Music
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SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : MUSIC : COURSES

See Course Prerequisites Policy.

Note: Maximum credit in music ensemble courses applicable toward graduation is 12 credits. (This restriction applies to: Mus 184, 185, 189, 195, 196, 197, 198, 384, 385, 387, 389, 394, 395, 396, and 398.)

Lower Division Courses

MuP 170, 270, 370, 470 Applied Music

1 credit each term 

Individual instruction for voice, organ, piano, guitar, band, and orchestral instruments. For non music majors or majors taking a secondary instrument.

MuP 190, 290, 390, 490 Applied Music

1 or 2 credits each term

Individual instruction for voice, organ, piano, guitar, band, and orchestral instruments. For music majors only.

Mus 100 Music Fundamentals

4 credits

Music theory for the non music major. Students learn to read music notation, study musical scales and rhythms, practice ear training, and develop simple song-writing skills.

Mus 121, 122, 123 Music Theory I

3 credits each (must be taken in sequence)

Music theory for the music major or minor. Scales, keys, meter signatures, intervals, triads, part writing, harmonic progressions, seventh chords and modulations. Must be taken concurrently with Mus 124, 125, 126 (Aural Skills). Placement examination covering music rudiments is given to all prospective Mus 121 students. Must be able to read music.

Mus 124, 125, 126 Aural Skills I

1 credit each (must be taken in sequence)

Development of basic sight singing and dictation skills utilizing diatonic melodies and harmonies with simple and compound rhythms. Must be taken concurrently with Mus 121, 122, 123.

Mus 155 Music and Computers

3 credits

Introduction to available music and educational software. Practical applications of hardware and software specific to the field of music.

Mus 165 Convocations/Concerts

0 credits

Weekly meetings of music majors plus attendance at a certain number of concerts determined by the music faculty each term. Ten terms of this course required of all music majors prior to graduation.

Mus 181, 182, 183 Class Lessons in Voice

1 credit each

Fundamentals of correct voice production: breathing, breath control, elementary study of vowels and consonants; phrasing, style, and interpretation of elementary songs; poise, posture, and stage presence.

Mus 184 Performing Chamber Ensemble

1 credit each term

The involvement of individuals in small, mixed ensembles in intensive performing preparation. Designed for both instrumental and vocal students. Auditioned.

Mus 185 Jazz Ensemble

1 credit each term

Performance of jazz literature, improvisations, and arranging techniques. Auditioned.

Mus 189 Vocal Jazz Ensemble

1 credit each term

Development of individual vocal performance abilities in a small group framework. Literature covers show tunes and swing choir arrangements. Auditioned.

Mus 192, 193, 194 Class Lessons in Piano

1 credit each

Elementary keyboard lessons in a class setting.

Mus 195 Symphonic Band

1 credit each term

Development of 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

Development of 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, an accomplished symphony orchestra that collaborates with the SOU Department of Music.

Mus 197 Concert Choir

1 credit each term

Development of 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.

Music 198 Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon

1 credit

Development of individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of orchestral literature appropriate for ability level of the ensemble. Auditioned. 

Mus 199 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

Mus 201 Introduction to Western Music

2 credits

Introduction to Western European classical music, including elements and styles, organizing principles and history.

Mus 204 Introduction to World Music

2 credits

A survey of non western musical cultures. Musical regions and cultures include: India, Japan, Indonesia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Native American.

Mus 205 Introduction to Jazz and Popular Music

2 credits

Survey of these twentieth century musical styles: their history, development, and impact. Includes AfricanAmerican music.

Mus 221, 222, 223 Music Theory II

3 credits each (must be taken in sequence)

Secondary dominants, modulation, chromatic writing, augmented sixth chords, extension of tonality, twentieth century techniques, and functional keyboard harmony. Must be taken concurrently with Mus 224, 225, 226. Prerequisite: Mus 123.

Mus 224, 225, 226 Aural Skills II

1 credit each (must be taken in sequence)

Further development of sight singing and dictation skills utilizing diatonic and chromatic melodies and harmonies with complex rhythms. Must be taken concurrently with Mus 221, 222, 223. Prerequisite: Mus 126.

Mus 238 Class Lessons in Guitar

1 credit

Study of elementary guitar techniques and style. Emphasis is placed on implications for use of the guitar in elementary singing and secondary general music classes. Students must furnish their own acoustic guitar.

