Music Courses
MUS126 - Piano Class (1)
This group class is designed for non-piano music majors to develop basic keyboard skills with emphasis on requirements for the functional keyboard piano profiency test
MUS127 - Piano Class (1)
A continuation of MUS126 which will further develop the skills required for the functional keyboard piano profiency test
MUS131 to 135 — Private Lessons (1)
Private lessons for students are available in piano (MUS131), voice (MUS132), guitar (MUS133), drums (MUS134) and other instruments (MUS135). The course involves twelve half–hour lessons and requires 4 hours of practice per week. Students will be required to take a jury and participate in a student recital. The course may be repeated for additional
credit. Music majors must be registered in private lessons each semester.
MUS138— Choir & Orchestra (1)
The choir & orchestra studies and performs repertoire from the classical, sacred and contemporary Christian genres. Sectional rehearsals and individual practice are required in addition to choir & orchestra rehearsals. The ensemble performs on several occasions during the academic year, including on weekends, and undertakes a 2–week long tour in the Spring. Entrance is by audition. Participation in MUS138 (1) fulfills one Large Group Ensemble credit hour requirement for Music majors. The course may be repeated for additional credit.
MUS195 — Music Appreciation (2)
The course surveys the development of music in western civilization through directed listening to and study of important music from the past and present. It is intended for the general college student and not available for credit to Music majors.
MUS197 — Rudiments of Music Theory (3)
A study of the basics of music including notation, scales, intervals, chords, time, transposition, and terminology. Requirements for the Royal Conservatory of Music Grade II Rudiments are included. Students who hold a RCM Grade II Rudiments certificate may receive transfer credits for this course. This course is not considered a Core Music course, but may be counted as a Music Elective.
MUS198 — Contemporary Theory (3)
This course is a continuation of Rudiments of Music Theory (MUS197) and will develop the study of music fundamentals in the modern context. Basic rudiments, cord scale relationahiips, analysis of chnord progressions, song re-harmonization, and basic charting are covered. Required by all Music majors.
MUS223 — Musicianship I (1)
This course will help the student develop the ability to hear intervals, chords, harmonies and rhythms. The student will also develop diatonic sight singing skills through the singing of intervals. Students will write and perform melodic and rhythmic dictation. Required by all Music majors. Co-requisite: MUS293.
MUS224 — Musicianship II (1)
A continuation of Musicianship I which will further develop the skills learned. Required by all Music majors. Co-requisite: MUS294.
MUS231 to 235 — Private Lessons (2)
Private lessons are available in piano (MUS231), voice (MUS232), guitar (MUS233), drums (MUS234) and other instruments (MUS235). The course involves twelve one–hour lessons and requires 8 hours of practice per week. Students will be required to take a jury and participate in a student recital. The course may be repeated for additional credit and is a requirement for Performance specialists each semester.
MUS238 — Worship & Music (3)
This practical class will give you the necessary skills to enable you to lead and direct music program in a local church. The course content will incorporate the study of worship from a biblical perspective as well as from a variety of current traditions. The study and application of various practical and musical skills necessary to lead worship will be covered as well.
MUS239 — Conducting I (2)
Studies in basic conducting techniques leading to proficiency in directing, selecting, and interpreting choir music. Required by Performance and Church Music specialists. Prerequisite: MUS293 or permission of the Music Department.
MUS271 — Accompanying I (1)
An introduction to accompanying techniques by a piano faculty member. This course may be taken in lieu of 1 credit of Large Group Ensemble. Open to Music majors whose major instrument is piano and to others by permission of the Music Department.
MUS293 — Music Theory I (3)
This course is intended to develop an understanding of how tonal music is put together. Study will include part-writing, harmonic analysis, melody writing and structural analysis of traditional diatonic music. Co-requisite: MUS223. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the music theory diagnostic exam or its equivalent, MUS197.
MUS294 — Music Theory II (3)
This course is a continuation of MUS 293. Study will emphasize part-writing, modulation, harmonic analysis, melody writing and structural analysis of traditional diatonic music and will also include chromatic harmony. Co-requisite: MUS224. Prerequisite: MUS293.
MUS321 — Chamber Music I (1)
Instruction in small group ensemble performance (eg. piano trios, string quartets, percussion ensembles, madrigal ensembles, mixed chamber groups). Repertoire will focus on the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical genres. Ensembles will perform in a student recital. Required by Performance specialists unless taking MUS271. This course may be repeated for additional credit.
MUS324 — Advanced Musicianship (1)
Advanced chord structures and progressions are studied. Chromatic sight singing and melodic dictation are studied. Required for all Performance and Contemporary Music specialists.
MUS337 — Performance Lab I (1)
This applied course is intended to provide guitar, electric bass, keyboard, and drum students an opportunity to play alongside other rhythm instruments and to develop the ear and skills necessary to play in a small group setting effectively. Required by Contemporary Instumental Music specialists.
MUS339 — Conducting II (2)
This course is a continuation of MUS239 and will focus on the areas of space, energy, motion, and freedom in conducting. Required by all Church Music specialists.
Prerequisite: MUS239.
MUS371 — Accompanying II (1)
This course is a continuation of MUS271. This course may be taken in lieu of Large Group Ensemble to a maximum of one credit hour.
Prerequisite: MUS271.
MUS381 — Improvisation (2)
Jazz chords and scales, blues and improvisational techniques are studied in this course. The applied component provides the student with opportunities to improvise on their major instrument using the techniques studied.
Required by Contemporary Music specialists. Prerequisite: MUS294/MUS224.
