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Music Major
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Liberal Arts or Performance Emphasis

This emphasis is intended for students with a strong interest in solo performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, or ensemble leadership but not pursuing a professional program such as church music or music education. With careful selection of courses, the Liberal Arts or Performance emphasis can prepare you for specialized graduate studies in such sub-disciplines as music history/musicology, music theory, composition, ethnomusicology, vocal or instrumental performance.

Music Core 35-36 units
MUS 201: Music Theory 1
As a beginning study of the craft of music for students with considerable musical experience, this course includes the study and application of scales, intervals, triads, rhythms, and elementary chord progression through analysis and writing. Co-requisite: normally taken concurrently with MUS 211. Recommended prerequisite: MUS 102 or other training in the fundamentals of musical notation.
3
MUS 202: Music Theory 2
As a continuation of Music Theory 1, this course will study non-harmonic tones, seventh chords, modulation, and basic musical forms through analysis and composition of four-part textures. Co-requisite: normally taken concurrently with MUS 212.
3
MUS 211: Aural Skills 1
This course will reinforce the material and experiences from Music Theory 1 through keyboard and dictation activities with an emphasis on the cultivation of musical sensitivity and responsiveness. Co-requisite: normally taken concurrently with MUS 201.
1
MUS 212: Aural Skills 2
A continuation of Aural Skills 1. Co-requisite: normally taken concurrently with MUS 202.
1
MUS 221: Beginning Conducting
A beginning study in the craft of conducting, this course will include the basic beat patterns, preparatory and release gestures, and simple non-verbal stylistic cues. Students will conduct a musical ensemble composed of class members.
2
MUS 303: Music Theory 3
As a continuation of Music Theory 2 and Aural Skills 2, this course will include analysis of counterpoint, classical forms, and chromatic alteration of melody and chord progression, as well as further development of composition skills. Prerequisite: MUS 202.
3
MUS 304: Music Theory 4
As a continuation of Music Theory 3, this course will study extended forms and melodic-harmonic formula characteristic of the 19th century; introduce techniques of the 20th century; and cultivate related notational and compositional skills. Prerequisite: MUS 303.
3
MUS 323: Aural Skills 3
A continuation of Aural Skills 2. Co-requisite: MUS 303.
1
MUS 324: Aural Skills 4
A continuation of Aural Skills 3. Co-requisite: MUS 304.
1
MUS 331: Music History: Antiquity to Bach
This survey course will look at the development of art music in Western history from ancient Greece to the time of J.S. Bach, including the relationship between secular and ecclesiastical music, vocal and instrumental music, and the social functions of music. Prerequisite: MUS 202 or consent of instructor.
3
MUS 332: Music History: Classical Period to Modernity
This survey course will look at the development of art music in Western history from the early classical period to the present, including the social functions of music, the relationship between secular and ecclesiastical music, and vocal and instrumental music. Prerequisite: MUS 202 or consent of instructor.
3
Performance
MU ___: Applied Music
Every semester on a principal instrument at least to Level 401.
5+
MuE ___: Ensemble
Four units of ensemble are counted toward graduation within the major, but each music major must participate in at least one department ensemble each term of attendance; two ensembles are encouraged. Additional units may be petitioned against general electives as described in the General Catalog.
4
Senior Recital or Project
Mu___ 498: Senior Recital
This course will help students prepare for a recital in their primary performing medium (voice or instrument) and satisfies the final requirements for a music major with a performance emphasis. Prerequisite: approval of senior project application by the music faculty (see Senior Project Guidelines and Senior Recital Guidelines available in the Music Office). Replaces applied music for the semester leading to the recital.
or
Mu___ 498: Senior Recital
This course will satisfy the final requirements for a music major when church music, music theory, music history, ethnomusicology, or music education is the student's primary interest and may include the following: developing a curriculum and music activities for a school; directing an established music performing group; conducting research or field study, writing a composition, preparing a festival worship service, and/or leading music in a church under supervision. Prerequisite: approval of senior project application by the music faculty. See also Senior Project Guidelines available in the Music Office.
2
