Courses
MUS 5000 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 and monuments. A key project in the class will be providing an appropriate bibliography for a selected research topic.
MUS 5001 Performer’s Survey I: Art Song (3 sh)
After a brief summary of the origins of music for the solo voice beginning in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this class will focus on art song repertoire in the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. As appropriate for each period, it will foster a system of analysis for performance preparation that involves melody, harmony, rhythm, and poetic synthesis. Assignments will include readings and research papers, as well as out-of-class listening. The course offers an opportunity for the application of relevant elements through coached student performances in a master class setting.
MUS 5002 Performer’s Survey II: Opera (3 sh)
The origins of opera, beginning in the late 16th century. Opera of the 17th century will be explored using recorded examples to illustrate the development of early opera and the relationship between music, libretto, and forms. These relationships will continue to be a focus in Classical, Romantic, and contemporary opera as will the major operatic composers of each period. The objective of the course is to foster a broad knowledge of many operatic works and detailed knowledge of selected operas. Assignments will include readings and research papers, as well as out-of-class listening. The course offers an opportunity for the application of relevant elements through coached student performances in a master class setting.
MUS 5003 Performer’s Survey III: Oratorio/Cantata/Mass (3 sh)
Detailing the rise of the cantata out of the 16th century monadic style and the madrigal, this course follows the development of the cantata beginning with the 17th century cantata da camera and cantata de chiesa, the latter fully developed by J.S. Bach and others in the Baroque period. Cantatas and other extended works under different nomenclatures and in different styles, as developed in various countries, will be explored. Early oratorios, with dramatic elements not found in cantatas, will be studied as precursors to the larger oratorios of the late Baroque and on, when large choirs took positions of importance and drama resembled opera. The objective of the course is to foster a broad knowledge of many works in this genre and detailed knowledge of selected works from the Baroque through the Contemporary periods. Assignments will include readings and research papers, as well as out-of-class listening. The course offers an opportunity for the application of relevant elements through coached student performances in a master class setting.
MUS 5100 Performance Practica (0 sh)
Students registered for this course are required to attend and participate in various performance-related assemblies including, but not limited to, recitals and/or studio classes, specified in each semester’s syllabus.
MUS 5300 Applications in Musical Analysis (2 sh)
A practical application of music theory and analysis skills aimed at exploring the factors that give unity and coherence to musical masterpieces. The course will survey important analytic methods and techniques and apply them to a designated repertoire, to be determined in part by the performance repertoire of the class, and in part by representation of important works in various musical genres.
MUS 5310 Chamber/Duo Instrumental Repertoire (3 sh)
Lecture/Performance class emphasizing collaborative techniques, knowledge of performance practice, and analytical skills needed to perform standard keyboard repertory in combination with other instruments from all historical periods. The course offers an opportunity for the application of relevant elements through coached student performances in a master class setting.
MUS 5401 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. Expectations and requirements for graduate students are higher than for undergraduates who may be enrolled in the class, in teaching, and on tests.
MUS 5402 Vocal Pedagogy II (1 sh)
A continuation of the work of MUS 5401 Vocal Pedagogy I: 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. Expectations and requirements for graduate students are higher than for the undergraduates in teaching, on tests, and in research. Prerequisite: MUS 5401.
MUS 5421 Lyric Diction: Latin and English (1 sh)
An overview of the sounds of Latin and English and foundational 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.
MUS 5422 Lyric Diction: Spanish (1 sh)
An overview of the sounds of Spanish and the 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. Prerequisite MUS 5421.
MUS 5423 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. Prerequisite MUS 5421.
MUS 5424 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 authoritative pronunciation for the unique needs of singers and choral conductors. Includes lecture, written tests, and assignments. Prerequisite MUS 5421.
MUS 5425 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. Prerequisite MUS 5421.
MUS 5450 Opera Workshop (0 or 2 sh)
For experienced singers selected through auditions by the instructor. 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.
