Minors in the Music Program
Music Performance Minor Structure (10 Courses/ 18 Credits – 36 ECTS)
Minimum requirements for a minor in Music Performance are 10 courses (18 credits) that include the required 4 courses (9 credits), and the Concentration of 6 courses (9 credits).
Requirements (4 courses/ 9 credits)
Covers the basic elements of notation and meter in Western music. Topics include the staff, accidentals, rhythmic values, time signatures, simple and compound meters, major scales and key signatures, simple and compound intervals, minor scales and key signatures, whole tone scale, octatonic scales, blues scale, triad construction and basic harmonic progressions. Prerequisite(s): None; For non-music majors interview is required. Credits: 3
Teaches sight-singing and dictation of diatonic materials in all clefs and intervals. Exercises in rhythmic reading, conducting, prepared singing, and intonation.
- Diatonic Solfège syllables
- Melodic music notation employing scales and intervals
- Rhythmic music notation including simple and compound meter
- Vocal and keyboard performance of music notation
Prerequisite(s): None; Co-requisite for non-majors: MU101 Credits: 1.5
Continuation of MU107. Introduction of chromaticism and modulation within a tonal context. Triplets and compound rhythms. Melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation.
- Diatonic Solfège syllables
- Melodic and harmonic music notation employing scales and intervals and chords
- Intermediate rhythmic music notation including simple and compound meter
- Vocal and keyboard performance of music notation
Prerequisite(s): MU107. Credits: 1.5
Surveys music chronologically from the Middle Ages to the present. Topics include chant and secular song in the middle ages, polyphonic music from its beginning through the thirteenth century, Ars nova, Renaissance music of the low countries, the music of reformation, music of the early baroque, Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Romanticism, and Opera from the early 20th century. (This course serves to substitute for MU222 Music History II, for students concentrating in modern music). Prerequisite(s): None; For non-music majors: GE142 Credits: 3
Concentrations (6 courses / 9 credits – 18 ECTS)
Students can choose one from the following four concentrations:
Piano
Introduces the basics of piano performance. Piano as a secondary instrument is designed for the student whose major performing area is not piano. The course stresses basic piano technique, use of the piano as a functional instrument, and as study of compositions representative of the major stylistic periods. This course is the primary source of preparation for the piano proficiency exam required of all music majors. Emphasis on music reading, piano technique, basic keyboard harmonization. This course teaches all major scales, applied theory, short pieces for prepared reading, easier short pieces for sight reading, and ensemble pieces. Prerequisites: None. Co-requisite for non-music majors: MU101. Credits: 1
Focuses on a continuation of technique building at the piano developed in MU 151. Focus is on developing aural and visual skills that enable students to perform elementary-level piano music. Introduction to sight-reading, music theory. Topics will include an introduction to the keyboard, hand position, and music theory. Solo literature appropriate to the level will be studied. Prerequisites: MU151. Credits: 1
Focus on functional piano, the playing of simple accompaniments and intermediate-level piano music. Introduction to chording and playing by ear. Intermediate-level sight-reading and basic piano ensemble experience, and basic keyboard pattern and transposition. Sight reading skills will be extended beyond the five-finger hand position. Students will further develop piano skills and technique. Solo literature appropriate to the level will be studied. Prerequisite(s): MU152. Credits: 1
An individual instruction in the study and interpretation of musical literature. Repertoire includes, etudes, scales, arpeggios, sonatas by Scarlatti, Bach’s Preludes and Fugues, Sonatas by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, Piano pieces by Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin, Brahms and Liszt, contemporary piano music by Debussy, Bartók, Ligeti, works by American and Greek composers. Student has to prepare two concert recitals. Prerequisite(s): Entrance audition required Credits: 24 (3 per semester)
Violin
Designed for the student who does not have a musical background and would like to learn the fundamentals of violin playing, or the student whose major performing area is the piano. The course stresses basic string techniques and provides an introduction to violin performance. This course is offered to substitute for MU 151 Piano Studio I-II. Prerequisites: None; Co-requisite for non-music majors: MU101 Credits: 3
An individual instruction in the study and interpretation of musical literature. Repertoire includes etudes, scales, arpeggios, concertos and sonatas by Tartini, Handel, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Romantic compositions by Schumann, Brahms, Franck, Faure. Also includes works by modern composers such as Ysaÿe, Bartok, Debussy, Ravel and studies of the orchestral repertoire. Prerequisite(s): Entrance audition required Credits: 24 (3 per semester)
Voice
Designed for beginning voice students without previous knowledge, and those who would like to work on the basic skills of singing, including vocal technique (in speech and singing) and solo vocal performance. Aspects of breathing, support, diction and a variety of vocal literature will be addressed. Prerequisites: None; Co-requisite for non-music majors: MU101 Credits: 3
Individual instruction on the study and interpretation of musical literature. Topics include the correct posture, basic elements of breathing, the vibrato, articulation, developing a practice and warm up routine. Repertoire includes baroque arias, arias from baroque oratorios and passions, lieder by Mozart Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wolf, arias from operas by Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, Weber, Wagner, Berlioz, Bizet, Gounod, Tchaikovsky; songs written by composers of the 20th century. Prerequisite(s): Entrance audition required Credits: 24 (3 per semester)
Guitar
Designed for the student who would like to acquire the fundamental skills for playing the guitar. The course stresses basic guitar playing techniques and provides an introduction to guitar performance. Prerequisites: None; Co-requisite for non-music majors: MU101 Credits: 3
Individual instruction on the study and interpretation of musical literature. Repertoire includes etudes, scales, arpeggios, concertos and sonatas by Foscarini, Bartolotti, Corbetta, Sanz, and Weiss. Romantic compositions by Aguado, Albeniz, Arcas, Carulli, Coste, Tarrega, and Barrios. Also includes works by modern composers such as Brower, Granados, Lauro, and Villa-Lobos. Prerequisite(s): Entrance audition required Credits: 24 (3 per semester)