Music Department
- Course Descriptions
Many music courses are offered alternate years. Consult the registrar's website for up to date information or the Music Department for course offerings in each term.
For Music Business courses, please see the Music Business page.
For Music Therapy courses, please see the Music Therapy page.
THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP
MUS 101 Materials of Music I (.5 course)
Notation, scales, intervals, triads, keyboard harmony, and principles of part writing. To be taken concurrently with MUS 111. (Prereq.: Theory Placement Test)
MUS 102 Materials of Music II (.5 course)
Diatonic harmony, secondary dominants, and simple modulations. To be taken concurrently with MUS 112. (Prereq.: Passing MUS 101 with a minimal grade of 2.0)
MUS 111 Aural Skills I (.5 course)
Rhythmic and melodic dictation, interval and triad recognition, sight singing, and harmonic dictation to parallel progress in MUS 101. To be taken concurrently with MUS 101.
MUS 112 Aural Skills II (.5 course)
Development of listening and reading skills to parallel progress in MUS 102. To be taken concurrently with MUS 102. (Prereq.: MUS 111)
MUS 160 Fundamentals of Music
Introduction to the basic elements of Western musical notation (pitch, rhythm, meter, intervals, major and minor scales, key signatures and chords). Students will develop basic aural and keyboard skills, identify typical compositional forms in popular and classical music. Students write their own composition for the final project.
MUS 201 Materials of Music III (.5 course)
Continuation of MUS 102 with chromatic harmony and modulation. To be taken concurrently with MUS 211. (Prereq.: Passing MUS 101 and 102 with a minimal grade of 2.0)
MUS 202 Form and Analysis (.5 course)
Musical structures of common practice period and introduction to 20th-century practice. To be taken concurrently with MUS 212. (Prereq.: Passing MUS 201 and 211 with a minimal grade of 2.0 and pass CT assessment or GST 100.)
MUS 211 Aural Skills III (.5 course)
Melodic, harmonic dictation, and sight singing to parallel progress in MUS 201. To be taken concurrently with MUS 201. (Prereq.: MUS 112)
MUS 212 Aural Skills IV (.5 course)
Further development of listening skills to parallel progress in MUS 202. To be taken concurrently with MUS 202. (Prereq.: MUS 211 and pass CT assessment or GST 100.)
MUS 311 Composition I (.5 course)
Ranges and characteristics of voices and orchestral instruments, standard notation and score layout; related 20th-century literature. (Prereq.: Passing MUS 202 and 212 with a minimal grade of 2.0 and pass CT assessment or GST 100.)
MUS 312 Composition II (.5 course)
Contemporary approaches to melody, harmony, tonality, rhythm, and form. Atonality, serialism, indeterminacy, electronic music, minimalism, decategorization. Related literature (Prereq.: Passing MUS 202 and 212 with a minimal grade of 2.0)
HISTORY AND LITERATURE
MUS 130 Introduction to Music and the Fine Arts
E. D. Hirsch describes cultural literacy as "the network of information that all competent readers possess." This course draws students into that information web using the history of Western art music as the thread that ties culture together from the Middle Ages to the present. A "top ten of the last millennium" will provide mileposts for understanding music in social context. Live performance will be a feature of this course. Evaluation of student work will include short essay papers, several quizzes, and a mid-term and final examination. The ability to read music is not required.
MUS 220 Worlds of Music
A survey of non-Western music, this course explores diverse musical styles and instruments from many cultures.
MUS 231 History and Literature of Music I
An intensive survey of the evolution of music from antiquity to 1750, studying music in its historical and cultural contexts as well as basic knowledge of repertory. (Prereq.: MUS 101, 102, 201)
MUS 232 History and Literature of Music II
Continuation of MUS 231 from 1750 to the present. (Prereq.: MUS 101, 102, 201)
MUS 241 History of Jazz
This course is a study of the musical elements, cultural perspectives, and the historical developments of jazz. Many styles of jazz are examined including early New Orleans Dixieland, swing, cool, jazz/rock/fusion, ragtime, bop, and progressive jazz.
