School of Music
Courses
Applied Music
Individual studies in composition. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in saxophone. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in flute. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in oboe. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in clarinet. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in bassoon. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in French horn. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in trumpet. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in trombone. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in euphonium. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in tuba. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in violin. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in viola. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in cello. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in string bass. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in piano. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in voice. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in organ. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in percussion. May be repeated for credit.
Individual studies in guitar. May be repeated for credit.
Serves as the summative recital for BA Music, Education and as the Junior level recital for the BFA, and as the Junior level recital for the BFA. Permission of applied instructor required. Must be taken with advanced principal instrument course (MUSA 380 - MUSA 396).
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in composition. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in saxophone. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in flute. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in oboe. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in clarinet. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in bassoon. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in French horn. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in trumpet. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in trombone. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in euphonium. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in tuba. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in violin. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in viola. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in cello. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in string bass. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in piano. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in voice. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in organ. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in percussion. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Individual upper level studies in guitar. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: MUSA 276.
Music
A forum devoted to the development of applied music skills, supplying the opportunity for music majors both to demonstrate performance skills and to observe the skills of colleagues.
Class instruction for students with little or no prior background in piano. Preparation for entry into the MUS 179 sequence. Pre: Permission.
Includes the study of critical thinking in music fields with specific focus on music education and performance.
Study of the diatonic harmony of the Common Practice Period through development of compositional and analytical skills. Emphasis on cadences, melodic form, non-harmonic tones and diatonic triads.
Sight-singing of melodies, and dictation of harmony, rhythm, and melody using elementary rhythms and diatonic pitch materials.
Exploration of the roles and value of music in culture and society. Development of musical awareness through mastery of basic terminology, stylistic concepts, and critical listening skills. For non-music majors.
Exploration of the roles an value of music in culture and society. Development of musical awareness through mastery of basic terminology, stylistic concepts, and critical listening skills. For non-music majors. 3 credits.
Pre-req: Admitted Honors College with a score of 1.
Classes for voice minors and electives designed for beginners.
Classes for voice minors and electives designed for beginners.
Classes for piano minors and electives progressing from beginner to proficiency level.
Classes for piano minors and electives progressing from beginner to proficiency level.
Classes for piano minors and electives progressing from beginner to proficiency level.
This course will survey native musics of Africa, Asia and the Americas as an aspect of culture. No formal background in music is required.
A mixed a capella ensemble dedicated to the performance of a variety of popular, jazz, and contemporary sytles. Open to all students regardless of major. PR: Permission.
A non-technical introduction to the theory, practice and literature of electronic music. This course fulfills a Core I/CT Course requirement. Open to all majors.
Study of advanced harmonic concepts in tonal music including modulation, altered pre-dominants, and chromatic mediant relationships.
Pre-req: MUS 112 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 114 with a minimum grade of C.
Sight-singing and aural analysis of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms found in 18th and 19th century music, including modulating melodies, secondary dominants, multi-part harmonic dictation, and characteristic rhythms. (PRE: MUS 112 and MUS 114; MUS 211 must be taken concurrently or prior to enrollment in MUS 213)
Pre-req: MUS 112 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 114 with a minimum grade of C.
Sight-singing and aural analysis of 19th and 20th century music, including chromatic harmony, modulating melodies, multi-part harmonic dictation, scale/chord identification, characteristic 20th century sonorities and advanced rhythmic materials. (PREREQ: MUS 211 and MUS 213; MUS 212 must be taken concurrently or prior to enrollment in MUS 213)
Pre-req: MUS 211 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 213 with a minimum grade of C.
Fundamental jazz theory and ear training. Chords, scales, nomenclature. Harmonic progressions and substitutions. Aural recognition of melodic and chord structures and functions. Composition and transcription. Pre: MUS 215
Pre-req: MUS 211 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 213 with a minimum grade of C.
Introduction to music technology for sound reinforcement, music notation, MIDI, recording, technology aided instruction, and emerging issues concerning use and production of media in Western society. (PR: MUS 112 and 114 or permission)
Pre-req: MUSP 112 with a minimum grade of C and MUSP 114 with a minimum grade of C.
Concepts, implementation, and utlization of digital audio workstation software and hardware: MIDI, digital audio, recording techniques, production, and using the Internet to empower music creators (open to non-music majors) Prerequisite: None
A systematic study of the pronunciation and problems encountered by singers when performing repertoire with English and Italian texts.
A systematic study of the pronunciation and problems encountered by singers when performing repertoire with French and German texts.
Pre-req: MUS 222 with a minimum grade of C.
A chronological listening survey course of popular music with an emphasis on examining the intersection of musical, historical, sociological, and cultural factors.
