Courses

Music

Below you will find a list of our current or recent offerings. See the course catalog for descriptions and updated information.

The Music Department curriculum includes Applied Study on instruments and voice (APM) (please consult the Catalog), Ensembles (ENS), Music Education (MUE), Music Literature (MUL), and Music Theory (MUT).

We offer private studio lessons with award winning faculty in the following areas:

Music ensembles (ENS) are open to all University students by audition. One hour of credit per semester is granted for each ensemble. All introductory level ensembles (100-level numbers) may be repeated for up to two hours of credit, and each ensemble above the introductory level (200-level numbers) may be repeated for up to six semester hours of credit. Students register for introductory level ensembles in the first two semesters and upper-level ensembles in subsequent semesters. All ensembles may require additional meeting, rehearsal and performance times outside of scheduled class periods, as indicated by the instructor.

78-101 Southwestern University Wind Ensemble
The SU Wind Ensemble performs one classical music concert per semester and also serves the University by performing at its annual Commencement ceremony. The Ensemble is comprised of music majors and non-music majors. This class exposes all students (and their audience) to as rich and diverse a classical music repertoire as possible while maintaining a commitment to the tenets of a liberal arts education. Students in this course learn to combine artistic expression with disciplined performance practice and to incorporate historical and theoretical knowledge into their understanding of the musical arts. This course is open to all University students with 3-4 years of high school ensemble experience. (Each semester) (FA)
78-111 Southwestern University Jazz Band
The SU Jazz Band is open to all University students by audition. This course presents the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to perform in a jazz ensemble while gaining exposure to idiomatic performance practices and other commercial music genres. Students perform in at least one public concert and feature the music of noted jazz composers such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and others. (Each semester) (FA)
78-121 Southwestern University Singers
Southwestern University Singers meets as two distinct ensembles: Tenors and Basses (Monday and Wednesday) and Sopranos and Altos (Tuesday and Thursday). Both groups are open to all SU students and require no audition. These ensembles strive to create gender-safe and affirming spaces while exploring diverse repertoire from many different choral styles. Students will learn to sing with more confidence by learning the foundations of healthy singing and building blocks of music literacy. No audition required. (Each semester) (FA)
78-131 Southwestern University Chorale
Southwestern University Chorale is the auditioned SATB Mixed Ensemble at SU. This ensemble is by audition only. (Auditions are held during the first week of Fall classes for Fall placement, and the week after Thanksgiving for Spring openings). Singers in Chorale are expected to read music at a high level (using the solfege system), sing with a stable and balanced vocal tone, and possess a commitment to the group, demonstrated by occasional independent preparation outside of rehearsal. Chorale strives to present high quality choral art to our community and beyond, while focusing on community and trust within the ensemble. (Each semester) (FA)
78-141 Opera Theatre
Opera Theatre is open to all students by audition. Students will learn basic stage movement and acting techniques for the lyric theatre, culminating in public performance. All performances will be from memory. One semester each year will be fully costumed with minimal set, while the alternate semester will be minimally produced and performed in concert dress with the goal of helping students grow both as singing actors and in ensemble work. Includes additional lab as indicated by instructor. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in applied voice and permission of the instructor. (Each semester) (FAP
78-151 Chamber Music (instrumental)
The SU instrumental chamber music program seeks to foster a high level of ensemble technique and musicianship among participants. Ensembles are coached by music faculty and give frequent performances in different concert venues, which include events at Southwestern University, regional and statewide conventions. Must be taken concurrently with applied music. Audition required in the first semester of enrollment. (Each semester) (FA)
78-161 Chamber Music (voice)
The SU vocal chamber music program seeks to foster a high level of ensemble technique among participants. Ensembles are coached by music faculty and give performances in various venues. By permission of the instructor. (Each semester) (FA)
78-171 Southwestern University Orchestra
The SU Orchestra performs at least one classical music concert per semester and also combines forces on occasion with SU Musical Theatre, Chorale, and Opera Theatre programs. The Orchestra is comprised of music majors and non-music majors. This class exposes all students (and their audience) to as rich and diverse a classical music repertoire as possible while maintaining a commitment to the tenets of a liberal arts education. Students in this course learn to combine artistic expression with disciplined performance practice and to incorporate historical and theoretical knowledge into their understanding of the musical arts. This course is open to all University students with 3-4 years of high school ensemble experience. (Each semester) (FA)

