MUS - Sacred Music Course Descriptions
Is designed for the student with no previous training in music, or as a review for those who have had limited contact with music. Basic elements-melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic-will be covered. Students will learn how to read musical notation and will gain familiarity with the keyboard, with harmony, and with creating music. The course will incorporate training in sight singing and ear training.
Will equip students with aural skills required of professional musicians. The content of the course will complement the written theoretical skills cultivated in MUS 109: Theory & Analysis I. Specific attention will be given to the identification of intervals and chords, the ability to sing any interval on command, the ability to dictate melodies, rhythms, and harmonic progressions, and the ability to sing melodies at sight.The course must be taken in sequence concurrently with MUS 109, although students may test out of MUS 107 by taking a placement test at the beginning of the fall semester. This course is required of Sacred Music majors and minors.
Will equip students with aural skills required of professional musicians. The content of the course will complement the written theoretical skills cultivated in MUS 110: Theory & Analysis II. Specific attention will be given to the identification of intervals and chords, the ability to sing any interval on command, the ability to dictate melodies, rhythms, and harmonic progressions, and the ability to sing melodies at sight. The course must be taken in sequence concurrently with MUS 110. This course is required of Sacred Music majors and minors.
Gives students a grounding in musical praxis, notation, tonal harmony, formal analysis, counterpoint, and composition. Combined with MUS 110, MUS 209, and MUS 210, it is required of sacred music majors and MUS 109 and MUS 110 are required of sacred music minors. The courses must be taken in sequence; however, students may test out of MUS 109 by taking a placement test at the beginning of the fall semester.
Gives students a grounding in musical praxis, notation, tonal harmony, formal analysis, counterpoint, and composition. Combined with MUS 109, MUS 209, and MUS 210, it is required of sacred music majors and MUS 109 and MUS 110 are required of sacred music minors. The courses must be taken in sequence.
Stresses basic techniques of playing the guitar and the functional application of these techniques to enable the student to use the guitar as an accompaniment instrument.
Is a continuation of Guitar Class I with further development of accompaniment techniques, along with providing the necessary skills to use the guitar as a tool for the teaching of music.
MUS 111 or permission of instructor
Is an introduction to the techniques of singing including posture, breathing, pitch matching, interval recognition, and other areas related to ear training and sight singing.
Gives students a grounding in the rules governing the pronunciation of Latin and Italian in solo and choral repertoire. Students will learn the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and its application to lyric diction. Practical usage will be emphasized through in-class performances and text preparation.
Gives students an understanding of the rules governing the pronunciation of German and its applications to vocal repertoire. Students will learn the IPA symbols and sounds unique to the German language and its application to lyric diction. Practical usage will be emphasized through in-class performances and text preparation.
Gives students a grounding in the rules governing the pronunciation of French and the differences between spoken and lyric French. Students will learn the IPA symbols and sounds of the French language as well as the rules governing elision and liaison. Practical usage will be emphasized through in- class performances and text preparation.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) For first-year students. Expects majors to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability, and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.
(Major Instrument) For first-year students. Expects majors to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability, and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.
(Non-Majors) Students will need to demonstrate at least intermediate keyboard proficiency before beginning study. Weekly lessons will introduce students to the unique technical challenges of the instrument as well as registration and basic pipe organ design. Attendance at weekly performance class is encouraged. This course may be repeated.
Permission of the instructor
Is required of all sacred music majors (three years), and all singers in the community are encouraged to audition. For sacred music majors, Schola Cantorum constitutes the formal element of their sacred music practicum in that its purpose is the performance of sacred music in the liturgy. It will also be the laboratory for the choral conducting students' final projects and for organists, who will have ample opportunity for supervised accompanying and leading congregational song. The group meets twice per week with an additional sectional for men and women. This course may be repeated.
Audition is required of non-majors
(Non-majors) is required of all organ majors to fulfill their secondary instrument requirement. Priority will be given to music majors and minors in admitting students for instruction, and the number of secondary voice students taken additionally will depend upon the availability of the voice teacher. Attendance at weekly performance class is encouraged. This course may be repeated.