MUS 5455 Opera Production (0 or 2 sh)
For a select group of experienced singers cast through auditions by the 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 in a foreign language or in English. Chamber operas will be accompanied by piano or an instrumental ensemble, and full-length operas will be with orchestra. Prerequisite: MUS 5450.
MUS 5500 Vocal Pedagogy Clinical I (1 sh)
The first semester of a two-semester clinical teaching experience. Each student will teach 3 students per week (thirty-minute lessons) or by advisement, one voice class (fifty-minute class). A course supervisor observes all lessons at least twice in the semester and, in private consultation, critiques the student’s teaching. Prerequisite: MUS 5401, MUS 5402.
MUS 5510 Vocal Pedagogy Clinical II (1 sh)
The second semester of a year-long clinical teaching experience. Each student teaches 3 students per week (thirty-minute lessons) or by advisement, one voice class (fifty-minute class). A course supervisor observes all lessons at least twice in the semester and, in private consultation, critiques the student’s teaching. Prerequisite: MUS 5500.
MUS 5650 Master Classes in Vocal Performance (1 sh)
The Master Class is a workshop on style and presentation of solo vocal works in art song, opera, or oratorio specifically for the purposes of preparing students for future auditions. A convincing performance is built on an authoritative interpretation as well its physical externalization. The interpretation is developed through the student’s research of form, melody, harmony, text setting, and/or historical placement as appropriate. The externalization focuses on the contributions of the face, eyes, and gestures to a complete performance. The class schedule will be posted before registration and may involve evening or weekend hours. The course will address performance consideration for both singers and collaborative pianists.
MUS 5800 University Choir (0 sh)
Graduate choral work builds on the undergraduate experience (see MUS 0800) with a more advanced level of execution expected. Graduate students may be offered leadership roles in the ensemble, as section leaders and/or soloists.
MUS 5890 Chamber Singers (0 sh)
Graduate participation in Chamber Singers assumes a high degree of mastery of vocal skill, musicianship, and professionalism. The goal for this ensemble is to function as a group of soloists in the true chamber style, performing music that profits from more intimate renderings. Students participate in multiple performances both on and off campus. Auditions are competitive and based on the needs of the ensemble.
MUS 5910 Independent Study in Graduate Music (1-4 sh)
Independent instruction in music at the Graduate level.
MUS 5920 Topics in Music (1-2 sh)
Intense investigation of a selected topic.
MUS 5970 Graduate Conference (0 sh)
All students must register for this course in the semester of their Graduate Conference.
MUS 6000 Graduate Comprehensive Projects (0 sh)
In addition to the graduate coursework requirements, all graduate students are required to complete five comprehensive projects before a diploma is awarded. Comprehensive projects are representative of the work done in the following courses: MUS 5401/02 Vocal Pedagogy, MUS 5001 Art Song Survey, MUS 5002 Opera Survey, MUS 5003 Cantata/Oratorio/Mass, and MUS 5300 Applications in Analysis. Project guidelines vary and are determined by the instructor of each course. Students are responsible for obtaining these guidelines. Projects can be completed at any time during the course of the degree program. See the Music Student Handbook for complete details including deadlines. All projects must receive a grade of B or higher.
Applied Music (Graduate)
AMUS 5005 Applied Theory/Sight Singing Tutorial (1 sh)
This applied class is required for graduate students who are deficient in music theory and/or sight singing as determined by a placement test during orientation. The class provides tailored instruction to prepare students to pass the competency exam.
AMUS 5110 Applied Piano (1 or 2 sh)
Advanced applied study in piano, with emphasis on the collaborative process with singers. In addition, there will be study of solo piano literature, as well as exposure to the collaborative process with instrumentalists.
AMUS 5120 Applied Harpsichord (1 or 2 sh)
A variety of topics related to the harpsichord and its music will be taught. Provides keyboard musicians, especially pianists, with knowledge and practical experience playing the harpsichord. Intended to prepare and diversify the skills needed by professional pianists and vocalists for careers in church, choral, and recital venues.
