School of Music
Courses
For current course listings please see Course Descriptions
Most music courses are designed to fulfill the requirements of the various CMU music degree programs. However, all CMU students may choose courses in music to fulfill requirements for general electives in any degree program, provided they meet the course prerequisites. Music courses, including a limited number of applied or ensemble courses, also may be used toward subject area requirements.
NOTES:
- Since many of the following courses assume a basic knowledge of music, the course MUSC-1030/3 Rudiments of Music often appears as a prerequisite in the descriptions. Students may gain exemption from that prerequisite by passing the rudiments proficiency test during the registration period.
- All new students planning to register in Individual Applied Music Studies, whether as a minor or a major, must complete an auditioning process. Auditions occur during the spring preceding entry to studies at CMU as well as during the registration period and will require students to perform a minimum of two pieces or movements in contrasting style.
- The following courses qualify as Church Music courses.
- MUSC-2300/3 Music Ministry and Resources
- MUSC-2310/3 Hymnology
- MUSC/INTG -2320/3 Liturgy and Artistic Expression
- MUSC-2330/3 Leading Music and Worship
- MUSC-3310/3 Church Renewal and Music in the Twentieth Century
- Music ensembles include the following: MUSC-1700-4700/2 Ensemble I, MUSC-170X-470X/1 Ensemble II (Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Worship Band, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, Guitar Ensemble, etc.), MUSC-213X and 3130X Collaborative Piano, and MUSC-2160, 3160, and 4160/2 Opera Workshop.
- Applied music courses include the following: MUSC-14XY- 16XY to 44XY-46XY Individual Applied Music Studies, MUSC- 2860/1.5 Class Guitar, and MUSC-3840/1.5 or 3850/3 Percussion Techniques.
MUSC-1000/3 Music Theory I: An introduction to musical discourse based on acoustic principles and common practice technique. The study will include an exploration of line, texture, and form through writing and analysis. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030/3 or equivalent; corequisite: MUSC-1100/1.5.
MUSC-1010/3 Music Theory II: A continuation of Music Theory I, with an emphasis on chorale-style harmonization based on the contrapuntal relationships of melodic voices. Small instrumental forms also will be studied. Prerequisite: MUSC-1000; corequisite: MUSC-1110.
MUSC-1030/3 Rudiments of Music: An introduction to the perception and notation of pitch and rhythm. This course includes a component that focuses on the development of basic aural and keyboard skills. This course cannot serve as a music elective within music degrees.
MUSC-1100/1.5 Music Skills I: The development of aural skills through sight-singing, dictation, and aural analysis. Also included is keyboard proficiency through score reading, figured bass realization, and improvisation. Corequisite: MUSC- 1000/3.
MUSC-1110/1.5 Music Skills II: A continuation of Music Skills I. Prerequisite: MUSC-1100; corequisite: MUSC-1010/3.
MUSC-1140/3 Lyric Diction: A study of the basic phonetics and accepted principles of lyric diction of languages most commonly used in choral, operatic, and song repertoire: Latin, French, German, Italian, and English. Pre/corequisite: MUSC- 1410 (voice).
MUSC-1200/3 Music History I: A chronological survey of the history of music in Western Civilization from antiquity through the Baroque era, tracing the evolution of musical idioms and styles. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030/3 or equivalent.
MUSC-1210/3 Music History II: The continuation of the survey of music in Western Civilization, from the mideighteenth century to the present. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030/3 or equivalent.
MUSC-1230/3 The Joy of Listening: An introductory course designed to encourage active and intelligent listening to music of various styles both in a class and in the concert setting. A lab fee covers the cost of the concerts. Not for credit in music degrees.
MUSC-1499/2 Music Preparatory Skills: This course is designed to help students upgrade keyboard and aural skills through weekly private instruction (1/2 hour lessons). This course cannot serve as a music elective within music degrees. The tuition fee for this course is the same as for an individual applied music study of two credit hours.
MUSC-14XY to 16XY, 24XY to 26 XY, 34XY to 36XY, and 44XY to 46XY Individual Applied Music Studies: These are available as minors or as majors, as follows:
- Minor, 2 credit hours: The student receives weekly ˝-hour private instruction in a chosen applied area over the course of an academic year. Prerequisite: A placement audition.
- Major, 3 credit hours: The student receives weekly ž-hour private instruction in a chosen applied area over the course of an academic year. Prerequisite: A successful audition.
- Major, 5 credit hours: The student receives weekly one-hour private instruction in a chosen applied area over the course of an academic year. Prerequisite: A successful audition.
