Prerequisite/Corequisite Key
| P = Course must be taken previously | C = Course must be taken concurrently | E = Course can be taken previously or concurrently |
| (RQ) = Required | (RM) = Recommended |
MUS 100
Fundamentals of Music Theory
3 credit hours
This class introduces rudiments of music theory for those with little or no musical background. The fundamentals of basic music notation of melody, rhythm and harmony including the recognition and construction of intervals, scales and triads are presented. This course does not fulfill a Music major/minor course requirement.
MUS 101
Music Theory I
3 credit hours
The study of traditional diatonic tonal materials and standard notational practice including the development of part-writing and analytical skills. NOTE: This course must be taken concurrently with MUS-151, MUSLB-151, MUS-161 and MUSLB-161. Offered fall.
MUS 102
Music Theory II
3 credit hours
P: MUS-101
Continuation of MUS 101 leading to elementary modulation. Offered spring. NOTE: This course must be taken concurrently with MUS-152, MUSLB-152, MUS-162, MUSLB-162 and MUS-152. Offered spring.
MUS 103
Vocal Technique
3 credit hours
Fundamentals of correct voice production for vocal majors as well as general student population with an interest in building good singing technique. Course includes the study of anatomy and physiology of the voice, basic International Phonetic Alphabet application, classical voice categorization, appropriate stage deportment and attendance at three vocal concerts. This course is a prerequisite for private voice lessons. Offered fall. NOTE: 5 clinical observation hours required for music education majors.
MUS 104
Guitar Class I
3 credit hours
This course is an introduction to basic playing skills for classical guitar. Students will study basic music notation (pitch and rhythm) primary chord structures and pick and strum patterns. Individual and small group activities will be used to enhance student learning.
MUS 107
Class Piano
3 credit hours
An introduction to the rudiments of piano playing. Concepts studied include music fundamentals, rhythms, note reading and basic technique.
MUS 115
Introduction to Music
3 credit hours
A survey course intended to develop listening skills and understanding of the basic elements of music and sensitivity to the aesthetic experience. Students are required to attend live concerts on and off-campus.
MUS 131
Rock 'n' Roll: An Introduction
3 credit hours
Introductory course on the history of rock 'n' roll beginning with the roots of rock to the present day. Coursework will include lecture, discussion and field trips. Students attend musical performances together as a class to share and discuss this common musical experience. There is a ticket fee attached to enrollment in this course. Offered fall.
MUS 133
Music Production Techniques
3 credit hours
Students will create music using the digital audio workstation and audio tools of Ableton Live. Students will compose, produce, record, mix and master original composition. Students will learn about all elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, and form) as they learn to construct and deconstruct music from the perspective of a music producer.
MUS 138
History of Jazz
3 credit hours
An introductory survey course examining the historical development, traditions, and artists of jazz music from its origins to the present day. Coursework will include lecture, discussion and music listening (recorded and live). Students attend musical performances together as a class to share and discuss this common musical experience. There is a ticket fee attached to enrollment in this course. Offered spring.
MUS 144
Vocal Methods (for Instrumental Majors)
1 credit hour
E: MUSLB-144
An introductory course focusing on the methods of singing. Course includes the study of anatomy and physiology of the voice, basic International Phonetic Alphabet application, classical voice categorization, appropriate stage deportment and attendance at three vocal concerts. Students will learn the fundamentals of correct voice production and diction. Offered fall even years. NOTE: 5 clinical observation hours.
MUS 145
Brass Methods
1 credit hour
E: MUSLB-145
An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching beginning brass instruments. Students will learn proper playing techniques for all the major instruments of the brass family, in addition to studying appropriate method books for teaching beginning brass students at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels. Offered spring odd years. NOTE: 5 clinical observation hours.
MUS 146
Percussion Methods
1 credit hour
E: MUSLB-146
An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching beginning percussion instruments. Students will learn proper playing techniques for all the major instruments of the percussion family, in addition to studying appropriate method books for teaching beginning percussion students at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels. Offered fall odd years. NOTE: 5 clinical observation hours.