Permission of the instructor
Exists for the promotion of classical vocal and instrumental music performance at the University. Franciscan Chamber Music Society comprises small chamber ensembles from a single soloist to four or five musicians. Ensembles perform at least once per semester. This course may be taken for credit or for no credit and may be repeated. (up to 6 credits may be earned)
Admission by audition and permission of the director
Involves the study and performance of choral literature. Chorus has two rehearsal sessions per week and performs for University functions.
Audition
Lessons will be given to voice majors and music minors, and additional lessons may be given based on the availability of the piano teachers. Voice majors are required to take at least two semesters of piano or organ. This course may be repeated.
Permission of the instructor
Plays classical works for string and wind instruments. The orchestra performs at least once per semester. This course may be taken for credit or for no credit and may be repeated.
Admission by audition and permission of the director
Is comprised of any combination available of trumpet, trombone, baritone, euphonium, French horn, and tuba. The ensemble plays for at least one event per semester. This course may be taken for credit or for no credit and may be repeated. (up to 6 credits may be earned)
Admission by audition and permission of the director
Employs a listening approach for understanding musical styles, forms, and compositions as related to musical history.
This practicum is an opportunity for students in the Music Ministry Minor to apply pastoral principles and musical skills necessary to do effective music ministry. Practicum opportunities include, but are not limited to, playing Mass for the chapel, being a part of the Festival of Praise music team, or being a part of the Nights of Praise and Worship music team for a semester. Auditions are necessary to be a part of these ensembles.
Give students a grounding in musical praxis, notation, tonal harmony, formal analysis, counterpoint, composition, ear-training and sight-singing. Combined with MUS 109 and MUS 110, all four courses are required of sacred music majors and MUS 109 and MUS 110 are required of sacred music minors. The courses must be taken in sequence; however, students may test out of MUS 109 by taking a placement test at the beginning of the fall semester.
Give students a grounding in musical praxis, notation, tonal harmony, formal analysis, counterpoint, composition, ear-training and sight-singing. Combined with MUS 109 and MUS 110, all four courses are required of sacred music majors and MUS 109 and MUS 110 are required of sacred music minors. The courses must be taken in sequence; however, students may test out of MUS 109 by taking a placement test at the beginning of the fall semester.
Is an introductory course in classical guitar to train students to progress beyond simple folk strumming and to begin mastery of the guitar as a solo instrument. (Classical guitar required.)
Is a continuation of Guitar Class III, emphasizing improved coordination of the fingers through appropriate exercises, improved sight reading skills, and an introduction to the different styles of music in different periods: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. (Classical guitar required.)
Gives students the opportunity to learn about the development of the oldest body of music in the world. In this course, students will learn how to read Gregorian chant notation and how to sing the most commonly used melodies for the Mass and the Divine Office. Students will also engage the teaching of the Church on sacred music in order to understand the place of Gregorian chant in the modern Church.
Will put the ear training received in Theory and Analysis I & II to practical use. In gaining a working knowledge of neumatic notation through the time-honored note-reading system developed by Guido of Arezzo, students will learn a number of Gregorian Ordinary and Proper settings, the psalm tones and the common hymns, canticles, responsories and antiphons of the Gregorian repertoire. Unlike Introduction to Gregorian Chant, this course will be a more aggressive engagement with Gregorian Chant and its context in the liturgy and the fruits of this course will augment the musical offerings of the Schola Cantorum on and off campus.
Will put the ear training received in Theory and Analysis I & II to practical use. In gaining a working knowledge of neumatic notation through the time-honored note-reading system developed by Guido of Arezzo, students will learn a number of Gregorian Ordinary and Proper settings, the psalm tones and the common hymns, canticles, responsories and antiphons of the Gregorian repertoire. Unlike Introduction to Gregorian Chant, this course will be a more aggressive engagement with Gregorian Chant and its context in the liturgy and the fruits of this course will augment the musical offerings of the Schola Cantorum on and off campus.
Offers an overview of basic musical trends throughout history, focusing particularly on the development of Western music since the Renaissance. A more detailed exploration of Medieval music can be undertaken in the Survey of Sacred and Religious Music (MUS 260) and Introduction to Gregorian Chant (MUS 220). Sacred music majors are ineligible to take this course.
Is the central course of the Sacred Music Minor and is an overview of the history of sacred music, its context in the development of the liturgy and its role in the modern Church. The course is open to all University students; however, sacred music majors are ineligible to take this course.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument, as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors, and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument, as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors, and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) For second-year students. Majors are expected to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability, and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.
