Courses

Academic Courses  

Sacred Music 

  • MUS C400 Research in Sacred Music (arr. cr.) This course is exempt from the Incomplete rule.
  • MUS C401 Sacred Music I (3 cr.) C: I500 Organ Masterclass. An introductory study and application of keyboard harmony, transposition, improvisation, hymn playing, and accompanying for the church service.
  • MUS C402 Sacred Music II (3 cr.) P: C401 Sacred Music I; C: I500 Organ Masterclass. Continuation of topics introduced in C401 plus open score reading, sacred music composition, console conducting, the liturgical year, and related service music.
  • MUS C403 Sacred Music III (3 cr.) P: C401-C402 Sacred Music I-II; C: I500 Organ Masterclass. Continuation of topics introduced in C402 plus an introduction to the history of worship and sacred music, including hymnody.
  • MUS C404 Sacred Music IV (3 cr.) P: C401- C402-C403 Sacred Music I-II-III; C: I500 Organ Masterclass. Continuation of topics introduced in C403 plus contemporary worship styles, the sacred music vocation, and choral literature.
  • MUS C405 Organ Construction and Design (2 cr.) (2 cr.) A historical and interactive study of the action and pipes of the organ, from the earliest European example to the latest developments in the organ building industry. Includes a lab component where the student has hands-on experience with university organs, performing basic maintenance routines, such as tuning and repair.
  • MUS C500 Independent Study in Sacred Music Practices (arr. cr.)
  • MUS C504 Improvisational Skills (2 cr.) Basic keyboard skills with emphasis on harmony, chord progressions, and simple form(s). Prerequisite to C524 Organ Improvisation unless exempted by audition.
  • MUS C505 Organ Construction and Design (2 cr.) A historical and interactive study of the action and pipes of the organ, from the earliest European example to the latest developments in the organ building industry. Includes a lab component where the student has hands-on experience with university organs, performing basic maintenance routines, such as tuning and repair.
  • MUS C510 Service Playing (2 cr.) C: I500 Organ Masterclass. Hymn playing, sacred music composition, accompanying, and console conducting.
  • MUS C522 Handbell Practicum (1 cr.) A practical introduction to handbell performance, conducting, and ensemble development. Course includes instruction in basic and advanced handbell ringing techniques, conducting, assignment of bells, and knowledge of literature. Open to organ and organ and sacred music majors.
  • MUS C524 Organ Improvisation (2 cr.) P: C504 Improvisational Skills or permission of instructor. Improvisation for the church organist, with emphasis on stylistic considerations, formal structures, and devices.
  • MUS C535 Introduction to Liturgy and the Arts (2 cr.) A study of the relationship between liturgy, music, and other related arts both in history and current practice.
  • MUS C540 The History of Christian Worship and Sacred Music (2 cr.) C: I500 Organ Masterclass. Liturgical ritual and worship practices, with special emphasis on music and hymnody, from pre-Christian roots to modern day.
  • MUS C541 Sacred Music: Philosophy and Practice I (2 cr.) C: I500 Organ Masterclass. An exploration of the practical demands and philosophical dimensions of a vocation in sacred music. Includes anthem repertoire, professional issues, and dynamics of leadership.
  • MUS C542 Sacred Music: Philosophy and Practice II (2 cr.) P: C541 Sacred Music: Philosophy and Practice I; C: I500 Organ Masterclass. Continuation of C541.
  • MUS C620 Certificate Final Project (1 cr.)

Academic Bulletins

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Previous Bulletins

Students are ordinarily subject to the curricular requirements outlined in the Bulletin in effect at the start of their current degree. See below for links to previous Bulletins.