Courses

The following courses are offered through the School of Music. Many, including the ensembles, dance courses and music lessons, are available to students in the Asbury College of Liberal Arts (additional fees may apply).

For descriptions and advising worksheets for the degrees offered through the school of music, go to: http://www.depauw.edu/academics/catalog/majors-and-minors/school-of-music/.

Course Catalog

Requirements for a major

Requirements for a minor

Courses in 21st Century Music

Musicking (was Understanding Music)

The idea of musicking conceives of music as a process rather than an object. It encompasses all activity involved in and surrounding music, including but not limited to performing, improvising, composing, listening, responding, dancing, teaching, engaging with music theory and history, and attending and producing musical events. MUS 130, a team-taught class, explores selected dimensions of musicking from multiple perspectives. Students rotate through modules that offer a foundational framework of the following skills: artistic creation, the exercise of individual and collaborative creativity in developing an artistic voice; critical thinking, the intellectual skills of curiosity, rational thought, analysis, and problem solving; and, everyday advocacy, the habits of mind for making meaningful connections between our audiences and our art and effectively advocating for what we value.

State of the Art

State of the Art gives students a thorough overview of the challenges and opportunities facing professional musicians and music organizations in the current marketplace. Starting with an exploration of high-profile contemporary situations, the course then examines the economics of professional classical music, using NEA arts participation data and various articles and online resources as texts. As the course moves to an exploration of successful arts organizations, small ensembles, and individual performers, students develop case studies of successful current musical enterprises. Course not open to first-year students.

Music Entrepreneurship

A project-based introduction to the attitudes, skills and habits needed for musicians entering the marketplace to create their own opportunities rather than (or in addition to) seeking employment from existing musical organizations. Topics include entrepreneurial mindset; authentic motivation; portfolio/project-based career models; importance of marketplace distinction; networking and relationship building; developing a personal (or group) following; promotional writing (biographies, press releases, etc.); traditional and electronic marketing, including social media and video; funding models; and basics of personal finance. Open to first-year students and sophomores by permission only. Open to CLA students by permission only.

21CM Topics

Investigations of specialized topics in entrepreneurship and music business. These courses expand upon other courses offered in the 21CM curriculum.

Practicum

A workshop-'format course in which students individually or in small groups conceive, develop, and execute a project or projects involving 21CM skills in areas such as creative programming and presentation; alternative venues; effective promotion, marketing, and audience development; and community engagement. In addition to their own planning, students, working with the faculty member, will be responsible for finding an external or internal professional adviser. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Music Entrepreneurship (MUS 340) and State of the Art (MUS 240), or permission of the instructor.

Courses in Applied Music

Beginning Class Piano I

Open only to students with very limited or no prior experience in the study of piano.

Beginning Class Piano II

A continuation of MUS 901.

Advanced Class Piano I

A continuation of MUS 901-902.

Advanced Class Piano II

A continuation of MUS 903.

Beginning Class Voice I

Open only to students with very limited or no prior experience in the study of voice.

Beginning Folk Guitar I

Open only to students with very limited or no prior experience in the study of guitar.

Beginning Folk Guitar II

A continuation of MUS 907.

Individual Applied Lessons

Students earn one-half course credit for weekly 60-minute lessons or one-quarter course credit for weekly 30-minute lessons per semester. (After completion of the sophomore proficiency examination and advancement into the B.M. degree program, junior and senior performance majors earn one course credit in the primary instrument.) Permission of the instructor is required for liberal arts students to enroll in applied lessons. All CLA students who have not studied applied voice previously at DPU must contact the Voice Area Coordinator to schedule and complete an audition before registering for applied voice lessons. Degree-seeking students may not take applied music courses on an audit basis. Ordinarily, students in the School of Music may earn no more than one course credit in applied music each semester. Additional fees are charged for individual applied lessons, applied music classes and dance classes. Music majors are not required to pay fees for private lessons or applied music classes, except for courses taken beyond the credit required for the specific degree program. All students pay fees for dance courses. Students pay additional fees for piano accompanists.

