School of Music

Music Coursework (MM)

 

College of Liberal Arts

Altgeld Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master of Music Degree Standard Curricula

Choose Area of Concentration:
Music History and Literature
Music Theory and Composition
Performance
Opera/Music Theater
Piano Pedagogy
Music Education

Course Descriptions
Courses may require the purchase of music literature and other incidental supplies.

400-1 to 2 (1,1) Performance Techniques. Individual instruction in any secondary applied field. Designed to provide added depth of preparation for teaching instrumental and vocal music. Prerequisite: completion of 340 level or the equivalent in some field of applied music.

407-2 Modal Counterpoint. Study of Renaissance contrapuntal techniques. Extensive writing practice, and analysis of stylistic models. Prerequisite: 207.

410-2 Piano Pedagogy Practicum. Provides undergraduate and graduate piano pedagogy majors with the opportunity for supervised practice piano teaching. Course activities include lesson-planning, conducting and evaluating studio piano and class piano lessons, and a survey of important educational issues that impact on effective piano teaching. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

414-1 to 8 (1 to 2 per semester) Collegium Musicum. For experienced singers and instrumentalists. Emphasis upon practical study of historical music literature of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

421-2 Advanced Analysis. Structure, form, and design in music as the coherent organization of all of its factors. Analysis of works chosen from a variety of styles and genres. Prerequisite: 321.

440-1, 2, or 4 Applied Music. May be repeated for credit as long as passing grade is maintained. Students must attend the weekly studio class and be concurrently enrolled in one of the performing groups. Prerequisite: for 440, 540: two semesters of B or better at previous level, or consent of applied jury. Music majors and minors enroll for two credits on their principal instrument, taking one half-hour private lesson and studio class, Tuesdays at 10:00. Those with prior approval by their applied jury for the specialization in performance enroll for four credits, taking two half-hour private lessons and the student class each week. Non-music majors or minors, and those music majors taking a second instrument enroll for one credit, taking one private or class lesson per week. Six hours of individual practice per week required for each lesson. For shorter sessions, credit is reduced or lesson time is increased proportionately.

447-4 (2,2) Electronic Music. (a) Introduction to classical studio equipment and techniques; use of voltage controlled equipment. Individual laboratory experience available. (b) Emphasis upon creative projects, more sophisticated sound experimentation, and analysis. Enrollment limited. Must be taken in a,b sequence. Prerequisite: 280 or consent of instructor.

453-2 to 4 (2 per semester) Advanced Topics in Choral Music. Practicum in the selection, rehearsal, and performance of appropriate literature. Study of techniques for achieving proficient performance and musical growth. For experienced teachers and advanced students.

454-2 to 4 (2 per semester) Advanced Topics in Instrumental Music. Practicum in the selection, rehearsal, and performance of appropriate literature. Study of techniques for achieving proficient performance and musical growth. Designed for experienced teachers and advanced students.

455-2 to 4 (2 per semester) Advanced Topics in Elementary School Music. Practicum in the selection and use of materials for the elementary school program. Study of techniques for achieving balanced musical growth. For experienced teachers and advanced students.

456-4 (2,2) Music for Exceptional Children. (a) Theories and techniques for therapeutic and recreational use of music with physically and mentally handicapped children. Includes keyboard, autoharp, guitar and tuned and untuned classroom instruments. (b) Applications for the gifted, emotionally disturbed, and culturally disadvantaged child. Take in sequence. Prerequisite: 302 or prior consent of instructor.

461-3 Applied Music Pedagogy. Specialized problems and techniques employed in studio teaching of any particular field of music performance. Study of music literature appropriate for the various levels of performance. Opportunity, as feasible, for supervised instruction of pupils. Meets with appropriate instructor, individually or in groups.

468-2 to 4 (2,2) Music Productions. Practicum in the techniques for staging operas and musicals.

472-2 Chamber Music Literature. A study of literature for the principal types of chamber music groups.

