Music Department Course Offerings
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*Courses from other departments may be necessary to fulfill a
particular major/minor.
Music Department Course Descriptions:
| 021 | Music Theory Fundamentals (2-2). A course designed for students with little or no previous training in music theory. This course is an introduction to the practical skills of music theory and musicianship, in which you will learn to, read and notate basic music elements and concepts up through major and minor scales, key signatures, and triad identification. (Fall and spring) |
| 100 | Music Studio Class (0-0). A gathering of all students enrolled in private music lessons at Belhaven University. Students are required to attend Music Studio Class weekly and perform at least once per semester. Students receive a S/U on their transcript for each semester of participation. Students may be exempted from attending the course due to other obligations with the approval of the music department chair. Performance exemptions are rare and may only be obtained with the approval of the music department chair. (Fall and spring) |
| 108-109 | Guitar Fundamentals I & II (1-1). A foundational two-semester sequence in guitar for non-majors wishing to study guitar at a beginning level. The course features instruction in small groups. Course sections are divided according to playing ability. This two-semester sequence is a prerequisite for all non-guitar majors who wish to take group or private guitar applied study. All students who have previous guitar study experience are encourage to audition with the music department for exemption from all or part of this course sequence in order to proceed to group or private guitar study. (Fall and spring) |
| 110-111 | Vocal Fundamentals: Health and Technique I & II (1-1). A foundational two-semester sequence on vocal health, applied vocal technique, and basic musicianship for aspiring public speakers, actors, broadcasters, and singers (non-music majors). This sequence is a prerequisite for all non-voice majors who wish to take group or private voice applied study as a minor or secondary student. Students who have the needed musical skills to teach themselves their own vocal literature may audition with the music department for exemption from this course sequence in order to proceed to group or private voice applied study. (Fall and spring) |
| 112 | Brass Methods (1). One of a series of four courses designed to prepare music majors to teach the basics of instrumental playing to elementary and secondary beginning through intermediate students. Focus will be on trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. (Fall, even years) |
| 113 | Percussion Methods (1). One of a series of four courses designed to prepare music majors to teach the basics of instrumental playing to elementary and secondary beginning through intermediate students. Course objectives include study of rhythm, technique, sound production, repertoire, and pedagogy on snare drum, marching percussion, drumset, hand drums, keyboards, timpani, and orchestral accessories. (Fall, even years) |
| 114 | String Methods (1). One of a series of four courses designed to prepare music majors to teach the basics of instrumental playing to elementary and secondary beginning through intermediate students. Focus will be on violin, viola, cello and bass. (Spring, even years) |
| 115 | Woodwind Methods (1). One of a series of four courses designed to prepare music majors to teach the basics of instrumental playing to elementary and secondary beginning through intermediate students. Focus will be on flute, clarinet and saxophone. (Spring, even years) |
| 117-118 | Piano Fundamentals I & II (1-1). A foundational two-semester sequence in piano for non-majors wishing to study piano at a beginning level. The course features instruction in small groups in a piano lab setting. This two-semester sequence is a prerequisite for all non-piano majors who wish to take group or private piano applied study. All students who have previous piano study experience are encouraged to audition with the music department for exemption from all or part of this course sequence in order to proceed to group or private piano applied study. (Music majors may be required to take MUS 117-118 to prepare for Piano Proficiency Juries. See Piano Proficiency Juries). (Fall and spring) |
| 119 | Piano Fundamentals III (1). A third semester piano course designed solely for music majors preparing to pass required piano competencies in several of the music concentrations. Piano Fundamentals III is to be taken in lieu of private study. The course may be repeated for credit as needed. (See Piano Proficiency Juries). (Fall and spring) |
| 120 | Music Appreciation (3). A non-technical course that emphasizes music fundamentals, history, literature, styles, composers, and performers and is designed to increase the enjoyment and appreciation of music. It is open to all students, and no musical background is necessary. (Spring only). |
| 121-122 | Theory I-II (3-3). Introduction to the musical grammar and principles of common-practice tonality as a basis for understanding a variety of musical languages and dialects. Includes rhythm, meter, melody, species counterpoint, major/minor keys, diatonic harmony, voice-leading, tonicization and modulation. Placement exam required before enrolling. (121, fall only; 122, spring only) |
| 123-124 | Musicianship I-II (1-1, repeatable for credit). Foundational skills in perceiving, understanding, and expressing music. Includes rhythm, basic conducting patterns, sight-singing and prepared singing with solfege, intervals, melodic and harmonic dictation, and elements of interpretation and expression. Coursework involves daily practice and use of the music computer lab. Placement exam required before enrolling. Advancement to subsequent levels of musicianship requires a grade of C or better. Fall and spring) |
