Music Course Offerings
Music courses are divided into several categories: Music History and Literature, Music Technology, Music Theory, and Music Performance.
Music History and Literature course offerings will be found under the 4 letter code of MUHL in the course listings.
MUHL 151A– Great Musical Masterworks(3 Credits)
A music literature course which adopts a “great books” approach. The students will study in depth approximately a dozen works, drawn from several periods of music history. The compositions increase in complexity as the semester progresses.
MUHL 152– Music and Society (3 Credits)
A course which deals with music as a mirror of the times in which it was created. Music to be studied will be chosen for its close association with some of the most profound social issues of Western society. The topics chosen for study will include at least two centuries and two continents.
MUHL 153– Women in Opera (3 Credits)
A critical examination of the significance of women as performers, characters, patrons, and critics in relation to opera’s multiple identities as musical genre, dramatic medium, social event, and political catalyst.
MUHL 154– Musics of the World(3 Credits)
A course which deals with an investigation of the roles of music, its distinguishing features, and preformance traditions in eight to ten geographic regions. The examination of the diffusion and assimilation of cultural elements allows students to learn the essential aspects of each of the cultures under consideration and to appreciate how they differ from a Western perspective.
MUHL 156– American Music(3 Credits)
A study of the developments in American Music provided by America’s various ethnicities that focus on genre, composer, and/or era.
MUHL 261– Topics in Vocal Music(3 Credits)
An exploration of chiefly vocal repertories focusing on genre, composer, and/or era.
MUHL 262– Topics in Instrumental Music(3 Credits)
An exploration of chiefly instrumental repertories focusing on genre, composer, and/or era.
MUHL 263– Mozart(3 Credits)
A study of the life and major works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
MUHL 273– Spec Stud Music Hist & Lit(3 Credits)
Studies of a topic in music history or literature.
MUHL 362– Beethoven(3 Credits)
Biographical and analytical studies pertaining to Ludwig von Beethoven.
MUHL 368– History of Jazz (3 Credits)
The development of jazz. ragtime, blues. dixieland, boogie-woogie, and later styles, which evolved in the genre.
MUHL 375– Music Hist. I: Genre and Form(3 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTH 191. A chronological survey of select genres across several centuries and in different musical styles, focusing on the non-musical factors which effected musical evolution. Analysis and research.
MUHL 376– Music History II: Narratives and Ideologies(3 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTH 191. A historical examination of evolving technologies of music production and dissemination; of changing sources of patronage of composers and performers; and of how music history came to be written (the creation of the Western canon) and the consequences for those privileged or silenced. Research.
MUHL 473– Special Studies in Music History and Literature(3 Credits)
Studies of a topic in music history or literature.
MUHL 491– Individual Study (1-3 Credits)
Individual study is under the direction of a Music Department faculty member. Details may be obtained from the chair. Project required. By permission of the department.
MUHL 492– Individual Study (1-3 Credits)
Individual study is under the direction of a Music Department faculty member. Details may be obtained from the chair. Project required. By permission of the department.
MUHL 499– Internship (1-3 Credits)
Supervised off-campus experiences, developed in consultation with the Department of Music and the off-campus agency. By permission only.
Music Theory course offerings will be found under the 4 letter code of MUTH in the course listings.
MUTH 101– Aural Skills I(1 Credits)
Harmonic and melodic dictation. Sight-singing, keyboard applications, basic conducting, beginning improvisation techniques.
MUTH 181A– Materials and Sources for Music Theory(3 Credits)
A conceptual explanation of basic music vocabulary and sound resources–rhythm, meter, modes, scales, clefs, intervals, notation, acoustics–with musical examples.
MUTH 191– Diatonic Music Theory(3 Credits)
Material and structural elements of tonal music: scales, intervals, and chords. Explores major-minor tonality, figured bass, 7th chords, cadence formulae. Includes principles of voiceleading and harmonic progression. Analysis emphasized.
MUTH 201– Aural Skills II(1 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTH 101, Continued harmonic and melodic dictation. Sight-singing, keyboard applications, basic conducting, beginning improvisation techniques.
MUTH 291– Chromatic Music Theory(3 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTH 191. Chromatic Music Theory of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Harmonic syntax and structure including altered chords, mixed modes, advanced tonality and modulation, small forms. .
MUTH 301– Aural Skills III(1 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTH 201. Development and application of aural and written skills pertaining to modern era. Includes continuations of sight-singing, dictation, keyboard, conducting, and improvisation techniques.
MUTH 351– Fundamentals of Counterpoint and Form(3 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTH 291. Introduction to the principles of counterpoint as exmplified i the music of the Renaissance. Introduction to larger musicals form.
MUTH 369– Music Orchestration(3 Credits)
Prerequisites: MUTH 291. A study of techniques of instrumental scoring considered historically and creatively. Project required.
