Dr. Douglas Farwell, Head
Room 2018A, Fine Arts Building
The Department of Music offers two comprehensive undergraduate degree programs and Master of Music Education and Master of Music in Performance degrees, which are listed in the Graduate Catalog. The undergraduate degree programs are the Bachelor of Music with a major in music performance and the Bachelor of Arts with a major in music. The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music performance is a professional degree that prepares students for a variety of career opportunities and further educational experiences. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in music allows students the flexibility of designing a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum that may lead to graduate school or develop into entrepreneurial careers in music. Each program of study has a sequentially based curriculum beginning in the first semester of the freshman year. Students who delay starting these course sequences until completion of the Core Curriculum may prolong their academic careers.
All new students who intend to pursue an undergraduate degree in music must audition for a faculty committee for the purpose of being placed in the appropriate applied music sequence course. Transfer students must take a placement exam in music theory and must also audition for a faculty committee for the purpose of being placed in the appropriate applied music and music theory sequence courses.
Ensemble participation is a vital part of the training of the professional musician. In addition to their own academic function, the principal ensembles of the Department of Music serve as the laboratory courses for the study of applied music. Therefore, students pursuing music degrees at VSU are required to register for and perform in the assigned principal ensemble each semester they are registered for applied music, regardless of the total number of principal ensemble credits required for the degree. Petitions for deviation from departmental policy must be submitted to the Department Head in timely fashion and will be considered by a committee composed of the faculty of the Department of Music, subject to decision by the Department Head.
The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
The following are the approved principal ensembles for music majors:
Concert Choir (MUSC 3820) or Chamber Singers (MUSC 3810). Options for principal ensemble in fall and spring semesters for voice, guitar, and keyboard principals in all undergraduate music degree programs. Admission to Chamber Singers is by audition only. (In some cases, piano and guitar principals may be assigned by the Department Head to a different principal ensemble.)
Orchestra (MUSC 3860) or String Ensemble (MUSC 3861). Options for principal ensemble in fall and spring semesters for orchestral string principals in all undergraduate music degree programs.
Concert Band (MUSC 3850) or Wind Ensemble (MUSC 4850) by audition. Principal ensemble in spring semester for wind and percussion principals in all undergraduate music degree programs except for those music performance and Bachelor of Arts majors whose degree option is jazz.
Marching Band (MUSC 3880). Principal ensemble in fall semester for wind and percussion principals in the Bachelor of Arts degree program, except for those Bachelor of Arts majors whose degree option is jazz.
Wind Ensemble (MUSC 4850) by audition. Principal ensemble fall and spring semesters for all wind and percussion principals in the Bachelor of Music Performance degree program except those whose degree option is jazz.
Jazz Ensemble (MUSC 3870). Principal ensemble in fall and spring semesters for music performance and Bachelor of Arts majors whose degree option is jazz.
Applied Music: Private Lessons
Private music lesson courses are categorized as Major, Principal, Secondary, or Minor. Students enrolling in Applied Music are assigned an instructor by the Head of the Department of Music, and assignments are posted in the department on the day following registration. Students must arrange for a lesson time with the assigned instructor by the end of the second day of classes. Students not scheduled by the end of the second day of classes will be dropped from the course.
Major Applied
Students register for 4 credit hours per semester for two 50-minute private lessons per week. Requirements include attendance at master classes arranged by the instructor, a student recital performance each semester, a final examination performance for a faculty jury at the end of each semester, and attendance at student recitals and other designated events. During the junior year of study, the student presents a Junior Recital consisting of a performance of 20-30 minutes. During the senior year of study, the student presents a Senior Recital consisting of a performance of 40-60 minutes. Junior and Senior Recitals must be approved by a faculty committee formed by the applied instructor. This faculty committee will hear the entire proposed recital no less than 7 and no more than 14 days before the performance date in a formal recital hearing and will approve or disapprove the public performance. If memorization is required for the recital, the hearing performance must also be memorized. Normally, only students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music performance may enroll in Major Applied level courses. Exceptions must be approved by the Head of the Department.
