Course descriptionThe Department of Music maintains a philosophy of education which seeks to provide a means
for spiritual, intellectual and artistic development consistent with a liberal education. The music major focuses on voice, piano, organ and conducting; providing abundant opportunities to develop musicianship through performances, analysis, listening, research and a knowledge of musical styles.
Upon graduation, students majoring in music will be able to read and sight sing musical
notation, harmonize a simple folk song with a left hand accompaniment, play any two voice
parts from an open choral score, play all four parts of a choral score from a piano reduction,
identify by ear and correctly notate melodic patterns, analyze and describe music, demonstrate
effective choral rehearsal techniques, research and write papers and recital programs,
and compose and arrange music using Midi technology.
The following are courses required for Music Majors:
MUSC 114 Fundamentals of Music Theory
MUSC 115 Music Theory II
MUSC 116 Music Theory III
MUSC 125 History of American Music
MUSC 247 Music History and Literature I
MUSC 248 Music History and Literature II
MUSC 249 Music History and Literature III
MUSC 314 Music Theory IV
MUSC 315 Music Theory V
MUSC 437 Conducting I
MUSC 438 Conducting II
MUSC 439 Choral Procedures
In addition a total of six IR courses are required.
Students majoring in music education must also complete MUSC 345 and 440. All music majors must complete the following requirements: Four years of either voice or piano/organ, piano proficiency exam (to be completed before the senior year), ensemble requirement, recital attendance requirement, and a senior recital or senior project. Students are also expected to demonstrate consistent patterns of quality in writing in major courses. The Music faculty will certify the general education service component and competencies in computer usage, moral/ethical reasoning, oral communication, research and writing in this major.
MINOR
Requirements: Six courses: MUSC 114, 115, 248, 249 and two elective courses. Six terms of
applied lessons in either voice, piano, organ or guitar, six terms of ensembles, a half recital, and
six terms of recital attendance are also required for the music minor. Cliff Singers is the required ensemble for music minors with vocal emphasis.
TEACHING ENDORSEMENT
Requirements: For students wishing to pursue a career in teaching, the department of music
offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in music education. A teaching major with both K-6 and 7-12 endorsement requires the courses necessary for the general music major plus MUSC 345, 440, and a minor in secondary education. Approval of certification in vocal and/or classroom music has been granted by the Iowa Department of Education.