Graduate Music Courses
Note: For some courses, pre- and corequisites apply to graduate students only. Undergraduate students wishing to enroll in 500-level courses should contact the Department of Music and Dance office for more information.
MUSC 500 Introduction to Graduate Studies (2 hrs)
An introductory course in scholarly research and writing that includes library orientation for the music researcher, basic types of music research, evaluation of basic source materials for music research, style for writing and documentation of scholarly research and organization of a bibliography. Prereq: Graduate students only
MUSC 504 America’s Music (2 hrs)
A study of the diversified styles of music made and continuously used by the people of the United States in terms of our historical cultural traditions. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 505 World Music (2 hrs)
A study of the history, style and social basis of music from various cultures around the world. This course includes comparisons between art music and popular music in Western and non-Western traditions. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 509 Graduate Theory Review (2 hrs)
Music theory review with an emphasis on the perception, writing, and analysis of basic musical materials from all stylistic periods. Hours do not count towards degree requirements. May be repeated. Prereq: Music Theory Graduate Placement Exam
MUSC 511 Survey of Harmonic Techniques (2 hrs)
A study of compositional and harmonic techniques and practices of major composers of the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Prereq: Students must achieve an acceptable score on the Music Theory Graduate Placement Exam prior to enrolling in MUSC 511. Students who fail to achieve an acceptable score must take MUSC 509 Graduate Theory Review, and receive a B or better in the course, prior to enrolling in MUSC 511.
MUSC 512 Counterpoint (2 hrs)
This course presents principles and practices of modal and tonal counterpoint with an introduction to twentieth-century counterpoint. It includes analysis of representative works and contrapuntal writing in two and three parts. Prereq: Students must achieve an acceptable score on the Music Theory Graduate Placement Exam prior to enrolling in MUSC 512. Students who fail to achieve an acceptable score must take MUSC 509 Graduate Theory Review, and receive a B or better in the course, prior to enrolling in MUSC 512.
MUSC 513 Form and Analysis (2 hrs)
A study of structural principles and techniques through analysis of representative works of the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Prereq: Students must achieve an acceptable score on the Music Theory Graduate Placement Exam prior to enrolling in MUSC 513. Students who fail to achieve an acceptable score must take MUSC 509 Graduate Theory Review, and receive a B or better in the course, prior to enrolling in MUSC 513.
MUSC 515 Common Practice Improvisation (2 hrs)
A performance-based class in which students invent music based on 18th-century harmonic practices. Studies include thoroughbass, voice leading, figuration, and cadences. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 511, 512, 513, or 516, or department permission
MUSC 516 Schenkerian Analysis (2 hrs)
An intensive study of the analytical methods and theories of Heinrich Schenker. Students will acquire skill in interpreting and creating “Schenkerian” analyses. Prereq: Students must achieve an acceptable score on the Music Theory Graduate Placement Exam prior to enrolling in MUSC 516. Students who fail to achieve an acceptable score must take MUSC 509 Graduate Theory Review, and receive a B or better in the course, prior to enrolling in MUSC 516.
MUSC 517 Introduction to Music Composition (2 hrs)
An introduction to the creative process in music through analysis of traditional and new music; original composition in small forms, illustrating various techniques and media. Prereq: department permission
MUSC 518 Music Composition I (3 hrs)
In this course students will examine the creative process in music through analysis of traditional and new music and create original composition in small forms, illustrating various techniques and media. May be repeated. Prereq: department permission
MUSC 546 Collegium Musicum (1 hr)
A performance oriented course made up of various ensembles of soloists – instrumental, vocal, and mixed – with a focus on historically informed performance. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 550 Ensemble (1 hr)
Participation in any regular departmental ensemble. Open to qualified students upon satisfactory audition. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 551 Vocal and Instrumental Collaboration (2 hrs)
This course provides keyboard students with experience in collaborating with singers and instrumentalists through the acquisition of basic skills and repertoire. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 554 Chamber Music (1 hr)
Study in rehearsing and performing in non-conducted chamber ensembles, e.g. trios, quartets, quintet, etc., coached weekly by an instructor. The difficulty of music studied must be appropriate for the graduate level. May be repeated for credit with permission of adviser.
MUSC 559 Studies in Literature (1 hr)
Topics to be selected from the following: instrumental repertoire (for a specific principal instrument), chamber ensemble repertoire, or similar topics. Topics to be offered will be announced in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit with permission of adviser. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 561 Studies in Literature (2 hrs)
Topics to be selected from the following: instrumental repertoire (for a specific principal instrument), vocal repertoire (including solo song and opera), chamber ensemble repertoire, or similar topics. Topics to be offered will be announced in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit with permission of adviser. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 565 Ensemble Pedagogy and Literature (2 hrs)
Study of music pedagogy and literature appropriate to secondary school instruction. Topics to be selected from the following: band, choir, or orchestra. Topics to be offered will be announced in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit with permission of adviser.
MUSC 572 Psychology of Music Teaching and Learning (2 hrs)
An examination of psychological principles and theories applied to the teaching of and responses to music (classroom and studio).
MUSC 576 Score Study and Rehearsal Strategies for Music Educators (2 hrs)
An in-depth analysis of representative band, orchestra, and choral scores for the purpose of teaching and rehearsing.
