MUS 225, JUBILEE SINGERS®, 1 credit
The Fisk Jubilee Singers™ specializes in singing Negro Spirituals. This ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On-campus and off-campus performances are required. Auditions are open to all current students of the University. Frequent travel is common. The Singers must retain a 2.5 GPA throughout their tenure; failure to do so will result in dismissal. Prerequisite: Audition.  Check out the link to the  Fisk Jubilee Singers Official Page

 

MUS 226, UNIVERSITY CHOIR, 1 credit
This is a mixed vocal ensemble that provides training in performance, with emphasis on proper vocal technique for ensemble singing. All music majors must complete four semester hours in this ensemble. Generally, this group performs for selected Sunday Chapel Services and performs major choral compositions in concert. Membership: permission of the director. May be repeated for credit. Check out the link to the University Choir Offical Page

 

MUS 227, JAZZ ENSEMBLE, 1 credit
The ensemble meets regularly to rehearse and review ensemble music in the jazz and contemporary tradition. Performances are scheduled and presented to the community. Offered each semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Provide link to a page for University Choir

 

MUS 228, OPERA WORKSHOP, 1-2 credits
A laboratory-performance based course in which students perform scenes from operas of different periods. The student is given the opportunity to deal with musical, technical, and dramatic aspects of producing an opera. When feasible, whole operas are performed at the end of the semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Musical audition.

 

MUS 229, UNIVERSITY BAND, 1 credit
A heterogeneous instrumental ensemble that provides training in performance of standard wind ensemble literature. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the director.

 

REQUIRED MUSIC EDUCATION COURSES

MUS 313, MUSIC IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2 credits. 
This course is designed for music education majors. It investigates the domains of knowledge, educational terms, leadership roles in supervision, behavioral objectives, levels of cognitive behavior in children and lesson plan examples. It will explore Zoltan Kodaly’s Vocal Approach and Carl Orff’s Instrumental Approach. Systematic classification or terminology by such important educational leaders as Jean Piaget, John Dewey, Robert & Vernice Nye and “Bloom’s Taxonomy” will be studied. Students teach actual music lessons in class and in the field under supervision. Whenever possible, this course meets in the public schools where students observe course instructors teach children.

 

MUS 315, MUSIC IN THE HIGH SCHOOL YEAR, 2 credits. 
This course focuses on materials and presentations in the three principal areas of study in music in high school. They include choral music, instrumental music, and music appreciation. Emphasis is placed on various choral ensembles, literature, choral administration, beginning instrumental ensembles and lesson procedures, advanced band-orchestra techniques, related materials, and instrumental administration.

 

MUS 383, TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING BRASS AND PERCUSSION, 2 credits. 
This course covers a study of teaching problems through the practical experience of learning to play both brass and percussion instruments. This will be accomplished by acquainting the student with fundamental techniques of playing these instruments and by learning the appropriate literature.

 

MUS 384, TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING WOODWINDS AND STRINGS, 2 credits.
This course covers a study of teaching problems through the practical experience of learning to play woodwinds, stringed and fretted instruments. This will be accomplished by acquainting the student with fundamental techniques of playing these instruments and by learning the appropriate literature.

 

MUSIC SEMINARS AND REQUIRED RECITALS

MUS 157-158, SEMINAR IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND LITERATURE, 0 credits.
The Seminar will present performances by students of repertoire prepared in private lessons under the supervision of a music faculty, as well as discussions, lectures concerning pedagogical concepts and music literature, and illustrations of performance techniques. These MasterClasses and Performance Seminars are used as supplementary forms of instruction throughout four years of study at Fisk. The first four seminars will be offering instruction in fretted instruments. Participation by all music students is mandatory.

 

MUS 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 390, JUNIOR RECITAL, 0 credits.
A formal, juried presentation in a concert of learned repertoire appropriate to the Junior level in the student’s principal applied music study area. A successful jury hearing must precede the recital by one month. Instruction will be under the guidance of the student’s major applied teacher. Repertoire will include music from at least three major performance genres (i.e., nationalities, languages, historical periods, styles, and composers as appropriate).

 

MUS 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 490, SENIOR RECITAL, 0 credits.
A formal, juried presentation in a concert of learned repertoire appropriate to the Senior level in the student’s principal applied music study area. A successful jury hearing must precede the recital by at least one month. Instruction will be under the guidance of the student’s major applied teacher. Repertoire will include music from at least three major performance genres (i.e., nationalities, languages, historical periods, styles, and composers as appropriate).

