Music Course Descriptions

As one of the first small liberal arts colleges to offer a degree in music, Carthage provides a rich musical tradition that can be traced back over a century, including the formation of one of the first college bands in America shortly after the Civil War, and one of the oldest college touring choirs in the country.

Scroll down to read descriptions of the music courses offered at Carthage, or click on the following links for additional resources.

• Carthage Schoology for current students
• Course schedules for all terms
• Current final exam schedule
• Major/minor requirements

 

Carthage Choir (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0010 / 0-2 credits
The Carthage Choir presents concerts of both anthems and longer works, sings for school and community functions, hosts an annual choral workshop, takes an annual spring tour, and tours in Europe every third J-Term. Membership by individual audition.

Carthage Chorale (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0020 / 0-1 credit
The Carthage Chorale is a mixed choral ensemble that regularly sings both sacred and secular music in a variety of venues. Membership by individual audition.

Lincoln Singers (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0030 / 0-1 credit
The Lincoln Chamber Singers is a select, small vocal ensemble that performs secular and sacred music of a more intimate nature both on and off campus. Membership by individual audition.

Wind Orchestra (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0050 / 0-2 credits
The Wind Orchestra focuses on developing individual musical expression within a large ensemble setting, presents concerts, and participates in various campus and community events. Membership by individual audition.

Concert Band (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0051 / 0-2 credits
The Carthage Concert Band focuses on developing ensemble performance skills while performing standard band repertoire and music written for pedagogical practice. Serves as the lab ensemble for music education students, and presents concerts for campus and community events. Membership is by individual audition.

Carthage Philharmonic (AI)(ITL)(WEL)

MUS 0070 / 0-1 credits
The Carthage Philharmonic is a full orchestra performing standard and nonstandard repertoire. Membership is open to music majors and nonmajors by individual audition.

Jazz Band (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0080 / 0-1 credit
The Jazz Band is a laboratory ensemble that studies and performs music in various jazz styles, both on and off campus. Membership by individual audition.

Small Instrumental Ensembles (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0090 / 0 credits
This experience is geared toward individuals or very small groups in order for them to become acquainted with and perform chamber literature. Enrollment with consent of instructor.

Pep Band

MUS 0120 / 0 credits
The Pep Band regularly plays at all home football and basketball games. Membership by individual audition.

Private Piano (AI)

MUS 0150 / 1 credit
Applied piano study focused on the development of proper technique, appropriate literature, and performance skills.

Keyboard Skills I

MUS 0160 / 1 credit
Introduction to the basic fundamentals of keyboard study including elementary solo repertoire.
Prerequisite: Music major status or consent of department

Keyboard Skills II

MUS 0170 / 1 credit
Accompaniment patterns, transposition, and basic improvisation skills through harmonization study. Continued development of keyboard technique through solo and ensemble literature.
Prerequisite: MUS 0160 or consent of instructor

Keyboard Skills III

MUS 0180 / 1 credit
Intermediate study of chord progressions, improvisation, harmonization, and accompaniment patterns. Beginning study of four-part sight reading, analysis of hymns, and score reading. Solo and ensemble literature will focus on intermediate-level standard repertoire.
Prerequisite: MUS 0170 or consent of instructor

Keyboard Skills IV

MUS 0190 / 1 credit
Chord progressions correlated to chromatic harmonic materials of Music Theory III and basic jazz chords. Four-part open choral score, hymn reading, and applied composition. Intermediate-level solo and accompaniment standard literature.
Prerequisite: MUS 0180 or consent of instructor

Class Voice

MUS 0200 / 1 credit
Class Voice is designed for beginning students who have had no previous voice training. Healthy and efficient singing techniques will be covered, including posture, breath, resonance strategies, diction, and phrasing. Students will rehearse and perform solo literature in a group setting.

Class Guitar (AI)

MUS 0210 / 1 credit
Class Guitar is designed for beginning guitar students who have had little or no previous training. The course will focus on music fundamentals applied to guitar playing, including proper technique, reading notation, fingerboard geography, rhythmic skills, style, and interpretation. Students must have their own guitar.

Carthage Treble Choir (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0240 / 0-1 credit
The Carthage Treble Choir regularly sings both sacred and secular music on and off campus. Membership by individual audition.