MUSC 590/591/592 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An intensive study of subject matter not provided in other departmental offerings. Topic must be approved by the graduate adviser. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: department and advisor approval
MUSC 595 Workshop in Music (2 hrs)
Topic to be announced in the schedule of classes. The content will change from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 597/598/599 Independent Study (1/2/3 hrs)
An intensive study of a problem or group of problems under the direction of a Department faculty member. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: department permission
MUSC 617 Music Composition II (3 hrs)
Original composition based upon techniques of the 20th and 21st centuries; composition of works of moderate length. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: MUSC 518 or equivalent
MUSC 618 Music Composition III (3 hrs)
Original composition in larger forms, with the intent of performance. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: MUSC 617
MUSC 631 Renaissance Music (2 hrs)
A study of selected works representing the forms, styles and idioms of the 15th and 16th-centuries. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 632 Baroque Music (2 hrs)
A study of selected works representing some of the styles and idioms of the 17th century, and of the early and mid-18th century (Bach, Handel). Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 633 Music in the Classical Era (2 hrs)
The development of musical style and form in the classical era, principally in the works of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 634 Music in the Romantic Era (2 hrs)
A study of the development of musical style and form in the romantic era. Intensive study of selected compositions. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 635 Music Since 1900 (2 hrs)
A study of major works, composers, and aesthetic systems of music since 1900. Selected works to be announced each time the course is offered. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 642 Foundations of Music Education (2 hrs)
The study of the development of music education in the United States and the influence of philosophy upon development.
MUSC 646 Music Curriculum and Assessment (2 hrs)
An in-depth study of all aspects of the K-12 music curriculum, including national and state standards, assessment issues, and administrative concerns such as staffing, scheduling, facilities and equipment.
MUSC 660 Pedagogy of Music Performance (1 hr)
An introduction to methodologies for teaching musicianship and performance skills. The course will also present practical advice for establishing, organizing and operating a music-teaching studio. Taken concurrently with MUSC 661 (instrumentalists) or MUSC 662 (vocalists).
MUSC 661 Principal Instrument Pedagogy (1 hr)
A study of pedagogical approaches to a specific principal instrument; it includes a survey of appropriate techniques, practices, and materials. Taken concurrently with MUSC 660.
MUSC 662 Vocal Pedagogy (2 hrs)
An exploration of the science and art of training the vocal mechanism through the study of specific problems and their solution. Taken concurrently with MUSC 660.
MUSC 665 Elementary Piano Pedagogy (2 hrs)
In this course, students will become familiar with childhood musical development and Music Learning Theory; observe, develop, and practice methodologies for teaching piano to young children; and prepare to answer the questions on the comprehensive exam in piano pedagogy that relate to childhood and beginning piano.
MUSC 666 Intermediate to Advanced Piano Pedagogy (2 hrs)
In this course, students will gain knowledge of intermediate to advanced levels of piano music through teaching, analysis, and performance; understanding of studio business practices through practical applications and class discussions; and knowledge of historical developments in piano pedagogy and their importance in developing a teaching philosophy.
MUSC 667 Group Piano Pedagogy & Technology (2 hrs)
In this course, students will develop group piano teaching techniques through the observation and practice teaching of adult students; knowledge of texts and materials for use in college class piano curriculums; and competency in using piano lab equipment including sequencers, MIDI disks, and computer programs.
MUSC 678 Advanced Conducting for Music Educators (2 hrs)
An in-depth study of interpretative factors, subtle baton techniques, and conducting styles for the advanced conductor.
MUSC 679/680/681 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An intensive study, at an advanced level, of subject matter not provided in other departmental offerings. Topic must be approved by the graduate adviser. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 687 Graduate Recital (2 hrs)
Required in partial fulfillment of the Master of Music in Performance degree. Coreq: applied music
MUSC 688 Ensemble Conducting Recital (2 hrs)
A culminating one hour ensemble performance which synthesizes and reinforces the student’s knowledge of the literature presented in concert. Students will demonstrate the conducting and rehearsal techniques required during the preparation stages and performance process. Prereq: department permission
MUSC 691 Thesis (2 hrs)
A substantial and original undertaking in scholarly research, designed to reflect, focus, and deepen the student’s individual interests and to provide a culminating experience in the Master of Music in Music Education. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500 and department permission
MUSC 692 Final Project (2 hrs)
A creative, analytical or pragmatic project of a substantial and original nature, designed to reflect the student’s individual interests and to serve as a culminating experience in the Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy degree. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500 and department permission
MUSC 693 Thesis (3 hrs)
A substantial and original undertaking in composition for large ensemble, designed to reflect, focus, and deepen the student’s individual interests and to provide a culminating experience in the Master of Music in Composition degree. Prereq: MUSC 618 and department permission
MUSC 694 Seminar (2 hrs)
Topics may include music pedagogy, performance, or research. May also serve as summary review for fulfillment of the Comprehensive Review requirement. Pre- or coreq: MUSC 500
MUSC 697/698/699 Independent Study (1/2/3 hrs)
An intensive and advanced study of a problem or group of problems under the direction of a Department faculty member. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: department permission
Applied Music 551/553/651/653/661/663 (1 hr)
Individualized instrumental or vocal instruction for music graduate students. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: audition
Applied Music 552/554/652/654/662/664 (2 hrs)
Individualized instrumental or vocal instruction for music graduate students. Students enrolled in Applied Music are required to participate in a weekly one-hour studio class. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: audition
Applied Music (ACOL) 552/554/652/654/662/664 (2 hrs)
Keyboard instruction for students in the Master of Music in Performance – Collaborative Keyboard concentration. Students will study keyboard repertoire, chamber music, and instrumental and vocal accompaniments through regular instruction in individual and group lesson settings. Students enrolled in Applied Music are required to participate in a weekly one-hour studio class. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: audition
Applied Music (APED) 552/554/652/654/662/664 (2 hrs)
Piano instruction for students in the Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy degree. Students will study piano repertoire, technique, and pedagogy through regular instruction in individual and group lesson settings. Students enrolled in Applied Music are required to participate in a weekly one-hour studio class. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: audition