 

ELECTIVE COURSES IN MUSIC

MUS 110, PRINCIPLES OF JAZZ IMPROVISATION, 2 credits.
The fundamentals in music–scales, modes, rhythms–are learned and applied to acquire the technical facility required to express and sustain an improvisatory musical idea. Transcribed, recorded solos by jazz masters are introduced as models for analysis and application. Prerequisite: audition or permission of the Instructor. $100 Music Fee MUS 120.

 

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, 2 credits. 
An introduction to digital technology as it relates to the production of sound, including MIDI technology, and computer technology. Students will use notation programs, compositional aids, sound editing, and CD writing skills. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: MUS 100 and CSCI 100 or Test. $100 Music Fee

 

MUS 205, MUSIC IN AMERICA, 2 credits. 
A historical survey of the music of the United States from its founding to the present time, including the study of major composers, musical forms, and styles, including jazz and other popular forms that developed in the United States.

 

MUS 206, CROSSCURRENTS IN AFRICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC, 2 credits. 
A study of the African American’s contribution to music in America.

 

MUS 207, TWENTIETH CENTURY MUSIC, 2 credits.
Twentieth-Century Music is a historical survey of the music of the Twentieth Century, including the study of musical forms and major composers during the 1900s.

 

MUS 208, HISTORY OF JAZZ, 2 credits per semester. 
History of Jazz is a study of jazz from traditional to avant-garde. A historical survey of the various styles of jazz and the innovators in each style will be included.

 

MUS 281-282; 381-382; 481-482, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 2-4 credits. 
Advanced study in music for students of demonstrated ability. A member of the music faculty will be assigned by the Department Chair to advise each student.

 

APPLIED MUSIC COURSES

MUS 020X, STRINGS CLASS, 1 credit.
One hour of class instruction offered weekly for beginning string students. Introduction to basic skills and repertoire for the stringed instruments in a group context. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. Admittance to the B. Mus. in Performance degree program for orchestral instruments is made available to qualified applicants. Instrumental studies are offered subject to the availability of instructors. Students may select their major applied area from the list below. Majors earn 1-2 hours per semester; class and introductory courses earn 1 credit hour per semester. For further information concerning study in the areas, consult the Department Chair.

Strings MUS 121-122, 221-222, 321-322, 421-422

Guitar MUS 131-132, 231-232, 331-332, 431-432

Brass MUS 141-142, 241-242, 341-342, 441-442

Woods MUS 191-192, 291-292, 391-392, 491-492

 

MUS 050X, PIANO CLASS FOR BEGINNERS, 1 credit per semester. 
One hour of class instruction offered weekly for beginning piano students who have had little or no exposure to the piano. Elementary piano technique and music readings are taught through the simplest repertoire.

 

MUS 052X, PIANO CLASS FOR BEGINNERS, 1 credit per semester. Continuation of MUS 050X. Further study of technique and reading. The repertoire consists of folk-song arrangements and the simplest solo and ensemble piano repertoire. Students may audition into MUS 052X with the permission of the Instructor.

 

MUS 053X, PIANO CLASS FOR BEGINNERS, 1 credit per semester. Continuation of MUS 052X. Further study of technique and reading. The repertoire consists of solo and ensemble piano repertoire. Students may audition into MUS 053X with the permission of the Instructor.

 

MUS 054X, PIANO CLASS FOR BEGINNERS, 1 credit per semester. 
Continuation of MUS 053X. Further study of technique and reading. The repertoire consists of solo and ensemble piano repertoire. Students may audition into MUS 054X with the permission of the Instructor.

 

MUS 150-A-B. SECONDARY PIANO 1 credit per semester. One half-hour private lesson offered weekly or two one hour group classes, as determined by audition. This course is primarily designed for music students who have a major instrument and wish to study piano as a secondary area. Voice majors are required to take piano as their secondary instrument. Concentration areas: easier piano literature and development of proficiency in areas of functional keyboard skills.

 

MUS 151-152, PRINCIPAL PIANO, 1 credit per semester. One hour private and one studio class required weekly. This course is for music majors in the B.A. in music and B. Mus. in Performance degree programs, who have selected piano as their principal instrument. Concentration: scales, arpeggios, technical exercises, and suitable repertoire. Prerequisite: Audition. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 250-A-B, SECONDARY PIANO, 1 credit per semester. 
One half-hour private lesson required weekly. Lessons will cover the same materials as MUS 150A-B. Greater development and proficiency in areas of functional keyboard skills will be expected. Piano literature: Baroque through the 20th Century. The four-semester program culminates in the passing of the Piano Proficiency Test required of students enrolled in secondary piano. Prerequisite: MUS 150A-B

 

MUS 251-252, PRINCIPAL PIANO FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 1 credit. One hour private and one studio class required weekly. Areas of study will include advanced techniques and literature to include sonatas by Beethoven and Well-Tempered Clavier by Bach. Sophomore Hearing to advance to upper-division. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 152.

