Not all courses described in the Course and Program Catalogue are offered each year. For a list of course offerings in 2024-2025, please consult the class search website.
The following conventions are used for course numbering:
- 010-099 represent non-degree level courses
- 100-699 represent undergraduate degree level courses
- 700-999 represent graduate degree level courses
Course search
81 Results
MUS 101.3: Fundamentals of Music I Exploring Foundations
Introduction to the basic parameters of music including notation, rhythm, intervals, melody, scales, key signatures; aural and written comprehension of the above rudiments. This course could provide foundational material for the music theory sequence.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Note: Offered as a web-based class. Online materials are used and there are no scheduled lectures. Students majoring in music cannot take this course for credit. Students intending to major in music may take this course as a prerequisite for first year music courses if they do not pass the Theory Placement Exam. Students with credit for MUS 100 cannot receive credit for this course.
MUS 102.3: Fundamentals of Music II Concepts and Practices
Discover how the structures of music in the western tradition (both hidden and overt) work and interact. Learn how concepts such as scale, harmony, rhythm, and meter are stretched and pushed in exciting and dynamic music. Additionally, examples from musical traditions around the world – including Cree drumming, Japanese Taiko, Indonesian Gamelan, American Hip-Hop and many more – will be studied to learn what makes each similar and what makes each unique.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS101.3
MUS 104.3: Group Guitar for the Beginner
This undergraduate course is open to non-music majors with no prior training in music or guitar. Students will learn the basic skills to many aspects of the classical/folk guitar that includes chording and picking. Students will experience the solo acoustic guitar format utilizing repertoire from a wide range of genres from North America, South America, and Europe. Students will gain the knowledge of basic theory through performance and learn to play through aural and visual modelling, to read tablature notation, chord and strum, and pick in the proper style of the music studied.
Note: Students must supply their own acoustic guitar. Students may contact the Department of Music for further questions regarding where to rent or purchase an instrument. Electric or steel string guitar will not be used in this class. B.Mus. (Individualized, Music Education, and Performance) students may not use this course for credit in their program requirements.
MUS 111.3: History of Popular Music
An introduction to popular music of the United States and Canada. Organized chronologically, the course examines popular music from 1840 to present in a historical context. Fundamental musical skills (i.e. notation, directed listening) will be a component. No previous musical-specific training is required.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Note: Open to all students. Students majoring in music may not take this course as an open music elective, but may take this course as an arts elective.
MUS 112.3: The History of Country Music
This asynchronous online course will examine the history and development of country music and its sub-genres in North America from the beginning of the 20th century through to present day. Throughout our chronological study of country music, we will look critically at and challenge assumptions about authenticity, race, gender, sexuality, tradition, political views, and popular culture as they relate to the genre in North America. No prior musical training is required, but students will be guided in directed listening to identify genre-related characteristics.
Note: This course is offered online.
MUS 120.2: Musicianship I
The first of a four-term course of study designed to develop fundamental musical skills required by professional musicians or music directors.
Weekly hours:
2 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 101 or a minimum grade of 65% on the Music Theory Entrance Examination.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): MUS 133.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 119 may not take MUS 120 for credit.
MUS 121.2: Musicianship II
The second of a four-term course of study designed to develop fundamental musical skills required by professional musicians or music educators.
Weekly hours:
2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 120.
Corequisite(s): MUS 134.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 119 may not take MUS 121 for credit.
MUS 129.0: Event Attendance
All students enrolled in a Bachelor of Music (Individualized, Music Education, or Performance) program are required to take this course in their first year of study. Students in this course must attend a series of department events as prescribed annually, including departmental ensemble concerts, presentations included in the Fine Arts Research Lecture Series (FARLS), and student recitals. Concerts and lectures are scheduled throughout the Fall and Winter terms (dates announced each September), but most student recitals are scheduled in the Winter term only; during the Winter term, students should plan to be available to attend recitals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30-13:30, and Thursdays from 19:30-21:30. Contact the Department of Music (music.department@usask.ca) for more information.
Note: This is a 0-credit units course, and it is graded on a pass/fail basis.
