Musical Organizations Scholarships Degrees Requirements for Major Minor Teacher Licensing Applied Music Courses Music Courses American Band College (ABC) Band Director Graduate Courses |
MusicMusic 140
541-552-6101
Paul T. French, Chair The Department of Music offers an integrated program of study combining computer-aided instruction with private and class instruction by master artists and teachers. Music instruction is available to majors and nonmajors. For nonmajors, the department offers courses that enhance general university life and provide enriching musical experiences. These include Introduction to Music of Western Civilization; Introduction to Music of Nonwestern Civilization; Class Instruction in Piano, Guitar, and Voice; and large and small vocal and instrumental ensembles. Private lessons are available to qualified students. The music faculty is committed to preparing students for the work force and graduate studies through an integrated liberal and professional education. Music majors develop the technical skills and independent thought necessary to meet new challenges in the continually changing, multifaceted music profession. The Music Department is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Back to top of page.Musical OrganizationsThe following organizations are open to qualified students by instructor consent: Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Opera Workshop, Symphonic Band, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Saxophone Quartet, Clarinet Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, Gamelan Ensemble, and Performing Chamber Ensemble. In addition to serving as an integral part of the musical training of majors, these organizations enable nonmajors to participate in musical performances. Students may serve the department and community by joining the local chapter of Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the largest association dedicated exclusively to the advancement of music education. Back to top of page.ScholarshipsThere is a limited number of performance scholarships available to outstanding students who are planning to major in music. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of a performance audition held in February for the following academic year. Applications are available at the Music Department. Back to top of page.DegreesBA or BS in Music
BA or BS in Music-Business
MA or MS in Arts and Letters
MinorMusic Back to top of page.Requirements for MajorAll music majors must: - Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 15.
- Pass an entrance audition on their major instrument. The audition is offered at the beginning of fall term and the end of each term.
- Choose an option in performance, music instruction, liberal arts, or music-business.
- Fulfill piano and vocal proficiencies by the end of their sophomore year. Information is available at the Music Department.
- All music majors taking applied lessons are required to perform a jury or complete an assessment project at the end of each term.
- Pass the MuP 390 hearing before moving from lower division MuP 290 to upper division MuP 390 applied level.
- Maintain a 2.75 GPA in music courses.
- Pass ten terms of the 0-credit, P/NP Convocations/Concerts course. For transfer students, the number of terms required depends on the number of applied music credits transferred.
- Complete the Capstone Experience (Mus 400), which comprises a project and research paper. Students should consult their department advisor to determine the exact nature of their capstone experience.
Liberal Arts Option
(66 credits)
| Music Theory I (Mus 121, 122, 123) | 9 | | Aural Skills I (Mus 124, 125, 126) | 3 | | Music of Western Culture (Mus 201) | 4 | | Music of Nonwestern Culture (Mus 202) | 4 | | Music Theory II (Mus 221, 222, 223) | 9 | | Aural Skills II (Mus 224, 225, 226) | 3 | | History of Music (Mus 360, 361, 362) | 9 | | Fundamentals of Conducting (Mus 323) | 2 | | Advanced Theory (Mus 440, 441, 442, or 443) (choose one) | 3 | | Applied Music (MuP 190, 290, 390, 490) (3 credits each level on major instrument) | 12 | | Ensembles (must be in major ensemble for major instrument) | 8 |
Music Instruction Option
(89 credits)
| Music Theory I (Mus 121, 122, 123) | 9 | | Aural Skills I (Mus 124, 125, 126) | 3 | | Music of Nonwestern Culture (Mus 202) | 4 | | Music Theory II (Mus 221, 222, 223) | 9 | | Aural Skills II (Mus 224, 225, 226) | 3 | | Conducting (Mus 323, 324, 325) | 6 | | Band Director’s Techniques I(Mus 331, 332, 333) | 6 | | String Techniques (Mus 346) | 2 | | History of Music (Mus 360, 361, 362) | 9 | | Elementary Music and Choral Director’s Techniques I (Mus 371, 372, 373) | 8 | | Advanced Theory (Mus 440, 441, 442, or 443) (choose two) | 6 | | Applied Music (3 credits each of MuP 190, 290, 390, 490) | 12 | | Ensembles (must be in major ensemble for major instrument) | 12 |
