School of Music Courses

School of Music Courses

MUS 6010

Lessons

3 credits

One hour per week of individual performance instruction at an advanced level.

MUS 6011

Master Class

1 credit

Weekly performance class for the purpose of refining performance skills. Included are in-class performance and critique, as well as specialized studies related to the particular concentration of study.

MUS 6070

Composition Lessons

3 credits

One hour per week of composition lessons at an advanced level.

MUS 6071

Composition Seminar

1 credit

This seminar will include presentations by guests, faculty and student composers on a variety of topics.

MUS 6080

Recital

1 credit

Performance project by the student with permission from the area of study and the Associate Dean of the School of Music. It may include specific requirements as dictated by the studio teacher.

MUS 6081

Orchestral Conducting Lessons

3 credits

One hour per week lesson of orchestral conducting at an advanced level.

MUS 6082

Orchestral Conducting Seminar

1 credit

Weekly performance class for the purpose of refining performance skills. Course will also engage in issues of instrumental techniques and score reading.

MUS 6083

Recital Presentation

1 credit

Students prepare and perform a recital/lecture program.

MUS 6084

Major Opera Role

1 credit

Students prepare and perform a major opera role.

MUS 6088

Independent Study

1 to 4 credits

Independent study in the form of performance, composition, or research under the supervision of a member of the faculty. The number of credits and grading mode (standard letter grade or pass/fail) will vary according to the nature and scope of the project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and approval of the Associate Dean of the School of Music.

MUS 6089

Professional Internship

1 to 4 credits

A work experience occurring in some aspect or area of the music industry for which a student earns elective credit. The number of credits varies according to the nature and scope of the internship. Graded Pass/Fail. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Associate Dean of the School of Music in consultation with appropriate faculty.

MUS 6098

Special Topics in Music

1 to 3 credits

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 units will vary according to the nature and scope of the project.

MUS 6100

Ensemble Placeholder

1 to 3 credits

MUS 6110

Orchestra

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature, including opera and dance. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by ensemble director in consultation with the studio teacher.

MUS 6111

Orchestra (Supplemental Registration)

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature, including opera and dance. Performances on-and off-campus. This course corresponds to MUS 6110: Orchestra. Its use is appropriate when a student is assigned to more than one ensemble in a given semester. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by ensemble director in consultation with the studio teacher.

MUS 6120

Wind Ensemble

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of representative works for wind ensemble, Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by ensemble director in consultation with the studio teacher.

MUS 6121

Wind Ensemble (Supplemental Registration)

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of representative works for wind ensemble. Performances on-and off-campus. This course corresponds to MUS 6120: Wind Ensemble. Its use is appropriate when a student is assigned to more than one ensemble in a given semester. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by ensemble director in consultation with the studio teacher.

MUS 6130

Jazz Ensemble

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of works for jazz ensemble using arrangements and improvisation. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by ensemble director in consultation with studio teacher.

MUS 6131

Jazz Ensemble (Supplemental Registration)

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of representative works for jazz ensemble using arrangements and improvisation. Performances on- and off- campus. This course corresponds to MUS 6130: Jazz Ensemble. Its use is appropriate when a student is assigned to more than one ensemble in a given semester. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by the ensemble director in consultation with the studio teacher.

MUS 6140

Contemporary Music Ensemble

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of contemporary music. Instrumental and/or vocal combinations vary from piece to piece. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by ensemble director in consultation with the studio teacher.

MUS 6141

Contemporary Music Ensemble (Supplemental Registration)

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of contemporary music. Instrumental and/or vocal combinations vary from piece to piece. This course corresponds to MUS 6140: Contemporary Music Ensemble. Its use is appropriate when a student is assigned to more than one ensemble in a given semester. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by ensemble director in consultation with the studio teacher.

MUS 6150

Guitar Ensemble

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of works for more than one guitar or guitar with other instruments. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment with approval of studio teacher.

MUS 6180

Chamber Ensemble

1 credit

Duets, trios, quartets, quintets and small mixed ensembles as assigned by the studio teacher. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment with approval of studio teacher.

