MUSC 100 Piano Class for Beginners I (1)

Group instruction for students with no previous study. 

MUSC 101 Piano Class for Beginners II (1)

Group instruction for students at an early intermediate level of study. Prerequisite: 100 or permission of instructor. 

MUSC 102 Voice Class for Beginners I (1)

Group instruction for students with no previous study. 

MUSC 103 Voice Class for Beginners II (1)

Group instruction for students at an early intermediate level of study. Prerequisite: 102 or permission of instructor. 

MUSC 104 Topics in Guitar Class I (1)

Group instruction for students with little or no previous study.

MUSC 104A Guitar Class I - Finger Style (1)

Group instruction for students with little or no previous study. Right hand technique concentration: finger style method. No prerequisites.

MUSC 104B Guitar Class I – Pick Style (1)

Group instruction for students with little or no previous study. Right hand technique concentration: plectrum method. No prerequisites.

MUSC 105 Guitar Class II (1)

Group instruction for students at an early intermediate level of study. Prerequisite: 104A or 104B or permission of instructor. 

MUSC 109 Foundations of Music and Musicianship (4)

A holistic introduction to the knowledge and skills of musicianship, this course provides both a foundation for students to pursue further musical studies and a stand-alone introduction for students to explore music-making on their own. Topics include the elements of music, style characteristics of various musical genres, practical music theory, music notation and reading, and aural skills. Music technology and song writing will also be discussed. Music for Everyone opportunity. Open to all students.

MUSC 111 Comprehensive Musicianship I (3)

Development of basic musicianship, beginning with fundamentals of notation, music rudiments and basic harmonic functions, including keyboard harmony skills. Concurrent registration in 121 expected. 

MUSC 112 Comprehensive Musicianship II (3)

Further study of musicianship and harmony, including more advanced harmony and study of basic forms. Concurrent registration in 122 expected. Prerequisite: 111. 

MUSC 113 Instrument or Voice for Non-Music Majors/Minors (1)

Intermediate or advanced study for the non-music major/minor. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 

MUSC 114 Secondary Instrument or Voice for Music Majors/Minors (1)

Beginning to advanced study for music majors and minors on a secondary instrument/voice. 

MUSC 121 Musicianship Skills I (1)

Focused study in ear-training, rhythmic skills, and sight-singing. Concurrent registration in 111 expected. 

MUSC 122 Musicianship Skills II (1)

Focused study in ear-training, rhythmic skills, and sight-singing. This course builds on the skills learned in MUSC 121. Concurrent registration in 112 expected. 

MUSC 150 Music Through History (4)

An introduction to music in its historical and cultural perspective from ancient Greek to contemporary. Emphasis is placed on Western and other than Western cultures. Includes attendance at live performances. For music minors and non-music majors. 

MUSC 151 Music Through Theory (2-4)

An introduction to the basic principles of melody, harmony and rhythm. Various musical styles will be examined and analyzed using the tools of music theory. Class requires attendance at some live performances. For non-music majors. 

MUSC 152 Exploring World Music (2)

An introduction to the many kinds of musical expression practiced around the world through listening, reading and classroom discussion. Primary goals will include becoming acquainted with the musical practices of selected cultures, understanding the cultural contexts of diverse musical practices, and, through comparison with other cultures, becoming more aware of the roles music plays in our own lives and culture. No previous experience with music is necessary. 

MUSC 153 Romantic Spirit in the Arts (4)

A study of the spirit of Romantic thought in music and other art forms. Individualism, exoticism, love of nature, nationalism and the macabre all play roles in the output of the Romantic artist. A heightened sense of self-worth and value of all human individuals bound up in the same philosophy. A portion of our time will be spent on music and art forms from the 1960’s, and their similarities with 19th century output. The prime goal of the course will be recognition of the Romantic spirit and style in diverse forms of music and literature.

MUSC 154 Thinking Less: Minimalism in Music and Culture (2)

The intent of this course is to examine the 20th century musical genre known as minimalism and examine its ongoing effect on the cultural experience from its inception until present day. 

MUSC 156 Women in Music (2)

A survey of the history of women in music from earliest times to the present. It will include reading about women musicians, the study of their styles and live and recorded musical performances. No previous experience in music is necessary. 

MUSC 157 Piano Music from Bach to Jazz (2)

This course is a survey of piano music from the late baroque to the present. It will include readings on piano music, piano composers and piano performers, the study of musical and performing styles, and live and recorded musical performances. For non-music majors.

MUSC 158 Music and the Moving Image (4)

This course teaches students the vocabulary and appreciation of how sound and music are integrated with moving images, in conventional movie-making, but also music videos, video games and filmed versions of staged musicals and opera. The course covers technical aspects and the history of combining music with film from earliest films to the present. Students will also develop vocabulary and skills for criticism of music and moving images, drawing from academic film studies, as well as critical approaches from cultural, gender and identity-related perspectives. 

