MUS - Music

MUS 001 Performance Attendance

Registration required for music majors each semester. Successful completion required for graduation. Course is graded P/NP.

0

MUS 100 Music Fundamentals

An introduction to musical language through the study of theory, notation, and composition of music, including notation, clefs, key signatures, scales, time signatures, meter, rhythm, intervals, chords and basic keyboard harmony and harmonic progressions. Knowledge of this material is a prerequisite to more advanced music theory courses, such as MUS 101.

3

MUS 101 Music Theory I

Detailed study of musical concepts and elements, with an emphasis on foundations.

3

Corequisites

MUS 103 or permission of instructor.

MUS 102 Music Theory II

Continued study of concepts of music emphasizing the diatonic vocabulary.

3

Prerequisites

MUS 101

Corequisites

MUS 104 or permission of instructor.

MUS 103 Aural Skills I

Direct and computerized instruction in the development of pitch, interval, chord, and rhythm discrimination. This class is coordinated with MUS 101 through simultaneous enrollment. Open to all students. Required of music majors and minors.

1

Corequisites

MUS 101 or permission of instructor.

MUS 104 Aural Skills II

This course continues to a more advanced level of the training begun in MUS 103. It is coordinated with MUS 102.

1

Prerequisites

MUS 103

Corequisites

MUS 102 or permission of instructor.

MUS 130 Class Piano I

Beginning piano level course open to all students regardless of major.  Basic class instruction at the piano emphasizing keyboard facility through literature, harmonizing melodies, sight reading and improvising.

1

MUS 131 Piano Proficiency I

For music majors and minors. Basic class introduction to piano emphasizing keyboard facility through literature, harmonizing melodies, sight reading and improvising.

1

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor.

MUS 201 Music Theory III

Emphasis on chromatic harmony, analysis, listening, and creative work.

3

Prerequisites

MUS 102 or permission of instructor.

MUS 202 Music Theory IV

Extensions of the common practice period. Introduction to twentieth century practice.

3

Prerequisites

MUS 201

MUS 203 Development of Music In Europe

Survey of music history from Bach to Beethoven. (Salzburg only.)

1

MUS 230 Class Piano II

Continuation of beginning piano level instruction open to all students, regardless of major, who have completed MUS 130 or who have recent, previous piano experience.  The class will emphasize keyboard facility through literature, harmonizing melodies, sight reading and improvising.

1

Prerequisites

MUS 130 or permission of instructor.

MUS 231 Piano Proficiency II

For music majors and minors. Development of focused skills in accompanying and score reading.

1

Prerequisites

MUS 131

MUS 235 Finding your Voice: Techniques for healthier breathing, speaking and singing

Students will engage in meditative breathing practices for wellness that ease anxiety and energize the body, learn how breathing connects to efficient and expressive use of the speaking voice and finally connect these techniques of efficient breathing and speaking to singing which releases stress, boosts your immune system, increases your energy, improves your memory and benefits your cardio-vascular endurance. Class will include both applied methods and the science/theory behind these methods.
1

MUS 236 Beginning Guitar

Emphasis upon fundamental classical techniques, basic chords, strums and varied accompaniments, notation. Literature drawn from all historical periods including contemporary, folk, and flamenco sources.

1

MUS 237 Intermediate Guitar

This course is designed to be a continuation of the beginning level of guitar. Emphasis will build up on those fundamental classical techniques, accompaniments and notations of the beginning level. Literature will come from modern, folk and flamenco sources.

1

Prerequisites

MUS 236 or permission of instructor.

MUS 239 Group Voice Workshop II

Continuing study of basic methods, principles, and techniques of singing both solo and as a group in a safe environment. Open to all students. Required of music education majors.

1

Prerequisites

MUS 235 or permission of instructor.

MUS 285 Private Lessons 1/2 Hour

Individual instruction in music performance and literature. For students who are not majoring or minoring in music. May be repeated four times for credit. Fee: $375

1

MUS 301 Music History: Social, Political, and Religious Influences, 1000-1820

In Music History I, we study the historical and cultural contexts of Western music from the Medieval era through the mid-19th Century. Music is not composed in a vacuum, so it is imperative that we explore the influence of art, cultural, and sociopolitical conditions. How do literature, humanism, war, and religion impact music? Required of music majors. Open to all students.

