Music

MU 100 Foundations of Church Music (4) Prereq.: Open to all students except those with a music major, minor, or teaching field. In this foundational course for the church musician, students will learn basic theory concepts and songleading techniques. Students will also examine a variety of music issues. Fall sem.

MU 101 Freshman Music Theory (4) This course provides a practical approach to the study of music fundamentals, including major and minor keys, scales, rhythm and meter, intervals, triads, harmonic analysis, and non-harmonic tones. Students learn basic principles of voice leading through part-writing exercises as well as sight-singing and dictation to develop aural perception in correlation with the written work. Meets 5 hours a week. Fall sem.

MU 102 Freshman Music Theory (4) Prereq.: At least “C” in MU 101 or music theory placement exam. This course continues the study of music fundamentals, including triad inversions, diatonic seventh chords in root position and inversions, melodic form, secondary function, and an introduction to modulation. Students learn to apply these principles through part-writing, harmonic analysis, and composition as well as sight singing and dictation exercises to develop aural perception in correlation with the written work. Meets 5 hours a week. Spring sem.

MU 105–106 Beginning Hymnplaying (1 each) These courses develop skills needed by a church pianist. Students learn how to accompany congregational singing using chording and improvisation in a traditional, evangelistic-style of playing. Students also learn piano solos suitable for offertories and perform them in class.

MU 117–417 Musical Workshop (1 each) Prereq.: Participation in the cast or chorus of the Thanksgiving musical. In this course, students and faculty produce a fully staged, costumed, and lighted musical production for the benefit of a live audience. Fall odd.

MU 118–318 Musical Workshop (1) Prereq.: Participation in the cast or chorus of the commencement musical production. In this course, students and faculty produce a fully staged, costumed and lighted musical production for the benefit of a live audience. Spring odd.

MU 121–122 Vocal Class (1 each) Prereq.: Placement test (Prereq. for MU 122: MU 121). In these courses students will learn the fundamentals of good vocal technique, communication, practice, and performance. Students will demonstrate their progress through regular class workshops and performances. Meets 3 hours a week. MU 111: Fall sem. MU 112: Spring sem.

MU 201 Sophomore Music Theory (4) Prereq.: At least “C” in MU 102 or music theory placement exam. This course teaches the musical styles and harmonies seen in 18th, 19th, and 20th century composition. Students will complete exercises in counterpoint, classical style, chromatic harmony, modal change, and methods of modulation. Students will reinforce these studies with ear training and sight singing. Meets 5 hours a week. Fall sem.

MU 202 Sophomore Music Theory (4) Prereq.: At least “C” in MU 201. This course continues to examine advanced harmonic vocabulary and tonal relationships. Students will analyze formal topics such as two-and-three-part form, sonata form, and rondo form, and will learn a variety of Modern compositional techniques. Frequent aural exercises will continue to develop the student’s listening skills and will encourage sensitivity to harmonic function. Meets 5 hours a week. Spring sem.

MU 205–206 Intermediate Hymnplaying (1 each) These courses continue to build on skills learned in Beginning Hymnplaying, including modulation and transposition. Students will continue to develop skills for congregational playing, offertories, and accompanying for vocal solos. They will also learn basic arranging techniques to create original piano solos.

MU 213 Appreciation of Fine Arts (3) The student examines the background necessary to evaluate and develop an appreciation for good music. Study begins with biblical principles for the development of a Christian philosophy of music. The basic elements of music are learned as well as brief histories of the periods of music and the composers of great music from each of these periods. Guidance is given in listening to classical music and learning to appreciate it. The students learn to intelligently appreciate creative art and develop a Christian philosophy of art. This course may be taken as a social science elective.

MU 215 Elements of Conducting (2) Prereq.: MU 102. The student examines basic baton and platform techniques and how to study instrumental scores for conducting. Application will be made by conducting an instrumental ensemble. Fall sem.

MU 221 Advanced Vocal Class (1) Prereq.: MU 122. Students will gain a deeper knowledge of good vocal technique, communication, practice, and performance through regular class workshops and performances. Students will demonstrate their progress through performance of church music and secular repertoire. Fall sem.

MU 222 Advanced Vocal Class (1) Prereq.: MU 221. Students will learn vocal, technical, communicative, and musical skills through church music and secular repertoire, vocalization, and coaching with music faculty. Spring sem.

MU 226 Choral Conducting (2) Prereq.: MU 102. This course is designed to develop choral directing techniques, an understanding of choral literature, and management of choirs in the Christian school. Credit may not be earned for both MU 226 and 229. Spring sem.

MU 231 Piano Accompaniment (1) Prereq.: Piano secondary proficiency exam or PI 212. Students are instructed in basic accompaniment techniques, guided in arranging original piano accompaniment, and given the opportunity to accompany within the class. Students are also assigned to prepare choral accompaniments. Spring sem.

