COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
APPLIED MUSIC
The Department of Music offers private weekly instruction in piano, voice, organ, and guitar to majors and non-majors. Study of other instruments may be arranged with due notice.
All applied music, whether keyboard, vocal, or instrumental will develop technique, style, musicianship, memorization, interpretation, and repertoire appropriate to the medium. Specific technique and repertoire requirements for each proficiency level are available in the department. All music majors and minors enrolled in applied music courses are required to attend music department recitals as specified each semester.
Failure to meet the recital attendance requirements will result in the adjustment of the student’s applied music grade in his/her applied area of concentration. Courses may be repeated.
MUS 100A Class Piano I
3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisites: LS 105, permission of instructor; Term: 1 and 2; Fee: yes
Group instruction in beginning piano. Emphasis on developing efficient reading and practice skills, elementary piano technique, keyboard harmony and repertoire.
MUS 100B Class Piano II
3 hours
Group instruction in beginning piano. Emphasis on developing efficient reading and practice skills, elementary piano technique, keyboard harmony and repertoire. Permission of department
MUS 106A Voice Class I
3 hours
Term: 1, 2; Fee: yes. General Education option
Group instruction to beginners in vocal study. Students will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of singing: posture, breathing, diction. Class members will sing as a group as well as individually.
MUS 110 Private or Small Group Lessons: Beginning Level
1-3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; Term: 1, 2, 3; Fee: yes
Course descriptions available in department.
MUS 111 Private Lessons: Intermediate Level
2-3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department; Term: 1, 2, 3;
Fee: yes
Course descriptions available in department.
MUS 120, 121, 122, 125 Private Lessons:
Advanced Level I
2-3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department; Term: 1, 2, 3;
Fee: yes
Course descriptions available in department.
MUS 208 Accompanying
2 hours
Prerequisites: Piano proficiency and permission of
instructor; Fee: yes. Offered as required
Instruction and practice in the art of accompanying at the piano for vocal and instrumental soloists and groups.
MUS 220, 221, 222, 225 Private Lessons:
Advanced Level II
2-3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department; Term: 1, 2, 3;
Fee: yes
Course descriptions available in department.
MUS 320, 321, 322, 323 Private Lessons:
Advanced Level III
2-4 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department; Term: 1, 2, 3;
Fee: yes
Course descriptions available in department.
MUS 420, 421, 422, 423 Private Lessons:
Advanced Level IV
2-4 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department; Term: 1, 2, 3;
Fee: yes
Course descriptions available in department.
MUS 496 Senior Seminar/Recital
4 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered as needed.
A sixty minute (thirty minutes for music education majors) public performance in the applied music area, accompanied by program notes and a printed program. The recital will represent a synthesis of all music course materials, combining music theory and music history with the applied music area.
ENSEMBLE MUSIC
MUS 202 Marygrove College Chorale
1 hour
Prerequisites: Audition required; May require MUS 100 A or MUS 101; Term: 1, 2; Fee: yes. General Education option
Singing ensemble open to men and women. Training in choral techniques. Acquaintance with a variety of choral music.
MUS 204A Foundations in Ringing I
1 hour
Prerequisite: Permission of department.
A hands-on course exploring beginning handbell techniques, repertoire, and resources. The emphasis will be on instruction, but will also include performance as a handbell ensemble. Creative use of bells and chimes in worship will also be explored.
MUS 204B Foundations in Ringing II
1 hour
Prerequisite: MUS 204A
Advanced handbell techniques, repertoire, and resources. A performance oriented class. MUS 404A and 404B will prepare you to develop a handbell program.
MUS 205 Community Band
1 hour
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
The Community Band will provide for a learning environment in which Marygrove music majors can further learn the necessary skills to be a successful music educator. In addition, the band will also provide a place where non-music major Marygrove students and staff members, as well as people from the surrounding community can come and perform in an organized music ensemble while continuing to use their lifelong musical skills. Membership to the community band will be without audition, and is open to woodwind, brass and percussion players from the Junior High level up through adult aged. Performances will feature marches, orchestral transcriptions, traditional and popular works for band, as well as solos and ensembles by band members. Rehearsals include concert preparation, sight reading and sectional practice in a supportive atmosphere. May be taken eight times for credit.