MUS 6181

Chamber Ensemble (Supplemental Registration)

1 credit

Duets, trios, quartets, quintets and small mixed ensembles as assigned by the studio teacher. This course corresponds to MUS 6180: Chamber Ensemble. Its use is appropriate when a student is assigned to more than one ensemble in a given semester. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment with approval of studio teacher.

MUS 6220

Trombone Choir

1 credit

This course is designed to complement the student's weekly trombone lessons, to strengthen ensemble skills, and to build good teamwork skills within the discipline. Emphasis is placed on sight reading. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment.

MUS 6230

Percussion Ensemble

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of a wide variety of contemporary percussion music. Performances on- and off-campus. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment.

MUS 6233

Ensembles for Percussion

1 credit

Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic, wind ensemble, and new music repertoire. Performance on- and off-campus with the Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and the Contemporary Music Ensemble. Prerequisite(s): Audition/assignment by the percussion teacher.

MUS 6235

Percussion Pedagogy I

1 credit

In-depth study of the psychological, physical and creative aspects of teaching percussion. Survey of important percussion methods, materials and repertoire.

MUS 6236

Percussion Pedagogy II

1 credit

In-depth study of the psychological, physical and creative aspects of teaching percussion. Survey of important percussion methods, materials and repertoire.

MUS 6240

Support Skills for Collaborative Pianists

1 credit

Practical training in collaborative piano including the following topics: quick study skills, the piano as orchestra, keyboard skills, and professional issues.

MUS 6280

Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute Ensemble

1 to 2 credits

Intensive, regular chamber music rehearsal and weekly, one-hour coaching with Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute faculty and guests. Groups typically range from duos to quintets. Assignments made by the Institute faculty. The number of credits earned determined by the Institute Director (or designee) with approval of the Dean of the School of Music (or designee) and based upon such factors as scope of repertoire, amount to be covered, the number and types of performances to be presented, and whether or not the group will be mentoring a younger chamber ensemble. Prerequisite(s): Permission of Institute faculty.

MUS 6281

Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute Seminar

1 credit

A seminar course taught by the Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute faculty and guests on topics such as rehearsal techniques, repertoire, interpersonal relations within a chamber ensemble, professional ethics, and preparing for festivals, competitions, and engagements. Prerequisite(s): Permission of Institute faculty; Corequisite(s): Enrollment in MUS 6280.

MUS 6282

Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute Project

1 to 3 credits

A significant project of sufficient scope that serves as the capstone for the work accomplished throughout the student's participation in the Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute. Devised by students and approved by Institute faculty, projects are collaborative among Institute students and potentially include such activities as engaging in a recording project, commissioning and premiering a new work, or creating and executing engagement activities with outside organizations. Under the mentorship of Institute faculty and guests, including weekly chamber ensemble coachings, students plan, create, rehearse, and execute the project. The number of credits earned is determined by the Institute Director (or designee) with approval of the Dean of the School of Music (or designee) and based upon the scope of the project. Prerequisite(s): MUS 6281.

MUS 6340

Symphonic Repertoire: Violin

1 credit

An advanced study of the orchestral repertoire for violin with emphasis on style and technical problems.

MUS 6350

Symphonic Repertoire: Viola

1 credit

An advanced study of the orchestral repertoire for viola with emphasis on style and technical problems.

MUS 6360

Symphonic Repertoire: Violoncello

1 credit

An advanced study of the orchestral repertoire for violoncello with emphasis on style and technical problems.

MUS 6370

Symphonic Repertoire: Double Bass

1 credit

An advanced study of the orchestral repertoire for double bass with emphasis on style and technical problems.

MUS 6441

Organ History and Literature I

2 credits

This course presents principles of organ design and construction as well as the history of the development of the organ. Through a broad survey of the literature written for the organ and the contexts for which it was written, this course examines compositions from the Robertsbridge Codes (1325) to Bach, placing particular emphasis upon the relationship of the repertoire to the instruments for which it was written. Student-led research and performance projects aim to connect aspects of performance practice with particular instruments tied to specific bodies of repertoire.