Mus 251 Accompanying

1 credit each term

The 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 251 and Mus 351 may be counted as ensemble credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Mus 293 Class Lessons in Piano

1 credit each

Intermediate piano course intended to serve students who have completed Mus 194 or who have limited piano skill upon entering college. Emphasis on music reading, skill building, and tone production. Prerequisite: Mus 194.

Upper Division Courses

Mus 315 Business of Music

3 credits

Introduction to various aspects of the music business such as music in the marketplace, song writing, publishing, copyright, business affairs, the record industry, music in broadcasting and film, and career planning and development.

Mus 323 Fundamentals of Conducting

2 credits

Develop basic skills in the art of conducting. Covers baton techniques, phrasing, style, and cuing.

Mus 324 Conducting: Instrumental Methods

2 credits

Development of conducting techniques for instrumental organizations. Prerequisite: Mus 323 and completed vocal and piano proficiencies.

Mus 325 Conducting: Choral Methods

2 credits

Development of conducting techniques for choral organizations. Prerequisite: Mus 323 and completed vocal and piano proficiencies.

Mus 331 Band Director's Techniques I

2 credits

Introduction to high brass instruments and snare drum. Includes trumpet, horn, the overtone series related to brass valves, intonation tendencies on brass instruments, and snare drum techniques. Includes conducting laboratory.

Mus 332 Band Director's Techniques I

2 credits

Introduction to woodwind and percussion instruments. Includes flute/piccolo, B-flat clarinet/bass clarinet, alto/tenor/baritone saxophone, fingering systems for woodwinds, intonation tendencies related to woodwinds, percussion mallets, and auxiliary percussion instruments. Includes conducting laboratory. Prerequisite: Mus 331.

Mus 333 Band Director's Techniques I

2 credits

Introduction to low brass instruments, double reed instruments, and percussion. Includes trombone, baritone, tuba, fourth valve trigger, oboe, bassoon, timpani, and drum set. Includes conducting laboratory. Prerequisite: Mus 332. 

Mus 342 Elementary General Music Techniques

2 credits

A sequential approach to teaching music (K­6) following the MENC National Standards. Techniques and philosophies in Orff and Kodaly through singing, playing, listening, moving, and creating. Examines how technology can be used in the elementary music classroom.

Mus 346 String Techniques

2 credits

Study of string instruments stressing tone production and fundamental playing technique.

Mus 351 Accompanying

1 credit each term ­ maximum 4 credits

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 251 and 351 may be counted as ensemble credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Mus 356 Introduction to MIDI

2 credits

Introduction to the use and practical application of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) as it applies to synthesizers and computers.

Mus 357 Advanced MIDI Applications

2 credits

Study of more advanced MIDI applications resulting in several projects using available software and hardware configurations. Elementary programming of digital synthesizers and computers is also studied. Prerequisite: Mus 356.

Mus 360, 361, 362 History of Music

3 credits each

The development of western European classical music.

360:From ancient Greek music through the Renaissance.
361:Music of the Baroque and Classical periods.
362:Romantic and twentieth century music.

Mus 372 Choral Director's Techniques I

2 credits

Elementary School Choral Music: Teaching vocal skills in a sequential approach to elementary 3rd­6th grade students including children's choir organization, rehearsal techniques, and literature. Introduction to International Phonetic Alphabet and English diction. Prerequisite: completed vocal and piano proficiencies.

Mus 373 Choral Director's Techniques I

2 credits

Middle School Choral Music: Organizing and administering the middle school choral program. Choral repertoire for middle school choirs. Voice pedagogy for the changing voice. Emphasis on rehearsal techniques, score analysis, and Latin diction. Prerequisite: completed vocal and piano proficiencies.

Mus 374 Choral Director's Techniques I

2 credits

High School Choral Music: Choral repertoire for high school choirs (includes classical and jazz). Organizing and administering the high school choral program. Voice pedagogy for developing voices. Rehearsal practicum and German diction. Prerequisite: completed vocal and piano proficiencies.

Mus 384 Performing Chamber Ensemble

1 credit each term

The involvement of individuals in small mixed ensembles in intensive performance preparation. Designed for students studying voice or instruments. Auditioned.

Mus 385 Jazz Ensemble

1 credit each term

Performance of jazz literature, improvisation, and arranging techniques. Auditioned.

