Music Courses
Music Theory | Music History/Literature | Applied Music | Ensemble | Music Education | Advanced

Music Theory Classes

099 Music Fundamentals. A review course designed to prepare students for the Music Theory and Ear Training sequence. Rudimentary concepts include the grand staff, key signatures, time signatures, notation, major and minor scales, simple and compund time, and chord construction. Concepts of ear training and basic keyboard skills will be introduced.

101 Theory I. Understanding of the structure and function of the language of music with emphasis on terminology, notation, scales, intervals, rhythm, cadences, melody writing and triads. non-chord tones, first species counterpoint, four-part harmonic structures. (Corequisites 103 & 115). Fall.

102 Theory II. Understanding of the structure and function of the language of music with emphasis on harmonic analysis and principles of part writing, seventh chords, modulation, secondary dominant chords, and binary and ternary forms.

103 Aural Skills I. Perception of rhythm, melody, harmony and form through solfege and aural dictation, with emphasis on major keys in duple and compound time. (Corequisites: 101 & 115) Fall.

104 Aural Skills II. Perception of rhythm, melody, harmony and form through solfege and aural dictation, with emphasis on minor keys in duple and compound time.

201 Theory III. Understanding the structure and funcation of music with empahsis on two-voice 18th century counterpoint, fugue, borrowed chords, Neapolitan and augmented 6th chords, variation techniques. sonata-allergro and rondo forms.

202 Theory IV. Understanding of the structure and function of the music with empahsis on extended harmonois (9th, 11th, 13th chords), altered dominants, chromatic mediant, devices of the Romantic period, devices of the Post-Romantic, Impressionistic, and the 20th-century styles, including twelve-tone techniques.

203 Aural Skills III. Perception of rhythm, melody, harmony and form through solfege and aural dictation, with emphasis on chromatics, syncopation and modulation to closely related keys.

204 Aural SKills IV. Perception of rhythm, melody, harmony and form through solfege and aural dictation, with emphasis on modulations, mixed meters, and modes.

301 Counterpoint. An in-depth study of the styles and fundamentals of 17th and 18th Century counterpoint. Students will explore the textures and underlying rules of compositions drawn from representative works. Practical compositional skills will be developed and discussed, with performances of student compositions.

302 Advanced Harmony and Composition. The styles and schools of composition of the 20th century, with original student compositions studied and played.

401 Musical Form. The study of musical composition, with particular reference to its formal design. Architectural elements in music are traced, from the phrase through larger formal designs.

402 Orchestration. Designed to provide students with knowledge of the capabilities of band and orchestral instruments and elementary orchestration techniques. Emphasis is on arranging for small groups, followed by arranging for full symphony orchestra or band using computer software.


Music History and Literature Classes top

107 Introduction to Music. Explores the development of music from antiquity to the present day, helping students develop an appreciation for and understanding of a wide variety of musical styles and techniques. Emphasizes Western Art Music as well as non-Western and popular music. Fall.

316 Music History before 1750. Music from Antiquity through the Baroque Era is studied through an intrduction to the leading composers, genres and forms. Emphasis is on listening, analysis, research and writing, and the application of these skills in the preparation of papers or projects.

318 Music History from 1750-1880. Music of the Classic and Romantic periods are studied through an introduction to the leading composers, genres and forms. Emphasis on listening, analysis, research and writing, and the application of these skills in preparing papers or projects.

319 Music History after 1880. Music after 1880 is studied through an introduction to leading composers, genres and forms. Emphasis on listening, analysis, research and writing, and the application of these skills in preparing papers or projects.

320 Music of the East/Far East. An introduction to the important genres forms, tuning systems and instruments of the Middle and Far East. Emphasis on listening, analysis, research and writing, and the application of these skills in preparing papers or projects.

321 Music of Africa/S. America. An introduction to the important genres forms, tuning systems and instruments of the Africa and South America. Emphasis on listening, analysis, research and writing, and the application of these skills in preparing papers or projects.