Introduction to improvisation. Diatonic chord/scale relationships. Basic forms. Melodic construction and elaboration. Rhythmic improvisation. Keys and modes. Pre: MUS 116
Pre-req: MUS 114 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 112 with a minimum grade of C.
Continued development of skills and techniques. Idiomatic jazz patterns. Survey of standard literature. Turnarounds, blues progressions. Transcription of solos. Performance and elaboration of representative literature. Pre: MUS 231
Pre-req: MUS 231 with a minimum grade of C.
A class of non-music majors who will learn to play percussion instruments from various cultures.
Introduction to advanced theoretical and compositional methods employed by artist/researchers in analyzing music from the 19th and 20th centuries. (PR: MUS 215, Permission)
Pre-req: MUS 112 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 114 with a minimum grade of C.
The history of the development of jazz and related forms from the 19th century antecedents to recent experimental trends.
Application of musical production processes, theories and techniques. Specialized practical experience in all musical aspects of rehearsal and performance. Each number may be taken four times.
The study of guitar techniques that will allow students to play and teach guitar at a basic level in a public school music program.
Class instruction progressing from beginner to advanced. Development of literature and skills needed to pass the jazz piano proficiency exam. (Prerequisites: Permission. Permission granted upon completion of piano proficiency or completion of jazz piano placement exam.)
Class instruction progressing from beginner to advanced. Development of literature and skills needed to pass the jazz proficiency exam. (Prerequisites: Permission. Permission granted upon completion of piano proficiency or completion of jazz piano placement exam.)
Class instruction progressing from beginner to advanced. Development of literature and skills needed to pass the jazz piano proficiency exam. (Prerequisites: Permission. Permission granted upon completion of piano proficiency or completion of jazz piano placement exam.)
Class instruction progressing from beginner to advanced. Development of literature and skills needed to pass the jazz piano proficiency exam. (Prerequisites: Permission. Permission granted upon completion of piano proficiency or completion of jazz piano placement exam.)
A study of the history and development of music through 1750, including the interaction of music with historical events, world cultures, other arts and philosophy. PR: MUS 211 and 213 with a grade of C or better
Pre-req: MUS 211 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 213 with a minimum grade of C.
Analysis of musical works from the late 19th century through the present era using sight and sound.
Pre-req: MUS 301 with a minimum grade of C.
A study of the role of music and sound in film. Development of terminology and skills for analyzing and interpreting sound tracks of films throughout the history of film.
Foundation principles of voice usage, interpretation, and problems of vocal pedagogy. For instrumental music major students. Courses must be taken in sequence.
Fundamental conducting skills: baton use, beat patterns of simple/compound meters, fermata holds/releases, cues to discrete parts using hand, visual gestures, leadership, conducting terminology, transportation and score reading.
Pre-req: MUS 212 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 214 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 217 with a minimum grade of C.
Eighteenth Century counterpoint includes creative writing in this style and analysis of contrapuntal composition of this period based upon principles learned in introductory theory courses.
Pre-req: MUS 216 or MUS 214 with a minimum grade of C.
Fundamental techniques and analysis of jazz masterworks applied to composing and arranging in various instrumental and vocal jazz styles. Orchestration for large and small ensembles. Pre: MUS 307
Pre-req: MUS 217 with a minimum grade of C.
An introduction to the music industry and relevant areas of contract, copyright, and trademark law.
A study of the intersection of music and business aimed at developing foundational skills and an understanding of the structure of the music business.
Advanced skills, techniques, and performance practices. Compound and extended forms. Survey of post-bebop, free jazz, fusion, and Afro-Carribbean literature. Transcription of solos. Performance of representative literature. Pre: MUS 331
Pre-req: MUS 331 with a minimum grade of C.
Elementary music education techniques, including movement, song, dance, rhythm, and musicianship. Study of Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze techniques. Curriculum design and incorporation of music curriculum into elementary curriculum. Field experience required. (PR: EDF 218 and EDF 319)
Pre-req: Admitted to Teacher ED with a score of 4.
Study of curriculum development in the middle and secondary schools and appropriate instrumental materials and methods of presentation of music in grades 5-12.
Pre-req: Admitted to Teacher ED with a score of 4.
Intensive study of vocal/choral materials. Methods of presentation of music in middle and secondary grades. Curriculum design and incorporation of music curriculum into general curriculum. Field experience required. (PR: EDF 218 and EDF 319)
Pre-req: Admitted to Teacher ED with a score of 4.
Music in the Elementary Classroom. Development of fundamental music reading and performing skills. Materials, procedures, and systems to teach music in grades PreK-6. Relationship of music activities to general classroom curriculum.
