Music (MU)

MU 1130 Beginning Piano I (1)

For students with little or no previous study. Basic knowledge and skills necessary for keyboard performance. Development of physical and mental facility in interpreting musical notation. Falls and Springs.

MU 1150 Piano Class I (1)

Preparation of music specialists with functional skills in harmonization, solo performance, and accompanying. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): Music, Music Education, and Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

MU 1160 Piano Class II (1)

Preparation of music specialists with functional skills in harmonization, solo performance, and accompanying. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 1150 with a minimum grade of C; Music, Music Education, and Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

MU 1210 Musicianship I (4)

Review of basic materials of music notation, meter, keys, scales. Basic principles of diatonic harmony, including interval and chord construction, melody writing and voice leading, chord progression. Harmonic analysis of related examples. Emphasis on ear training and sight-singing skills. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): Music, Music Education, and Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

MU 1220 Musicianship II (4)

Continuation of studies in diatonic harmony, voice leading and harmonic analysis, including triads in inversion, non-chord tones and seventh chords. Introduction to principles of formal analysis. Continuing emphasis on aural skills. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 1210 with a minimum grade of C.

MU 1234 Non-Major Performance Study (0.5)

In this course, students take private lessons on an instrument or voice of interest without the more difficult requirements of Performance Study courses for majors. Additional course fee required. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits. Pass/No Pass. Springs and Falls.

MU 1320 Introduction to Reading Music (3)

Introduces students to standard melodic and chordal music notation, and those skills and concepts necessary to interpret and perform them - pitch, rhythm, meter, scales, keys, intervals, and chords. Springs.

MU 1420 Vocal Performance Lab I (0)

Provides regular opportunities to put into practice fundamental singing techniques and interpretive skills acquired in voice performance studies. Students learn to evaluate singing and performing while also being guided by the instructor in giving thoughtful and useful suggestions to others. Repeatable for credit. Pass/No Pass. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Music, and Music Education, and Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): 1000 level Voice Performance Studies.

MU 1480 Jazz Workshop (1)

Provides an opportunity to study jazz improvisation, harmony, and performance practice in an ensemble context through examination of the history of jazz, the study of recordings and transcriptions of improvised solos. Aspects of music theory specific to the jazz idiom are explored, as are specific improvisational techniques. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor.

MU 1510 Voice Performance Studies (1)

Individual study to promote development of technique, repertoire, and musicianship. Enrollment in Performance Studies requires the payment of a Performance Studies Fee. Repeatable for credit for a maximum of 5 times. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Music, and Music Education, and Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 1420.

MU 1520 Voice Performance Studies (2)

Prerequisite(s): Music, and Music Education majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 1420.

MU 1530 Piano Performance Studies (1)

MU 1540 Piano Performance Studies (2)

Individual and/or group study to promote development of technique, repertoire, and musicianship. Required attendance at Department recitals. Enrollment in Performance Studies requires the payment of a Performance Studies fee. Repeatable for credit for a maximum of 5 times. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Music, and Music Education majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 2140.

MU 1590 Percussion Performance Studies (1)

MU 1600 Percussion Performance Studies (2)

MU 1610 Violin Performance Studies (1)

MU 1620 Violin Performance Studies (2)

MU 1650 Cello Performance Studies (1)

MU 1660 Cello Performance Studies (2)

MU 1670 Bass Performance Studies (1)

MU 1680 Bass Performance Studies (2)

MU 1690 Guitar Performance Studies (1)

MU 1700 Guitar Performance Studies (2)

MU 1730 Flute Performance Studies (1)

MU 1740 Flute Performance Studies (2)

MU 1750 Oboe Performance Studies (1)

MU 1760 Oboe Performance Studies (2)

MU 1770 Clarinet Performance Studies (1)

MU 1780 Clarinet Performance Studies (2)

MU 1789 Voice for Educators I (1)

This course covers the fundamentals, techniques and methods of teaching voice in one-on-one and group settings. Topics include anatomy, physiology, vocal function, acoustics, vocal development, and voice health. This course includes teaching observations. Falls Even.