| 143-144 | Concert Choir (1-1). Open to all students by audition. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. Includes concerts on and off campus. Repertoire includes music from the Renaissance through the 20th century. (143, fall only; 144, spring only)> |
| 151-152 | Belhaven Chorale (1-1). Open to advanced singers by audition. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. Includes concerts on and off campus and occasional short tours in the region. Repertoire includes music from the Renaissance through the 20th century. (151, fall only; 152, spring only) |
| 153-154 | Gospel Choir (1-1). Open to all singers by audition. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. The principle focus of the Gospel Choir is to explore and perform the genre of gospel music in its myriad of manifestations with a commitment to musical and vocal excellence. |
| 160-161 | Guitar Ensemble (1-1). Open by audition to students enrolled in guitar lessons. Classical and Jazz Guitar Ensembles are available. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. (160, fall only; 161, spring only) |
| 170-171 | String Chamber Orchestra (1-1). Open by audition to string instrumentalists. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. (170, fall only; 171, spring only) |
| 173-174 | Symphony Orchestra (1-1). Open by audition to string, wind and percussion instrumentalists. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. (173, fall only; 174, spring only) |
| 175 | Marching Band (1-0) Open by audition to brass, percussion, and wind instrumentalists as well as qualified students participating in the band front. May be repeated each fall semester for credit. (Fall only) |
| 177-178 | Jazz Ensemble (1-1) Open by audition to brass, percussion, and wind instrumentalists as well as qualified students involved in sound reinforcement and vocals. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. (178, spring only) |
| 181 | Wind Ensemble (0-1). Open by audition to wind and percussion players. Instrumentalists will focus primarily on repertoire for Concert Band. May be repeated each spring semester for credit.(Spring only)> |
| 190-191 | Chamber Music (1-1). Open by audition to instrumentalists, pianists and vocalists. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. (190, fall only; 191, spring only) |
| 192-193 | Percussion Ensemble (1-1). An ensemble of various mallet percussion, drum and miscellaneous rhythm instruments open by audition to all students who have ever played percussion instruments. First semester participants may form the core of the Marching Band drumline. May be repeated each semester for up to eight hours of credit. (193, fall and spring; 193, spring only) |
| 221-222 | Theory III-IV (3-3). Prereq: MUS 121-122. Continued study of common-practice tonality and introduction to related musical dialects and materials, focusing on the central ideas and pluralism of 20th-century musical techniques and traditions. Includes study of post-tonal theory, serial and atonal techniques, neo-tonal practices, simultaneity, elements of jazz and popular influences. (221, fall only; 222, spring only) |
| 223-224 | Musicianship III-IV (1-1, repeatable for credit). Prereq: Advancement by jury. Intermediate and advanced skills in perceiving, understanding, and expressing music. Includes sight-singing using solfege, melodic and harmonic dictation, transcription, and elements of interpretation and expression. Coursework involves daily practice and use of the music computer lab. Advancement to Musicianship IV requires a grade of C or better. (Fall and spring) |
| 321 | Introduction to Compositional Process (2). Prereq: MUS 121-122. A theologically-grounded exploration of the creative process as it applies to various aspects of composition (including songwriting and improvisation), with emphasis on applying thoughtfully-developed perspective to the practical experience of composing music for the concert hall, the church, and other situations. (Spring only) |
| 325 | Seminar on Musical Culture – Worldview and Aesthetics (2). Pre-requisite: Junior/Senior class standing The course will challenge students to be agents of godly transformation in the musical world, exploring strategies for redemptive transformation within the complex dynamics of modern musical culture. The course will emphasize "whole life," not just "musical life" integrity, ethics as well as aesthetics, as the necessary components of genuine godly impact of a Kingdom musician. (Spring Only) |
| 335 | Counterpoint (2). Prereq: MUS 121-122, 221-222. This is an applied study of contrapuntal forms, principles, and techniques in historical context, from the 16th century to the present, with emphasis on analyzing and imitating representative examples. Includes focus on the 18th century style typified by the work of J. S. Bach. (Spring, odd years) |
| 337 | Form and Analysis (2). Prereq: MUS 121-122. A study of the structure of music and its relationship to expressive meaning, focusing on the practical uses of analytical tools and techniques to explore, understand, and evaluate music. (Fall, even years) |
| 340 | Composers Forum (1-1). A workshop and production ensemble intended for composition/theory majors. Explores compositional music-making by producing a concert of students’ new works each semester, exploring and discussing new music of various kinds, and reflecting on how the Christian call to a daily practice of humility, love, and perseverance shapes music-making. Provides opportunities for students to apply their understanding in practical, personal ways. May be repeated each semester for credit up to eight hours. (Fall and spring) |
| 345 | Music and Cross-Cultural Ministry (3). This course studies issues surrounding ethnomusicology and ethnodoxology with the goal of training missional music ministers to wisely assist peoples of the world translate transcendent biblical truths into their own unique cultural musical framework. (Spring, odd years) |