Principal Applied
Students register for 2 credit hours per semester for one 50-minute private lesson per week. Requirements include attendance at master classes arranged by the instructor, a student recital performance each semester, a final examination performance for a faculty jury at the end of each semester, and attendance at student recitals and other events. During the senior year of study, the student presents a Senior Recital consisting of a performance of 20-30-minutes. The Senior Recital must be approved by a faculty committee formed by the applied instructor. This faculty committee will hear the entire proposed recital no more than 7 to 14 days before the performance date in a formal recital hearing and will approve or disapprove the public performance. If memorization is required for the recital, the hearing performance must also be memorized. Normally, only students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts with a major in music may enroll in Principal Applied level courses. Exceptions must be approved by the Head of the Department.
Secondary Applied
Students register for 1 credit hour per semester for one 25-minute private lesson per week. Requirements are determined by the instructor. Secondary applied lessons are available to any student regardless of major, depending upon the availability of faculty. Upper division secondary applied lessons are available only to majors in the Bachelor of Arts--Music Education track. Secondary Applied level credits may not be used to satisfy the Major Applied or Principal Applied requirements.
Minor Applied
Students pursuing the minor in music register for 1 credit hour per semester for one 25-minute private lesson per week. Requirements are determined by the instructor. Minor applied lessons are available to any student regardless of major, depending on the availability of faculty. Minor Applied level credits may not be used to satisfy the Major Applied or Principal Applied requirements.
Applied Music Course Numbers
| Minor | Secondary | Principal | Major | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Credit | One Credit | Two Credits | Four Credits | |
| Piano | ||||
Lower Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 1210 | MUSC 1220 | MUSC 1240 |
Upper Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 3710 | MUSC 3220 | MUSC 3240 |
| Organ | ||||
Lower Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 1310 | MUSC 1320 | MUSC 1340 |
Upper Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 3710 | MUSC 3320 | MUSC 3340 |
| Voice | ||||
Lower Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 1410 | MUSC 1420 | MUSC 1440 |
Upper Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 3710 | MUSC 3420 | MUSC 3440 |
| Brass | ||||
Lower Divison |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 1610 | MUSC 1620 | MUSC 1640 |
Upper Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 3710 | MUSC 3620 | MUSC 3640 |
| Woodwinds | ||||
Lower Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 1910 | MUSC 1920 | MUSC 1940 |
Upper Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 3710 | MUSC 3920 | MUSC 3940 |
| Percussion | ||||
Lower Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 2310 | MUSC 2320 | MUSC 2340 |
Upper Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 3710 | MUSC 4320 | MUSC 4340 |
| Strings | ||||
Lower Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 2410 | MUSC 2420 | MUSC 2440 |
Upper Division |
MUSC 3610 | MUSC 3710 | MUSC 4420 | MUSC 4440 |
Principals and majors register for lower division numbers unless they qualify for upper division work. This qualification will normally occur after 4 semester hours of study, based on approval by a faculty committee.
Course numbers may be repeated indefinitely until the required number of semesters has been completed. This number varies according to degree program requirements.
MUSC 1000. Fundamentals of Music. 2 Hours.
A study of the fundamentals of music: rhythm, melody, scales and key signatures, intervals, and triads. This class will also emphasize learning to read music and execute fundamental musical skills.
MUSC 1001. Professional Orientation and Seminar for Music Majors. 0 Hours.
Graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. An Orientation and seminar courses designed for first-year students and first- semester transfer students. Course includes presentations on issues of student responsibility; personal, social, academic, and musical growth.
MUSC 1011. Music Theory I. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 1000 (Music minors only). Co-requisites: MUSC 1051. The first course of a four-semester sequence. An introductory study of the harmonic, structural, melodic, and rhythmic elements of tonal music through composition and analysis.
MUSC 1012. Music Theory II. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 1011 and 1051. The second course of a four-semester sequence. An introductory study of the harmonic, structural, melodic, and rhythmic elements of tonal music through composition and analysis.
MUSC 1016. An Introduction to Computer Applications in Music. 1 Hour.
Pre-requisite: Music of Music Education majors. Permission of the Instructor. This course is designed as an introduction to the use of computer applications in music.
MUSC 1051. Music Theory Lab I. 1 Hour.
Co-requisite: MUSC 1011. The first course of a four-semester sequence. A laboratory course to accompany MUSC 1011 designed to develop skills in sight singing and rhythmic reading and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation and identification.
MUSC 1052. Music Theory Lab II. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MUSC 1011, and 1051. The second course of a four-semester sequence. A laboratory course for MUSC 1012 designed to develop skills in sight signing, rhythmic reading, and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation and identification.
MUSC 1100. Music Appreciation. 3 Hours.
Introduction to music history and literature.