Individual applied lessons are offered in the following areas: BAS String Bass; BASJ Jazz Bass; BSN Bassoon; CLO Violincello; CLR Clarinet; EUP Euphonium; FLT Flute; GUI Folk Guitar; GUIJ Jazz Guitar; HCD Harpsichord; HRN Horn; HRP Harp; JPNJ Jazz Piano; OBO Oboe; ORG Organ; PNO Piano; PRC Percussion; SAX Saxophone; TBA Tuba; TBN Trombone; TPT Trumpet; VLA Viola; VLN Violin; VOC Voice.

Courses in Dance

Beginning Ballet I

Designed for the student who has had no previous dance training. Basic concepts and terminology will be considered as will aspects of history and appreciation.

Beginning Ballet II

A continuation of MUS 171.

Intermediate Ballet I

A continuation of MUS 172.

Intermediate Ballet II

A continuation of MUS 173.

Beginning Jazz Dance I

Designed for the student who has had no previous dance training. Basic jazz technique and terminology will be addressed. Students will gain body control and awareness through class performance.

Beginning Jazz Dance II

Continuation of MUS 175

Intermediate Jazz Dance I

Intermediate Jazz Dance II

A continuation of MUS 177.

Ballroom Dancing

An introduction to the history and practice of ballroom dancing.

Beginning Tap

This course is the study of tap dance technique from the basic rhythms and time steps to creating and performing tap routines. Emphasis on individual and group performance.

Courses in Music (Other)

Recital Attendance

Music majors are required to attend recitals and concerts programmed by the School of Music every semester in residence.

Introduction to Music Technology

The goal of this course is to provide students with a solid practical knowledge of music technology and its applications to music performance and pedagogy. Through lecture and hands-on experience, students develop basic proficiency in network and communications, music notation software, computer-assisted instruction, including CD-ROM based applications, intelligent accompaniment and improvisation software, digital audio and basic sequencing skills. Additional assignments and projects reinforce the central course concepts. Liberal Arts students may register with the consent of instructor.

Off Campus Extended Studies

On-Campus Extended Studies Course

An on-campus course offered during the Winter or May term. May be offered for .5 course credits or as a co-curricular (0 credit). Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.

First-Year Seminar

A seminar focused on a theme in the study of music. Open only to first-year students.

Internship in Music Business

An experiential course for those students who are completing an internship with an agency or organization not usually included in University programs. A detailed written project proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member and the Dean of the School of Music. Prerequisite: consent of the Dean of the School of Music.

Independent Study Projects

Independent investigations under the direction of a music faculty member. A research paper or performance subject to review by three members of the music faculty is required. A detailed written project proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member and the Dean of the School of Music. The course may be repeated for credit with different topics.

Senior Seminar

Basic principles of research in music are emphasized in this course. Each student is required to complete a major research paper and an oral presentation. Required of all seniors who are not performance or music education majors.

Courses in Music Education & Diction

Technology in Music Education

The goal of this course is to provide music education students with a solid practical knowledge of the pedagogical applications of technology to music instruction. Through lecture and hands-on experience, students will explore learning theories as they apply to music instruction and how to use them to develop technology-based lesson plans. Students will develop basic proficiency in the use of software and hardware based music technologies. Additional assignments and projects reinforce the central course concepts.

Introduction to Music Education

Introduces the student to the music teaching profession. Emphasis is placed upon teacher-student relationships, role of the music teacher in schools and the individual examination and refinement of personal attitudes and skills needed to become an effective music teacher. Field experiences are required for all students.

Foundations of Music Education

A study of major points of view in contemporary American education and those knowledge bases that influence educational decisions. Survey of the historical, sociological, philosophical and psychological factors and functions of music in general education as they relate to principles and practices in education today.