MUS 133.3: Fundamentals of Music Theory I
Addresses theoretical musical concepts fundamental to the discipline of music. This includes fluency in clef reading, fluency in tertian diatonic harmony (chords and scales), figured bass, 2 species part writing, and an understanding of a variety of other fundamental musical concepts such as basic acoustics, intervals, scales, tonality, tempo, meter, beat, syncopation and so on.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 101 or a minimum grade of 65% on the Music Theory Entrance Examination.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 113 may not take MUS 133 for credit.
MUS 134.3: Fundamentals of Music Theory II
Discusses theoretical materials pertaining to functional harmony including functionality of all diatonic chords, secondary dominants, sequencing, cadences, and modulation (to closely related keys).
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 133 (formerly MUS 113).
Corequisite(s): MUS 121.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 114 may not take MUS 134 for credit.
MUS 155.3: Music in History and the Present
This course is an introductory study of music in history and the present. Although the course emphasizes Western art music, it integrates other musical traditions, including popular music, film music, and Indigenous music (the latter primarily in the Canadian context). The weekly units in this course alternate between examining a period from music history and exploring the interdisciplinary connections of music across traditions. Throughout the course, we will relate our studies to our present experiences as performers and/or listeners. Regular workshops will allow students to build academic research and writing skills.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Note: Students with credit for MUS 150 will not receive credit for this course.
MUS 156.3: Music History I Compositions Cultures and Connections from Antiquity to the High Classical Period
This course surveys Western art music history from antiquity to the high Classical period. In its examination of composers, works, and musical cultures, the course is attentive to both historical context (including the relationships between music and other disciplines, such as politics, philosophy, literature, and visual art) and connections with repertoire across musical traditions and eras.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 155
Note: Rudimentary music theory knowledge and a basic ability to read music are recommended. Students with credit for MUS 150 or MUS 250 may not take MUS 156 for credit.
MUS 160.0: Keyboard Proficiency
Students will show a minimum keyboard proficiency to the Department of Music either by providing their Royal Conservatory of Music Grade IV Piano certificate (or higher) or by performing on the piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music Grade IV level. Performances will be assessed by a faculty member in the Department of Music.
Note: Bachelor of Music students who have not completed this course will be assigned faculty keyboard proficiency testers in September of every year. It is the student's responsibility to arrange assessment and testing. Students with credit for MUS 317 may not receive credit for this course.
MUS 175.3: Jazz History Survey
An overview of the history and evolution of jazz music. The course will include the examination and discussion of the most historically significant musicians in jazz and their music as well as the examination of the evolution of jazz music as an art form.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Note: Students with credit for MUS 285 will not receive credit for this course.
MUS 184.3: Jazz Materials
Course includes development of jazz theory, ear training, transcribing and keyboard skills. This course is the prerequisite to Jazz Improvisation (MUS 283.3) and Jazz Arranging (MUS 386.3). This course is the suggested co-requisite for Jazz Pedagogy (EMUS 337.3) and Jazz Ensemble. MUS 184.3 is open to students of all colleges.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
MUS 200.3: Music and Wellbeing
Course participants will be introduced to the histories, contexts & theories of music in relation to the human experience. On the basis of neurological, psychological, & biological foundations, the power of music & musicking to build identity, community, emotional resilience & enhance spiritual practice will be explored.
Prerequisite(s): One of EMUS 115.3, EMUS 238.3, MUS 111.3, MUS 112.3, MUS 133.3, MUS 155.3, MUS 175.3, MUS 184.3, MUS 203.3, or MUS 225.3, or 18 credit units of university courses.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 298.3 Music and Wellbeing may not take this course for credit.
MUS 203.3: Introduction to Composition
Familiarizes students with issues composers consider when creating music. Designed to benefit all students of the Department with an interest in musicianship through immersion in composing, improvising, and learning about musical forms - old and new. It is structured around the active participation of students as composers, performers, and analysts.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 134 or permission of the department
Note:Students with credit for MUS 202 may not take MUS 203 for credit.
MUS 220.2: Musicianship III
Third of a four-term course of study designed to develop fundamental musical skills required by professional musicians/music educators.
Weekly hours:
2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 121.
Corequisite(s): MUS 233.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 219 may not take MUS 220 for credit.
MUS 221.2: Musicianship IV
Fourth of a four-term course of study designed to develop fundamental musical skills required by professional musicians or music educators.
