Course Descriptions - Music

This course includes the study and performance of choral repertoire. Through active learning students will participate in collaborative artistic study culminating in choral performance of works from a variety of cultures and historical periods. The day section of choir meets twice per week and the night section of choir meets once per week. May be repeated for credit.

This course is a select auditioned group of singers which will perform a wide spectrum of choral repertoire from Madrigals to Vocal Jazz. Auditions will be held early fall semester for the yearly commitment. May be repeated for credit.Strongly recommended to take Concert Choir concurrently

This course is an instrumental performance ensemble that plays a variety of musical literature. Enrollment is open to all students who are able to minimally play their instrument at a High School level. The ensemble is open to all students who meet this criterion. Students should provide their own instrument. Percussionists should provide their own sticks/mallets. This group meets once/week.May be repeated for credit.NOTE: Student should be able to minimally play instrument at a High School levelNOTE: Student should be able to minimally play their instrument at a High School level

This course is an instrumental performance ensemble that plays a variety of jazz literature. Enrollment is open to all students who are able to read written musical notation for their instrument. Ensemble is open to all students. Students should provide their own instrument. This group meets once per week. May be repeated for credit.NOTE: Student should be able to minimally play instrument at a High School level

This course is an instrumental performance ensemble that plays a variety of jazz literature. Enrollment is open to all students who are able to read written musical notation for their instrument. Ensemble is open to all students. Students should provide their own instrument. This group meets once per week.

This course is a small ensemble performance opportunity. An ensemble work may be made up of strings, percussion, winds, guitars, voice, or any instrumental grouping that may be possible depending on need and interest. Depending on their primary instrument, a student will be placed in a section of this course that corresponds to their instrument. The ensemble will play a variety of composed and/or improvised literature. Primarily for AFA music students, the course is open to all who have the ability to read musical notation and perform competently. However, permission for placement into the course is required. Music faculty must be consulted for placement in the appropriate section. Weekly rehearsals and end-of-semester performance is required. Additional rehearsals may be required. May be repeated for credit.

Ensemble course devoted to various musical styles found in contemporary rock and hip-hop (punk/blues/metal/rap/etc). Open to all majors, Garage Band (as in, start a band that plays blues/rock/metal/punk type music). Students can play any instrument, but bass/drums/electric guitar would be the focus. Coach to play cover songs and develop basic songwriting skills. Already established bands welcome to register.

This general course in music fundamentals includes basic theory, sight singing, piano keyboard, creative activity, and student demonstration. Through the understanding and application of the elements of music, students will be able to distinguish cultural styles and genres.

This course will introduce and develop a variety of creative writing skills and tools specific to functional music writing, unity, and prosody. It will also offer exercise in common elements of lyric writing, short form composing, and exploration of creative practice in an encouraging environment. No previous songwriting or performing experience is necessary, though performing experience and/or playing an accompanying instrument (such as piano, guitar, ukulele, or digital audio workstation) would be advantageous for success. First-year music theory and/or ear training coursework would be advantageous to enrollees.

This general cultural course is designed to develop an understanding and enjoyment of music. It includes a study of music in western civilization. In addition some world music topics will be addressed. Emphasis is upon class listening supplemented by historical background. Live concert attendance may be required.

This course is the first of a four semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory I and Music Theory II are: notation, intervals, rhythm, scale patterns, melodic forms, harmonic conventions, four-part chorale structure, formal structure (binary, ternary). While this course is open to all, to be successful in this course, entering students must have a solid knowledge of note names, scale patterns and note rhythms such as that learned in MUSC 1200 Fundamentals of Music. This course is required for AFA music majors.

A continuation of Music Theory I, this course is the second of a four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory I and Music Theory II are: notation, intervals, rhythm, scale patterns, melodic forms, harmonic conventions, four-part chorale structure, formal structure (binary, ternary). This course is required for AFA music majors.

This course is the first of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. While this course is open to all, to be successful in this course, entering students must have a solid knowledge of note names, scale patterns and note rhythms such as that learned in MUSC 1200 Fundamentals of Music. This course is required for AFA music majors.

This course is the second of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.

This course teaches music primarily from non-Eurocentric cultures which may include but is not limited to Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, African, Native American, and African American. Through their studies of the diversity of world music, students will develop a broader understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

This course may include but is not limited to early American music, jazz, American musical theater, pop, rock, and rap. The history of popular music in Western Culture will be presented. Students will learn to identify the music styles contained under the broad umbrella of Rock 'n Roll. Students will also learn about the historical, social, cultural and political influences on popular music.