Italian Diction for Singers

A theoretical and practical consideration of pronunciation principles for singers of the Italian repertoire. Applicable to voice majors and their degrees in the School of Music.

German Diction for Singers

A theoretical and practical consideration of pronunciation princples for singers of the German repertoire. Applicable to voice majors and their degrees in the School of Music.

French Diction for Singers

A theoretical and practical consideratio of pronunciation principles for singers of the French repertoire. Applicable to voice majors and their degrees in the School of Music.

English Diction for Singers

A theoretical and practical consideration of pronunciation principles for singers of the English repertoire. Applicable to voice majors and their degrees in the School of Music.

Percussion Techniques

Study and practice of the standard range of percussion instruments. Students are taught using method books designed for elementary, middle and secondary schools, and they are introduced to appropriate pedagogical techniques. Applicable only to degrees in the School of Music.

String Techniques

Study and practice of each of the following string instruments: violin, viola, cello and bass. Students are taught using method books designed for elementary, middle and secondary schools, and they are introduced to appropriate pedagogical techniques. Applicable only to degrees in the School of Music.

Brass Techniques

Study and practice of each of the following brass instruments: trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba. Students are taught using method books designed for elementary, middle and secondary schools, and they are introduced to appropriate pedagogical techniques. Applicable only to degrees in the School of Music.

Woodwind Techniques

Study and practice of each of the following woodwind instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and saxophone. Students are taught using method books designed for elementary, middle and secondary schools, and they are introduced to appropriate pedagogical techniques. Applicable only to degrees in the School of Music.

Instrumental/Choral Music Education Lab

This course provides an environment in which future ensemble directors learn to rehearse and arrange for middle school and high school instrumental and choral ensembles. Juniors apply their pedagogical knowledge of the sequencing of lesson materials, select appropriate methods and literature for school ensembles, prescribe rehearsal techniques and refine their personal communicative teaching skills. First and second year-students examine a variety of curricular issues, including the development of an effective teaching style and the integration of the National Standards for Arts Education into their ensemble teaching and assessment.

Music in the Elementary Classroom

The fundamentals of music and methods of teaching general music to children in grades kindergarten through six. Includes a survey of materials and observations in the local public schools. This course is open only to liberal arts students preparing to teach in the elementary grades.

Music in Early Childhood

Detailed consideration of the music program in nursery schools and kindergarten; topics include the nature of early musical responses, objectives, experience levels of the program, methods of teaching and materials. Observation of music teaching and participation in music teaching are included in the coursework.

Music for Students with Diverse Needs

Introduction to student diversity with an emphasis on providing music instruction to P-12 students with diverse needs. In this music teacher education course, pre-service music teachers will develop skills in planning developmentally and culturally appropriate music lessons and in structuring experiences to facilitate participation and learning by all students. Course content includes overviews of student diversity, special education, and multicultural education; examination of the challenges that issues of diversity pose to the learning process; study of legislation, procedures, and current practice; application of appropriate instructional and assessment strategies; and, provision of reasonable accommodations. Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential for teaching music to a wide variety of learners. Field experience is required.

Elementary General Music: Methods, Materials and Curricula

Methods and materials suitable for teaching vocal music in the elementary school. General survey of elementary music curricula. Includes analysis of texts and literature relevant to the elementary music program. Incorporates theories of learning, curriculum development, organization and evaluation and teaching strategies and techniques. Observation of music teaching and participation in music teaching are included in the coursework.

Secondary Vocal Music: Methods, Materials and Curricula

Methods and materials appropriate for teaching vocal music at the middle and high school levels. General survey of middle and high school curricula and study of philosophical bases of curriculum design. Includes an analysis of texts, literature and representative materials outlining related responsibilities of the vocal music teacher. Provides detailed consideration of organization, development, maintenance and evaluation of comprehensive choral programs in secondary schools. Observation of music teaching and participation in music teaching are included in the coursework.