Liberal Arts or Performance 20 units
Performance Enrichment 3
Choose a minimum of three units from the following:
MU ___: Applied Music: primary instrument or composition
(or up to three units of composition at the 400 level in addition to the performance requirements in the major)
3
MU ___: Applied Music: secondary instrument and/or instrumental techniques courses
(up to two units at the 200 level)
2
MU___ 398: Junior Recital
An enhanced applied music course leading to formal performance of a half recital and replaces the normal applied music course for that instrument or voice in the semester taken. Prerequisite: level 300 standing in applied music in the same instrument or voice.
2
MUS 215: Music Technology
This course will introduce the electronic tools for music making, including CD mastering, sequencing, recording, and score production.
1
MUS 222: Intermediate Conducting
As a continuation of Beginning Conducting, students will build upon their conducting skills with more advanced study in expressive gestures, left-hand independence, cueing, psychological conducting, and score preparation. Prerequisite: MUS 221.
2
MUS 312: Brass Techniques
Basic techniques for playing, teaching, and maintaining brass instruments along with curricular concepts and materials for teaching beginning instrumentalists will be covered in this course. Prerequisites: considerable musical experience, preferably instrumental, and consent of instructor.
1
MUS 313: Percussion Techniques
Basic techniques for playing, teaching, and maintaining percussion instruments will be covered in this course. Prerequisites: considerable musical experience, preferably instrumental, and consent of instructor.
1
MUS 314: Woodwind Techniques
Basic techniques for playing, teaching, and maintaining woodwind instruments will be covered in this course. Prerequisites: considerable musical experience, preferably instrumental, and consent of instructor.
1
MUS 315: String Techniques
Basic techniques for playing, teaching, and maintaining string instruments will be covered in this course. Prerequisites: considerable musical experience, preferably instrumental. and consent of instructor.
1
History and Theory 3
Choose a minimum of three units from the following:
MUS 401: Advanced Studies in Music
This course will be scheduled when there is adequate student interest in particular topics such as jazz, counterpoint, arranging for instrumental, choral or handbell groups, electronic music, music in particular cultures, a period of music history, or topics in music education. Prerequisites: depends on the topic selected, but normally MUS 202 and one music history course.
3
MUS 402: Orchestration
As a study of instrumental timbre and the application of instrument combinations to achieve artistic sonority in music, this course will emphasize the study of orchestral scores and will culminate with a final project consisting of a full orchestration of a short organ prelude. This course will also help students become familiar with music notation software. Prerequisites: MUS 202, one history course, and one instrumental techniques course or equivalent experience.
2
MUS 451: Music Cultures of the World: Emerging Nations
This course will introduce students to the study of music as a universal cultural phenomenon and the discipline of ethnomusicology, with exposure to the musical and social aspects of a variety of folk, traditional, and art music of Latin America, Africa, India, North America, and contemporary mass media. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or equivalent knowledge and experience in music strongly encouraged.
3
MUS 452: Music Cultures of the World: The Silk Road
Introduction to the discipline of ethnomusicology and of music as a universal cultural phenomenon, with exposure to the musical and social aspects of a variety of folk, traditional and art music of regions from Eastern Europe to Asia, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, China, Japan, and Korea. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or equivalent knowledge and experience in music strongly encouraged.
3
MUS 482: Musical Heritage of the Church
This course will survey the role, development, and function of music in the Christian church from its roots in the Old Testament to the present day, with attention given to biblical, theological, social, and cultural considerations.
or
THL 482: Musical Heritage of the Church
This course will survey the role, development, and function of music in the Christian church from its roots in the Old Testament to the present day, with attention given to biblical, theological, social, and cultural considerations.
3
MUS 483: A Survey of Christian Hymnody
This is an historical survey course of Christian hymnody which will develop an awareness of the poetic, musical, theological, and spiritual aspects of hymnody for both congregational and devotional use.
or
THL 483: A Survey of Christian Hymnody