Performance Option
(88 credits)
| Music Theory I (Mus 121, 122, 123) | 9 | | Aural Skills I (Mus 124, 125, 126) | 3 | | Music of Western Culture (Mus 201) | 4 | | Music of Nonwestern Culture (Mus 202) | 4 | | Music Theory II (Mus 221, 222, 223) | 9 | | Aural Skills II (Mus 224, 225, 226) | 3 | | Fundamentals of Conducting (Mus 323) | 2 | | History of Music (Mus 360, 361, 362) | 9 | | Advanced Theory (Mus 440, 441, 442 or 443) (choose three) | 9 | | Applied Music (3 credits each of MuP 190, 290 and 6 credits each of MuP 390, 490) | 18 | | Ensembles (must be in major ensemble for major instrument) | 12 | | Music electives | 6 |
Note: Music performance majors perform a half-recital in their junior year and a full recital in their senior year. All recitals are subject to audition by the faculty at least one month prior to the anticipated performance date.
Music-Business OptionStudents interested in this program should refer to page 149 of this catalog. Back to top of page.Minor
(29 credits)
| Music Theory I (Mus 121, 122, 123) | 9 | | Aural Skills I (Mus 124, 125, 126) | 3 | | Fundamentals of Conducting (Mus 323) | 2 | | History of Music (Mus 360, 361, 362) | | | (choose two) | 6 | | Applied Music (MuP 170) | 3 | | Upper division electives | 6 |
Back to top of page.Teacher LicensingStudents who would like to teach music at the early childhood/elementary or middle school/high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in music before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the Department of Music for an appropriate advisor and the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program. Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required. Back to top of page.Applied Music CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses| MuP 170, 270, 370, 470 Applied Music | | 1 credit each term | | For non-music majors or majors taking a secondary instrument. Provides individual lessons in voice, piano, organ, classical guitar, percussion, wind, and string instruments. |
| MuP 190, 290, 390, 490 Applied Music | | 1 or 2 credits each term | | For music majors only. Provides individual lessons in voice, piano, organ, classical guitar, percussion, wind, and string instruments. |
Graduate Courses| MuP 590 Applied Music | | 1 or 2 credits each term (maximum 6 credits) | | Offers individual instruction in voice, organ, piano, guitar, band, and orchestral instruments. |
Back to top of page.Music CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses| Mus 100 Music Fundamentals | | 3 credits | | Offers music theory for the non-music major or pre-music major. Students learn to read music notation, study musical scales and rhythms, practice ear training, and develop simple song-writing skills. Prepares students for Mus 121. |
| Mus 121 Music Theory I | | 3 credits | | Offers intensive music theory for the music major or minor. Reviews notation, scales, keys, meter, intervals, triads, figured bass, cadences, and nonharmonic tones. All prospective Mus 121 students must take a placement examination covering music rudiments. | | Prerequisite: Ability to read music | | Corequisite: Mus 124 |
| Mus 122 Music Theory I | | 3 credits | | Offers intensive music theory for the music major or minor. Covers melodic organization, texture, voice leading in two and four voices, and harmonic progressions. | | Prerequisite: Mus 121 | | Prerequisite: Mus 124 | | Corequisite: Mus 125 |
| Mus 123 Music Theory I | | 3 credits | | Offers intensive music theory for the music major or minor. Covers seventh chords, modulation, secondary dominants, binary, and ternary form. | | Prerequisite: Mus 122 | | Prerequisite: Mus 125 | | Corequisite: Mus 126 |
| Mus 124, 125, 126 Aural Skills I | | 1 credit each (must be taken in sequence) | | Develops basic sight-singing and ear-training skills utilizing diatonic melodies and harmonies with simple and compound rhythms. | | Corequisite: Mus 121, 122, 123 |
| Mus 165 Convocations/Concerts | | 0 credits | | Music majors attend weekly meetings and a required number of concerts each term, as determined by the music faculty. Ten terms of this course are required of all music majors prior to graduation. |