MUS385 — Third Year Concert (1)
The student is required to perform a concert in a small ensemble setting — which features their major instrument — that incorporates a variety of contemporary musical styles. Students must be registered for private lessons on their major instrument both the semester prior to and the semester during which the Third Year Concert will be held. Check with the Music Department for specific requirements. Required by Contemporary Music specialists in their third year unless MUS499 is taken during third or fourth year.
MUS391 — Arranging (2)
This course will give a student the tools needed to arrange contemporary songs. Chart writing skills and musicality will be emphasized. Required of Church Music and Contemporary Music specialists. Prerequisite: MUS294.
MUS392 — Introduction to Music Technology (2)
This course is an overview of the technical side of music production and arranging using MIDI. Required by Church Music and Contemporary Music specialists.
MUS393 — Modern Band (2)
This hands–on course will equip students in understanding the components and techniques needed to build a modern rhythm section. Topics covered include: understanding band structure and components, skills for interaction between instruments, critical listening skills, ear training, practical leadership for band/worship leaders, terminology and chord/scale theory. The study of live and recorded professional bands, off–site musical training and participation are essential components of this course. Required by Church Music specialists. Co–requisite: MUS294/MUS224.
MUS394 — Orchestration (2)
This course is an introduction to the orchestra and basic principles of orchestration. Students will learn how to write for all the instruments of the orchestra, including strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Required by Church Music specialists. Prerequisite: MUS294.
MUS395 — Music History I (3)
An introduction to the development of music in western civilization from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and Baroque periods. An emphasis on listening and analysis will assist students to understand the musical materials and stylistic traits of representative masterworks from each of these historical periods.
Co-rerequisite: MUS293.
MUS396 — Music History II (3)
The course is a study of the development of music in western civilization in the Classical and Romantic periods. An emphasis on listening and analysis will assist students to understand the musical materials and stylistic traits of representative masterworks from this period. Required by all Music majors. Prerequisite: MUS395. Co–requisite: MUS294
MUS397 — Music History III (3)
The course is a study of the development of music in western civilization in the twentieth century and in Canada. An emphasis on listening and analysis will assist students to understand the musical materials and stylistic traits of representative masterworks from this period. Required by all Music majors. Prerequisite: MUS396. Co–requisite: MUS294.
MUS398 — Junior Recital (1)
The student is required to perform a recital of music from a variety of genres. Students must be registered for private lessons on their major instrument (or voice, if a vocal major) both the semester prior to and the semester during which the Junior Recital will be held. Check with the Music Department for specific repertoire requirements. Required by Performance specialists in their third year.
MUS421 — Chamber Music II (1)
This course is a continuation of MUS321 and further develops small chamber group ensemble interaction using advanced chamber repertoire. Repertoire will focus on the Romantic, 20th & 21st Century genres. Ensembles will perform in a student recital. Required by Performance specialists unless taking MUS371. This course may be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisite: MUS321.
MUS437 — Performance Lab II (1)
This course is a continuation of MUS337 and further develops rhythm section skills. Required by Contemporary Instrumental Music specialists. Prerequisite: MUS337.
MUS442 — Opera Workshop (1)
This course provides instruction in various aspects of stagecraft and operatic experience to singers by introducting them to excerpts and scenes from operatic works; enhancing artistry in terms of movement, acting and dramatic characterizationi; and developing vocal and physical confidence through workshops, rehearsals, and performance opportunities. Prerequisite: MUS321. May be taken as an alternative to MUS421.
MUS485 — Graduation Concert (1)
The student is required to perform a concert — in a small ensemble setting featuring their major instrument — that incorporates a variety of contemporary musical styles. Students must be registered for private lessons on their major instrument both the semester prior to and the semester during which the Graduation Concert will be held. Check with the Music Department for specific requirements. Required by Contemporary Music specialists in their fourth year unless MUS499 is taken.
MUS491 — Jazz History (2)
This course focuses on the study of the jazz idiom — its origins, history and role in shaping present musical traditions.
MUS492 — Songwriting (2)
This course will focus on writing contemporary songs — developing them from their conception to their completion. Required by Contemporary Music specialists. Prerequisite: MUS293.
MUS494 — The Music Business (1)
Students study careers in commercial music, networking and career development, the production process for music and post production, contracting, copyright law, licenses, royalties, publishing and distribution, performing rights organizations, contracts, legal issues etc. Required by Contemporary Music specialists.
MUS495 — Vocal Pedagogy (2)
This course will cover the methodologies and materials needed to teach private vocal lessons. Open to third and fourth year Voice majors and to others by permission of the Music Department. A pedagogy course is required by Performance specialists.
MUS496 — Piano Pedagogy (2)
This course will cover the methodologies and materials needed to teach private piano lessons. Open to third and fourth year Piano majors and to others by permission of the Music Department. A pedagogy course is required by Performance specialists.
MUS497 — Orchestral Instrument Pedagogy (2)
This course will cover the methodologies and materials needed to teach private lessons. The student’s pedagogical studies will focus on the orchestral section (strings, woodwinds, brass) of their major instrument. Open to third and fourth year music majors. A pedagogy course is required by Performance specialists.
MUS498 — Senior Recital (1)
The student is required to perform a recital of music from a variety of genres. Students must be registered for private lessons on their major instrument (or voice, if a vocal major) both the semester prior to and the semester during
which the Senior Recital will be held. Check with the music department for specific repertoire requirements. Required by Performance specialists in their fourth year.
MUS499 — Music Practicum (2)
This course provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in their area of musical study and interest. Departmental approval is required for practicum placements. Required by all Church Music specialists in their fourth year and by Contemporary Music specialists in their fourth year unless MUS385 and MUS485 are taken.