475-3 Baroque Music. The development of vocal and instrumental music in the period 1600-1750, from Monteverdi to Bach and Handel. Oratorio and Cantata, the influence of opera, sonata, suite and concerto. Prerequisite: 357a with a grade of C or better, or graduate standing.

476-3 Classical Music. Development of the sonata, symphony, concerto, and chamber music in the 18th and early 19th centuries, with emphasis on the music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Prerequisite: 357b with a grade of C or better, or graduate standing.

477-3 Romantic Music. Development of the symphony and sonata forms, chamber music, and vocal music in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Rise of nationalism and impressionism. Prerequisite: 357b with a grade of C or better, or graduate standing.

479-2 to 4 (2 per topic) Solo Performance Literature. Topics presented will depend upon the needs of students and upon instructors scheduled. (a) Piano literature, including an introductory study of harpsichord music; (b) Organ literature, in relation to the history of the instrument; (c) Song literature; (d) Guitar and lute literature; (e) Solo string literature; (f) Solo wind literature.

480-2 to 4 (2,2) Advanced Composition. Original composition involving the larger media. Individual instruction. Prerequisite: two semesters of 380 with a grade of C or better and approval of composition jury.

481-1 to 4 Readings in Music Theory. Assigned readings and reporting of materials pertaining to a particular phase of music theory in historical perspective. Approximately three hours' preparation per week per credit (adjusted for shorter sessions). Prerequisite: 321 and 322 or prior consent of instructor.

482-1 to 4 Readings in Music History and Literature. Assigned readings and reporting of materials pertaining to a particular phase of history or literature. Approximately three hours preparation per week per credit. Prerequisite: 357a and b, or prior consent of instructor.

483-1 to 4 Readings in Music Education. Assigned readings and reporting of materials pertaining to a particular phase of music education. Approximately three hours preparation per week per credit (adjusted for shorter sessions). Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

498-2 to 4 (2,2) Recital. Preparation and presentation of a full solo recital in any applied field. Prerequisite: prior or concurrent registration in 440 and approval of applied jury.

499-1 to 8 Independent Study. Original investigation of selected problems in music and music education with faculty guidance. Project planned to occupy approximately three hours preparation per week per credit (adjusted for shorter sessions). Not more than three hours toward 30 required for graduate degree. Prerequisite: prior consent of selected instructor.

500-1 to 6 Independent Investigation. An opportunity for the graduate student to investigate at an advanced level special interests outside the scope of normal course offerings. The student will select a member of the graduate faculty to guide and evaluate the work. Not more than three hours toward 30 required for graduate degree. Prerequisite: prior consent of the selected instructor and student's graduate adviser.

501-3 Music Bibliography and Research. Bibliographic materials for graduate study in music theory, history, education, and music performance. Practical experience in research techniques and scholarly writing style. Recommended to be taken during the first semester of graduate study. Required of all degree programs.

502-4 (2,2) Analytic Techniques. Analysis of representative works chosen from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras. Prerequisite: graduate standing in music or prior consent of instructor.

503-3 Scientific Evaluation and Research in Music. Quantified research concepts and vocabulary; measurement theory and techniques for evaluating and testing musical aptitude and achievement; investigation of acoustical perception; survey of current scientific research in music. A research project is required.

509-2 History and Philosophy of Music Education. The evolution of school music and its changing relationship to the individual, to society and to the school curriculum.

510-6 (2,2,2) Piano Pedagogy Seminars. (a) Piano Technique. Provides an in-depth study of the three classic texts on the subject of piano technique and prepares students to deal with important aspects of piano technique in piano teaching. (b) Piano Literature. An extensive survey of baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary piano literature designed specifically to meet the needs of those pursuing professional careers as piano teachers. (c) Piano Music Analysis. Details the analytic and problem-solving techniques of piano performance study that are fundamental for teaching piano students of all ages and abilities.

535-2 Contemporary Idioms. An analysis of major compositional techniques since 1945. Prerequisite: 502b or consent of instructor.