AMUS 5130 Applied Organ (1 or 2 sh)
Study in the principles of organ playing to include pedal and manual technique and registration appropriate to liturgical use in a variety of styles and periods. Intended to prepare and diversify the skills needed by professional pianists and vocalists for careers in church, choral and recital venues.
AMUS 5190 Applied Conducting (1 or 2 sh)
Students will be able to express musical ideas through effective and expressive conducting gestures. Students will learn and/or review the standard conducting patterns, baton technique, score study, rehearsal organization, and programming. They will learn a variety of repertoire with the goal of practicing and refining their choral conducting rehearsal and performance techniques. Students will also exhibit the applied understanding of vocal technique in a choral setting while rehearsing and conducting a North Park ensemble. No previous conducting study is required.
AMUS 5200 Applied Voice (1 or 2 sh)
Continuation of principles of breath control, tone development and correct diction aiming toward technical mastery of standard vocal literature. Graduate study assumes a higher level of development in these areas upon entry and sets higher standards for continued improvement than undergraduate study. The standard repertoire studied should expand to fill in areas that are lacking and include new and more challenging repertoire. (See the Music Student Handbook for jury/recital requirements.) At least one complete operatic role and one oratorio role should be studied during the master’s program.
AMUS 5210 Practicum: Studio/Choral/Opera Accompanying Techniques (1 sh)
Supervised practical experience in accompanying with instruction of the essential skills needed for collaborative work in studio, choral and opera accompanying: figured bass, execution of transcriptions, following a conductor, score reading, interpersonal skills and transposition.
AMUS 5220 Applied Gospel/Contemporary Piano (1 or 2 sh)
Study in lead sheet reading and accompanying techniques through a wide range of music idioms including black gospel, Christian Contemporary, pop, and blues. Emphasis is placed on learning chord extensions, advanced harmonies, and rhythmic groove. Intended to prepare and diversify the skills needed by professional pianists and vocalists for careers in church, choral and recital venues.
AMUS 5600 Interpretive Performance Studies (1 sh)
Private coaching sessions dealing with musical and interpretive considerations in various styles of music. Aimed at artistic renderings of both music and text. Graduate students must take the course in the semester prior to the semester of the final recital; may be taken for elective credit in other semesters as well. Prerequisite: MUS 5000.
AMUS 5900 Special Recital (0 sh)
Students who desire to perform recitals not required by their degree tracks should register for this course in the semester in which the recital is performed.
AMUS 6001 Applied Piano: Recital (2 sh)
A capstone experience in the form of a public recital. All vocal repertoire with the exception of piano solo(s).
Program requirements
Students in the M.M.C.P. program must complete 36 semester hours. This curriculum represents a two-year program assuming that all requirements have been met before beginning it. Deficiencies which need to be made up might require extra time.
Program Description
In a student-centered learning environment led by a professional faculty and enhanced by our location in a major metropolitan area, we nurture a high degree of competence in order to prepare our students for the rigorous and multi-faceted career demands of a professional collaborative pianist.
The design of the curriculum provides an advanced educational experience in both the theory and practice of collaborative piano. The curriculum also provides coursework and experiences to bridge the gap between the academic environment and the professional world.
Objectives
To elicit significant and positive outcomes that are required for success in the profession, the curriculum offers a two-fold approach that merges academics and performance. In breadth and depth it is designed to elicit the knowledge and skills that are relevant to the specific demands of careers in collaborative piano (vocal coaching). Ongoing assessment of student development and programmatic impact will ensure successful outcomes.
Course requirements:
Major Area: 12 sh
Applied Music:
Other Studies in Music: 20 sh
Electives: 4 sh
AMUS 5200: May be repeated.
AMUS 5600: Taken the semester prior to the semester of the final recital.
MUS 3770: By placement.
MUS/AMUS: Any course excluding those fulfilling entrance and program requirements.