Courses
NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course. An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable.
Course fee applicable. Prerequisite: MUSC 2401
Weekly composition lessons working one-on-one with the composition teacher. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
Course fee applicable.
For Performance and Music Education majors, passing the piano proficiency exam is required; this course is preparation toward the exam. The objective is to develop functional keyboard skills that will support the student’s long-term musical goals. Content includes music theory, aural skills, improvisation, accompanying, ensemble and performance skills, and score reading. A course fee applies.
For Performance and Music Education majors, passing the piano proficiency exam is required; this course is preparation toward the exam. The objective is to develop functional keyboard skills that will support the student’s long-term musical goals. Content includes music theory, aural skills, improvisation, accompanying, ensemble and performance skills, and score reading. A course fee applies.
For Performance and Music Education majors, passing the piano proficiency exam is required; this course is preparation toward the exam. The objective is to develop functional keyboard skills that will support the student’s long-term musical goals. Content includes music theory, aural skills, improvisation, accompanying, ensemble and performance skills, and score reading. A course fee applies.
For Performance and Music Education majors, passing the piano proficiency exam is required; this course is preparation toward the exam. The objective is to develop functional keyboard skills that will support the student’s long-term musical goals. Content includes music theory, aural skills, improvisation, accompanying, ensemble and performance skills, and score reading. A course fee applies.
The principles and problems of accompanying are studied. Students attend a private or class lesson each week and accompany three students per semester (assigned by piano faculty). Course fee applicable.
Students selected by audition meet four hours a week. The Chorale performs a wide range of choral literature for men's and women's voices. Concerts are presented on annual tours and in the surrounding area. Auditions are held each fall.
This group rehearses music for treble choir three hours a week. Coro di Voci offers opportunities for performance both on and off campus. The choir is open to all sopranos and altos without auditions.
This group rehearses music for tenor-bass chorus three hours a week. Redhawk Voices offers opportunities for performance both on and off campus. The choir is open to all tenors and basses without auditions.
The Gospel Choir meets twice weekly. Created for the purpose of continuing a variety of African-American church traditions, the choir offers opportunities for performance both on and off campus. The choir is open to all students without audition.
Students, selected by audition, meet four hours a week. The Wind Ensemble performs an extensive range of concert repertoire. Concerts are presented on an annual tour and in the surrounding area. Auditions are held each fall.
Rehearsal is one evening a week. The orchestra performs five concerts per year. The College-Community Orchestra is open to qualified instrumentalists from the College and community. The orchestra normally performs five concerts each year.
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Rehearsals, coaching, and literature are arranged by consensus and faculty coach approval. Performances are combined with other groups, usually one evening program per semester, and occasionally during Music Seminar (MUSC 1900).
Students selected by audition meet two hours per week. The Ensemble usually presents one evening performance per semester. The Percussion Ensemble meet weekly, performing a variety of literature and offering opportunities for performance both on and off campus. Membership is by audition.
The RWC Jazz Ensemble is made up of 16-20 musicians and performs composed and improvised music derived from the American big band tradition; African American composers and improvisers; contemporary classical music; and Latino, Brazilian, and various other ethnic traditions. Two hours of weekly rehearsal: sectional rehearsals also required. One major concert per semester, with additional performances on and off campus. Membership is by audition.
Experience is offered in small chamber jazz groups that perform throughout the school year on and off campus.
The fundamentals in music are studied, including notation of pitch in various clefs, scales, intervals, elements of rhythm, triads and seventh chords, diatonic chords, principles of voice leading, part-writing, and harmonic progression.
This course is a continuation of MUS 101 with the addition of partwriting with inverted triads, seventh chords in root position and inversion, nonchord tones, and elements of form. Prerequisite: MUSC 1101.
All courses in the sightsinging sequence include rhythmic studies, singing with solfege syllables, and melodic and rhythmic dictation exercise. This course involves singing and aural recognition of diatonic intervals in the major and minor modes. Rhythms are limited to the first division of the beat in simple and compound meters. Taken concurrently with MUSC 1101 unless approved by the Division Chair.
Exercises include melodies in major and minor modes with chromatic alteration and single modulation, the subdivision of the beat, and syncopation. Prerequisite: MUSC 1201.
Students learn to play string instruments including violin, viola, cello, and bass. No audit is permitted. Prerequisite: Music Major.
Students learn to play percussion instruments including snare, timpani, mallet and auxiliary percussion. No audit is permitted. Prerequisite: Music Major
Attendance is required for all Music majors at this weekly meeting for departmental recitals and/or seminars. A grade is given based on attendance requirements, which include evening programs.
Students are introduced to the art of music and its materials with emphasis on the development of listening skills. Requirements of the course include attendance at assigned recitals and concerts on campus and at other Rochester institutions. This course is not open to Music majors.
