USP Music Course Descriptions

USP offers music courses in the areas of performance/ensemble, music theory, music history, social sciences, world cultures, and independent study opportunities. All music courses are open to all students.

Performance & Ensembles • Music Theory • Music History • World Cultures
Social Sciences • Independent Study

Performance & Ensembles

MU 220 - Chorus
1 credit
This course consists of weekly rehearsals to prepare a program of choral music for performance at the end of each semester. Students are taught how to read music, understand markings in the score, basic vocal technique (including proper breathing and posture), and their voice parts for the concert.

MU 222 - Chamber Choir
1 credit
This course consists of weekly rehearsals to supplement the regular chorus rehearsal, to develop section leaders in the regular chorus, and to prepare more difficult choral music for performance at the end of each semester. Students are taught how to read music, understand markings in the score, basic vocal technique (including proper breathing and posture), and their voice parts for the concert.Prerequisites & Notes
Concurrent enrollment in MU 220

MU 225 - Brass Ensemble
1 credit
Brass Ensemble teaches students how to prepare brass ensemble repertoire for performance. While students learn the music that will be performed later in the semester, they focus on developing technique and musicianship within the context of the group.

Prerequisites & Notes
Ownership or access to a brass instrument and basic playing ability of that instrument.

MU 227 - Guitar Ensemble
1 credit
Guitar Ensemble teaches students how to prepare guitar ensemble repertoire for performance. While students learn the music that will be performed later in the semester, they focus on developing technique and musicianship within the context of the group.

Prerequisites & Notes
Ownership or access to a guitar and basic playing ability of that instrument.

MU 229 - Jazz Ensemble
1 credit
Jazz Ensemble teaches students how to prepare jazz ensemble repertoire for performance. While students learn the music that will be performed later in the semester, they focus on developing technique and musicianship within the context of the group.

Prerequisites & Notes
Ownership or access to a suitable instrument (excepting drum set, one of which is owned by USP) and basic playing ability of that instrument

MU 231 - String Ensemble
1 credit
String Ensemble teaches students how to prepare string ensemble repertoire for performance. While students learn the music that will be performed later in the semester, they focus on developing technique and musicianship within the context of the group.

Prerequisites & Notes
Ownership of or access to a string instrument and basic playing ability of that instrument.

MU 233 - Wind Ensemble
1 credit
Wind Ensemble teaches students how to prepare wind ensemble repertoire for performance. While students learn the music that will be performed later in the semester, they focus on developing technique and musicianship within the context of the group.

Prerequisites & Notes
Ownership of or access to a woodwind instrument, piano or French horn and basic playing ability of that instrument.

Music Theory

MU 201 - Introductory Piano
3 credits
An introductory course in piano intended for students with little or no piano experience.

MU 202 - Intermediate Piano
3 credits
An intermediate course in piano. Prerequisites & Notes
MU 201 or permission of instructor

MU 210 - Music Theory I
3 Credits
Participation in Music Theory I develops an understanding of the fundamentals of music (notation, tonality, interval and chord identification) before exploring the structural elements of music. Knowledge of how to use these structural elements is finally what allows the beginning of informed music composition. An understanding of theoretical concepts is useful for any musician or student embarking on musical study. This understanding is critical for anyone interested in composing music.

Music History

MU 301 - Music History I: Ancient - Baroque
3 credits
Overview of the development of western music and its links to political, social and other cultural events from ancient time through approximately 1750. The course focus remains on music that evolved in France, Italy, Germany, England and America.

MU 302 - Music History II: Baroque - 20th Century
3 Credits
Overview of the development of western music and its links to political, social and other cultural events from the Baroque Period starting approximately 1750 through the latter part of the 1900s. The course focus remains on music that evolved in France, Italy, Germany, England and America.

World Cultures

MU 310 - World Music
3 credits
This course examines case studies from a diverse collection of countries and analyzes the role music plays in everyday life, identity, social interactions, political communication, worship and belief, and migration.

Social Sciences

MU 353 - The Blues
3 credits
The Blues is not just a style of music: it is an attitude of the mind. The thesis of this course is that the Blues has provided a source of affiliation for people across gender and racial lines and impairs an important social metaphor for acceptance of diversity. In support of this, the course uses the Blues to examine 20th century social issues, poetry, and musical form. Listening to Blues masterpieces, appreciating the creativity of the composers, and understanding the psychological and social messages embedded in the lyric is our central method of discovery.

Prerequisites & Notes
Cross-listed as SS 353

Independent Study

MU 399 - Independent Study in Music
1-3 credits
The course description will vary depending on the content and instructor, but will focus on some aspect of music. It may include music history research, integrated science and music projects, and recitals.