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2024-25 Academic Catalog

MUSI Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

MUSI 100 Music Fundamentals

2 credit hours

This course provides a fundamental understanding of music by considering the basics of musical construction, with examples drawn from the history of music. A study of musical notation, interval recognition, elements of pitch and rhythm, scale and chord construction, essential concepts in harmony, and basic musical forms. The student will be able to experience these fundamental concepts at the piano. No musical or keyboard experience is necessary. This is a general education course for non-music majors.

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MUSI 121 Theory I

3 credit hours

A course designed to help the student systematically acquire basic information and interrelated skills that will be of value in future musical endeavors as performer, teacher, or composer, in all genres of music. Students will study music notation, interval recognition, elements of pitch and rhythm, scale and chord construction and beginning concepts in harmony. Corequisite: MUSI 131 Sight Singing and Ear Training I.

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MUSI 122 Theory II

3 credit hours

This course is a continuation of Theory 1. Students will use the skills acquired in Theory I to begin writing and analyzing original music alongside existing music in all styles. Four-part writing and original compositions, alongside theoretical and formal analysis, will become part of the student’s skill set throughout this course. Corequisite: MUSI 132 Sight Singing and Ear Training II. Prerequisite: MUSI 121 Theory I.

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MUSI 125 Voice Class

1 credit hour

May be repeated for credit. This course is intended to improve and strengthen the voice as a solo instrument. The ability to read music is helpful although not necessary. Attendance and class participation coupled with a minimum of four 15- to 30-minute individual practice sessions each week will enable consistent growth and increased strength. Students will sing individually to the group using exercises and songs worked on in class. The group format and class size provide an excellent built-in performance opportunity.

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MUSI 130 Music in World Cultures

2 credit hours

An introductory thematic study of the roles of music in a variety of world cultures, with emphasis on listening to, viewing, and understanding a broad selection of musical styles mostly outside the Western classical tradition.

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MUSI 131 Sight Singing and Ear Training I

1 credit hour

A lab experience designed to develop proficiency in singing prepared melodies, melodies at sight, rhythmic patterns, and in taking basic melodic dictation. Corequisite: MUSI 121 Theory I.

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MUSI 132 Sight Singing and Ear Training II

1 credit hour

A lab experience designed to develop proficiency in singing prepared melodies, melodies at sight, rhythmic patterns, and in taking basic melodic dictation. Corequisite: MUSI 122 Theory II.

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MUSI 135 Class Piano

1 credit hour

May be repeated for credit. Open to majors and non-majors. This class will include Elementary- to intermediate-level class instruction in piano. This class is open to any student regardless of previous experience and does not require an additional course fee. Students working to complete the required piano proficiency skills may choose to study applied piano.

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MUSI 150 Keyboard Accompaniment

1 credit hour

This course provides "on-the-job training" and special insights and skills in the art of accompanying. A wide range of repertoire is studied, from accompanying classical solo artists to accompanying choirs (both classical and gospel), small ensembles, and congregational singing.

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MUSI 180 Introduction to Music Technology

3 credit hours

Introductory work with technological resources basic to work in the music field. Includes hands-on experience with MIDI and sequencing, music notation programs and desktop publishing, digital sound formats, audio recording, and basic Web authoring. Students will also explore basic self-promotion skills such as marketing and portfolio development.

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MUSI 190 Foundations of Music Education

1 credit hour

Required for Music Education Majors. This course will lay the foundation for all music education courses that will be taken after. In this course students will explore what it means to be a music educator and as the course continues they will delve into the teaching process. Course content will include preparing and executing short teaching episodes, guided observation of master teachers in the field and keeping a journal of all activities done in the class. All students will join George Fox's Collegiate Music Educators National Conference chapter and will participate in the Oregon Music Educators Conference.

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MUSI 200 Basic Conducting

1.5 credit hour

Introduction to the basic fundamentals of conducting for the music major, the music education major, and the future church musician. Emphasis is placed upon the mastery of simple conducting patterns, cues, and expressive gestures, and on common problems in leading group singing and in directing musical ensembles.

