MUS-121. Foundations of Music Theory

An introductory course in music theory which presents essential basic concepts in music through composition, analysis, and listening. The course consists of a study of musical elements, terminology, rhythm, and music notation, including the staff, clefs, notes, intervals, scales, modes, chords, keys and signatures. Additional emphasis on the acquisition of aural skills through ear-training. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

Note: Students who have completed MUS-100 cannot enroll in MUS-121.

MUS-200. Topics in Music

A study of a specific musical topic that is interdisciplinary in nature, and not exclusively historical or theoretical. Topics may focus on intersections of music with business, non-Western cultures, politics, dance, or other areas. The course will place emphasis on independent research as well as required listening. No Prerequisite. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS/HIST-203. The Expense of Musical Appropriation and the Dividends of Collaboration

There is a rich history of people from different nations, ethnicities, and races exchanging ideas and sharing cultures. For African peoples and their descendants in the diaspora, such exchanges became tools that helped them survive oppression and overcome marginalized positionalities, even as they made contributions to the global pop industry. This course studies local musical cultures in Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States, and their global circulation, to question the appropriation, adaptation, and commercialization of music. It asks what the term “appropriation” means and how one may distinguish borrowing and collaboration from theft and exploitation. We will learn basic music theory and use introductory digital music production tools to translate what we learn into audio projects and civic engagement workshops. We strongly encourage the participation of those with no music experience. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, H, LINQ.)

MUS-205. History of Music to 1750

A study of music from its early origins through the end of the Baroque period, including an examination of the music through cultural, political, and societal contexts. Intensive listening assignments and research projects are required for the course. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

MUS-206W. History of Music, 1750 to Present

A study of music from the Classical Period to the present, including an examination of the music through cultural, political, and societal contexts. Intensive listening assignments and research projects are required for the course. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

MUS-207. History of Jazz

A survey of the development of jazz from its African origins through the present. Includes a detailed investigation of how various socio-political factors affected the development of this American music. The course will include intensive listening and research assignments, video presentations, and a final research paper. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, DN, H, LINQ.)

MUS-208. World Music

This course traces the development of world musics by examining significant works of music and the cultural and political milieu in which the works were composed. Students will develop an understanding of musical terminnnology and will develop skills needed to listen to and better understand music of varying cultures. Students will participate in a variety of activities, including singing, playing instruments and dancing. This course will include intensive listening assignments. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, GN, H.)

MUS-221. Music Theory and Aural Skills I

The first semester of an integrated two-semester theory sequence that examines the harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and formal organization of music while developing critical listening skills. The course consists of studying the application of music fundamentals, analysis of small forms, composition, and development of aural skills. Emphasis on diatonic harmony. Prerequisite: MUS-121 or permission of instructor. Four hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS-222. Music Theory and Aural Skills II

The second semester of an integrated two-semester theory sequence that examines the harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and formal organization of music while developing critical listening skills. The course consists of the development and analysis of motivic structures, analysis of larger forms, composition, and development of aural skills. Introduction to chromatic harmony. Prerequisite: MUS-221 or permission of instructor. Four hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS-226. Music Technology

An introductory course in computer-based music technology. Students will learn the concepts of sequencing, mixing, production, loop-based composition, sampler and synth programming, and basic music theory through composition and analysis projects. Emphasis on MIDI and software-based sound generators. Additional concepts may include music notation, music distribution, and digital audio theory. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS/TD/ART-233. Sound Design

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sound design. The class focuses on creating an environment with sound through the use of Foley, pre-recorded media, and music. Additionally, students explore basic sound technology and tools to create a theatrical sound design. This course is made up of a combination of lectures, class discussions, and projects. Class participation is essential to the success of this course. Students are asked to think critically and express ideas about their work as well as the work of others. Four hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS-301. What is Music?

What components make sounds into music? What makes us identify sound events as not music? How does our background or education shape our ideas about what can be considered music? How does the way we define music give us power in social, cultural, aesthetic, and even legal spheres? This course explores what “music” is from aesthetic, philosophical, cultural, and analytical standpoints. In this course, students will examine different ways of defining and understanding music as a social, artistic, aesthetic, scientific, and personal phenomenon. The course will also consider the ethical and personal ramifications of such musical definitions. Readings from philosophy, music theory, history, and ethnomusicology, music psychology, sound studies, and music copyright law will be included. Students will build their critical reading, writing, and speaking skills through discussion, writing and reading assignments, and research projects. There are no prerequisites to enroll in this course. Four semester hours. (A, CCAP, H.)