MU 1810 Saxophone Performance Studies (1)

MU 1820 Saxophone Performance Studies (2)

MU 1830 Trumpet Performance Studies (1)

MU 1840 Trumpet Performance Studies (2)

MU 1850 Horn Performance Studies (1)

MU 1860 Horn Performance Studies (2)

MU 1870 Euphonium Performance Studies (1)

MU 1880 Euphonium Performance Studies (2)

MU 1890 Trombone Performance Studies (1)

MU 1900 Trombone Performance Studies (2)

MU 1930 Jazz Piano Performance Studies (1)

IIndividual and/or group study to promote development of technique, repertoire, and musicianship. Required attendance at Department recitals. Enrollment in Performance Studies requires the payment of a Performance Studies fee. Repeatable for credit for a maximum of 5 times. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Music and Music Education majors, and Music minors only.

MU 1950 Tuba Performance Studies (1)

MU 1960 Tuba Performance Studies (2)

MU 2105 Introduction to Music Technology (4)

This course is dedicated to developing a foundational knowledge of music technology, as well as different career paths in the field. Students will be introduced to the basics of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and will develop proficiency in using a DAW in a variety of creative and production contexts. as well as a knowledge of applications in various careers. Falls. (TECO)

MU 2140 Piano Performance Lab (0)

To build repertoire through listening and analysis skills, to achieve techniques of interpretation through self-evaluation and group interaction, and to develop stage deportment and performance skills. Each student performs regularly to advance these skills. Required of all piano students enrolled in 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 level Piano Performance Studies. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): Music, Music Education, and Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

MU 2210 Musicianship III (3)

Principles of chromatic harmony, including secondary functions, modulation, mode mixture, and the Neapolitan chord, explored through voice leading, analysis, and composition assignments. Introduction to formal analysis of larger structures. Continuing development of ear training and sight-singing skills. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): MU 1220 with a minimum grade of C.

MU 2220 Musicianship IV (3)

Further exploration of chromatic harmony, including augmented sixth chords, enharmonic respellings, altered chords, and techniques of musical Impressionism. Introduction to 20th- and 21st-century compositional techniques. Continuing development of aural skills. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2210 with a minimum grade of C.

MU 2225 Arranging and Composition (3)

Students will gain requisite skills to arrange existing works of music for a variety of instrumental and vocal combinations they might encounter in the context of a K-12 music teaching position, and to compose original works for those same forces. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2210 with a minimum grade of C

MU 2230 Piano Class III (1)

Continuation of skills developed in MU 1160. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): MU 1160 with a minimum grade of C; Music, and Music Education majors only.

MU 2240 Piano Class IV (1)

Continuation of skills developed in MU 2230. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2230 with a minimum grade of C; Music, and Music Education majors only.

MU 2260 Basic Conducting (2)

Development of basic skills of conducting: patterns, rhythmic and metric analysis, phrasing, expressive techniques, score reading, elemental rehearsal skills. Springs.

MU 2270 Piano Skills for the Music Classroom (1)

This course is designed for the continuation of skills developed in MU 1160, to hone the accompanying skills needed in the music education classroom. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): MU 1160 with a minimum grade of C; Music, and Music Education majors only.

MU 2280 Advanced Piano Skills for the Music Classroom (1)

This course is designed for continuation of skills developed in MU 2270, to further hone the accompanying skills needed in the music education classroom and ensembles. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2270

Corequisite(s): ME 3010

MU 2320 Introduction to Music Composition (1)

An open-ended, student-centered exploration of basic concepts of music creation in a seminar format. No limitations regarding genres, styles, or level of familiarity with music notation. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits. Fall and Springs.