| Mus 181 Class Lessons in Voice | | 2 credits each term | | Covers the fundamentals of correct voice production. Includes breathing, breath control, elementary study of vowels and consonants; phrasing, style, and interpretation of elementary songs; and poise, posture, and stage presence. |
| Mus 184 Performing Chamber Ensemble | | 1 credit each term | | Students work in small ensembles with intensive performing preparation. Includes but is not limited to: brass quintet, clarinet ensemble, gamelan ensemble, guitar ensemble, percussion ensemble, saxophone quartet, string quartet, vocal ensemble, and woodwind quintet. Available for most instruments and voice. Auditioned. |
| Mus 185 Jazz Ensemble | | 1 credit each term | | Students perform jazz literature, improvisations, and arranging techniques. Auditioned. |
| Mus 189 Vocal Jazz Ensemble | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual vocal performance abilities in a small group framework. Literature covers show tunes and swing choir arrangements. Auditioned. |
| Mus 191 Raider Athletic Band | | 1 credit each term | | Provides a laboratory experience. Integrates school spirit activity with musical performance. The Raider Band serves as the musical entertainment for all Southern Oregon University home football and basketball games. There are no prerequisites; all students with the appropriate instrumental experience and school spirit are encouraged to participate. |
| Mus 192 Class Lessons in Piano | | 2 credits each term | | Offers elementary keyboard lessons in a class setting. |
| Mus 195 Symphonic Band | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of symphonic music appropriate for band. Auditioned. |
| Mus 196 Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of symphonic music appropriate for orchestra. Qualified students must be admitted by audition to the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra. |
| Mus 197 Concert Choir | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of music such as oratorio, double chorus, and a cappella compositions. Auditioned. |
| Mus 198 Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon | | 1 credit | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of orchestral literature appropriate for the ability level of the ensemble. Auditioned. |
| Mus 199 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 201 Music of Western Culture | | 4 credits | | Surveys historical periods and musical styles from European cultural roots. Study includes the historical development of Western music from its roots in Greek culture to the present day. Emphasizes style periods from the Middle Ages to the present. | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Mus 202 Music of Nonwestern Culture | | 4 credits | | Surveys nonwestern musical cultures. Focuses on musical events in cultural regions throughout the world, including north and south India, the Middle East, China, Japan, Indonesia, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, Native American culture, and ethnic North America. | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Mus 203 American Jazz | | 4 credits | | Explores American jazz music and culture. Teaches the history of American jazz, the musical innovations that distinguished it from the previous era, and the social events that contributed to those innovations. Surveys influential musicians, their instruments, and their major bands. Presents examples of these artists’ musical contributions. | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Mus 221 Music Theory II | | 3 credits | | Studies eighteenth century counterpoint, fugue, chromatic harmony, borrowed chords, Neapolitan sixth chords, and augmented sixth chords. | | Prerequisite: Mus 123 | | Corequisite: Mus 224 |
| Mus 222 Music Theory II | | 3 credits | | Analyzes classical period music, including variation technique, sonata form, and rondo. Also examines extended harmony; ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords; altered dominants; and chromatic mediants. | | Prerequisite: Mus 221 | | Corequisite: Mus 225 |
| Mus 223 Music Theory II | | 3 credits | | Examines music of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including romantic, post-romantic, impressionistic, twelve-tone technique, and contemporary. | | Prerequisite: Mus 222 | | Corequisite: Mus 226 |
| Mus 224, 225, 226 Aural Skills II | | 1 credit each (must be taken in sequence) | | Further develops sight-singing and ear-training skills utilizing diatonic and chromatic melodies and harmonies with complex rhythms. | | Prerequisite: Mus 126 | | Corequisite: Mus 221, 222, 223 |
