Music Theory, Literature, and Methods Courses
(Also see MUS-designated applied-music and ensemble course listings, as well as MUA applied (private) lessons)
Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.
MUS 106
World Music
This course will examine the music within four cultures: Native American, Indian, African, and African-American. The music of each culture will be examined within the context of its history, peoples, and traditions. Musical examples, videos, oral presentations, class demonstrations, and special programs/concerts will be included. Students also will attend several College convocations and discuss, compare, and reflect on the various music cultures and experiences. Arts Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component in the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
MUS 115
Intro to Music Literature
An introduction to the study of music literature. Students in this course will be introduced to significant musical pieces from the major historical periods and will learn to distinguish the musical stylistic characteristics of those periods. Emphasis will be on the development of listening skills and appropriate methods and abilities to analyze, interpret, discuss, and write about music. May include required attendance of live musical performances on campus or in the region, as available and appropriate. Four periods per week. Arts Perspective. 1 Course Credit
MUS 118A
Fundamentals of Music, Part I
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
An introduction to reading music, including musical symbols and terminology, rhythm and meter, scales, key signature, intervals, and chords. Both written and aural skills are developed. Simple musical forms and music literature are included. Designed partcularly for: perspective Music majors and minors who need further development of fundamental written and/or aural skills in music in preparation for courses in the Materials of Music and Aural Harmony sequence. Two to three class periods per week. This course also is open to the general college student who wishes to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in music. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 118B
Fundamentals of Music, Part II
Offered: Typically every Spring term
Continuation of MUS 118A. Further development of fundamental written and aural skills in reading music, rhythm and meter, scales, key signatures, intervals, and chords. Simple musical forms and music literature are included. Designed particularly for: prospective Music majors and minors who need further development of fundamental written and/or aural skils in music in preparation for courses in the Materials of Music and Aural Harmony sequence. Three class periods per week. This course also is open to the general college student who wishes to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in music. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 128
The Complete Performer
A small group (12-35) of versatile actor/dancer/musicians will be chosen to perform in a fully staged concert Operetta or Opera performance production TBD, Summer 2013. The class will explore the social, historical and stylistic musical and theatrical elements of the chosen show, performance practices through study, discussion, rehearsal, and performance. Class activities will take place in Presser Music Building's Gray Auditorium and classrooms 128 and 223. The class will culminate in three/3 fully staged concert version/public performances accompanied by piano in Gray Auditorium on 8:00 pm Friday, June 7, 8:00 pm Saturday, June 8, with a Sunday matinee performance at 3:00 pm June 9. All students will work on theatrical elements of the production in addition to performing in the show. Off-campus performances will occur at high schools in Lexington and Louisville, and at various Berea College Alumni Clubs. There is also a strong possibility of off-campus performances for the Musical Arts Series in Port Clinton, OH, the Lexington Arts Center, or at a similar venue.
A group of student assistants, possibly also in the class, will be selected by interviews with the instructors to be in charge of various facets of the production. Assistants may be chosen for the following functions, or combinations thereof : (1) an artist to design and layout publicity materials, programs, and other decorations; to design props; and to do set painting, (2) a student with experience in theater to serve as stage manager, (3) a student with experience in technical theater to serve as set designer, in charge of lighting, designing and constructing set pieces, and construction of props (4) a costume/make-up artist to assist in costuming the cast of 15-35 members, including designing and building costumes, (5) an administrative assistant, to be in charge of ticket sales; and to serve as ombudsperson, (6) one or two teaching assistants/assistant conductors to assist the instructors in teaching the class and in leading rehearsals, and TWO (7 & 8) rehearsal/performance pianist(s).
MUS 128B
The Complete Performer: Ragtim
A group of student assistants, possibly class members, will be selected by interviews with the instructors to be in charge of various facets of the production. Assistants may be chosen for the following functions, or combinations thereof: (1) design and layout publicity materials, programs, and other decorations; design props; set painting, (2) stage manager, (3) set designer, in charge of lighting, designing and constructing set pieces, and construction of props, (4) costume/make-up artist to assist in costuming the cast of 15-35 members, including designing and building costume pieces (5 administrative assistant, to be in charge of ticket sales; and to serve as ombudsperson, (6) one or two teaching assistants/assistant conductors to assist the instructors in teaching the class and in leading rehearsals, and (7) two rehearsal/performance pianists.
