Music
MUS – Music course descriptions
MUSG – Music (groups/ensembles) course descriptions
MUSL – Music lesson course descriptions
Faculty
Mathew Kelly (chair), Mark Babcock, Stan Dahl, Gabriel Espinosa, Brad Lampe, Ian Moschenross, Sean Stephenson, Sarah Van Waardhuizen
Statement of philosophy
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to music in the context of a comprehensive liberal arts program. It can serve as a foundation for further study for students desiring careers as performers, music scholars, music teachers, church musicians or other music professionals. Through a balanced emphasis on the analytical, historical, cultural and creative aspects of music, it also provides excellent preparation for any endeavor for which a solid liberal-arts background is valuable. Recognizing the value of study in other cultures, the department is committed to encouraging music majors’ participation in Central’s study abroad programs.
The department seeks to assist non-music majors and members of the broader community to achieve competence in an artistic discipline and to gain an appreciation of the fine arts. The department serves the campus and community by providing a rich and varied cultural life on campus and in the community at large.
The Visual and Performing Arts Department stresses academic integrity in all aspects of the music curriculum. The department is committed to the development of students and to the recruitment of students with strong academic potential.
Major Communication Skills
In order to be certified for graduation, a music major must show competency in reading, writing and speaking. A communication skills endorsement from the music program indicates students have achieved college level mastery in written skills, verbal skills, and musicianship. Communication skills will be assessed using pre-determined rubric tools in the following areas of the major: MUS 211, MUS 312, and the Senior Recital.
Music Major Requirements (37 credits)
- Complete all of the following:
MUS 114 World Music (3)
MUS 120 Theory and Aural Skills I (4)
MUS 125 Theory and Aural Skills II (4)
MUS 211 History of Western Music: Antiquity to 1750 (3)
MUS 215 Piano for Proficiency I (1)*
MUS 216 Piano for Proficiency II (1)*
MUS 220 Theory & Aural Skills III (4)
MUS 231 Conducting (2)
MUS 312 History of Western Music: Pre-Classical to 1940 (3) - Complete 10 credits of applied lessons (MUSL) in the primary area of music study.
- Maintain continuous enrollment in a primary ensemble (MUSG).
Note: Primary ensembles are MUSG 222 (vocal), 223 (insturmental), 224 (string players only). Piano majors: any of the above, with approval from the department. - Present a senior recital of a minimum of one-half hour in the student’s primary area of music study (or other approved significant senior project)
Music Minor Requirements (21-22 credits)
- Complete all of the following:
MUS 105 Music Apps (3)
MUS 120 Theory and Aural Skills I (4)
MUS 125 Theory and Aural Skills II (4) - Complete one of the following:
MUS 211 History of Western Music: Antiquity to 1750 (3)
MUS 312 History of Western Music: Pre-Classical to 1940 (3) - Complete 4 credits of applied lessons (MUSL)
- Complete 4 credits of music ensembles (MUS/MUSG/MUSL)
- Complete 3 credits of music electives (MUS/MULG/MUSL)