Mus 387 Vocal Jazz Annex

1 credit each term

Development of vocal jazz techniques in a select, small group setting. Concurrent registration in Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Mus 189 or 389) required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Mus 389 Vocal Jazz Ensemble

1 credit each term

Development of 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

Development of individual performance abilities in a select, small group framework. Literature includes madrigals as well as other Chamber Choir literature. An advanced group that requires individual, independent preparation. Concurrent registration in Mus 197 or 397 required. Auditioned. 

Mus 395 Symphonic Band

1 credit each term

Development of 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

Development of 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, an accomplished symphony orchestra that collaborates with the SOU Department of Music.

Mus 397 Concert Choir

1 credit each term

Development of individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of music such as oratorio, double chorus, and a cappella compositions. Ensemble course. Auditioned.

Music 398 Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon

1 credit

Development of individual performance abilities in a large group framework. Literature covers a wide range of orchestral literature appropriate for 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. Details of the Capstone Experience are determined by the department advisor.

Mus 399 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

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

Includes selecting materials and band literature for beginning through intermediate bands (grades 1 and 2). Music grading system and score analysis. Instrumental techniques emphasis is on the individual student's non major instruments. Includes conducting laboratory.

Mus 432 Band Director's Techniques II

2 credits

Includes advanced literature for concert band and chamber ensemble (grades 3 through 5). Score study and analysis. Rehearsal planning and techniques. Instrument techniques emphasis is on the individual student's non major instruments. Includes conducting laboratory. Prerequisite: Mus 431.

Mus 433 Band Director's Techniques II

2 credits

Includes literature for jazz ensembles. Band management, marching band techniques. Instrumental techniques emphasis is on the individual student's non major instruments. Includes conducting laboratory. Prerequisite: Mus 432.

Mus 440/540, 441/541, 442/542 Music Theory III

3 credits each

440: Form and analysis.
441: Orchestration.
442: Analysis and composition in eighteenth century contrapuntal style with brief survey of sixteenth century polyphony.

Prerequisites: Mus 223 and completed piano and vocal proficiencies.

Mus 472 Choral Director's Techniques II

2 credits

Advanced High School Repertoire: Choral repertoire for advanced high school choirs. Historical performance practice, applied vocal pedagogy (teaching singing), Italian diction. Prerequisite: Mus 374 or consent of instructor. 

Mus 473 Choral Director's Techniques II

2 credits

Specialty Choirs: Choral repertoire for a variety of specialized interests including: men's choir, women's choir, community chorus. Emphasis on schools of choral tone, multicultural choral music, and French diction. Prerequisite: Mus 374 or consent of instructor.

Mus 474 Choral Director's Techniques II

2 credits

Church Music: Organizing and administering a church music program. Choral repertoire for choirs of various ages. Introduction to Bell Choir literature and to the organ. Prerequisite: Mus 374 or consent of instructor.

Graduate Courses

1Mus 501 Research

Credit to be arranged

Mus 503 Thesis

Credit to be arranged

1Mus 505 Reading and Conference

Credit to be arranged

1Mus 507 Seminar

Credit to be arranged

1Mus 509 Practicum

Credit to be arranged ­ maximum 9 credits

MuP 590 Applied Music

1 or 2 credits each term ­ maximum 6 credits

Individual instruction in voice, organ, piano, guitar, band, and orchestral instruments.

Mus 596 Orchestra

1 credit each term

Development of individual performance abilities within a group framework. Compilation of practical orchestra concert literature.

1Mus 501, 505, 507, 509 limited to 9 credits singly or in combination.

 

Band Director Graduate 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 is then used as a basis for written analysis and voiceover recorded evaluations of each band by the candidates. 

Mus 516 Research: Performance Preparation

3 credits

Based on multisession videotaping of the candidate's band in rehearsals and final performance of a selected composition. These video sessions are accompanied by indepth analysis of the composition as well as teaching techniques employed and implemented before and after each video session. 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

The candidate selects the 20 most useful lecture clinics of more than 120 attended in 3 summers to create a personal teaching manual. In addition, the candidate selects 30 favorite compositions of the more than 400 sightread or performed by the ABC Director's Band in 3 summers and provides written commentary on grade level, important concepts, and the musical value of each.

Mus 531 Band Director Pedagogy I

3 credits

Emphasis on the candidate's development of teaching materials.

Mus 532 Band Director Pedagogy II

3 credits

Includes an examination based on materials found in the current year 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 year 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 year American Band College Staff Notebook. Prerequisite: Mus 535.

Mus 537 Practical Applications I

3 credits

Developed individually. Practical application credits reflect 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 to be completed by August 10 of the final summer. (Third summer course.)