Music course descriptions
Mu-100 Music Theory Review (3)
Basic review of music theory including key signatures, scales, intervals and chords.
Mu-101 Elements of Music (3)
Basic concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony and musical design are developed through listening, singing, playing, and creative
activities. Discussion of various kinds of music from Bach to rock.
Mu-102 Aural Skills I (1)
An in-depth study of the fundamentals of music theory with emphasis on the development of aural performance and melodic
perception: rhythm and meter, scales and key signatures, intervals, phrase and cadence. Singing, melodic dictation and creativity.
Students whose program requires music theory must take Mu-102 concurrently with Mu-103.
Mu-103 Music Theory I (3)
Harmony I: The procedures of writing and analyzing music in the common practice idiom, including notation practices (including music
notation with computer), triads and seventh chords, figured bass, lead sheet notation, setting texts to music, transposition, voice
leading, part writing using triads, and basic musical form. A grade of C or higher in this course is required in order to register for Mu-
105. Prerequisite: Mu-100 or a passing score on a placement examination (contact the Music Dept. for exam).
Mu-104 Aural Skills II (1)
Continuation of Aural skills I including harmonic hearing, other scales, simple song forms. More advanced involvement in sight singing, melodic dictation and creativity. Students whose program requires this course normally take it concurrently with Mu-105. Prerequisite: a grade of C or higher in Mu-102. Students in programs that require a second year of theory must achieve a C or higher in this course.
Mu-105 Music Theory II (3)
Harmony II: A continuation of Mu-103, the procedures of writing and analyzing music in the common practice idiom. Topics include
non-chord tones, part writing and harmonization using seventh chords and secondary chords, modulations, and large-scale formal
structures. Prerequisite: a grade of C or higher in Mu-103.
Mu-206 Music Theory III (3)
Harmony III; continuation of Harmony II beginning with a study of chromatic harmony including borrowed chords, Neapolitan chords
as well as extended and altered harmonies. Analysis and composition based on techniques of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Prerequisite: grade of C or higher in Mu-105.
Mu-207 Music Theory IV (3)
Harmony IV; a continuation of Harmony III, analysis of, and composition in the basic polyphonic techniques and procedures as found in the motet, invention, and fugue. Analysis of significant larger forms of homophonic compositions as exemplified in theme and
variations, rondo, and sonata allegro. Analysis of, and composition in the techniques and procedures of contemporary and electronic music. Prerequisite: grade of C or higher in Mu-206.
Mu-208 Form (2)
The study of form and analysis as applied to traditional art music. Prerequisite: Mu-207.
Mu-211 Music History I (3)
A survey of music literature and history from ancient times to about 1750. Prerequisite: Mu-105.
Mu-212 Music History II (3)
A survey of music literature and history from about 1750 to the present day. Prerequisite: Mu-105.
Mu-213 World Music (3)
A study of the unique musical styles and traditions associated with diverse world cultures including Latin America, the Middle East,
Asia and Africa. Emphasis will be placed on the study of music in its cultural, social and historical contexts.
Mu-303 Arranging (2)
Problems of scoring for instruments such as range, tone qualities, balance, and blend. Particular emphasis on arranging music
suitable for school ensembles. Prerequisite: Mu-207.
Mu-320 Seminar in Music (3)
An in-depth study of a topic selected by the instructor. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite: Mu 211 or
212, or permission of instructor.
Mu-331 Basic Conducting (2)
Techniques of conducting and rehearsal procedures are emphasized through a study of literature suitable for school or church.
Mu-332 Instrumental Conducting (2)
The study of specific conducting techniques required for instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: Mu-331.
Mu-333 Choral Conducting (2)
The study of specific conducting techniques required for leading choral rehearsals and performances. Prerequisite: Mu-331.
Mu-334 Choral Literature and Development (2)
An examination of selected sacred and secular choral music from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis is placed on choral
literature suitable for performance and programs at the elementary and secondary levels and/or choral music for the liturgical service
and church year. (Previously listed as ChMu-317).
Mu-354 Diction (2)
The goal of this course is to incorporate the fundamental working knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet as it is used in
vocal diction and pedagogy. Languages covered include English, Italian, German and French.