Private Voice (AI)

MUS 0250 / 1 credit
Applied voice study focused on the development of technique, literature, and performance skills. Principles of classical vocal technique, as well as music theatre style, will be studied alongside literature appropriate for the developmental level of the student. Performance opportunities will include formal and informal settings.

Keyboard Seminar

MUS 0300 / 0 credits
The keyboard seminar provides the opportunity for students to play before an audience of peers, department faculty, and guest artists. Such invaluable experience equips students with confidence, skills, and feedback of multiple angles from colleagues and the keyboard faculty. The seminar will also feature expert talks on special keyboard-related topics.
Prerequisite: None

Private Organ (AI)

MUS 0450 / 1 credit
Students with keyboard experience may elect to take applied organ. Weekly private lessons will address technical skill development, building of repertoire, and development of artistic technique.

Private Instrument (AI)

MUS 0550 / 1 credit
Study will focus on development of technique, literature, and performance skills. Principals of technique will be studied alongside developmentally appropriate literature. Performance in formal and informal settings is required. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, horn, percussion, violin, viola, cello, string bass, harp, and classical guitar.

Private Conducting (AI)

MUS 0650 / 1 credit
Private Conducting is designed for students who have completed Basic Conducting and either Instrumental Conducting or Vocal Conducting. This advanced, private lesson provides opportunities for students to develop score study skills, conducting technique, and rehearsal strategies.

Recital Attendance (AI)

MUS 0700 / 0 credit
Required of all music majors each term and of all music minors during their four semesters of applied study. Music education emphasis majors are exempt during their practice-teaching term.

Music Theory I (AI)(QR)

MUS 1010 / 3 credits
An in-depth study of harmony and musical materials. Includes music notation, rhythm and meter, the concepts of key and scale, interval quality, diatonic harmony, and phrase structure.
Prerequisite: Passing grade on Music Literacy Assessment

Aural Skills I

MUS 1020 / 1 credit
The course facilitates the development of aural skills through the application of concepts borrowed from music theory: sight-singing, basic music analysis, and transcription. Students may be charged a separate fee for access to required digital resources.

Music Theory II (AI)(QR)

MUS 1030 / 3 credits
A continuation of Music Theory 1010. Includes diatonic and chromatic harmony, nonharmonic tone analysis, and melodic development in various textures and styles.
Prerequisite: MUS 1010 or consent of the instructor

Aural Skills II

MUS 1040 / 1 credit
A continuation of Aural Skills I, applied to musical concepts studied in Music Theory II. Students may be charged a separate fee for access to required digital materials.
Prerequisite: MUS 1020 or consent of the instructor

Exploring Music (FAR)(AI)

MUS 1150 / 4 credits
This course intends to enable students to learn the basic language needed to talk and write about music; to be able to recognize and differentiate the standard styles, structures, and mediums of music; and to appreciate different styles of music in their cultural contexts.

Musicking for Health and Wellness (WEL)

MUS 1151 / 2 credits
This course is an introduction to recent research and practices pertaining to the health and wellness benefits of musicking (ways of musicking include: singing, playing, kinesthetically responding, listening, creating, and reading), particularly as these benefits relate to physical, psychological, and social well-being. Learners will be actively engaged in musicking. No prior music experience is required to be successful in this course.
Prerequisites: None

Music Technology and Industry

MUS 1170 / 2 credits
A course for music majors to explore the range of business applications inherent in the music industry. Certain practical skills in technology, such as recording techniques, website development, and other computer-assisted music applications, will support a general survey of the current climate for professional musicians.

Introduction to Music Education (SI)(WEL)

MUS 1180 / 2 credits
The history of music education, as well as traditional music education philosophies and methodologies, comprise the basic content of this course. Additionally, students will examine current trends in the field of music education. Observation experience required.

Exploring PreK-12 Music Curriculum

MUS 1190 / 4 credits
An exploration of curricula in, and rationales for music in schools. This course will provide foundational grounding in music teaching and learning processes in instrumental, general, and choral classrooms.
Prerequisite: MUS 1180 or permission of the instructor

Introduction to Music Therapy

MUS 1300 / 2 credits
This course will provide an overview of the health care profession of Music Therapy with a focus on the principles, frameworks, and applications of therapeutic music across a variety of clinical populations. Basic brain and neurological responses to music as well as the social and psychological influences of music will be explored.