MUSC 1101. Diction for Singers. 1 Hour.
Study of pronunciation and phonetics of Italian, Latin Spanish, French, English, and German as applied to solo and ensemble singing.
MUSC 1120. Music Appreciation: American Popular Music. 3 Hours.
Survey of a broad range of American popular music from 1840 to the present. Characteristic aspects of rhythm, melody, instrumentation, and other technical factors are studied. The relationship with and influence of other musical traditions and cultures is examined.
MUSC 1130. Music Appreciation: Jazz. 3 Hours.
Survey of the history of jazz, from 1860 to present. Study of jazz origins, styles, literature, important composers and performers. Additional study of international influences.
MUSC 1171. Theoretical Foundations of Jazz Improvisation I. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The first course of a four-semester sequence. Designed to develop skills in jazz improvisation.
MUSC 1172. Theoretical Foundations of Jazz Improvisations II. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The second course of a four-semester sequence. Designed to develop skills in jazz improvisation.
MUSC 1210. Private Piano. 1 Hour.
Private Piano - Secondary.
MUSC 1211. Secondary Class Piano. 1 Hour.
An instructional and performance class which includes the study of basic piano skills, piano technique and solo piano performance, and the development of an appreciation for classical piano playing. This class may be repeated for credit.
MUSC 1220. Private Piano. 2 Hours.
Private Piano - Principal.
MUSC 1240. Private Piano. 4 Hours.
Private Piano - Major.
MUSC 1410. Private Voice. 1 Hour.
Private Voice - Secondary.
MUSC 1411. Secondary Class Voice. 1 Hour.
An instructional and performance class that includes the basic skills of singing, vocal techniques and solo performance; and the appreciation of the classical vocal artistry. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 1420. Private Voice. 2 Hours.
Private Voice - Principal.
MUSC 1440. Private Voice. 4 Hours.
Private Voice - Major.
MUSC 1610. Private Brass. 1 Hour.
Private Brass - Secondary.
MUSC 1620. Private Brass. 2 Hours.
Private Brass - Principal.
MUSC 1640. Private Brass. 4 Hours.
Private Brass - Major.
MUSC 1910. Private Woodwinds. 1 Hour.
Private Woodwinds - Secondary.
MUSC 1920. Private Woodwinds. 2 Hours.
Private Woodwinds - Principal.
MUSC 1940. Private Woodwinds. 4 Hours.
Private Woodwinds - Major.
MUSC 2011. Music Theory III. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 1012 and 1052. The third course of a four-semester sequence. An advanced study of the harmonic, contrapuntal, formal, melodic, and rhythmic elements of tonal music through composition and analysis.
MUSC 2012. Music Theory IV. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 2011 and 2051. The fourth course of a four-semester sequence. A continuation of MUSC 2011 that also includes the study of the music of the 20th century to the present through composition and analysis.
MUSC 2051. Music Theory Lab III. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MUSC 1012, and 1052. The third course in a four-semester sequence. A laboratory course to accompany MUSC 2011 designed to develop skills in sight singing and rhythmic reading and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation and identification.
MUSC 2052. Music Theory Lab IV. 1 Hour.
Prerequisites: MUSC 2011 and 2051. The four course in a four-semester sequence. A laboratory course for MUSC 2012 designed to develop skills in sight singing, rhythmic reading, and in melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation and identification.
MUSC 2131. Class Piano I. 1 Hour.
Prerequisites: MUSC 1011, MUSC 1012; Music majors only. The first of a four-semester sequence of courses designed to develop basic keyboard skills essential to music study.
MUSC 2132. Class Piano II. 1 Hour.
Prerequisites: MSUC 2131; Music majors only. The second of a four-semester sequence of courses designed to develop basic keyboard skills essential to music study.
MUSC 2171. Theoretical Foundations of Jazz Improvisation III. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The third course of a four-semester sequence. Designed to develop advanced skills in jazz improvisation.
MUSC 2172. Theoretical Foundations of Jazz Improvisation IV. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The fourth course of a four-semester sequence. Designed to develop advanced skills in jazz improvisation.
MUSC 2310. Private Percussion. 1 Hour.
Private Percussion - Secondary.
MUSC 2320. Private Percussion. 2 Hours.
Private Percussion - Principal.
MUSC 2340. Private Percussion. 4 Hours.
Private Percussion - Major.
MUSC 2410. Private Strings. 1 Hour.
Private Strings - Secondary.
