MUS Courses
GE Designates a course that fulfills all or part of a Core Curriculum requirement; see the Core Curriculum Program section of the catalog for more information.
MUS 0100 Student Recital (0 sh)
This course is designed to offer students opportunities to listen to a variety of concerts and recitals, and to perform as soloists as well. In addition, guest artists conduct master classes on occasion. Students registered for this course have a set number of requirements to attend General and Class Recitals, evening and weekend concerts, and recitals from the Music Concert Calendar. Students also have specific performance requirements associated with the General and Class Recitals.
MUS 0700 Jazz Ensemble (0 or 1 sh) GE
A select group of wind, rhythm, and percussion players determined by audition. Repertoire includes music for large jazz groups from the big band era to the present. An on-campus concert is presented each term, along with occasional outside performances.
MUS 0725 Concert Band (0 or 1 sh) GE
Open to all wind and percussion players, this group is dedicated to the performance of wind ensemble music, both original music and transcriptions. Performances include on-campus concerts each term.
MUS 0750 University Orchestra (0 or 1 sh) GE
Devoted to the study and preparation of orchestral literature from the Baroque era to the present through regular rehearsal and performance. All instrumentalists are welcome. Principal positions and general seating are determined by audition.
Orchestra Rehearsals and Concerts are centered around Education in Human Values (based on five universal core values; truth, love, peace, right conduct and non-violence) and serve as a model for the certificate in Music for Social Change and Human Values.
MUS 0800 University Choir (0 or 1 sh) GE
A select group of experienced choristers, determined by audition. Emphasis is placed on vocal development and performance, with major appearances annually on and off campus, and with regular national and foreign tours. The University Choir performs a varied repertoire of sacred and secular music. Cross-listed with MUS 5800.
MUS 0810 Upper Voice Chorale (0 or 1 sh) GE
A select group of upper-voice singers determined by audition. Emphasis is placed on vocal development and performance, with major appearances annually on and off campus, and with national and foreign tours periodically. The Upper Voice Chorale (UVC) performs a varied repertoire of sacred and secular music.
MUS 0850 Gospel Choir (0 or 1 sh)
Open to all singers, the Gospel Choir performs music that originates in the African American religious experience, including both traditional and contemporary repertoire. The choir performs two concerts a year on campus.
MUS 0855 Gospel Choir Touring Ensemble (0 or 1 sh) GE
A select ensemble of singers drawn from the larger Gospel Choir by audition. The repertoire features all forms of gospel as well as traditional spirituals. The emphasis is on off-campus performances with a major tour every other year. Complete MUS 0850 or by Music Placement.
MUS 0860 University Ministries Worship Team Ensemble (0 or 1 sh)
This worship ensemble is chosen by audition and supervised by University Ministries and the Worship Arts Coordinator for the campus. Students are expected to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to planning and leading music in worship. Roles on the team include team leaders (planning, coordination, song selection), vocalists, instrumentalists, and communications liaison to other worship planning groups. Emphasis will be given to learning diverse worship styles and repertoire will include worship music from various traditions and cultural styles. Students will lead in weekly campus worship services as well as off-campus worship events. Co-requisite: MUS 2210.
MUS 1000 Music Appreciation (2 sh) GE
Introduction to the art of music in Western civilization, and its elements, styles, and masterworks from the Middle Ages to the present. Emphasis on repertoire study, listening, and concert attendance. On and/or off-campus concert attendance required. For the non-music major. Cannot be applied toward a major or minor in music.
MUS 1005 Introduction to the Music Profession (2 sh) GE
Introduction to the Music Profession offers Bachelor of Arts or Music students to begin to make connections between their music study, the total academic program, and post-undergraduate activities. It will also provide a setting in which to share perceptions about intended professions; this process will then in turn create a supportive atmosphere to ease the transition from high school and prior artistic settings, to college, and eventually to the workplace. Guests who work in a variety of music fields will be invited to selected classes, and students will be assigned readings that will act as a basis for in-class discussions. Other goals of the course include an intensive focus on the ethical dimensions of the music profession, and an exploration of professional habits that will support success in the future. Prerequisite: MUS 1080.
