MUSC - Music

Course Descriptions

MUSC 4010 Studio Composition (1-3)

For students contemplating composition and related activities as occupations. Each student develops content in consultation with the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUSC 3010 or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4030 Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint (3)

Practical study of counterpoint as used in the works of Bach. Includes study of the invention, chorale prelude and fugue, and extensive analysis of the music of the period. Prerequisite: MUSC 1020 or permission of instructor.

MUSC 4040 Music of the Twentieth Century (3)

A historical survey from Debussy, Ives, Stravinsky, and Schoenberg to Bartók, Cage, Babbitt, and Glass. Involves musical analysis of works involving twentieth-century tonality, modality, the 12-tone method, set theory, microtonality, and aleatoric elements. Prerequisites: MUSC 1020 and MUSC 2070 or permission of instructor.

MUSC 4070 Choral Arranging (2)

Covers arranging for choral ensembles of various voice groupings and abilities. Projects may include arrangements of folk songs, simplification or re-voicing of previously composed choral music, adapting choral parts to accommodate boys’ changing voices, limited ranges, and other exigencies. Prerequisite: MUSC 1020 or permission of instructor.

MUSC 4080 Secondary Choral Methods and Literature (3)

This course is designed to help prepare the prospective music educator with the essential musical knowledge, teaching skills, and values necessary to provide a meaningful choral experience for their students. Prerequisite: MUSC 3410 or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4120 Piano Accompanying (2)

Designed primarily for piano majors. Teaches the specific skills required for accompanying. Emphasizes art song literature, but also includes operatic and instrumental music. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4150 The Art Song (3)

Solo art songs of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are studied and performed, with emphasis on works by German, French, and American composers. Studies include analysis of style and idea in music and poetry, and the art of programming the song recital. Prerequisites: Music major and junior or senior standing.

MUSC 4160 Operatic Literature (3)

Studies important works from 400 years of operatic history, including Monteverdi through Glass. The history of operatic style is studied as are the development of recitative, aria, ensembles, and other aspects of operatic form. Prerequisites: MUSC 1020 and MUSC 2070 or permission of instructor.

MUSC 4170 Piano Literature I (2)

Designed primarily for junior or senior piano majors. A survey of the standard keyboard literature for piano. Style analysis, performance-practice problems, and editions are emphasized. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4175 Piano Literature II (2)

Continues MUSC 4170. Prerequisite: MUSC 4170.

MUSC 4180 Piano Literature III (2)

Continues MUSC 4175. Prerequisites: MUSC 4170 and MUSC 4175.

MUSC 4185 Piano in Chamber Music Literature (3)

A survey of the chamber music keyboard literature. Style analysis, performance-practice problems, and editions are emphasized. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4190 Orchestral Literature (3)

Examines the development of orchestral literature from the eighteenth century to the present. Study topics include sonata form, instrumentation, the concerto, the tone poem, and so forth. Major works from Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, the German Romantic composers, and twentieth century composers such as Bartok, Hindemith, Schoenberg, Schwantner, Shostakovich, and Stravinsky will be covered. Prerequisite: MUSC 1020 and MUSC 2070 or permission of instructor.

MUSC 4220 Instrumental Music Methods (3)

Teaching and administering the instrumental music program, grades 5-12, with emphasis placed on philosophy, facilities/equipment management, ensemble development (concert band/wind ensemble, orchestra, marching band, and chamber ensembles), and appropriate repertoire and methodology for technical and musical growth. Prerequisite: Two semesters of MUSC 2120.

MUSC 4250 Voice Pedagogy I (2)

Studies the human voice and its registers, classification of voices, methods of practicing, analysis, style, and selection of literature. Prerequisite: Junior or senior voice student or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4255 Voice Pedagogy II (2)

Students enrolled in the Voice Pedagogy courses study the human voice through reading, writing, listening, and class discussion. Prerequisite: MUSC 4250.

