Music
Course Descriptions
100 Introduction to Listening
(3 s.h.) A general introduction to western music from Gregorian Chant to the 21st century, designed to refine the student’s listening skills and pleasure. Emphasis will fall on guided analytical listening to selected works by major composers. No previous musical experience is expected.
101 Beginning Voice Class
(1 s.h.) The rudiments of singing — how to begin to build your voice — will be offered for those students who have an interest in strengthening their vocal ability, perhaps with the goal of further applied study. Students must be enrolled in the Mary Baldwin College Choir in the term in which this course is taken. Intended for students with no prior vocal study. Course fee.
102 Beginning Piano Class
(1 s.h.) This course introduces students to the basics of reading music and playing the piano. It is taught in a piano laboratory environment and is intended for those who have no keyboard background. Students with prior piano study should consult Professor Keiter about taking a different course. Course fee.
103 Beginning Guitar Class
(1 s.h.) This course introduces students to the basics of reading music and playing the guitar. It is intended for those who have no guitar background. (Students with prior guitar experience should consult the instructor about taking a different course.) Course fee.
105 Fundamentals of Music
(3 s.h.) An introduction to the structure of tonal music intended for the student with little or no formal musical training. Some attention will be given to keyboard proficiency and training in aural skills. This course is recommended for teacher licensure or for students who wish to take MUS 111.
106 Mary Baldwin College Choir
(1 s.h.) The choir activities include a spring tour and occasional concerts with area men’s choruses. Can be repeated for credit.
108 Chamber Music Ensembles
(credit varies) Admission by audition. Can be repeated for credit. Ensembles include Baldwin Charm, Bella Voce, Flute Ensemble, String Ensemble, and chamber groups. Singers for Baldwin Charm and Bella Voce are selected by audition from the Mary Baldwin College Choir. Choir membership is a requirement for participation in either small vocal ensemble.
111, 112 Music Theory I and II
(4 s.h. each) These courses examine the role of harmonic material in tonal music, viewed in several ways: harmonization exercises, analysis, and short compositions. There is a lab component, which will emphasize aural skills and sightsinging. Required for the major or minor in music. *Prerequisite: Familiarity with notation of pitch and rhythm and/or MUS 105.
Applied Lessons
(1–2 s.h.) Individual voice, piano, and selected instrumental lessons are available to all students, on a space available basis, regardless of present level of ability and prior music experience. Pre-approved music majors and minors take Primary Applied Lessons (200-level, two credits, and 60-minute lessons). Most other students should take Elective Applied Lessons (100-level, one credit, 30-minute lessons). Students with questions about their status should consult the music department. Fees: 12, 30minute lessons, $230; 12, 60-minute lessons, $450. Reduced fee for approved music majors or minors: 12, 30-minute lessons, $130; 12, 60-minute lessons, $195. Students should consult their teachers about which course is appropriate for them.
- 120, 260 Applied Piano (credit varies)
- 121, 261 Applied Voice (credit varies) Priority for Applied Voice will be given first to music majors or minors and then to students registered for MUS 106 (Mary Baldwin College Choir). All students in Applied Voice are required to enroll in MUS 106.
- 122, 262 Applied Organ (credit varies) Available at beginner/intermediate or advanced levels. Note that beginner/intermediate level assumes intermediate level of piano skills. Organ lessons are taught off-campus.
- 123, 263 Applied Violin (credit varies)
- 124, 264 Applied Flute (credit varies)
- 125, 265 Applied Cello (credit varies)
- 125B, 265B Applied Bass (credit varies)
- 126, 266 Applied Clarinet (credit varies)
- 127, 267 Applied Guitar (credit varies)
- 128, 268 Applied Viola (credit varies)
- 129, 269 Applied Harp (credit varies)
- 130, 270 Applied Bassoon (credit varies)
141 Diction for Singers
(2 s.h.) The course will include the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet, mainly to the study of Italian, English, German,and French song literature. There will be a brief study of its application to Spanish and Latin texts. Diction problems applicable to all song literature will be discussed.
151 History of Jazz
(3 s.h.) An examination of jazz as both a musical and sociological phenomenon; we will focus on the musical developments that resulted in jazz, the major jazz styles from New Orleans to the present, and musicians who have strongly influenced these styles.
152 Rock Music
(3 s.h.) A survey of the history of rock from its roots in rhythm and blues to present-day developments. Major stylistic trends and the contribution of such early artists as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones will receive equal attention. No previous musical experience is expected.
153 American Folk Music
(3 s.h.) This course traces the development of American oral-tradition music, beginning with the earliest British ballads. Various surviving song-types examined include blues, ‘30s dust-bowl ballads, and ‘60s protest songs. The recorded era is also closely scrutinized, from early hillbilly artists to the mid-century folk revival.
200, 300 Topics in Music History
(credit varies) One or more course topics will be chosen from such areas as: J.
S. Bach, the Art Song, Music in Vienna, Music in London, Wagner operas, World Music, and Chamber Music Literature. *Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
210 Accompanying
(1 s.h.) This course is for piano students. Each student will accompany voice or instrumental students in a performance. *Prerequisites: advanced piano skills and permission of instructor.