| 351 | Choral Methods (2). Every expressive element of choral performance must be generated by the vocal technique employed by individual singers. This course specifically applies skills of healthy vocal technique to the musical challenges unique to choral singing. (Spring, odd years) |
| 352 | Instrumental Music Methods in Secondary Schools (3). Music education students are introduced to a variety of individual instrumental techniques and supporting materials. Diverse repertoire for elementary, middle and high school instrumentalists will be explored. These methods and materials prepare the music education student for K-12 instrumental instruction. (Spring, odd years) |
| 353-354 | Accompanying (1-1). Accompanying is a performance lab of weekly master classes where collaborative piano students perform with other instrumentalists and vocalists. Immediate feedback is provided by faculty and students. Participants should be prepared to perform weekly. Focus and reflection will be required regarding the Christian collaborative pianist’s call to a practice of humility, love, and perseverance, shaping the performance process where other musicians perform in equal or more dominant roles. May be repeated for credit as available. (353, fall only; 354, spring only) |
| 355 | Music for Children (3). This course provides prospective elementary classroom teachers and music majors wanting to become certified to teach elementary music with basic fundamental musical skills to structure programs and to teach music to children grades K-6. Included are the teaching of rote songs, reading songs, listening lessons, and and Orff and Kodaly methods. (Spring, even years) |
| 356 | Conducting Basics (1). Prereq: MUS 121, 122. This course focuses on the basic gestural techniques of conducting. Topics include techniques to promote muscular control, direct and bound movement, conducting planes and patterns (non-expressive and expressive forms), the technique of negation, the gesture of preparation, the gesture of syncopation, the measured preparatory gesture, gestures of completion and body language. (Fall only) |
| 357 | Piano Pedagogy (3). A survey of methods and materials appropriate for the teaching of piano at the preparatory level. Emphasis is placed on developing a repertoire for teaching children and adult students. (Fall, even years) |
| 358 | Vocal Pedagogy (3) This course explores the art and science of training voices to achieve technical freedom and musical artistry informed by the findings of Vocal Science. Topics include anatomical structures, maturational changes, voice classifications, the vocal process, sequencing of technical objectives and repertoire, therapeutic exercises, psychological issues and learning styles, diction skills, resources for the vocal professional, and specific schools of vocal pedagogy. (Spring, even years) |
| 359 | Organ Pedagogy (3) A survey of methods and materials appropriate for the teaching of beginning organists. Emphasis is placed on teaching music suitable for the worship service. (Offered on demand) |
| 360 | String Pedagogy (3) A survey of methods and materials appropriate for the teaching of violin and other string instruments at a preparatory level. Emphasis would be placed on developing repertoire and technique for teaching children and adults. (Spring, even years) |
| 365-366 | Advanced Conducting Lab I-II (1-1). Prerequisite: 356. This advanced conducting sequence focuses on refining the gestural skills of conducting acquired in the Introduction to Conducting course with discussions concerning the application of specific gestural approaches to specific pieces of music. May be repeated for credit as available. (offered on demand) |
| 373 | Historical Perspectives in Music Ministry (1). This course is designed to generate thoughtful interaction reflecting on the musical ideologies and practices of the church throughout its history with special emphasis on the controversial issues facing the church today. (Spring, odd years) |
| 374 | Sacred Music Literature (3). This course explores sacred vocal and instrumental literature addressing the needs of the congregation, various choirs of all ages, small ensembles, and soloists. Principles of organ registration, hymnal orchestrations, handbells, Orff instruments, folk instruments, synthesizers, and orchestral techniques are topics for discussion. (Fall, odd years) |
| 380-381 | History of Music I-II (3-3). A survey of Western art music history from ancient Greek life and thought through the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods as well as post-Romantic and 20th-century music. (380, fall only; 381, spring only) |
| 385 | Junior Recital (1). For junior music majors. Prepare and present a solo recital consisting of 25-35 minutes of music (not including breaks) which may include a collaborative segment. All recitals are subject to the approval of the Music Chair and are evaluated by a faculty jury (see studio policy). (Fall and spring) |
| 392 | Popular Music from the 1930s to the present (2). Popular music of the United States from the 1930s to the present will be studied from roots in early blues, jazz, and rock music into the diverse forms of contemporary popular culture, including contemporary Christian music. (Fall only) |
| 393 | Musical Theatre History and Literature (3). This course reflectively surveys musical theatre history and repertoire. (Fall, even years) |
| 395 | Music Ministry Internship (non-credit, one semester required). Prereq: 2.75 overall GPA During the junior or senior year (earlier by approval of the chair of the music department), Music Ministry emphasis music majors must fulfill a minimum semester internship in a local church. Employment at a church in a church music role is permitted to fulfill this requirement so long as the internship objectives are met. Belhaven University policy requires an overall GPA of 2.75 to do an internship. Open only to Music Ministry emphasis music majors. Graded on a pass/fail basis. (Refer to “Student Intern Programs and Practicums” for further requirements.)> |
| 410-411 | Chapel Worship Team (1-1).