MUS 331 Music of the Baroque Era (.5 course)
(Prereq.: MUS 231, 232 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
MUS 332 Music of the Classical Period (.5 course)
(Prereq.: MUS 231, 232 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
MUS 333 Music of the Romantic Period (.5 course)
(Prereq.: MUS 231, 232 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
MUS 334 Music of the 20th Century (.5 course)
(Prereq.: MUS 231, 232 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
The MUS 331-334 sequence provides an opportunity to explore the music, cultural trends, and composers associated with each of the four main stylistic eras of the Western European classical tradition. Representative repertoire is studied in conjunction with the cultural forces and ideas that help shape the music. Music majors will have an opportunity to integrate their liberal arts education, knowledge of music theory and history, and writing skills through a major research paper required in each course.
MUS 432 Church Music and Worship
Development and influence of church music as evidenced in contemporary worship practices. Designed for the general as well as the music and theology student.
MUS 435 Voice Repertoire (.5 course)
A survey of standard art song repertoire from Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, and the Americas. Includes listening, writing, and performance. Required for vocal performance majors. (Prereq.: MUS 251, 252, 253, 254, or permission from instructor)
MUS 436 Piano Repertoire (.5 course)
This course introduces students to a wide variety of music written for keyboard instruments from the 17th--century to the present. The changing role of the piano as a cultural symbol is emphasized as the piano, and its music, is inextricably linked to important compositional and social trends in western culture over the last three hundred years. (Prereq.: MUS 231, 232)
METHODS AND PEDAGOGY
MUS 355 Music Methods: Strings (.5 course)
This methods course introduces string instrument performance techniques and problems. Students will perform on violin/viola, cello and double bass. Other topics include performance practice, instructional pedagogy, instructional materials, solo and ensemble repertoire, and integration of music technology.
MUS 356 Music Methods: Brass/Percussion (.5 course)
This methods course introduces brass/percussion performance techniques and problems. Students will perform on at least one brass instrument and snare drum. Other topics include performance practice, instructional pedagogy, instructional materials, solo and ensemble repertoire, and integration of music technology.
MUS 357 Music Methods: Woodwinds (.5 course)
This methods course introduces woodwind performance techniques and problems. Students will perform on flute, one single reed instrument, and one double reed instrument. Other topics include performance practice, instructional pedagogy, instructional materials, solo and ensemble repertoire, and integration of music technology.
MUS 359 Music Methods: Vocal (.5 course)
This methods course introduces choral/vocal performance techniques and problems. Students will perform vocal solo and ensemble repertoire. Other topics include performance practice, instructional pedagogy, physiological mechanics of singing and instructional materials.
MUS 456 Piano Pedagogy (.5 course)
This course introduces students to various ideas, tools, methodologies and resources associated with piano teaching. Students will apply what they learn in class to actual teaching experiences through a community service-learning requirement that pairs Augsburg teachers with piano students from our neighborhood. This course fulfills the LAF Augsburg Experience requirement.
APPLIED SKILLS AND GROUP LESSONS
MUS 135 Class Piano 1
This course is designed for beginning pianists with minimal piano training. The course will teach basic piano skills in the areas of sightreading; scales and chords progressions; improvisation; and repertoire from a variety of styles. The class will use and apply many of the concepts, terms and ideas taught in MUS 101/111.
co-req. or prereq.: MUS 101 and MUS 111; placement test and/or permission of the instructor.
MUS 136 Class Piano 2
This course is a continuation of MUS 155A: Class Piano 1 and MUS 135: Class Piano 1, and will build on the skills introduced in these classes. The course is designed for students with some prior piano and music theory training and/or students who have completed a class piano course.
prereq.: MUS 155 or MUS 135; or placement test and/or permission of the instructor
MUS 237 Class Piano 3
This course is a continuation of Class Piano 1 and 2 and is designed for students with piano training prior to Augsburg and/or students who have completed MUS 155, MUS 135 and MUS 136. Class Piano 3 will cover all the skills and requirements of the piano proficiency test and is designed to provide opportunities for students to apply their piano skills to practical 'real life' situations such as score reading; transposing; improvising; playing simple accompaniments; and learning repertoire in a variety of styles.
prereq.: MUS 155; MUS 135; MUS 136; or placement test and/or permission of the instructor.