Course numbers: The numbers presented above have two variables, X and Y. The variable Y indicates the credit hour value of the course, namely, 2, 3, or 5 credit hours. The variable X, taken together with the digit before, indicates the instrument, for examples, "40" indicates piano, and "41" indicates voice. Hence:
- MUSC-1402 is an individual applied study in piano, 2 credit hours in value
- MUSC-1403 is an individual applied study in piano, 3 credit hours in value
- MUSC-1405 is an individual applied study in piano, 5 credit hours in value
- MUSC-1412 is an individual applied study in voice, 2 credit hours in value
- MUSC-1413 is an individual applied study in voice, 3 credit hours in value
- MUSC-1415 is an individual applied study in voice, 5 credit hours in value
Each instrument will be assigned a distinct number. So far the following are assigned:
140Y = piano, 141Y = voice, 144Y = bass guitar, 145Y = percussion, 146Y = guitar,147Y = organ, 148Y = conducting, 150Y = violin, 151Y = viola, 152Y = cello, 153Y = double bass, 156Y = flute, 157Y = saxophone, 158Y = clarinet, 164Y = trumpet, 165Y = French horn, 166Y = tuba, 167Y = trombone.
MUSC-1700/2-4700/2 Ensemble I: Participation in one of CMU's principal auditioned choral ensembles.
CMU Singers: An auditioned SATB choral ensemble comprised of 40-45 singers. It will study and perform a wide variety of music that will focus on developing the students' individual and group vocal and intonation skills, choral reading, and interpretive skills, and historical/cultural performance practices. As well, opportunities will be given for solo and small group instrumental/vocal performances. There will be a tour as part of the requirement for the course, either during Reading Week or immediately following Convocation.
CMU Chamber Choir: An auditioned SATB choral ensemble comprised of approximately 16 singers. This ensemble provides a challenging choral experience for those students who are advanced in their vocal studies and/or their choral experience. Selection will be based on a high level of proficiency in vocal and sight-reading skills. Repertoire for this ensemble will be chosen from a variety of genres and styles, providing opportunity for advanced students to strengthen and increase their musicianship skills. There will be a tour as part of the requirement for the course, either during Reading Week or immediately following Convocation.
MUSC17X0/1-47X0/1 Ensemble II: Participation in a performing (auditioned) music ensemble other than one designated as Ensemble I. A variety of ensembles are available.
MUSC-1701/2701/3701/4701/1 Men's Chorus AND MUSC-1702/2702/3702/4702/1 Women's Chorus: These auditioned ensembles are available to students who are not in CMU Singers or CMU Chamber Choir, but members of those ensembles are automatically part of these ensembles. These choirs have deputation and concert responsibilities, but they do not go on tour.
MUSC-1710/2710/3710/4710/1 Worship Band: An auditioned ensemble that focuses on developing leadership skills through worship music. The band is involved in a variety of events including chapels and deputation to youth groups and churches. It consists of singers and instrumentalists, as well as a sound technician. MUSC-1720/2720/3720/4720/1 Jazz Band: An auditioned ensemble. Performance opportunities will include both on-campus and off-campus events.
MUSC-1730/2730/3730/4730/1 Mennonite Community Orchestra: Consists of CMU students and members of the community, performing the standard orchestral repertoire. It presents one concert each semester.
MUSC-1740/2740/3740/4740/1 Guitar Ensemble: An auditioned group that plays traditional and contemporary repertoire, both original guitar ensemble music, as well as arranged or transcribed repertoire. Performance opportunities will include both on-campus and off-campus events.
MUSC-1750/2750/3750/4750/1 Instrumental Chamber Ensemble: Instrumentalists are encouraged to form trios, quartets, and quintets. Performance opportunities will include both on-campus and off-campus events.
MUSC-1760/2760/3760/4760/1 Vocal Jazz: An auditioned a cappella SATB vocal ensemble that explores both secular and sacred repertoire in the jazz idiom. Affords the opportunity to study jazz vocal techniques while working within the context of a small ensemble. Deputation and performance responsibilities will include church services, university events, chapel services.
MUSC-1790/2790/3790/4790/1 Sound Technology Workshop: An introduction to live sound technology as applied to both speaking and music contexts. The workshop includes ten hours of in-class training sessions and fifteen hours of practical experience in any forum in which a CMU sound technician is required, including music ensembles, chapels, and CMU events. Students are eligible to be hired by CMU as sound technicians upon successful completion of these fifteen hours.