 

MUS 253-254, PRINCIPAL PIANO FOR B.MUS, 2 credits per semester. 
One hour private and one studio class required weekly. This course is essentially the same as MUS 251-252, but more literature studies and greater technical proficiency are expected. Prerequisite MUS 152.

 

MUS 351-352, PRINCIPAL PIANO FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 1 credit per semester. One hour private and one studio class required weekly. Continuation of technical studies, such as scales, arpeggios, Hanon, etc. Standard piano literature will include keyboard literature by African American composers. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 355-356, PRINCIPAL PIANO FOR B.MUS. , 4 credits per semester. 
Two-hour private lessons and one studio class required weekly. This course will follow essentially the same guidelines as MUS 351-352, but longer preparation will be necessary for more extensive literature and greater technical proficiency. Required: Junior recital. Prerequisite: MUS 254.

 

MUS 451-452, PRINCIPAL PIANO FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 2 credits per semester. 
One hour private and one studio class required weekly. Advanced piano literature, scales, arpeggios, and advanced technical exercises will be covered. Required: Mini recital. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 352.

 

MUS 455-456, PRINCIPAL PIANO FOR B.MUS., 4 credits per semester. 
Two-hour private lessons and one studio class required weekly. The course description is essentially the same as MUS 451-452, but greater concentration will be placed in the following areas as well as greater preparation: scales, arpeggios, technical exercises, repertoire, accompanying and seminars in piano pedagogy. Required: Senior recital. Prerequisite: MUS 356.

 

MUS 060A-B, INTRODUCTORY ORGAN, 1 credit per semester.
One half-hour lesson offered weekly. This is a course for music and non-music students who have no previous background in organ playing. Areas of study include manual technique, pedal technique, and elements of technique and interpretation. Prerequisite: MUS 250B or audition.

 

MUS 160A-B, SECONDARY ORGAN, 1 credit per semester. 
One half-hour lesson offered weekly. This course is primarily designed for music students who have a major instrument and wish to study organ as a secondary instrument. Areas of study: manual technique, pedal technique, elements of technique and interpretation, beginning organ pieces. Prerequisite: MUS 060B or permission of the Instructor. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 161-162, PRINCIPAL ORGAN, 1 credit per semester. 
Two half-hour lessons offered weekly. This course is designed for music majors who have selected organ as their major instrument. The following areas of study are covered: pedal studies, major and minor scales, legato studies, and other selected works by well-known composers. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition.

 

MUS 260A-B, SECONDARY ORGAN, 1 credit per semester. 
This is a continuation of MUS 160A-B. Areas of study include advanced technical studies for manuals and pedals, music for manuals only, music for manuals and pedals. Pieces by major composers will also be studied. Prerequisite: MUS 160B.

 

MUS 261-262, PRINCIPAL ORGAN FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 1 credit per semester.
Two half-hour lessons offered weekly. This is a course designed for students majoring in organ. Areas of study include advanced pedal studies, organ literature, and organ pedagogy. Required: Sophomore Hearing to advance to upper-division. Prerequisite: MUS 162.

 

MUS 263-264, PRINCIPAL ORGAN FOR B.MUS., 2 credits per semester. 
This course will follow essentially the same guidelines as MUS 261-262, but greater preparation will result in more extensive literature and greater technical proficiency. Required: Sophomore Hearing to advance to upper-division. Prerequisite: MUS 162.

 

MUS 361-362, PRINCIPAL ORGAN FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 1 credit per semester.
Two half-hour lessons offered weekly. Areas of study covered include the continuation of technical studies. Major works by popular and modern composers will also be studied. Prerequisite MUS 262 and successful completion of Sophomore Hearing. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 365-366, PRINCIPAL ORGAN FOR B.MUS., 4 credits per semester. 
This course is essentially the same as MUS 361-362, but the emphasis is on longer preparation for more extensive literature and greater technical proficiency. Required: A junior recital. Prerequisite MUS 254.