Thinking Musically (AI)(FAR)

MUS 1400 / 4 credits
Students will examine three works of the standard repertory of Western Art Music from the perspective of a conductor to gain an understanding of the knowledge and skills necessary to stand at the podium and lead an ensemble in a successful performance of the works. Prior experience making music may be helpful, but it is not necessary for full engagement in the course.

Music Theatre Techniques I: Song Analysis (IDP)

MUS 1620 / 2 credits
This course for the singer-actor provides foundational instruction in music theatre performance skills: character development and portrayal, scene study, and audition skills. Students will study the history and context of music theatre through the study of performances, and develop as performers through this study. Students will analyze performance text as well as integrate new understandings into solo and small ensemble performances.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor

Music Theatre Techniques II: Song Analysis (IDP)

MUS 1630 / 2 credits
This course for the singer-actor builds on the foundational instruction in music theatre performance skills established in Music Theatre Techniques I. Students in this course will develop deeper understandings of vocal storytelling for character development and portrayal, using the musical score as the text. Students will develop a refined understandings of the vocal mechanism as well as the potential for vocal color and expression to tell the story.
Prerequisites: MUS/THR 1620 or instructor permission

Introduction to Music Technology

MUS 1800 / 2 credits
Music Technology software and strategies for music educators, conductors, performers, and composers and songwriters will be explored. Topics include notation; sequencing; sound reinforcement; and recording, editing and mastering of recordings.

Electronic Music (AI)(FAR)

MUS 1900 / 4 credits
A historical survey of art music in the electronic music genre leads students to a strong understanding and composing ability in the genre as found in the 20th and 21st centuries. The focus is specific to the electronic music genre.

A Survey of Symphonic Literature (FAR)(CL)(ITL)

MUS 2000 / 4 credits
A study of music for the symphony orchestra from the Classical, Romantic, and 20th century style periods. Depending on class size and ticket availability, it may be possible to attend orchestra concerts or rehearsals in the evening.

Music Theory III (CL)(QR)

MUS 2010 / 3 credits
A continuation of Music Theory 1030. Includes advanced chromatic harmony and small forms in various textures and styles.
Prerequisite: MUS 1030 or consent of the instructor

Aural Skills III (AI)

MUS 2020 / 1 credit
A continuation of Aural Skills II. Students may be charged a separate fee for access to required digital resources.
Prerequisite: MUS 1040 or consent of the instructor

Music Theory IV (AI)(QR)

MUS 2030 / 3 credits
A continuation of Music Theory 2010. Includes large forms in tonal music and an in-depth study of musical materials of the 20th century, including scales, set theory, twelve-tone operations, electronic music, and eclecticism.
Prerequisite: MUS 2010 or consent of the instructor

Aural Skills IV (AI)

MUS 2040 / 1 credit
A continuation of Aural Skills III. Students may be charged a separate fee for access to required digital resources.
Prerequisite: MUS 2020 or consent of the instructor

Woodwind Techniques (AI)

MUS 2050 / 1 credit
A course designed to acquaint the music student with techniques and problems involved in the teaching and performance of woodwind instruments in grades five through twelve.

Brass Techniques (AI)

MUS 2060 / 1 credit
A course designed to acquaint the music student with techniques and problems involved in the teaching and performance of brass instruments in grades five through twelve.

Percussion Techniques (AI)

MUS 2070 / 1 credit
A course designed to acquaint the music student with techniques and problems involved in the teaching and performance of percussion instruments in grades five through twelve.

Instrumental Chamber Music Workshop (AI)

MUS 2075 / 0-2 credits
Student ensembles (including accompanists), either preformed or assigned through audition, will participate weekly either in coachings, workshops, lessons, and/or masterclasses to develop their skills as chamber musicians. Full group sessions will cover a broad range of topics, including rehearsal techniques, intonation/ensemble playing, and stage presence, along with creative presentation skills including public speaking, depending on group formation. End-of-semester performances will take place on campus and at community venues throughout the Kenosha area.

String Techniques (AI)

MUS 2080 / 1 credit
A course designed to acquaint the music student with techniques and problems involved in the teaching and performance of stringed instruments in grades five through twelve.

