MU 10-080

Performance Hour

Performance hour is a twice monthly venue in which music majors perform for each other and hear performances by faculty and guest artists. The purpose of performance hour is to develop the student’s artistry and musicianship. All music majors are required to enroll in performance hour. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

MU 100

Voice Class

Voice class is offered each semester. It is a course in singing For the beginning singer or for the singer who has never taken private lessons. Group instruction. Not for music majors specializing in voice. Special fee.

MU 121-122

Comprehensive Musicianship 1, 2

A comprehensive study of basic music theory, score analysis, sight reading, ear training, and historical aspects of music. Provides a foundation for the integration of the following skills: analysis, historical knowledge, composition, sight reading, ear training, performance.

MU 131

Grace University Masterworks Chorus

GUCC prepares a major Christmas Concert with orchestra and guest artist. Enrollment is open to anyone. In the spring semester GUMC joins with other Grace University ensembles to prepare and perform The Masterwork’s Concert. Rehearsals are held once a week for 2 hours. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

MU 141

Grace Chorale

Designed to teach excellence in choral singing. Many styles of sacred choral literature, including music of non-western cultures are used to teach good singing technique, musicianship, and aspects of Christian ministry and music. The Chorale performs 15 to 20 concerts each year. Students are admitted following a satisfactory audition with the director. Generally, the student is expected to make a yearlong commitment to the Chorale. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

MU 151

Women’s Chorale

The Women’s Chorale is open to women following a successful audition. Many styles of sacred choral literature are used to teach good singing techniques, musicianship, and aspects of Christian ministry and music. The Women’s Chorale performs 10-15 concerts each year. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

MU 161

Concert Band

An ensemble open to all students by audition who play a band instrument. Instruction and experience in ensemble playing is provided through rehearsals and performance opportunities. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

MU 171

Worship Band

This course is suited for music majors who plan to be worship leaders or those who want music credit for General Studies. The Worship Band prepares music suitable for contemporary worship settings and leads worship in various venues including Grace LIFE and in youth outreach events. Students will learn to read music charts and to improvise. The Worship Band is open to all students who sing or play instruments such as guitar, drums, bass guitar, keyboards following a successful audition. The group is limited to 10 members and the course is repeatable.

MU 181

Handbell Choir

An ensemble open to all students desiring participation in handbell ringing. Members are selected by audition. Performances include school and church concerts, public concert series, annual tour. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Music students are required to be enrolled in an ensemble each semester they are registered as a full-time student.

MU 211

Fundamentals of Music

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of music and music theory. The students will learn to read musical notation, play a simple song on the piano/keyboard, sight sing, conduct and lead group singing, write musical notation, harmonize a simple melody, and read chord symbols. Students enrolled in the Elementary Education Program are advised to take MU 211.

MU 213

Music Appreciation

This course is an introduction to music. The aim of this class is to teach students techniques for engaging emotionally and intellectually in music. The students will be taught listening skills that equip them with the capacity for critical judgment in both classical and popular music settings.

MU 220

Philosophy of Christian Music

Designed to help the student develop a Christian philosophy of music for life and ministry and worship.

MU 221- 222

Comprehensive Musicianship 3, 4

A comprehensive study of advanced theory, harmony, analysis. Includes a continuation of development of sight singing and ear training skills. Prerequisite: MU 121-122.

MU 223

Brass Methods & Materials

Alternates with MU 325.

MU 224

Woodwind Method & Materials

Alternates with MU 326.

MU 230

Choral Methods & Materials

Designed to teach the student to: 1) select appropriate choral literature, 2) conduct effective rehearsals, and 3) build healthy singing technique in Middle school and high school classes.

MU 312

Piano Pedagogy

Principles, procedures and materials for teaching piano. Required for all music majors specializing in piano or organ.

MU 313

Conducting 1

Focuses on developing basic conducting techniques—posture, beat patterns, and expressive and stylistic techniques. Emphasis is on instrumental music. (Alternates with MU 335).

MU 314

Conducting 2

Techniques are taught for developing and training groups in matters of tone quality, pitch and ensemble. Emphasis on choral music. Prerequisite: MU 313. (Alternates with MU 336).

MU 325

String Methods & Materials

Alternates with MU 223.

MU 326

Percussion Methods & Materials

Alternates with MU 224. Methods and Materials courses are designed to give basic instruction in proper tone production and technique.

MU 330

Band Methods & Materials

Designed to teach student to 1) select appropriate music, 2) conduct effective rehearsals, and 3) manage a band program in middle school and high school settings.

MU 335-336

Survey of Music History & Literature 1,2

A historical approach to music literature from the ancient Greek and Roman period to the present. Students are tested in the following areas: general knowledge, score analysis, essay and listening analysis. Prerequisite: MU 121, 122. (Alternates with MU 313, 314.)

MU 350

Children/Youth Choir Methods and Materials

The course is designed to train students to direct church or community children/youth choirs. Major emphasis is given to voice building philosophy and methods. In addition, the students learn to select materials and literature for various age groups and singing abilities, to administrate and organize a children’s choir program, rehearsal techniques, and the role children’s choir program can have in worship and in the church’s Christian Education program.