MUSC 211 Comprehensive Musicianship III (3)

Study of chromatic harmony, keyboard skills, and form and analysis of music from the Baroque through the Classical era. This course builds on MUSC 111-112. Concurrent registration in 221 expected. Prerequisite: 112. 

MUSC 212 Comprehensive Musicianship IV (3)

Continued study of chromatic harmony, keyboard skills, and form and analysis of music from the nineteenth century up to the present. Concurrent registration in 222 expected. Prerequisite: 211. 

MUSC 221 Musicianship Skills III (1)

Focused training in ear-training, rhythmic skills, and sight-singing. This course builds on the skills learned in MUSC 122. Concurrent registration in 211 expected.

MUSC 222 Musicianship Skills IV (1)

Focused training in ear-training, rhythmic skills and sight-singing. This course builds on the skills learned in MUSC 221. Concurrent registration in 212 expected. 

MUSC 227 Major Instrument or Voice for Music Majors/Minors (1)

Development of tone production, technique and repertoire. (Piano, Organ, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, Guitar, Harp, Percussion). Performance class required. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 

MUSC 228 Instrument or Voice for Music Minors (1)

Development of tone production, technique and repertoire. (Piano, Organ, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, Guitar, Harp, Percussion). Performance class required. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 

MUSC 230 Symphonic Band (0-1)

Rehearsal and performance of a variety of band literature. No audition required.

MUSC 231 Wind Ensemble (0-1)

Performance of original wind (band) literature with particular emphasis on the 20th century. Audition required.

MUSC 232 Chamber Choir (0-1)

Select Mixed Choir. Choral masterworks from the Renaissance to the present. National and international touring. Audition required.

MUSC 233 Orchestra (0-1)

Performance of a wide range of orchestral masterworks from the symphonic repertoire. Audition required.

MUSC 234 Men's Chorus (0-1)

Great choral works from Palestrina to the present. National and international touring. Open to all male students. Audition required.

MUSC 235 Women's Choir (0-1)

Select women's chamber group. Choral music of representative periods. Open to all female students. Audition required.

MUSC 238 Jazz Ensemble (0-1)

Study and performance of literature for the jazz ensemble. Audition required.

MUSC 239 All-College Choir (0-1)

Large Choral ensembles -- Mixed voice (upper voices and lower voices). Meets once weekly. No audition required.

MUSC 240 Small Ensemble Performance (0-1)

Pre-arranged vocal and instrumental ensembles. Offerings vary each semester and may include any of the ensembles listed below. Weekly or biweekly coaching. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

MUSC 242 Brass Choir (0-1)

A select brass chamber group performing original and transcribed works for 12-18 players. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

MUSC 245 Guitar Ensemble (0-1)

MUSC 260 Introduction to Music Composition (4)

This is an introductory course in the art and craft of musical composition. A number of compositional techniques will be explained and practiced, and students will compose original pieces of music of varying lengths. There will also be opportunities to listen to and discuss the music of recent composers. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: MUSC 112 and 122. 

MUSC 261 Fiddle Class (2)

This course is designed as an elective for music majors and music minors. The focus of the course will be basic fiddle technique and history using mostly Celtic repertoire. Prerequisite MUSC 112. 

MUSC 265 Songwriters Workshop – Anthems of Justice in the 1960s (2)

In this course students will examine the musical and lyrical structure of songs of justice in popular music idiom and write the music and lyrics for their own original songs of justice. 

MUSC 271 Individual Learning Project (1-4)

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

MUSC 272 Topics in Popular Music/Jazz Studies (1-4)

A study of a particular popular music or jazz historical period, style, compositional technique or performance technique. The specific subject to be studied will be announced prior to registration.

MUSC 272C Jazz Piano (0-1)

MUSC 272E South African Jazz and Popular Music Abroad (2-4)

A study of South African jazz and popular music in its social and historical context. The class will study music such as black jazz and anti-apartheid popular music (black and white) in their social/historical context. The course includes discussions of aspects of the musical styles and genres in a language which does not require previous musical training. Students may use this course to fulfill their Fine Arts (FA) requirements of the Common Curriculum.

MUSC 272G Jazz Voice (0-1)

MUSC 272H Jazz Drumming (1)

MUSC 273 Instrumental Jazz Improvisation (2)

The study and development of skills necessary for improvisation in the jazz style including: tonal development, style awareness, harmonic knowledge, nomenclature, technical development, and aural skills. Prerequisite: Intermediate performance level on instrument (knowledge of all major scales), ability to read music notation. For majors and nonmusic majors. Offered alternate years.