Open to all students by interview - audition. This music ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists will participate in Chapel music ministry, including think tank and short range planning, leading in worship during half of each semester’s Chapels through Chapel singing, performing solos and in small ensembles, leading the Chapel Worship Team, and rehearsing in and directing rehearsals of the ensemble on Monday afternoons. May be repeated each semester for credit up to eight hours. (410, fall only; 411, spring only) |
| 420 | Theological Foundations of Musical Culture and Music Ministries (3). Since redemptive music ministries should touch the entire fabric of musical culture, not just the local church, this course teaches transcendent biblical truths concerning musical culture, worship, and music ministries that apply to every people group, with the goal that biblical objectives in the musical arts are achieved in the midst of changing times and international contexts. (Fall, even years) |
| 425 | Music Administration (3). Leadership and administrative tasks are essential to any viable organization. The course develops a model for music leadership that gleans valuable lessons form the current and classic literature while maintaining a thoroughly biblical, Kingdom centered, framework. The course addresses skills of managing self and others, budgeting, cataloging, filing, scheduling, communication, and working under authority. The course provides a working knowledge of music architecture and equipment. Careful attention will be given to stewardship of resources. (Fall, odd years) |
| 426 | Orchestration (2). Prereq: MUS 121-122, 221-222. (221-222 pre-requisite may be waived at the discretion of the instructor). Technical, applied study of writing music for various instruments and ensembles, with emphasis on orchestral repertoire as a basis for understanding issues of balance and timbral possibilities in a variety of musical situations. (Fall, odd years) |
| 430 | Choral Literature and Interpretation (2). This course surveys choral repertoire with emphasis on the musical characteristics of the various style periods and genres. Particular emphasis is given to employing choral methods in the preparation of a particular score for performance. (Offered on demand) |
| 438 | Topics in Theory and Composition (2). Advanced and/or ancillary study of topics relevant for professional work or graduate studies in areas related to composition and music theory. Content varies according to needs and interests of students. Offered as available. |
| 460 | Senior Vocal Pedagogy Project (2). A public presentation that can be any one or more of the following (or similar) elements: An extensive research paper, a shorter solo or choral performance with lecture, a longer solo or choral performance without lecture, a documentary presentation of a vocal practice, or vocal curriculum development. The project should provide the student with a significant educational experience that has a high degree of relevance to the pedagogy student’s teaching goals. The project is subject to the approval of the Coordinator of Vocal Activities and the Music Chair and is evaluated by a music faculty jury (see studio policy). (Offered on demand) |
| 480 | Senior Project in Musical Theatre (2). The 45-60 minutes of music (not counting intermission, breaks, etc.) musical theatre performance project for the senior musical theatre student may be a solo performance or a collaborative one. The production should utilize the student’s unique potentials in musical theatre expression. All projects are subject to the approval of the Music Chair and are evaluated by a music faculty jury (see studio policy). (Fall and spring) |
| 485 | Senior Recital (2). For senior music majors. Prepare and present a solo recital consisting of 45-60 minutes of music (not including breaks) which may include a collaborative segment. All recitals are subject to the approval of the Music Chair and are evaluated by a faculty jury (see studio policy). (Fall and spring) |