77-311 String Methods
This course is designed to provide a survey of instruction for students studying string instruments. Ability to read music is required and previous experience with a musical instrument is recommended, as this is a performance-oriented course. (Fall) (FA)
77-321 Woodwind Methods
This course is designed to provide a survey of instruction for students studying woodwind instruments. Ability to read music is required and previous experience with a musical instrument is recommended, as this is a performance-oriented course. (Fall) (FA)
77-331 Brass Methods
This course is designed to provide a survey of instruction for students studying brass instruments. Ability to read music is required and previous experience with a musical instrument is recommended, as this is a performance-oriented course. (Spring) (FA)
77-341 Percussion Methods
This course is designed to provide a survey of instruction for students studying instrumental music. Ability to read music is required and previous experience with a musical instrument is recommended, as this is a performance-oriented course. (Spring) (FA)
77-351 Vocal Methods
For the Music Education major (instrumental emphasis) degree program. This course provides basic singing instruction and pedagogy. (Spring of odd-numbered years) (FA)
77-423 Methods of Music in Elementary School
Methods of presenting music materials to children in grades K-6. Open only to students who have passed the Sophomore Barrier Examination and been admitted to the Music Education major. (Fall of odd-numbered years) (FL)
77-443 Choral Music Education
A survey of the material available for junior and senior high school choirs. A study of the organization and problems of choral groups and vocal pedagogy for choral ensembles. Arranging for choral ensembles. Each student will rehearse the class for small-ensemble experience. Prerequisites: Music Theory 76-211, 76-213, and Music Literature 80-214; or permission of the instructor. (Spring of even-numbered years) (FA)
77-473 Methods of Marching Band Performance
A study of the marching band as a medium of entertainment and of its value to the instrumental program in the public schools. The study includes fundamentals of marching, precision drill, designing of formations, and planning and execution of a half-time show. Open only to students who have passed the Sophomore Barrier Examination and been admitted to the Music Education major. (Fall) (FA)
77-522 Vocal Pedagogy
A discussion of historical and current pedagogical techniques; the physiology of singing and voice types; training the young singer; vocal development through repertoire choice. Prerequisites: Two semesters of applied voice study at the college level and concurrent enrollment in applied voice study. (Spring of even-numbered years) (FA)
77-532 Piano Pedagogy
Presentation of methods and materials used in individual and class instruction of piano students. Prerequisites: Passage of the Sophomore Barrier Examination and admission to the Keyboard Performance major; or four semesters of applied piano or organ study; or permission of instructor. (FA)
77-603 Choral Conducting
Introduction of baton techniques and rehearsal procedures. Each student will conduct the class for small-ensemble experience. Prerequisites: Music Theory 76-211, 76-213 and Music Literature 80-214; or permission of instructor. (Fall of even-numbered years) (FA)
77-613 Instrumental Conducting
This course is an introduction to manual conducting techniques. Each student will conduct members of the class and a rehearsal pianist for small-ensemble experience and then conduct their final exam with the SU Wind Ensemble. Prerequisites: Music Theory 76-211, 76-213, Music Literature 80-214 and a minimum of four semesters of applied music study in one area; or consent of instructor. (Fall) (FA)
77-623 Advanced Instrumental Conducting
This course is a continuation of the beginning course, plus in-depth score study and development of good rehearsal techniques. Students will rehearse the SU Wind Ensemble or Orchestra throughout the semester and then conduct a portion of a public concert for their final exam. Prerequisite: Music Education 77-603 or 77-613. (Spring) (FA) (WA)
77-633 Advanced Choral Conducting
A continuation of manual conducting techniques, score reading and performance preparation. Students will conduct a portion of a public concert. Each student will conduct the class for small-ensemble experience. Prerequisite: Music Education 77-603 or 77-613. (Spring of odd-numbered years) (FA)
77-804 Student Teaching
See Education 40-804, 40-808, 40-824, 40-828
77-808 Student Teaching
See Education 40-804, 40-808, 40-824, 40-828

