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.

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.

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. May not be counted toward the major.

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. May not be counted toward the major.

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. May not be counted toward the major.

Credits: 3

MU 009 - Music Theory Fundamentals

Fundamentals of music notation, rhythm, melody, scales, and harmony. A course for non-majors or for students preparing to enter MU 109. Pre/co-requisites: May not be counted toward the major or minor.

Credits: 3

MU 010 - Blues and Related Traditions

Traces the development of blues from African origins to modern blues, its rural and urban social contexts, and relation to African-American history and culture.

Credits: 3

MU 015 - History of Rock and Roll

Examines rock music as a succession of related musical styles and as a social movement reflecting and influencing the changing American political and social landscape.

Credits: 3

MU 016 - Musical Theatre Performance

Singing technique and vocal development with acting/song interpretation. Includes posture, breathing, phonation, registration, resonation, articulation, and voice qualities (classical, Broadway legit, belt voice, belt mix). May not be used as credit by Music majors/minors; may be counted toward Theatre major/minor with prior approval. Crosslisted with THE 016.

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 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 041, 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: 1

MU 033 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non-majors and non-minors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit. Not open for credit to music majors/minors. Prerequisite: successful completion of Level I Examination; contact department office for placement.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 034 - Required Secondary Lessons

Private instruction for music majors involving a required secondary instrument/area. Subject to staff availability. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 041 - Piano Proficiency Fundamentals

Basic piano technique and grand staff reading. For students preparing to enter MU 042. Prerequisites: Rudimentary keyboard skills and reading ability. Placement Test. Music majors or permission.

Credits: 1

MU 042 - Piano Proficiency I

Functional piano skills for musicians. Scales, technique, harmonizing, sight reading, repertory. Prerequisites: MU 041 or equivalent determined by placement test.

Credits: 1

MU 043 - Piano Proficiency II

Preparation for Piano Proficiency Exam. Scales, repertory, sight reading, chordal accompaniment styles, score reading, transposing. Prerequisites: MU 042 or equivalent determined by placement test.

Credits: 1

MU 044 - Elective Secondary Lessons

Private instruction for music majors involving an elective, non-required secondary instrument/area. Subject to staff availability. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit.

Credits: 1 or 2

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 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: MU 009, and permission of instructor.

Credits: 3

MU 061 - Creating Music for Video

Students will score short films using digital audio software. Emphasis is on 4-5 scoring projects, with additional background reading and written critiques. Prerequisite: MU 009 or basic knowledge of music notation.

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 opportunities, challenges, issues, roles, and duties of Pre-K-12 music educators.

Credits: 3

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's permission.

Credits: 1 to 18

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's permission.

Credits: 1 to 18

MU 105 - D2: 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 research 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 109 - Harmony and Form I

Study of through writing and analysis, diatonic melody and harmony, phrase structure, and elaborative techniques. With accompanying lab. Prerequisites: MU 009 or equivalent music theory fundamentals, determined by placement test; basic piano facility.

Credits: 0 or 3

MU 110 - Harmony and Form II

Study of chromatic harmony (applied chords, modulation), and small forms (binary, ternary, variation). With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 109 or instructor's permission.

Credits: 0 or 3

MU 111 - Music History & Literature I

Survey of musical styles through the Baroque. Prerequisite: MU 109 and MU 110. (MU 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: MU 109 and MU 110. (MU 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: 7/107, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 117 - Swing Band

A big band specializing in dance band styles (Latin as well as swing). Occasional performances for dancers. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 118 - Latin Jazz Ensemble

A medium-size group (rhythm section and percussionists with horns and sometimes vocalists) where students learn fundamentals of Latin music in a jazz context. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 119 - Jazz Vocal Ensemble

Nine to sixteen vocalists (SATB), a cappella or accompanied by piano or rhythm section, perform arrangements of standard songs and jazz tunes. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 120 - Catamount Pep Band

This ensemble performs at several home winter athletic events. Open to all students; an opportunity for those with previous band experience to continue playing. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: .5

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 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 132 - Post Bop Ensemble

A small jazz group (rhythm section plus two to four horns) specializing in post-1950's repertoire (Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, etc.) as well as original compositions. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 133 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music minors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: successful completion of Level I Examination.

Credits: 1 or 2

MU 134 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music majors. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: successful completion of Level II Examination.

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 154 - Harmony and Form Lab III

Intensive study of solfege (music reading), chromatic harmony at the keyboard, dictation and open-score reading. Prerequisite: 56, or instructor's permission. .