341 Special Topics in Music. An introduction to various topics in music, focusing on one primary area each semester offered. Topics may include Jazz, Non-Western Music and Ethnomusicology, Opera and Musical Theater or specific composers and performers. For non-majors interested in music without previous musical experience. Also open to majors for elective credit. This course may be repeated once for credit, provided the course topic is different from the course previously taken. Offered as needed.


Applied Music Classes top

115 Keyboard I. Basic keyboard skills for students majoring or minoring in music. Focus on scales, chord construction, arpeggios, and simple songs. (Co-requisites: 101, 103.) Fall.

116 Keyboard II. Continuation of Keyboard I. Major and minor scales, chord construction, arpeggios, simple harmonic cadences, chord progressions, sight reading skills, and songs.

128 Singers Diction (Eng/Fr). Students shall learn rules of diction for English and French song literature. Techniques for preparing and performing songs, text analysis and translation, as well as the application of the Internaional Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) will be incorporated.

129 Singers' Dicition (It/Gr). Students shall learn rules of diction for Italian and German song literature. Techniques for preparing and performing songs, text analysis and translation, as well as the application of the Internaional Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) will be incorporated.

130 Voice Class. The fundamentals of breath control and tone production, with emphasis on individual instruction in preparing and performing standard song literature. (May be repeated for credit up to 3 consecutive semesters.) Fall, spring.

142 Piano Class. For non-music majors who have had little or no keyboard training. Basic instruction in music reading and piano technique. (May be repeated for credit up to 3 consecutive semesters.) Fall, spring.

212 Opera Workshop. Students explore various operatic roles through the preparation and performance of arias, scenes, and/or one acts. Singing, acting, and movement exercises provide practical experience and develop skills for performances and auditions. May be repeated for credit up to 3 consecutive semesters. (Corequisite: Music 237; Prerequisite: permission of instructor.)

213 Musical Theatre Workshop. Explore various musical theatrre roles through the preparation and performance of songs or scenes. Singing, acting and movement exercises provide practical experience and develop skills for performances and auditions.

215 Keyboard III. Continuation of Keyboard II. Major and minor scales in all key areas, construction of seventh chords, arpeggios in all key areas, chord progressions, sight reading, transposition of simple melodies and songs.

216 Keyboard IV. Continuation of Keyboard III. Includes all skills necessary to pass the Piano Proficiency Exam, including scales, arpeggios, chord construction, chord progressions, melodic harmonization and transposition, and sight reading.

303 Conducting I. Introduction to score preparation, basic beat patterns and usage, ear training, selection of the appropriate tempo, foreign terms, analysis of text for musical meaning, leadership development, rehearsal techniques, and stage presence.

304 Conducting II. Emphasis on both vocal and instrumental applications. The scope expands beyond elementary skills to include instrumental fundamentals, transposition, balance, developing interpretive leadership, rehearsal techniques and stage presence.

310 Junior Recital. Preparation and presentation of a junior recital approved by the department and supervised by a member of the music faculty. Must be taken concurrently with applied music lessons.

410 Capstone: Senior Recital. Preparation and presentation of a senior recital approved by the department and supervised by a member of the music faculty. Must be taken concurrently with applied music lessons.

450 Capstone: Senior Project. An individual project dealing with music at a level appropriate for a senior music major, which must be approved by the department and supervised by a member of the music faculty. A presentation of the results of the project must be made to a committee of music faculty.


Ensemble Classes top

140 Adrian College Choir. Repertoire covers a wide variety of music ranging from classic to contemporary. Performances include concerts and special college events. Annual choir tour. Open to all students; no audition necessary. Fall, spring.

150 Lenawee Community Chorus. Includes singers from the community and from Adrian College. Emphasis is on the performance of large choral works with orchestra. Open to all students. No audition necessary. Fall, spring.

152 Guitar Ensemble. Students learn ensemble repertoire for guitar spanning classic to contemporary. Performaces include campus events, concerts and recitals.

160 Adrian College Chamber Choir. Advanced repertoire ranging in style from classic to contemporary. Performs in concert and special events on campus and in the community. Annual choir tour. Audition required. Fall, spring.