MUSC 2411. Secondary Class Guitar. 1 Hour.
The study of the basic guitar skills, including technique and solo performance and the development of an appreciation of traditional guitar music through the study of artistic guitar literature.
MUSC 2420. Private Strings. 2 Hours.
Private Strings - Principal.
MUSC 2440. Private Strings. 4 Hours.
Private Strings - Major.
MUSC 3010. Music Analysis. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 2012 and 2052 or permission of the in- structor. The application of analytic techniques to the study of musical scores.
MUSC 3100. Arranging for Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 2012 and MUSC 2052. Basic techniques of scoring for choral and instrumental groups of all levels.
MUSC 3101. Advanced Diction I. 1 Hour.
Advanced skills needed to sing in English and German.
MUSC 3102. Advanced Diction II. 1 Hour.
Advanced skills needed to sing in Italian and French.
MUSC 3110. Jazz Arranging. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 2012 and 1172, or permission of instructor. Study of basic techniques of scoring for vocal and instrumental ensembles of jazz-oriented styles.
MUSC 3120. Rhythm Section Techniques and Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Techniques of performance and methods of teaching piano, guitar, string bass, drums, vibes, and other instruments typically used in the jazz rhythm section. Music or Music Education majors only.
MUSC 3131. Class Piano III. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MUSC 2132; Music majors only. The third of a four-semester sequence of courses designed to develop intermediate keyboard skills essential to music study.
MUSC 3132. Class Piano IV. 1 Hour.
Prerequisites: MUSC 3131: Music majors only. The fourth of a four-semester sequence of courses designed to develop intermediate keyboard skills essential to music study.
MUSC 3150. Counterpoint. 3 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 2012. Analysis and writing of modal and tonal counterpoint.
MUSC 3160. Intermediate Computer Applications in Music. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 2012 and 1016 or permission of the instructor. The use of computer application programs that involve the use of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).
MUSC 3170. Music Composition I. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: MUSC 1012 or permission of instructor. Foundations in music composition employing both traditional and contemporary techniques.
MUSC 3220. Private Piano. 2 Hours.
Private piano - principal.
MUSC 3230. Accompanying. 1 Hour.
Study and performance of piano accompaniments in vocal and instrumental literature with an emphasis on techniques and style. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 3240. Private Piano. 4 Hours.
Private piano - major.
MUSC 3420. Private Voice. 2 Hours.
Private voice - principal.
MUSC 3430. History of Jazz. 2 Hours.
Prerequisite: MUSC 2172 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive study of the development of jazz from its origins through present day. Emphasizes on the evaluation of stylistic trends and techniques.
MUSC 3440. Private Voice. 4 Hours.
Private voice - Major.
MUSC 3610. Applied Music for Minors. 1 Hour.
Individual applied music study. Requirements for each semester include weekly private lessons as well as attendance at master classes arranged by the instructor, and either a final examination performance for a faculty jury at the end on the semester or a student recital performance sometime during the semester. Normally, only students who are pursuing a minor in music may enroll in Minor Applied level courses. Exceptions must be approved by the Department Head.
MUSC 3620. Private Brass. 2 Hours.
Private brass - Principal.
MUSC 3640. Private Brass. 4 Hours.
Private brass - Major.
MUSC 3650. Conducting. 2 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 2012 and 2052 or permission of instructor. Techniques of choral and instrumental conducting.
MUSC 3710. Upper Division Secondary Applied Music. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Advanced training in a non-principal performance medium. Requirements to be determined by the instructor and will include at least one of the following activities: ensemble performance, studio class, student recital performance, student recital attendance, evening recital attendance, and jury. This course may not be used to satisfy the Major Applied or Principal Applied requirements.
MUSC 3810. Chamber Singers. 1 Hour.
Prerequisite: Successful audition required. Principal ensemble option for voice principals and other principals according to assignment by the Head of the Department of Music. This select ensemble emphasizes choral and vocal chamber music repertoire.
MUSC 3820. Concert Choir. 1 Hour.
Principal ensemble option for voice principals and other principals according to assignment by the Head of the Department of Music. The course is open to any VSU student by permission of the instructor.
MUSC 3830. The Spotlighters. 1 Hour.
A select choral ensemble emphasizing popular, jazz, blues, and show tune repertoire. Selection by audition only.
MUSC 3840. Opera and Musical Theatre. 1 Hour.