MUS 1010 Keyboard Skills I (2 sh)
For students with little or no piano study. Functional keyboard harmony, scales, transposition, simple score reading, sight- reading, improvisation, and repertoire. For music majors, minors, and concentrations. Placement by piano faculty.
MUS 1020 Keyboard Skills II (2 sh)
For students with some piano study. Functional keyboard harmony, scales, transposition, simple score reading, sight-reading, improvisation, and repertoire. For music majors, minors, and concentrations. Prerequisite: MUS 1010 or placement by piano faculty.
MUS 1030 Keyboard Skills III (2 sh)
For students with a minimum of 2-4 years of piano study. Functional keyboard harmony, scales, transposition, score reading, accompaniments, sight-reading, improvisation, repertoire, and skills required for specific majors. For music majors as required by degree track. Prerequisite: MUS 1020 or placement by piano faculty.
MUS 1040 Keyboard Skills IV (2 sh)
For students with a minimum of 3-5 years of piano study. A highly focused and practical approach to the performance of music materials commonly used in music education and worship programs. Areas of study include: advanced score reading using C clefs; transpositions, and keyboard improvisation. For music majors as required by degree track. Prerequisite MUS 1030 or placement by piano faculty.
MUS 1080 Introduction to Musicianship (4 sh)
An introduction to basic skills and concepts that are foundational to further studies in music. Topics in music theory, aural skills, and keyboard harmony will be taught against the contextual background of a broad overview of stylistic periods in music history.
MUS 1110 Aural Skills I (2 sh)
Sight singing and ear training through an aural approach to music rudiments including recognition, reproduction, and dictation. Includes rhythms, scale degrees, intervals, melodies and harmony in diatonic music of graded difficulty. Prerequisite: MUS 1080 or placement test.
MUS 1120 Aural Skills II (2 sh)
Continuation of sight singing and ear training through an aural approach to music rudiments including recognition, reproduction, and dictation. Includes rhythms, scale degrees, intervals, melodies and harmony in a diatonic music of graded difficulty. Prerequisite: MUS 1110 or placement test.
MUS 1600 El Sistema (1 sh)
An introduction to the El Sistema Philosophy of Music Instruction. The course will include information about the history of El Sistema; current developments in the movement; specific case studies of El Sistema-inspired programs in Venezuela, the United States and other countries; and other pertinent topics related to this philosophy of music instruction. Resources from greater Chicago and YOURS community will be linked to the curriculum of this course.
MUS 2050 Contemporary American Popular Music (2 sh) GE
A study of American popular music from the birth of rock-and- roll in the 1950s to the present. The basic elements of music will also be covered. Individual works are analyzed and placed within their cultural and historical frameworks. Listening and analysis.
MUS 2060 World Music in Cultural Perspective (4 sh) GE
An introduction to the cultures and historical developments of major world regions and their global interactions, focusing on the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries, using music as the primary form of cultural analysis. Music will be studied from an ethno-musicological perspective to provide insight into several world cultures and the historical events that shaped them. Listening and analysis will be components of this course.
MUS 2080 Applied Methods: Brass (1 sh)
Introduction to the fundamentals of applied techniques specific to various instruments in the brass family.
MUS 2081 Applied Methods: Woodwind (1 sh)
Introduction to the fundamentals of applied techniques specific to various instruments in the woodwind family.
MUS 2082 Applied Methods: Percussion (1 sh)
Introduction to the fundamentals of applied techniques specific to various instruments in the percussion family.
MUS 2083 Applied Methods: Strings (1 sh)
Introduction to the fundamentals of applied techniques specific to various instruments in the string family.
MUS 2084 Applied Methods: Guitar and Ukulele (1 sh)
Introduction to the fundamentals of applied techniques specific to the guitar and ukulele.
MUS 2110 Aural Skills III (2 sh)
Sight singing and ear training through an aural approach to more advanced music including recognition, reproduction, and dictation. Includes rhythms, intervals, an introduction of chromaticism in scale patterns, melodies, and harmony. Prerequisite: MUS 1120 or placement test.
MUS 2120 Aural Skills IV (2 sh)
Sight singing and ear training through an aural approach to advanced music including recognition, reproduction, and dictation. Includes rhythms, intervals in an atonal context, more advanced chromaticism in scale patterns, melodies, harmony, and formal analysis. Prerequisite: MUS 2110 or placement test.