Elementary and Secondary Instrumental Materials

Methods of teaching instrumental music in the elementary and secondary schools, including an analysis of texts and literature for concert band, jazz band, orchestra and small ensembles and representative material outlining related responsibilities of the instrumental music teacher. Prerequisite: MUS 213 and 223. Applicable only to degrees in the School of Music.

Secondary General Music: Methods, Materials and Curricula

Introduction to teaching general music in the secondary schools. Examination of the objectives, organization and operation of a secondary general music program. Study of teaching materials, curricula, instructional methods and assessment practices appropriate for adolescent learners. Observation of and participation in music teaching are included in the coursework.

Field Experience

Designed to provide music education majors with practical experience in working with public school music students in elementary general, instrumental or choral music classrooms. This course must be taken in conjunction with one of the following three methods classes for which students must also register: MUS 375A (Choral): taken in conjunction with MUS 352; MUS 375B (General): taken in conjunction with MUS 351; MUS 375C (Instrumental): taken in conjunction with MUS 354.

Piano Teaching Methods and Materials

A study of elementary and advanced piano playing procedures, including technique, interpretation and methods for both class and individual instruction.

Piano Teaching Methods and Materials

A continuation of MUS 397.

Pedagogy

Brass, harp, organ, percussion, string, vocal and woodwind. A study of the methods, materials and techniques relevant to the teaching of beginning, intermediate and advanced students in individual lessons and class contexts.

Student Teaching in Music

A 14-week, full-time teaching experience in an approved music department of a school district. Student teachers are under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and at least one university supervisor. Prerequisites include admission to Student Teaching and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applications are submitted one full year in advance of the student teaching semester. This course is required for state licensure, is typically offered spring semester, and may not be taken pass/fail. Students must concurrently enroll in MUS 452, Senior Seminar for Music Educators.

Senior Seminar for Music Educators

A seminar stressing a professional examination of principles of classroom management, legal rights and responsibilities, certification, accountability, and current issues in education. Practical problems faced in the profession will be addressed. An emphasis is placed upon the examination and refinement of personal attitudes and teaching skills. Students will participate in a final exhibition that involves a formal presentation of personal growth and competence via the electronic portfolio process. Prerequisite is admission to Student Teaching. This course is typically offered spring semester and may not be taken pass/fail. Students must concurrently enroll in MUS 451, Student Teaching in Music.

Courses in Music Ensemble

University Symphony Orchestra

University Band

University Chorus

Chamber Singers

Jazz Ensemble

Performing Opera

Performing Musical Theatre

General Chamber Ensemble

Chamber Music

A. General Chamber Music; B. Brass Chamber Ensemble; C. Clarinet Ensemble; D. Piano Trio; E. Bass Ensemble; F. Flute Choir; H. Horn Ensemble; I. Improvised Chamber Music; J. Jazz Combos; K. Keyboard; N. Piano Ensemble; P. Percussion Ensemble; Q. String Chamber Music; R. Trumpet Ensemble; S. Saxophone Ensemble; T. Trombone Choir; V. Vocal Chamber Music; W. Woodwind Chamber Ensemble; X. Cello Ensemble; Z. Baroque Chamber Music.

Courses in Music History & Literature

Music Appreciation

A non-technical course designed to give the layman an overview of the development of Western art music, including its major composers, styles and genres. Includes an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra and commonly used musical terms. Required readings, directed listening assignments, required concert attendance. Not open to students in the School of Music.

History of Western Art Music

This course is a one-semester survey of European art music from the ancient Greeks to the end of the Romantic era (ca. 1900). The course is designed to provide a solid grounding in the important historical, formal, aesthetic and stylistic developments in Western art music during this time. Topics include the development of important genres and forms, biographies of major composers, various theories of history and historical change and analyses of historically important musical works.

Jazz History

A consideration of jazz history from its beginnings to the present day. Students will develop an awareness of important periods, major performers and composers, trends, influences, stylistic features, terminology, and related materials. This course is appropriate for liberal arts students.