Global Music Education (SI)

MUS 2090 / 2 credits
A survey of materials for teaching global music in the classroom. Emphasis will be placed on non-Western art music, including music from cultures around the world as well as indigenous American music, such as jazz, blues, and Native American music. Students will develop an understanding of culturally authentic music through listening, participating, and leading activities. Global improvisation lab required: a lab experience in the folk, popular, and art music of Western and non-Western cultures, incorporating ethnic and non-Western instruments suitable for classroom use.
Prerequisite: MUS 1180 or consent of the department

Introduction to Western Music History (CL)

MUS 2110 / 4 credits
This introductory course will survey music in the Western classical tradition from the early Christian era through contemporary Western art music. The course will acquaint the student with major works through musical analysis and critical listening. Significant attention will be paid to musical forms and their cultural context.

Conducting Fundamentals (AI)

MUS 2180 / 2 credits
Create a foundational skillset of conducting fundamentals through the study of non-verbal cues, kinesthetic and proprioceptive exercises, essential musical terminology, functional transposition knowledge, and rehearsal techniques to lead a musical ensemble to its fullest potential.
Fall

Popular Music in America (FAR)(DIV)(CL)

MUS 2200 / 4 credits
An appreciation course focusing on the broad range of popular music in America. It presents an overview of popular music and demonstrates how the elements of music, rhythm, melody, and instrumentation apply to the style. The heart of the course is devoted to a survey of American popular music from 1840 to the present as well as related musical styles that influenced its development.

Opera (FAR)(CL)

MUS 2210 / 4 credits
Intended for music majors and nonmajors, this course is a study in appreciation of the structure and form of opera, ranging from recitative and aria to the people involved, and a brief overview of the historical development and importance of opera. Emphasis is placed on experiencing opera both through recorded example and live performances.

Vocal Diction and Literature (AI)

MUS 2490 / 4 credits
Fundamentals of phonetics and sound production as applied to singing in English, Italian, German, and French. Study of representative vocal literature of each language.

Lyric Diction and Literature: English

MUS 2491 / 1 credit
This course focuses on enunciation and transcription of the English language as applied to lyric diction. Students will be equipped with an understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet, in addition to the rules associated with the authentic execution of the English language. In addition, students will be introduced to a thorough and functional knowledge of the rich body of English art song, and assigned individual pieces to study and perform in class.

Lyric Diction and Literature: Italian

MUS 2492 / 1 credit
This course focuses on enunciation and transcription of the Italian language as applied to lyric diction. Students will be equipped with an understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet, in addition to the rules associated with the authentic execution of the Italian language. In addition, students will be introduced to a thorough and functional knowledge of the rich body of Italian art song, and assigned individual pieces to study and perform in class.

Lyric Diction and Literature: German

MUS 2493 / 1 credit
This course focuses on enunciation and transcription of the German language as applied to lyric diction. Students will be equipped with an understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet, in addition to the rules associated with the authentic execution of the German language. In addition, students will be introduced to a thorough and functional knowledge of the rich body of German art song, and assigned individual pieces to study and perform in class.

Lyric Diction and Literature: French

MUS 2494 / 1 credit
This course focuses on enunciation and transcription of the French language as applied to lyric diction. Students will be equipped with an understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet, in addition to the rules associated with the authentic execution of the French language. In addition, students will be introduced to a thorough and functional knowledge of the rich body of French art song, and assigned individual pieces to study and perform in class.

Piano Pedagogy I (SE)

MUS 2510 / 2 credits
This course will equip students with theory and practical knowledge for successfully teaching piano to pupils at the beginner to intermediate stages.

Piano Pedagogy II (SE)

MUS 2520 / 2 credits
This course will equip students with theory and practical knowledge for successfully teaching piano to pupils at the intermediate to advanced stages.
Prerequisite: MUS 2510

Fundamentals of Collaborative Piano

MUS 2530 / 2 credits
This course will equip piano students to be successful collaborators, including knowledge of collaborative repertoire; the ability to listen, follow, and lead alongside a variety of musicians and ensembles; and the application of coaching techniques.