MUS 2130 Music Theory I (2 sh)
Study of basic elements of diatonic music. Topics include triadic harmony, non-chord tones, melodic organization, phrase structure, cadences. Prerequisite: MUS 1080 or placement test.
MUS 2140 Music Theory II (2 sh)
Continuing study of the principles of diatonic music. Topics include elements of melodic structure; pitch and rhythm, embellishing tones, melodic form and composition, and part writing with triads and seventh chords. Prerequisite: MUS 2130 or placement test.
MUS 2155 Technology in Music (2 sh)
An introduction to current software programs and their applications for music education, composition, and production. Music graphics, sequencing and pedagogical software and hardware will be used in this course. Prerequisite: MUS 2130 or by permission of instructor.
MUS 2401 Lyric Diction: Latin and English (1 sh)
An overview of the sounds of Latin and English and basic rules for pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Previous language study is desirable but not necessary. A supplement to traditional language study focusing on authoritative pronunciation for the unique needs of singers and choral conductors. Includes lecture, written tests, and assignments. This course is a prerequisite for all other diction courses. Cross-listed as MUS 5421. Prerequisite: 2 Semesters of AMUS 1200
MUS 2402 Lyric Diction: Spanish (1 sh)
An overview of the sounds of Spanish and basic rules for pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Previous language study is desirable but not necessary. A supplement to traditional language study focusing on authoritative pronunciation for the unique needs of singers and choral conductors. Includes lecture, written tests, and assignments. Cross-listed as MUS 5422. Prerequisite: MUS 2401.
MUS 2403 Lyric Diction: Italian (1 sh)
An overview of the sounds of Italian and basic rules for pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Previous language study is desirable but not necessary. A supplement to traditional language study focusing on authoritative pronunciation for the unique needs of singers and choral conductors. Includes lecture, written tests, and assignments. Cross-listed as MUS 5423. Prerequisite: MUS 2401.
MUS 2404 Lyric Diction: German (1 sh)
An overview of the sounds of German and basic rules for pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Previous language study is desirable but not necessary. A supplement to traditional language study focusing on the authoritative pronunciation for the unique needs of singers and choral conductors. Includes lecture, written tests, and assignments. Cross-listed as MUS 5424. Prerequisite: MUS 2401.
MUS 2405 Lyric Diction: French (1 sh)
An overview of the sounds of French and basic rules for pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Previous language study is desirable but not necessary. A supplement to traditional language study focusing on authoritative pronunciation for the unique needs of singers and choral conductors.
Includes lecture, written tests, and assignments. Cross-listed with MUS 5425. Prerequisite: MUS 2401.
MUS 2970 Sophomore Conference (0 sh)
All students must register for this course in the semester of their Sophomore Conference.
MUS 3000 Music Bibliography (1 sh)
An introduction to the basic canon of library resources in music research. Study will include general library resources, bibliographies of composers, music, music literature, and music sources. It will give a broad view of dictionaries, encyclopedias, discographies, dissertations, and Festschriften as well as histories, library catalogs, periodicals, periodical indexes, thematic catalogs, monuments and electronic resources. A key project in the class will be providing an appropriate bibliography for a selected research topic. Cross-listed with MUS 5000. Prerequisite: MUS 2140.
MUS 3010 Music History and Literature I (4 sh) GE
This survey of the history of western music from the Baroque period through the mid-Romantic period is designed to familiarize students with the genres, musical styles and important personalities of the eras. Through active listening and analysis, students will become familiar with the musical styles of the periods. Structured writing assignments will reflect professional scholarship in the field of music.
MUS 3020 Music History and Literature II (2 sh) GE
This survey of the history of western music from the late Romantic period through the present time is designed to familiarize students with the genres, musical styles and important personalities of the eras. Through active listening and analysis, students will become familiar with the musical styles of the periods. Structured writing assignments will reflect professional scholarship in the field of music. Prerequisite: MUS 3010 or permission of instructor.
MUS 3075 Jazz History (2 sh)
A survey of the history of jazz. The material will be approached through selected readings, recorded listening examples, classroom discussion, and special projects.
MUS 3080 Pedagogical Methods: Brass (1 sh)
Intermediate applied techniques and pedagogical methods for teaching beginning and intermediate players. Prerequisite: MUS 2080.