Weekly hours:
2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 220.
Corequisite(s): MUS 234.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 219 may not take MUS 221 for credit.
MUS 225.3: Introduction to Conducting
An introduction to the basic grammar of conducting choral and instrumental music.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): MUS 134 or permission of the department.
Note: Students can only receive credit for one of MUS 325 or MUS 225.
MUS 229.0: Event Attendance
All students enrolled in a Bachelor of Music (Individualized, Music Education, or Performance) program are required to take this course in their second year of study. Students in this course must attend a series of department events as prescribed annually, including departmental ensemble concerts, presentations included in the Fine Arts Research Lecture Series (FARLS), and student recitals. Concerts and lectures are scheduled throughout the Fall and Winter terms (dates announced each September), but most student recitals are scheduled in the Winter term only; during the Winter term, students should plan to be available to attend recitals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30-13:30, and Thursdays from 19:30-21:30. Contact the Department of Music (music.department@usask.ca) for more information.
Note: This is a 0-credit units course, and it is graded on a pass/fail basis.
MUS 233.3: Fundamentals of Music Theory III
Discusses theoretical materials pertaining to formal structure (i.e.: binary, ternary, rondo, sonata form) and will continue at a more sophisticated level, the theoretical musical concepts introduced in Fundamentals of Music Theory II (i.e., phrasing, tonic expansion, cadences, secondary dominant strings, rhythmic and melodic motifs, chord intensification, tonicization, augmented 6th chords (all), modal mixture, chromatic mediants, introduction to chromatic functional harmony and advanced voice-leading, comprehensive study of all subdominants (pre-dominants) and modulations within all key relationships).
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 134.3 (or MUS 114.3).
Corequisite(s): MUS 220.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 213 may not take MUS 233 for credit.
MUS 234.3: Fundamentals of Music Theory IV
Introduces students to many of the theoretical musical materials explored by a variety of composers in the 20th Century. This includes the study of synthetic scales (ie.: octatonic, whole tone, etc.) chromatic polymodality, set theory analysis, ordered tone rows and serialism, twelve-tone matrixes and an exploration of a variety of new ways to organize musical parameters and their contemporary notation.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 233 (or 213).
Corequisite(s): MUS 221.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 214 may not take MUS 234 for credit.
MUS 242.1: Diction for Singers English Latin and Italian
Will present an introduction to International Phonetic spelling and Symbols along with appropriate pronunciation for vocal repertoire in English, Latin, and Italian languages. Classes meet once weekly for one hour. Students will bring repertoire they are currently studying to be mixed with other fundamental works that highlight the various idiosyncrasies of a singer's diction in these languages.
Weekly hours:
1 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 133 or permission of the department.
MUS 243.1: Diction for Singers II German
Will present an introduction to International Phonetic spelling and Symbols along with appropriate pronunciation for vocal repertoire in the German language. Classes meet once weekly for one (1) hour. Students will bring repertoire they are currently studying to be mixed with other fundamental works that highlight the various idiosyncrasies of singer's diction in this language.
Weekly hours:
1 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 133 or permission of the Department of Music.
MUS 244.1: Diction For Singers III French
Will present an introduction to International Phonetic spelling and Symbols along with appropriate pronunciation for vocal repertoire in the French language. Classes meet once weekly for one (1) hour. Students will bring repertoire they are currently studying to be mixed with other fundamental works that highlight the various idiosyncrasies of singer's diction in this language.
Weekly hours:
1 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 133.3 or permission of the Department of Music.
MUS 255.3: Music History II Compositions Cultures and Connections from the Late Classical Period to the Present
This course surveys Western art music history from the late Classical period to the present. In its examination of composers, works, and musical cultures, the course is attentive to both historical context (including the relationships between music and other disciplines, such as politics, philosophy, literature, and visual art) and connections with repertoire across musical traditions and eras.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 155 or permission of the department
Note: Rudimentary music theory knowledge and a basic ability to read music are recommended. Students with credit for MUS 151 may not take MUS 255 for credit.
