Courses
Academic Courses
Sacred Music
- MUS C301 Sacred Music Colloquium (1 cr.) P: For undergraduate organ majors. A forum for the practical application of sacred music skills, exploration of a wide range of sacred music repertories, and other vocational aspects of the church musician. It will feature lecture/demonstration by the instructor, weekly performances and presentations from students, small group assignments related to required reading, and occasional guest lectures.
- MUS C400 Research in Sacred Music (1-6 cr.)
- MUS C401 Sacred Music I (2 cr.) P: For undergraduate organ majors. An introductory study and application of keyboard harmony, transposition, improvisation, hymn playing, and accompanying for the church service.
- MUS C402 Sacred Music II (2 cr.) P: C401 Sacred Music I. 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 (2 cr.) P: C402 Sacred Music II. Continuation of topics introduced in C402 plus an introduction to the history of worship and sacred music, including hymnody.
- MUS C404 Sacred Music IV (2 cr.) P: C403 Sacred Music III. 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.) 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 (1-3 cr.)
- MUS C501 Sacred Music Colloquium (1 cr.) P: For graduate organ majors. A forum for the practical application of sacred music skills, exploration of a wide range of sacred music repertories, and other vocational aspects of the church musician. It will feature lecture/demonstration by the instructor, weekly performances and presentations from students, small group assignments related to required reading, and occasional guest lectures.
- MUS C504 Keyboard Skills Review (1 cr.) Basic keyboard skills with an emphasis on hymn transposition, modulation, improvisation, sight reading, and figured bass realization.
- 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 Review (1 cr.) Foundational studies in the practical musical skills needed by a church organist: hymn playing, anthem accompanying, open-score reading, and console conducting.
- MUS C524 Organ Improvisation (2 cr.) P: C504 Keyboard Skills Review or equivalent. Improvisation for the church organist, with emphasis on stylistic considerations, formal structures, and devices.
- MUS C540 The History of Christian Worship and Sacred Music (2 cr.) 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.) An exploration of the practical demands and philosophical dimensions of a vocation in sacred music. Includes anthem repertoire, professional issues, and dynamics of leadership.