Collaborative Practicum

MUS 2540 / 1 credit
Students will get hands-on experience as collaborative pianists from start to finish for a performance or class.
Prerequisite: MUS 2530

Music Theatre Workshop (AI)

MUS 2620 / 0-2 credits
This course for the singer-actor provides formal and informal venues to develop music theatre skills: character development and portrayal, scene study, and audition skills. The laboratory format allows students to learn from the instructor as well as each other as they cover varied repertory. The course culminates in a performance at the end of each term.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Musical Theatre Techniques III: Scene into Song

MUS 2640 / 4 credits
This course takes the foundations worked on in MT Techniques I and II and combines them with the scene work that happens before the songs are sung. Performers work with scene partners and the course instructor to develop character choices and learn the art of combining scenic work and song analysis. Students will use selections from the Musical Theatre canon to put scenes and songs on their feet for feedback and performance assessment.
Prerequisite: MUS 1630

Musical Theatre Techniques IV: Duets and Trios

MUS 2650 / 4 credits
This course continues to build off of MT Techniques I, II, and III, allowing students to work collaboratively in duets, trios, and small groups, on the art of acting and singing with others. Performers work with multiple scene partners, crafting their story, characters and ability to fully integrate the elements of storytelling and well-crafted performances. Students will use selections from the Musical Theatre canon to put scenes and songs on their feet for feedback and performative assessment. 

Culturally Responsive Music Pedagogy

MUS 2710 / 4 credits
This course is a survey of methods for culturally responsive teaching in the music classroom. Culturally responsive teaching acknowledges, responds to, and celebrates the cultures represented by students in preK-12 music classrooms, and recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of the music curriculum.

Choral Pedagogy for Instrumentalists

MUS 2740 / 2 credits
An overview of methods and materials for teaching vocal music including healthy and efficient singing techniques. Observations of choral classrooms are a required part of this course.
Prerequisite: MUS 1190 or permission of the instructor

Band and Orchestra Pedagogy for Vocalists

MUS 2750 / 2 credits
An overview of methods and materials for teaching instrumental music including hands-on experiences to gain competencies in the four basic families of instruments. Observations of instrumental classrooms are a required part of this course.
Prerequisite: MUS 1190 or permission of the instructor

Instrumental Conducting and Techniques(AI)

MUS 2900 / 2 credits
Continued study of conducting gestures and procedures for developing an instrumental ensemble, focusing on aural acuity and effectiveness of movement.
Prerequisite: MUS 2180

Choral Conducting and Techniques (AI)

MUS 2910 / 2 credits
Basic gestures of conducting and basic procedures for training a choral ensemble to achieve its musical and technical potential.
Prerequisite: MUS 1010 or consent of the instructor 

Opera Production (CL)

MUS 3000 / 4 credits
The study and application of the various facets involved in opera production. Scenes from the operatic repertoire and/or full-scale operas will be studied and performed. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor

Seminar in Form and Analysis (AI)

MUS 3010 / 2 credits
Advanced formal and stylistic analysis of selected major works from the Baroque to the present.
Prerequisite: MUS 2010 or consent of the instructor

Survey of Music Sub-Saharan Africa (FAR)

MUS 3020 / 4 credits
A survey of the musics of Sub-Saharan Africa (traditional and contemporary) with a focus on fundamental style concepts among cultures and tribes. Emphasis will be placed upon culture and the role it plays in musicking. In addition to assigned readings and written work, the course will include opportunities to play instruments, sing, and dance.

Music History I (CL)

MUS 3050 / 4 credits
This segment of the two-part music history survey covers the music of the Western art tradition from the Renaissance through the early nineteenth century. The course will acquaint the student with a substantial body of musical works by placing them within the larger context of European history. In examining these works and their aesthetic underpinnings, the course employs various techniques, including music analysis, critical listening, cultural critique, and aesthetic theory.
Prerequisite: Music major or minor status, or consent of the department

Music History II (CL)

MUS 3060 / 4 credits
This final segment of the two-part music history survey covers the music of the Western art tradition from the nineteenth century through the present day. The course will acquaint the student with a substantial body of musical works by placing them within the larger context of European and American history. In examining these works and their aesthetic underpinnings, the course employs various techniques, including music analysis, critical listening, cultural critique, and aesthetic theory.
Prerequisite: Music major or minor status, or consent of the department

Music History: Literature and Depth (CL)(ITL)

MUS 3070 / 4 credits
This course is a writing-intensive upper-class seminar that explores in depth a single era, style, or genre in music history. The course centers on the musical, aesthetic, and historical context of the topic, which rotates from semester to semester. Students will focus on the intricacies of music analysis that rest both on the technical knowledge of form and harmony and that of aesthetics and history. Coursework includes individual presentations and a full-length research paper. This course is a variable content course and can be repeated for credit.