MUS 283.3: Jazz Improvisation
Focuses on the study and development of musical skills as they pertain to the performance of jazz improvisation. Topics such as basic jazz-related theory; chord/scale relationships; motivic, chord based and modal improvisations are presented in a systematic manner. This course assumes no pre-existing knowledge base of jazz improvisation but does presume a basic working knowledge and control over any given musical instrument. This course is open to all instrumentalists.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 184.
MUS 298.3: Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
MUS 299.6: Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
MUS 307.3: Orchestration I
A study of the art of orchestration and its practical application to strings, woodwinds and horn. The various styles of scoring, from Bach to the 20th Century, will be analyzed as well as discussion on the history of orchestration. Emphasis will be placed on arranging for full orchestra with particular attention to string, woodwind and horn sections.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 305 cannot take this course for credit.
MUS 311.3: History of Opera
A survey study of the history of opera from the Florentines to modern times.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 151; or MUS 156 and MUS 255; or permission of the department.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 310 cannot receive credit for this course.
MUS 312.3: Vocal Literature
Song literature of various western cultures will be studied toward acquiring a broad awareness of the vast repertoire of song.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): Two years of applied voice training; MUS 233; and MUS 151 or MUS 255; or permission of the department.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 253 cannot receive credit for this course.
MUS 329.0: Event Attendance
All students enrolled in a Bachelor of Music (Individualized, Music Education, or Performance) program are required to take this course in their third year of study. Students in this course must attend a series of department events as prescribed annually, including departmental ensemble concerts, presentations included in the Fine Arts Research Lecture Series (FARLS), and student recitals. Concerts and lectures are scheduled throughout the Fall and Winter terms (dates announced each September), but most student recitals are scheduled in the Winter term only; during the Winter term, students should plan to be available to attend recitals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30-13:30, and Thursdays from 19:30-21:30. Contact the Department of Music (music.department@usask.ca) for more information.
Note: This is a 0-credit units course, and it is graded on a pass/fail basis.
MUS 346.3: Pre Baroque Counterpoint
Mainly a study of 16th-century contrapuntal techniques and forms. Though general stylistic features of the music are emphasized, differences in the styles of various composers are also studied. A brief study of pre-16th-century contrapuntal music is included.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234.
MUS 352.3: Music Politics and Power
This course examines how music, in many contexts and periods of history, intersects with politics and power. How has music played a role in producing, reinforcing, defying, or destroying power structures? Can music, for example, be a force for peace or violence? This course will address these and other questions in relation to a wide range of musical works and practices from Western art music, popular music, and traditional music.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 155.3 or permission of the department
MUS 354.3: Survey of Keyboard Literature
A survey of literature from the origins of keyboard instruments to the present, with a focus on styles, forms and composers of important works from all periods.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234; and MUS 151; or MUS 156 and MUS 255; or permission of the department.
MUS 359.3: Piano Pedagogy
An introduction to piano pedagogy at all levels, beginning with an overview of beginning pedagogy materials, and continuing with the study of technique, etudes and graded literature, with an emphasis on performance practices from the Baroque onwards, including practical approaches to phrasing, pedalling, tone production, harmonic structure and other principles for interpretation of the literature.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 134, MUS 151 and two years of applied piano.
Note:Students with credit for MUS 357 may not take MUS 359 for credit.
MUS 368.3: Music in Canada
This course examines the development of music and musical cultures in Canada, including art, folk, popular, Indigenous, and film music.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 151 or MUS 155 or permission of the department.
MUS 371.3: Performance Practices Twentieth Century
A study of the innovative performance techniques and changing aesthetics of 20th Century music - instrumental and vocal alike. Combines study and performance aspect of music training, allowing students to apply the information garnered in class to their own instruments or voice through the exploration of selected repertoire.
Weekly hours:
1.5 Lecture hours and 1.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 134; MUAP 145; and MUS 151 or MUS 255; or permission of the department.
MUS 386.3: Jazz Arranging
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of jazz arranging. Areas of study include small group (combo) writing and large ensemble orchestration techniques.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 184.
MUS 398.3: Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 399.6: Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 401.1: Jazz and Related Creative Studies Capstone
This course serves as the summative experience for students enrolled in the 15 CU Certificate of Proficiency in Jazz and Related Creative Studies. The final project for this course will be a 30 minute - 1 hour public performance of the student’s original work via an art performance piece which has jazz music as one of the central themes and/or components.