MUS 6442

Organ History and Literature II

2 credits

As the second semester of a year-long sequence, this course continues to provide a broad survey of the literature written for the organ, examining compositions from the Classical Era to the present day, and placing particular emphasis upon the relationship of the repertoire to the instruments for which it was written. As in the first semester, student-led research and performance projects aim to connect aspects of performance practice with particular instruments tied to specific bodies of repertoire.

MUS 6443

Sacred Music Skills I

2 credits

The two-course Sacred Music Skills sequence develops skills necessary to become a successful church musician. This first course focuses primarily on hymnody - both the historical context and the performance of various styles - and on liturgy music of various traditions. Improvisation is an integral part of this course.

MUS 6444

Sacred Music Skills II

2 credits

This second semester of the year-long Sacred Music Skills sequence continues the development of playing-related skills by studying choral accompaniments, Psalm accompaniments, and transposition. Additional units survey conducting from the console, rehearsal techniques, the Liturgical Year, and church music administration.

MUS 6445

Instrumental Literature: Collaborative Pianists I

1 credit

A survey for pianist and instrumental partner, including sonatas, short pieces, and concertos. Open to students in partnering areas.

MUS 6446

Instrumental Literature: Collaborative Pianists II

1 credit

A survey for pianist and instrumental partner, including sonatas, short pieces, and concertos. Open to students in partnering areas.

MUS 6447

Vocal Literature: Collaborative Pianists I

1 credit

A survey for pianist and vocal partner, including song, oratorio, and operatic literature. Open to students in voice.

MUS 6448

Vocal Literature: Collaborative Pianists II

1 credit

A survey for pianist and vocal partner, including song, oratorio, and operatic literature. Open to students in voice.

MUS 6460

Fletcher Institute Workshop

2 credits

This course involves preparation and public performance of opera scenes, with emphasis on movement, acting, character development, and exposure to a variety of operatic and musical theatre roles.

MUS 6461

Diction I

1 credit

Introduction to Italian, German, French phonetics, mastery of international phonetic alphabet as it applies to Italian, German and French. The study of principles of diction, phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in Italian, German and French.

MUS 6462

Diction II

1 credit

Introduction to Italian, German, French phonetics, mastery of international phonetic alphabet as it applies to Italian, German and French. The study of principles of diction, phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in Italian, German and French.

MUS 6481

Guitar History and Literature Projects I

1 credit

Survey of literature for guitar and lute from Renaissance through Contemporary periods, social history and physical development of the guitar. Transcriptions of early tablatures. Study of contemporary notation and techniques. Participation in MUS 3481.

MUS 6482

Guitar History and Literature Projects II

1 credit

Survey of literature for guitar and lute from Renaissance through Contemporary periods, social history and physical development of the guitar. Transcriptions of early tablatures. Study of contemporary notation and techniques. Participation in MUS 3482.

MUS 6483

Guitar Pedagogy Projects I

2 credits

This course is an in-depth study of the psychological, physical, and creative aspects of teaching the guitar. Topics include: studying the components of developing skill playing the guitar; ways in which the teacher facilitates this growth; careful sequencing of technical and musical tasks within a method; and designing detailed lesson and course plans.

MUS 6484

Guitar Pedagogy Projects II

2 credits

The second semester of this year-long sequence continues in-depth study of the psychological, physical, and creative aspects of teaching the guitar. Topics include: continued consideration of important teaching strategies; working with younger students and groups; supervised in-class teaching and outside observation; and additional guitar-specific career development and teaching scenario projects.

MUS 6542

Quick-Study Examination

1 credit

A course leading to a juried performance of a previously unstudied work prepared for performance within seven days without coaching. A student will be given two chances to pass this exam before the degree can be granted.

MUS 6621

Graduate Review: Ear Training

1 credit

A review of fundamental aural skills including sight singing, ear training and dictation.

MUS 6660

Fletcher Institute Language Enrichment

1 credit

Enrichment and practical application of Italian, German and French through conversation, literature and poetry with emphasis on the historical, cultural and artistic aspects of each language as it relates to opera. Graded pass/fail.