This course will examine the evolution of music in video games, beginning with the earliest use of sound in games such as PAC Man and Space Invaders and progressing to the more complex soundtracks of modern day titles such as Halo & The Legend of Zelda. Students will follow the artistic & technological advances of this unique media form, gaining a greater understanding of how music helps shape the overall gaming experience.

This course is open to all students. It is designed for beginners or for guitar students wishing to fill in gaps in their knowledge from previous musical experience. It covers basic guitar techniques and musicianship skills used in a variety of different styles of music. Students will also study different types of written musical notation. It also introduces improvisation and song writing. Student must provide their own guitar (preferably acoustic) in good playing condition.

This course is open to all students and consists of private guitar instruction lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students, beginners through advanced, can, in consultation instructor, pick areas of focus depending on their tastes and needs. These may include: guitar technique (i.e. chords, scales finger-picking) theory, reading, ear-training, analysis, improvisation, repertoire development and interpretation. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.Student must provide their own guitar (preferably acoustic) in good playing condition.

This course is devoted to basic vocal techniques and skills. Students will learn different styles of song from various cultures and historical periods and will learn to evaluate the fundamentals of the creative process as expressed through vocal performance. This course is open to non-music majors.

This course is private voice instruction with lessons of one-half hour per week. Students will expand upon basic vocal technique and skills and will extend their technical ability and style interpretation skill through vocal repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret and create artistic expression through song. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply. MUSC 1600 Class Voice strongly recommended before taking this course.

This course offers basic piano instruction and technique for the student with no previous training in piano. Students will learn basic piano techniques and skills and be introduced to different playing styles. Students will be introduced to music and history of different cultures as related to the piano.

The purpose of the course is to build upon skills and musicianship begun in Class Piano I, allowing the student to continue gaining a better understanding of playing the piano and a greater appreciation of music in general. Both technique and musicianship will be addressed. Scales and/or exercises and music theory will be part of every class lesson. To be successful in this class, the student should have completed MUSC 1801 Class Piano I or be at the equivalent skill level.

This course is private piano instruction with lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon basic piano technique and skills and will extend their technical ability and style interpretation skill through piano repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret and create artistic expression through piano literature and performance. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.

This course is private instruction on a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon basic technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.

This course is private instruction on percussion instruments (e.g., drums, xylophone, marimba, or tympani) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.

This course is private instruction on a brass instrument (e.g., trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.

This course is private instruction on a woodwind instrument (saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe or bassoon) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.

This course is private instruction for advanced students on their instrument (voice, piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion) with lessons of one hour per week. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on their instrument. Students' advanced technical expertise will be incorporated into artistic expression and interpretation of repertoire that challenges their technique and demands artistic finesse and critical analysis. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply. Admission to this course is by permission only. PLEASE CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR FOR PERMISSION TO REGISTER.

This course is a historical survey primarily of music rooted in the European tradition. The timeframe of study will focus on eras referred to as the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods with some references to the roots of western music in ancient cultures. Music will be studied from the viewpoints of musical styles, genres, performance practices, as well as cultural and historical contexts of those eras.

This course is a historical survey primarily of music rooted in the European traditions. The timeframe of study will focus on eras referred to as the Romantic and late Romantic periods through the 20th century. Music will be studied from the viewpoints of musical styles, genres, performance practices, as well as cultural and historical contexts of those eras.

A continuation of Music Theory I & II, this course is the third of a four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory III and Music Theory IV are: Sixth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth chords and their variants; counterpoint (two-voice), formal structures (fugue, sonata allegro, rondo, variation); pre-20th century tonality and 20th century atonality; music composition not based in tonal sound. This course is required for AFA music majors.

A continuation of Music Theory III, this course is the final in four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory III and Music Theory IV are: Sixth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth chords and their variants; counterpoint (two-voice), formal structures (fugue, sonata allegro, rondo, variation); pre-20th century tonality and 20th century atonality; music composition not based in tonal sound. This course is required for AFA music majors.

This course is the third of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.

This course is the final of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.

This course consists of a series of concert or music experiences in the Twin Cities area or another cultural center, e.g. New York, Washington, D.C., to experience a variety of musical performances, lectures, demonstrations, and facilities. Students will study and experience the components that go into live music performances. In addition to live performances, students may tour architecture, museums and galleries to better analyze and understand the background against which the musical performances take place. Special fees may be applied. This course may be repeated for credit.Students will need to provide their own transportation to area concerts, museums or other venues.