Course Descriptions
MUSC 4010 Composition (1-3)
For students contemplating composition and related activities as occupations. Each student develops content in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of MUSC 3010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4020 Sixteenth Century Counterpoint (3)
Practical study of counterpoint as used in the works of Palestrina and other Renaissance-era composers. Includes study of line, voice-leading, rhythm, texture, and extensive analysis of the music of the period.
MUSC 4030 Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint (3)
Practical study of counterpoint as used in the works of Bach. Includes study of the invention, chorale prelude and fugue, and extensive analysis of the music of the period. Prerequisite: MUSC 2020.
MUSC 4040 Music of the Twentieth Century (3)
A historical survey from Debussy, Ives, Stravinsky, and Schoenberg to Bartók, Cage, Babbitt, and Glass. Involves musical analysis of works involving twentieth-century tonality, modality, the 12-tone method, set theory, microtonality, and aleatoric elements. Prerequisites: MUSC 2020 and MUSC 2040 or permission of instructor.
MUSC 4070 Choral Arranging (2)
Covers arranging for choral ensembles of various voice groupings and abilities. Projects may include arrangements of folk songs, simplification or re-voicing of previously composed choral music, adapting choral parts to accommodate boys’ changing voices, limited ranges, and other exigencies. Prerequisite: MUSC 2020.
MUSC 4080 Choral Literature and Techniques (3)
This course surveys choral repertoire from the Renaissance to the present appropriate for school and church choirs. Aspects of the course work include focus on performance practice and associated choral techniques for the purposes of conducting and teaching. Prerequisite: MUSC 3410 or permission of instructor.
MUSC 4110 Hymnody and Psalmody (3)
Study of psalmody and hymnody in history and current practice; theological study of hymn texts and musical study of hymn tunes; practical application of hymnody in Christian worship and education.
MUSC 4120 Piano Accompanying (2)
Designed primarily for piano majors. Teaches the specific skills required for accompanying. Emphasizes art song literature, but also includes operatic and instrumental music. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
MUSC 4140 Lyric Diction (2)
Focuses on the correct pronunciation of foreign language sounds using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Prerequisite: students must be voice majors of junior or senior status.
MUSC 4150 The Art Song (3)
Solo art songs of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are studied and performed, with emphasis on works by German, French, and American composers. Studies include analysis of style and idea in music and poetry, and the art of programming the song recital. Prerequisites: music major and junior or senior standing.
MUSC 4160 Operatic Literature (3)
Studies important works from 400 years of operatic history, including Monteverdi through Glass. The history of operatic style is studied as are the development of recitative, aria, ensembles, and other aspects of operatic form. Prerequisites: MUSC 2020 and MUSC 2040.
MUSC 4170 Piano Literature I (3)
Designed primarily for junior or senior piano majors. A survey of the standard keyboard literature for piano. Style analysis, performance-practice problems, and editions are emphasized. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
MUSC 4180 Piano Literature II (3)
Continues MUSC 4170. Prerequisite: MUSC 4170.
MUSC 4190 Orchestral Literature (3)
Examines the development of orchestral literature from the eighteenth century to the present. Study topics include sonata form, instrumentation, the concerto, the tone poem, and so forth. Major works from Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, the German Romantic composers, and twentieth century composers such as Bartok, Hindemith, Schoenberg, Schwantner, Shostakovich, and Stravinsky will be covered. Prerequisite: MUSC 2040.
MUSC 4220 Instrumental Music Methods (3)
Teaching and administering the instrumental music program, grades 5-12, with emphasis placed on philosophy, facilities/equipment management, ensemble development (concert band/wind ensemble, orchestra, marching band, and chamber ensembles), and appropriate repertoire and methodology for technical and musical growth. Prerequisite: two semesters of MUSC 2120.
MUSC 4250 Voice Pedagogy (3)
Studies the human voice and its registers, classification of voices, methods of practicing, analysis, style, and selection of literature. Prerequisite: junior or senior voice student or permission of the instructor.
