Coordinator,
Music Program: Pamela Ellsworth-Smith, M.Mus.
Music Faculty:
Kelly Archer, B.A., B.S.
Rusty Elder, B.S.
and visiting guest artists
The music area serves students on several levels by offering opportunities
for performance and for study leading to a fuller appreciation of
the meanings and systems of expression which musical works involve.
A vital part of the Performing Arts Program at Stephens, the music
area enriches the academic and residential environment of the campus.
Music is an essential part of the B.F.A. in theatre arts. The music
curriculum is designed to develop a foundation of intellectual,
physical and artistic skills that are a necessary basis for students
interested in emphasizing musical theatre. Solo and ensemble performance
opportunities are available in formal and informal recitals, workshops
and stage productions.
Music Minor
The minor in music requires completion of
18 semester hours, including at least 6 hours at or above the 300
level. All courses must be enrolled for graded credit to count in
the minor.
Required Courses
- MUS
110: Music Theory I
(3 hrs.)
- MUS
210: Music Theory II
(3 hrs.)
- MUS
321: Music History I
(3 hrs.)
or
MUS 322: Music History II (3 hrs.)
- 3
additional semester hours of upper-level
courses from the following:
- Plus a minimum of 6 semester hours of additional courses at any level, including applied music and performance ensembles.
MUS 321: Music History I (3 hrs.)
MUS 322: Music History II (3 hrs.)
MUS 324: Sight Singing/Vocalise (3 hrs.)
APM 302: Applied Music (1 hr.)
APM 402: Applied Music (3 hrs)
Music Courses
MUS
105: Fundamentals of Music
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Study of the basic techniques of music of the 18th and 19th centuries
dealing with such musical materials as notation, pitch, scales,
rhythm, intervals and keys. Approached through lecture, discussion,
demonstration, performance, written and aural analysis, and written
exercises.
MUS 110: Music Theory I
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Study of basic techniques and vocabulary of music of the 18th and
19th centuries, including melody, rhythm, harmony and texture. Students
will work with scales, modes, keys, intervals, triads, basic harmonic
progressions and part-writing techniques, standard notational practices,
melodic structures and rhythmic patterns. Approached through lecture,
discussion, performance, written and aural analysis, and written
compositional exercises. Laboratory portion of course includes exercises
and drill in ear training, sight-singing and basic keyboard skills.
MUS 210: Music Theory II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: MUS 110)
A continuation of Music Theory I with an emphasis on chromaticism
variation and counterpoint. Introduces the student to structural
perception and a study of traditional forms in instrumental, vocal
and choral compositions. Laboratory portion of course includes exercises
and drills in ear training, sight singing and basic keyboard skills.
MUS 321: Music History I
(3 hrs.)
A study of the history of music of the Western World. An exploration
of historical, social and artistic changes throughout the centuries.
Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods will be covered.
MUS 322: Music History II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: MUS 321)
A continuation of Music History I. Includes music history of the
Romantic and Contemporary periods. Course will provide an understanding
of the role of music in various societies throughout the ages.
MUS 324: Sight Singing/Vocalise
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: MUS 110 or permission of instructor)
Study of sight singing (solfege), intervallic recognition and rhythm
reading. Application of sight-singing skills and vocalises to strengthen
vocal technique.
Applied Music Courses
APM 100: Voice or Piano (summer study)
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Private instruction in piano or voice. Offered summers only in the
Summer Theatre Institute and Stephens Summer Dance programs.
APM 101: Voice Class or Piano Class
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Group instruction at the beginning level. Group and individual performance,
observation and some teacher modeling. Covers fundamentals, technical
and practice skills, musical terminology and musical and textural
analysis.
APM 102: Voice or Piano
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
One half-hour private lesson per week. Regular practice required
of student as assigned by instructor. Fee: $90.
APM 110: Stephens Concert Choir
(1-3 hrs.)
(May be repeated for up to 6 semester hours)
Designed to provide an experience in choral singing for cultural
enrichment and personal fulfillment. Several public performances
are planned. Works from a cross-selection of styles are performed.
A simple, non-rigorous audition is required.
APM 202: Voice or Piano
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Continuation of study. One half-hour private lesson per week. Regular
practice required of student as assigned by instructor. Fee $90.
APM 225: Vocal Jazz Ensemble
(1-3 hrs.)
(May be repeated up to 6 semester hours)
Provides intensive training in the development of aural and sight-singing
skills, vocal jazz techniques and stage presence. A highly performance-oriented
group for which students are selected based on strong musical and
vocal ability, strong work ethic and positive attitude. Audition
required.
APM 302: Voice or Piano
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Advanced study. One half-hour private lesson per week. Regular practice
required of student as assigned by instructor. Fee: $90.
APM 402: Voice or Piano
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Continuation of advanced study. One hour lesson per week. Regular
practice required for student as assigned by instructor. Fee: $180.
Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials,
readings, projects) may be proposed by students who wish to investigate
a subject not otherwise available. Information about independent
study may be obtained in department offices or in the Office of
the Registrar.