MUS 238 Class Piano 4
This course is a continuation of MUS 237: Class Piano 3. At the conclusion of this course students should have a command of the skills required for the piano proficiency exam.
prereq.: MUS 155; MUS 135; MUS 136: MUS 237; or placement test or permission of the instructor
MUS 152 Class Voice (.25 course)
Fundamentals of tone production and singing.
MUS 158 Class Guitar (.25 course)
Beginning techniques of classic guitar.
MUS 251-254 English Diction (251), Italian Diction (252), German Diction (253), French Diction (254) (each .25 course)
This is an intensive introduction to basic singing pronunciation of English, Italian, German, and French through the study of the art song repertoire. Includes regular class performances and phoneticization of texts using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Required for vocal performance majors and music education majors.
MUS 341 Basic Conducting (.5 course)
Study of fundamental conducting patterns and baton technique, score analysis and preparation, rehearsal techniques, basic nomenclature. (Prereq.: MUS 101, 111, 231)
MUS 342 Choral Conducting (.5 course)
Choral literature and organization, vocal methods and voice selection, advanced conducting techniques with class as the choir. (Prereq.: Pass piano proficiency test and MUS 341)
MUS 344 Instrumental Conducting (.5 course)
Preparation of and conducting instrumental literature, advanced conducting techniques, organization of instrumental ensembles. (Prereq.: Pass piano proficiency test and MUS 341)
PERFORMANCE COURSES
Performance Study
These courses provide unique opportunities for Augsburg students to study on an individual basis with artist/teachers who are active performers in this region. Performance Study is offered for woodwind, string, brass, percussion, keyboard instruments, electric bass, harp and voice. Lessons are individualized to fit the requirements of Augsburg's three music degrees and five majors, and are also available to qualified liberal arts students.
MUP 1XX Performance Study (0; 0.25; 0.5 credits)
These courses are available for qualified liberal arts students with some prior training in music; music minors; and music majors in their first and second years of study. MUP 1xx-level courses can be repeated and are available for .25 credit (half hour lesson); .5 credit (1-hour lesson) and 0 credit (a half hour lesson). Registration is by Add/Drop form and requires a signature.
MUP 3XX Performance Study (0.5 credit)
These courses consist of a one-hour weekly individual lesson designed for music majors.
Pre-requisites: at least 4 semesters of MUP 1xx or its equivalent; a sophomore/transfer music major jury; an approved music department degree application.
MUP 111/311 VOICE
MUP 116/316 ELECTRIC BASS
MUP 121/321 VIOLIN
MUP 122/322 VIOLA
MUP 123/323 CELLO
MUP 124/324 BASS
MUP 131/331 OBOE
MUP 132/332 BASSOON
MUP 133/333 CLARINET
MUP 134/334 SAXOPHONE
MUP 135/335 FLUTE
MUP 137/337 HORN
MUP 141/341 TRUMPET
MUP 142/342 TROMBONE
MUP 143/343 BARITONE
MUP 144/344 TUBA
MUP 152/352 PIANO
MUP 161/361 GUITAR
MUP 171/371 PERCUSSION
MUP 181/381 ORGAN
MUP 191/391 HARP
MUP 192/392 IMPROVISATION
MUP 193/393 COMPOSITION
Chamber Music
These performance-based courses introduce students to a wide range of music composed for small groups, usually one person per part. All chamber music courses fulfill the chamber music/small ensemble requirement for music majors, and are also open to non-majors by permission of the instructor.
MUE 113 Vocal Chamber Music (.0 course)
MUE 122 String Chamber Music (.0 course)
MUE 125 Guitar Chamber Music (.0 course)
MUE 131 Woodwind Chamber Music (.0 course)
MUE 142 Brass Chamber Music (.0 course)
MUE 144 Percussion Chamber Music (.0 course)
MUE 145 Piano Chamber Music (.0 course)
Jazz
MUE 129 Improvisation (.0 course)
Basic improvisational skills within a jazz combo format. Open to instrumentalists and vocalists.