Weekly hours:
1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Permission of the Department required.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 283.3
Note: This course is the final requirement for the Certificate of Proficiency in Jazz and Related Creative Studies, and is intended to be taken in the last term of that program. Students with credit for MUS 201 cannot receive credit for this course.
MUS 425.3: String Pedagogy
This course is designed to give strings majors (violin, viola, cello, double bass) an understanding of pedagogical applications of string playing through the study of Shinichi Suzuki, Paul Rolland, and Dorothy Delay’s methods. The objectives of this course are to give students the necessary knowledge to teach a beginner string student, and to understand the basic concepts of string pedagogy.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): ) MUAP 343 and MUS 220, or by permission of the department.
MUS 428.3: Choral Pedagogy
A systematic study of the fundamentals of organizing and leading a choir. Topics include: the voice as instrument; auditioning and placement of singers; text, languages, and diction; warm-ups, choral balance, blend, and tone; rehearsal management, leadership, and organizing performances.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234 and MUS 225.
MUS 429.0: Event Attendance
All students enrolled in a Bachelor of Music (Individualized, Music Education, or Performance) program are required to take this course in their fourth year of study. Students in this course must attend a series of department events as prescribed annually, including departmental ensemble concerts, presentations included in the Fine Arts Research Lecture Series (FARLS), and student recitals. Concerts and lectures are scheduled throughout the Fall and Winter terms (dates announced each September), but most student recitals are scheduled in the Winter term only; during the Winter term, students should plan to be available to attend recitals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30-13:30, and Thursdays from 19:30-21:30. Contact the Department of Music (music.department@usask.ca) for more information.
Note: This is a 0-credit units course, and it is graded on a pass/fail basis.
MUS 438.3: Seminar in Instrumental Conducting
A study of the fundamentals of conducting a wind ensemble, to develop psycho-motor and score-reading skills, and to expand repertoires of gestures for large and small ensembles. This course deals with methods of studying instrumental curricula, selecting repertoire, analysis, planning lessons, programming, teaching musical literacy, and evaluation. Examination of materials and resources is included, as is a review of the characteristics of successful secondary school instrumental music programs.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 325 or permission of the department.
MUS 447.3: Structural Musical Analysis
Complete pieces of music or complete movements of compositions will be analyzed by integrating traditional analytical methods with reductive techniques and approaches based on the scientific analysis of sound and communications. The techniques are applied to music of all styles.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234.
MUS 453.3: Seminar in Choral Literature and Materials
This course examines choral repertoire for multiple and varied voiced choirs and explores choral music making in a variety of contexts from around the world.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234; and (MUS 250) or (MUS 156 and MUS 255); or permission of the department.
MUS 457.3: Music 1900-2000
A detailed study of important musical ideas and styles of the 20th Century: aproached through the music and the theoretical writings of composers who have contributed important works during the era.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234; and MUS 151 or MUS 255.
MUS 458.3: Introduction to Music and the Supernatural
How do composers and performers push the boundaries of music to respond to supernatural themes or to create the impression that their music is itself supernatural? How does engagement with the supernatural reflect real-world concerns? This course explores the musical supernatural and the ways in which it intersects with four main themes: virtuosity, ingenuity, identity, and technology. The music under consideration includes Western art music, popular music, and film music.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 255.3 or permission of the department
Note: Students with credit for this course cannot take MUS 858 for credit.
MUS 459.3: Introduction to Music Gender and Sexuality
This seminar examines how music, as a cultural practice, relates to gender and sexuality. How has music played a role in producing, reinforcing, or defying constructions of gender and sexuality? How have music reception, professionalization, aesthetics, and canon formation been impacted by these discourses? This course will address these and other questions through historical and contemporary theories of gender and sexuality, and in relation to a wide range of musical works and practices from Western art music, popular music, and traditional music. We will also be attentive to how issues of gender and sexuality are intersectional with other aspects of identity, such as religion, race, and class.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 255.3 or permission of the department
Note: Students with credit for MUS 859 cannot receive credit for this course.
MUS 463.3: Seminar in Wind Literature and Materials
Examines the solo and ensemble literature for winds from the Middle Ages to the present era including the wind band repertoire.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 134; and MUS 151 or MUS 255.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 350 may not take this course for credit.