3

MUS 302 Music History: The Influence of Revolution, War, Immigration, and Women's Suffrage, 1820-2022

In Music History II, we study the historical and cultural contexts of Western music from the 19th Century through today. Music is not composed in a vacuum, so it is imperative that we explore the influence of art, cultural, and sociopolitical conditions. How do war, protest, peace, and religion impact music? This course includes classical, jazz, theater, opera, movie music, and contemporary works. Required of music majors. Open to all students.

3

MUS 303 Introduction to Classical Music

A survey of classical music, from the Middle Ages to the present, that examines landmark styles, genres, and composers. Class includes live performance attendance. Fee: $100

3

MUS 304 Development of Music In Europe

Survey of music history from Beethoven to the present (Salzburg only.)

1

MUS 307 Scoring and Arranging

A study of the basic techniques in effective scoring and arranging for various instrumental and vocal ensembles.

3

Prerequisites

MUS 202 or permission of instructor.

MUS 309 World Music

A study of the music and musical idioms of a variety of non-Western cultures. With use of aural and visual examples, the student will develop both an understanding and an appreciation of the enriching role of music in diverse cultures of the world. Required of music majors. Open to all students.

3

MUS 310 Fundamentals of Music Technology

Complete basic course in the understanding of electronic music. Topics include history, analog theory, methods of synthesis, digital theory, music instrument digital interface (MIDI), computers, audio recording, and digital sampling. Lab activities to be completed weekly. Open to all students with instructor approval. Fee: $30.

3

MUS 331 Conducting

Techniques of conducting choral and instrumental ensembles with practical experience in laboratory situations. Required of all music majors. Open to all students by permission of instructor.

3

MUS 332 Brass and Percussion Instrument Pedagogy

Study of the basic methods, principles, and techniques of playing brass and percussion instruments. Open to all students with instructor approval, and as a component of the Pre-Music Education track within the Bachelor of Arts in Music program.
1

MUS 333 Woodwind Instrument Pedagogy

Study of the basic methods, principles, and techniques of playing woodwind instruments. Open to all students with instructor approval, and as a component of the Pre-Music Education track within the Bachelor of Arts in Music program.

1

MUS 334 String Instrument Pedagogy

Study of the basic methods, principles, and techniques of playing string instruments. Open to all students with instructor approval, as a component of the Pre-Music Education track within the Bachelor of Arts in Music program.
1

MUS 336 Lyric Diction

Study of Italian, French and German as it relates to pronunciation in singing.  Study will employ the use of International Phonetic Alphabet.  Class is required for Music Majors with Voice Performance Emphasis and recommended for Pre-Music Education track students who wish to conduct choirs. 

3

MUS 337 Voice Pedagogy

Explores the anatomy and physiology of the vocal instrument and how to teach singing in both choral and solo settings. This course is for Music Majors with Voice Performance Emphasis or Pre-Music Education track students.

1

Corequisites

MUS 486

MUS 341 Fundamentals of Music Education

Examines the role of the music educator within a K-12 framework, with individual units and field observations at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The course is designed to help students understand the needs and expectations of a music-specific classroom.
3

MUS 409 Composition

Contemporary techniques of composition as applied to vocal and instrumental media.

3

Prerequisites

MUS 202 or permission of instructor

MUS 411 History of Rock and Roll

A survey of Rock and Roll from its roots to the present day, including styles, performers, composers, and culture. Open to all students.

3

MUS 412 History of Musical Theatre

An exploration of this American art form, from operetta and music comedy to contemporary musical theatre. Open to all students.

3

MUS 413 Liturgical Music

A study of Catholic liturgical music, including Church documents and liturgical books, music repertoire and liturgical performance and historical context.

3

MUS 414 History of Jazz

A study of Jazz from its roots to the present day, including styles, performers, composers, and culture. Open to all students.

3

MUS 442 Guitar Ensemble

An ensemble experience for guitar players of sufficient skill. Literature of all style periods will be performed. Enrollment by permission of instructor.

1

Prerequisites

2 semesters of MUS 242.

MUS 443 Wind Symphony

Ensemble for the reading and performing of all styles of band literature. Open to all University students by audition. May be taken 8 times for credit.

