Keyboard & Church Music

For music majors with little or no prior keyboard experience, this course introduces basic keyboard patterns and technical foundations, applied music theory, harmonization and transposition, and playing by ear. Development of sight playing skill is a central focus. Class sessions include reading, ensemble playing, performance, skill development and drill, and structured improvisation. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: concurrent registration in MUSIC 112.

In this continuation of MUSIC 161, students further develop their reading fluency and technical skill, and work with more advanced harmonic idioms. Class activities include harmonization and transposition, score reading, performance, by-ear playing, and improvisation. A grade of B- or higher satisfies Piano Proficiency Level 2 requirements. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 161, completion of Piano Proficiency Level 1, or audition placement. Concurrent registration in MUSIC 114.

This advanced piano class for music majors only emphasizes sight playing, score reading, harmonization and transposition, advanced harmonic idioms, improvisation, ensemble playing, and performance preparation. A grade of B- or higher satisfies Piano Proficiency Level 3 requirements. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 162, completion of Piano Proficiency Level 2, or audition placement; concurrent registration in MUSIC 212 recommended.

This continuation of 261 emphasizes sight playing, score reading, harmonization and transposition, more advanced improvisation and harmonic usage, performance preparation, and leadership from the keyboard. A grade of B- or higher satisfies Piano Proficiency Level 4 requirements. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 261, completion of Piano Proficiency 3, or audition placement; concurrent registration in MUSIC 214 recommended.

For music majors with organ or piano as their principal instrument, this course provides intensive practical experience with and development of functional keyboard skills including sight-reading, score reading, keyboard harmonization, transposition, improvisation, and figured bass/continuo realization. Open to other advanced organists and pianists by permission of instructor. A grade of B- or higher satisfies the keyboard proficiency level 4 requirements.  Offered alternate years. Counts toward BA music major and all BM majors.
Prerequisite: concurrent registration in, or successful completion of, MUSIC 114.

Drawing from the fields of biology, neuroscience, physics, and psychology, this course introduces students to the biological and psychological aspects of music performance. Students develop an understanding of the origins of performance-related injury, the mechanism of hearing, the sources of workplace stress in the lives of professional musicians. Each student will design and complete an exercise program tailored to their individual needs as a musician.  Offered Interim alternate years.

Through regular rehearsals and coaching sessions, new or already-formed chamber groups prepare and perform selected literature, learn about related repertoire, and cultivate observation, communication, and leadership skills. Typical ensembles include string quartets, brass or woodwind quintets, piano trios, saxophone quartets, etc. May be repeated. Offered each semester.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Beginning with the 17th century, students trace the evolution of literature for piano through the major works of such diverse composers as Bach, Boulez, Couperin, and Cage. Course content includes lectures, readings, listening, analysis, performance, and written assignments. Special attention is paid to performance practice traditions and historical context. Offered periodically.
Prerequisites: MUSIC 214 and MUSIC 141, or permission of instructor.

An introduction to principles, methods and resources for effective and creative music teaching through the piano. Students observe demonstration teaching at various levels and inindividual and group settings, engage in peer teaching, analyze and perform teaching literature, and discuss topics such as technical development, learning stages and styles, and studio management. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.