Courses in Music (MU)

MU 001 - Intro to Classical Music

A survey of musical styles from Medieval Gregorian chant to the present. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major/minor.

Credits: 3

MU 004 - Sound, Sense, and Ideas

A writing-intensive course, exploring topics in Western, non-Western, folk, art, or popular repertories. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Usually offered as a TAP course. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major/minor.

Credits: 3

MU 005 - D1: Intro to Jazz History

Survey of jazz from its roots in ragtime and blues of the late nineteenth century to contemporary styles. Prerequisite: Ability to read music, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

MU 006 - American Music

Survey of American music from the Pilgrims to the present. Folk, popular, and classical music. Vernacular and cultivated traditions. No prerequisites.

Credits: 3

MU 007 - D2: Intro World Music Cultures

Survey of Sub-Saharan, Indian, Indonesian, Latin and Native American, and Middle Eastern music through readings, recordings, and hands-on study of indigenous percussion instruments. No prerequisite.

Credits: 3

MU 021 - Beginning Group Lessons

Group lessons at beginning level in voice and various instruments. No prerequisites. May not be counted toward the major. May be repeated for credit.

Credits: 1

MU 022 - Group Piano

Intermediate group lessons in piano. Prerequisite: Ability to read music and proficiency on another instrument or voice. May not be repeated for credit.

Credits: 1

MU 023 - Group Piano

Advanced group lessons in piano. Scales, chords, sight-reading, chorales, and repertory. Course culminates in Piano Proficiency Exam. Prerequisite: MU 022, or Instructor permission. May be repeated for credit.

Credits: 1

MU 024 - Group Jazz Piano I

Introduction to jazz piano techniques, including rootless voicings, soloing, and comping, and covering basic chord progressions, blues, and standard tunes. Prerequisites: MU 022, MU/MUSE majors, minors, or instructor permission

Credits: 1

MU 025 - Group Jazz Piano II

Some review of concepts from MU 024. Exploration of topics including stride, modal comping, and chord substitution. Prerequisites: MU 024; MU/MUSE majors, minors or Instructor permission.

Credits: 2

MU 033 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non-majors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every second semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 034 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non- majors. Subject to avalability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every second semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 035 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non- majors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to Music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every second semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 036 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non- majors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to Music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every second semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 037 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non- majors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to Music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 038 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non- majors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to Music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every second semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 039 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non- majors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to Music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every second semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 040 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non- majors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. Contact department office for placement. Not open for credit to Music majors/minors. Juried examinations generally every second semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 051 - Exploring Music

Fundamentals of music notation, rhythm, melody, scales, and harmony. A course for non-majors or for students preparing to enter MU 053 and MU 055. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3

MU 053 - Harmony and Form I

Study through writing and analysis of diatonic harmony, melodic elaboration and chromatic inflection, two-and three-partite forms, and variation procedures. With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: Basic piano and music reading facility, determined by placement test.

Credits: 0 or 3

MU 054 - Harmony and Form Lab I

Intensive study of solfege (music reading), elementary keyboard harmony, dictation. Prerequisite: Basic piano and music reading facility, determined by placement test.

Credits: 1

MU 055 - Harmony and Form II

Study of chromatic harmony (modulation, sequence, applied seventh chords), and variation, sonata, and rondo forms. With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 053 and MU 054, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 0 or 3

MU 056 - Harmony and Form Lab II

Intensive study of solfege (music reading), intermediate keyboard harmony, dictation. Prerequisite: 54, or instructor's permission; piano skill equivalent to Music 23 (Group Piano).

Credits: 1

MU 060 - Intro to Music Technology

Survey of MIDI and digital audio sequencing, notation, accompaniment, and multimedia software for music composition/arranging, performance, and pedagogy, including survey of pedagogical music software. Prerequisite: Music 53, and permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

MU 076 - Brass Methods

Class instruction on trumpet, trombone, and horn including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in elementary and secondary schools.

Credits: 2

MU 077 - String Methods

Develop basic technical proficiency on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Emphasis on beginning pedagogy, and teaching string instruments in a classroom setting.