MUSC 4260 Piano Pedagogy I (3)

Examines teaching materials from beginning through intermediate levels. Students gain supervised teaching experience. Prerequisite: Junior or senior piano student or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4270 Piano Pedagogy II (1)

Continues MUSC 4260. Prerequisite: MUSC 4260.

MUSC 4320 Jazz Education Methods (2)

A survey of pedagogical techniques, conducting, and teaching materials for the development of the middle school and high school instrumental and vocal jazz program. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4340 Jazz Scoring and Arranging I (3)

Covers scoring and arranging for jazz ensembles of various sizes, from combo to jazz orchestra. Material covered includes melodic and rhythmic variation, reharmonization and voicing techniques, jazz instrumentation and orchestration, elements of form, and score and part preparation. Prerequisites: MUSC 1020 and MUSC 1380.

MUSC 4350 Jazz Scoring and Arranging II (2)

Continues MUSC 4340. Prerequisite: MUSC 4340.

MUSC 4370 Advanced Topics in Music Entrepreneurship (3)

A series of upper-level topics courses in music entrepreneurship for music majors. Example topics include marketing for musicians, how to run a private teaching studio, freelancing, music administration, non-profits, crowd funding, grant writing. May be repeated when content differs. Prerequisite: MUSC 3000 or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4700 Advanced Topics in Music (2-3)

A capstone course synthesizing various aspects of music history, theory, performance practice, and/or vernacular and world music traditions. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4800 Advanced Topics (2-3)

Course content varies each semester. See current course schedule for subject matter for a particular semester. Credit may be in music history, music theory, music business, or music education. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4900 Webster University Chorale (1)

This choir is open to undergraduate singers in the University community. The Chorale performs a variety of choral literature representing many periods and styles, sometimes in cooperation with other Webster choirs. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4910 Webster University Chamber Singers (1)

This select chamber choir is open to all students by audition. The Chamber Singers perform a cappella and accompanied choral masterpieces from the Renaissance to the present, sometimes in cooperation with other Webster choirs. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSC 4920 Webster University Aurelia (1) 

This choir is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the University community. Aurelia performs a variety of choral literature for treble voices, representing many periods and styles, sometimes in cooperation with other Webster choirs. Treble voices only. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 4940 Webster University Orchestra (1)

The Webster University Orchestra is comprised of student musicians, faculty members, and community members. The orchestra presents concerts with repertoire from chamber orchestra to full symphonic settings. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition. Instrumental majors who do not qualify will be placed in other instrumental ensembles.

MUSC 4945 New Music Ensemble (1)

Explores contemporary acoustic, electronic, MIDI and improvisational works by Webster students and faculty, as well as major composers from the 20th and 21st centuries. Membership is open to instrumentalists and singers from classical, rock, and jazz backgrounds. 

MUSC 4950 Webster University Chamber Music Ensembles  (1)

The Department of Music offers numerous smaller ensembles, including New Music Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, String Quartet, Sax Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, and the like. Enrollment in each of these ensembles is by permission of the appropriate instructor. Additional information is available from the Department of Music.

MUSC 4955 Webster University Jazz Singers (1)

A select vocal jazz ensemble focusing on jazz charts for mixed voices. Emphasis is placed on improving vocal technique, ensemble singing, development of improvisational skills, an ongoing emphasis in building sight reading, overall musicianship skills, improvisation and the study, listening and performance of vocal jazz styles and vocal jazz choral repertoire. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 

MUSC 4960 Webster University Jazz Combos (1-2)

The Jazz Ensembles are combos of three to eight members that offer a practical approach to jazz styles and improvisation through rehearsals. The Jazz Ensembles perform a wide range of music from the past 100 years on weekly Monday afternoon recitals as well as public concerts each semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition. Co-requisite: MUSC 0990 (Jazz).

