Music

MUS – Music course descriptions
MUSG – Music (groups/ensembles) course descriptions
MUSL – Music lesson course descriptions

Faculty

Mathew Kelly (chair), Mark Babcock, Stan Dahl, Brad Lampe, 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 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 (35 credits) 

  1. 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)
    MUS    488        Senior Recital (0) 
  1. Complete 10 credits of applied lessons (MUSL) in the primary area of music study.
  1. Maintain continuous enrollment in a primary ensemble (MUSG).
    Note: Primary ensembles are MUSG 222 (vocal), 223 (instrumental), 224 (string players only). Piano majors: any of the above, with approval from the department. 
  1. 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) 

  1. Complete two of the following:
    MUS     105       Music Apps (3)

    MUS     120       Theory and Aural Skills I (4)
    MUS     125       Theory and Aural Skills II (4) 
  1. 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) 
  1. Complete 4 credits of applied lessons (MUSL)
  2. Complete 4 credits of music ensembles (MUSG)
  3. Complete 3 credits of music electives (MUS/MUSG/MUSL)