MUSC 303 Music in the 20th and 21st Century (2)

From the dawn of innovative technologies to the rise of global cultural influences, this course delves into the diverse genres, movements, and composers that shaped the musical landscape of the modern era. Engage with the pioneers of modern music, including Stravinsky, Ellington, Gershwin, Glass, and others. Examine the interplay between classical and popular music, exploring how artists blended genres to create groundbreaking fusions that resonate with audiences to this day. Music for Everyone opportunity. Open to all students.

MUSC 310 Philosophy of Music (4)

Philosophy of Music will help students reflect more deeply on their experiences of music. Many people experience music as emotion and are left with an overall impression; some may also recognize styles and contexts in more detail. But few have thought systematically about what music is, whether music possesses meaning, and, if so, how that meaning is conveyed or expressed. These are central issues in the philosophy of music and in this course. We will begin by giving some attention to the history of musical aesthetics to develop a context for the questions to be broached, but the greatest emphasis will be on exploring the nature of musical experience in the context of our world today. The course will present divergent philosophical theories that will be considered with respect to a wide range of music including Western “classical” music, music of non-Western cultures, and the popular music of today.

MUSC 316 Woodwind Methods (1)

Laboratory classes leading to basic performance and pedagogical competencies in woodwinds. Offered alternate years. 

MUSC 317 Percussion Methods (1)

Laboratory classes leading to basic performance and pedagogical competencies in percussion. Offered alternate years. 

MUSC 318 Brass Methods (1)

Laboratory classes leading to basic performance and pedagogical competencies in brass. Offered alternate years. 

MUSC 319 String Methods (1)

Laboratory classes leading to basic performance and pedagogical competencies in strings. Offered alternate years. 

MUSC 323 Choral Techniques I (4)

Laboratory class for students preparing to be choral conductors. Choral procedures. Conducting. Literature. Arranging studies. Prerequisites: 212/222, piano proficiency and applied voice, enrolled in or completed 335 or 336 or instructor’s permission. Alternate years. 

MUSC 324 Choral Techniques II (4)

Laboratory class for students preparing to be choral conductors. Choral procedures. Conducting. Literature. Arranging studies. Prerequisites: 212/222, piano proficiency and applied voice, enrolled in or completed 335 or 336 or instructor’s permission. Alternate years. 

MUSC 325 Basic Conducting (2)

Study and development of basic conducting skills. Offered alternate years. 

MUSC 326 Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Jazz Methods (3)

Advanced study and development of instrumental conducting skills combined with instrumental ensemble pedagogy and jazz methods. Offered alternate years. 

MUSC 327 Music for the Liturgy (4)

A practical survey of music appropriate for use in liturgical celebrations. Offered every third year. 

MUSC 331 Musics of the World (2)

Study of musical expression practiced around the world through listening, reading, and classroom discussion. Primary learning goals will include becoming acquainted with diverse musical practices of selected cultures, understanding music in cultural context, and, through comparison with other cultures, becoming more aware of the role music plays in our own lives and culture. Previous music experience is neither necessary nor expected. Music for Everyone opportunity. Open to all students.

MUSC 334 Music as Communication – Building Communities between campus and Kenya (4)

This course combines classroom learning at CSB/SJU during CD mod and ends with an experiential component abroad. Kenya is a musically vibrant and diverse country. From traditional music (religious, ceremonial, motivating songs that accompany work, entertainment) to popular music (sung in any and all languages), music in Kenya is inseparable from life. Although we will read about Kenyan music and listen to specific recordings in class, its movement and energy is best understood through participating and communicating with others in group settings. Through weekly guest workshops on campus and informal “no-experience- necessary” music making experiences in Kenya, we will learn to feel and live the music elements we will study in class. Attendance at formal and informal concerts on campus and abroad will help the listener make unique distinctions between “audience” and “artist” in both countries. In order to better understand the environment and community that supports and inspires the variety of music and culture we will take excursions throughout the city of Nairobi (Nairobi National Museum, Karura Forest, recording studio, Bomas of Kenya, rumba music and dance, United Nations, safari at Nairobi National Game Park), and into the county (Rift Valley, Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage). Finally, we will interact with other college students from DayStar University in Nairobi as they host our visit in May and as we host their visit to CSB/SJU in March.

MUSC 335 History of Music I (4)

History of Western musical development from Ancient Greece to 1750. Study of trends in style and form. Fall. Prerequisite: 112. 

MUSC 336 History of Music II (4)

History of Western musical development from 1750 to the present. Study of trends in style and form. Spring. Prerequisite: 112. 

MUSC 337 Major Instrument or Voice (2)

Continuation of 227. Building of repertoire. Performance class required. Prerequisites: 227 and permission of instructor. 

MUSC 338 Major Instrument or Voice (4)

Continuation of study in techniques and repertoire. Performance class required. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 

MUSC 340 Music Designs (4)

Advanced analysis of musical designs in historical context. Prerequisite: 212. Course offered for A-F grading only. Spring, alternate years.