 

MUS 461-462, PRINCIPAL ORGAN FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 2 credits per semester.
One hour lesson weekly. This is a continuation of previous studies but expanded to cover the study of hymn and accompaniment playing. Required: A mini recital. Prerequisite: MUS 362. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 465-466, PRINCIPAL ORGAN FOR B.MUS., 4 credits per semester. 
One hour lesson weekly. The course description is essentially the same as MUS 461-462, but greater emphasis is on preparation for the required Senior Recital which should approach professional standards. Required: Senior recital. Prerequisite: MUS 366.

 

MUS 070X, VOICE CLASS FOR BEGINNERS, 1 credit. 
One hour class instruction offered weekly in basic vocal technique for non-music majors as it pertains to solo and ensemble singing. Study of literature from a method book. Music education majors whose applied principal area is in instrumental music must take one semester of this class. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 170A-B, SECONDARY VOICE, 1 credit. 
One-half hour lesson offered weekly. This course is intended for music majors whose principal major is instrumental music. Keyboard majors must take Secondary Voice. The student is expected to develop sound technique, applicable to both individual and ensemble singing, through studies in a method book, such as Bel Canto by M. Marchesi and/or Van Christy.

 

MUS 171-172, PRINCIPAL VOICE, 1 credit per semester. 
One hour private and four group lessons required weekly. This is a required course for voice majors in the B.A. in Music and B. Mus in Performance degree programs. Study in the elements of vocal technique from a method book with special attention to vocal action and its controls. Elementary vocalises, Italian Classics, and basic Art Songs will be learned with an emphasis on phonetic symbols as they pertain to diction in singing Italian, English, German and French. Prerequisite: Vocal audition. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 229, UNIVERSITY BAND, 1 credit.
A heterogeneous instrumental ensemble that provides training in performance of standard wind ensemble literature. Prerequisite: Permission of the director. May be repeated for credit.

 

MUS 270A-B, SECONDARY VOICE, 1 credit. 
One-half hour lesson offered weekly. Further study in the elements of vocal technique and phonetic symbols as they pertain to singing in English, Italian and German or French. Prerequisite: MUS 170B.

 

MUS 271-272, PRINCIPAL VOICE FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 1 credit per semester. 
One hour private and four technique classes required weekly. Further development in technique; laws of interpretation; special emphasis on German Lieder, songs of modern African American composers, and simpler opera and oratorio areas. Required: Sophomore Hearing to advance to upper-division. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 172.

 

MUS 273-274, PRINCIPAL VOICE FOR B.MUS., 2 credits per semester. 
This course will follow essentially the same guidelines as MUS 271-272. Greater preparation will be expected to culminate in more extensive literature and greater technical proficiency. Required: Sophomore Hearing and Proficiency Exam to advance to upper-division. Prerequisite MUS 172.

 

MUS 371-372, PRINCIPAL VOICE FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 1 credit per semester. 
One hour private and four technique classes required weekly. Further technical development through advanced vocalises in the Marchesi Method book. Special emphasis on French literature. Course content as part of the Vocal Literature survey will include student reports, assigned reading, and listening. Required: A mini recital for the Performance Seminar. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 272.

 

MUS 375-376, PRINCIPAL VOICE FOR B. MUS., 4 credits per semester. 
One hour private and four technique classes required weekly. Course requirements are essentially the same as MUS 371-372, but greater preparation for each class will be expected. Final project: A notebook covering vocal literature from about 1650 to the present. The performance level at the end of this year should approach the professional standard. Required: A junior recital. Prerequisite: MUS 274

 

MUS 471-472, PRINCIPAL VOICE FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 2 credits per semester. 
One hour individual lesson weekly. Continued study of comprehensive repertoire and advanced technical skills. The Marchesi Methods book should be mastered by the end of MUS 472. Required: A senior recital of a 30-minute minimum in length. Prerequisite MUS 372.

 

MUS 475-476, PRINCIPAL VOICE FOR B.A. IN MUSIC, 4 credits per semester.
One hour private and four technique classes required weekly. The course description is essentially the same as MUS 471-472 but much greater preparation for each lesson will be expected. Course preparation will also include supplemental reading, lectures and practice teaching for vocal pedagogy. Final project: A notebook covering pedagogical principles for teaching voice. Required: A senior recital of professional quality covering African-American Art Songs, Negro spirituals, German Lied, French mélodie, Italian classics, Operatic and Oratorio arias in their original languages and art songs in English. The recital must represent at least four different languages. Prerequisite: MUS 376.