80-100 Recital Attendance
Students enrolled in this course are required to attend a set number of musical performances in the Music Department and elsewhere during the semester. In addition, each student must attend one SU Theatre production or Art gallery opening event. Students will also gather with faculty for several required listening sessions during the semester. Six semesters must be satisfactorily completed to fulfill requirements for the BM or BA (Music) degrees. Four semesters are required for transfer students, and for students who begin at Southwestern and are admitted to the music major by audition later than the end of their second semester of residence. Must be taken Pass/D/F. (Each semester)
80-104 Introduction to Music
A course for non-music majors designed to give students a general understanding of music and to increase their enjoyment of music through musical participation and the development of listening skills. Students will consider the various basic applications and manifestations of harmony, melody, time, timbre, texture, genre and form. They will refine their skill of aural perception in order to enhance the ability to sharply focus and sustain concentration in listening. Students will develop an understanding of musical style by examining works representative of the main musical style periods. Contributes to Neuroscience. (Each semester) (FA)
80-114 Music Literature I
A survey of the principle periods of music history and the most important genres, styles, compositional techniques, and composers of each period. Prerequisites: Music Theory 76-101 and 76-103, or permission of instructor. Contributes to International Studies. (Spring) (FA)
80-124 World Music
An introduction to the music of non-Western cultures, including the study of the music of Africa, India, Bosnia, Japan, Latin America, Native America and Indonesia. Issues include the interaction of traditional music with modern/Western music and the use of music to create a national or ethnic identity. (Fall) (FA)
80-134 Music in the United States
A survey of American musical interactions viewed through the lens of cultural history. This course explores the traditions of popular song, concert music, and indigenous styles, and in so doing, negotiates and challenges ideas around canonical great works by considering music, musicians and traditions that are generally considered to be at the center of that canon, as well as those that have been historically excluded from it. Contributes to Race and Ethnicity Studies/Allied Course. (SJ) (FA)
80-214 Music Literature II
A historical survey of music from Classical Antiquity through the Baroque. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-114, or permission of instructor. (Fall) (FA)
80-314 Music Literature III
A historical survey of music since ca. 1750. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-214, or permission of instructor. (Spring) (FA)
80-414 Music Literature IV
Special topics in Music Literature. Contributes to International Studies. (Fall) (FA) (WA)
80-424 Medieval and Renaissance Music
A survey of Western European music to 1600. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314. (FA)
80-434 Baroque Music
A survey of Western European music from 1600 to 1750. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314. (FA) (WA)
80-444 Classical and Romantic Music
A survey of Western European music from 1750 to 1900. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314. (FA) (WA)
80-454 20th Century Music
A survey of music from 1900 to present day. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314. (FA) (WA)
80-602 Piano Solo Repertoire, A
This course is offered for applied majors as a survey of piano literature. (FA)
80-612 Piano Solo Repertoire, B
A continuation of Music Literature 80-602. (FA)
80-622 Instrumental Pedagogy & Literature
Pedagogy and Literature courses will survey their instrument's most significant solo and ensemble literature from relevant style periods and examine pedagogical practices from a historical and contemporary perspective. This course is intended for Instrumental Performance majors. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Sophomore Barrier Examination. (FA)
80-701 Diction in Vocal Music I
The principles of pronunciation and diction in French, German and Italian for the beginning voice student, including an intensive application of these principles to vocal literature in these languages. Prerequisite: two semesters of applied voice study at the college level, Music Theory 76-113 and concurrent enrollment in applied voice. (Fall of even-numbered years) (FA)
80-711 Diction in Vocal Music II
A continuation of Diction in Vocal Music I. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-701. (Spring of odd-numbered years) (FA)
80-712 Song Literature and Performance
A survey of great solo art song literature and its performance practice. Prerequisite: Two semesters of applied voice study at the college level, or Music Theory 76-113 and concurrent enrollment in applied voice. (Fall of odd-numbered years) (FA)

