MUS - Sacred Music Course Descriptions
This course introduces students to the elements of music theory: Pitch, notation, rhythm, simple and compound meters, major and minor scales, modes, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. This course is strictly written theory and does not test students’ performance abilities. Students therefore will learn how to analyze musical scores through lectures, discussion, written exercises, exams, and projects. Franciscan students not studying music may take this course as a general elective to familiarize themselves with the basic building blocks of music in the Western tradition. Minors may take this course as part of their theory requirements but may also test into MUS 109: Music Theory I if they demonstrate sufficient proficiency. Although MUS 100 does not count toward the sacred-music major, majors may be placed in this course in preparation for the Theory and Analysis sequence (MUS 109, 209, and 210).
Notes
Analogous to MUS 100, this course introduces students to basic musicianship skills and is predominantly performance-based instruction and participation. Students will learn the principles of singing in solfege, major/minor scales and triads, and simple melodies. They also will learn to develop their ability to sing/perform and identify intervals and basic rhythmic patterns through aural-skills assignments, quizzes, and tests. Franciscan students not studying music may take this course as a general elective to familiarize themselves with the basic principles of musicianship in the Western tradition. Minors may take this course as part of their theory requirements but may also test into MUS 107: Ear Training I if they demonstrate sufficient proficiency. Although MUS 104 does not count toward the sacred-music major, majors may be placed in this course in preparation for the Ear Training sequence (MUS 107 and 108).
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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(Non-Majors) Students will need to demonstrate keyboard proficiency before beginning study and/or should take piano before entering organ study. Weekly lessons will introduce students to the unique technical challenges of the instrument as well as registration with the ultimate objective to play hymns, service music, and psalm accompaniment for the Mass. Attendance at weekly performance class is encouraged. This course may be repeated.
Notes
Additional course fee.
Permission of instructor
Is required of all sacred music majors (three years). This course confers academic credit for participation in a mixed schola (men and women), but all singers in the community—whether registered students or not--are encouraged to audition for this schola. 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 (90 minutes per rehearsal) with a built-in time for required sectional practice for men and women (30 minutes per rehearsal). Students may not take this course for the year in which they choose to study in Austria unless granted permission by instructor. This course may be repeated, and requirements may be satisfied with MUS 177 for women.
Audition and permission of instructor
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
Permission of the instructor
Schola is required of all sacred music majors (three years). For students registered for MUS 177, the course confers academic credit for participation in a women’s schola, but all female singers in the community—whether registered students or not--are encouraged to audition for this schola. For sacred music majors, Women's Choir constitutes the formal element of their sacred music practicum in that its purpose is the performance of sacred music in the liturgy. It may 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 three times per week (50 minutes per rehearsal) and has a 50-minute weekly sectional requirement that students must schedule during the opening of the semester. Students may not take this course for the year in which they choose to study in Austria unless granted permission by instructor. This course may be repeated and requirements may be satisfied with MUS 175.
Audition and permission of 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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
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.
This course will focus on direct, somatic, and emphatic communication between the accompanist and other musicians, as well as developing the necessary skills to respond to the particular needs of a given rehearsal or performance situation. This course will cover both piano and organ accompanying.
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.
This course surveys the development of sacred and secular vocal literature from the beginning of twelfth- and thirteenth-century monophony and polyphony to contemporary classical genres. This course will equip students with the necessary repertoire, research tools, and knowledge of stylistic traits to prepare them for church-music and/or performance careers.
Two semesters of Schola and of Voice Lessons
This course surveys the development of sacred and secular keyboard literature from the Medieval colorists to contemporary classical genres. This course will equip students with the necessary repertoire, research tools, and knowledge of stylistic traits to prepare them for church-music and/or performance careers.
Two semesters of organ lessons
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
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 conducting and score-reading techniques: basic patterns of simple and compound meters, some irregular patterns, cues, cutoffs, dynamics, breathing, and the fermata. 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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
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.
This course will examine the physiology of the human voice, the technique of vocal production, breathing, and vowel-shape. This course will prepare all sacred music students to teach individual voice lessons and choral ensembles with proper technique(s).
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.
(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.
Notes
Additional course fee.