This course will examine a variety of today's popular music artists as well as those from other eras who have influenced them. Musical aspects such as instrumentation, lyrics, and song form will be highlighted, as well as how the evolution of music over time coincides with the evolution of an ever changing American culture.
This course provides students with the opportunity to perform off-campus to gain experience in their field. Requirements include approval of music selections by appropriate faculty and coaching by faculty before performances. (Offered on demand)
This course is the continuation of Music 102, with the introduction of chromatic harmony via secondary functions, mode mixture, the Neapolitan Chord, and modulation processes. Prerequisite: MUSC 1102.
This continuation of MUS 200 pursues chromaticism with other altered chords, enharmonic spellings and modulations, and concludes with an introduction to twentieth-century practices. Prerequisite: MUSC 2103.
Exercises include chromaticism in diatonic context, further division of the beat, triplets in simple meter, duplets in compound meter, and changing meters. Prerequisite: MUSC 1202.
Aural Skills IV is designed to further personal musicianship through learning chromatic tonal harmony within the context of standard repertoire. Students in the course will also (a) hone solfège, listening, and sight-singing skills, (b) continue development of functional piano skills, (c) improvise, and (d) compose and arrange.
The literature, stylistic features, and historical background of music from antiquity through the 17th century are examined. The relationships between music and general culture are also examined.
The literature, stylistic features, and historical background of 17th century through the early Romantic music are examined. The relationships between music and general culture are also examined.
Students study the fundamental techniques of conducting. This course is required as a core course for Music majors, and is recommended for liberal arts students and students studying for the ministry. To be taken concurrently with MUSC 2401 OPE by Music Education students.
OPE: (25 hours school-based field experience.) Students observe and participate in local school classrooms. To be taken concurrently with MUSC 2401 by all Music Education majors.
Students learn to play brass instruments including horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba. No audit is permitted. Prerequisite: Music Major.
This is a continuation of MUSC 2501.
Students receive group instruction in functional guitar for Music Education and Music Therapy majors.
Students receive advanced group instruction in functional guitar for Music Therapy majors.
The history, background, cultural context, literature, stylistic features, and perspectives regarding Modern and World Music are examined.
This course studies choral techniques and literature. Prerequisite: MUSC 2401
This study of instrumental techniques and literature emphasizes beat patterns, various styles of conducting, and rehearsal techniques. Class participation in a lab band is required. Prerequisite: MUSC 2401.
Students learn to play woodwind instruments including flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. No audit is permitted. Prerequisite: Music Major.
This is a continuation of MUSC 3501.
Students receive group instruction with individual attention in functional voice.
This course is designed for non-woodwind instrumental music education majors. Students learn to play the clarinet at an intermediate level. No audit is permitted.
This course is designed for non-brass instrumental music education majors. Students learn to play the trombone at an intermediate level. No audit is permitted.
This course is designed for string music education majors. Students learn to play the violin or cello at an intermediate level. No audit is permitted. (offered on demand)
The philosophy, objectives, and procedures of teaching music in the public schools are studied with an emphasis on teaching general music in grades 1-8. Students gain practical experience planning and teaching lessons which require the application of current methodologies, development of children's musical behaviors, and creation of authentic world music learning experiences. To be taken concurrently with MUS 3521 OPE by Music Education students. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Music Education major.
OPE: (25 hours school-based field experience.) Students observe and participate in local school classrooms. To be taken concurrently with MUS 3521 by all Music Education majors.
The objectives, procedures, and methods for teaching general and vocal music in the public schools are studied. Demonstration and participation are included. to be taken concurrently with MUSC 3522 OPE. Prerequisite: MUSC 3521
(25 hours school-based field experience.) Students observe and participate in local school classrooms. To be taken concurrently with MUS 3522 by all Music Education (Vocal) majors.
The objectives, procedures, and methods of teaching instrumental music in the public schools are studied. “To be taken concurrently with MUSC 3523 OPE. Prerequisite: MUSC 3521.
(25 hours school-based field experience.) Students observe and participate in local school classrooms. To be taken concurrently with MUSC 3523 by all Music Education majors.
Piano pedagogy is the study of the teaching of piano. This course includes the examination of current teaching methods, ranging from the beginner level through the early-intermediate level both for children and adults; a study of strategies for teaching rhythm, reading, technique, musicality, theory, and general music literacy; and a study of the business of piano teaching. Students will gain practical experience in lesson planning and organization, applying skills learned in class, by teaching a private student.