A survey of the literature for the guitar from c. 1400 to the end of the nineteenth century. (PR: Permission)
A survey of guitar pedagogy literature, and a practicum in teaching classical guitar. (PR: Permission)
A study of the history and development of music c. 1730 to c. 1900, including the interaction of music with historical events, world cultures, other arts and philosophy PR: MUS 290 or MUS 260 (Jazz Studies majors only) with a grade of C or better
Pre-req: MUS 290 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 250 with a minimum grade of C.
Performing, marching, uniformed ensemble devoted to the music of the American Revolution and Chief Justice John Marshall. Instruments featured include fifes and drums.
Class instruction for experienced students. Development of repertoire ensemble skills, and sightreading. Pre: Completion of MUS 179D, or completion of piano proficiency, or permission of instructor.
Pre-req: MUS 179D with a minimum grade of C.
Music composition projects proposed, developed, and realized with collaborators in disciplines outside of music including but not exclusive to: visual art/media, theatre, film/video, dance, or video games (PR: Instructor permission)
Advanced, auditioned choral ensemble open to all university students. Repertoire performed locally and on tour includes great chamber literature of the past five centuries. Three rehearsals per week.
Introduction to the psychology of music, human development, and assessment of learning.
Advanced study of choral and instrumental conducting techniques emphasizing rehearsal and performance strategies, score study, ensemble warm-ups, asymmetric and changing meters. Lab ensemble experience provided.
Pre-req: MUS 315 with a minimum grade of C.
Review of materials, concepts and methodology used in teaching singing; overview of anatomy and function of the voice. Emphasis on beginning and intermediate levels.
Materials and techniques of presentation; appropriate selection of repertoire; teaching strategies for late intermediate and advanced levels; exploration of pedagogical, business, and wellness resource for the independent piano teacher.
Materials and techniques of presentation; development of reading skills; basic fundamentals of technique; cultivation of musicianship. Emphasis is on elementary and intermediate levels.
Pre-req: MUS 216.
A survey of the literature for the guitar during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. (PR: Permission)
A survey of guitar pedagogy literature, and a practicum in teaching classical guitar.
Cello students will rehearse and perform works from the major literature for cello ensemble.
Performs a wide variety of musical styles from full flute choir to quarters, trios, etc. Membership required of all flute majors; others by audition. One rehearsal per week.
Application of musical production processes, theories and techniques. Specialized practical experience in all musical aspects of rehearsal and performance. Each number may be taken four times.
Practical application of concepts, methodology, and materials covered to demonstrate efficient and effective teaching in the applied area.
A culminating Musical Theatre performance and critical self-reflection. Students develop proposals with input from faculty mentor.
A discipline-based experience designed to combine classroom and studio education in a summarizing project. (PR: MUS 310, successful completion of piano proficiency requirements)
Pre-req: MUS 310 with a minimum grade of C and (MUS 179D with a minimum grade of C or MUSP 124 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 279D with a minimum grade of C or Piano Proficiency with a score of 1).
A discipline-based experience designed to combine classroom and studio education in a summarizing project.
Pre-req: MUS 310 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 376 with a minimum grade of C or (MUS 179D with a minimum grade of C or MUSP 124 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 279D with a minimum grade of C or Piano Proficiency with a score of 1).
Pre-req: MUS 310 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 376 with a minimum grade of C or MUSP 124 with a minimum grade of C or (MUS 179D with a minimum grade of C or MUS 279D with a minimum grade of C or Piano Proficiency with a score of 1).
Music Ensembles
Advanced, auditioned choral ensemble open to all university students. Repertoire performed locally and on tour includes great chamber literature of the past five centuries. Three rehearsals per week. May be repeated for credit.
A mixed chorus of 60-90 singers open to all university students without audition. Public performances of a variety of music are given each semester. Three rehearsals per week.
Large choral ensemble available to university and regional singers without audition. Gives public performances or oratorios and works for chorus and orchestra twice a year. One rehearsal per week.
Preparation and performance of opera scenes and full operas. Membership open to students as singers, pianists, and technical personnel. Roles assigned by audition. Two rehearsals per week plus private coaching.
A mixed a capella ensemble dedicated to the performance of a variety of popular, jazz, and contemporary styles. Open to all students regardless of major. PR: Permission.
The Marshall Community Orchestra is open to all university students, faculty, and interested musicians in the community with permission of the instructor. Concerts are presented each semester.
A select, auditioned group of wind and percussion players who study and perform original and transcribed works for wind orchestra and works for small mixed chamber ensembles. (PR: Audition)
The Marshall University Symphonic Band rehearses twice a week and presents two concerts each semester. Symphonic Band performs a varied repertoire of music from wind band staples to contemporary works.