Miles and 'Trane

This course examines the life and works of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, two of the most influential musicians in the world. For more than 45 years, from 1945 when he first made his mark on the jazz scene until his death in 1991, Miles Davis has been in the front rank of American music. His music has defined jazz for three different generations of listeners. John Coltrane was a key figure in jazz history, a pioneer in world music, and an intensely emotional force. The immense force of Coltrane's music has inspired poetry, sculpture and modern dance. This course is appropriate for liberal arts students.

Survey of Wind Literature

An introduction to the vast array of literature available to the band and wind ensemble from a historical perspective. Students develop both aural and score knowledge of the variety of styles of wind music (from the Middle Ages through the 20th century) and an understanding of the development of wind composition.

History of Western Music I

European art music from the ancient Greeks to the end of the Classical Era (ca. 1800). The course places the stylistic development of important genres and forms of Western art music into a spectrum of musical, social and economic contexts. The analysis of historically important works will consider how music has been experienced by composers, performers, patrons and audiences. Prerequisites: MUS 112, 122

Topics

Investigation of special topics in music theory, history and literature. Recent offerings have included World Musics, Musics of the Southwest and Music of Africa.

Opera Literature

Opera Literature provides a thorough survey of the history of opera from its origins in the early baroque to the present. Topics include the development of important genres and musical styles, connections between music and society, and relevant performance practices. Representative works in various styles and genres are examined in some depth. Prerequisite: MUS 230 or consent of instructor.

Music c. 1900 to Present

Styles and techniques in 20th-century music literature and works of significant composers.

Solo Vocal Literature I

A consideration of the solo vocal literature of the Italian Baroque, the German Lied and American Art Song from 1600 to the 21st century.

Solo Vocal Literature II

A consideration of the solo vocal literature of Early English Song, the French Melodie and 20th Century English Art Song.

Choral Literature

A survey of choral literature from Gregorian Chant to the present, incorporating music suitable for a variety of choral bodies, including high school, collegiate and professional ensembles.

Wagner and the Ring Cycle

In depth study of Richard Wagner's four-part opera Ring of the Nibelung. Through multimedia presentations, students will explore the life of Wagner, the historical controversy surrounding the opera, Wagner's revolutionary musical language, and the mythological basis of the story. Through written resources, multiple video interpretations, and score-study, students will develop their reading and analytical skills while discovering the beauty of this fascinating and timeless work.

Symphonic Literature

An investigation of the significant symphonic literature of the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

Organ Design and Repertoire

An investigation of the organ as an instrument, its history and development, its mechanical and tonal design and its repertoire through the various stylistic periods. Practical work in registration is included.

The Organ in the Church Service

Techniques of service playing in both liturgical and non-liturgical services, anthem accompanying, improvisation in the church service and repertoire for church use.

Keyboard Literature I

A consideration of keyboard literature from its origins to the present.

Keyboard Literature II

A consideration of keyboard literature from its origins to the present.

Music History Topics

Investigations of specialized topics in music history with a consideration of musicological methodology. These courses expand upon the historical issues discussed in MUS 230 and/or MUS 334. Recent offerings have included Beethoven, Mozart, Representations of Gender and Sexuality in Opera, Mahler and His Time, Das Lied, Music for the Mass, Improvisation in Western Art Music, and Chamber Music of the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries.

Topics

Investigation of specialized topics in areas such as music history, literature, musical cultures and performance issues. Recent offerings have included Jazz Styles and Analysis, Psychology of Music, and Mind, Body & Wellness.

Courses in Music Theory & Musicianship

Fundamentals of Music Theory

A basic course that enables the non-music major to understand the manner in which the elements of music are constructed and combined in order to form a coherent musical expression. Not open to students in the School of Music.

Introduction to Music Theory for Non-Majors

An introduction to the basic structures, terminology, and analysis methods for tonal music including scales, harmony, form, and simple composition. Not open to students in the School of Music.