| Mus 238 Class Lessons in Guitar | | 2 credits | | Examines elementary guitar techniques and styles, with emphasis on elementary singing and secondary general music classes. Students must furnish their own acoustic guitar. |
| Mus 292 Piano Proficiency | | 2 credits | | Prepares music majors with limited piano skills for the piano proficiency examination. Emphasizes major and harmonic minor scales, sight reading, harmonization, chord progression, and repertoire building. Music majors and pre-majors only. |
Upper Division Courses| Mus 311 Art and Music of the Twentieth Century to Present | | 4 credits | | Offers an interdisciplinary survey of the visual arts and music from the twentieth century to present. Examines the intersections, cross-influences, and significant archetypes of visual art and music. Covers modernism, postmodernism, primitivism, minimalism, futurism, and popular culture. ArtH 202 and Mus 201 are recommended. (Cross-listed with ArtH 311.) | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Mus 315 Business of Music | | 3 credits | | Introduces various aspects of the music business, such as songwriting; copyright; publishing; music in the marketplace, broadcasting, and film; business affairs; the record industry; and career planning and development. |
| Mus 323 Fundamentals of Conducting | | 2 credits | | Develops basic skills in the art of conducting. Covers baton techniques, phrasing, style, and cuing. |
| Mus 324 Conducting: Instrumental Methods | | 2 credits | | Develops conducting techniques for instrumental ensembles. | | Prerequisite: Mus 323 | | Prerequisite: Completion of vocal and piano proficiencies. |
| Mus 325 Conducting: Choral Methods | | 2 credits | | Develops conducting techniques for choral organizations. | | Prerequisite: Mus 323 | | Prerequisite: Completion of vocal and piano proficiencies. |
| Mus 331 Band Director’s Techniques I Percussion Methods | | 2 credits | | Introduces the family of percussion instruments, including the snare drum, keyboard percussion, auxiliary percussion instruments, timpani, drum set, and hand percussion. Students learn basic techniques as well as diagnostic skills to apply as band directors. |
| Mus 332 Band Director’s Techniques I Woodwind Methods | | 2 credits | | Introduces the flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Students learn how to play and teach woodwinds, in addition to studying diagnostic skills they can apply as band directors. |
| Mus 333 Band Director’s Techniques I Brass Methods | | 2 credits | | Introduces the trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba. Students learn how to play and teach brass instruments, in addition to studying diagnostic skills they can apply as band directors. |
| Mus 346 String Methods | | 2 credits | | Introduces string instruments, stressing tone production and fundamental playing technique. Students learn how to play and teach violin, viola, and cello, in addition to studying diagnostic skills to apply as orchestra directors. |
| Mus 351 Accompanying | | 1 credit each term (maximum 4 credits) | | Addresses principles of playing artistic accompaniments for vocal and instrumental soloists and groups. Practical experience is arranged and supervised. A maximum of 4 credits from Mus 351 may be counted as ensemble credit. | | Prerequisite: Instructor consent. |
| Mus 355 Electronic and Computer Music | | 3 credits | | Enables students to gain expertise by working on creative projects using digital and analog synthesis, MIDI software, sequencing, notation, digital recording and processing, and Internet music applications. Mus 100 and 201 recommended. | | Prerequisite: Basic computer literacy.Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Mus 358 Digital Tools for Interdisciplinary Synthesis: Music as Metaphor | | 3 credits | | Involves hands-on learning and composing of electronic music using the Metasynth Studio Bundle, an integrated software package with digital sample editing, MIDI sequencing, multitrack mixing, effects processing, and advanced synthesis. Listening assignments cover the basic history of electronic music. | | Prerequisite: Competency on Macintosh computers and the ability to read music. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Mus 360 History of Music | | 3 credits | | Examines the development of western European art music from ancient Greek music through the Medieval and Renaissance periods. |
| Mus 361 History of Music | | 3 credits | | Examines the development of western European art music from 1600 through 1830, including the baroque and classical periods. |