MUSC-2000/3 Music Theory III: A continuation of the study of common practice structures and expressions, concentrating on extended forms and chromaticism through both writing and analysis. Prerequisite: MUSC-1010/3; corequisite: MUSC- 2100/1.5
MUSC-2010/3 Music Theory IV: An examination of extended tonal and post-tonal repertoire in relation to common practice discourse. Works studied will include those based on expanded tonal techniques, motivic gestures, twelve-tone theory, and those of rhythmic or textural rather than pitchcentred motivation. This course also includes a unit on structuring within fugues. Prerequisite: MUSC-2000/3; corequisite: MUSC-2110/1.5.
MUSC-2100/1.5 Music Skills III: A continuation of the development of aural and keyboard skills within extended tonal and post-tonal structures. Prerequisite: MUSC-1110/1.5; corequisite: MUSC-2000/3.
MUSC-2110/1.5 Music Skills IV: A continuation of Music Skills III. Prerequisite: MUSC-2100/1.5; corequisite: MUSC-2010/3.
MUSC-2131/1, 2132/2, 3131/1, 3132/2 Collaborative Piano: A practical study in the art of accompanying and collaborating in a variety of small ensembles. This course will include master classes and lectures. May be used to fulfill ensemble credit. Admission by permission of the instructor.
MUSC-2140/3 Vocal and Choral Techniques: A study of how to teach vocal techniques in a classroom or choral setting. Students will actively participate in classroom instruction that focuses on a practical exploration of choral tone, vocal colour, and teaching strategies for all ages and levels of experience. As well, vocal development, vocal health, and physiology of the voice will be considered for study. This course is intended for students who are not in voice performance. Prerequisites: MUSC-1010/3 and 1110/3.
MUSC-2150/3 Conducting Techniques I: A practical exploration and study in the grammar and techniques of conducting, with a focus on leading choirs and other music in school, church, and community settings. Emphasis will be on learning basic conducting gestures, vocal techniques, and in the development of music leadership skills. Prerequisite: MUSC- 1010/3 and 1110/1.5, or permission of the instructor.
MUSC-2160/2, 3160/2, 4160/2 Opera Workshop: Study and performance of selections from operatic literature. May be used to fulfill Ensemble II credit. Admission by permission of the instructor.
MUSC-2200/3 Studies in Baroque Music: A focused study of the history and literature of music in its cultural context from 1600 to 1750. Prerequisite: MUSC-1210/3.
MUSC-2210/3 Studies in Eighteenth-Century Music: A focused study of the history and literature of music in its cultural context from the mid-eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century, including Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Prerequisite: MUSC-1210/3.
MUSC-2250/3 History of Jazz: A chronological survey of jazz from its origins to the present. The course will trace the development of important styles and feature the works of influential performers. Topics for study will include the beginnings and evolution of the blues, ragtime, the swing era, avant garde and free jazz, contemporary trends, related developments, and Canadian contributions.
MUSC-2260/3 Worlds of Music: A survey of music and musical cultures whose traditions are traced to the East and the South. Critical questions involving constructions of cultural hybridity, identity formation of and through music, and outsider participation will be considered. Prerequisite: MUSI-1030.3 and a minimum of 30 credit hours of university studies.
MUSC-2300/3 Music Ministry and Resources: An introduction to music ministry in the church. Attention will be focused on the function of music in the context of Christian worship. In addition to exploring a variety of worship music styles and resources, attention will also be given to the development of leadership skills for music ministry. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030/3 or equivalent.
MUSC-2310/3 Hymnology: A study of the music and theology of the various streams of Christian hymnody up to the mid-twentieth century, particularly as represented in the Mennonite- Anabaptist tradition. The focus will be on congregational music, emphasizing hymns and hymn tunes, and their evaluation, including the exploration of their use in worship. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030/3 or equivalent.
MUSC/INTG-2320/3 Liturgy and Artistic Expression: A study of the origins and developments of liturgies and their influence on music, architecture, painting, sculpture, etc., throughout the history of the Christian church, including the influences of these developments on non-liturgical traditions.
MUSC-2330/3 Leading Music and Worship: A study of preparing and leading worship, with a primary focus on enabling the congregational voice. Attention will be given to understanding the theological and musical bases for song selection within a variety of worship traditions. Students will participate in musical leadership as song leader/conductor, instrumentalist, worship band/team member, and cantor. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030.
MUSC-2800/3 Introduction to Music Therapy: An overview of the field of music therapy, an introduction to the history and principles, to different therapy models and techniques, and to the many populations served by the discipline. This course is open to all students and professionals interested in learning more about the field. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030/3 or equivalent.
MUSC-2860/1.5 Class Guitar: This class will help students develop a basic mastery on guitar, and learn to play chord progressions in a variety of keys and in a variety of styles, utilizing strumming and finger picking techniques.
