Music Courses

BS in Education, Music Emphasis

The Music Education degree program at Concord University, leading to a BS in Education (Music Pre-K - Adult) and certification to teach music in the public schools, is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching music or further music study at the graduate level.  Even though many graduates become teachers, some graduates with teaching degrees elect to pursue further studies in graduate school or professional or semi-professional music careers in addition to, or instead of, teaching areas.  Concord University Department of Music graduates have an outstanding job placement record and hold many important positions throughout WV and other states.  The Concord Music Faculty is dedicated to maintaining the quality of the program to insure the continued success of its graduates.   The degree program requires successful completion of 134 semester hours, including (1) the Program of General Studies; (2) the Professional Education component; (3) the requirements associated with the Certificate for Grades Pre-K – Adult in Music, including a concentration area in instrumental music, vocal music, piano, or composition.  The curriculum summary and list of classes in (3) (requirements associated with the Certificate for Grades Pre-K – Adult in Music) are listed below, along with course descriptions from the current catalog (scroll down).  For a list of classes in the Program of General Studies, click here; for a list of classes in the Professional Education component, click here.      

Curriculum Summary - Music Education   

Department of Music

The Department of Music’s objective is to graduate competent, sensitive musicians who are prepared to begin a variety of musical careers.
All prospective music students must schedule an audition for placement purposes before enrolling in any applied music course. In addition, students are responsible for all applicable requirements in the Music Student Handbook. As music majors, students can expect to plan individual daily practice sessions of at least two or three hours.

The Bachelor of Science in Education
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Education, with certification to teach music in the public schools, requires successful completion of 137 semester hours, including: (1) the Program of General Studies; (2) the Professional Education component; and (3) the requirements associated with the following certification for Music grade PreK-Adult in Music (pages 90-91). A grade point average of 2.5 is required.

Students must choose one concentration from instrumental, voice, keyboard, or composition.

An overall grade point average of 2.50 (C) must be maintained in all courses in music for graduation.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies–Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies–Music requires the successful completion of 128 semester hours including (1) the Program of General Studies; (2) a minimum of 24 hours in music selected in consultation with a music adviser and (3) 1 or 2 other major studies as detailed under the heading of BA/BS Interdisciplinary Studies. Application is required.

Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Minor in Music
To obtain a Minor in Music, the student must take 20 hours in music courses, consisting of the following subjects: MUS 106, 107, Applied Music (four semesters, including successful completion of a jury, junior standing), Music Ensembles (four hours from MUS 451 and/or 453), and music electives to be selected by the student and his or her Music adviser.

MUSIC COURSES (MUS) [from the Concord University Academic Catalog 2007-2009]

90 Music Fundamentals Lab. (1)
A course in the fundamentals of music involving individual tutoring, self-directed study and computer assisted instruction. Not applicable toward graduation requirements although enrollment may be required for music students after placement tests.

101A Introduction to Music. (3)
A general survey of western music from the Middle Ages to the present for students without a working knowledge of music fundamentals. Listening assignments, including attendance at selected concerts, may be included.

101B Introduction to Music. (3)
A detailed survey of western music from the Middle Ages to the present for students with a working knowledge of music fundamentals. Listening assignments, including attendance at selected concerts, will be included. (F)

106 Music Theory I. (3)
Prerequisite: Passing grade on Music Fundamentals Entrance Examination.
Integrated theory course including part-writing, sight-singing and ear-training. (F)

107 Music Theory II. (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MUS 106.
A continuation of Music Theory I. (S)

161A-161B Class Piano I and II. (1, 1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Open to music students only. Designed to develop fundamental keyboard skills in a classroom/laboratory situation. Grade of C or better required for 161B.

162 Woodwind Methods. (1)
The fundamentals of playing and teaching the woodwind instruments with emphasis on teaching procedures.

163 Brass Methods. (1)
A study of the fundamentals of playing and teaching the brass instruments.

204 Music Skills and Materials for the Classroom Teacher. (3)
A course in the fundamentals of music as introduced in the general elementary classroom by the classroom teacher in support of the music specialist. A basic study of the principles of Music Education and a survey of the available materials and appropriate procedures for the classroom teacher. Teaching required.

206 Music Theory III. (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MUS 107.
A continuation of Music Theory II. (F)

245 Methods in Music Technology. (1)
An introduction to the concepts and techniques of electronic devices and computer technology in music.

261 Class Piano. (1, 1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A continuation of Class Piano I and II. Grade of C or better required in 161B. Majors must repeat for two hours of credit.

264 String Methods. (1)
Prerequisites: MUS 106
An introduction to the technical problems involved in the performance of stringed instruments. Instruction is carried on as in the public school.

265 Percussion Methods. (1)
A study of all percussion instruments with emphasis on the snare drum. The goal is a working knowledge of all percussion instruments.