MU 233–234 Hymn Keyboard Skills I and II (2 each) Prereq.: PI 122 or 132. Students will apply the art of improvisation as it relates to keyboard accompanying in the church. The topics covered include congregational hymn playing and vocal accompanying and arranging piano preludes and offertories. Traditional hymn-playing principles are applied to a variety of hymns and gospel songs.

MU 300 Teaching Methods for the Church Musician (2) Prereq.: MU 100. Students examine the principal theory, procedures, and basic methods used in giving private music instruction. Spring odd.

MU 301–302 History of Music (3 each) Prereq. for MU 301: MU 202. Prereq. for MU 302: MU 301. This course surveys the development of Western music from Ancient music through the 20th century. Students will learn to recognize the major composers, stylistic characteristics, and the historical background of each musical period as well as the importance of developing a practical Christian philosophy of classical music.

MU 307 Woodwind Methods (2) Prereq.: MU 102. Students acquire basic performance and teaching fundamentals of woodwind instruments, which is especially helpful for prospective teachers. Fall sem.

MU 308 Strings Methods (2) Prereq.: ST 301. Students conclude their training in the Jaffé Strings Method and also receive concentrated instruction on a second stringed instrument. The student will learn what is necessary to develop and maintain a strings program through instruction in purchasing instruments, making small repairs, creating fingerings and bowings, and comparing strings method books. Spring sem.

MU 310 Choral Writing and Arranging (2) Prereq.: MU 202. Students learn the techniques of writing and arranging church and secular music for various vocal combinations.

MU 312 Instrumental Methods and Materials (1) Prereq.: MU 215; and 297, 298, or 299. The purpose of this course is to teach a basic understanding of what a quality band program should provide (its setup, procedures, and materials). Students will gain practical experience in teaching individual music lessons and working with instrumental ensembles. Spring sem.

MU 313–314 Communication in Song (2 each) Prereq. for MU 313: MU 222. Prereq.
for MU 314: MU 313. This course explores the principles and techniques of communicating the text and interpreting the meanings of music. The emphasis is on the music used in ministry. Students prepare and perform songs in class under faculty guidance. MU 313: Fall sem. MU 314: Spring sem.

MU 325–326, 425–426 Advanced Hymnplaying (1 each) These courses prepare the student to fulfill the role of a church pianist. Students learn advanced hymn techniques, prepare traditional style accompaniments for congregational singing and vocal solos, and arrange a variety of songs for preludes and offertories.

MU 327 Voice/Conducting Methods and Materials (1 each) Prereq.: MU 297, 298, or 299. Students examine the principles of teaching voice in individual and corporate settings, practical teaching methods, and vocal terminology, as well as materials. Students observe lessons and teach lessons under faculty guidance. Fall sem.

MU 335 Piano Methods and Materials (1) Prereq.: MU 297, 298, or 299. Students will examine concepts and methodology for successful private and group piano teaching, including a general survey of piano methods and supplementary materials for teaching piano. Fall sem.

MU 337 Instrumental Church Music Arranging (2) Prereq.: MU 201. The student examines the technical and creative aspects of writing church music solo arrangements for various string, brass, and woodwind instruments, as well as the harp and guitar. Students will also learn to write piano accompaniments for such arrangements. Spring even.

MU 400 Choir Internship (2) Prereq.: MU 226 or 229. Students will organize, prepare, and conduct a small choir from the beginning steps of music selection through rehearsals and actual performance.

MU 401 Counterpoint (2) Prereq.: MU 202. The student will examine contrapuntal techniques used in the eighteenth century, including writing of counterpoint in two and three parts and formal analysis of invention and fugue. Spring odd.

MU 402 Church Music Philosophy and Administration (2) The implementation of administrative guidelines for the total music program of a church is discussed. The student will examine topics including church music philosophy, planning, budgeting, program goals, church music education, promotion, and worship leadership. Fall sem.

MU 410 Brass and Percussion Methods (2) Prereq.: MU 102. The student gains a basic knowledge of the principles of performing and teaching brass and percussion instruments. Spring sem.

MU 418 Orchestration (2) Prereq.: MU 102. Students receive practice in scoring music for various instruments for practical situations, such as school bands and orchestras. The ranges and limitations of various instruments are also learned. Spring odd.

Private music for music majors: Prereq.: Placement test. Sophomore Music Platform must be passed to officially become a music major. One credit hour is received per sem.

Recital: A recital is required of all music majors and will be presented under the direction of the music faculty during the senior year.

Private music for non-music majors: One credit hour per sem (if space is available).

Class music instruction: Open for non-music majors; placement test is required and students are grouped as to ability at the discretion of the music department. One credit hour is received per sem.