Music Department

Garvey Fine Arts Center,
Room 211
(785) 231-1010 ext. 1511

Course Offerings

 

 

 

Courses marked with * are part of the University's General Education program. See pages 31-32 for details.

MU 100 The Enjoyment of Music (3)
The materials and structure of music, as they relate to perceptive listening and increased listening enjoyment. Frequent use of recordings and lecture recitals places the course on a plane of practical appreciation. Planned primarily for non-music
majors.

*MU 101 American Popular Music (3)
A survey of 20th Century American and African-American derived music styles. The survey will include popular, country, jazz, and rock-related styles considered from musical, historical, and social viewpoints. Planned primarily for non-music
majors.

MU 102 American Musicals (3)
A survey of major works, forms and composers of American Musicals from the late nineteenth century to the present.

*MU 103 Jazz History (3)
The materials and structure of jazz music with an emphasis on listening skills. Includes New Orleans,
Chicago, Swing, Bop, Free-form and Fusion styles. Frequent use of
recordings and live demonstration and performance.

*MU 104 Movies and Music (3)
An exploration of the role of music in motion pictures and the relationship between music and other aspects of the film medium.

*MU 106 / AN 120 Introduction to World Music (3)
A survey of music from cultures around the world from musical and anthropological perspectives. *This course has been approved as a multi-cultural course by the Department of Education.

MU 107 Fundamentals of Voice (1)
For the inexperienced singer interested in an elementary knowledge of breath, phonation, resonance, and correct tone production. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 109, 110 Piano for Beginners I and II (2 each)
Development of basic piano techniques, sight reading, improvisation, transposition, and keyboard harmony. No prerequisite for 109. Consent of instructor for MU 110. Planned for non-music majors.

MU 111 Guitar for Beginners (2)
Designed to acquaint the beginner with basic chords and accompanying techniques.

MU 112 Class Guitar II (2)
A continuation of Class Guitar I with emphasis on development of right hand technique. Prerequisite: MU 111 or consent of instructor.

MU 120 Fundamentals of Music Theory (3)
Music fundamentals including basic notation, intervals, scales, rhythm,
ear training, writing of simple harmonic material with selected music for harmonic and form analysis.

MU 121 Introduction to Music (1)
An orientation to music study encompassing terms, forms, historical perspectives, use of facilities and music study procedures.

MU 122 Rhythmic Perception (1)
Study of rhythm and meter through
the analysis of mathematical constructs, notation practices, counting systems and tapping/clapping exercises. Development of rhythmic perception through rhythmic dictation and singing.

MU 123 Computers and Music (1)
An introduction to understanding the use of computer music applications
and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in music. Will include software applications addressing ear training and music theory, sequencing and music notation. For Music
Majors or by consent of instructor.

MU 133, 134 Group Piano I and II (1)
Development of basic piano techniques, sight reading, improvisation, transposition and keyboard harmony. For music majors. No prerequisite for MU 133. Consent of instructor for MU 134.

MU 200 Special Topics (1-3)
A variable content course treating areas of interest to both music-majors and non-music majors. May be
repeated for credit.

MU 206 Improvisation (2)
Introduction to the basic materials utilized in the practice of Improvisation. Includes practical application through performance and utilization of major scales and modes, ear training, transcription, and the learning of patterns. Prerequisite: MU 216 or consent of instructor.

MU 207 Double Reed Techniques (1)
A practical study of tonal production, technique, reed-making, and other aspects of playing and methods of teaching oboe and bassoon in the public schools, including minor repair and maintenance of these instruments. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

MU 208 Vocal Techniques (1)
Designed to introduce the instrumental major to all aspects of vocal music from the Junior High Choir to the solo singer. The class will include the study of breathing, placement, diction, and resonance. Special attention will be placed on problems encountered by singers of all styles of music.

MU 209 Single Reed/Flute Techniques (1)
Study of tone production, embouchure, technique, care, repair, and maintenance of the flute, clarinet and saxophone, Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 210 Brass Techniques (1)
The tone production, techniques, and problems of beginning brass instruments with particular emphasis on methods of teaching these instruments in the public schools. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

MU 211 String Techniques (1)
Tone production, techniques, and particular problems of the beginning string instruments with particular emphasis on methods of teaching these instruments in the public schools.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 212 Percussion Techniques (1)
A practical study of the techniques and problems of percussion with particular emphasis on methods of teaching these instruments in the public schools. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

MU 213, 214 Group Piano III and IV (1 each)
Continuation of Group Piano II at the intermediate level. Also includes study (1) Continuation of Group Piano II at the intermediate level. Also includes study of piano repertoire from various style periods, selected jazz and pop idioms, chorale style sight reading and elementary score reading. For music majors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 215 Theory and Aural Comprehension I (4)
Study of music notation, scales, modes, intervals, rhythm, triads, tonality, and figured bass. Development of aural skills related to these through the use of rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation, and sight singing. Prerequisite: MU 123 or consent of instructor.

MU 216 Theory and Aural Comprehension II (4)
Study of four-part harmony, harmonic progression, cadences, modulation, non-harmonic tones, phrase and period forms, and baroque and classic style analysis. Development of aural skills relating to these through rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation and sight singing. Prerequisite: MU 215.