MUS 186
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
MUS 216
Perceptive Listening to Music
A study of one or more of the arts, or of a particular medium, in a cultural, cross-cultural, or historical context. Attention will be given to form, structure, style, and other critical considerations. The course will have a research component. The primary focus of this course is the enhancement of the joy of listening to music through the development of music-listening skills in the framework of perceiving and understanding musical information. Emphasis on the attentive style of listening, the elements of music, and the variety of musical styles will be the three areas used to develop such a framework. Arts Perspective. 1 Course Credit
MUS 220
Materials of Music I
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Beginning a four-term sequence of courses in the theoretical approach to music, this is a study of the properties of sound, the overtone series, symbols of notation, rhythm, intervals, scales, and key signatures. Harmonic studies include triads and their inversions, phrase structure and cadences, and harmonic progressions. The course will focus on playing major and minor scales, all triad types and their inversions, and basic chord progres¬sions using primary triads. Two class periods per week plus a keyboard lab. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 221. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed MUS 120. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 221
Aural Harmony I
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
The relationship between the printed musical symbol and its auditory representation. The 'musical ear' is developed through the sight-singing of simple melodies, intervals, scales, and rhythmic patterns. Brief exercises in melodic and rhythmic dictation and conducting patterns. Three periods per week. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 220 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 222
Materials of Music II
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Continuation of MUS 220. The study of non-harmonic tones, seventh chords, modulation, the four-part chorale style, and keyboard style. Music forms, introductory counterpoint, and analysis of works from music literature. Playing basic chord progressions using the secondary as well as primary triads, harmonizing simple melodies, simple transposition, and basic harmonic progressions in four parts. Two class periods per week plus a keyboard lab. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 223 (formerly 313). 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 223
Aural Harmony II
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Continuation of MUS 221. Further studies in sight-singing; melodic and rhythmic dictation; harmonic backgrounds and part-singing; syncopation; and beginning harmonic dictation. Three periods per week. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 322. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 224
Appalachian Music (APS)
An introduction to the music that has been, and is, an important part of the culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Specific musical elements will be discussed in relation to ballads and songs, instrumental music, bluegrass, country, and various types of religious music. The importance of the region's music and musicians in the development of country and popular music in America is treated. Three periods per week. Arts Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
MUS 234
Afri-Amer Mus:Overview (AFR)
Offered: Typically annually
The study of African-American music and musicians within the general framework of American society, tracing the development of the music from its African origins to its impact upon and fusion with American music and culture. Although the main focus will be placed upon music indigenous to African-American culture, study will encompass significant African-American musicians in the European classical music tradition. Arts Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
MUS 286
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
MUS 320
Materials of Music III
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Continuation of MUS 222. Seventh chords, altered chords, chromatic harmony, modulation, musical forms, and analysis of musical examples from the common practice period. Three periods per week. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 321. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 321
Aural & Keyboard Harmony III
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Continuation of MUS 223. Sight-singing of diatonic and chromatic melodies; use of computers in developing aural skills; melodic, rhythmic, contrapuntal, and harmonic dictation. Harmonizing melodies at the piano keyboard. Two periods per week. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 320. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 322
Materials of Music IV
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Continuation of MUS 320. Modulation to remote keys, chords of multiple thirds, larger musical forms, alternatives to traditional harmony, impressionism atonality, polytonality, serialism, electronic music, minimalism, and new systems of notation. Analysis of late 19th- and 20th-century works. Creative writing in various styles. Three periods per week. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 323. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 323
Aural & Keyboard Harmony IV
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Continuation of MUS 321. Sight-singing of modulating; modal, tonal, and atonal melodies; and melodic, contrapuntal and harmonic dictation. Continuation of computer usage in furthering aural skills. Keyboard skills include harmonization using diatonic and altered chords, transposition, chord symbols, improvisation, and figured bass. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Two periods per week. Usually taken in conjunction with MUS 322. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 324
Music Composition
Selected topics in composition are studied, such as texture; tonal and serial procedures; melody with accompaniment; and idiomatic writing for instruments and voices. Students use skills acquired through previous study of theory, harmony, and musical analysis in arranging and creating pieces in small and large forms. A weekly seminar (one hour) and individual conferences (one-half hour) focus on the creation of original works by students and detailed analysis of works that exemplify the selected topics. Students also will gain familiarity with computer programs in music notation and publishing. Individual assignments are made on the basis of each student’s ability, training, and experience. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
MUS 326
Vocal Methods
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms.
