Development of basic conducting skills with emphasis on beat patterns, baton technique, conducting gestures, score preparation and musical styles.

A class which explores application of the principles employed by F.M. Alexander in finding easier use of self in activity. While performing artists have found it useful, this technique is also valuable in everyday activities. Activities that require motion are particularly suited to this work. May be repeated for credits. Graded CR/NC.

Courses on topics of interest to music students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Prerequisite as determined by instructor. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

The Piano Proficiency II course is the second of three levels designed to provide developing musicians with basic keyboard competency. Specifically, students will develop piano technique and music theory through keyboard patterns including: three vocalises, major and minor scales (two octaves, hands together, white keys only), and chord progressions (inversions + ii chord). Sight-reading and repertoire will be at a level higher than that of Piano Proficiency I. Transposition of folk melodies will include a left hand blocked-chord accompaniment.

The Piano Proficiency III course is the final package (of three) designed to provide developing musicians with basic keyboard competency. Specifically, students will develop piano technique and music theory through keyboard patterns including: three vocalises, black-key major and minor scales (hands together, 2 octaves) and chord progressions (inversions + ii chord). Sight-reading and repertoire will be at a higher level than that of Piano Proficiency II. Transposition of folk melodies will include an accompaniment more elaborate than blocked chords.

A continuation of the study and development of listening and musicianship skills. This course will cover the applications of moveable-do solfege, fixed-do solfege, la-based minor, melodic dictation, rhythmic dictation, and sight singing. Prerequisite: 107.

A study of the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet as used in Italian and German languages. Emphasis is placed on the sounds of these symbols and their application to appropriate vocal literature. Class experiences include readings, discussion, speaking, singing, group activities, and listening. Offered every fall semester.

Continuation of the study of the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet as used in French and English languages. Emphasis is placed on the sounds of these symbols and their application to appropriate vocal literature. Class experiences include readings, discussion, speaking, singing, group activities, and listening. Offered every spring semester. Prerequisite: 237.

Mathematics and music are deeply connected disciplines, with math providing the underlying structure for the physics of sound, musical theory, and composition. Since the time of the ancient Greeks, thinkers have used mathematical principles to analyze and create music. This course will explore the mathematical principles inherent in music via analysis of works from the Renaissance through the present day.

This course explores the fundamentals of music through music composition. Students will learn how to compose a compelling melody, discover why some chords sound better than others, learn how to set text more effectively, and write better piano accompaniments. The course includes basic jazz harmony, how to read Lead Sheet, and lessons on music engraving using Dorico music writing software. Students will write an art song or pop song, a work for vocal ensemble, and a work for an instrumental ensemble.