266 Voice Methods. (1)
Open only to students who read music, have a working knowledge of music fundamentals and have consent of instructor. Study and practice of basic principles of singing, including coordination and freedom of the vocal mechanism. (every other S)

300 Conducting. (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Music 206.
A course designed to build skills and develop musicianship in instrumental and choral conducting. (every other S)

302 History and Analysis of Music I. (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Music 107or consent of instructor.
A detailed survey of the historical and theoretical practices of music from the Pre-Christian through Baroque Eras. (every third semester)

303 Music Education I. (3)
A study of teaching techniques and materials appropriate to the elementary and intermediate grades. Teaching required. Ten hours modeling a master teacher. (F)

304 Music Education II. (3)
Study and evaluation of vocal, instrumental and general music teaching techniques and materials for the secondary schools. Teaching required. Ten hours modeling a master teacher. (every other S)

306 History and Analysis of Music II. (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MUS 107 or consent of instructor.
A detailed survey of the historical and theoretical practices of music from the Classic through Romantic Eras. (every third semester).

307 History and Analysis of
Music III. (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MUS 107 or consent of instructor.
A detailed survey of the historical and theoretical practices of music from the 20th century to the present and a broad survey of world musics. (every third semester).

330 Music Theory IV. (2)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Music 207.
A continuation of Theory III with additional studies in score reading and analysis. (S)

341 Choral Literature. (1)
A survey of appropriate literature for various choral ensembles. (every other S)

345 Composition. (1-3)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MUS 206 and consent of instructor.
A study of the basic craft of composition including individual instruction in creative projects. Course may be repeated.

368 Keyboard Pedagogy. (1)
For keyboard majors. A course designed to acquaint the student with various methods and procedures used in piano pedagogy. The course will cover the instructional objectives as well as business procedures.

369 Elements of Accompanying. (1, 1, 1, 1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A practical application of vocal and instrumental accompanying including literature of a wide diversity of styles.

370 Band Literature. (1)
Designed to familiarize Music Education students with school instrumental literature. (every other S)

407 Arranging and Scoring. (2)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MUS 206 or consent of instructor.
A practical course in the rudiments of arranging and scoring for small and large instrumental and vocal ensembles.(S)

425 Special Topics: Music. (1-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Courses on various topics in music. Topics of study indicated on student’s transcript. May be taken for credit repeatedly.

426 Special Topics: Music Education. (1-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Courses on various topics in music education. Topics of study indicated on student’s transcript. May be taken for credit repeatedly.

427 Jazz Studies. (1-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Courses on various topics in jazz studies. Topics of study indicated on student’s transcript. May be taken for credit repeatedly. (every other S)

428 Special Topics: Studio Teaching. (1-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Courses on various topics in studio teaching. Topics of study indicated on student’s transcript. May be taken for credit repeatedly. Teaching required.

445 Electronic Music Systems. (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A survey of concrete, synthetic and computerized sound production and manipulation techniques including applications in music areas. Students will complete a project appropriate to their interests. Open to music and science students. (Not offered on a regular basis.)

470 Independent Study. (1-3)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of 90 or more semester hours and consent of instructor.
An opportunity for the student to enroll in a course of intensified study of a subject (mutually agreed upon by the student and the instructor) not normally covered in other courses.

475 Senior Recital. (1-3)
Prerequisite: For music majors only; GPA of 3.0 in six levels in the student’s applied music area—number 100 and above; and successful completion of the senior recital jury.
This is a recital given for the public in which the student exhibits the musical training received during his/her undergraduate study.

Music Ensembles
451 Collegiate Singers. (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A select choral ensemble devoted to the artistic performance of choral music.

453 Symphonic Band. (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A large wind and percussion ensemble which performs transcriptions and original works for band.

454A-B Concord Commanders. (1, 1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Membership limited. An organization under faculty supervision which studies and performs literature from all styles of jazz and popular music.

455 Brass Ensemble. (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A small ensemble for the study and performance of literature for various combinations of brass instruments.

456 Percussion Ensemble. (1)
Prerequisite: Audition.
A select group of percussionists studying and performing literature appropriate to this family of instruments.

457 Woodwind Ensemble. (1)
Prerequisite: Audition.
A small ensemble for the study and performance of literature for various combinations of woodwind instruments.

458 Varsity Band. (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Ensemble designed to perform at various athletic events.

460 Chamber Music. (1-6)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Various regularly scheduled small ensemble rehearsals in preparation for a performance. These groups will prepare music under the direction of a faculty member and will receive instruction in rehearsal techniques.

461 ConChords. (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
A small, select vocal ensemble which performs music in a wide variety of styles.

475 Senior Recital (1)

Applied Music
The Department of Music offers the courses listed below in applied music (private lessons). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in the appropriate ensemble (MUS 451 or MUS 453) is required in order to receive applied music lessons.
Each semester of applied music carries from one to three hours credit, according to the individual recommendation of the applied instructor. Performance standards and specific requirements for each semester of study have been established and are available from the individual instructor.
All music majors are required to give a senior recital prior to graduation. See MUS 475 for further details.
Successful completion (grade of A or B) of six semesters of applied music study on the same instrument or voice is a graduation requirement and a prerequisite to MUS 475, Senior Recital.
High Brass: MUS 310
Low Brass: MUS 312
Woodwinds: MUS 317
Percussion: MUS 320
Piano: MUS 321
Organ: MUS 322
Voice: MUS 323
Fretted Instruments: MUS 324
Carillon: MUS 325