Mu-355 Sacred Vocal Literature (1)
A study of selections from the literature for solo voice from pre-Bach to the present.
Mu-399 Independent Study (1–3)
Hours and topics by arrangement with instructor. Used to pursue special interests in music.
Mu-401 Composition (2)
Instruction to those who are interested and qualified to do creative work in composition for the instrumental and vocal media.
Prerequisite: Mu-207 and upper level standing.
Mu-493 Senior Project (2)
The capstone experience in the undergraduate study of music. Consists of the planning, preparation, and public performance of a fulllength
recital and a supporting written document. Enrollment limited to music majors.
MUSIC: APPLIED
The principal objectives of applied instruction are the development of performing competencies and the ability to read, understand,
and bring to performance musical compositions.
Below are the various areas in which applied instruction is available. The first digit of each course number represents the level of
instruction: “1” for beginning, “2” for advanced beginning, “3” for intermediate, and “4” for advanced. Students with prior experience on
an instrument or voice should contact the music office for a placement exam. Students with no prior experience should register for the
100-level of the appropriate course.
MuAp-x11 Trumpet I
MuAp-x12 French Horn
MuAp-x13 Trombone
MuAp-x14 Euphonium
MuAp-x15 Tuba
MuAp-x21 Flute
MuAp-x22 Oboe
MuAp-x23 Bassoon
MuAp-x24 Clarinet
MuAp-x25 Saxophone
MuAp-x31 Violin
MuAp-x32 Viola
MuAp-x33 Cello
MuAp-x34 String Bass
MuAp-x41 Percussion
MuAp-x51 Voice
MuAp-x61 Guitar
MuAp-x71 Piano
MuAp-x73 Harpsichord
MuAp-x81 Organ
The following Applied Music courses are also offered:
MuAp-172 Piano Accompanying
MuAp-182 Service Playing
MuAp-183 Improvisation
MuAp-184 Organ Accompanying
Applied music lessons are available for one credits; music majors may register for one or two credits. The only exception is MuAp-171 – Beginning Piano, which is only available for two credits and is available to all students regardless of major.
Applied music courses are not available for audit.
With the exception of MuAp-151, 161, 171, all lessons will incur a per-hour fee in addition to tuition charges.
MUSIC: PARISH
ChMu-213 Literature of the Organ (1)
A study of the music of the organ from the Renaissance to the present and its relationship to general music history. Special
consideration of music which may be used in the Lutheran service.
ChMu-313 Christian Hymnody (2)
A study of the hymns of western Christianity. Although those used by Lutherans will be a particular focus, the course includes hymns
from all traditions.
ChMu-315 Organ Registration (1)
A study of the physical principles governing organ design and registration. A practical application of these historic concepts to
literature played on instruments commonly found in 20th century churches.
ChMu-411 Lutheran Service (2)
An introduction to Christian liturgy, with particular attention paid to Lutheran use. Includes a discussion of theological, textual, musical
and cultural issues.
ChMu-431 Church Music Methods and Administration (1)
The administration of a comprehensive parish music program, with consideration of professional and ethical issues for church
musicians. For students in the parish music program.
MUSIC: ENSEMBLES
In order to meet varying interests, the music department offers a wide choice of instrumental, choral, and mixed ensembles. The
essential purposes of each ensemble are artistic performance and the development of musicianship. Ensembles are open to all
students; however, auditions are necessary with the exception of the Concordia Chorale and the University–Community Concert
Band which are open to all. Music majors are encouraged to participate in an ensemble each semester. All ensembles may be taken
for credit or audit. Course numbers may be repeated.