76-101 Fundamentals of Solfege/Ear Training
The development of proficiency in aural skills through dictation and sight singing. Qualified students may place out of this class by examination. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-103. (Fall) (FA)
76-103 Fundamentals of Music Theory
A foundational survey of the notation and analysis of Western musical practices of the 18th and 19th centuries, to include: clefs, key signatures, scales, meter, triads and seventh chords and their inversions, Roman numeral analysis, and an introduction to 4-part writing. Some ability to read musical notation is highly recommended prior to enrollment. This course is a prerequisite to Music Theory 76-113. Qualified students may place out of this class by examination. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-101. (Fall) (FA)
76-111 Solfege/Ear Training I
Continuation of Music Theory 76-101. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-113. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-101 or passage of a qualifying diagnostic examination. (Spring) (FA)
76-113 Music Theory I: Harmony in Practice
A survey of the hierarchical relationships in 18th-19th century diatonic harmonic practice, studied through analysis and compositional exercises. Also introduced are: cadences, phrase/period structures, non-chord tones, diatonic seventh chords, applied harmony, and modulation. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-111. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-103 or passage of a qualifying diagnostic examination. (Spring) (FA)
76-211 Solfege/Ear Training II
Continuation of Music Theory 76-111. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-213. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-111. (Fall) (FA)
76-213 Music Theory Ii: Form and Analysis
A continuation of concepts introduced in Music Theory I. Small forms, sequences and diatonic sevenths will be reviewed before proceeding to study of chromatic harmony and modulation through analysis and compositional exercises. Formal designs (periods, binary and ternary forms, sonata, rondo and variation) will be surveyed and explored in late 18th- and 19th-century musical literature. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-211. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-113. (Fall) (FA) (WA)
76-223 Music Technology
A survey of the fundamentals of music technology in the context of its historical and cultural use. Scientific foundations of acoustics, hearing, and digital audio as well as technical skills for music production will be addressed; students will work on practical applications of these concepts and techniques. Contributes to Design Thinking and Neuroscience. (Spring of even-numbered years) (FA)
76-311 Solfege/Ear Training III
Continuation of Music Theory 76-211. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-313. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-211. (Spring) (FA)
76-313 Music Theory III: Counterpoint
A strongly composition-based course that provides an introduction to the contrapuntal styles of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-311. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-213. (Spring) (FA)
76-343 Orchestration
A study of orchestral instrumentation and the art of transcription for orchestra, through score analysis and arranging projects. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-213. (Spring of odd-numbered years) (FA)
76-413 Music Theory IV: 20th Century Music
An analytical survey of the compositional languages, aesthetics and forms in the concert music of the 20th century. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-313. (Fall) (FA)
76-532 Composition
Individual instruction in the craft of musical composition. Students are introduced to the techniques and languages of contemporary concert music through original writing exercises and listening assignments. Continued study will ultimately lead to writing projects in larger forms. May be repeated for credit. Contributes to Design Thinking. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-101 and 76-103, or consent of instructor. (Each semester) (FA)
76-534 Composition
Individual instruction in the craft of musical composition. Students are introduced to the techniques and languages of contemporary concert music through original writing exercises and listening assignments. Continued study will ultimately lead to writing projects in larger forms. May be repeated for credit. Contributes to Design Thinking. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-101 and 76-103, or consent of instructor. (Each semester) (FA)