Credits: 2

MU 078 - Woodwind Methods

Class instruction on flute, clarinet, saxophone and oboe/bassoon including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in elementary and secondary schools.

Credits: 2

MU 079 - Percussion Methods

Class instruction of various orchestral pitched and unpitched percussive instruments including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in the elementary and secondary schools.

Credits: 2

MU 080 - Vocal Pedagogy

Foundation course in applied singing, and in teaching singing. Intended for students in music education, and students intending to teach private singing lessons or lead choirs.

Credits: 2

MU 085 - Intro to Music Education

Introduction to the issues of public school education. Emphasis on the development of instructional planning.

Credits: 1

MU 095 - Introductory Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. No prerequisite. May be counted toward the major/minor with Instructor permission.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 096 - Introductory Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. No prerequisite. May be counted toward the major/minor with Instructor permission.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 105 - D1: Intro to Jazz History

Survey of jazz from its roots in ragtime and blues of the late nineteenth century to contemporary styles. Includes research projects. Prerequisite: Ability to read music, or permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

MU 106 - American Music

Survey of American music from the Pilgrims to the present. Folk, popular, and classical music. Vernacular and cultivated traditions. Includes reserach projects.

Credits: 3

MU 107 - D2: Intro World Music Cultures

Survey of Sub-Saharan, Indian, Indonesian, Latin and Native American, and Middle Eastern music through readings, recordings, and hands-on study of indigenous percussion instruments. Includes research projects.

Credits: 3

MU 111 - Music History & Literature I

Survey of musical styles through the Baroque. Prerequisite: Music 053-056. (Music 001 is strongly recommended.) Majors/minors, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 112 - Music History & Literature II

Survey of musical styles from 1750 to the present. Prerequisite: Music 053-056. (Music 001 is strongly recommended.) Majors/minors, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 113 - Seminar in Ethnomusicology

See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Prerequisite: MU 007/MU 107, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3

MU 121 - Concert Band

Concert Band is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Audition.

Credits: 1

MU 122 - University Concert Choir

Mixed SATB choir. Performing choral masterworks from the baroque period to the present. Open to all students.

Credits: 1

MU 123 - Orchestra

Full orchestra comprising strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. All university students may audition. Several performances each year.

Credits: 1

MU 124 - University Jazz Ensemble

Exploration of classic big band repertory and works of contemporary composers and arrangers. Performance in one major concert every semester and occasional appearances off campus. Prerequisite: Audition.

Credits: 1

MU 125 - Vermont Wind Ensemble

Vermont Wind Ensemble is a select group, open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MU 121; audition.

Credits: 1

MU 126 - Accompanying

Lessons in piano accompanying for soloists, taught by piano and instrumental/vocal faculty. Juried performance expected.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 127 - University Catamount Singers

Mixed, select SATB chamber choir. Performing vocal music from the medieval period to the present. Open to all students. Prerequisite: Audition.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 128 - Opera Workshop

Study and performance of scenes from the operatic and musical theater repertory for the stage actor/actress.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 129 - Percussion Ensemble

Percussion ensemble is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as improvisatory traditions of percussion music.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 130 - Chamber Music

Study and performance of masterworks for small groups. Attendance at all rehearsals and public performances required. Outside practice required.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 131 - A & B Jazz Combos

Small groups (a rhythm section and three to five solo instruments) in which students improve their improvisational skills while learning jazz repertory.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 133 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music majors/minors in the freshman and sophomore years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. 133-136 for junior and senior music history and music theory concentrators only. Music education and performance concentrators only. Music education and perfomance concentrators must continue with 141 - 144

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 134 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music majors/minors in the freshman and sophomore years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. 133 - 136 for junior and senior music history and music theory concentrators only. Music education and performance concentrators must continue with 141 - 144.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 135 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for Music majors/minors in the First-Year and Sophomore years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. MU 133 - MU 136 for Junior and Senior music history and music theory concentrators only. Music education and performance concentrators must continue with MU 141- MU 144.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 136 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music majors/minors in the First-Year and Sophomore years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. MU 133 - MU 136 for Junior and Senior music history and music concentrators only. Music education and performance concentrators must continue with MU 141 - MU 144.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 137 - Applied Lessons