MUSC 341 Piano Pedagogy (1-2)

Development of knowledge and skills relating to teaching piano to students from beginning through intermediate levels. 

MUSC 342 Topics in Special Studies (1-4)

Specific topics related to instrumental or vocal performance or pedagogy. 

MUSC 342A Service Playing (1-4)

Development of the skills and knowledge necessary for keyboard leadership in liturgical services. Prereq: permission of the instructor. 

MUSC 342C Diction and Repertoire (1-4)

Intense study of French and German diction, using the International Pronunciation Alphabet to decode specific sounds germane to the language. IPA skills equip classical singers to intelligibly perform French Chanson and German Lieder well as other classical genres in these languages, including opera, operetta and oratorio. Students will perform four to five French and German songs in class and will be exposed to seminal French and German art song repertoire by use of listening assignments. 

MUSC 342E Advanced Instrumental Conducting (2)

MUSC 342F Digital Tools for Musicians I (2)

An introduction to computer-based technology encountered in the field of music and to various creative applications of this technology. This course provides the student with the skills necessary to further explore music technology and its applications. Computer notation/the Internet, in which students gain intermediate mastery of notation software and learn basics of assembling a website, including readings on copyright issues and professional uses for social media. Prerequisites: Comprehensive Musicianship II (MUSC 112) or permission of instructor. 

MUSC 342G Digital Audio Editing (DAW) (2)

An introduction to computer-based technology encountered in the field of music and to various creative applications of this technology. This course provides the student with the skills necessary to further explore music technology and its applications. Students learn basics of recording and editing audio, core concepts of a Digital Audio editing, and touch on the history of electronic music as a means to better understand how these concepts developed. Prerequisites: Comprehensive Musicianship II (MUSC 112) or permission of instructor. 

MUSC 342H Vocal Repertoire Survey (1-2)

A survey of seminal solo vocal music in the Italian, German, French and English schools of art song composition, from 1600’s to the present. Students will listen to recordings and sight-sing various songs in class, discuss song form and learn of the historical context surrounding various composers. A final art song recital representing all four art song schools will take place. 

MUSC 343 Vocal Pedagogy (1-4)

Designed to understand how the voice works (physiology of the voice - including acoustics), how to choose and teach age and skill appropriate literature to individual singers as well as vocal ensembles. 

MUSC 345 Orchestration (2)

Study of instrumentation and scoring for small to large ensembles. Students will work with both standard orchestra and wind ensemble. Prerequisite: 212. Alternate years. 

MUSC 346 Tonal Counterpoint (2)

Writing and analysis of tonal counterpoint, emphasizing the practice of J.S. Bach. Prerequisite: 212. Alternate years. 

MUSC 351 Piano Literature (1-4)

A survey of literature for the piano from the earliest times to the present. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 

MUSC 357 Composition Projects (2)

Individual training in composing music in contemporary styles. Prerequisite: 212. 

MUSC 358 Vocal Performance Workshop (0-2)

In-depth study/presentations of classical to contemporary works. Prerequisite: audition/consent of workshop director.

MUSC 358A Opera Workshop (1-2)

In-depth study/presentations of classical to contemporary works. Prerequisite: audition/consent of workshop director. 

MUSC 358B Opera Workshop (0)

In-depth study/presentations of classical to contemporary works. Prerequisite: audition/consent of workshop director. 

MUSC 371 Individual Learning Project (1-4)

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

MUSC 391 Senior Recital (1)

The culmination of a student’ performer’s undergraduate musical study, a senior recital is a full-length program that normally includes music in various forms and styles and from diverse historical periods. Students are required to write substantial program notes and a reflective paper. (391 or 392 are required of all music majors in the performance concentration.)  Prerequisite: Consent of the department and applied instructor.

MUSC 392 Senior Recital (0)

The culmination of a student’ performer’s undergraduate musical study, a senior recital is a full-length program that normally includes music in various forms and styles and from diverse historical periods. (391 or 392 are required of all music majors in the performance concentration.) Offered for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Consent of the department and applied instructor.

MUSC 393 Senior Project (1)

The culmination of a student’s undergraduate musical study, the senior project is an extended endeavor in the student’s area of interest within music. This may take the form of a musical composition(s), musical scholarship, or another appropriate project agreed on by the student and a moderating faculty member. Students will have a writing requirement, including a reflective paper. Prerequisite: Consent of the department and faculty moderator.

MUSC 394 Senior Project (0)

The culmination of a student’s undergraduate musical study, the senior project is an extended endeavor in the student’s area of interest within music. This may take the form of a musical composition(s), musical scholarship, or another appropriate project agreed on by the student and a moderating faculty member. Offered for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Consent of the department and faculty moderator.

MUSC 397 Internship (1-16)

Individual projects tailored to student needs/career. Prerequisite: consent of department chair. Completed Application for Internship Form REQUIRED.