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Music Major

About Music Major more

Students in the Music major at Concordia expand their creativity, analytical, research and writing skills while studying music performance, programming, analysis, composition, history, literature, education and worship music. The music program is led by accomplished and caring faculty who give one-on-one attention to students in a nurturing community where competition is downplayed.

Careers in Music more

  • Church Musician
  • Conductor
  • Performer
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Composer/ Arranger
  • Music Sales/ Marketing
  • Music Management
  • Music Publisher
  • Music Therapist
  • Music Writer

Faculty & Leadership

B.A., St. Olaf CollegeM.Mus., D.M.A., University of Arizona
Term Professor of Music (1997).  Voice, Opera Workshop, Jubilate Choir
Coordinator of Voice Studies, Vocal Pedagogy, Diction, Musicianship, First Year

Success in Music more

Course for Music Major

MUS-101 Basic Musicianship

Basic Musicianship is designed for the student with little background in music. This course will present concepts needed for an understanding of the basic fundamentals of music theory. Students will also have an introduction to ear training and the keyboard. (Offered every spring. No prerequisite. This course can serve as a prerequisite for MUS201 and ED446. Studio course.)

MUS-111 Class Piano I

This is the first of two courses in a beginning piano instruction sequence. Through group class instruction students are given a practical knowledge of the keyboard and an understanding of the tonal-rhythmic structure of music. Keyboard skills requisite for handling classroom music situations or for personal enjoyment of music are developed. (Offered every fall and spring. No prerequisite. Players with previous keyboard experience may be exempt by examination. Can serve as a prerequisite to

MUS-112 Class Piano II

This is the second of two courses in a beginning piano instruction sequence. Through group class instruction students are given a practical knowledge of the keyboard and an understanding of the tonal-rhythmic structure of music. Keyboard skills requisite for handling classroom music situations or for personal enjoyment of music are developed. (Offered every fall and spring. No prerequisite. Players with previous keyboard experience may be exempt by examination. Can serve as a prerequisite to

MUS-120 Listening to Life:West. Clscl

Using music primarily from the classical Western tradition, this course teaches music listening skills, relates music to history and culture, and reveals music as a conveyer of human emotions, thoughts, and ideals. The course also touches briefly on ethnic folk music, global art music, and popular music (American jazz, musical theatre, and pop music.) (This course earns 2 credits towards the 4 credit Fine Arts component of the general education curriculum. Offered every fall and spring, summers

MUS-121 Listen to Life: Global & Pop

Using global folk and art music and contemporary popular idiom music, this course teaches music listening skills, relates music to history and culture, and reveals music as a conveyer of human emotions, thoughts, and ideals. This course contributes to the Fine Arts/Aesthetic component of the General Education curriculum. MUS121 is required for Music Education students.

MUS-201 Musicianship I

This course begins with a brief review of music fundamentals (scales, keys, intervals and triads) and continues with four-part harmonic writing, and basic analysis. Exercises in keyboard harmony, sight singing, and dictation are included in the course.(Offered every fall. Prerequisite: MUS101 or equivalent as determined by music placement test.)

MUS-202 Musicianship II

Students continue to learn four-part harmonic writing, including the use of inversions and seventh chords. Exercises in analysis incorporate the study of melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and form. Dictation, sight singing, and keyboard harmony are continued. (Offered every spring. Prerequisite: MUS201 or equivalent.)

MUS-301 Musicianship III

Students learn to write in the contrapuntal style of the 18th century. Chromatic harmonies and a study of classical period forms are also included in the course. Dictation, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are continued. (Offered every fall. Prerequisite: MUS202 or equivalent.)

MUS-302 Musicianship IV

Students explore the new directions composers have taken in the 20th century and compose their own pieces in various contemporary styles. Keyboard harmony, dictation, and sight-singing are continued. (Offered every spring. Prerequisite: MUS301.)

MUS-321 Music History I

This course explores the Ancient, medieval, Renaissance and early Baroque periods of Western music. (Offered every third semester in sequence with the other two Music History Courses). Prerequisites: MUS120 or MUS121, MUS201.)

MUS-322 Music History II

This course explores the 18th and 19th centuries of Western music. (Offered every third semester in sequence with the other two Music History Courses). Prerequisites: MUS120 or MUS121, MUS201. MUS321 is preferred, but not required.)

MUS-323 Music History III

This course explores Western Music from the late 19th century to the present. (Offered every third semester in sequence with the other two Music History Courses). Prerequisites MUS 120 or 121 and 201. MUS 321 and 322 preferred but not required.

MUS-712 Shades of Harmony Gospel Choir

The multicultural choir consists of students and staff from varying races, cultures and backgrounds who are interested in learning about, experiencing and singing African-American gospel music and spirituals. Gospel music has an improvisational dimension to it and the choir typically learns new music by rote, although music may be provided for choir members. In addition to the choral rehearsals, there will be periodic discussions of the historical aspects of the music, and the social

MUS-713 Jubilate Choir

This choir regularly provides music for chapel worship. Special projects include the Fine Arts Christmas Concert and choral worship services throughout the year. While full-year membership is desired, students may audition to enter the choir at semester breaks. Jubilate is an excellent ensemble for students who wish to sing but are involved in other touring ensembles or will be off-campus part of the year as student teachers or interns. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: choral

MUS-714 Christus Chorus

This group presents major choral works in a series of concerts, including the Fine Arts Christmas and Concert. Weekend tours/retreats and an extended annual spring tour are part of the schedule. Trips abroad are planned occasionally. Auditions are held at the beginning and end of each academic year. Full-year membership is required. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: choral audition for placement by instructor.)