MUTH 391– Post-Tonal Music Theory(3 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTH 291. Contemporary music theory. Theoretical developments and analytical techniques of the 20th and early 21st centuries.
MUTH 473– Special Studies in Music Theory(3 Credits)
Studies of a topic in Music Theory.
MUTH 483– Scoring and Arranging(3 Credits)
Prerequisites: MUTH 291, MUTH 292. A practicum developing skills in composing, arranging, and adapting music to meet the needs abilities of a variety of ensembles, and with regard to music copyright laws.
MUTH 491– Individual Study (1-3 Credits)
Individual study is under the direction of a Music Department faculty member. Details may be obtained from the chair. Project required. By permission of the department.
MUTH 492– Individual Study (1-3 Credits)
Individual study is under the direction of a Music Department faculty member. Details may be obtained from the chair. Project required. By permission of the department.
MUTH 499– Internship (1-3 Credits)
Supervised off-campus experiences, developed in consultation with the Department of Music and the off-campus agency. By permission only.
Music Technology course offerings will be found under the 4 letter code of MUTC in the course listings.
MUTC 100– Technology for Musicians(3 Credits)
An introduction to notational tools, sound reinforcement, recording, sequencing, video capture/editing and music-specific web design and social media.
MUTC 170– MIDI Composition(3 Credits)
A comprehensive overview of composing through a digital audio workstation. Topics include vocoding, sampling, synthesis, film scoring, automation, and bussing through a series of interactive projects.
MUTC 320– Audio Recording(3 Credits)
Fundamentals of acoustics audio recording for all types of instruments and ensembles including microphone selection and placement, acoustical treatments, professional practices and applications in related fields.
MUTC 330– Audio Production(3 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUTC 320. Production techniques in a variety of styles with an exploration of the roles that production, artists, and finances play in the process from conception to finished recording.
MUTC 370– Electroacoustic Techniques(3 Credits)
A study on compositional techniques in electroacoustic music with an emphasis on interactivity. Lectures are designed to compliment student projects in a variety of topics including hid, electronic instrument design, live coding, and real-time processing.
MUTC 473– Special Studies in Music Technology(3 Credits)
Studies of a topic of music technology.
Music Performance course offerings will be found under the 4 letter code of MUPR in the course listings.
MUPR 201– Class Voice I (1 Credits)
Class instruction through the intermediate performance level. Emphasis on the fundamentals of vocal technique through performance. Foundational experience appropriate for continued private voice study. Audition required for placement.
MUPR 202– Class Voice II(1 Credits)
Prerequisite MUPR 201. Class instruction through the intermediate performance level, emphasizing fundamentals of vocal technique through performance as preparation for private vocal study.
MUPR 205A– Class Piano I (1 Credits)
Class instruction for beginners through the intermediate level. 205 and 206 deal with fundamental performance techniques. The ability to read music is anticipated. 207 emphasizes musical expression and preparation for private piano study. Audition required for placement.
MUPR 206– Class Piano II(1 Credits)
Class instruction for beginners through intermediate level. 205 and 206 deal with fundamental performance techniques. The ability to read music is anticipated. 207 emphasizes musical expression and preparation for private piano study. Audition required for placement.
MUPR 207A– Class Piano III (1 Credits)
Class instruction for beginners through the intermediate level. 205 and 206 deal with fundamental performance techniques. The ability to read music is anticipated. 207 emphasizes musical expression and preparation for private piano study. Audition required for placement.
MUPR 208– Class Piano IV(1 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUPR 207. Class instruction for developing appropriate collaborative piano skills (ala accompaniment skills) for duo through chamber group performance. Sight reading development is also emphasized.
MUPR 214– Class Woodwinds(1 Credits)
Beginning group study in performance techniques of woodwind instruments. Recommended for music jamors seeking teaching certification in the instrumental area and for students intrested in composition.
MUPR 215– Class Guitar I(1 Credits)
Beginning group study in performance techniques of guitar. Recommended for students with no prior music reading and performing experience. Class Guitar I is an introduction to playing chords, reading music, interpreting charts, and developing basic skills needed to understand various published methods on learnng the guitar..
MUPR 216– Class Guitar II(1 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUPR 215. Class Guitar II is an intermediate group study in performance techniques of guitar. This course is recommended for students who have successfully completed Class Guitar I or by permission of instructor. Students must possess basic music reading and playing skills. Class Guitar II is an introduction to more complex rhythms, playing barre chords, reading music in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th positions. Students will expand their repertoire, knowledge of scales, arpeggios and various performance techniques to augment their proficiency.
MUPR 223– Class Brass(1 Credits)
Beginning group study in performance techniques of brass instruments. Recommended for music majors seeking teaching certification in the instrumental area and for students interested in composition.
MUPR 225A– Class Percussion (1 Credits)
Beginning group study in performance techniques of percussion instruments. Recommended for music majors seeking teaching certification in the instrumental area and for students interested in composition.