MUS/GWSS-305. Women in Music

This course will examine the contributions of women as composers, performers, patrons and conductors of music from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century. The course will focus largely on the roles of women in the sphere of Western art music but will include some coverage of non-Western and popular music as well. The course requires a variety of listening assignments and research projects. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, DN, H.)

MUS-306. History of American Music

This course will examine various types of music that have evolved in America, from the colonial era to the present. Students will be required to listen to, read about, and respond to many different types of American music, including folk, popular, and classical traditions. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

MUS-307. Topics in Music History

A study of a specific period or genre of music, and an examination of the music through cultural, political, and societal contexts. Topics in the past have included the Second Viennese School, Race and Gender in American Music, Stravinsky, and others. The course will place emphasis on independent research as well as required listening. Prerequisite: MUS-205, 206, or 207; or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

MUS-321. Orchestration

Covers the ranges, capabilities, and characteristic uses of orchestral instruments through exercises, score study, and listening. Implements this knowledge in transcriptions and arrangements for a variety of ensembles in a variety of historical styles, culminating in a final project consisting of a large scale arrangement and reading from the Wind Ensemble. Prerequisites: MUS-121 or 221. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS-322. Counterpoint

Covers the principles of composition through species counterpoint (a study of the ways independent melodic lines can be joined in music) through independent projects in composition. The course will introduce students to species counterpoint in two and three voices–exercises that develop discipline in polyphonic writing, hearing, and thinking. The species exercises will lead to a final composition project, such as the emulation of a motet in sixteenth-century style. Prerequisites: MUS-121 or 221. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS-326. Music Cognition

This course surveys the growing field of music cognition: an intersection of music theory, music psychology, and neuroscience. Topics covered will include music and emotion, embodied music cognition, music and evolution, pitch, meter, and form perception, music and language, and learning and performance. A significant research project looking at past and current studies within a sub-area of music cognition will be required. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS-328. Topics in Music Theory

A study of a specific style or school of composition such as counterpoint, serial music, chromatic harmony and others. The course will place emphasis on independent research as well as required listening. Prerequisite: Appropriate 200-level music theory course or by permission. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

MUS-381 Internship

An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Contact music faculty for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: approval of an internship adviser and three courses in music. Three semester hours (XLP.)

MUS-382 Internship 

An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Contact music faculty for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: approval of an internship adviser and three courses in music. Four semester hours (XLP.)

MUS-401. Special Projects in Music

Advanced independent work on a creative, historical or theoretical project supervised and approved by a faculty adviser. Four semester hours. (A, XLP.)

MUS-491 Research/Independent Work

This course is open to candidates for departmental honors and to other students with the permission of the department chair. Prerequisites: Permission of the department. Four semester hours. (A, XLP.)

MUS-492 Research/Independent Work

A continuation of MUS-491. Open only to candidates for honors. Prerequisites: MUS-491 and permission of the department. Four semester hours. (A, XLP.)

Ensembles and Lessons

MUS-011-018. Voices of Ursinus

A choral ensemble of mixed voices open to all students. The choir performs repertoire representing diverse styles and cultures. The Voices of Ursinus presents two major concerts each year and performs at various venues and college events. Graded S/U. Three to four hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

Mus 021-028. Ursinus College Concert Band

A large instrumental ensemble open to everyone in the College community. Members perform works from standard band repertoire, transcriptions of important orchestral works, and new compositions. The Concert Band presents two major concerts each year and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Two to three hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

MUS-031-038. Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble

A big band open by audition to all students. The ensemble performs arrangements and original compositions in a variety of jazz styles. The Jazz Ensemble presents two major concerts each year and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Two to three hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

MUS-041-048 and 04SA. - Guitar

MUS 041-048 and 04SB. - Piano

MUS-041-048 and 04SC. - Voice

MUS-041-048 and 04SD. - Other

Applied Lessons

This course provides private music instruction for one hour each week, focusing on technique and performance practice. The course will give students the opportunity to continue their growth as musicians. One hour per week. During the summer there would be a total of 14 hours of lessons. Students can sign up for MUS-04S more than once. Music lessons fee. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

MUS-051-058. Ursinus Strings

A chamber strings ensemble open to everyone in the College community. Members will present a campus performance each semester and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Two to three hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)