A course in the fundamentals of singing for grades K-12 and how these fundamentals may be used in effective instruction of students in a school's music program to develop healthy singing habits and music reading independence. Special attention is given to the physical and psychological aspects of vocal pedagogy for unchanged and changing voices, along with methods appropriate to the choral rehearsal. Focus is also given to the benefits of vocal music for students with special needs, and the benefits of including special needs students in the school choir. Coursework will include a survey of choral music, choral literature, and choral resources as it applies to the school music program at all levels. 1 Course Credit
MUS 328
Tchg Brass & Percussion Instru
Offered: Typically alternate Spring terms (next offered Spring 2013)
A study of the materials, methods, literature, and pedagogy of brass and percussion instruments. Course requirements include reading and research assignments, examination of appropriate materials and equipment, a performance and teaching laboratory component, and practicum experiences. Three class meetings per week. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 329
Teaching Woodwind Instruments
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2012)
A study of the materials, literature, and pedagogy of woodwind instruments. Course requirements include reading and research assignments, examination of appropriate materials and equipment, a performance and teaching laboratory component, and practicum experiences. Three class meetings per week. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 330
Music History I
Offered: Typically alternate years (MUS 330 offered Fall 2012and MUS 331 offered Spring 2013)
An upper-level historical survey of Western music'its styles, genres, composers, and works. A 'music-centered' course, this survey will include analysis of representative works of the music literature. The music of classical Greece and the early Christian era through the Baroque, first term; the Classic era to the present day, second term. Four periods per week. 1 Course Credit Each
MUS 331
Music History II
Offered: Typically alternate years (MUS 330 offered Fall 2012and MUS 331 offered Spring 2013)
An upper-level historical survey of Western music'its styles, genres, composers, and works. A 'music-centered' course, this survey will include analysis of representative works of the music literature. The music of classical Greece and the early Christian era through the Baroque, first term; the Classic era to the present day, second term. Four periods per week. 1 Course Credit Each
MUS 335
Mat & Meth of Elem Music
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms
MUS 335 is an introduction to philosophies, methodologies, and pedagogical foundations of teaching music in elementary schools, including, but not limited to, the music teaching philosophies of Kodaly, Orff, Dalcroze, and Gordon. Course activities will include review of materials, assigned readings, research, class discussions, practical teaching laboratory sessions, and practicum experiences. Assessment, planning, and implementation of music education activities for people with unique needs and abilities will be covered Special attention is directed to preparing performance evidence of addressing New Teacher Standards I-IV. Four meetings per week. 1 Course Credit.
MUS 336
Fund Tchg Instrumental Music
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms
This course provides an overview of the instrumental music education profession, including the philosophy, methodology, and pedagogical foundations that are essential for successful teaching. Students will be directed in their development of musical teaching-assessment, administrative, and personal, skills that are necessary for successful teaching. Assessment, planning, and implementation of music education activities for people with unique needs and abilities will be covered Special attention is directed to preparing performance evidence of addressing New Teacher Standards I-IV. Four periods per week. 1 Course Credit.