MUS 147
String Methods
1 credit hour
E: MUSLB-147
An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching beginning string instruments. Students will learn proper playing techniques for all the major instruments of the string family in addition to studying appropriate method books for teaching beginning string students at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels. Offered spring even years. NOTE: 5 clinical observation hours.
MUS 148
Woodwind Methods
1 credit hour
E: MUSLB-148
An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching beginning woodwind instruments. Students will learn proper playing techniques for all the major instruments of the woodwind family in addition to studying appropriate method books for teaching beginning woodwind students at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels. Offered fall even years. NOTE: 5 clinical observation hours.
MUS 151
Aural Skills I
1 credit hour
This course involves the development of aural recognition skills by means of rhythmic, melodic and two-part dictation. Students will build fluency in sight singing through the use of drills, exercises and music of the common practice period and develop harmonic and multi-part awareness. Offered fall. NOTE: This course should be taken concurrently with MUS-151, MUSLB-151, MUS-161, and MUSLB-161. MUS-101 may be taken as a prerequisite or corequisite. Offered fall.
MUS 152
Aural Skills II
1 credit hour
P: MUS-151
This course involves further development of aural recognition and production skills by means of rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation and sight singing. Pre/Corequisite: MUSLB-152, MUS-162, MUSLB-162. Offered spring.
MUS 161
Keyboard Skills I
1 credit hour
The study of basic keyboard technique, treble and bass clef reading skills as applied to the keyboard and rudimentary keyboard harmony. Pre/Corequisite: MUSLB-152, MUS-162, MUSLB-162 Offered fall.
MUS 162
Keyboard Skills II
1 credit hour
P: MUS-161
Continued study of basic technique, reading skills and keyboard harmony, including harmonization, transposition and simple modulation. Pre/Corequisite: MUSLB-162, MUS-152, MUSLB-152. Offered spring.
MUS 201
Music Theory III
3 credit hours
P: MUS-102
Further development of part-writing and analytical skills, including the introduction of chromatic harmony. Pre/Corequisite: MUS-251, MUSLB-251,MUS-261,MUSLB-261 Offered fall.
MUS 202
Music Theory IV
3 credit hours
P: MUS-201
Continued study of chromatic harmony leading to contemporary techniques. Pre/Corequisite: MUS-252, MUSLB-252, MUS-262, MUSLB-262. Offered spring.
MUS 205
Italian/English Diction for Singers
2 credit hours
Principles of correct pronunciation/articulation of the Italian and English languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet for singing application. Offered spring even years.
MUS 206
German/French Diction for Singers
2 credit hours
P: MUS-205 or permission of instructor
Principles of correct pronunciation/articulation of the French and German languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet for singing application. Offered fall even years.
MUS 221
Foundations of Music Business
3 credit hours
Foundations of Music Business is a survey course that will examine elements of the music industry and provide a foundational understanding to the history, structure, and areas related to music. Topics will include history and current business trends, publications, copyrights laws in music, licensing, and promotion. This course will develop student's knowledge and skills to help understand common business practices related to the music industry. Students do not need to play an instrument for this course.