This is an historical survey course of Christian hymnody which will develop an awareness of the poetic, musical, theological, and spiritual aspects of hymnody for both congregational and devotional use.
3
Methodology and Leadership 3
Choose a minimum of three units from the following:
THL 381: Worship Arts Ministry
This course will look at the theology, methods, and principles for leading a worship arts ministry, including the evaluation and development of working definitions for 'contemporary' worship; planning worship services for varied congregational settings; worship ministry in the context of congregational change; values that shape worship ministry programming; the role of technology; and application of a theology of worship in cultivating a character of leadership. Prerequisite: MUS 281 or consent of instructor.
3
MUS 412: Instrumental Methods and Repertoire
This is an advanced instrumental music methods course focusing on repertoire, rehearsal management, advanced conducting issues and techniques, pedagogy, planning, and administration. Prerequisites: MUS 202 and 222 or consent of the instructor.
2-3
MUS 412: Instrumental Methods and Repertoire
This is an advanced instrumental music methods course focusing on repertoire, rehearsal management, advanced conducting issues and techniques, pedagogy, planning, and administration. Prerequisites: MUS 202 and 222 or consent of the instructor.
2-3
MUS 441: Handbell Methods and Repertoire
This course will study the organizing and directing of handbell programs. The one-credit component includes a philosophy of handbell ringing, methods for beginning ringers, materials and equipment, recruitment, and handbell literature for school and church. The two-credit course adds literature and methods for more advanced ringers, small ensembles and solos. The three-credit option adds work in composition and arranging for handbells as well as advanced conducting. Prerequisites: experience with handbell ringing and familiarity with musical notation, and MUS 202 and 221 for the three-unit course.
2-3
MUS 461: Music for Children
This course will allow students to identify, understand, and work with the music capabilities of children, including the following: The one unit option will study the approaches, activities, and materials for teaching music to children and the development of preschool through grade 8 general music curriculum. The two unit option is available to multiple-subject teacher education candidates interested in incorporating music into the self-contained classroom as well as others interested in musical development of children. The three unit option is required of music education majors and available to others interested in developing curricula and/or other special skills and projects. Prerequisite: MUS 101, 102 or equivalent; basic music reading ability and musical experience recommended.
2-3
MUS 471: Choral Methods and Repertoire
This is an advanced choral music methods course that will focus on choral repertoire, rehearsal management, advanced conducting techniques, vocal pedagogy, planning, and administration. Prerequisites: MUS 202 and 222 or consent of instructor.
3
MUS 484: Planning Music in Christian Worship
A practical study of planning music within the worship service will be presented in this course as students draw upon their experiences in theology, worship, history, arranging, performance, and repertoire courses to create and evaluate worship forms in today's church. This course will also include an in-depth study of the church year that will serve as the framework for planning services appropriate for a Lutheran-Christian context. Prerequisite: THL 382; MUS 331 or 482, 471, 481, 483 and 485 are also suggested.
or
THL 484: Planning Music for Christian Worship
A practical study of planning music within the worship service will be presented in this course as students draw upon their experiences in theology, worship, history, arranging, performance, and repertoire courses to create and evaluate worship forms in today's church. This course will also include an in-depth study of the church year that will serve as the framework for planning services appropriate for a Lutheran-Christian context. Prerequisite: THL 382; MUS 331 or 482, 471, 481, 483 and 485 are also suggested.
2
Electives
Select ten additional units from MUS courses listed in the three groups above.
10

Piano Competence: All Music majors who select a principal instrument other than piano or organ must also achieve the equivalent of MUKP 201 either by completing the course or passing the music department piano proficiency examination.

Voice Competence: All Music majors must also pass either MUVO 100 or pass one semester of applied voice lessons or participate for at least one year in a department choral ensemble.

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Concordia University Irvine
Developing Wise, Honorable, and Cultivated Citizens

(800) 229-1200 | (949) 854-8002

Concordia University Irvine, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA 92612