MU 410

Music Field Experience

Music students gain practical experience by working at a church with a music director or in a music education setting with a music teacher. Special fee.

MU 411

Conducting 3

Designed to teach advanced conducting techniques, score study and preparation. Prerequisite: MU 313, 314.

MU 412

Senior Recital

Students enroll concurrently with 1 s.h. of applied music in major instrument. Special fee.

MU 420

Christian Worship: Principles of Design & Organization

A study of biblical principles of worship and of the biblical/historical patterns of worship. The course is designed to give students guiding principles for designing and organizing corporate worship.

MU 421

Contemporary Christian Music Arranging and Directing

The student learns to write arrangements for, and to direct a contemporary music ensemble (piano, synthesizer, bass, guitars, drums, and vocalists). This involves adapting lead sheets or other sources for full rhythm section and singers. In addition, the students learn about available technologies, i.e., sequencing and sound systems. Instructors approval required.

MU 422

Choral & Instrumental Arranging

A three-unit course in music arranging. Unit 1: Using “Finale” music writing software. Unit 2: Composition in the various styles of arrangement for typical choral ensemble combinations as well as arrangements of accompaniments for these harmonizations. Unit 3: The study of ranges, timbre, and transpositions of orchestral and band instruments, and the completion of orchestration exercises and projects. Prerequisite: MU 121 122, 221-222.

MU 424

History of Church Music

A study of the development and use of sacred music through the Old and New Testaments and throughout church history including a study of hymnody as it relates to various periods of church history.

MU 426

Survey of Music Business & Technology

An introduction and overview of the different aspects of music business and music technology. Topics include music industry, copyright, MIDI, sequencing, notational software, music promotion and marketing, computer assisted instruction in music, and music on the internet.

MU 430

Introduction to World Music

Serves as an introduction to the musical styles and forms of non-Western cultures.

MU 440

Accompanying & Service Playing

Practical experience in studio, ensemble, recital, and church service accompanying. Includes a study of the elements of recitals, concerts and services that produce effective, polished performances as accompanist or soloist. Also, the following topics are covered: modulation, improvisation, transposition, rehearsal techniques, sight reading, open score reading, chord symbols, and use of the synthesizer as accompaniment.

MU 450

Vocal Literature

Guides the student through the vast amount of vocal literature according to the needs and requirements of the teaching studio, the voice recital, and Christian ministry and worship.

MU 460

Keyboard Literature

A study of significant solo piano literature including representative repertoire from Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern Eras. Required for keyboard majors.

MU 470

Choral Literature

Guides the student through the vast amount of choral music available for school choirs—public and Christian—and for church choirs. Examples of choral music of all styles are studied.

MU 480

Instrumental Literature

Designed to cover the major material for orchestras and bands with the primary focus being on the materials for school ensembles.

MU 499

Directed Studies

For a variety of reasons, students may want to pursue areas of study that are not found in the regular schedule of classes. The area of study must be approved by the Division Chair and the professor who directs the study. The student and professor will meet regularly throughout the semester. Students will do assignments appropriate to the area of study and present their findings in a scholarly fashion appropriate to the area of investigation/study.

MU B101-402

Brass

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice.

MU C101-402

Composition

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice.

MU G101-402

Guitar

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice.

MU O101-402

Organ

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice. Prerequisite: Students must receive instructor’s consent before enrolling in applied organ.

MU P80

Basic Piano Fundamentals Class

Scales: All major keys, hands together, ascending and descending, one octave. Chord progression: primary chords in all major keys. Root position only. Harmonization: Prepared melodic line with chord symbols of primary chords only. Hymn playing: four-part settings, one traditional hymn in major key. (Spring Semester)

MU P90

Basic Piano Fundamentals Class

Scales: All harmonic minor scales, hands together, ascending and descending, one octave. Chord progression: Primary chords in all harmonic minor keys, root position. Harmonization: Unprepared melodic line with chord symbols of primary chords only. Hymn playing: four-part settings one contemporary hymn. (Fall Semester)

MU P101-402

Piano

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice.

MU Q101-402

Percussion

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice.

MU S101-402

Strings

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice.

MU V101-402

Voice

Applied music instruction is open to all students; it is required for music majors. Students who take applied music will study one-on-one with the instructor. One semester hour of credit is earned by satisfactorily completing 14 half-hour lessons. Two hours of credit are earned by completing 28 half-hour lessons or 14 one-hour lessons. All applied music students must satisfactorily perform a jury at the end of the semester. Jury performances are used to assess the student’s achievement in his/her applied area. Music faculty sit on the jury. The applied level is determined through jury performances. There are four applied levels: 100, 200, 300, and 400. Students are advanced on the recommendation of the jury. Intermediate and advanced music majors are required to practice 1 hour daily 5 days a week. Beginning music students are required to practice 30 minutes daily 5 days a week. Music majors are required to take ten (10) hours in their major applied instrument (e.g., voice, piano, trumpet, etc.). Special fees apply. Students must receive instructor’s consent before enrolling in applied organ. Music majors who need to pass the piano proficiency requirement must take applied piano.

MU W101-402

Woodwinds

See description listed under MU V101-402 Voice.