MUS-715 Chamber Choir

No details available

MUS-716 Opera Workshop

Exploration of operatic singing, character development, and basic stage movement through workshop activities, class play, and assigned operatic scenes. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Must also be enrolled in MUS 860 or MUS 960. First time enrollment must be for 2 credits.

MUS-717 Vox 9

This is a small vocal ensemble of 4-16 singers focusing on learning and performing vocal jazz literature. The group meets for one rehearsal 90 minutes/week and performs occasionally on campus.

MUS-720 Concert Band

Concert Band performs works drawn from worldwide genres. Performances include chapel services, fall and spring concerts, and Commencement. Occasional off-campus performances are also scheduled. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: prior instrumental experience and seat audition placement.)

MUS-730 Chamber/String Ensemble

Chamber Ensemble performs works drawn from worldwide genres. Performances include chapel services, fall and spring concerts, and Commencement. Occasional off-campus performances are also scheduled. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: prior instrumental experience and seat audition placement.)

MUS731 MUS731 String Trio/Quartet/Quintet

This is an ensemble for 3-5 advanced string players to explore upper level string literature. The group meets one hour/week and performs.

MUS-739 CSP Ringers

This course is open to any student with limited or no handbell experience. It teaches basic handbell techniques. Members of this class will perform 1-2 times/semester in chapel.

MUS-740 Handbell Ensemble

This ensemble is open to any student with handbell experience or sufficient music reading ability. It will perform both on campus for chapel services and the Fine Arts Christmas Concert as well as for area congregations. Members of this ensemble may also belong to other music organizations on campus. (Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisites: music reading ability, audition for placement by instructor.)

MUS-750 Jazz Band Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble and Jazz combos from the group perform works from various jazz styles. Performances include fall and spring concerts, chapel service playing, and occasional off campus performances. (Offered every fall and spring.) Prerequisite: previous instrumental experience.

MUS-760 Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble is open to all students and is designed to develop mastery of various percussion instruments. Students will develop and refine percussion techniques through the rehearsal and performance of standard percussion ensemble repertoire.

MUS-770 Woodwind Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of woodwind students. Woodwind ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts.

MUS-772 Flute Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of flute students. Flute ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts.

MUS-774 Clarinet Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of clarinet students. Clarinet ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts

MUS-776 Saxophone Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of saxophone students. Saxophone ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts

MUS-778 Brass Ensemble

Ensembles are open to all levels of brass students. Brass ensemble is designed to develop each individuals small ensemble playing. Performances include on and off campus concerts, worship services, fall and spring concerts

MUS-780 Guitar Ensemble

Open to intermediate and advanced guitarists, the players will learn and perform duets, trios, quartets, etc. in styles ranging from classical to jazz to blues to reggae. (Prerequisite: audition by instructor.)

MUS-782 Chapel Band

Open to singers and instrumentalists by audition. The ensemble performs a variety of praise, prayer and ethnic worship music for chapel in contemporary music idioms. Planning and leading a full chapel service is a feature of the group's activities. (Prerequisite: audition by instructor.)

MUS784 MUS784 Vocal Ensemble

Singers may form a small vocal ensemble (men�s, women�s, or mixed) to rehearse and perform vocal chamber music. Groups may perform in recital, chapel, or off campus. (Prerequisite: Concurrent membership in MUS713 or MUS714

MUS-786 Jazz Combo

This small ensemble is for solo players in the jazz idiom. It builds on the experience gained from the Jazz Ensemble. Improvisation is a major component of the group's performance. (Prerequisite: Approval of instructor)

MUS-800 Violin

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-801 Viola

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-802 Cello

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-803 String Bass

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-810 Flute

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-811 Oboe/English Horn

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-812 Clarinet

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-813 Saxophone

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-814 Bassoon

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-815 Recorder

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-820 Trumpet

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-821 Trombone

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-822 French Horn

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-823 Tuba

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-824 Euphonium

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-829 Private Jazz Lesson

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-830 Percussion

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-831 Handbell Lesson

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-840 Piano

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-841 Harpsichord

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS842 MUS842 Harp

No details available

MUS-850 Organ

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-851 Organ Tutorial

14 private weekly � hour organ lessons for working students. This course is appropriate for any organists from beginners to those with experience. This course is intended for visiting students or students in a cohort delivered program. The lesson schedule is determined by the instructor and each individual student.

MUS-860 Voice

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-861 Private Vocal Jazz Lesson

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites: 4

MUS-870 Guitar

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-872 Private Electronic Music Lesso

Private weekly 1/2 hour lesson in using electronic music technology.

MUS-880 Conducting Lessons

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. (Offered every semester. Prerequisites:

MUS-890 Composition Lessons

1 credit each, repeatable. Meets 1/2 hour per week. May not be taken pass/no pass. These courses may be repeated with credit. Individual lessons on the standard orchestral and band instruments and voice stress proper tone production, phrasing and style. Special techniques unique to the instrument are studied. Material covered includes standard works for the instrument. All lessons include studio classes scheduled throughout the term as a lab time. This course is open to students who have had

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