MUSC-2870/1; 2880/2; 3870/3; 3880/3 Music Therapy Practica I - IV: Supervised field experience with different special populations, working with both groups and individuals. Designing, implementing, documenting and evaluating clinical experiences. In addition to field placement, the student must attend a weekly on-campus seminar. Prerequisite: Admission to the Music Therapy program.
MUSC-2950/3 Topics in Music: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors.
MUSC-3010/3 Electronic/Computer Music Applications: An exploration of the various applications of computers to music in the areas of composition, performance, and music education, taught in a studio/lab setting. Prerequisite: MUSC- 1010/3.
MUSC-3050/3 Composing and Arranging Seminar: An exploration of the discipline and craft of composing and arranging for both choral and instrumental ensembles. Through the study of literature and scoring techniques, topics such as text-setting, choral and orchestral techniques, electronic music, and charting for popular music will be explored. The course includes both score preparation and opportunities for recital performances of original works. Prerequisite: MUSC-2010/3.
MUSC-3100/3 Early Musical Development: An examination of methodologies for the development of musicianship in children in light of contemporary theories of music education, including those of Kodaly, Orff, Suzuki, Dalcroze, and Gordon. Students will evaluate conventional and contemporary curriculum design and will interact with local music educators in various school settings. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-3120/3 Organ and Harpsichord Workshop: An introduction to playing the organ and the harpsichord for advanced pianists. Plenary sessions will alternate with individual instruction on both instruments. In addition, topics such as service playing (organ), continuo playing, repertoire, and historically informed performance practice will be addressed. Normally the workshop will be limited to six participants. Admission by permission of the instructor.
MUSC-3150/3 Conducting Techniques II: A continuation of Conducting Techniques I, with an emphasis on baton techniques, conducting large and small choral/instrumental ensembles, and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUSC- 2150/3.
MUSC-3170/3 Jazz Ensemble Techniques: A study of the tonal and formal materials of the jazz tradition, of procedures for rehearsing and directing small and large jazz ensembles, and of standard repertoire and performance materials. An applied component includes working with common styles and idioms of jazz arranging and improvisation in performance. Prerequisite: MUSC-1010/3 and 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-3200/3 Studies in Nineteenth-Century Music: A focused study of the history and literature of music in its cultural context in the nineteenth century. Prerequisite: MUSC- 1210/3 and 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-3250/3 Topics in Music and Culture: An interdisciplinary course involving a dialogue between music and another area, for example, philosophy, theology, math, or English. Normally will be team-taught. Open to music and non-music students. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies.
MUSC-3310/3 Church Renewal and Music in the Twentieth Century: A study of the renewal movements in the twentieth century, studying both their theology and music, including the impact of Vatican II, the charismatic movement, Taizé, Vineyard movement, etc. Attention will also be given to developments in contemporary hymnody. Prerequisite: MUSC- 1030/3 or equivalent and 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-3398/2 Church Music Event/Project: A public worship event organized by the student and delivered by both the student and other participants. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-3399/2 Recital I: A public performance approximately 30-40 minutes in length in a particular area of applied music study comprising a minimum of three epochs of contrasting repertoire as specified by the chosen concentration. Admission by permission of the Music Department.
MUSC-3801/3 Music Therapy Methods for Adults I: This course will focus on disabling conditions of adulthood. Principles of music therapy and theoretical approaches/styles will be discussed. Clinical skills, such as assessment, treatment and evaluation will be introduced, along with the practical application of music therapy techniques. Linked to this course is a weekly Clinical Improvisation and Skills (CIS) class. Prerequisite: MUSC-2800/3 and admission to the Music Therapy program.
MUSC-3802/3 Music Therapy Methods for Adults II: A continuation of Music Therapy Methods for Adults I, this course will also discuss professional issues, as well as the implications of working in a multicultural environment. The music therapist as a member of the treatment team, and other disciplines involved in clinical treatment will be discussed. Linked to this course is a weekly Clinical Improvisation and Skills (CIS) class. Prerequisite: MUSC-3801/3 and admission to the Music Therapy program.
MUSC-3803/3 Music Therapy Methods for Children I: This course will focus on disabling conditions of childhood. Principles of music therapy and theoretical approaches/styles will be discussed. Clinical skills, such as assessment, treatment and evaluation will be introduced, along with the practical application of music therapy techniques. Linked to this course is a weekly Clinical Improvisation and Skills (CIS) class. Prerequisite: MUSC-2800/3 and admission to the Music Therapy program.