MUSC 4970 Webster University Jazz Collective (1)

The Jazz Collective is a large ensemble that performs literature from all style periods of jazz, with focus placed on works from after 1960. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in improvisation, stylistic awareness, reading, and ensemble interaction. The ensemble performs several concerts each semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSC 4980 Webster University Wind Ensemble (1)

The Wind Ensemble is open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion students. The ensemble is comprised of the brass ensemble, chamber winds, saxophone ensemble, and percussion ensemble, each of which is directed by a faculty specialist. These groups join together to form the Wind Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on literature that calls for one performer per part in works from the Renaissance through contemporary periods. The ensemble presents four concerts annually. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSC 4990 Webster University Opera Studio (1)

The Opera Studio is open by audition to all Webster voice students. The ensemble presents opera scenes and complete works from the Baroque through contemporary periods twice annually. The ensemble frequently works with renowned guest directors and conductors, and receives assistance from Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition.

MUSC 4995 Opera Workshop and Acting for Singers (1)

This course empowers students to present artistic performances and demonstrate improvised skills in musicianship, vocalism, role preparation, characterization, and stagecraft. Exercises in singing-acting, character research and role preparation assignments (including foreign language translation), as well as the study and rehearsal of selected individual scenes from the lyric theatre will culminate in a public presentation. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor. 

MUSC 5001 Applied Piano (2-4)

One hour-long lesson weekly on piano. For graduate students admitted to the Department of Music. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5002 Applied Voice (2-4)

One hour-long lesson weekly on voice. For graduate students admitted to the Department of Music. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5003 Applied Jazz (2-4)

One hour-long lesson weekly on a jazz instrument. For graduate students admitted to the Department of Music. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5004 Applied Instrument (2-4)

One hour-long lesson weekly on an orchestral instrument or guitar. For graduate students admitted to the Department of Music. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5005 Applied Organ (2-4)

One hour-long lesson weekly on organ. For graduate students admitted to the Department of Music. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5010 Studio Composition (1-4)

Each student in consultation with the instructor develops the content for this advanced course in composition. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5030 Eighteenth Century Counterpoint (3) 

Practical study of counterpoint as used in the works of Bach and other 18th-century composers. Includes study of species counterpoint, short two-voice compositions, invention, fugue, and extensive analysis of the music of the 18th century. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5040 Music of the Twentieth Century (3)

This course involves a comprehensive study of 20th-century western 'art' music, and includes core competencies in both historical perspectives on musical developments since the beginning of the century to the present, and analytical techniques designed to master a theoretical understanding of these developments. The analytical work will include advanced aspects of tonality, modality, atonal theory, 12-tone theory, and set theory. The historical aspects will include consideration of individual composers, movements and ‘isms,’ aesthetics, and both political and social perspectives on cultural developments in the twentieth century. The development of your abilities to synthesize historical and analytical perspectives is an essential component of this course. Learning to understand the intellectual relationship between music literature and both historical and cultural contexts will also be a central concern of your study.

You will learn to read, interpret and identify scores and performances that represent the work of major twentieth-century composers and the important stylistic developments of this period. You will be expected to master terminology and the reading of twentieth century musical notation. You will also be expected to conduct advanced research for the writing of a paper. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
 

MUSC 5050 Graduate Music Theory Review (2)

A review of fundamental music theory concepts to prepare students for graduate coursework in music analysis. Includes a review of scales and modes, key signatures, diatonic and chromatic harmony, voice-leading, counterpoint, cadences, the basic phrase model, modulation, phrase structure, and form. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor. 

MUSC 5090 Graduate Colloquium (0)

Weekly presentations of current and in-progress research and creative work by graduate students. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5100 Analytical Techniques I (3)

MUSC 5100 is the first of a two-semester course sequence that focuses on the analysis of traditional Western music dating from approximately 1650 to the present. In this semester, we will study analytical approaches that can be applied to Baroque, Classical and Romantic compositions. These analytical techniques include structural and formal approaches, Schenkerian analysis, motivic analysis, interdisciplinary approaches and ways to analyze musical ambiguity to provide a deeper understanding of music from the common practice period. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5110 Analytical Techniques II (3)

MUSC 5110 is the continuation of a two-semester course sequence that focuses on the analysis of Western art music dating from approximately 1650 to the present. In this semester, we will study analytical approaches that can be applied to twentieth- and twenty-first-century compositions. This course will investigate current trends in music theory related to modes and collections, set theory, serialism, rhythmic analysis, and formal procedures, among other analytical approaches. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5120 Seminar in Music Literature (3)

This course involves advanced study of special topics in the history of music from all periods (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century). Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5150 The Art Song (3)

Solo art songs of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are studied and performed, with emphasis on works by German, French, and American composers. Studies include analysis of style and idea in music and poetry, and the art of programming the song recital. Prerequisite Graduate standing.