A concert band for any undergraduate student who has had experience playing a band instrument in high school or middle school. May be repeated for credit.
The Marching Thunder rehearses three times a week and performs a varied selection of music every home game as well as exhibitions around the country. May be repeated for credit.
The Marshall University Sixth Man Band performs at all home men's and women's basketball games. The band provides music to enhance the overall game experience for players and fans.
Study and performance of traditional and progressive jazz repertoire in a big band ensemble. Open to all university students by audition. May be repeated for credit.
Ensemble improvisation from duet to tentet. Emphasis on music sightreading, recognition and application of chord/ scale relationships in a performance setting. Ensemble playing skills. May be repeated for credit.
Ensemble focusing on performance of popular songs rooted in Black American Music traditions. Emphasis on common practices of commercial musicians/performers, stage comportment, and ensemble technique. May be repeated for credit.
A community/university ensemble modeled after the British-style brass band. May be repeated for credit.
Performance of contemporary music in various media. May be repeated for credit. Counts towards improvisation requirement.
An ensemble for the performance of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music, with special attention to performance practices and instrumental and vocal techniques. May be repeated for credit.
The African Drumming and Dance Ensemble specializes in performing traditional music of West Africa. This ensemble combines dancing, drumming and singing into a rich cultural experience in non-western music. The ensemble is open to all university students and does not require prior musical training.
Chamber ensemble experience for woodwind players. May be repeated for credit.
Chamber ensemble experience for brass players. May be repeated for credit.
An ensemble dedicated to performing a wide variety of musical styles on instruments in the percussion family. May be repeated for credit.
Chamber ensemble experience for string players. May be repeated for credit.
An ensemble elective for piano majors and qualified piano secondary/elective students. Perform a wide variety of musical styles for multiple pianists on 1-5 pianos. (PR: Audition with instructor.)
An ensemble for guitar majors and qualified guitar elective students; focus on sight reading skills, ensemble accuracy and position playing. May be repeated for credit.
Music Program Courses
Study of music fundamentals and aural skills including: notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, and triads and aural recognition of meter, scales, intervals, and triads. Online section open to non-music majors.
A music literacy lab for the musical theatre major emphasizing the practices of sight-singing and rhythm skills covered in MUS 101.
Pre-req: MUS 101 with a minimum grade of C.
Investigation of traditional and non-traditional music career options and the role of the musician in arts advocacy, community engagement, and arts education. (pre-requisities: none)
Study of the diatonic harmony of the Common Practice Period through development of compositional and analytical skills. Emphasis on cadences, melodic form, non-harmonic tones and diatonic triads.
Continued study of diatonic harmony of the Common Practice Period through development of compositional and analytical skills. Introduction to elementary forms, elementary modulation, and secondary dominants.
Pre-req: MUS 111 with a minimum grade of C and MUS 113 with a minimum grade of C.
Sight-singing of melodies, and dictation of harmony, rhythm, and melody using elementary rhythms and diatonic pitch materials.
Sight-singing of melodies, and dictation of harmony, rhythm, and melody using diatonic pitch materials in major and minor modes. Introduction to syncopation, secondary dominants, and elementary forms.
Pre-req: MUS 113 with a minimum grade of C.
Classes for piano minors and electives progressing from beginner to proficiency level.
Classes for piano minors and electives progressing from beginner to proficiency level.
Pre-req: MUSP 121 with a minimum grade of C.
Classes for piano minors and electives progressing from beginner to proficiency level.
Pre-req: MUSP 122 with a minimum grade of C.
Classes for piano minors and electives progressing from beginner to proficiency level.
Pre-req: MUSP 123 with a minimum grade of C.
Classes for voice minors and electives; designed for beginners.
Beginning guitar instruction for elective students.
An introduction to the music industry and music production, covering recording, music publishing, live performance, and artist management, while highlighting the roles of artists, songwriters, producers, managers, lawyers, and agents.
Skills required to create careers as entrepreneurial performing artists or to supplement an arts career in entrepreneurial pursuits, including planning, self-promotion, networking, audience building, and marketing.
A study of the intersection of music and business aimed at developing foundational skills and an understanding of the structure of the music business.
An in-depth examination of the commerical music industry designed at developing business related competencies including entrepreneurship, IP management, legal issues, and contract law; skills essential for maintaining a professional music career.
Pre-req: MUS 327 with a minimum grade of C and MUSP 327 with a minimum grade of C.
Students will synthesize concepts of music industry study to create a capstone project.
Pre-req: MUSP 495 with a minimum grade of C.
Practical synthesis and application of knowledge and skills gained during the student's course of study.
Pre-req: MUS 310 with a minimum grade of C.