1

MUS 444 University of Portland Singers

The University Singers is a premiere mixed-voice choral ensemble open to all students via audition. The group is dedicated to exploring the choral art with diverse repertoire from a wide range of time periods, styles and cultures, performed at the highest artistic level.

1

MUS 445 University of Portland Orchestra

The UP Orchestra is an inclusive community of musicians seeking opportunities to inspire and enrich lives through a diverse selection of works. The Orchestra performs pieces from all over the world, including repertoire for string, chamber, and symphony orchestra. We encourage students to become leaders, giving them the tools to experience, explore, and expand their technical and musical skills. Open to all University students by audition.

1

MUS 446 Chapel Music Ensemble

The ensemble of singers and players meets once per week with the express purpose of preparing music for the chapel services. It is open without audition to any University student regardless of major. May be taken 8 times for credit. Does not fulfill ensemble requirement for music majors/minors.

1

MUS 447 Chamber Ensembles

Small groups that rehearse and perform music in a variety of styles. May be repeated 8 times for credit. Registration by permission of instructor.

1

MUS 452 University of Portland Bel Canto

A women's choir, open to all students by audition. Participants need not be music majors. Repertoire drawn from wide variety of musical styles. May be taken 8 times for credit.

1

MUS 453 University Jazz Ensemble

Performance of contemporary literature for this medium. Open to all University students with permission of the director. May be taken 8 times for credit.

1

MUS 455 Lyric Theater Workshop I: The Voice

Study of theatrical singing and acting techniques as applicable to all varieties of theatrical music, including cabaret, music-theater, and opera. Students are expected to participate in various performances prepared by the class. Open to all students with instructor's permission. Email for an audition.

3

Prerequisites

Instructor audition required prior to registration.

Cross Listed Courses

THTR 355

MUS 483 Advanced Collaborative Piano

Individual, advanced study in collaborative piano, including chamber music, art song, opera, choral, and/or orchestral repertoire. Students will gain skills including, but not limited to sight reading, orchestral reduction/open score/lead sheet reading, continuo playing, etc. Students may be assigned to one of the major ensembles, accompanying for pre-assigned repertoire in rehearsal and in concert. May be repeated for a max of 4 credits. 

1

Prerequisites

Instructor permission

MUS 484 Performance Workshop

This course is an optional addition for those concurrently enrolled in MUS 486.  Students will perform repertoire being learned in their private lessons in front of their peers and instructor with the goal of improving their stage presence and learning to better convey text through music to an audience.
1

Corequisites

MUS 486

MUS 485 Private Lesson - Music Coaching

This course is designed reinforce concepts introduced in private voice/instrumental lessons; to practice correct pitch, rhythm, style, diction, phrasing, expression, memorization, and other elements of a successful musical performance; to gain experience working with a pianist and/or other collaborative musicians. Fee: $300

1

Corequisites

MUS 486 or MUS 455 or Instructor Permission

MUS 486 Private Lessons

Individual instruction, performance, and literature. Sections differentiated by particular instrument, voice, or instructor. May be repeated eight times for credit. See Music Study Handbook for specific requirements. Fee: $500

1

MUS 487 Advanced Conducting

Individual, advanced conducting study, including score preparation, rehearsal techniques, stylistic interpretation, gesture and development of a pedagogical and philosophical approach to conducting. Students will be assigned as a student conducting associate to one of the major ensembles and will conduct pre-assigned repertoire with that ensemble in rehearsal and in concert. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

1

Prerequisites

Instructor approval

MUS 488 Advanced Composition

Individual, advanced study in music composition, including advanced exploration of compositional styles, form and expression, advanced analysis of existing works and advanced study of notational software in order to produce performance-ready musical scores and parts. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

1

Prerequisites

Instructor permission

MUS 490 Directed Study

For the student who demonstrates the ability to do individual study and research in selected areas of the curriculum. Selection of the area must be made in consultation with and approval of the appropriate faculty to be involved.

Variable

MUS 491 One Time Course Offering

Credit arranged.
Variable

MUS 498 Senior Capstone

All music majors are required to prepare and present a project during the last semester of their residence. Projects include a research or creative component. Examples include recitals, lecture recitals, performances of compositions, conducting etc. Guidance will be provided by various faculty members as assigned.

1