MUS 231
University Chamber Singers
1 credit hour
Students must demonstrate excellent vocal, sight-reading and intonation skills. Ensemble of 12 to 16 members chosen on the basis of vocal and musical ability. Will study and perform music chosen for at least one concert appearance. Open to general University students by audition. Laboratory 3. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 232
University Chorale
1 credit hour
Open to all interested University students, faculty and staff as well as community members who have appropriate choral experience and read music. Study and performance of sacred and secular repertoire, with at least one concert appearance each semester. Laboratory 3. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 234
University Band
1 credit hour
This ensemble functions as both the Marching Band and Concert Band for Saint Xavier University and is open to all interested students who play a band instrument. The SXU Marching Band performs at all home football games during the fall semester. The ensemble comes indoors in November becoming the SXU Concert Band. Laboratory 3. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 235
Brass Ensemble
1 credit hour
This course is the study and performance of brass ensemble literature. It is open to all interested brass students of upper-intermediate to advanced level of playing. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 236
Chamber Music Ensemble
1 credit hour
This course is the study and performance of music for small ensembles. It is open to instrumentalists of upper-intermediate to advanced level of playing on any instrument. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 237
Flute Ensemble
1 credit hour
This course is the study and performance of flute ensemble literature. It is open to all interested flute students of upper-intermediate to advanced level of playing. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 238
Guitar Ensemble
1 credit hour
This course is the study and performance of guitar ensemble literature. It is open to all interested guitar students of upper-intermediate to advanced level of playing. Required for all guitar majors. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 239
Jazz Combo
1 credit hour
The Jazz Combo performs a wide variety of jazz combo literature. The course is open to all University wind, string, piano, and percussion performers of traditional jazz big-band instruments. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 240
Jazz Ensemble
1 credit hour
The Jazz Ensemble performs a wide variety of jazz ensemble literature that uses a standard big-band instrumentation. The course is open to all University wind, string, piano and percussion performers of traditional jazz big-band instruments. Laboratory 3. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 242
Opera Workshop
1 to 2 credit hours
This workshop is a staged and costumed production of scenes from (or the complete) opera, operetta or musical theater work as chosen by the director(s). Laboratory 4. Offered spring. NOTE: Rehearsal time exceeds the one-credit class time commitment. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 243
Percussion Ensemble
1 credit hour
This course is the study and performance of percussion ensemble literature. It is open to all interested percussion students of upper-intermediate to advanced level of playing. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 244
Clarinet Ensemble
1 credit hour
The Clarinet Ensemble performs a wide variety of clarinet ensemble literature. The course is open to all interested clarinet students of upper-intermediate to advanced level playing proficiency. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 248
Saxophone Ensemble
1 credit hour
This course is the study and performance of saxophone ensemble literature. It is open to all interested saxophone students of upper-intermediate to advanced level of playing. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 249
String Ensemble
1 credit hour
This course is the study and performance of string ensemble literature. It is open to all interested string students of upper-intermediate to advanced level of playing. Laboratory 1.5. Prerequisite: Audition.
MUS 250
Special Topics: Music
1 to 4 credit hours
Topics in this course vary from semester to semester.
MUS 251
Aural Skills III
1 credit hour
P: MUS-152
This course is an advanced aural training in melodic, rhythmic and harmonic idioms. NOTE: This course must be taken concurrently with MUSLB-251,MUS-201,MUS-261,MUSLB-261 Offered fall.
MUS 252
Aural Skills IV
1 credit hour
P: MUS-251
This course is a continuation of MUS 251, including applications to contemporary music. NOTE: This course should be taken concurrently with MUSLB-252, MUS-202, MUS-262 and MUSLB-262 Offered spring.
MUS 259
Commercial Music Ensemble
1 credit hour
Students enrolled in Commercial Music Ensemble will be given the opportunity to authentically study, perform, arrange, and compose in the diverse styles of 21st century popular music. Students will explore a variety of genres, songs, and artists in popular, rock, funk, blues, R&B, folk, country, and more. The ensemble is open to all vocalists, guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists, woodwinds, and brass instruments.
MUS 261
Keyboard Skills III
1 credit hour
P: MUS-162
This course offers a further study in keyboard harmony including some chromatic harmony. Basic ensemble and technical skills at appropriate levels are also included. NOTE: This course should be taken concurrently with MUSLB-261, MUS-201, MUS-251 and MUSLB-251 Offered fall.
MUS 262
Keyboard Skills IV
1 credit hour
P: MUS-261
This course focuses on more advanced skills in keyboard harmony, transposition, basic accompanying skills and technique at appropriate levels. Chromatic harmony and contemporary examples are emphasized. NOTE: This course should be taken concurrently with MUSLB-262, MUS-202, MUS-252 and MUSLB-252 Offered spring.
MUS 301
Form and Analysis
2 credit hours
P: MUS-202
This course is a comprehensive study of harmonic and formal structures and typical stylistic traits of 18th and 19th century music. Offered fall even years.