MUPR 235– Class Strings(1 Credits)
Beginning group study in performance techniques of string instruments. Recommended for music majors seeking teaching certification in the instrumental area and for students interested in composition.
MUPR 254– Chamber Choir(1 Credits)
Mixed voices performing representative repertoire of all periods of music. Open by audition. In cooperation with local community musicians.
MUPR 260– Instrumental Ensemble: String(1 Credits)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized string repertoire. Open by audition.
MUPR 261– Guitar Ensemble(1 Credits)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized guitar repertoire. Open by audition.
MUPR 262– Flute Ensemble(1 Credits)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized repertoire for flute choir. Open by audition.
MUPR 265– Jazz Improvisation Workshop(1 Credits)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized repertoire in the jazz genre. Open by audition.
MUPR 268– Brass Ensemble(1 Credits)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized brass repertoire. Open by audition.
MUPR 270– Percussion Ensemble(1 Credits)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized repertoire. Open by audition.
MUPR 275– World Music Workshop (Topics)(1 Credits)
Ensemble exploring a specific vocal/instrumental repertory from outside of the Western classical/jazz tradition; focus varies from year to year.
MUPR 347A– Conducting(3 Credits)
Prerequisites: MUTH 291, and MUTH 292. The principles and techniques of conducting, including score reading, classroom/rehearsal methods, and analysis, program planning, and workshop experience.
MUPR 349– Conducting Practicum(1 Credits)
Prerequisite: MUPR 347A. Advanced private instruction in conducting, score reading, music pedagogy, and rehearsal techniques in a specialized area (choral, orchestral, band, jazz, etc.).
MUPR 473– Special Studies in Music Perf(3 Credits)
Studies of a topic in music performance.
MUPR 491– Individual Study (1-3 Credits)
Individual study is under the direction of a music department faculty member. Details may be obtained from the chair. Project required. By permission of the department.
MUPR 492– Individual Study(1-3 Credits)
Individual study is under the direction of a music department faculty member. Details may be obtained from the chair. Project required. By permission of the department.
MUPR 499– Internship (1-3 Credits)
Supervised off-campus experiences, developed in consultation with the Department of Music and the off-campus agency. By permission only.
Private Instruction
Registration for private instruction is contingent upon a successful audition. All 300-level courses consist of one half-hour lesson per week for one credit. The 400-level courses consist of a one-hour lesson per week for two credits. Both are available by permission from the department chairperson. Each course may be repeated for additional credit at the discretion of the instructor. A lesson fee applies for all students.
301, 401 – Voice (1, 2)
305, 405 – Piano (1, 2)
309, 409 – Harp (1, 2)
310, 410 – Organ (1, 2)
311, 411 – Flute (1, 2)
312, 412 – Oboe (1, 2)
313, 413 – Clarinet (1, 2)
314, 414 – Bassoon (1, 2)
315, 415 – Saxophone (1 ,2)
321, 421 – French horn (1, 2)
322, 422 – Trumpet (1, 2)
323, 423 – Trombone (1, 2)
324, 424 – Tuba/Euphonium (1, 2)
325, 425 – Percussion (1, 2)
331, 431 – Violin (1, 2)
332, 432 – Viola (1, 2)
333, 433 – Cello (1, 2)
334, 434 – Contrabass (1, 2)
335, 435 – Guitar (1, 2)
336, 436 – Composition (1, 2)
337,437 — Special Applied Study (1, 2)
Performing Ensembles
352 – Chorus: UMW Chorus (1)
Treble voices performing representative repertoire of all periods of music. Open by audition.
350 – Chorus: Fredericksburg Singers (1)
Mixed voices performing representative repertoire of all periods of music. Open by audition. In cooperation with local community musicians.
254– Chamber Choir (1)
Mixed voices performing representative repertoire of all periods of music. Open by audition.
360 – Orchestra (1)
Opportunity to study and perform selected repertoire representative of the literature written for orchestra. Open by audition. In cooperation with local community musicians.
365–UMW Jazz Ensemble (1)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized repertoire in the jazz genre. Open by audition.
262 – Flute Ensemble (1)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized repertoire for flute choir. Open by audition.
268 – Brass Ensemble (1)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized brass repertoire. Open by audition.
270 – Percussion Ensemble (1)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized repertoire. Open by audition.
275 – World Music Workshop (1)
Ensemble exploring a specific vocal/instrumental repertory from outside of the Western classical/jazz tradition; focus varies from year to year.
362 Concert Band (1)
Opportunity to study and perform selected repertoire representative of the literature written for band. Open by audition.
260 – String Ensemble (1)
Opportunity to study and perform specialized string repertoire. Open by audition.
261 – Guitar Ensemble (1)
Prerequisite: MUPR 216. Opportunity to study and perform specialized guitar repertoire. Open by audition.