MUSC-3804/3 Music Therapy Methods for Children II: A continuation of Music Therapy Methods for Children I, this course will discuss professional issues, including marketing, job hunting and setting up a private practice. It will also provide an introduction to other creative arts therapies. Linked to this course is a weekly Clinical Improvisation and Skills (CIS) class. Prerequisite: MUSC-3803/3 and admission to the Music Therapy program.
MUSC-3830/3 Psychology of Music: An in-depth study of the psychological and physiological aspects of musical behaviour and experience including basic knowledge of music and affect, the influence of music on behaviour, and perception and cognition of music, as well as a study of current research in the field. Prerequisite MUSC-1030/3 and 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-3840/1.5 Percussion Techniques A: Introduction to a variety of percussion instruments, with a focus on hand drums and other small percussion. Students will learn percussion techniques common to a variety of notated and improvised musical styles. Students may not hold credit for both this course and for MUSC-3850/3. Prerequisite: MUSC-1030.
MUSC-3850/3 Percussion Techniques AB: Introduction to a wide range of percussion instruments, including hand drums and other small percussion, drum set, and percussion instruments found in chamber and orchestral music. Students will learn percussion techniques common to a variety of notated and improvised musical styles. An ensemble component forms part of this course. Students may not hold credit for both this course and for MUSC-3840/1.5 Prerequisite: MUSC-1030.
MUSC-3950/3 Topics in Music: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-4050/3 Piano Pedagogy, Repertoire and Interpretation: A critical study of the repertoire and resources through which the piano commonly is taught, the concepts through which musicianship and technique are understood, and the purposes and institutions with which the piano is associated. A practical component will include teaching students with various levels of experience and in distinct musical styles. Prerequisite: MUSC-240X (piano) or permission of the instructor.
MUSC-4060/3 Vocal Pedagogy, Repertoire, and Interpretation: A study of the foundations of solo vocal techniques, beginning teaching principles, and repertoire. The course will also explore the solo vocal literature from Renaissance to the present, providing opportunity to sing the examples of exercises and literature. Prerequisite:MUSC-241X (voice).
MUSC-4070/3 Choral Repertoire and Interpretation: A critical study of the repertoire and resources for school, church, and community choirs with a goal of understanding musical style and interpretation. Students' choral techniques will be developed through score study and the teaching of selected repertoire. The course includes a weekly choral lab requirement. Prerequisite: MUSC-3150 and admission to a concentration.
MUSC-4080/3 Directed Study in Pedagogy and Repertoire: A directed study in the pedagogy and repertoire of the student's major instrument (instruments other than piano). MUSC-4170/3 Band and Orchestral Techniques: A practical study in rehearsing and conducting large and small instrumental ensembles. Students will examine performance and instructional materials, appropriate for school, church and community settings. Prerequisite: MUSC-3150/3
MUSC-4200/3 Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Music: A focused study of the history and literature of music in its cultural context during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Included will be a considerable emphasis on early music notation. Prerequisite: MUSC-1210/3 and 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-4220/3 Music Since 1945: An examination of the Western art music tradition, its repertoire(s), interpretive methodologies and means of valuation, from 1945 to the present. Consideration will be given to how three significant Western priorities of the last seventy years, a search for new orders, an historical consciousness, and a social awareness with a global imagination, have informed and been informed by musical repertoire and activity. Prerequisite: MUSC-1210/3 and 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-4300/3 Church Music Themes: A seminar dealing with a specific topic of current interest in the area of church music. Prerequisite: MUSC-2300/3 or 2320/3 and 30 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-4360/3 Music Practicum: A music practicum in applied music or arts administration, working in amateur, professional, or political organizations. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level study.
MUSC-4399/3 Recital II: A 60-minute public performance in a particular area of applied music study, as required by the chosen concentration. Admission by permission of the Music Department.
MUSC-4800/3 Research in Music Education and Therapy: Methodologies for interpreting, conducting, and reporting research. Students will also perform data base literature searches and consider how to apply research findings to practice. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies.
MUSC-4940/3 Independent Study in Music: An independent study under the direction of a faculty member in music. Prerequisites: twelve credit hours in Music and a minimum of 60 credit hours of university-level studies.
MUSC-4950/3 Topics in Music Research: Students will meet regularly with a music faculty member for an independent study, resulting in a major research paper. Prerequisites: 15 credit hours of music history.
MUSC-5800/3 Music Therapy Internship: Students will complete a 1000-hour Music Therapy Internship at a CAMT approved facility, with on-site clinical supervision by an accredited Music Therapist. The internship must meet Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) Internship guidelines, particularly the minimum requirement for 300 hours of direct client contact and 50 hours of supervision. Prerequisite: Completion of all other requirements of the Bachelor of Music Therapy.