Mu-232 Concordia Chorale (1)
Easy to moderately difficult choral literature in Male Voice arrangements. Participation includes performances in chapel, Sunday
services, Christmas at Concordia, and Spring Concert. (Shared with Concordia Singers/Women’s Chorale). P/F
Mu-233 Concordia Singers (1)
Easy to moderately difficult choral literature in Female Voice arrangements. Participation includes performances in chapel, Sunday
services, Christmas at Concordia, and Spring Concert. (Shared with Concordia Chorale/Male Chorus). P/F
Mu-236 University A Cappella Choir (1)
The University A Cappella Choir is the concert choir of the university and the premier choral ensemble. Repertoire for the 65-voice
select mixed choir is chosen from the entire spectrum of choral music, including new works by local and regional composers as well
as music from a variety of cultures. The choir maintains a rigorous rehearsal and travel schedule, touring nationally and
internationally. Membership is by audition. P/F
Mu-237 University Chamber Choir (1)
The University Chamber Choir is a 16-voice select choir that sings a diverse repertoire of chamber choral music. The group travels
regionally and nationally. Members are chosen from the University A Cappella Choir. P/F
Mu-238 University Festival Chorus
The University Festival Chorus is a large chorus (120) comprised of the University A Cappella Choir, and the Concordia Singers. The
Chorus performs large-scale concert choral works with orchestra bi-annually.
Mu-241 Wind Ensemble (1)
The University Wind Ensemble is the university’s premier instrumental ensemble. Repertoire for the ensemble is chosen from the
entire spectrum of wind ensemble and concert band literature and includes everything from new commissions to traditional literature
to music of other cultures. The ensemble keeps an active rehearsal and travel schedule both regionally and nationally. Membership is
by audition.
Mu-242 University–Community Band (1)
The University–Community Band performs literature from the concert band repertoire. Membership is open to all students, adult
community members and advanced students from local high schools. The group performs on-campus concerts. P/F
Mu-244 Brass Ensemble (1)
A chamber ensemble which performs music appropriate for the brass idiom. A broad range of literature is explored from the
Renaissance to the 20th century. Performs frequently for chapel and off-campus events. P/F
Mu-245 Small Ensemble (1)
Study of ensemble literature for homogeneous groups of strings, winds, or percussion; or mixed ensembles including keyboard
instruments and/or voice. Instructor’s permission required. P/F
Mu-246 Jazz Ensemble (1)
The Jazz Ensemble performs music from the big band era to the latest jazz fusion charts. Appears for campus events, school
assemblies and off campus concerts. P/F
Mu-247 Handbell Choir (1)
The handbell choir prepares works from standard handbell literature for use in worship services on and off campus. Participation in
chapel and concert appearances. P/F
MUSIC: SCHOOL MUSIC
ScMu-262 Techniques in Woodwinds (2)
Representative woodwind instruments of the band and orchestra including flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. Correct
tone production, knowledge of fingerings on all woodwind instruments and the care of instruments. The student will acquire sufficient
facility in each instrument to be able to demonstrate various teaching techniques.
ScMu-263 Techniques in Brass (2)
Playing techniques of the trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone and tuba. Problems of tone production, posture, breathing, and
articulation through the study of elementary materials. The student will acquire sufficient facility in each instrument to be able to
demonstrate various teaching techniques.
ScMu-264 Techniques in Percussion (2)
Basic percussion techniques are developed with emphasis on the snare drum. Timpani, Mallet instruments, Latin American
instruments, and cymbal techniques are also covered. Percussion ensemble materials and elementary methods are used. The
student will acquire sufficient facility in each instrument to be able to demonstrate various teaching techniques.
ScMu-265 Techniques in Strings (2)
Elementary instruction in violin, viola, cello and bass, including tuning, bowing, fingering, knowledge of positions and care of
instruments. The student will acquire sufficient facility in each instrument to be able to demonstrate various teaching techniques.
ScMu-317 Instrumental Literature and Development (2)
A study of available instrumental solo and ensemble literature which is suitable and applicable to instrumental performance and
programs at the elementary and secondary levels. Special consideration is given to concerted music useful for worship services.
ScMu-328 Methods of Elementary Music (2)
The place and importance of classroom music. Techniques of teaching the elements of music; materials, creativity, classroom
instruments, singing.
ScMu-431 Organization and Administration of Elementary and Secondary Music (2)
A study of the organizational structure of the total music program K-12 with special emphasis on developing a philosophy of music
education, curriculum, administration, supervision, and development of classroom and special music programs and organizations.