MUS 209 Piano Ensemble
2 hours
Prerequisites: Piano proficiency and permission of instructor; Fee: yes. Offered as required
Performance of duet and two piano literature.
MUS 211 Chamber Singers
1 hour
Prerequisites: Audition required, vocal and music reading proficiency, permission of instructor; Term 1 and 2;
Fee: yes. General Education option
Advanced choral ensemble of mixed voices (SATB). Performs and tours regularly. Choral music of all periods, styles, and in a variety of languages. Available as an Honors Option course with additional requirements.
MUS 301 Lyric Theater
1 hour
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; Fee: yes
Training in solo and ensemble singing, in stage movement and character development through opera, operetta and musical theatre scenes or full productions.
MUS 302 Marygrove College Chorale
1 hour
Prerequisites: Audition required; May require MUS 100A or MUS 101; Term: 1, 2; Fee: yes
Singing ensemble open to men and women. Training in choral techniques. Acquaintance with a variety of choral music over time.
MUS 311 Chamber Singers 1 hour
Prerequisites: Audition Required: Vocal and music reading proficiency, permission of instructor; Term: 1, 2; Fee: yes
Advanced choral ensemble of mixed voices (SATB). Performs and tours regularly. Choral music of all periods, styles and in a variety of languages over time. Available as an Honors Option course with additional requirements.
MUS404A Foundations in Ringing
1 hour
Prerequisite 204B: Permission of department.
A hands-on course exploring beginning handbell techniques, repertoire, and resources. The emphasis will be on instruction, but will also include performance as a handbell ensemble. Creative use of bells and chimes in worship will also be explored.
MUS 404B Foundations in Ringing
1 hour
Prerequisite: MUS 404A Permission of department
Advanced handbell techniques, repertoire, and resources. A performance oriented class. MUS 404A and 404B will prepare you to develop a handbell/ringing program.
MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE
MUS 105 Encounters with Music3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisites: LS 105, ENG 107. Offered every other year.
Designed to foster an appreciation of music and to increase aural perception through the development of an understanding of the stylistic elements of music. The course will explore music from diverse cultures including Native American, African, African-American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Women’s and Western European art music.
MUS 305 Music History I
3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, MUS 233; Offered every first semester; Fee: yes
Study of the development of musical styles to establish an awareness of the environmental factors surrounding music; to see music as a product of its times; to experience music as a “living art” and to become aware of significant primary and secondary source materials. Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods.
MUS 306 Music History II
3 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 305; Offered every second semester; Fee: yes
Study of the development of musical styles to establish an awareness of the environmental factors surrounding music; to see music as a product of its times; to experience music as a “living art” and to become aware of significant primary and secondary source materials. Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Periods.
MUS 315 Music History III
3 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 234, MUS 306; Fee: yes
Study of the development of musical styles to establish an awareness of the environmental factors surrounding music; to see music as a product of its times; to experience music as a “living art” and to become aware of significant primary and secondary source materials. Medieval through Contemporary Periods.
MUS 350 Choral Literature
3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered every other year
Study of choral literature including practical anthem repertoire for children’s, youth and adult choirs. The course will also include musicals for children, intergenerational anthems, classical forms from a broad span of historical style periods, standard and newly published anthems in a diversity of styles.
MUS 365 Vocal Literature
3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered as needed
Survey of solo song literature from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The course will help you understand the relationship between text, melody, harmony, rhythm, and form and use this information to achieve an artistic performance. Recorded examples, classroom presentation and written materials will be used.
MUSIC METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
MUS 107 Introduction to Diction
1 hour
Prerequisites: None; Term 1
Through the use of English, Latin and Italian, you will learn the International Phonetic Alphabet, and produce improved singing sounds based on correct vowel and consonant articulation.
MUS 201 Music for the Classroom Teacher
3 hours
Prerequisites: None; Terms 1, 2
Basic music education skills for elementary classroom teachers‚ grades K-8. Strategies‚ materials and techniques for integrating music throughout the elementary curriculum. Designed for elementary teachers and non-music majors.