| Mus 362 History of Music | | 3 credits | | Examines the development of western European art music from the romantic period through contemporary music. Covers music styles of the twentieth century, including serialism, impressionism, expressionism, minimalism, and musique concrete. |
| Mus 372 Introduction to Music Education | | 2 credits | | Covers the social, psychological, historical, and philosophical principles of music education in school, studio, administration, and business. Follows the MENC National and Oregon standards. Explores the possibilities for use of technology in the music classroom. Attends to information covered in PRAXIS and preparation for teacher certification. |
| Mus 373 Elementary Choral Music Methods and Materials | | 3 credits | | Addresses instruction of choral and vocal skills in a sequential approach for elementary students in the music classroom through singing, playing, listening, moving, creating, improvising, and conducting. Introduces the techniques of Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze. Includes song repertoire and children's choir organization, rehearsal, and literature. Field observation is an integral component. |
| Mus 374 Secondary Choral Music Methods and Materials | | 3 credits | | Addresses instruction of choral and vocal skills in a sequential approach for secondary students and the organization and administration of the middle school/high school choral programs. Includes introductions to sight reading series, texts for the ensemble class, and choral repertoire. Emphasizes vocal pedagogy and the changing voice and includes score analysis and rehearsal preparation, planning and techniques. Field observation is an integral component. |
| Mus 384 Performing Chamber Ensemble | | 1 credit each term | | Students work in small ensembles with intensive performing preparation. Includes but is not limited to: brass quintet, clarinet ensemble, gamelan ensemble, guitar ensemble, percussion ensemble, saxophone quartet, string quartet, vocal ensemble, and woodwind quintet. Available for most instruments and voice. Auditioned. |
| Mus 385 Jazz Ensemble | | 1 credit each term | | Students perform jazz literature, improvisation, and arranging techniques. Auditioned. |
| Mus 387 Vocal Jazz Annex | | 1 credit each term | | Develops vocal jazz techniques in a select, small group setting. | | Prerequisite: Instructor consent. | | Corequisite: Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Mus 189 or 389). |
| Mus 389 Vocal Jazz Ensemble | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual vocal performance abilities in a small group framework. Literature covers show tunes and swing choir arrangements. Auditioned. |
| Mus 394 Chamber Choir | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a select, small group framework. Literature includes madrigals and other chamber choir literature. This is an advanced group that requires independent preparation by individuals. Auditioned. | | Corequisite: Mus 197 or Mus 397 |
| Mus 395 Symphonic Band | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of symphonic music appropriate for band. Auditioned. |
| Mus 396 Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of symphonic music appropriate for orchestra. Qualified students must be admitted by audition to the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra. |
| Mus 397 Concert Choir | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of music, including oratorio, double chorus, and a cappella compositions. Ensemble course. Auditioned. |
| Mus 398 Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon | | 1 credit | | Develops individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of orchestral literature appropriate for the ability level of the ensemble. Auditioned. |
| Mus 399 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 400 Capstone Experience | | 2 credits | | Students perform a recital or special project and complete a research paper. Project details are determined by the departmental advisor. |
| Mus 401/501 Research | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 403/503 Thesis | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 405/505 Reading and Conference | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 407/507 Seminar | | Credit to be arranged (maximum 15 undergraduate credits) |
| Mus 408/508 Workshop | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 409/509 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 431 Band Director’s Techniques II | | 2 credits | | Addresses material selection and band literature for beginning through intermediate bands (grades 1 and 2). Includes a music grading system and score analysis. Instrumental technique emphasis is on the individual student’s nonmajor instruments. Includes conducting laboratory. |