MU 2370 The Music Theatre Company (1)

The Music Theatre Company is a performing ensemble that specializes in the music theatre repertory: Broadway-style musicals, revues, operettas, and operas. A show is produced in each regular semester. Students may receive credit for participation as a performer, a designer, or a member of the technical staff. Any Plymouth student may audition for roles and ensembles. Falls and Springs.

MU 2380 Chamber Singers (1)

A vocal chamber ensemble for the study and performance of choral literature of all styles and periods. Open to all students by audition. Numerous performances both on and off-campus, including regional and international tours (generally occurring following spring semester). Enrollment for both fall and spring semesters is generally required. Course fee for annual tour may apply. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

MU 2410 Piano Ensemble (1)

Study and performance of piano ensemble literature from the 18th-21st centuries. Designed to develop ensemble skills and to present public performances. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2240, enrolled in Performance Studies.

MU 2420 Symphonic Band (1)

Performance ensemble open to all students by audition. Symphonic Band is designed to develop ensemble performance techniques and individual performance skills and to give public performances both on and off-campus. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

MU 2430 Percussion Ensemble (1)

An ensemble of 4-10 players open to all students by permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

MU 2440 University Chorale (1)

Performance ensemble open to all students. The University Chorale performs choral literature of all styles and periods. Numerous on- and off-campus performances are scheduled. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

MU 2480 Jazz Band (1)

Performance ensemble open to all students by audition. Jazz Band serves to broaden the student's perspective of swing, jazz, and jazz rock through study and performance, both on and off-campus. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

MU 2500 Chamber Ensemble (1)

Performance ensemble open to all instrumental and vocal students wishing to perform ensemble literature. May be repeated for credit. Falls and Springs.

MU 2510 Voice Performance Studies (1)

Prerequisite(s): 2 enrollments of MU 1510; Music, Music Education, Theatre Arts majors and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 3420.

MU 2520 Voice Performance Studies (2)

Prerequisite(s): 2 enrollments of MU 1520, Music, Music Education, Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 3420.

MU 2530 Piano Performance Studies (1)

MU 2540 Piano Performance Studies (2)

Prerequisite(s): MU 1540; Music, and Music Education majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 2140.

MU 2590 Percussion Performance Studies (1)

MU 2600 Percussion Performance Studies (2)

MU 2610 Violin Performance Studies (1)

MU 2620 Violin Performance Studies (2)

MU 2650 Cello Performance Studies (1)

MU 2660 Cello Performance Studies (2)

MU 2670 Bass Performance Studies (1)

MU 2680 Bass Performance Studies (2)

MU 2690 Guitar Performance Studies (1)

MU 2700 Guitar Performance Studies (2)

MU 2730 Flute Performance Studies (1)

MU 2740 Flute Performance Studies (2)

MU 2750 Oboe Performance Studies (1)

MU 2760 Oboe Performance Studies (2)

MU 2770 Clarinet Performance Studies (1)

MU 2780 Clarinet Performance Studies (2)

MU 2810 Saxophone Performance Studies (1)

MU 2820 Saxophone Performance Studies (2)

MU 2830 Trumpet Performance Studies (1)

MU 2840 Trumpet Performance Studies (2)

MU 2850 Horn Performance Studies (1)

MU 2860 Horn Performance Studies (2)

MU 2870 Euphonium Performance Studies (1)

MU 2880 Euphonium Performance Studies (2)

MU 2890 Trombone Performance Studies (1)

MU 2900 Trombone Performance Studies (2)

MU 2950 Tuba Performance Studies (1)

MU 2960 Tuba Performance Studies (2)

MU 3010 Junior Recital (0.5)

Students in the Piano and Voice Performance and Pedagogy Options are required to enroll in MU 3010 and to present a public recital in 1 of the semesters of 3000 level Performance Studies. This is generally one-half of a program (or approximately 30 minutes) but, with the permission of the Performance Studies instructor, students may present a full solo program at this level of study. A pre-recital jury before the faculty is required at least 4 weeks prior to the scheduled recital date. Falls and Springs.