MUS 207 Advanced Diction for Singers I
2 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 107 or permission of instructor. Offered as needed
Advanced study of French and German pronunciation and the International Phonetic Alphabet. Opportunities to sing in class.
MUS 307 Advanced Diction for Singers II
2 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 207 or permission of instructor
Advanced study of the pronunciation of Russian and other exotic languages and the International Phonetic
Alphabet. Opportunities to sing in class.
MUS 345A Methods and Materials of Elementary Music Education
2 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered every other year
Survey of current methods and materials used in teaching music at the elementary level, grades K-8.
MUS 345B Methods and Materials of Secondary Music Education
2 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered every other year
Survey of current methods and materials used in teaching music at the secondary level, grades 7-12.
MUS 351 Piano Pedagogy I
3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Beginning materials and methods of piano teaching.
MUS 352 Piano Pedagogy II
3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Intermediate materials and methods of piano teaching.
MUS 399A Conducting
3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor Prerequisite: MUS 124, MUS 124B
An introduction to the techniques and skills of conducting, score preparation and rehearsal techniques. The observation and development of knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to equip you to teach in the classroom or church with primary emphasis in vocal conducting. Field Experience required
MUS 399B Conducting II
3 hours
Prerequisite: MUS 399A
Continued refinement of the techniques and skills of conducting, score preparation and rehearsal techniques.
The observation and development of knowledge skills and dispositions needed to equip you to teach in the
classroom or church with primary emphasis in instrumental conducting. Field experience required.
MUS 400B Brass Methods
1 hour
Prerequisites: MUS 234, 234B, and 315. Offered every other year.
The observation and development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to equip you to teach brass instruments at the beginning level in the classroom. Each student will learn, play and teach instruments in the brass family.
MUS 400D Percussion Methods
1 hour
Prerequisites: MUS 234, 234B, and 315. Offered every other year
The observation and development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to equip you to teach percussion instruments at the beginning level in the classroom. Each student will learn, play and teach instruments in the percussion family.
MUS 400S Strings Methods
1 hour
Prerequisites: MUS 234, 234B, and 315. Offered every other
The observation and development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to equip you to teach string instruments at the beginning level in the classroom. Each student will learn, play and teach instruments in the string family.
MUS 400W Woodwinds Methods1 hour
Prerequisites: MUS 234, 234B, and 315. Offered every other year
The observation and development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to equip you to teach woodwind instruments at the beginning level in the classroom. Each student will learn, play and teach instruments in the woodwind family.
MUS 445 Piano Pedagogy III/Keyboard Literature
3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Advanced materials and methods of piano teaching. Study of representative works from J. S. Bach to the present.
SACRED MUSIC
MUS 333 Organ Improvisation
2 hours
Prerequisite: MUS 233, at least two semesters of applied organ study, and MUS 401 -OR- permission of instructor. Offered every other year
Designed to develop skills in the art of improvisation, creating projects that are hymn based, formally structures, and free in form. A variety of approaches and styles will be addressed.
MUS 410 Hymn Playing/Anthem and Soloist Accompaniment
2 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; Fee: yes. Offered as required
Group and/or private instruction designed for the church musician to develop organ skills in the area of hymn
playing and accompanying.
MUS 424/424G Congregational Music of the Christian Church
1 hour
Prerequisite: Music reading ability helpful. Offered as required
A survey course which deals with the historical development of Christian hymnody and liturgy. Also deals with contemporary issues.
MUSIC THEORY
MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music I
3 hours
Prerequisites: None; Term: 1. General Education option
The rudiments of music and their application in writing, playing, singing. Course content includes: notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, chords and simple aspects of form and performance of these skills.
MUS 102 Fundamentals of Music II
3 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 101 or permission of instructor
Continued refinement of the rudiments of music and their application in writing, playing and singing.