540-1, 2, or 4 Applied Music. (See Music 440.)

545-3 Pedagogy of Music Theory. An orientation to the philosophy of theory with application to teaching techniques. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

550-2 School Music Administration and Supervision. Study of the objectives and processes of music instruction. Administration roles in developing the means and ends of music instruction, and techniques employed for the improvement of instruction.

556-2 to 4 (2,2) Advanced Conducting. Individual or group study with appropriate instructor of choral, orchestral, or band literature. Practice in score reading, baton technique and interpretation. Opportunity to rehearse and conduct ensembles when feasible. Prerequisite: completion of an undergraduate conducting course with graduate standing in music, or consent of instructor.

566-1 to 12 (1 or 2 per semester) Ensemble. Participation required each semester enrolled (summer excepted) in one or more of the ensembles listed below. In addition, students may elect participation in other regularly scheduled ensembles. One credit per group: maximum of two credits for concurrent participation in two groups. (a) Marching Salukis. (b) Symphonic band. (c) Concert wind ensemble. (d) Symphony. (e) Choral union. (f) Concert choir. (g) Chamber singers. (h) Guitar ensemble. (i) Opera workshop.

567-1 to 8 Music Theater Workshop. For experienced singers, actors, dancers and instrumentalists. Normally offered during summer as a full time course for eight credits, or partial credit for the orchestral players. Prerequisite: audition.

568-1 to 16 (1 to 8 per semester) Opera Workshop. Open to all experienced singers and stage technicians. Performs one major work and two or more excerpt programs per year. Normal registration is for two credits; four credits with permission for those with major roles; eight credits for full time summer workshop.

570-3 History of Opera. The development of the music, libretti, and staging of opera from the late Renaissance to the present, with a detailed study of selected works. Prerequisite: for non-music majors: prior consent of instructor.

573-3 Medieval Music. Music of the medieval world; Gregorian chant; the Tropes; secular songs of the troubadours and trouveres; the rise of polyphony; Ars Antiqua; organum and conductus; Ars Nova; Dunstable and English descant up to about 1450; types of notation. Prerequisite: for non-music majors: prior consent of instructor.

574-3 Renaissance Music. Burgundian and Netherlands music from 1450 and its spread; Isaac and Josquin; 16th Century polyphony in France, Germany, Spain, and England; the rise of music for instruments and for solo voices. Prerequisite: for non-music majors; prior consent of instructor.

578-3 Twentieth Century Music. The heritage of 20th century music. Study and analysis of musical philosophies and techniques of post-impressionist and contemporary composers. Prerequisite: for non-music majors: prior consent of instructor.

580-2 to 4 (2,2) Graduate Composition. Composition in the larger forms for solo and ensemble performance. Prerequisite: 480 or prior consent of instructor.

595-2 Music Document. A written report presenting the history and style of works performed in graduate recital, Music 598, or other topic relating to the student's principal performing area or independent study project. Prerequisite: 501 and approval of topic by the music graduate committee. On recommendation of the composition faculty and with graduate committee approval, a piece of music composed by the student for performance in Music 598 may be substituted, accompanied by a written analysis.

598-4 Graduate Recital. Preparation and presentation of a full solo recital in any area of performance; or the preparation, rehearsal, and conducting of a full ensemble program or of the equivalent sections of several ensemble programs. Prerequisite: completion of at least four credits in 540 (or 556 for conductors) and the approval of the performance jury. The performance jury certifies the acceptability of the completed recital and the grade to the graduate committee.

599-2 to 6 Thesis. An intensive written study in the history, theory, teaching or philosophy of music; or the manuscript and parts (with tape recording when feasible) of a substantial musical composition or series of compositions accompanied by an analytical or explanatory document. Graded S/U or DEF. Prerequisite: 501 and prior approval of topic or proposal by thesis director and graduate committee in music.

601-1 per semester Continuing Enrollment. For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.