MUS 464.3: Research Seminar in Musicology I
A study of topics of current interest in musicology. Includes the oral presentation of research as well as the preparation of major research papers. The specific topic will be announced each time the course is offered.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 250; or MUS 156 and MUS 255; or permission of the instructor.
Note(s): Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topics covered in each offering differ substantially. In such cases, students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.
MUS 465.3: Research Seminar in Musicology II
Advanced research in musicology. The specific topic will be announced each time the course is offered.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 250; or MUS 156 and MUS 255; or permission of the instructor.
Note(s): Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topics covered in each offering differ substantially. In such cases, students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.
MUS 485.3: Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis
This seminar course examines both the analytical techniques and the cultural / philosophical backdrop for one of the most seminal figures in music theory, Heinrich Schenker (1868-1935). Schenker's comprehensive approach toward understanding and assessing the organizational principles central to tonal music revolutionized the field of music theory. Schenker's methodology is firmly entrenched in the field of music theory. The course requires prior knowledge of general analytical techniques—and in particular, skills that are acquired in the two-year music theory "core," and beyond. The seminar will carry a workload commensurate with similar fourth-year offerings at the U of S.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 234 and one of MUS 346, MUS 367, MUS 447 or MUS 457; or by approval of the department.
Note: Students who took MUS 498.3 Schenkerian Analysis may not take this course for credit.
MUS 498.3: Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 499.6: Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 811.3: Applied Performance Seminar I
The intensive study of an instrument or the voice, including advanced performance techniques and selected repertoire.
Weekly hours:
1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Note: Students with credit for MUS 844.6 may not take this course for credit. Only open to M.Mus. in Performance students.
MUS 812.3: Applied Performance Seminar II
The continuation of the intensive study of an instrument or the voice, including the further development of advanced performance techniques and the assimilation of new repertoire.
Weekly hours:
1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 811.3
Note: Students with credit for MUS 844.6 may not take this course for credit. Only open to M.Mus. in Performance students
MUS 813.3: Applied Performance Seminar III
The continuation of the intensive study of an instrument or the voice, including the further development of advanced performance techniques and the assimilation of new repertoire.
Weekly hours:
1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 812.3
Note: Students with credit for MUS 846.6 may not take this course for credit. Only open to M.Mus. in Performance students.
MUS 814.3: Applied Performance Seminar IV
The continuation of the intensive study of an instrument or the voice, including the further development of advanced performance techniques and the assimilation of new repertoire.
Weekly hours:
1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MUS 813.3
Note: Students with credit for MUS 846.6 may not take this course for credit. Only open to M.Mus. in Performance students.
MUS 822.3: Seminar in Schenkerian Theory
Focuses on the development of analytical skills based on the theories of Heinrich Schenker. As the term progresses, and as students' analytical techniques develop, they will be able to deal critically with some of the heated issues surrounding this theory.
Weekly hours:
3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the Graduate Assessment Examination in Music Theory, and permission of the instructor.
MUS 828.3: Advanced Choral Pedagogy
A detailed and systematic study of the fundamentals of choral organization, leadership, and function. Topics include: research into the dynamics of vocal production; critical analysis and psychological process of the choral audition; research into methods and practice of the placement of singers; an analysis of language and text with respect to the International Phonetic Alphabet; a substantial and detailed examination of warmups, choral balance, blend, and tone with respect to stylistic periods and trends; rehearsal management, leadership, and organizing performances.
MUS 833.3: Advanced Seminar in Choral Literature and Materials
This course examines in detail choral repertoire for multiple and varied voiced choirs and explores choral music making in a variety of contexts from around the world. Graduate students will be expected to explore the compositions in a thorough scholarly manner as demonstrated through course work and a substantial research paper.
MUS 838.3: Advanced Seminar in Instrumental Conducting
An advanced study of the fundamentals of organizing and leading a wind ensemble, to further develop and expand psycho-motor and score-reading skills and conducting gestures for large and small ensembles. Furthermore, the course deals with advanced methods in studying examples of instrumental curricula, selecting repertoire, comprehensive analysis, lesson planning, programming, research into teaching of musical literacy, and evaluation. Included is a detailed examination of materials and resources as well as critical research into the characteristics of successful secondary school instrumental music programs as demonstrated through course work and a substantial research paper.