Instrumental Conducting and Techniques(AI)

MUS 3100 / 2 credits
Continued study of conducting gestures and procedures for developing an instrumental ensemble, focusing on aural acuity and effectiveness of movement.
Prerequisite: MUS 2180

Choral Conducting and Techniques (AI)

MUS 3110 / 2 credits
Basic gestures of conducting and basic procedures for training a choral ensemble to achieve its musical and technical potential.
Prerequisite: MUS 1010 or consent of the instructor

Orchestration (AI)

MUS 3120 / 2 credits
Film music and classical music will be the focus in the study of instrumental timbres and idioms. Scoring and arranging for various ensembles with performance whenever possible.
Prerequisites: MUS 1010 and MUS 1020

Choral Literature

MUS 3130 / 2 credits
Survey of choral literature of all eras, for all voices, and of all types: major works and short pieces, sacred and secular, accompanied and unaccompanied.

Learning About Instruments (AI)

MUS 3140 / 1 credits
A lab course designed for music students in the general and choral music education emphases that will provide the background for teaching about instruments in the elementary general music classroom. By means of handson experiences, students will gain competencies with the four basic families of instruments.

Women in the Performing Arts (FAR)

MUS 3155 / 4 credits
Have there been any great women artists? Have there been any at all? This interdisciplinary Art History/Music/Women’s and Gender Studies course examines artifactual evidence to discover not only those women and their activities that have fallen from historical record, but also to discover just what women have been doing from eight in the morning until eight at night, what historical conditions have shaped their activities, and what roles they have played as art and music makers, patrons, muses, and subjects. Consider Vinnie Ream Hoxie, our own Madison teenager who sculpted the famous Lincoln statue in the U.S. Capitol!
Prerequisite: None

Field Experience (AI)

MUS 3200 / 0 credits
Each student is assigned to a specific school. The central feature of the field experience is the opportunity it affords to explore the relationship between professional academic courses and the future teaching experience. Placements require faculty supervision and regular meetings between the student and the supervising faculty member.

Music Theatre History (CL)

MUS 3400 / 4 credits
An exploration of how drama, art, movement, and music combine into the “spectacular” form of music theatre. This course is designed to provide foundational grounding in music theatre history and criticism. Specific attention will be paid to developing analytical skills specific to the art form of music theatre. Course activities will include critical listening and analysis as well as research practices in music theatre. Given that music theatre is performance-based, application of course content to performance practice will constitute an important dimension of the course. Ticket fee.

Vocal Pedagogy

MUS 3490 / 2 credits
The course will focus on the study of vocal production as it relates to singing and the specific principles of teaching voice. Students will learn the basics of anatomy and function as well as an introduction to the acoustics of the voice through voice analysis software. Students will also observe studio teaching of peers and professional voice teachers and develop their philosophy of voice teaching. Students will be expected to complete micro-teaching experiences and will develop professional materials in a portfolio.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

Piano Pedagogy Practicum (AI)

MUS 3510 / 0 credits
This course provides hands-on piano teaching experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Prerequisite: MUS 3520

Performance Practice I

MUS 3520 / 2 credits
This course is an in-depth exploration of keyboard performance practices from 1650 to 1750, which give students a solid foundation on which to build their interpretations of solo and collaborative piano music.

Performance Practice II

MUS 3530 / 2 credits
This course is an in-depth exploration of keyboard performance practices from 1750 to present day, which will give students a solid foundation on which to build their interpretations of solo and collaborative piano music.
Prerequisite: MUS 3520

Musical Theatre Techniques V: Pop Music 1930s-1970s

MUS 3660 / 4 credits
This course explores the various eras of Pop/Rock music by separating each decade (1930, 1940, 1950, 1960, and 1970) and requiring students to explore the differences and similarities in each era of the genre of pop/rock music. Students will walk away with an in-depth understanding of pop music from the 1930s-1970s and how that translates into the genre of Musical Theatre and where the industry is headed, and what it requires of its performers. Using Selections from the popular music canon, students will perform selections for feedback and performative assessment. 

