Coordinator, Music Program: Cheryl Nichols, B.S.
Music
Faculty:
Tom Andes, B.S.
Nancy
Snow Carr
Rusty Elder, B.S.
Pamela
Ellsworth-Smith, M.Mus.
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.
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.)
APM 302: Applied Music (1 hr.)
APM 402: Applied Music (3 hrs)
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
124: Sight Singing I
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 110 or permission of instructor)
Skill building in sight singing.
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 224: Sight Singing II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 110 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of MUS 124.
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.
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: $140.
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 $140.
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: $140.
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: $280.
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.
