20 credits
Why music?
Music minors study the history, theory and composition of music, using one or more instruments, including the voice, to aid their learning. The dedication involed in studying music is well-known and respected, making a background in music a desirable quality when looking to enter many fields.
Goes great with
Global Studies
History
History/Social Science
Human Services
IHM Seminary Philosophy
Management - Sport Management track
Pastoral & Youth Ministry
Religious Education
Theatre Arts
Theology
(From the 09-11 Catalog)
A. Basic musicianship courses; all of the following:
MU130 Music Fundamentals I*
MU131 Music Fundamentals II*
MU160 Music Theory I
MU170 Ear Training I
B. The following course:
MU150 Experiencing Music
C. Music history; one of the following:
MU255 Jazz History
MU341 Music History I
MU342 Music History II
D. 4 semesters of private instruction taken for credit in major performing instrument (see Course Catalog for more information)
E. 6 semesters of ensembles (see Course Catalog for options)
*MU130 and MU131 II, or equivalent proficiency, are prerequisites for MU160. All students must take an initial placement exam to determine theory proficiency.
Click on courses below for descriptions
MU130 Music Fundamentals I (1 credit)This course is designed to be an introduction to music reading and understanding. The fundamentals of pitch and rhythm are covered along with ear training and score reading in this computer-assisted course.
MU342 Music History II (3 credits)This course is a continuation of MU341. It is a writing intensive study of music history continuing through the classical, romantic and contemporary periods.
Offered in alternate spring semesters.
MU255 Jazz History (3 credits)This course examines unique Western and non-Western aspects of jazz and its relationship to the Afro-American culture. It is intended to give students an introduction to various styles of jazz from its beginning in the early 1900s to the present. Students study the cultural context of jazz, what to listen for and some basic aspects of how it is performed.
Offered in alternate spring semesters.
MU341 Music History I (3 credits)This course is a writing intensive study of music history covering ancient, medieval, renaissance, and baroque western art music. A basic understanding of the history of western civilization is expected.
Offered in alternate fall semesters.
Prerequisites: MU130 or equivalent, and MU150.
MU160 Music Theory I (3 credits)This course is designed for students interested in increasing their knowledge of the basic elements of music. Concepts covered include: keys, scales, simple and compound rhythms, intervals, triads, 7th chords, principles of voice leading, harmonic progression, cadences, phrases and periods.
Prerequisites:
- MU130 Music Fundamentals I
- MU131 Music Fundamentals II
MU170 Ear Training I (2 credits)This is a lab course. The objective of this course is to develop aural skills involving melody, rhythm and harmony. Concepts covered include: identification of intervals, scales, triads, sight-singing and one voice melodic and rhythmic dictations.
MU150 Experiencing Music (3 credits)This course is designed to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of music from its beginnings through medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, and 20th century styles, including various styles of non-Western music.
This course is required for music majors and minors but is open to non-majors with the instructor's permission.