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MUSI 210 Keyboard Lit

2 credit hours

Through a variety of keyboard music (harpsichord, piano, organ, and synthesizer), students will acquire an understanding of diverse keyboard approaches from the Baroque through contemporary styles. Recommended for those especially interested in keyboard music.

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MUSI 221 Theory III

4 credit hours

A continuation of Theory II. Includes chromatic harmonies, remote modulations, 20th-century compositional developments, and a detailed study of the structural and formal components of music. Creative work is required. Prerequisite: MUSI 122 Theory II.

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MUSI 225 Composition

1 credit hour

Individual lessons in composition. Initial inquiry into organization of sound resources, developing techniques for working with musical materials, and composition in small forms. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: MUSI 122 Theory II and MUSI 132 Sight Singing and Ear Training II, or instructor's permission.

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MUSI 233 Songwriting and Producing

3 credit hours

Students will learn basic techniques of songwriting, including lyrics and song structure. Students will write their own songs, which they will then produce and record. Prerequisite: CINE 243 Introduction to Audio or MUSI 180 Introduction to Music Technology or THEA 130 Stagecraft or by instructor’s permission.

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MUSI 240 Body Mapping and Movement for Musicians

1 credit hour

Students will learn how to apply Alexander Technique and Andover Body Mapping principles to musical performance. The course strives to guide students to freedom and ease in body use to avoid injury and pain in music making.

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MUSI 250 Class Guitar

1 credit hour

Open to students of all majors. This course offers vital foundational instruction in the techniques of playing guitar. Proper hand position, fingering, and strumming styles, and a broad range of chords are presented. Learn to read music, tab, and understand basic concepts of theory. Have fun playing cool riffs, chord progressions, and songs. Ideal for learning techniques applicable to leading worship.

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MUSI 271 Music Techniques Instrumental II

1 credit hour

Fundamental instruction in the technique required to play music instruments at an intermediate level. Attention will be given to the technical aspects of music performance with an emphasis on the various demands related to teaching instrumentalists. Prerequisites: MUSI 121 Theory I and MUSI 122 Theory II. (MUSI 270 is not a prerequisite for MUSI 271.)

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MUSI 275 Field Experience

1-5 credit hour

Supervised experience in music apprenticeship as conductor, performer, or composer. Prerequisite: permission of music faculty.

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MUSI 280 Vocal Diction

1 credit hour

The purpose of this course it to prepare students to sing accurately, idiomatically and expressively in English, Latin, Italian, French and German. Elements of lyric diction will be presented in ways that stress their connection to the meaning, color, and expressive power of the text. We will use the International Phonetic Alphabet as a means of presenting and reinforcing the ¿sonic vocabulary¿ as well as rudiments of grammar and vocabulary that will enable the student to present the text clearly and with poetic intent. Music studied will be performed in class.

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MUSI 285 Selected Topics

1-3 credit hour

Selected topics are offered as music electives when special needs arise or when sufficient enrollment permits. Course content includes specific interests of students and faculty.

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MUSI 295 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.

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MUSI 300 Music in Western Culture

3 credit hours

A study of the development of Western Classical music from antiquity through the 21st century. A concentrated study of musical style and literature, with an emphasis on the cultural context for musical performance and composition.

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MUSI 310 Jazz & Popular Music

3 credit hours

A study of various aspects and types of popular music in America, including jazz, blues, rock & roll, and hip hop. Emphasis will be placed on musical elements that define the genres and the artists who pioneered them. Includes creative work in these musical genres.

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MUSI 311 Music History I

3 credit hours

A study of the development of music from antiquity through the 20th century. Comparisons are made to the development of the other arts. Concentrated study of music literature emphasizing the change in musical styles during the different historical periods. Prerequisites: MUSI 121 Theory I and MUSI 122 Theory II.

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MUSI 312 Music History II

3 credit hours

A study of the development of music from antiquity through the 20th century. Comparisons are made to the development of the other arts. Concentrated study of music literature emphasizing the change in musical styles during the different historical periods. Prerequisite: MUSI 311 Music History I.

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MUSI 320 Form And Analysis

2 credit hours

Detailed study of the structural components of music, including the motive, phrase, and period. Application to principal contrapuntal and homophonic forms of the Classic, Romantic, and Modern periods. Prerequisites: MUSI 221 Theory III and MUSI 222 Theory IV.