MUSC 4260 Piano Pedagogy I (2)
Examines teaching materials from beginning through intermediate levels. Students gain supervised teaching experience. Prerequisite: junior or senior piano student or permission of the instructor.
MUSC 4270 Piano Pedagogy II (2)
Continues MUSC 4260. Prerequisite: MUSC 4260.
MUSC 4320 Jazz Education Methods (2)
(formerly MUSC 3320) A survey of pedagogical techniques, conducting, and teaching materials for the development of the middle school and high school instrumental and vocal jazz program. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor
MUSC 4340 Jazz Scoring and Arranging I (3)
Covers scoring and arranging for jazz ensembles of various sizes, from combo to jazz orchestra. Material covered includes melodic and rhythmic variation, reharmonization and voicing techniques, jazz instrumentation and orchestration, elements of form, and score and part preparation. Prerequisites: MUSC 1380 and MUSC 2020.
MUSC 4350 Jazz Scoring and Arranging II (3)
Continues MUSC 4340. Prerequisite: MUSC 4340.
MUSC 4360 Survey of Music Business (3)
Examines aspects of contracts, auditions, copyright, publishing, license (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC), union issues, promotion-marketing, taxes, grant applications, non profit organizations and foundations, exploration of careers in the music industry: entertainment law, retail, marketing, recording industry, arts management, self employment as a free lance musician (business owner, recording studio musician, teacher, composer, conductor, and so forth. Prerequisite: BUSN 3700 or permission of instructor.
MUSC 4370 - Marketing for Musicians (3)
Examines aspects of image building, promotion kits (letterhead, internet site, photography, video/audio discs (repertoire, recording, art work, copyright, licensing, promotion, sales, reviews, etc), working with a publicist, advertising agency, manager and/or agent, audience connections (targeting educational residencies, seminars, and conventions), contracts, auditions, professional organizations and memberships Prerequisite: MUSC 4360 or permission of instructor.
MUSC 4390 Commercial Composition (3)
This course will examine techniques of composing a variety of commercial styles, including popular songs and advertising jingles. Emphasis is on student composition projects. The course is coordinated with production courses in the School of Communications, creating opportunities for the recording of student works. Prerequisites: MUSC 3010 and MUSC 3070 or permission of instructor.
MUSC 4800 Advanced Topics (2-3)
Course content varies each semester. See current course description book for subject matter for a particular semester. Credit may be in music history, music theory, music business, or music education. Prerequisites: MUSC 2020 and senior standing. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4810 Advanced Aural Skills I (2)
This course focuses on improvement of sight-singing, ear training, dictation, and harmonic progressions and improvisation at the keyboard. The class requires the use of Kodŕly moveable do solfége and rhythm syllables and German chromatic note names. Exercises also require conducting and analytical skills. Prerequisite: MUSC 2820 or permission of the instructor.
MUSC 4910 Webster University Chamber Singers (1)
This select chamber choir is open to all students by audition. The Chorale performs a cappella and accompanied choral masterpieces from the Renaissance to the present, sometimes in cooperation with other Webster choirs. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4920 Webster University Choral Society (1)
The Choral Society is Webster’s University/community choir and is open to singers in the University and the St. Louis area. The Choral Society performs masterpieces of the choral repertoire from the Baroque to the present, sometimes in cooperation with other Webster choirs. There is a fee for members who are not affiliated with Webster University. No audition is required. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4930 Webster University Camerata Singers (1)
This select, one-on-a-part ensemble performs choral music from the Renaissance to the present, including pop arrangements and vocal jazz. Camerata Singers does not fulfill degree requirements for participation in a major ensemble. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4940 Webster University Symphony Orchestra (1)
The Webster University Symphony Orchestra is comprised of advanced student musicians and professional performers. The orchestra presents five concerts each year with repertoire from chamber orchestra to full symphonic settings. Prerequisite: audition. Instrumental majors who do not qualify will be placed in other instrumental ensembles. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4950 Webster University Chamber Music Ensembles (1)
The Department of Music offers numerous smaller ensembles, including Jazz Singers, New Music Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, String Quartet, Sax Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, and the like. Enrollment in each of these ensembles is by permission of the appropriate instructor. Additional information is available from the Department of Music.