Corequisite(s): 3000 level Performance Studies.

MU 3080 Piano Pedagogy II (2)

Methods and materials for use with intermediate piano students in the independent studio. Supervised teaching experience included.

Prerequisite(s): Keyboard majors and others by permission of the instructor.

MU 3105 Recording and Mixing (4)

This course seeks to provide a functional knowledge in the arts of live audio, recording, and mixing techniques. Students shall have gained enough knowledge following the completion of this course to work effectively in a live audio setting, as well as properly record and mix artists and talent in multiple settings and variations in complexity. Springs.

MU 3240 Technology in Music Performance (4)

Examines the history and evolution of Music Technology in music performance and recording and how it impacts the performing musician, composer, recording artist, and culture and society. Explores music recording, music notation, music sequencing, web page development software, MIDI techniques, synthesis, programs, and equipment that support MIDI, music notation, and music sequencing for the music performer. Springs. (TECO)

Prerequisite(s): Music majors only.

MU 3250 Global Jazz (3)

Explores the diverse cultural strands that came together to create jazz in the United States (African-American, Latino, European), interactions with indigenous musics and cultures elsewhere as it spread worldwide, and the influence those interactions have on jazz's continuing evolution. Students also spend time working with basic concepts of musical improvisation. Falls. (DICO) (GACO)

Prerequisite(s): MU 1220; Music or Music Education majors only.

MU 3310 History and Literature of Music I (3)

Development of Western music from ancient times to present day. Emphasis on listening and analysis. First semester through J. S. Bach. Elective for non-music majors with permission of the instructor. Falls.

MU 3320 History and Literature of Music II (3)

Development of Western music from ancient times to present day. Emphasis on listening and analysis. Second semester to contemporary era. Elective for non-music majors with permission of the instructor. Springs. (INCO) (WRCO)

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

MU 3410 Seminar in the Music Business (3)

Survey of topics relating to music retailing: songwriting, publishing, copyright, record industry, broadcasting and film music, agents, managers, contracts, etc. Spring 2021, 2024, 2027, 2030.

MU 3420 Vocal Performance Lab II (0)

Advanced techniques of interpretation and presentation of songs and arias in a variety of styles and from many music periods. Students regularly perform material that has been prepared in their voice performance studies. Repeatable for credit. Pass/No Pass. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): successful completion of 2 enrollments of MU 1420.

Corequisite(s): 2000, 3000, or 4000 level Voice Performance Studies or Commercial Voice Performance Studies.

MU 3430 Survey of Vocal Literature (2)

A survey of art song and vocal chamber music from 1600 to the present. Major works by composers from Monteverdi to Ravel are considered, along with British and American composers through the 20th century. Designed for voice majors and minors but is open to others by permission of the instructor. Fall of even years.

MU 3460 Music In Context I - Music and Identity in the Americas (3)

This first course in a two-semester Music History sequence centers popular music styles of the Americas and the Caribbean exploring the syncretic roots in European harmony, West African percussion, and Black (U.S.) American vocal and improvisational practices. Historical and contemporary studies will illuminate music’s centrality in building and expressing group identities (e.g. religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender). Students will also gain an appreciation for the many global cultures that make up the musical life of the United States through both case study and experimental learning. Falls. (DICO)

MU 3470 Music In Context II - Philosophy and Music (3)

This course will see students critically considering the concept of “art music” through the lens of philosophical and artistic developments in the West tracking the cultural shift from the Medieval assumption of a God-permeated universe to the influence of contemporary humanism. We will then challenge the assumptions that underlie Western philosophical thought by studying Asian musics and their underlying philosophies. Springs. (GACO) (WRCO)

Prerequisite(s): MU 3460

MU 3510 Voice Performance Studies (1)

Prerequisite(s): 2 enrollments of MU 2510; Music, Music Education, Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 3420.