Musical Theatre Techniques VI: Pop Music 1980s-Present

MUS 3670 / 4 credits
This course explores the various eras of Pop/Rock music by separating each decade (1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and current) and requiring students to explore the differences and similarities in each era of the genre of pop/rock music. Students will walk away with an in-depth understanding of pop music from the 1980s to the present day and how that translates into the genre of Musical Theatre, where the industry is headed, and what it requires of its performers. Using selections from the popular music canon, students will perform selections for feedback and performative assessment. 

Seminar

MUS 4000 / 4 credits
An intensive study of a selected topic or period in music with occasional reports and a final seminar paper.
Prerequisite: Consent of the department chairperson and the instructor

Instrumental Music Pedagogy (AI)

MUS 4020 / 4 credits
A fundamental course in instrumental pedagogy focusing on proper performance techniques and supportive literature to instruct beginning, intermediate, and advanced level students.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of the instructor

Piano Literature

MUS 4100 / 4 credits
This course is an historical survey of piano literature from the late Baroque through the 20th century. It is intended for music majors who are piano students and for any other students who have substantial background and skills in piano performance. Representative literature of each composer and style period will be studied so that students may gain a comprehensive foundation of structural, stylistic, and technical points.

Piano Literature I

MUS 4101 / 2 credits
Survey of foundational repertoire for early keyboard instruments and piano from the 16th-century virginalists through the mid-19th century.

Piano Literature II

MUS 4102 / 2 credits
Survey of foundational repertoire for the piano from the mid-19th century through present day.

Audition/Business Skills

MUS 4109 / 4 credits
This course prepares students with audition and business skills in the musical theatre industry, allowing them to exit the course with a complete audition book, resume, website, headshots, and other materials needed to complete their senior year and go out into the industry. This course will explore professional organizations, personal branding, networking, and mock auditions. 

Senior Seminar in Music Theatre

MUS 4110 / 4 credits
This seminar course is the capstone for students in the music theatre program. Students in this course will develop the research ad proposal for the thesis project, and develop the research and portfolio building skills necessary to complete the Senior Thesis. As part of this course, students will also develop professional materials for professional auditions while also developing skills as reflective practitioners of music theatre.

Instrumental Music Methods (AI)

MUS 4200 / 4 credits
A survey of methods and materials for teaching instrumental music in the public schools. Course content will include development of instrumental music programs at the elementary and secondary level, including materials, instructional methods, organization, management, and assessment. A significant portion of the course will involve practice microteaching off campus. Students seeking licensure are required to have a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the TEP

General Music Methods (AI)

MUS 4210 / 4 credits
The survey of methods and materials for teaching general music in the elementary and secondary classroom. Course content will include developing lesson plans, effective classroom management strategies, and evaluation in the general music classroom. A significant portion of the course will involve practice microteachings off campus. Guitar lab required. Students seeking Wisconsin licensure are required to have a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the TEP Fall

Vocal Music Methods (AI)

MUS 4220 / 4 credits
A survey of methods and materials for teaching in the public school vocal program. Course content will include development of choral music programs at the elementary and secondary level, including materials, instructional methods, organization, management, and assessment. A significant portion of the course will involve practice microteaching off campus. Students seeking licensure are required to have a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the TEP

Senior Seminar for Pianists

MUS 4800 / 2 credits
Students will look toward their next steps in the professional world (e.g. graduate school, private instruction, a collaborative position, or performance) and apply their previous years of study in preparation for those next steps.

Half Recital Completion (AI)

MUS 4980 / 0 credits
Students in this course will successfully perform 30 minutes of solo or chamber repertoire planned in collaboration with the private lesson teacher and appropriate to the student’s primary area of study. Students must pass a pre-recital jury at least three weeks in advance of the performance date to be granted permission to give the public performance.

Collaborative Half Recital Completion

MUS 4985 / 0 credits
Students in this course will successfully perform 30 minutes of collaborative repertoire with the consultation of their private lesson teacher. Students must pass a pre-recital jury at least three weeks in advance of the performance date to be granted permission to give the public performance.

Senior Thesis Completion

MUS 4990 / 0 credits
Students should register for MUS 4990 the semester they intend to complete their senior project.