211, 212 Music Theory III and IV
(3 s.h. each) These courses are a continuation of MUS 111–112. Students will develop analytical techniques appropriate for the major styles and genres of western music, from Gregorian chant to the present, with attention as well to the historical and cultural foundation of these techniques. Focus will be on analysis projects, composition, and aural skills. Required for music majors. *Prerequisite: MUS 112 or permission of instructor.
217 Choral Conducting
(3 s.h.) Choral conducting is the choreography of sound. In addition, it is the art of teaching and communicating through verbal and gestural technique. The major goal of this course is to secure for the student the fundamental skills necessary for success as a conductor and teacher. Required for Music Education students.
218, 318 Women in Music
(3 s.h.) This course will examine the rich history of women’s involvement with music as composers, performers, listeners, patrons, critics, and objects of musical representation. While we will mainly focus on western civilization, we will also consider examples drawn from non-western cultures. This course includes consideration of popular music and artists.
223, 323 Piano Literature
(3 s.h. each) A survey of the music, history, and performance technique of the piano from the Baroque to the 21st century. Individual
works will be selected for listening, discussion and limited analysis. Emphasis will be on both live and recorded performances. Reading knowledge of music required. *Recommended background: MUS 100.
224, 324 The Symphony
(3 s.h. each) A study of the symphony from Haydn to Stravinsky, emphasizing evolution of musical style and development of the orchestra as a performing medium. Additional composers may include Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Mahler, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky.
225, 325 Beethoven
(3 s.h. each) The life and musical style of Ludwig van Beethoven: an intensive study of works in four genres (piano sonata, concerto, string quartet, symphony) that mark his evolution through three style periods (classic, heroic, late). *Recommended background: MUS 100.
226, 326 Music and the Theatre (3 s.h. each) An introduction to the opera and related theatre music from their origins to the 21st century. Well known operas by Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Wagner, Puccini, and Strauss will be treated in lectures, recordings, and videotapes. If possible, a field trip to hear an operatic performance will be scheduled. *Recommended background: MUS 100.
229, 329 Music in the Romantic Era
(3 s.h. each) A study of the major styles in European music from the death of Beethoven through the end of the 19th century: the German art song, short piano pieces from Schubert to Brahms, the rise of the virtuoso (Chopin and Liszt), “music of the future” — the new directions of Wagner, and the rise of Nationalism (Dvorak and Tchaikovsky). *Recommended background: MUS 100.
230, 330 20th-Century Music
(3 s.h. each) The major styles and issues in European and American music from Debussy to the present — a full spectrum of the sounds of the 20th century. Composers to be studied will include Schoen-berg, Stravinsky, Bartok, Berg, Ives, and Prokofiev. *Recommended background: MUS 100.
301 Junior Recital
(1 s.h.) The Junior Recital is a half-recital (25–35 minutes) that music majors with performance emphasis present in their junior year. Students should consult the “Guide to Recitals.” *Prerequisite: MUS 112 or permission of instructor.
302 Minor Recital
(1 s.h.) The Minor Recital is a half-recital (25–35 minutes) that music minors with performance concentration present in their junior or senior year. Students should consult the “Guide to Recitals.” *Prerequisite: Students must have passed their minor audition and have at least junior standing.
310 Music Education in the Elementary School
(3 s.h.) This course will give students a foundation for teaching music at the elementary level. Observation and participation in public school classrooms will be arranged to integrate teaching theory and practice. The course will introduce standard methods and materials appropriate for teaching general and vocal/choral music, including Orff and Kodaly systems, recorder, and auto-harp. *Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
311 Music Education in the Secondary School
(3 s.h.) This course will give students a foundation for teaching music at the middle and high school levels. Observation and participation in public school classrooms will be arranged to integrate teaching theory and practice. This course is directed toward the vocal music educator and will cover choral direction methods, materials, and strategies. *Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
315 History of Western Music to 1700
(3 s.h.) A survey of western music from antiquity to the Baroque. The major emphasis will be on aural recognition of the various musical styles current during the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Required for Music majors. *Prerequisite: MUS
100.
316 History of Western Music from 1700 to the Present
(3 s.h.) A survey of western music from the late Baroque to the present. As in MUS 315, primary emphasis will be on aural recognition of the major styles of the last 400 years. Required for Music majors. *Prerequisite: MUS 100.
400 Senior Seminar
(3 s.h.) Music majors must take the Major Field Achievement Test. This seminar will focus on selective review for this examination, along with several 1–2 page papers and short oral reports.
401 Senior Recital
(3 s.h.) The Senior Recital is a full recital (40–55 minutes) that majors with performance emphasis present in their senior year. Students should consult the “Guide to Recitals.” *Prerequisite: Students must have passed the major audition and have senior standing.
402 Senior Thesis
(3 s.h.) The senior thesis affords students the opportunity to conduct a large-scale, independent research project. This will include a proposal, bibliography and literature review (due in the preceding term), a 30-page thesis (at least one component of which must discuss or analyze music), and a final oral presentation.
Note: Directed inquiries, teaching assistantships, and internships in music can be arranged on an individual basis.