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MUSI 330 Music In World Cultures

3 credit hours

An introductory study of the music of a variety of world cultures, with emphasis on listening to, viewing, and understanding a broad selection of classical and folk musical styles from outside the Western classical tradition. In addition, concepts related to ethnodoxology, the study of music within the global Church, will be explored.

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MUSI 340 Creating, Planning, and Leading Worship

3 credit hours

The purpose of this course is to teach students how to plan, prepare and execute worship in various settings. Students will be exposed to different styles of worship services and different components and ordinances used in Christian worship services. We will also explore different technologies used in planning and leading worship. An internship or service project is included as a requirement of this course.

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MUSI 350 Music Theatre Performance

3 credit hours

An introduction to the acting, dance, and vocal techniques required for music theatre performance. Through in-depth scene study, vocal training, dance, and in-class performances, the student will be introduced to the various artistic challenges inherent in music theatre since its inception. This course requires additional outside-of-class time for rehearsals and performance of selected material. Additional course fee is required. (MUSI 350 and THEA 350 are identical courses.) Prerequisites: THEA 100 Acting I: Fundamentals and MUSA 105 VC Applied Voice or MUSI 125T Music Theatre or MUSI 325T Music Theatre.

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MUSI 380 Keyboard Improvisation and Service Playing

2 credit hours

A practical course for pianists and organists seeking to discover creative approaches in programming and leading the congregation in inspirational worship and celebration.

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MUSI 400 Music and Christian Faith

3 credit hours

A Capstone music course designed to explore the integration of music and the Christian faith, including a study of worship & historical approaches to musical worship. In this class students will also research and define their vocational and/or ministry goals as it relates to professional and amateur music making. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

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MUSI 410 Elementary Music Methods

3 credit hours

Students will be introduced to the foundations of elementary music education including the National Standards and current teaching methodologies. Student observation and participation will provide the basis of an understanding of teaching music at the elementary level. Prerequisites: MUSI 121 Theory I and MUSI 122 Theory II.

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MUSI 411 Middle Level and High School Music Methods

3 credit hours

Students will investigate the many special teaching demands of music education at the secondary level. Vocal and instrumental music ensembles will be studied to determine the special requirements of these performance groups. Music courses at the secondary level will be examined to determine their individual teaching methodologies. Prerequisites: MUSI 121 Theory I and MUSI 122 Theory II.

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MUSI 425 Composition

1.5 credit hour

Individual lessons in composition. Continuing work in composition including (but not limited to) composition in larger forms, digital media, multi-movement forms, exploration of style resources. Prerequisites: MUSI 225 Composition I and admission to upper-division study, or instructor's permission.

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MUSI 430 Instrumentation and Orchestration

2 credit hours

A study of the instruments of the orchestra and band, including their ranges, characteristics, and capabilities. Practical application of the principles of arranging and scoring for orchestral/band instrumental combinations. Prerequisites: MUSI 221 Theory III and MUSI 222 Theory IV.

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MUSI 440 Music Pedagogy for the Classroom and Individual Lessons

3 credit hours

A study of music curriculum design and delivery, including general music, band, orchestra, choir, and jazz, with a special focus on teaching private applied lessons. Student observations are required, as is participation in Oregon state music education activities.

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MUSI 460 Conducting and Ensemble Leadership

3 credit hours

A study of ensemble leadership through conducting, administrative skills, repertoire planning, and rehearsal skills, applicable to all genres of music, including choir, band, orchestra, and worship teams.

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MUSI 475 Field Experience

1-5 credit hour

Supervised experience in music apprenticeship as conductor, performer, or composer. Prerequisite: permission of music faculty. Pass/No Pass.

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MUSI 481 Degree Recital/Project

1 credit hour

Students prepare a project in cooperation with a faculty advisor. The project is presented before an audience and filed permanently in the music department. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of two credits.

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MUSI 485 Selected Topics

1-3 credit hour

Selected topics are offered as music electives when special needs arise or when sufficient enrollment permits. Course content includes specific interests of students and faculty.

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MUSI 495 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.

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