Music- Course Descriptions

MU 50-89 Remedial Applied Music- 2 Cr. Hrs.- 2 Contact Hrs.  The following courses are designed for students who do not meet the freshman performance proficiency level as determined by the faculty.  Recommendation for participation in 100 numbered applied music courses will be made when the faculty feels that adequate advancement has been made by the student to perform at the level of a freshman music student. 

MU 50, 51 Voice- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 52, 53 Piano- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 54, 55 Cornet (Trumpet)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 56, 57 Clarinet- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 58, 59 Trombone- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 60, 61 Baritone (Euphonium)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 62, 63 Tuba- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 64,65 French Horn- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 66, 67 Flute- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 68, 69 Oboe (English Horn)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 70, 71 Bassoon- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 72, 73 Saxophone- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 74-75 Percussion - 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 76, 77 Guitar- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 78, 79 Organ- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 80, 81 Harp- 2 C. Hrs.

MU 82, 83 Violin-  2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 84, 85 Viola- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 86, 87 Cello- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 88, 89 Double Bass- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 100 Introduction to Music Theory- 3 Cr. Hrs.- 3 Contact Hrs.  Designed for students with little or no theoretical background who are considering music as their major field, or high school seniors who do not have access to a high school theory course.  Includes fundamentals to basic musicianship:  notation, clefs, scales, intervals, triads, rhythm, meter and tonality.

MU 101 Music Theory- 3 Cr. Hrs.- 3 Contact Hrs.  Co-requisite: MU 190A and MU 194.  Fundamentals of basic musicianship, including notation, clefs, scales, intervals, triads, meter, rhythm and tonality.  The analysis and writing of harmony in the styles of composers of the tonal period will be stressed.

MU 102 Music Theory- 3 Cr. Hrs.- 3 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisites: MU 101 and MU 190A.  Co-requisites: MU 191A and MU 195.  A continuation of MU 101.

MU 103 Introduction to Music Literature*-  3 Cr. Hrs.- 3 Contact Hrs.  A first course in listening to music designed primarily for students with little or no musical training.  Starting with the basic elements of music, the course uses extensive audio and visual materials, illustrating the development of music through the ages. 

MU 104CS College Singers- 1 Cr. Hr.- 2 Contact Hrs.  This is a performance ensemble for students with previous musical experience.  Auditions will be held at the first class session for placement within the group and to verify that the student and ensemble are a reasonable match.  High standards of musical performance are upheld.  There are performances held throughout the year for student and adult audiences. 

MU 105CS College Singers - 1 Cr. Hr.- 2 Contact Hrs.  An extension of MU 104CS.

MU 108CB Concert Band (West Michigan Concert WINDS) - 1 Cr. Hr.- 2 Contact Hrs.  This is a performance ensemble for students with previous musical experience.  Auditions will be held at the first class session for placement within the group and to verify that the student and ensemble are a reasonable match.  High standards of musical performance are upheld.  There are performances held throughout the year for student and adult audiences. 

MU 109CB Concert Band (West Michigan Concert WINDS) - 1 Cr. Hr.- 2 Contact Hrs.  An extension of MU 108CB.

MU 110 Stage Band- 1 Cr. Hr.- 3 Contact Hrs.  This organization is open to all students.  Membership will be determined by audition prior to enrollment.  Frequent public performances will be hled.  Work in improvisation and arranging will be encouraged.

MU 111 Stage Band- 1 Cr. Hr.- 3 contact Hrs.  An extension of MU 110.

MU 112 Woodwind Ensemble- 1 Cr. Hr.- 2 contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: Consultation with instructor. 

MU 116 Percussion Ensemble- 1 Cr. Hr.- 2 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: Consultation with instructor. 

MU 117 Percussion Ensemble- 1 Cr. Hr. - 2 Contact Hrs.  A continuation of MU 116.

MU 118WSO  West Shore Symphony Orchestra- 1 Cr. Hr. - 2 Contact Hrs.  Students who play in the West Shore Symphony Orchestra may receive college ensemble credit.  Audition and consent of director determine participation. 

MU 118YSO West Shore Youth Symphony- 1 Cr. Hr. - 2 Contact Hrs.  Students who play in the West Shore Youth Symphony may receive college ensemble credit.  This is a performance ensemble for students with previous musical experience.  Auditions will be held at the first class session for placement within the group and to verify that the student and ensemble are a reasonable match.

MU 119A or B Symphonic Ensemble- 1 Cr. Hr. - Variable Contact Hrs.  A continuation of MU 118WSO or 118YSO.

MU 127 to 147 Applied Music-Secondary Instrument- 1 Cr. Hr. - Variable Contact Hrs.  Private study on an instrument.  The student must meet with a private instructor a specified number of hours.  Attendance at studio class may be required and performance is encouraged.  Letters A, B, C, D, after number indicate semseters so that the correct number of credits will be shown on transcript.

MU 127-A,B,C,D Jazz Guitar- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 128-A,B,C,D Voice- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 129-A,B,C,D Piano- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 130-A,B,C,D Cornet-Trumpet- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 131-A,B,C,D Clarinet- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 132-A,B,C,D Trombone- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 133-A,B,C,D Baritone (Euphonium)- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 134-A,B,C,D Tuba- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 135-A,B,C,D French Horn- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 136-A,B,C,D Flute- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 137-A,B,C,D Oboe (English Horn)- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 138-A,B,C,D Bassoon (Contra-Bassoon)- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 139-A,B,C,D Saxophone- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 140-A,B,C,D Percussion- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 141-A,B,C,D Guitar- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 142-A,B,C,D Organ- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 143-A,B,C,D Harp- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 144-A,B,C,D Violin- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 145-A,B,C,D Viola- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 146-A,B,C,D Cello- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 147-A,B,C,D Double Bass- 1 Cr. Hr.

