Hours.

Major developments of music styles and forms from pre-Christian era through Baroque. Includes critical listening to selected musical examples.
Prerequisites: MU 222 [Min Grade: C]

MU 472. Music Hist/Lit 1750-Present. 3 Hours.

A course taken in the student¿s junior or senior year that studies the major developments of musical styles and forms from the classical period through the present. This includes critical listening to selected musical examples as well as critical analysis, research and writing. Writing is a significant component of this course.
Prerequisites: MU 222 [Min Grade: C]

MU 498. Music Technology Internship. 1-2 Hour.

This capstone experience provides students in Music Technology with practical experience in.
Prerequisites: MU 342 [Min Grade: C] and MU 345 [Min Grade: C] and MU 441 [Min Grade: C]

MU 499. Independent Studies. 1-3 Hour.

Directed studies in music. Permission of Department Chair. Written proposal must be submitted prior to registration.