MUS 312
Vocal Pedagogy
3 credit hours
P: MUSAP-200
This course focuses on principles, techniques and materials for teaching singing in the private studio or classroom. The course includes in-depth study of anatomy and physiology of voice production as well as application of learned teaching skills in the pedagogy classroom and mentored teaching private practice. The course is required for vocal performance and music education/choral emphasis majors. Offered as needed. NOTE: 15 clinical hours required for Music Education majors.
MUS 314
Conducting
3 credit hours
P: MUS-102
This course focuses on the development of conducting technique with emphasis on choral and instrumental applications. Offered fall odd years. NOTE: 5 clinical observation hours for music education students.
MUS 317
Music Literature - Voice - Art Song
3 credit hours
P: MUSAP-200
This course is a survey of art song literature for the voice from the Baroque period through the present day. The course is required for vocal performance majors and strongly recommended for music education/choral emphasis/vocal majors. Offered as needed. NOTE: Advanced standing in Applied Vocal Music.
MUS 330
Music History I: Medieval/Renaissance /Baroque
3 credit hours
P: MUS-115
The study of the development of music in the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods with an emphasis placed on the structure, styles, genre, composers and musical elements associated with these periods. This study will take place in the context of world history, religious, economic and social trends. Offered fall.
MUS 331
Music History II: Classical/Romantic Contemporary
3 credit hours
P: MUS-115
The study of the development of music in the Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods with an emphasis placed on aural and visual identification of musical scores in regard to their characteristics, structure and style. This study will take place in reference to world events: religious, economic, political and social. Offered fall odd years.
MUS 334
K-12 General Music
3 credit hours
This course teaches students how to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive general music program. Students will acquire a varied pedagogical skill set; develop a working knowledge of practices in current use, as well as national and state standards; develop a working knowledge of educational materials; and be acquainted with the theoretical constructs on which music education is based. NOTE: 15 clinical hours of observation are required for successful completion of this course.
MUS 335
Teaching Choral Music in Middle and Secondary Schools
3 credit hours
This course prepares students to teach in middle and high school choral programs. The course focuses on choral rehearsal techniques and pedagogies, choral program administration, and the completion of a job application portfolio and mock interview. Subject-specific content for the edTPA is also addressed. NOTE: 15 clinical hours of observation are required for successful completion of this course.
MUS 336
Teaching Instrumental Music in Middle and Secondary Schools
3 credit hours
This course focuses on the skills necessary to successfully operate a secondary instrumental music program (including proper programming for and instruction of concert bands, jazz bands, marching bands, orchestras, chamber music, and other ensembles). Rehearsal technique, instrumental pedagogy, philosophies of teaching, and subject-specific content related to the edTPA are also addressed. NOTE: 15 clinical hours of observation are required for successful completion of this course.
MUS 340
Special Topics
2 credit hours
Topics in this course vary. Offered as needed.
MUS 341
Jazz Theory and Improvisation
2 credit hours
P: MUS-102
A hands-on approach for students to study the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic elements of jazz improvisation by combining theory with practice. Students will develop jazz improvisational skills through the study of chord/scale relationships, repertoire, transcriptions, and analysis. Music Theory II (MUS 102) is required as a pre-requisite.
MUS 342
Compositional Techniques for Jazz and Commercial Ensembles
3 credit hours
P: MUS-102
Students will learn various techniques in arranging and composition for small and large ensembles in jazz and other genres of popular music. Students will study techniques used by composers and arrangers such as Thad Jones, Quincy Jones, and Sammy Nestico. Music Theory II (MUS 102) is required as a pre-requisite.
MUS 352
Directed Teaching K-12
9 credit hours
This course is a program of guided observation, participation and teaching in a classroom setting, jointly supervised by a teacher from the Music Program and one from the field. The student teacher spends the whole day in the field for a period of 16 weeks. NOTE: Level III Education Course: Requires admission to the Education Program and completion of 100 clock hours of supervised clinical experiences.
MUS 354
Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours
This course focuses on individual study projects for advanced students in music. The topic is to be determined by instructor and student. Credit varies.
MUS 357
Senior Project
1 credit hour
This course requires a presentation of a major paper/project, recital or original composition corresponding to primary area of specialization as approved by music faculty. NOTE: This course requires senior standing and formal acceptance as a music major.