MU 148 to 189 Applied Music- Primary Instrument- 2 Cr. Hrs. - Variable Contact Hrs.  Intensive private study on an instrument.  Must meet with a private instructor a specified number of hours per semester.  Attendance and performance at studio class may be required.  There is a public- recital at the end of the year. 

MU 148, 149 Jazz Guitar- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 150, 151 Voice- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 152, 153 Piano- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 154, 155 Cornet-Trumpet- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 156, 157 Clarinet- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 158, 159 Trombone- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 160, 161 Baritone (Euphonium)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 162, 163 Tuba- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 164, 165 French Horn- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 166, 167 Flute- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 168, 169 Oboe (English Horn)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 170, 171 Bassoon (Contra-Bassoon)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 172, 173 Saxophone- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 174, 175 Percussion- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 176, 177 Guitar- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 178, 179 Organ- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 180, 181 Harp- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 182, 183 Violin- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 184, 185 Viola- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 186, 187 Cello- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 188, 189 Double Bass- 2 Cr. Hrs.

NOTE:  There are several setions of class piano.  Students with piano background should audition with instructor before enrolling. 

MU 190A Classical Piano for Music Majors- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 3 Contact Hrs.  Co-requisite: MU 101 and MU 194.  This course is required of all music majors and is open also to students with some previous keyboard experience who can use these transferable humanities credits or desire the training.  Special emphasis is given to sight-reading, transposition, playing by ear, harmonizing melodies, accompaniments and scales. 

MU 190B Classical Piano (Non-Music Majors)- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 3 Contact Hrs.  This course is open to any student who wishes to learn to play the piano.  No previous training or knowledge of music is necessary. 

MU 190C Classical Piano (Basic Piano)- 1 Cr. Hr. - 2 Contact Hrs.  This course in basic piano is a required corequisite for students in MU 192 unless requirements can be met by examination.  See instructor. 

MU 191A Classical Piano (Music Majors)- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 3 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: MU 190A.  A continuation of MU 190A

MU 191B Classical Piano (Non-Music Majors)- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 3 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: MU 190B.  A continuation of MU 190B.

MU 192 Music for the Classroom Teacher- 4 Cr. Hrs. - 4 Contact Hrs.  Co-requisite: MU 190C, unless requirements can be met by examintaion.  See instructor.  This course is required for future elementary classroom teachers.  No precious musical training is necessary.  The course provides a background in the fundamental elements of music through singing, playing classroom rhythm and melody instruments, recorder and autoharp.  Includes introduction to methods of teaching music, observation and participation in area schools. 

MU 194 Sight-Reading and Ear Training- 1 Cr. Hr. - 2 Contact Hrs.  Co-requisite: MU 101 and MU 190A.  The acquisition of the skills of melodic and rhythmic sight-reading and the disciplining of the ear to reproduce melodies, harmonies and rhythms by dictation. 

MU 195 Sight-Reading and Ear Training- 1 Cr. Hr. - 2 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: MU 194.  A continuation of MU 194.

MU 198 Introduction to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)- 3 Cr. Hrs. - 3 Contact Hrs.  An introductory course in the use and interface of synthesizers and computers.  There are no prerequisites and students do not need to have a synthesizer or a computer at home.  Involves 2-4 lab hours per week. 

MU 201 Advanced Theory- 4 Cr. Hrs. - 5 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: MU 101 and MU 102.  Co-requisite: MU 290.  A continuation of Theory required of music majors.  It combines the elements of counter-point, form analysis and 20th century practices with an emphasis on creative writing and arranging.  Advanced sight-singing and melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictations are also stressed. 

MU 202 Advanced Theory- 4 Cr. Hrs. - 5 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: MU 201.  Co-requisite: MU 291A.  A continuation of MU 201.

MU 203 Vocal and Instrumental Conducting Techniques- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 2 Contact Hrs.  Practical methods and conducting techniques for instrumental and vocal ensembles, with emphasis on rehearsal preparation, interpretation and performance, and basic communication between conductor and ensemble members. 

MU 248 to 289 Applied Music- Advanced Instrument- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 2 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: Two semesters of study on the same instrument at the 100- level.  Private study of an instrument.  The student must meet with private instructor a minimum of 13 hours per semseter.  Attendance and performance at studio is required.  There is a staff audition at the end of each semester and a public recital at the end of the year. 

 MU 248, 249 Jazz Guitar- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 250, 251 Voice- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 252, 253 Piano- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 254, 255 Cornet-Trumpet- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 256, 257 Clarinet- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 258, 259 Trombone- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 260, 261 Baritone (Euphonium)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 262, 263 Tuba- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 264, 265 French Horn- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 266, 267 Flute- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 268, 269 Oboe (English Horn)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 270, 271 Bassoon (Contra-Bassoon)- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 272, 273 Saxophone- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 274, 275 Percussion- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 276, 277 Guitar- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 278, 279 Organ- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 280, 281 Harp- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 282, 283 Violin- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 284, 285 Viola- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 286, 287 Cello- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 288, 289 Double Bass- 2 Cr. Hrs.

MU 290 Classical Piano- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 3 Contact Hrs.  Co-requisite: MU 201.  A continuation of the freshman piano class plus the addition of clef and vocal score reading.  Required of all music majors unless they are able to pass the requirements at the end of their freshman year. 

MU 291 Classical Piano- 2 Cr. Hrs. - 3 Contact Hrs.  Prerequisite: MU 290A.  A continuation of MU 290A.

*Denotes a course that contains an International Component.