Piano Pedagogy II is a continuation of Piano Pedagogy I, MUSC 3601. Students will continue to develop their understanding of learning styles and teaching strategies with an emphasis on the intermediate-advanced student. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the intermediate and early-advanced teaching repertoire, learn how to teach technique and artistry through those pieces, and develop the ability to diagnose problems and find solutions while accommodating the students’ individual learning styles and needs. Prerquisite: MUSC 3601
This continuation of MUSC 3602 is designed for teaching the third-level student. Students work with major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads in all inversions, two-octave scales, and related theory. Prerequisite: MUSC 3602. (Offered in summer only)
The continuation of MUSC 3603 is for teaching the fourth- and fifth-level student. More advanced solo and ensemble literature in the four major historical periods is used. Four-octave scales, diminished 7th exercises, theory using chormatic harmony and 7th chords, and improvisation in various styles are included. Prerequisite: MUSC 3603.
This is a survey of representative Baroque and Classical keyboard works with emphasis on comparative listening. (Offered on demand)
This course, designed for piano performance majors, requires weekly observation and teaching under the supervision of a member of the piano faculty. Offered on demand. Prerequisite: MUSC 3601.
This course is a continuation of MUSC 3607. (Offered on demand)
This survey of representative Baroque and Classical works emphasizes literature for practical teaching. (Offered alternate years)
This survey of representative Romantic and Twentieth Century works emphasizes literature for practical teaching. (Offered alternate years)
Emphasis is on pedagogical principles of German, Italian, French, and English schools of voice training. Fundamental knowledge of scientific concepts of breathing, phonetics, and resonance are included. (Offered alternate years)
This course, designed for vocal performance majors, requires weekly observation and teaching under the supervision of a member of the vocal faculty. Prerequisite: MUSC 3613. Offered on demand.
The purpose of Diction for Singers is to develop the voice student's understanding and mastery of the pronunciation of English and the foreign languages commonly used in the performance of classical vocal literature: French, German, and Italian. (Offered alternate years)
This is a survey of representative works from Baroque to 20th century with emphasis on comparative listening and literature practical for teaching. (Offered on demand)
This course, designed for instrumental performance majors, requires weekly observation and teaching under the supervision of a member of the instrument faculty. Prerequisite: MUSC 3523 (non-string) or MUSC 3631 (strings). Offered on demand.
The objective, procedures, and methods of teaching string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) and the development of teaching skills for private and group lessons are studied. Demonstration and participation are included. Offered on demand.
This course is designed to develop a full knowledge of the fretboard through the study of fingerings, harmony, sight-reading, score reading, transposition, and figured bass. (Offered on demand)
This course is designed to examine the historic and contemporary materials and techniques available for effectively teaching the guitar to students at all levels. The course surveys a wide range of method and studies, and examines the effectiveness of various pedagogical approaches to technique and interpretive analysis. The history of guitar pedagogy is also studied. (Offered on demand)
Through the aural study of jazz traditions and cultural influences, students learn the theory and practices of jazz improvisation. The jam session setting emphasizes learning to swing and improvise over songs from the classic American songbook.
Jazz Arranging and Composing is a course designed to instruct the student in arranging for rhythm section plus four wind instruments (four part density) and serves as a pre-requisite to arranging for the standard 16-17 piece jazz ensemble. Offered on demand.
A comprehensive study of the history of jazz beginning in the 1890's to the present, including the social, ethnic, and economic environment in and around New Orleans at the turn of the century. Recorded examples of jazz from ragtime through fusion will be analyzed. Also included are biographical studies of the most influential musicians responsible for the stylistic shifts that occurred during the 20th century.
A study of instrumental characteristics and notation, scoring and arranging for the instruments of the orchestra and band from small to large ensembles. Prerequisite: MUSC 2103.
Students survey the history of church music with focus on hymnody, analysis and evaluation of hymns and hymn tunes, discussion of music in worship, and development of basic song-leading skills. (Offered alternate years)
Musical concepts and teaching procedures appropriate for pre-school and kindergarten music are taught using the keyboard as the primary instrument. Open to students outside the piano pedagogy certificate program. (Offered in summer only)
This capstone experience is taken concurrently with student teaching. The students will debrief and process their student teaching experiences. Attention will be given to classroom management issues, to schools as organizations, to hiring and interviewing processes, and to the review of pedagogical issues in music.
The fundamentals of the production of staged works will be covered such as appropriate repertoire selection, holding productive auditions, considerations in making casting decisions, organizing musical and stage rehearsals, building sets, lighting, organization of props, costumes, sets, make-up, etc.
Fundamentals of stage performance and the production of operas, operettas, and/or musicals are studied, equipping the student with skills necessary to succeed as a teacher and as a performer. Course may be repeated for 0 credit.
Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.
Students conduct laboratory research in music under supervision of a faculty member. Permission of instructor is required. Guidelines for Independent Study apply. A written report is required. (May be repeated with new research) Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently 5. Approval of the division in which the study is to be taken 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Division Chair, and the Registrar (Offered on demand)