MUE 143 Jazz Ensemble (0.0/.25 course)
The Augsburg Jazz Ensemble is a group that performs extensively in a wide variety of venues. The literature performed reflects the cultural diversity and historical context of jazz. Placement is by audition or by arrangement with the director. Preference is given to Concert Band members.
Vocal Performance
MUS 235 Skills of Music Theatre
This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to the topic using music and theatre techniques to develop the student's basic skills of Music Theatre. Concepts of diverse music-theatre forms are introduced. Course includes reading, writing, research, class discussion, exercises, small and large group participation, memorization, and public performance. Students will attend and review live productions.
MUE 294 Opera Workshop (1.0 course)
Experience the process of preparation, rehearsal, and performance of operatic repertoire.
MUE 494 Opera Workshop (.25 course)
Experience the process of preparation, rehearsal, and performance of operatic repertoire.
Recitals
Music students must work closely with their Studio Teacher to plan all aspects of degree recitals including repertoire choice; confirmation of dates, dress rehearsals; selection of an accompanist, etc. In addition to registering for a recital (i.e. MUS 358/458/459) students must also complete an Application for Student Recital form to confirm scheduling, hall space and publicity. The form is due in the Music Office no later than the Add/Drop deadline at the beginning of the semester of the recital.
MUS 358 Junior Recital (.0 course)
This course is required for Bachelor of Music degree candidates. To meet the requirement, music education majors must complete a one-half hour program of level III repertoire; performance majors must perform a one hour recital of level IV repertoire. At the discretion of the studio instructor, students may also be required to perform a recital preview prior to the public recital.
MUS 458 Senior Recital (.0 course)
This course is required for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. To meet this requirement students must perform a one-half hour recital of level III repertoire from a variety of classical style periods. At the the discretion of the studio instructor, students may also be required to perform a recital preview prior to the public recital.
MUS 459 Senior Recital (.0 course)
This course is required for the Bachelor of Music degree. To meet the requirement, music education majors must perform a one-hour recital of level IV repertoire; performance majors must perform one hour of level V repertoire. At the the discretion of the studio instructor, students may also be required to perform a recital preview prior to the public recital.
MUP 159 Piano Accompanying
This offering is an opportunity for music majors to receive individual weekly coaching with one of Augsburg's piano faculty or staff accompanists, and is highly recommended for students preparing for recitals, auditions, or special performance projects. Registration requires pre-notification/approval from the appropriate coach. MUP fee schedule applies (see the Music Department Student Handbook)
Large Ensembles
Please note: to fulfill the Liberal Arts Foundation requirement in Fine Arts, students must participate in a large ensemble for four semesters at the 0.25 credit option. A maximum of two credits for large ensemble participation may be used towards graduation requirements.
Music majors may choose to take large ensembles for 0.0 or .25 credit, depending on course load/need. Transfer music majors must participate in a large ensemble for each semester of their residency at Augsburg.
Auditions for membership in a large ensemble are scheduled during the first week each fall semester or by contacting the ensemble director.
MUE 111 Augsburg Choir (0.0/.25 course)
MUE 112 Riverside Singers of Augsburg (0.0/.25 course)
MUE 114 Masterworks Chorale (0.0/.25 course)
MUE 115 Cedar Singers (0.0/.25 course)
MUE 121 Orchestra (0.0/.25 course)
MUE 141 Concert Band (0.0/.25 course)
INTERNSHIPS AND INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSES
MUS 199 Internship
MUS 299 Directed Study
MUS 399 Internship
(MUS/BUS 245 is the prerequisite for MUS/BUS 399 Internship)
MUS 498 Independent Study (.5 course)
Advanced research and projects not otherwise provided for in the department curriculum. Open only to advanced students upon approval by the faculty.
MUS 499 Independent Study/Research
Open only to advanced students upon approval of the faculty.