165 Chamber Winds. A chamber ensemble covering wind music of all style periods. Students will gain knowledge in the performance of chamber music with emphasis on balance, control, intonation and independence of parts. Performances are required outside of class.

173 String Ensemble. Chamber ensemble covering string music of all styles. Students will gain knowledge in performance with emphasis on balance, control, intonation and independence of parts. Performances are required outside of class.

175 Chamber Brass. A chamber ensemble covering brass music of all styles. Students will gain knowledge in the performance of chamber music with emphasis on balance, control, intonation and independence of parts. Performances are required outside of class.

180 Concert/Marching band. Students perform field shows in the fall and concert literature in the spring. Repertoire represents wide cross-section of traditional works. Performances include appearances at college events, field shows at football games and concerts.

181 Drumline Techniques. Students learn, practice and perform drumline drill in preparation for marching band.

183 Percussion Ensemble. Students learn ensemble repertoire for traditional and non-traditional percussion spanning classic to contemporary and including world music. Performances include campus events, concerts and recitals.

185 Jazz Ensemble. The Jazz Ensemble is dedicated to the contemporary jazz idiom, concentrating on performing modern jazz and blues compositions. The ensemble offers many opportunities for learning and developing the techniques of improvisation and jazz performance. Emphasis is on performance excellence and jazz proficiency. Open to all students. Fall, Spring.

195 Chamber Music. Selected students are incorporated into small ensembles to perform literature from all periods of music history.


Music Education Classes top

105 Essentials of Music for Elementary Teachers. Development of fundamental skills required to teach elementary classroom music; incorporates song material which can be applied in the instruction of children.

120 String Methods. Develop skills to model and work effectively with students on all string instruments in group beginning instrument classes. Students gain knowledge and skills for rehearsing large groups in elementary and secondary ensemble settings.

122 Brass Methods. Develop skills to model and work effectively with students on all brass instruments in group beginning instrument classes. Students gain knowledge and skills for rehearsing large groups in elementary and secondary ensemble settings.

124 Percussion Methods. Develop the skills to model and work effectively with students on all percussion instruments in group beginning instrument classes. Students gain knowledge and skills for rehearsing large groups in elementary and secondary ensemble settings.

126 Woodwind Methods. Develop skills to model and work effectively with students on all woodwind instruments in group beginning instrument classes. Students gain knowledge and skills for rehearsing large groups in elementary and secondary ensemble settings.

131 Foundations in Music Education. Exploratory introduction to the basic philosophies and methodologies of music education. School observations, teacher interviews and classroom discussion provide context for subsequent courses in music and teacher education. Spring.

132 Vocal Pedagogy. Provides the skills to model and work effectively with elementary, middle and high school students on developing the solo vocal instrument in beginning music classes or private voice studio.

362 Instrument Methods and Materials. Exploration of techniques and strategies for teaching middle and high school band and orchestra classes. Development of rehearsal techniques and familiarity with age-appropriate repertoire.

363 Choral Methods and Materials. Exploration of techniques and strategies for teaching middle and high school choirs. Development of rehearsal techniques and familiarity with age-appropriate repertoire.

371 Music in the Elementary Schools. The student will plan, execute, and evaluate music activities in relation to the individual child and to the group at the elementary level. The student will employ the most effective contemporary methods in facilitating planned music activities. He/She will use materials available to music education for use in today’s classroom including exceptional (both gifted and special needs) students. Music activities will include multiethnic and multicultural music.


Advanced and Special Classes top

110 Music Activites. Participation in an activity of particular interest to students of music and faculty. Examples may be orchestra, opera chorus, assistant director. Open to all college students.

199 Exploratory Internship.

299 Experimental Course.

399 Professional Internship. A maximum of 2 semester hours is allowed toward the music major.

451 Independent Study. Exploration of an area in music of special interest to the student; the particular study and hours are arranged by the staff. A maximum of 2 semester hours is allowed toward the music major.

499 Advanced Experimental Course.