MUS 3081 Pedagogical Methods: Woodwinds (1 sh)
Intermediate applied techniques and pedagogical methods for teaching beginning and intermediate players. Prerequisite: MUS 2081.
MUS 3082 Pedagogical Methods: Percussion (1 sh)
Intermediate applied techniques and pedagogical methods for teaching beginning and intermediate players. Prerequisite: MUS 2082.
MUS 3083 Pedagogical Methods: Strings (1 sh)
Intermediate applied techniques and pedagogical methods for teaching beginning and intermediate players. Prerequisite: MUS 2083.
MUS 3130 Music Theory III (2 sh)
Study of principles of chromaticism in tonal music, including secondary functions, modulation, mode mixture, altered pre- dominants, and other advanced chromatic harmony. Formal analysis, introduction to counterpoint, study of inventions, and fugue. Short composition projects and analysis of 19th century works. Prerequisite: MUS 2140.
MUS 3140 Music Theory IV (2 sh)
Study of compositional techniques in late 19th and 20th century music. Topics include linear chromaticism, use of synthetic scales and modes, post-tonal techniques in both centric, freely atonal and serial contexts. Introduction to pitch-class set theory. Analysis of major works in each of these areas. Prerequisite: MUS 3130 or placement test.
MUS 3150 Jazz/Pop Theory (2 sh)
Harmonic studies in jazz and pop idioms. Literature analysis, harmonization of melodies, keyboard realization, and voicing. Projects include small arrangements and original compositions. Prerequisite: MUS 3130.
MUS 3170 Conducting I (2 sh)
Beginning and intermediate conducting skills: beat patterns, baton technique, use of face, eyes, left hand; basic rehearsal planning; score preparation; psychology of conducting. An introduction to choral and instrumental methods and materials. Co/Prerequisite: MUS 2140 or placement test.
MUS 3180 Conducting II (2 sh)
An advanced study of the conducting concepts covered in MUS 3170. A more in-depth exploration of choral and instrumental methods and materials for the purpose of developing skills in applied musicianship. Prerequisite: MUS 3170.
MUS 3307 Methods & Materials for Teaching Music PreK-8 (2 sh)
An exploration of the current pedagogical practices with regard to PreK and elementary music education. Through the study of various musical philosophies and methodologies, along with the National Standards for Music Education, students will develop and practice appropriate lesson plans and assessment tools for teaching all types of learners the basic elements common to most music curricula. For PreK, study of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards will be emphasized. A survey of the most widely used pedagogical systems in music education (Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze) will also be featured. Other topics include: theories of music learning, testing and measurement, assessment, multicultural resources and their applications, technology in the music classroom, arts integration strategies, and building a defense for arts in education. Prerequisite: EDUC 2140.
MUS 3401 Vocal Pedagogy I (1 sh)
Physiology of the voice and pedagogical methods for teaching singing. Mentored clinical teaching with in-class observation and critique. Tests cover text and lectures. Cross-listed with MUS 5401. Prerequisite: two semesters of AMUS 1200.
MUS 3402 Vocal Pedagogy II (1 sh)
A continuation of MUS 3401: Physiology of the voice and pedagogical methods for teaching singing. Mentored clinical teaching with in-class observation and critique. Tests cover text and lectures. Research paper on a voice related topic, either in the area of voice science or pedagogy. More emphasis on clinical teaching. Cross-listed with MUS 5402. Prerequisite: MUS 3401.
MUS 3408 Secondary Choral Methods and Materials (1 sh)
Philosophies, techniques, methodologies, and administration of secondary school music programs for general music and vocal programs including curriculum, unit/lesson/rehearsal planning, vocal techniques, performance practice, conducting, skill building, and technology integration. Students will examine common challenges associated with secondary choral programs including advocacy, diverse learning populations, and various choral ensembles such as show choir. Relevant materials, resources, and repertoire will be examined to enable students to effectively teach from perspectives that are intentionally multicultural and interdisciplinary, and stylistically diverse. Prerequisite: EDUC 2140.
MUS 3409 Secondary Instrumental Methods and Materials (1 sh)
Philosophies, techniques, methodologies, and administration of secondary school music programs for instrumental music programs including an overview of relevant repertoire, computer technologies, multicultural resources for concert band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, marching band, chamber ensembles, and class guitar.