Theory I

The first of four core courses in music theory. Students will study the over-arching theory of tonality and structural phenomena, starting the habits of students to think analytically about music. Lead sheet labels, Roman Numerals, and functional bass theory will be introduced.

Theory II

The second of four core courses in music theory. Students will continue studying the over-­‐arching  theory of tonality and structural phenomena. Roman Numeral and functional bass analysis will be explained in greater detail, along with structural phenomena that form the building blocks of form. Prerequisite: MUS 111.

Musicianship I

The first of four core courses that develop aural and performance skills. Sight singing (movable Do solfege), melodic and harmonic dictation, improvisation, and keyboard skills are covered.

Musicianship II

The second of four core courses that develop aural and performance skills. Sight singing (movable Do solfege), melodic and harmonic dictation, improvisation, and keyboard skills are covered. Prerequiste: MUS 121

Theory III

The third of four core courses in music theory. Students will be introduced to specific forms, voice-leading, harmonic language, and rhythmic language in Common-Practice, jazz, contemporary classical, pop/rock, and musical theater styles. Prerequisite: MUS 112. To be offered beginning Fall 2016.

Theory IV

The fourth of four core courses in music theory. Students will explore more advanced topics in form, voice-­‐leading, harmonic language, and rhythmic language in Renaissance, Common-­‐Practice, contemporary classical, jazz, pop/rock, and musical theater styles. Prerequisite: MUS 211. To be offered beginning Spring 2017.

Musicianship III

The third of four core courses that develop aural and performance skills. Sight singing (movable Do solfege), melodic and harmonic dictation, improvisation, and keyboard skills are covered. Prerequisite: MUS 122. To be offered beginning Fall 2016.

Musicianship IV

The fourth of four courses that develop aural and performance skills. Sight singing (movable Do solfege), melodic and harmonic dictation, improvisation, and keyboard skills are covered. Prerequisite: MUS 221. To be offered beginning Spring 2017.

Advanced Keyboard Skills

This class involves the development of harmonization and transposition skills. Realization of figured bass and open score reading are included as well.

Composition

The general goals of this course are: to nurture the student's compositional creativity and craft; to refine the student's ability to express compositional ideas through notation and other media; to broaden the student's exposure to contemporary music and compositional techniques; to improve the student's aural skills, focusing in particular on the perception of events and processes at work in contemporary music; to develop the student's ability to write effectively for individual instruments and voices, and groups of instruments and voices; to improve the student's ability to write and speak articulately about her or his music; and to deepen the student's understanding of herself or himself as an artist. Prerequisites: MUS 214 [Theory IV] and MUS 224 [Musicianship IV], or MUS 384 [Jazz Theory], or consent of instructor. May be taken up to four times for credit.

Orchestration

Modern band and orchestral instrumentation. Arrangements for string, woodwind, brass and percussion combinations and orchestrations of composition by classical, romantic and modern composers.

Conducting I

Baton technique, simple and complex rhythms, specific problems from symphonic literature, score reading and practical experience in conducting.

Conducting II

A. Instrumental: Advanced baton techniques and specific problems related to instrumental conducting with practical experiences in conducting. B. Choral: Advanced conducting techniques related specifically to choral music.

Jazz Theory

This course will focus on understanding jazz structures by analyzing the various elements of harmony, chord and scale functions as they relate to the jazz forms and songs that have developed throughout its history and are being employed today.

Jazz Improvisation

This course is a fundamental study of jazz improvisation. Students will develop a primary awareness of techniques, style, rhythm, nomenclature, ear training and improvisational exercises. Students will examine standard and basic tune vehicles including blues, modality, II V I progressions and the ballad.

Advanced Jazz Improvisation

A continuation of the materials and skill developments begun in MUS 380. The emphasis is on the practical application of jazz theory.

Jazz Arranging

Study and practice of arranging techniques for jazz ensembles.