Private instuction in an instrument or voice for music majors/minors in the Freshman and Sophomore years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. MU 133 - MU 136 for Junior and Senior music history and music theory concentrators only. Music education and preformance concentrators must continue with MU 141- MU 144.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 138 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music majors/minors in the First-Year and Sophomore years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. MU 133 - MU 136 for Junior and Senior music history and music theory concentrators only. Music education and performance concentrators must continue with MU 141 - MU 144.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 139 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for Music majors/minors in the First-Year and Sophomore years. Lab fee Required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. MU 133-MU 136 for Junior and Senior music history and music theory concentrators only. Music education and performance concentrators must continue with MU 141 - MU 144.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 140 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for Music majors/minors in the First-Year and Sophomore years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. MU 133-MU 136 for Junior and Senior music theory concentrators only. Music education and performance concentrators must continue with MU 141 - MU 144.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 141 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for majors (performance and music education concentrators) in the Junior and Senior years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 142 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for majors (performance and music education concentrators) in the Junior and Senior years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 143 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for majors (performance and music education concentrators) in the Junior and Senior years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 144 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for majors (performance and music education concentrators) in the Junior and Senior years. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 149 - Soph Recital/Performance Sem

B.M. Candidates only.

Credits: 1

MU 150 - Junior Recital

B.M. Candidates only.

Credits: 1

MU 153 - Harmony and Form III

Advanced chromatic harmony, including altered subdominant and dominant functions; study of free forms, the art song, and the late 19th c. character piece. With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 055 and MU 056, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3

MU 154 - Harmony and Form Lab III

Intensive study of solfege (music reading), chromatic harmony at the keyboard, dictation and open-score reading. Prerequisite: MU 056, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 1

MU 155 - Harm & Form IV:20th C Tech

Writing and analysis: extended tonality, 12-tone techniques and neo-tonality. Examples drawn from seminal works of the 20th century. With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 153 and MU 154, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3

MU 156 - Harmony and Form Lab IV

Intensive study of solfege (music reading), extended tonality and atonality at the keyboard, dictation, and open-score reading. Prerequisite: MU 154, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 1

MU 157 - Composition

Preliminary studies in free composition and the mechanics of score preparation; composition of an extended work for one to five instruments or voices. Prerequisite: 153, or equivalent, with instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 159 - Theory/Prac Jazz Improv I

Basic repertory, idiomatic usage, aural skills, theoretical constructs, and strategies for the jazz improvisor. Prerequisite: intermediate instrumental skill, ability to read music, previous study of traditional music theory.

Credits: 3

MU 176 - Music for Elem Teachers

Development of musical skills, understandings, and attitudes for teaching music in the elementary classroom. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing in elementary education, and early childhood majors only; or acceptance into licensure program.

Credits: 3

MU 181 - Conducting

Baton technique, score reading, and laboratory practice. Preparation and performance of selected scores, including rehearsal procedures. Prerequisite: 153, 154.

Credits: 3

MU 195 - Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See schedule of courses for specific titles. Prerequisite: 53-56. Majors/minors or instructor's permission.

Credits: 1 to 3

MU 196 - Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See schedule of courses for specific titles. Prerequisite: 53-56. Majors/minors, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 201 - Composer Seminar

Survey of the musical style of one or more composers. Context, history, legacy. Past offerings have included Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Ellington. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics.

Credits: 3

MU 203 - Genre Seminar

Survey of the musical style within a genre. Context, history, legacy. Past offerings have included piano literature, choral literature, and bebop. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Prerequisites: 53-56, and either 111 or 112.

Credits: 3

MU 205 - Period Seminar

Survey of music from a particular historical era. Context, composers, legacy. Past offerings have included music of the twentieth century, Baroque music, and twentieth century blues traditions. Prerequisite: 53-56, and either 111 or 112.