MU 3520 Voice Performance Studies (2)

Prerequisite(s): 2 enrollments of MU 2520; Music, Music Education, Theatre Arts majors and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 3420.

MU 3530 Piano Performance Studies (1)

MU 3540 Piano Performance Studies (2)

Prerequisite(s): MU 2540; Music and Music Education majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 2140.

MU 3590 Percussion Performance Studies (1)

MU 3600 Percussion Performance Studies (2)

MU 3650 Cello Performance Studies (1)

MU 3660 Cello Performance Studies (2)

MU 3670 Bass Performance Studies (1)

MU 3680 Bass Performance Studies (2)

MU 3690 Guitar Performance Studies (1)

MU 3700 Guitar Performance Studies (2)

MU 3730 Flute Performance Studies (1)

MU 3740 Flute Performance Studies (2)

MU 3750 Oboe Performance Studies (1)

MU 3770 Clarinet Performance Studies (1)

MU 3780 Clarinet Performance Studies (2)

MU 3789 Voice for the Educator II (2)

Voice majors do in-depth study of the vocal instrument while simultaneously acquiring practical voice teaching skills and experience. Comprised of 2 equally important components: classroom lecture and reading assignments; practicum: supervised teaching experience and independent work with volunteer singers. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): ME 1789 with a grade of "C" or better

MU 3810 Saxophone Performance Studies (1)

MU 3820 Saxophone Performance Studies (2)

MU 3830 Trumpet Performance Studies (1)

MU 3840 Trumpet Performance Studies (2)

MU 3870 Euphonium Performance Studies (1)

MU 3880 Euphonium Performance Studies (2)

MU 3890 Trombone Performance Studies (1)

MU 3900 Trombone Performance Studies (2)

MU 3950 Tuba Performance Studies (1)

MU 3960 Tuba Performance Studies (2)

MU 3990 Music Technology Junior Project (0.5)

BA Music/Music Technology majors may fulfill the Junior Music Technology Project requirement by submitting a multi-track recording of 25 minutes of music that is mixed, mastered, and printed to CD or DVD, or by submitting a multimedia project 25 minutes in length that includes music and multimedia that is mixed, mastered, and printed to CD or DVD. All projects are subject to approval by the advising professor. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 4150.

Corequisite(s): 3000 level Performance Studies.

MU 4010 Senior Recital (1)

Students in the Commercial Voice Performance, Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and Voice Performance and Pedagogy Options are required to enroll in MU 4010 and to present a full public recital program (approximately 60 minutes) in 1 of the semesters of 4000 level Performance Studies. A pre-recital jury before the faculty is required at least 4 weeks prior to the scheduled recital date. Falls and Springs.

Corequisite(s): 4000 level Performance Studies.

MU 4110 Advanced MIDI and Film Scoring (3)

Introduces basic scoring techniques for film and multimedia using scoring software, hard disk recording techniques, and equipment that supports multitrack recording, hard disk recording, and MIDI sound synthesis systems. Students acquire proficiency music scoring for multimedia using multitrack recorders, hard disk recorders, and MIDI technology. Students demonstrate that proficiency in a large scoring project for film or multimedia presentation. Spring 2020, 2023, 2026, 2029, 2032.

Prerequisite(s): Music/Music Technology majors only.

MU 4115 Creating Music for Video (4)

Music in video conveys the emotion that the director intends for the viewer to feel without objective statements by the characters, making it essential to emotional integrity. In this course, students will learn how to set an emotional scene for a video through varying compositional techniques. The course will also cover topics of music licensing. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2105 and MU 2320.

MU 4150 Introduction to Multitrack and Hard Disk Recording (3)

Introduces basic Multitrack and Hard Disk recording techniques, programs, and equipment that support multitrack recording and MIDI sound synthesis. Students acquire proficiency in Multitrack Recording Technology using Multitrack recorders, Hard Disk recorders, and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students demonstrate that proficiency in a large recording project. Spring 2019, 2022, 2025, 2028, 2031.