Music drama production and ensemble work. Preparation of scenes and full-scale productions.
MUSC 3850. Concert Band. 1 Hour.
Principal ensemble for wind and percussion principals and other principals according to assignment by the Head of the Department of Music. Open to any VSU student by permission of the instructor.
MUSC 3860. Orchestra. 1 Hour.
Prerequisites: Applied lessons or permission of instructor. Principal ensemble for orchestral string principals and majors according to assignment by the Head of the Department of Music. Open to any VSU student by permission of the instructor.
MUSC 3861. String Ensemble. 1 Hour.
Principal ensemble for string principals and other principals according to assignment by the Head of the Department of Music. Open to any VSU student by permission of the instructor.
MUSC 3870. Jazz Ensemble. 1 Hour.
Principal ensemble for jazz principals and majors and other principals according to assignment by the Head of the De- partment of Music. Selection by audition only.
MUSC 3880. Marching Band. 1 Hour.
Performance at all football games and various exhibitions. Auditions are required for marching percussion, danceline, and color guard. This course meets fall semester only.
MUSC 3890. Instrumental Ensembles. 1 Hour.
Study and performance of repertoire for a variety of combi- nations of instruments. Open by permission of instructor.
MUSC 3920. Private Woodwinds. 2 Hours.
Private Woodwinds - Principal.
MUSC 3940. Private Woodwinds. 4 Hours.
Private Woodwinds - Major.
MUSC 4320. Private Percussion. 2 Hours.
Private Percussion - Principal.
MUSC 4340. Private Percussion. 4 Hours.
Private Percussion - Major.
MUSC 4420. Private Strings. 2 Hours.
Private Strings - Principal.
MUSC 4440. Private Strings. 4 Hours.
Private Strings - Major.
MUSC 4451. History of Music to 1750. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 1100 and MUSC 2012 or permission of the instructor. History of music through the Baroque Era.
MUSC 4452. History of Music since 1750. 3 Hours.
Prerequisites: MUSC 1100 and MUSC 2012 or permission of the instructor. History of music from the Classical Era to the present.
MUSC 4511. Song Literature. 2 Hours.
A survey course of German, French, Spanish, Italian, British, American, and Russian art song literature from the Renaissance through the 21st century.
MUSC 4541. Piano Literature I. 1 Hour.
Survey courses in piano literature. The keyboard instruments and literature of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical eras.
MUSC 4542. Piano Literature II. 1 Hour.
Survey courses in piano literature. The piano literature of the Romantic period and representative repertory of the last one hundred years.
MUSC 4600. Special Topics in Music. 1-3 Hours.
An elective music course for the special topics in music. May be repeated for credit if different topics are studied.
MUSC 4710. Organ Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Study of methods and materials or organ teaching with lab teaching experience. Required of all organ majors and organ principals.
MUSC 4721. Piano Pedagogy I. 1 Hour.
Study of various contemporary teaching methods and mater- ials, with practice teaching under faculty supervision.
MUSC 4722. Piano Pedagogy II. 1 Hour.
Piano Pedagogy II.
MUSC 4730. Drumset Techniques and Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Drumset instruction in a classroom setting and a review and survey of instructional materials for drumset. Open to all University students with permission of the instructor. Ability to read music required.
MUSC 4731. Percussion Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of percussion pedagogy.
MUSC 4732. Brass Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of brass pedagogy.
MUSC 4733. Woodwind Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of woodwind pedagogy.
MUSC 4734. String Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of string pedagogy.
MUSC 4735. Guitar Pedagogy. 1 Hour.
Orientation to and experience with the fundamentals of guitar pedagogy.
MUSC 4750. Vocal Pedagogy. 2 Hours.
Fundamental principles of teaching techniques essential to private studio and class voice work.
MUSC 4760. Jazz Pedagogy. 2 Hours.
The study of jazz teaching methods and materials, including rehearsal techniques for large and small jazz ensembles.
MUSC 4850. Wind Ensemble. 1 Hour.
Principle ensemble for all music majors whose principal performing medium is wind or percussion as assigned by Head of Department of Music. Open to any VSU student by permission of instructor.
MUSC 4870. Jazz Combo. 1 Hour.
Study of performance of a wide variety of jazz styles for 5-8 member ensemble. Participation by audition only.
MUSC 4900. Directed Study in Music. 1-3 Hours.
Directed reading and independent study on an approved project. Enrollment is by permission of Department Head and instructor.