Credits: 3

MU 211 - Senior Music History Project

Directed readings and research. Research project. Prerequisite: 53-56, 153-56, and senior standing as a music history major.

Credits: 1

MU 221 - Concert Band

Concert Band is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music.

Credits: 1

MU 222 - University Concert Choir

Mixed SATB choir. Performing choral masterworks from the baroque period to the present. Open to all students.

Credits: 1

MU 223 - Orchestra

Full orchestra comprising strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. All university students may audition. Several perforrmances each year.

Credits: 1

MU 224 - University Jazz Ensemble

Exploration of classic big band repertory and works of contemporary composers and arrangers. Performance in one major concert every semester and occasional appearances off campus. Prerequisites: Audition and Instructor permission.

Credits: 1

MU 225 - Vermont Wind Ensemble

Vermont Wind Ensemble is a select group, open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MU 121.

Credits: 1

MU 226 - Accompanying

Lessons in piano accompanying for soloists, taught by piano and instrumental/vocal faculty. Juried performance expected.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 227 - University Catamount Singers

Mixed, select SATB chamber choir. Performing vocal music from the medieval period to the present. Open to all students.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 228 - Opera Workshop

Study and performance of scenes from the operatic and musical theater repertory for the stage actor/actress.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 229 - Percussion Ensemble

Percussion ensemble is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as improvisatory traditions of percussion music.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 230 - Chamber Music

Study and performance of masterworks for small groups. Attendance at all rehearsals and public performances required. Outside practice required.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 231 - A & B Jazz Combos

Small groups (a rhythm section and three to five solo instruments) in which students improve their improvisational skills while learning jazz repertory.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 250 - Senior Recital

Credits: 1

MU 251 - Advanced Theory:Counterpoint

Contrapuntal forms and procedures: analysis and writing. Examples from 17th through 20th centuries. Prerequisite: 153, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 253 - Orchestration

Characteristics of instruments; study of instrumental scores ; arranging and transcribing for ensembles. Prerequisite: 153, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 256 - Advanced Composition

Creative work in free composition leading, when possible, to public performance of the completed work on a departmental concert. Prerequisite: MU 157, or equivalent, with Instructor permission.

Credits: 3

MU 257 - Jazz Composition and Arranging

Introduction to concepts and techniques used in jazz arranging and composition through study of historic works. Final project is an arrangement for big band. Prerequisite: 53-56.

Credits: 3

MU 259 - Thry & Prac of Jazz Improv II

Chord substitution, re-harmonization, scale alteration, "free" improvisation, and other techniques in written assignments and classroom performance of modern jazz repertory. Prerequisite: MU 159, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3

MU 260 - Senior Music Theory Project

Research paper; Topic chosen under direction of assigned staff member. Prerequisite: senior standing as theory major.

Credits: 1

MU 276 - Elem Music Educ Methods

Methods and materials for teaching music in elementary schools. Prerequisite: Acceptance into licensure program and Junior standing in Music Ed.

Credits: 3

MU 277 - Elem Music Educ Methods

Methods and materials for teaching music in elementary schools. Prerequisite: Acceptance into licensure program and Junior standing in Music Ed.

Credits: 3

MU 278 - Sec Music Educ Methods

Methods and materials in the teaching of vocal and instrumental music in secondary schools. Prerequisite: Acceptance into licensure program and Junior standing in Music Ed.

Credits: 3

MU 279 - Sec Music Educ Methods

Methods and materials in the teaching of vocal and instrumental music in secondary schools. Prerequisite: Acceptance into licensure program and Junior standing in Music Ed.

Credits: 3

MU 280 - Hist/Phil Fnd Music Educ

Special consideration of the function of music in schools and society; development of personal teaching philosophy.

Credits: 3

MU 281 - Advanced Conducting

Focus on advanced conducting techniques and score preparation. Exploration of instrumental and vocal conducting techniques. Prerequisite: MU 181.

Credits: 3

MU 290 - Teaching Internship

Supervised field work designed to give students experience in specialized areas for their professional development. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Credits: 12

MU 295 - Special Topics

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 296 - Special Topics

Credits: 3