MUS 840.3: Music Literature Lecture Recital
A course in which students will conduct intensive studies leading to a "themed" lecture-recital of a clearly defined repertoire. This themed lecture-recital may be identified by any one of a number of criteria (medium, style, style-period, nationality, composer) provided that it is directly related to the student's specific area of graduate study.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department.
MUS 845.3: Seminar in Music Analysis
The student applies theoretical knowledge to the analysis of complete compositions. Structures and relationships revealed by the analysis will be applied to the particular area of specialization.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 853.3: Seminar in Musicology I
A research seminar on selected topics in musicology, chosen from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, or Baroque eras. May focus on the study of manuscripts, repertoires of monophonic and/or polyphonic music, the development of genres, the examination of style(s), the consideration of composers and significant monuments of music.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 854.3: Seminar in Musicology II
A research seminar on selected topics in musicology, chosen from the Classical Period, Romantic Period or 20th century. May focus on the study of manuscripts, repertoires of polyphonic music, the development of genres, the examination of style(s), the consideration of composers and significant monuments of music.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 855.3: Seminar in 20th Century Music Theory
Encompasses the major theoretical thought of the 20th century, both that which deals with new approaches to the study of earlier music and that which presents new methods or systems of musical organization.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
MUS 858.3: Advanced Seminar in Music and the Supernatural
How do composers and performers push the boundaries of music to respond to supernatural themes or to create the impression that their music is itself supernatural? How does engagement with the supernatural reflect real-world concerns? This course explores the musical supernatural and the ways in which it intersects with four main themes: virtuosity, ingenuity, identity, and technology. The music under consideration includes Western art music, popular music, and film music.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Registration as a graduate student in Music or by permission of the instructor.
Note: This course is a hybrid course with MUS 458, and this course cannot be taken for credit after previously taking MUS 458.
MUS 859.3: Advanced Seminar in Music Gender and Sexuality
This advanced seminar examines how music, as a cultural practice, relates to gender and sexuality. How has music played a role in producing, reinforcing, or defying constructions of gender and sexuality? How have music reception, professionalization, aesthetics, and canon formation been impacted by these discourses? This course will address these and other questions through historical and contemporary theories of gender and sexuality, and in relation to a wide range of musical works and practices from Western art music, popular music, and traditional music. We will also be attentive to how issues of gender and sexuality are intersectional with other aspects of identity, such as religion, ethnicity, and class.
Weekly hours:
3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Registration as a graduate student in Music or by permission of the instructor.
Note: This course is a hybrid course with MUS 459, and this course cannot be taken for credit after previously taking MUS 459.
MUS 863.3: Advanced Seminar in Instrumental Literature and Materials
A detailed examination of the standard and atypical wind instrument repertoire for large and small ensembles. Graduate students will be expected to explore the compositions in a thorough scholarly manner as demonstrated through course work and two substantial research papers.
MUS 898.3: Special Topics
Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.
MUS 899.6: Special Topics
Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.
MUS 990.0: Music Forum
A venue for inter-programmatic peer exchange, allowing students to augment and synthesize skills acquired in other coursework, providing value leading into the thesis proposal phase, and beyond. The seminar class will be moderated by faculty specialists.
MUS 992.0: Research - Project
The major project for the MMUS degree in Performance; consists of two recitals, each approximately 60 minutes in length, accompanied by program notes. Repertoire will be chosen by the candidate and the principal advisor, and may consist of solo and/or chamber music, contingent upon student's major. A written proposal (prepared in consultation with the principal advisor) will be presented formally at a meeting of the candidate's committee. This proposal, along with program notes, must be approved by the committee. The recitals (scheduled before the end of the academic term in each year of the program) will be juried by the members of the Advisory Committee and open to the public. All Master of Music in Performance students must register in the MUS 992 according to the timelines of the Graduate Calendar. Registration for this course must be renewed until completion of the course requirements.
Weekly hours:
3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Music Performance program.
MUS 994.0: Research – Thesis
Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.
MUS 996.0: Research – Dissertation
Students writing a Ph.D. dissertation must register for this course.
Prerequisite(s): Entry into the Ph.D. program.