MUS 337
Conducting
Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next expected to be offered Fall 2013)
Study and practice of beat patterns, baton technique, left-hand functions, cueing, pulse changes, recitative conducting, error detection, score reading, score marking, and other techniques used in instrumental and choral conducting. Practical experience. Concurrent participation in ensemble of major applied instrument (MUS 131, 132, or 135) is required for laboratory experience. Four periods per week. 1 Course Credit
MUS 340O
Organ Pedagogy
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A study of instructional methods and materials used in teaching organ, as well as performance practices and problems. Each person enrolled in the course will teach lessons to two beginning organ students during the term, gaining practical experience in pedagogy. Two periods per week plus one hour teaching. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 340P
Piano Pedagogy
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
Lectures and discussion of teaching skills on all levels, in addition to a survey of methods and materials. Private and class teaching methods. Two periods per week. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 341
Studio Teaching
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
Supervised teaching of piano with related discussions in a weekly seminar. One-hour seminar, plus two periods of teaching per week. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 342V
Voice Pedagogy & Diction
Offered: Typically alternate Spring terms
A study of the physiological functions involved in singing (breathing, phonation, etc.). Consideration of vocal methods, use of imagery in teaching, resonance, tone quality, placement, vocalization, diction (Italian, German, French, and English) including a working knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and interpretation. There will be many reading assignments, as well as listening to recordings and observing singers. Practical experience will be obtained by working with members of the voice class. Four periods per week: one day will be a laboratory experience. 1 Course Credit
MUS 350O
Organ Literature I
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A comprehensive introduction to organ literature, including the historical development of the organ. Characteristic forms, compositional styles, and the various 'schools' of organ composition are traced from the Medieval through the Classic era. Representative organ works are heard live or through recordings made on historic instruments. Two periods per week. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 350P
Piano Literature I
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
The study of the history and literature of piano music as it developed through the ages. Starting with the early national schools of keyboard music and progressing through the music of Beethoven, the course will deal with different phases of keyboard development, the more important musical forms, performance practice, and the significant piano music of the major composers of each era. Individual research, some informal performance in class by both the teacher and the student, as well as outside listening, will be included. Two periods per week. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 351O
Organ Literature II
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A continuation of MUS 350o, with works from the Romantic period through the 20th century being played, heard, and discussed. The development of 19th- and 20th-century organs and their influence on compositional style. Two periods per week. 1/2 Course Credit
MUS 351P
Piano Literature II
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A continuation of MUS 350p including the Romantic composers through the present day. Schools of technique and 19th- and 20th-century pianists also will be studied. Two periods per week.
1/2 Course Credit
MUS 352
Vocal Literature
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course to familiarize the student with the vocal forms, styles, and repertoire of Early English Baroque period; 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century Italian, French, German, British, and American art song literature; and sacred vocal literature. There will be comprehensive weekly listening and reading assignments and some singing. Four periods per week; one day will be a laboratory experience. 1 Course Credit
MUS 386
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
MUS 390A
Independent Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
MUS 390B
Independent Study w/o ALE
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
MUS 395
Internship
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
MUS 397A
Team Initiated Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
MUS 397B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
MUS 398
Directed Study
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
MUS 400
Senior Seminar
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Senior Seminar is designed to be the capstone experience of the Music Department’s core curriculum. As such, the seminar will focus on the research, study, practice, and implementation of the senior Music major’s final project, which will consist of a final paper, and a performance or other public presentation. The seminar will function as a laboratory for students to present ideas and receive feedback as they work collaboratively and individually in completing their projects. As a culmination and integration of training and learning and as preparation for their professional future, this seminar provides an important support structure and learning community for Music majors. Course will meet once per week. NOTE: Required of all General Music majors, and part of an optional course sequence for Music Education majors. Students in General Music may take MUS 400 (1/2 credit) and MUA 400 (1/2 credit) to fulfill the Senior Seminar requirement if they do a recital and pass a recital preview. Other General Music majors will take MUS 400 as a one-credit course. Music Education majors may choose to take the course as 1/2 or full credit, in consultation with their Academic Advisor.
MUS 486
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
MUS 490A
Independent Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
MUS 490B
Independent Study w/o ALE
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
MUS 495
Internship
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
MUS 497A
Team Initiated Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
MUS 497B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
MUS 498
Directed Study
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
Notice and Disclaimer
This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.