Credits: 1

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: 154, or instructor's 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: MU 109 and MU 110, or 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: MU 154 and MU 209.

Credits: 3

MU 195 - Intermediate Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See schedule of courses for specific titles. Prerequisite: MU 109 and MU 110. Majors/minors or instructor's permission.

Credits: 1 to 18

MU 196 - Intermediate Special Topics

Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See schedule of courses for specific titles. Prerequisite: MU 109 and MU 110. Majors/minors, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 1 to 18

MU 197 - Readings and Research

Supervised independent study in music. Inter-disciplinary topics are encouraged. Pre/co-requisites: Departmental permission.

Credits: 1 to 6

MU 198 - Readings and Research

Supervised independent study in music. Inter-disciplinary topics are encouraged.

Credits: 1 to 6

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. Prerequisite: MU 109 and MU 110, and either MU 111 or MU 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: MU 109 and MU 110, and either MU 111 or MU 112.

Credits: 3

MU 209 - Harmony and Form III

Advanced chromatic harmony (altered predominant and dominant functions, modulation to distant keys), large forms (sonata, rondo), art song, and free forms. With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 110 or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 210 - Harmony and Form IV

Writing and analysis: extended tonality, atonality, and 12-tone techniques. Examples drawn from 20th and 21st century literature. With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 209 or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 211 - Senior Music History Project

Directed readings and research. Research project. Prerequisite: Senior standing as a music history major, and instructor's permission.

Credits: 1

MU 217 - Swing Band

A big band specializing in dance band styles (Latin as well as swing). Occasional performances for dancers. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 218 - Latin Jazz Ensemble

A medium-size group (rhythm section and percussionists with horns and sometimes vocalists) where students learn fundamentals of Latin music in a jazz context. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 219 - Jazz Vocal Ensemble

Nine to sixteen vocalists (SATB), a cappella or accompanied by piano or rhythm section, perform arrangements of standard songs and jazz tunes. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 220 - Catamount Pep Band

This ensemble performs at several home winter athletic events. Open to all students; an opportunity for those with previous band experience to continue playing. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: .5

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 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 232 - Post Bop Ensemble

A small jazz group (rhythm section plus two to four horns) specializing in post-1950's repertoire (Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, etc.) as well as original compositions. Prerequisite: audition

Credits: 1

MU 234 - Applied Lessons

Private instruction in an instrument or voice for majors. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: MU 134, successful completion of Level III Examination.

Credits: 1 or 2

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: MU 209, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 253 - Orchestration

Characteristics of instruments; study of instrumental scores; arranging and transcribing for ensembles. Prerequisite: MU 209, 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: 157, or equivalent, with instructor's 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: MU 054, MU 056, MU 109, and MU 110.

Credits: 3

MU 258 - Advanced Jazz Comp and Arr

A workshop course in composing and arranging for small jazz ensembles. This advanced seminar features student-led analysis, discussion, projects, and performances. Prerequisite: MU 257 or instructor permission

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: 159, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3

MU 260 - Sr Theory/Composition Project

Research paper or composition/analysis; Topic chosen under direction of staff member. Prerequisite: senior standing as theory major.

Credits: 1

MU 270 - General Music Methods

Methodologies, lesson planning, assessment, and standards-based curriculum development for general music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085, acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed, Concurrent enrollment in MU 271.

Credits: 3

MU 271 - General Music Practicum

Supervised field experience in general music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085, acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed, Concurrent enrollment in MU 270.

Credits: 1

MU 272 - Choral Music Methods

Standards-based curriculum development, lesson planning, repertoire selection, rehearsal techniques, and assessment strategies for teaching choral music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085, acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed, Concurrent enrollment in MU 273.

Credits: 2

MU 273 - Choral Music Practicum

Supervised field experience in choral music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085, acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed, Concurrent enrollment in MU 272.

Credits: 1

MU 274 - Instrumental Music Methods

Standards-based curriculum development, lesson planning, repertoire selection, rehearsal techniques, and assessment strategies for teaching instrumental music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085, acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed, Concurrent enrollment in MU 275.

Credits: 2

MU 275 - Instrumental Music Practicum

Supervised field experience in instrumental music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085, acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed, Concurrent enrollment in MU 274.

Credits: 1

MU 281 - Advanced Conducting

Focus on advanced conducting techniques and score preparation. Exploration of instrumental and vocal conducting techniques. Prerequisite: 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 - Advanced Special Topics

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Credits: 1 to 18

MU 296 - Advanced Special Topics

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Credits: 1 to 18