2004 - 2005 Music Courses

MUSC

110

Survey of Music, LE

(3)

An introductory course designed to acquaint students with the major styles of Western art (classical) music, especially the dominant styles of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Significant works and different genres from each style period are examined as well as many of the connections between music and culture during those periods.

MUSC

115

Griffin Chorus, LE

(1-3)

Enrollment is open to all Westminster College students, faculty, and staff. This group typically performs twice a semester on campus, and explores sacred and secular repertoire in a variety of classical, traditional, folk, and popular styles. No audition is required. May be repeated for credit.

MUSC

121

Piano Class

(3)

This course is designed for two groups of students with little or no background in piano: those who are seeking an effective precursor to private piano lessons, and those who need piano proficiency as a prerequisite to music theory courses (e.g. MUSC 151, 152). Basic keyboard-related skills and knowledge, and very basic concepts of music theory are covered.

MUSC

122

Guitar Class

(3)

This course is an introduction to the guitar as a classical instrument. An effective precursor to private classical guitar lessons, it is designed for both novices and those who have experience playing non-classical styles on the guitar. Classical technique and standard notation are integral components to the course.

MUSC

125

Westminster Jazz Combo, LE

(1-3)

This ensemble is actively trained in the art of jazz improvisation and typically performs at least once a semester. Students may participate in this ensemble with instruments of their choice; the instrumental make-up of the group changes from semester to semester, depending on the instruments students bring. No audition is required. May be repeated for credit.

MUSC

135

Westminster Chamber Orchestra, LE

(1-3)

This ensemble is designed especially for string, woodwind, and brass players. A spectrum of classical styles is typically covered in the course of a year, but most repertoire is taken from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. No audition is required, but fairly extensive instrumental experience is highly recommended. May be repeated for credit.

MUSC

151

Introduction to Music Theory

(4)

A course designed to meet the early needs of the music minor in music theory, featuring the study of Western scales; melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements of music (within the tonal system); and the integration of aural skills through sight-singing, rhythm, and dictation exercises. Prerequisite: piano proficiency (extensive background in piano or a successfully completed piano proficiency exam or MUSC 121-Class Piano).

MUSC

152

Music Theory I

(4)

The second course designed to meet the needs of the music minor in music theory, featuring the study of species counterpoint, functional harmony, and four-part writing. Composition and the cultivation of aural skills will be heavily integrated. Prerequisite: MUSC 151.

MUSC

191, 192
291, 292
391, 392
491, 492

Private Lessons

(1-2)

A student may enroll for one half-hour or one hour-long private lesson each week for a semester, and receive one or two credit hours respectively. MUSC 191 indicates the first semester of study on a particular instrument; MUSC 192, the second semester of study on that same instrument; 291, the third semester; and so forth, up to MUSC 492 which indicates the eighth semester of study, or the equivalent of the final semester of a four-year course of lessons, on one instrument. Registration requires a special application form which can be obtained in the Music Department office. A $100 fee is required for each credit hour. (Music minors may have a maximum of $100 dollars in fees waived each semester.) Enrollment is open to all Westminster College students, faculty, and staff. No audition is required.

MUSC

200FN

Fine Arts Foundation Course: Experiencing the Arts, LE

(4)

This course is an experiential exploration of the major art traditions of our culture. It takes the form of attendance at several different types of artistic events combined with previews and discussion regarding those events. Lectures and other types of presentations are offered by guests from on and off campus, including local artists and performers. Of the course's four credits, three are spent in class per week and one is used for event attendance.

MUSC

250

Music Technology I

(3)

This course is designed to meet the basic music technology needs of music minors. Emphasis is on notation and sound software such as Cakewalk and Finale, and MIDI technology. Basic keyboard skills will be used. Prerequisite: MUSC 152.

MUSC

300

Special Topics in Music

(1-4)

Significant topics are explored in any of the many sub-disciplines of music. Examples of such courses include: Songwriting, Conducting, Beethoven's Nine Symphonies, The English Madrigal-Style and Performance. Prerequisites will vary with course content. May be repeated for credit.

MUSC

315

Westminster Chamber Singers, LE

(1-3)

This is Westminster College's elite choir, generally made up of 20-24 trained singers. It typically appears in concert on campus twice a semester, but also performs extensively off campus, sometimes on tour in and out of state. A variety of classical, traditional, and folk styles are explored. Audition required. May be repeated for credit.

MUSC

351

History of Western Art Music I

(4)

This course provides an in-depth survey of Western art music, suitable for music minors. Our study will involve a close look at all crucial aspects of form and style, covering most major genres and a large volume of repertoire. This portion of the course will cover Western music's ancient origins; and styles of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Prerequisite: MUSC 152.

MUSC

352

History of Western Art Music II

(1-4)

This course provides an in-depth survey of Western art music, suitable for music minors. Our study will involve a close look at all crucial aspects of form and style, covering most major genres and a large volume of repertoire. This portion of the course will cover Classical, Romantic, and twentieth-century styles. Prerequisite: MUSC 152.

MUSC

401

Directed Studies

(1-4)

A tutorial-based course used only for student-initiated proposals for intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Music Program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and school dean.

MUSC

420

Senior Recital

(1)

This is the capstone project for music performance minors, a 30-45-minute solo recital to be given on campus in the recital hall during the final semester of private lessons or a semester following the final semester of lessons. This credit hour will be earned in the same manner as that of private lessons, but with the specific goal of a performance determining the nature and intensity of training. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MUSC 392.

MUSC

440

Internship

(1-8)

Offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing (for transfer students, at least 15 hours completed at Westminster), minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of the Career Resource Center Internship Workshop, and consent of program director and Career Center Internship Coordinator.