(Major Instrument) For second-year students. Majors are expected to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability, and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.
Explores the progression of musical practices, styles, genres, forms, and pieces in the history of Western Music. Due to the emphasis on Medieval and Renaissance music in other courses (particularly Gregorian Chant I and II and Schola Cantorum), this course will primarily focus on the music of the last five centuries.
Explores the progression of musical practices, styles, genres, forms, and pieces in the history of Western Music. Due to the emphasis on Medieval and Renaissance music in other courses (particularly Gregorian Chant I and II and Schola Cantorum), this course will primarily focus on the music of the last five centuries.
Explores the fundamentals of choral and instrumental conducting, and score-reading techniques. The University ensembles, particularly the Schola Cantorum Franciscana and the Franciscan Chamber Orchestra, will provide the opportunity for conducting students to have hands-on experience directing ensembles in rehearsal and (occasionally) in performance.
Explores the fundamentals of choral and instrumental conducting, and score-reading techniques. The University ensembles, particularly the Schola Cantorum Franciscana and the Franciscan Chamber Orchestra, will provide the opportunity for conducting students to have hands-on experience directing ensembles in rehearsal and (occasionally) in performance.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors, and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors, and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) For third-year students. Majors are expected to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.
(Major Instrument) For third-year students. Majors are expected to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.
is a work-experience opportunity with the purpose of expanding education by applying accumulated knowledge in one or more areas of music. Students should have at least a 3.0 quality point average in the major and at least a 2.5 average overall. Arrangements for the internship must be made by the student and approved in advance by the Career Services Office and by the Music faculty. Internships count as general electives.
Music major of junior or senior standing and permission of the Music faculty. Internships must be preapproved.
Constitute the central experience of the program in sacred music along with the Schola Cantorum Franciscana and private performance study. Team-taught by all of the music faculty and guest lecturers over the course of one year, Sacred Music Colloquium will offer practical instruction about how to plan liturgies and the manner of their execution. Attention will be given to the resources available for church musicians and magisterial teaching on the role of sacred music in the liturgy. Also, students will be exposed to the literature of choral, organ and congregational music as well as the traditions of Protestant churches and different styles of music for worship. This course will augment the practical experience gained in the Schola Cantorum while allowing the four experienced church musicians on staff to offer their instruction to the future generation of church musicians.
Constitute the central experience of the program in sacred music along with the Schola Cantorum Franciscana and private performance study. Team-taught by all of the music faculty and guest lecturers over the course of one year, Sacred Music Colloquium will offer practical instruction about how to plan liturgies and the manner of their execution. Attention will be given to the resources available for church musicians and magisterial teaching on the role of sacred music in the liturgy. Also, students will be exposed to the literature of choral, organ and congregational music as well as the traditions of Protestant churches and different styles of music for worship. This course will augment the practical experience gained in the Schola Cantorum while allowing the four experienced church musicians on staff to offer their instruction to the future generation of church musicians.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) Helps organ majors to achieve a high level of competency in their instrument. Entrance into the major presupposes at least an intermediate level of keyboard proficiency. An organ major should be able to demonstrate a varied and professional level of ability upon graduation. In organ study, students will be required to perform representative pieces from the organ literature of the past five centuries and will be active accompanying the Schola Cantorum Franciscana at liturgies and occasionally leading congregational song. Seven semesters of instruction on the primary instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum is required of all sacred music majors. In addition, the various skills required to play the organ in the liturgy will constitute a part of organ study. Attendance at weekly performance class is required of all organ majors and will include the study of improvisation, figured bass, solo accompanying, congregational accompanying, performance practice, arranging, organ design and history, and organ literature.
(Major Instrument) For fourth-year students. Majors are expected to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability, and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.
(Major Instrument) For students in their fourth year or beyond. Majors are expected to achieve a high level of ability in their area of study. Entrance into the program presupposes at least an intermediate level of ability, and voice majors should be able to demonstrate a professional level of ability upon graduation. Seven semesters of instruction on the major instrument as well as three years of Schola Cantorum are required of all sacred music majors. Attendance at weekly performance class is required. Additional diction classes will also be required of voice majors as part of their private study.