MUS 123 Written Theory I
3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; Term: 1
The study of the theoretical basis of music of the common practice period through harmonic concepts, and application through writing and analysis. Course content includes review of music fundamentals, study of the primary and secondary triads, non-harmonic tones and basic four-part voice-leading.
MUS 123A Ear Training I
1 hour
Prerequisites: MUS 101 or permission of instructor; Term: 1
Development of aural skills through melodic and rhythmic dictation and sight singing. Course covers diatonic melodies and simple and compound rhythms with simple beat subdivision. Course meets for two hours per week.
MUS 124 Written Theory II
3 hours
Prerequisite: MUS 123; Term: 2
The study of the theoretical basis of music of the common practice period through harmonic concepts, and application through writing and analysis. Course content includes seventh chords, secondary chords and modulation.
MUS 124B Ear Training II
1 hour
Prerequisite: MUS 123A; Term: 2
Development of aural skills through melodic and rhythmic dictation and sight singing. Course covers diatonic melodies and simple and compound rhythms with simple beat subdivision. Course meets for two hours per week.
MUS 233 Written Theory III
3 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 124; Term: 1
Further development of theoretical concepts and applications in writing and analysis. Course content includes secondary dominant and secondary leading tone chords, altered dominants, augmented sixth chords, and borrowed chords.
MUS 233A Ear Training III
1 hour
Prerequisites: MUS 124B; Term: 1
Further development of aural skills. Course content includes melodies with modulations, two-part dictation,
harmonic dictation, and rhythms with irregular subdivision. Course meets for two hours per week.
MUS 234 Written Theory IV
3 hours
Prerequisite: MUS 233; Term: 2
Further development of theoretical concepts and applications in writing and analysis. Course content includes altered dominants, chromatic mediants, and late Romantic and contemporary harmony.
MUS 234B Ear Training IV
1 hour
Prerequisite: MUS 233A; Term: 2
Further development of aural skills. Course content includes melodies with modulations, two-part dictation, harmonic dictation, and rhythms with irregular subdivision. Course meets for two hours per week.
MUS 303A Counterpoint I
3 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 234. Offered every other year
The theoretical basis of contrapuntal writing through species counterpoint. Emphasis on late baroque style focusing on the music of J. S. Bach and contemporaries. Application through writing and analysis.
MUS 309 Introduction to Computer-Assisted Music 3 hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; Term 1
A hands-on course which provides a general introduction to digital synthesis and MIDI techniques.
Learn how to operate Finale software, studio equipment and other synthesizers.
MUS 314 Computer-Assisted Music Printing
2 hours
Prerequisite: must be able to read music. Fee: yes
Exploration of music printing software. Emphasis on producing scores to print. Private instruction.
MUS 401 Orchestration
3 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 234; Offered every other year
The technique and functions of instruments of the orchestra; scoring for various instrumental
combinations and for full orchestra.
MUS 407 Composition (Private Instruction)
3 hours
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; Fee: yes. Offered as required
Private instruction in techniques of twentieth century composition; composition in small forms for various media. May be repeated.
MUS 443A Analytical Techniques I
3 hours
Prerequisites: MUS 234. Offered by arrangement
Varied techniques of analysis‚ including harmonic‚ reductive‚ and melodic. Critical study of larger forms and structures.
MUS 443B Analytical Techniques II (Private Instruction)
2 hours
Prerequisite: MUS 443A; Fee: yes. Offered as required
Extended techniques of polyphonic analysis and twentieth century music; critical study of selected works.
ADVANCED WORK
MUS 388/488 Cooperative Field Experience
1-8 hours
Prerequisite: By arrangement with department; Term 1‚ 2
Part time work experience for majors in activity related to specialization. May be repeated.
MUS 450 Guided Field Experience
1-3 hours
Prerequisite: Written permission from department head required before registration; Term: 1, 2
Credit for field work in music done outside of class; accompanist, church organist, piano teaching, Kindermusik, music research, music education, etc. May be repeated. MUS 450R is the department’s writing intensive course
MUS 491/491G Independent Study in Music
1-3 hours
Prerequisite: Written permission of department head required before registration; Term: 1, 2
Directed study in music not covered in other departmental courses. May be repeated.