MUSC 4950 Webster University Chamber Music Ensembles (1)
The Department of Music offers numerous smaller ensembles, including Jazz Singers, New Music Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, String Quartet, Sax Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, and the like. Enrollment in each of these ensembles is by permission of the appropriate instructor. Additional information is available from the Department of Music.
MUSC 4960 Webster University Jazz Ensembles (1-2)
The Jazz Ensembles are combos of three to eight members that offer a practical approach to jazz styles and improvisation through rehearsals. The Jazz Ensembles perform a wide range of music from Coltrane, Ellington, Liebman, Mingus, and others on weekly Monday afternoon recitals as well as public concerts each semester. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4970 Webster University Big Band (1)
The Big Band is an 18-piece ensemble that performs literature from all style periods of jazz, with focus placed on works from after 1960. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in improvisation, stylistic awareness, reading, and ensemble interaction. The ensemble performs several concerts each semester. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4980 Webster University Wind Ensemble (1)
The Wind Ensemble is open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion students. The ensemble is comprised of the brass ensemble, chamber winds, saxophone ensemble, and percussion ensemble, each of which is directed by a faculty specialist. These groups join together to form the Wind Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on literature that calls for one performer per part in works from the Renaissance through contemporary periods. The ensemble presents four concerts annually. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 4990 Webster University Opera Studio (1)
The Opera Studio is open by audition to all Webster voice students. The ensemble presents opera scenes and complete works from the Baroque through contemporary periods twice annually. The ensemble frequently works with renowned guest directors and conductors, and receives assistance from Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 5000 Applied Music (2-4)
Available in piano, voice, organ, and all orchestral instruments.
MUSC 5010 Composition (1-4)
Each student in consultation with the instructor develops the content for this advanced course in composition. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
MUSC 5020 Foundations and Principles of Music Education (3)
The course focuses on the history and foundations of public school music in the United States; current trends in education that affect the music education profession; principles of learning theory; and application of research to music teaching situations.
MUSC 5100 Analytical Techniques I (2)
Advanced work in formal analysis, including discussion of sectional forms (binary, ternary, rondo), canon and fugue, sonata and sonatina forms, and hybrid forms such as sonata form with fugal exposition, first-movement concerto form, sonata-rondo, etc. Review of chromatic harmony. Prerequisite: graduate standing or admission to combined degree (BM/MM) program.
MUSC 5110 Analytical Techniques II (2)
This course is designed to prepare students to analyze twentieth-century Western music. Prerequisite: graduate standing or admission to combined degree (BM/MM) program.
MUSC 5120 Seminar in Music Literature I (3)
This course covers selected topics in Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music history. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
MUSC 5130 Seminar in Music Literature II (3)
This course covers selected topics in Classical, Romantic, and twentieth-century music history. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
MUSC 5200 Independent Study (1-4)
MUSC 5230 Seminar in Music Business (2)
This seminar addresses the theoretical as well as practical processes of creating a career as a member of a professional ensemble, a free-lance musician, teacher, composer, or conductor. Topics covered could include creating professional work, organizing ensembles, publishing music and method books, and applying for arts grants. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
MUSC 5320 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (1-4)
The student cultivates skills in conducting instruments and instruments with voices. The course includes studies in score reading, literature, score study, and other appropriate areas of general musicianship, depending on the individual needs of the student. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
MUSC 5330 Advanced Choral Conducting (1-4)
The student cultivates skills in conducting voices and voices with instruments. The course includes studies in literature, score reading, diction, and other appropriate areas of general musicianship, depending on the individual needs of the student. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
MUSC 5410 Orff, Level I (3)
This course will focus on and develop: speech exercises; singing; movement; playing the instruments; improvisation in all media; orchestration in the elemental style; teaching techniques; Bordun orchestrations for pentatonic melodies; movement improvisation; simple folk dances; soprano recorder technique and teaching materials; and short teaching experiences.