Prerequisite(s): Music/Music Technology majors only.

MU 4210 Arranging (3)

Choral writing for traditional vocal combinations. Types of piano and instrumental accompaniments. Ranges of band and orchestral instruments, including basic principles of scoring. Unscheduled.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2210 and MU 2220.

MU 4215 Advanced Studies in Music Production and Entrepreneurship (4)

This course is designed to provide students a capstone experience in their chosen specialization within music production and entrepreneurship. Students will strengthen skills in digital composition, audio recording, live sound, studio production, or video scoring, leading to a major final project in their chosen specialization, and will also create a 5 year plan for post-graduation work toward their chosen career. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 3105, MU 3410, MU 4115, TH 3310.

MU 4270 Composition (1)

Instruction in music composition in a seminar format. Emphasis on creation of original musical compositions. May be repeated for credit. Springs and Falls.

Prerequisite(s): MU 2320.

MU 4280 Voice Pedagogy for Majors (2)

Voice majors do in-depth study of the vocal instrument while simultaneously acquiring practical voice teaching skills and experience. Comprised of 2 equally important components: classroom lecture and reading assignments; first-hand, supervised teaching experience plus independent work with volunteer singers.

Prerequisite(s): MU 1520; voice as the primary instrument.

MU 4430 Practicum: Voice Teaching (1-3)

In-depth voice teaching experiences. Practical applications and an extension of methods and materials covered in previous teaching and performance courses. Experiences may include, but are not limited to, studio and class teaching, coaching, and supervising situations. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite(s): MU 4280 and permission of the instructor.

MU 4510 Voice Performance Studies (1)

Prerequisite(s): 2 enrollments of MU 3510; Music, Music Education, Theatre Arts majors, and Music minors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 3420.

MU 4520 Voice Performance Studies (2)

Prerequisite(s): 2 enrollments of MU 3520; BA Music, Commercial Voice Performance Option majors only.

Corequisite(s): MU 3420.

MU 4540 Piano Performance Studies (2)

Prerequisite(s): MU 3540.

Corequisite(s): MU 2140.

MU 4590 Percussion Performance Studies (1)

MU 4600 Percussion Performance Studies (2)

MU 4650 Cello Performance Studies (1)

MU 4670 Bass Performance Studies (1)

MU 4680 Bass Performance Studies (2)

MU 4690 Guitar Performance Studies (1)

MU 4700 Guitar Performance Studies (2)

MU 4730 Flute Performance Studies (1)

MU 4740 Flute Performance Studies (2)

MU 4750 Oboe Performance Studies (1)

MU 4760 Oboe Performance Studies (2)

MU 4770 Clarinet Performance Studies (1)

MU 4780 Clarinet Performance Studies (2)

MU 4810 Saxophone Performance Studies (1)

MU 4820 Saxophone Performance Studies (2)

MU 4830 Trumpet Performance Studies (1)

MU 4840 Trumpet Performance Studies (2)

MU 4870 Euphonium Performance Studies (1)

MU 4880 Euphonium Performance Studies (2)

MU 4890 Trombone Performance Studies (1)

MU 4900 Trombone Performance Studies (2)

MU 4910 Independent Study (1-3)

Advanced work in specialized area of interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty advisor. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study and the Department Chair.

MU 4950 Tuba Performance Studies (1)

MU 4960 Tuba Performance Studies (2)

MU 4990 Music Technology Senior Project (1)

BA Music/Music Technology majors may fulfill the Senior Music Technology Project requirement by submitting a multi-track recording of 45 minutes of music that is mixed, mastered, and printed to CD or DVD, or by submitting a multimedia project 45 minutes in length that includes music and multimedia that is mixed, mastered, and printed to CD or DVD. All projects are subject to approval by the advising professor. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): MU 4150.

Corequisite(s): 4000 level Performance Studies.