MUS 6664

Stage Makeup for Singers

1 credit

An introduction to stage makeup with an emphasis placed on the needs of the operatic singer. Graduate students will have a special project assigned by the instructor.

MUS 6665

Research Topics in Opera Studies I

2 credits

A new opera studies research topic is offered each year. The topics offered engage issues of history, analysis, performance practice and interpretation as appropriate.

MUS 6666

Research Topics in Opera Studies II

2 credits

A new opera studies research topic is offered each year. The topics offered engage issues of history, analysis, performance practice and interpretation as appropriate.

MUS 6670

Music Theory and Composition Pedagogy

1 credit

Students attend undergraduate theory and composition classes as assigned by the teacher. Meetings are scheduled to discuss strategies for teaching basic compositional and theoretical concepts. Assignments may include teaching projects in the undergraduate curriculum under the observation of the theory/composition faculty.

MUS 6691

Research Topics in Musicology I

2 credits

A new musicology research topic is offered each year. The topics offered also engage issues of analysis, performance practice and interpretation as appropriate.

MUS 6692

Research Topics in Musicology II

2 credits

A new musicology research topic is offered each year. The topics offered also engage issues of analysis, performance practice and interpretation as appropriate.

MUS 6693

Graduate Review: Theory

1 credit

A review of music theory from the Common Practice to 20th and 21st century theory and analysis.

MUS 6712

Graduate Review: History

1 credit

A review of Western music history from ancient Greece to the 21st century.

MUS 6791

Research Topics in Analysis I

2 credits

A new analysis research topic is offered each year. The topics offered also engage issues of history, performance practice and interpretation as appropriate.

MUS 6792

Research Topics in Analysis II

2 credits

A new analysis research topic is offered each year. The topics offered also engage issues of history, performance practice and interpretation as appropriate.

MUS 6883

Composition Thesis Defense

1 credit

An oral presentation before a faculty jury on an original composition.

MUS 6888

Music Technology Research Project

1 credit

A supervised research project in the use of new technology in creating music.

MUS 6891

Career Strategies: Portfolio

2 credits

A seminar on career path perspectives and developing materials for a professional portfolio. Topics including resumes, cover letters, printed program writing, royalties, copyrights and intellectual properties.

MUS 6892

Career Strategies: Auditions

2 credits

A seminar/workshop on taking successful professional orchestra auditions. The course includes topics on the application process, preparation, audition and etiquette, contracts and contract negotiations.

MUS 6893

Career Strategies: Entrepreneurship

2 credits

A seminar/workshop on working as a musician in the free enterprise market and creating a promotional website. The course includes topics on agencies, grant writing, networking, financial issues and taxes, contracting other musicians, promotional website design and creation.

MUS 6894

Career Strategies: Recording

2 credits

A seminar/workshop on creating recordings for commercial release. Course topics include acoustics, microphones, digital audio editing and signal processing, mastering a compact disc recording, marketing and distribution.

MUS 6895

Library and Internet Research

2 credits

Introduction to the tools of bibliographic research including new technology, fair use of published material and copyright law, proper form in writing, annotating and presenting information on musical subjects.

MUS 8010

Lessons

3 credits

One hour per week of individual performance instruction at an advanced level.

MUS 8011

Master Class

1 credit

Weekly performance class for the purpose of refining performance skills. Included are in-class performance and critique, as well as specialized studies related to the particular concentration of study.

MUS 8460

Fletcher Institute Workshop

2 credits

This course involves preparation and public performance of opera scenes by Fletcher Opera Institute fellows, including emphasis on movement, acting, character development, and exposure to a variety of operatic and musical theatre roles.

MUS 8869

Fletcher Opera Institute Project

4 credits

An advanced course of study in all aspects of opera performance. The project will include participation in two productions each year, workshops, master classes, coaching sessions, performances and tours.

MUS 8899

Professional Artist Certificate Project

4 credits

A significant project devoted to the performance of a specialized repertoire or area of artistic interest that will bridge the student's entry into his/her professional career.