MUSC 5420 Orff, Level II (3)
This course will focus on and develop: speech exercises; singing; movement; playing the instruments; improvisation in all media; orchestration in the elemental style; teaching techniques; composition of melodies; moving Bordun and I-V orchestrations; folk and historical dances; alto recorder; and peer teaching. Prerequisite: Orff, Level I at an accredited university.
MUSC 5430 Orff, Level III (3)
This course will focus on and develop: speech exercises; singing; movement; playing the instruments; improvisation in all media; orchestration in the elemental style; teaching techniques; dominant and subdominant triads in major and minor, recorder consort (SATB); further exploration and integration of all components; an overview of the Schulwerk; and a teaching practicum. Prerequisites: Orff, Levels I and II at an accredited university.
MUSC 5440 Pedagogy in the Orff Classroom (2)
Students will observe and experience effective pedagogical techniques as well as use these practices in peer teaching. As a concluding project, each student will plan, prepare, and present a lesson to a group of their peers. Prerequisite: Orff, Level I.
MUSC 5450 Arranging and Composing for the Orff Teacher (2)
Students will arrange and compose beginning settings in do, la, re, and sol pentatonics, leading into major and minor modes, including aeolian, dorian, and mixolydian. The diatonic scale and its harmonic possibilities will be dealt with later in the course. Composite rhythm and prosody will not be presented as separate entities, but will be reinforced throughout the course. Prerequisite: Orff, Level I.
MUSC 5460 Curriculum Design (3)
This course is designed to help individuals plan learning experiences. Technology in the classroom, research regarding learning, models of curriculum design, and methods of evaluation are discussed. Students develop curriculum packages that have direct application to the teaching situation.
MUSC 5480 Curriculum Development for the Orff Approach (2-3)
Students will develop a single grade curriculum relevant to the teaching situations of each student including goals, materials, and sequencing appropriate for the Orff approach. Prerequisite: Orff, Level II.
MUSC 5490 Integrating World Musics into the Curriculum (2)
The ethnic diversity of our world will be explored through songs, instruments, dances, listening, art, literature, drama, and history.
MUSC 5500 Music Education Workshops (1-6)
These seminars and courses supplement the core and elective courses in the music education area by focusing on topics of current and special interest, such as specific methods and techniques for music teaching. This course may be repeated for credit if content differs. This course may not be completed by directed study.
MUSC 5510 Kodály Musicianship I (1)
Overall musicality and musicianship of students will be developed through this comprehensive course in sight singing, score reading, dictation, and analysis. Kodály teaching tools include use of relative solemnization, rhythm syllables, and Curwen hand signs. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
MUSC 5520 Kodály Pedagogy I (1)
Students will acquire knowledge of the history and philosophy of the Kodály concept as well as curricular ideas for the primary grades. Curriculum development, teaching techniques, and materials for teaching general music according to Kodály concepts will be covered. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
MUSC 5530 Kodály Music-Making I (1)
This class consists of several aspects, all involved with music and music-making: a choral experience, choral conducting, and special topics. Special topics focus on subjects such as multicultural music, Dalcroze eurhythmics, Orff pedagogy, and folk music instrument building and playing techniques. Chamber music performance may also be included. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
MUSC 5540 Kodály Musicianship II (1)
Kodály music educators use the movable Do system for ear training and intonation of intervals, chords, scales, and song literature. Also included in solfčge training are aural, vocal, reading, and writing skills in rhythms, ostinato, form, conducting, canon, two-part singing, and sight singing. Solfčge is a means to the goal of musical literacy and increased knowledge and skills. Prerequisites: MUSC 5510, MUSC 5520, MUSC 5530 Kodály Level I.