| Mus 432 Band Director’s Techniques II | | 2 credits | | Explores advanced literature for concert band and chamber ensemble (grades 3 through 5). Includes score study and analysis. Covers rehearsal planning and techniques. Instrumental technique emphasis is on the individual student’s nonmajor instruments. Includes conducting laboratory. | | Prerequisite: Mus 431 |
| Mus 433 Band Director’s Techniques II | | 2 credits | | Explores literature for jazz ensembles. Covers band management and marching band techniques. Instrumental technique emphasis is on the individual student’s nonmajor instruments. Includes conducting laboratory. | | Prerequisite: Mus 432 |
| Mus 440/540 Form and Analysis | | 3 credits | | Students analyze and compose using the forms and techniques of the common practice period: binary, ternary, rounded binary, sonata form, theme and variation, rondo, and fugue. | | Prerequisite: Mus 223 | | Prerequisite: Mus 226 | | Prerequisite: Completion of piano and vocal proficiencies. |
| Mus 441/541 Principles of Orchestration | | 3 credits | | Students review orchestral groups in an instrument-by-instrument breakdown; study melody and harmony in strings, winds, brasses; learn to write for combined groups; and examine different ways of orchestrating the same music. | | Prerequisite: Mus 223 | | Prerequisite: Mus 226 | | Prerequisite: Completion of piano and vocal proficiencies. |
| Mus 442/542 Principles of Counterpoint | | 3 credits | | Students learn basic sixteenth and eighteenth century counterpoint techniques by analyzing and composing music in the style of Palestrina and Bach. | | Prerequisite: Mus 223 | | Prerequisite: Mus 226 | | Prerequisite: Completion of piano and vocal proficiencies. |
| Mus 472 Choral Director’s Techniques II | | 2 credits | | Advanced High School Repertoire. Explores choral repertoire for advanced high school choirs. Covers historical performance practice, applied vocal pedagogy (teaching singing), and Italian diction. |
| Mus 473 Choral Director’s Techniques II | | 2 credits | | Specialty Choirs. Covers choral repertoire for a variety of specialized interests, including men’s choir, women’s choir, and community chorus. Emphasizes schools of choral tone, multicultural choral music, and French diction. |
| Mus 474 Choral Director’s Techniques II | | 2 credits | | Church Music. Examines the organization and administration of a church music program. Introduces choral repertoire for choirs of various ages as well as bell choir literature and the organ. |
| Mus 495 University-Civic Wind Ensemble | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities in a select, small group framework. Literature includes chamber music for winds and percussion, as well as music for wind ensemble. The repertoire covers a wide range of musical periods and styles. This is an advanced group that requires independent preparation by individuals. Auditioned. | | Corequisite: Mus 395 |
Graduate Courses| Mus 501 Research1 | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 503 Thesis | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 505 Reading and Conference1 | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 507 Seminar1 | | Credit to be arranged |
| Mus 509 Practicum1 | | Credit to be arranged (maximum 9 credits) |
| Mus 543 Music Composition Survey | | 3 credits | | Students learn how to use and develop various compositional techniques by composing short, focused works and listening, discussing, and analyzing music. These techniques are discovered by listening and analyzing music from diverse traditions, ranging from Gregorian Chant to Noh Drama, gamelan to minimalist, Bach to Cage, and Indian to African. | | Prerequisite: Mus 223 | | Prerequisite: Mus 226 | | Prerequisite: Completion of piano and vocal proficiencies. |
| Mus 596 Orchestra | | 1 credit each term | | Develops individual performance abilities within a group framework. Includes a compilation of practical orchestra concert literature. |
--- Footnotes ---| 1 | Mus 501, 505, 507, and 509 are limited to 9 credits singly or in combination. |