MUS 3450 Opera Workshop (0 or 1 sh)
Emphasis is on the development of singing-acting skills through lecture, discussion, and exercises in character interaction using appropriate staging techniques. A scene recital is presented at the conclusion of the course. Scenes may be performed in a foreign language or in English. By audition. Cross-listed with MUS 5450.
MUS 3455 Opera Production (0 or 1 sh)
For a select group of experienced singers cast through auditions by instructor. The skills developed in scene recital work will be called upon in this intensive preparation for a complete opera production. Chamber and full-length operas will be performed in yearly alternation, and may be performed in a foreign language or in English. Chamber operas will be performed with piano or an instrumental ensemble, and full-length operas will be with orchestra. Cross-listed with MUS 5455.
MUS 3500 Introduction to Arts Management (2 sh)
An introductory arts administration course that will approach a broad range of topics related to the nonprofit arts sector. The course will include lectures, discussions, readings, guest speakers, and visits to arts organizations in the region. Prerequisite: BSE 2211 (students who declare a major with greater than 29sh are exempt), NONP 3710.
MUS 3690 Youth Orchestra Techniques (2 sh)
The course will focus on orchestra pedagogy; youth orchestra rehearsal techniques; strategies for building an orchestra program through rehearsal and repertoire choices; rehearsal psychology with a specific emphasis on the unique context of an El Sistema inspired setting (ethnic and cultural diversity, poverty, and others).
MUS 3710 Jazz Combo (0 or 1 sh)
A select group of musicians determined by audition. Jazz music of all eras is studied, with an emphasis on individual improvisation. By placement.
MUS 3770 Chamber Music Ensemble (0 or 1 sh)
A variety of small ensembles studying and performing a variety of chamber music literature. The instrumentation for the ensembles may specify brass, classical guitar, percussion, piano, woodwinds or strings, or a combination thereof, and could also include other instruments or voice. By placement.
MUS 3890 Chamber Singers (0 or 1 sh)
The Chamber Singers is a small, select group of singers, that performs music from many and diverse styles and periods. The goal for this ensemble is to function as a group of soloists in the true chamber style, performing music that profits from intimate renderings. Students participate in multiple performances both on and off campus including regular national and foreign tours. Auditions are competitive and based on the needs of the ensemble. Cross-listed with MUS 5890.
MUS 3910 Topics in Music (1-4 sh)
Periodic intense investigations of selected topics such as: The Entrepreneurial Musician, Single Composer Survey, Film Music, Performer’s Health, Advanced Music Theory, Jazz Improvisational Techniques and others. Prerequisite: MUS 1080.
MUS 4000 Departmental Honors in Music (3 sh)
Advanced study and/or performance project for selected students. (For specific eligibility requirements, see the Honors heading near the beginning of the Music section.)
MUS 4160 Orchestration (2 sh)
A study of the ranges, techniques, timbres, and scoring of traditional orchestral instruments. Arranging for small instrumental ensembles is emphasized. Prerequisite: MUS 3130.
MUS 4165 Songwriting (2 sh)
Introduction to the craft of songwriting. Exercises and guided projects aimed at writing and setting original lyrics as well as existing texts. Emphasis on songwriting related to faith expression. Prerequisite: MUS 2140 or consent of instructor.
MUS 4175 Arranging (2 sh)
Practical techniques of arranging music for a variety of vocal and instrumental mediums and in a variety of stylistic genres. Focus on arranging for small ensembles found both in school and church contexts. Prerequisite: MUS 3130.
MUS 4910 Independent Study in Music (1-4 sh)
Study project as proposed by the student and approved by the faculty.
MUS 4930 Directed Research (2 or 4 sh)
Students will work under the direction of a faculty mentor on a novel research project. Permission of the faculty mentor is required prior to enrollment in this course. This course may be repeated, though the department may limit the number of credit hours this course satisfies towards the major. Please see the departmental degree requirements for details.
MUS 4970 Internship in Music (1-4 sh)
Students have an opportunity to work with a variety of professional organizations, including churches, in fields such as radio, arts management and church choir/music ministry leadership. Please see the internship section of the catalog for requirements and guidelines.