MUSC 5160 Operatic Literature (3)

This course traces the development of opera from its inception through opera today. We will study of individual works within the context of general characteristics of each period. This will include detailed study of music, text, drama and aesthetics. Through class lectures, discussions, assignments (listening, reading, writing, oral presentations), and projects you will be encouraged to expand your understanding of opera and to develop your academic abilities. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5190 Orchestral Literature (3)

This course examines the development of orchestral literature from the seventeenth century origins of the orchestra through the present. Study topics include sonata form, instrumentation, the concerto, the tone poem, and symphonies. The music of each era will be examined in relationship to historical events and geographic and demographic changes throughout history. Major works from Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, the German Romantic composers, and twentieth century composers will be covered. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5200 Independent Study (1-4)

Independent study involves research work on a specialized subject or project or artistic work. The emphasis in an independent study is usually on individual pursuit of a specific content or creative arena. May be repeated for credit if content differs

MUSC 5210 Seminar in Music Pedagogy (3)

A graduate-level seminar course focusing on music pedagogy. Topics may vary by semester. Example content may include teaching music theory, music history, chamber music, teaching in a private studio environment, etc. May be repeated for credit when content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. 

MUSC 5230 Seminar in Music Business (2)

This seminar addresses the theoretical as well as practical processes of creating a career as a member of a professional ensemble, a free-lance musician, teacher, composer, or conductor. Topics covered could include creating professional work, organizing ensembles, publishing music and method books, and applying for arts grants. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSC 5320 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (1-4)

The student cultivates skills in conducting instruments and instruments with voices. The course includes studies in score reading, literature, score study, and other appropriate areas of general musicianship, depending on the individual needs of the student. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSC 5330 Advanced Choral Conducting (1-4)

The student cultivates skills in conducting voices and voices with instruments. The course includes studies in literature, score reading, diction, and other appropriate areas of general musicianship, depending on the individual needs of the student. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSC 5370 Advanced Topics in Music Entrepreneurship (3)

This advanced course in music entrepreneurship, designed for graduate music majors, covers critical topics like advanced marketing for musicians, private teaching studio management, high-level freelancing, music administration, non-profit strategies, crowdfunding, and grant writing. Content varies to stay current with industry trends, allowing for repeated enrollment. The course equips students with essential skills for professional success in the dynamic music industry. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5500 Music Education Workshops (1-6)

These seminars and courses supplement the core and elective courses in the music education area by focusing on topics of current and special interest, such as specific methods and techniques for music teaching. This course may not be completed by directed study. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

MUSC 5800 Advanced Studies in Music (1-6)

This course concentrates on advanced topics and may include scoring and arranging, pedagogy, history and literature, performance practices, or musical form. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 5900 Supervised Apprenticeship (1-2)

The apprenticeship is a practicum in which a student serves in either a continuing position as a church musician or as an apprentice in a selected position. Supervision is by a Music Department faculty member. Emphasis is on practical experience in the following areas, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor: recruit and plan for, rehearse, and direct a church choir; play the organ for a variety of types of church services; develop and maintain special groups such as children’s choirs and bell choirs; budget for and administer a church music program and library; work with the church staff in a collegial and efficient manner. Students are required to maintain a well-organized and comprehensive log during the practicum.

MUSC 6250 Thesis/Document in Music (2-4)

This course focuses on original research in special projects in the field of music. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in music and permission of the instructor.

MUSC 6600 Graduate Recital (0)

Graduate-level degree recital. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

MUSC 6650 Graduate Recital (0)

Graduate-level degree recital. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.