MUSC 5550 Kodály Pedagogy II (1)
The Kodály approach to music education pedagogy for elementary school includes an emphasis on the development of ear training, sight singing, rhythm, melody, harmony, form, reading, writing, and creating music-all activities through multi-modality experiences. Music materials include American folk songs, multicultural music and art music, and the use of rounds and singing games. Prerequisites: MUSC 5510, MUSC 5520, MUSC 5530 Kodály Level I.
MUSC 5560 Kodály Music-Making II (1)
This class consists of several aspects, all involved with music and music-making: a choral experience, choral conducting, and special topics. Special topics focus on subjects such as multicultural music, Dalcroze eurhythmics, Orff pedagogy, and folk music instrument building and playing techniques. Chamber music performance may also be included. Prerequisites: MUSC 5510, MUSC 5520, MUSC 5530 Kodály Level I.
MUSC 5570 Kodály Musicianship III (1)
An advanced course in aural development, including sight-singing, harmony, analysis, dictation, transposition and score reading. Students master the use of relative solmisation, rhythm syllables and Curwen handsigns. They will also demonstrate proficiency in the use of the voice and keyboard for music teaching. Musicality and musicianship are encouraged throughout the course. Prerequisite: MUSC 5540 Kodály Musicianship II.
MUSC 5580 Kodály Pedagogy III (1)
This course covers Kodály curriculum development and teaching techniques for general music teaching in grades 6-8. Prerequisite: MUSC 5550 Kodály Pedagogy II.
MUSC 5590 Kodály Music-Making III (1)
This course consists of several aspects, all involved with music and music-making: a choral experience, choral conducting, and special topics. Special topics focus on subjects such as multicultural musics (Scotland, Africa, Latin America have been covered, for example), Dalcrose eurhythmics, Orff pedagogy, and folk instrument building and playing techniques. Chamber music may also be included. Prerequisite: MUSC 5560 Kodály Music-Making II.
MUSC 5610 Kodály Materials I (1)
Students will research, collect, analyze and categorize folk materials and art music from which musical learning can be drawn for grades K-2. Creation of a folk song collection to support sequential teaching of tonal, rhythmic and formal skills (a retrieval system) will constitute a final project for the course. Students will be expected to perform the songs, and to be able to play and teach singing games in a stylistically authentic manner.
MUSC 5620 Kodály Materials II (1)
Students will research, collect, analyze, and categorize folk materials and art music from which musical learning can be drawn for grades 3-4. Creation of a folk song collection to support sequential teaching of tonal, rhythmic and formal skills (a retrieval system) will constitute a final project for the course. Students will be expected to perform the songs and to be able to play and teach singing games in a stylistically authentic manner. Prerequisite: MUSC 5610 Kodály Materials I.
MUSC 5630 Kodály Materials III (1)
Students will research, collect, analyze, and categorize folk materials, art music, and octavos from which musical learning can be drawn for grades 5-6. Creation of a folk song collection to support sequential teaching of tonal, rhythmic and formal skills (a retrieval system) will constitute a final project for the course. Students will be expected to perform the songs, and to be able to play and teach singing games in a stylistically authentic manner. Prerequisite: Kodály Materials II.
MUSC 5800 Advanced Studies in Music (1-6)
This course concentrates on advanced topics and may include scoring and arranging, pedagogy, history and literature, performance practices, or musical form. This course may be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
MUSC 5900 Supervised Apprenticeship (1-2)
The apprenticeship is a practicum in which a student serves in either a continuing position as a church musician or as an apprentice in a selected position. Supervision is by a Music Department faculty member. Emphasis is on practical experience in the following areas, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor: recruit and plan for, rehearse, and direct a church choir; play the organ for a variety of types of church services; develop and maintain special groups such as children’s choirs and bell choirs; budget for and administer a church music program and library; work with the church staff in a collegial and efficient manner. Students are required to maintain a well-organized and comprehensive log during the practicum.
MUSC 6250 Thesis/Document in Music (2-4)
This course focuses on original research in special projects in the field of music. Prerequisite: graduate standing in music and permission of the instructor.
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