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 (winds, brass, and percussion) performs two concerts per semester. The Ensemble is open to all University students with 3-4 years of high school ensemble experience. Students learn and present a diverse repertoire, combining artistic expression with disciplined performance practice. (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 is open to all SU students, faculty, and staff. No audition is required. The ensemble explores a diverse choral repertoire from many different musical styles. Students will improve their performance while learning the foundations of healthy singing and the building blocks of music literacy. (Each semester) (FA)
78-131 Southwestern University Chorale
Southwestern University Chorale is a SATB Mixed Ensemble, open to all by audition (auditions are held during the first week of Fall classes for Fall placement, and by permission of the instructor for Spring openings). Chorale performs two concerts per semester, plus additional commitments to University events such as Candlelight service, Homecoming, etc. (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 theater, culminating in public performances each semester. All performances will be from memory. One semester each year will be 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. Class commitment includes additional labs and rehearsals as indicated by instructor. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in applied voice and permission of the instructor. (Each semester) (FA)
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. Possible groups include: string quartets, piano trios, brass ensembles, wind quartets, percussion ensemble, or jazz combo. (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 chosen by the student's applied instructor, 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 (string instruments) performs two concerts per semester and also combines forces on occasion with SU Musical Theatre, Chorale, and Opera Theatre programs. The Orchestra is open to all University students, faculty, and staff with 3-4 years of high school ensemble experience. Students learn and present a rich and diverse classical music repertoire, combining artistic expression with disciplined performance practice. (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 of odd-numbered years) (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 of even-numbered years) (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 of odd-numbered years) (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 of even-numbered years) (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. If seeking certification, students who have been admitted to the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) will fulfill the Field-based Experience (FBE) requirements for certification with a minimum of 50 hours in an Elementary music classroom placement. (Fall of odd-numbered years) (FA)
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. (Fall 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. (Fall of odd-numbered years) (FA)
77-522 Vocal Pedagogy
A discussion of historical and current pedagogical techniques; the physiology of singing and voice types; training the young singer; and vocal development through repertoire choice. Prerequisites: Two semesters of applied voice study at the college level and concurrent enrollment in applied voice study. (Fall 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 Introductory 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 80-114; or permission of instructor. (Spring of even-numbered years) (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. (Fall of even-numbered years) (FA)
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. (Fall of even-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 Music Colloquium
This course is for all music majors to meet each semester to discuss relevant topics in the field of music not generally covered in the core curriculum. Faculty or guest speakers will present multiple times per semester. Additionally, 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. Six semesters must be satisfactorily completed to fulfill requirements for the BM degree and four for the BA (Music) degree. 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 Introduction to Music Literature
A survey of the principal 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. (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) (PJ) (FA)
80-144 Music, Meaning, and Society
This course examines the roles that music plays in human society through the lens of other disciplines: Anthropology, Physics, Biology, Sociology, Linguistics, Political Science, and Ethics. The course investigates the ways in which music functions in our daily lives and how individual and group identities are established/reinforced through the music we listen to. No previous study of music is required for enrollment. (FA)
80-214 Music History 900-1800
A historical survey of music from the development of musical notation through the end of the eighteenth century. Contributes to Early Modern and Medieval Studies, and International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-114, or permission of instructor. (Fall) (FA)
80-314 Music History Since 1800
A historical survey of music since ca. 1800. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-114, or permission of instructor. (Spring of odd-numbered years) (FA) (WA)
80-414 Adv Topics in Music History & Literature
May be repeated with a change of topic. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-114, or permission of instructor. (Spring of even-numbered years) (FA) (WA)
80-424 Music in the Cultures of Print & Perform
Topics in the development of musical notation, edition, performance, publication, and dissemination, and interactions among these. Offerings will focus on specific cultural or historical topics. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314. (FA
80-434 Music, Gender, and Sexuality
Music is prized for its expressive capabilities and widely considered to be capable of communicating humans' most personal ideas and experiences. Gender and sexuality certainly belong in these realms. Focusing on specific cultural and historical arenas, this course explores ways in which Western music and musicians have dealt with themes of gender and sexuality, as well as ways in which other musicians and the public have responded to, or ignored, those discourses. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314, or permission of instructor. (FA) (WA)
80-444 Music, Race, and Nationality
Concepts of Self and Other in music have often centered on asserted or perceived racial, ethnic, and national identification, and musicians have often used both vocal and instrumental music to deal with politically charged racial, ethnic, and national themes that were risky or controversial in verbal and visual discourses. This course focuses on those musicians' work in communicating their own ideas and persuading others. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314, or permission of instructor. (FA) (WA)
80-454 Studies in Musical Genre and Repertoire
An exploration of specific musical genres other than piano repertoire and song (Music Literature 80-602, 80-612, 80-712) - e.g. jazz, hip hop, opera, symphonic literature, instrumental chamber music, choral music, eighteenth-century cantata, etc. Contributes to International Studies. Prerequisite: Music Literature 80-314, or permission of instructor. (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 Second Year Performance Review. (FA)
80-702 Diction in Vocal Music
Diction introduces the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and its use in studying the principles of pronunciation and diction in English, French, German and Italian for the voice student, including an intensive application of these principles to vocal literature. Prerequisite: two semesters of applied voice study at the college level, Music Theory 76-113, and concurrent enrollment in applied voice. (Fall of odd-numbered years) (FA)
80-712 Song Literature and Performance
A survey of 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. (Spring of even-numbered years) (FA)

76-101 Aural Skills I
The development of proficiency in aural skills through listening, 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 Music Theory I: Fundamentals
A foundational survey of the notation and analysis of varied musical practices, 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 prior ability to read musical notation is recommended but not required. Qualified students may place out of this class by examination. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-101. (Fall) (FA)
76-111 Aural Skills II
Continuation of Music Theory 76-101, this course develops aural skills in listening to, and understanding diatonic harmony and melody. 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 II: Harmony in Practice
A survey of the hierarchical relationships in 18th-19th century diatonic harmonic practice, studied through analysis, compositional exercises, and comparison to other stylistic practices. Also introduced are: cadences, phrase/period structures, non-chord tones, and diatonic seventh chords. 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 Aural Skills III
Continuation of Music Theory 76-111, this course develops aural skills in listening to, and understanding chromatic harmony and musical form. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-213. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-111. (Fall) (FA)
76-213 Music Theory Iii: Form and Analysis
A continuation of concepts introduced in Music Theory II. This course introduces 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 across a diversity of musical literature. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-211. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-113. (Fall) (FA)
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. (Each semester) (FA)
76-313 Counterpoint
A composition-based course that provides an introduction to the contrapuntal styles of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-213. (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 even-numbered years) (FA)
76-411 Aural Skills IV
A continuation of Music Theory 76-211, this course develops skills in listening to, and understanding the musical materials of the twentieth century. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-211. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-413. (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. To be taken concurrently with Music Theory 76-411. Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-213. (Spring of odd-numbered years) (FA)
76-532 Applied 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 (two semesters required). Prerequisite: Music Theory 76-111 and 76-113, or consent of instructor. (Each semester) (FA)
76-544 Applied Composition (capstone)
Individual instruction in the craft of composition. This course is intended for students in the semester of their Composition Capstone. (FA)