Back to top of page.American Band College (ABC)The structure of this school area master’s degree program (MA or MS in arts and letters) follows the guidelines set by the dean of the School of Arts and Letters and the Music Department chair. Candidates must be admitted to graduate studies at SOU. For general information about the graduate program, please consult the Graduate Programs section of this catalog on page 145. Major Department (Music)Select 36 credits in graduate-level music courses: | Band Director Pedagogy (three summers of 6 credits each; written examinations required) | 18 | | Practical Applications (three summers of 3 credits each; oral examinations required) | 9 | | Research (Mus 515, 516, 517) | 9 | | Related non-music, graduate-level coursework | 9 | | Total credits | 45 |
AdmissionIn addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a graduate degree program, students must take an examination prior to admission. Results of the entrance examination will determine any necessary remedial work and serve as the basis for practical application credits. ClassesAll courses offered under the American Band College summer program are required for three summers. These include four daily lectures and two daily performances in the ABC Director’s Band. Completion of written examinations is required. Only ABC summer class credits taken under examination may be included in the 18-credit block listed above. Exit ExaminationIn addition to the written examination, candidates must complete a demonstration final on July 5 of the summer during which all coursework is completed. The purpose of the examination is to demonstrate the candidate’s ability to successfully perform start-up lessons with a beginner on clarinet, horn, and snare drum and to diagnose specific controlled problems encountered in a rehearsal band (comprises all other ABC master’s degree candidates). Back to top of page.Band Director Graduate CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyGraduate Courses| Mus 515 Research: Performance Evaluation | | 3 credits | | Candidates supply a recording of their band in performance. An anonymous composite recording of the bands of all first-year ABC master’s candidates serves as the basis for written analysis and recorded voiceover evaluations of each band by the candidates. |
| Mus 516 Research: Performance Preparation | | 3 credits | | Based on multi-session videotaping of the candidate’s band in rehearsals and final performance of a selected composition. Video sessions are accompanied by an in-depth analysis of the composition. Teaching techniques are employed and implemented before and after each video session. The video must be produced during the school year prior to the summer of enrollment in this course. |
| Mus 517 Research: Literature and Content | | 3 credits | | Out of the more than 120 lecture clinics attended over three summers, the candidate selects the 20 most useful for inclusion in a personal teaching manual. In addition, the candidate selects 30 favorite compositions of the more than 400 sight-read or performed by the ABC Director’s Band over three summers, providing a written commentary on grade level, important concepts, and the musical value of each composition. |
| Mus 531 Band Director Pedagogy I | | 3 credits | | Emphasizes the development of teaching materials. |
| Mus 532 Band Director Pedagogy II | | 3 credits | | Includes an examination based on materials in the current American Band College Staff Notebook. Prerequisite: Mus 531. |
| Mus 533 Band Director Pedagogy III | | 3 credits | | Emphasizes the development of classroom management, recruitment, and retention. Prerequisite: Mus 532. |
| Mus 534 Band Director Pedagogy IV | | 3 credits | | Includes an examination based on materials found in the current American Band College Staff Notebook. Prerequisite: Mus 533. |
| Mus 535 Band Director Pedagogy V | | 3 credits | | Emphasizes the development of score study and conducting. Prerequisite: Mus 534. |
| Mus 536 Band Director Pedagogy VI | | 3 credits | | Continuation of Mus 535. Includes an examination based on materials found in the current American Band College Staff Notebook. Prerequisite: Mus 535. |
| Mus 537 Practical Applications I | | 3 credits | | Practical application credits developed individually to reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate as determined by the required entrance examination. Project is to be completed by August 10 of the first summer under the supervision of the ABC director (first summer course). |
| Mus 538 Practical Applications II | | 3 credits | | Work is to be completed by August 10 of the second summer under the supervision of the ABC director (second summer course). |
| Mus 539 Practical Applications III | | 3 credits | | Work is to be completed by August 10 of the final summer (third summer course). |
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