MU 220 Vocal Diction for Singers (2)
The study of lyric diction for singing in English, Italian, Latin, French and German using the International Phonetic Alphabet.

MU 237 Choral Clinic (1)
The initial experience in secondary music education in the area of choral work. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 238 Instrumental Clinic (1)
The initial experience in secondary music education in the area of strings, winds and percussion.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 240 Beginning Conducting (1)
Basic beat patterns, baton technique, score reading, philosophy and basic concepts of conducting.

MU 243 Composition (1-3)
Individual tutoring in music composition with emphasis on the development and expansion of music materials. May be taken as an elective. May be repeated as an elective with consent of instructor. Prerequisite: MU 216 or consent of instructor.

MU 244 Accompanying (1-2)
A laboratory designed to develop proficiency in sight reading and accompanying at the keyboard. Required for keyboard concentrations and keyboard majors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 304 Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (2)
Includes practical application through performance and utilization of tunes in major and minor keys and related modes as well as diminished and whole tone scales. Also includes ear-training, transcription, and study of patterns. Prerequisite: MU 206 or consent.

MU 305 The Business of Music (3)
An overview of the music industry, with specific attention given to career development and opportunities, promotion and marketing techniques, contracts and negotiation, and arts management. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of
instructor.

MU 306 Introduction to Aesthetics and Music Criticism (2)
A basic course for lay persons and musicians featuring a study of musical intuition, objective and subjective responses to music, and certain considerations involved in making a value judgment. Development of criteria leading to mature critical acumen. Practical experience in writing critical music reviews and appropriate research projects may be required.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 307 Musical Instrument Repair (1)
Practical training making emergency repairs on woodwind, brass and string instruments. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 310 Introduction to Electronic Music (3)
A survey of procedures used by composers in electronic media, together with creative experiences using MIDI, sequencing, notation software, sampling and synthesizer. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 313 Foundations of Music Education (2)
This course will examine the history and general principles of aesthetic education, the position of music education in the historical and contemporary frameworks of universal public education, administrative operation of schools and music education programs, curriculum design and implementation, the management of music material, human relations aspects of teaching music, and aspects of the music educator's professional development. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 315 Theory and Aural Comprehension III (4)
Study of chromatic harmony, larger forms and other topics related to music before 1900. Development of aural skills related to these through dictation and sightsinging. Prerequisite: MU 216.

MU 316 Theory IV (3)
Analysis of twentieth century music and various analytical methods, including Schenkerian analysis and Set Theory. Prerequisite: MU 315

MU 317 Orchestration (2)
Practical arranging of piano, choral and instrumental literature. Scoring for voices, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments including the study of tone, timbre, ranges, transpositions and the blending of these elements. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 318 Jazz Arranging (3)
Practical arranging in the jazz idiom ranging from small ensembles to big bands. Includes 2 to 4 part writing with drop 2, drop 2 and 4, and rhythm section considerations. Includes study of transpositions and ranges.

MU 325 Music History I (3)
Musical styles, composers, and forms in Western Music from 600 B.C. - l750 A.D. including Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 326 Music History II (3)
Musical styles, composers and forms in western music from 1750-1900. No prerequisite.

MU 327 Music History III (2)
Musical styles, composers, and forms in music since 1900. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 330 Vocal Pedagogy and Literature (2)
Examines the anatomy and physiology of vocal technique and explains the uses of this knowledge for the singer, voice teacher, and music educator. Included in this course is basic repertoire suitable for the young singer. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 335 Form and Analysis (2)
Music works of all periods are analyzed to acquaint the student with the standard forms of tonal music and to teach those analytical techniques which will allow the student to discover the structure of any work encountered, however irregular or unusual. Prerequisite: MU 316.

MU 337, 338 Piano Literature (2)
Keyboard music from the Elizabethan virginal school to the present time, designed primarily for piano majors and prospective piano teachers. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 400 Special Topics in Music (2-3)
A variable content course treating areas of interest to music majors. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 411 Accompanying (1-2)
A laboratory designed to develop proficiency in sight reading and accompanying at the keyboard. Required for keyboard concentrations and keyboard majors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 415 Tonal Counterpoint (2)
The study, analysis, and writing of inventions, canons and fugues in 18th century style, using works of J.S Bach as a model. Prerequisite: MU 316.

MU 417 Elementary - Secondary Music Education Vocal Methods (3)
This course will examine materials and specific instructional methods of teaching vocal music K-12, by a concept and skill-building approach, and emphasize the organization and development of vocal performing groups for grades 7-12. Prerequisite: MU 313 or consent of instructor.

MU 418 Elementary - Secondary Music Education Instrumental Methods (3)
This course will examine materials and specific instructional methods of teaching elementary and secondary instrumental music, by a concept and skill building approach, and emphasize the organization and development of instrumental performing groups. Prerequisite: MU 313, MU 417, or consent.

MU 419 Marching Band and Jazz Pedagogy (2)
This course will examine the various marching band styles, marching fundamentals, rehearsal techniques, show design principles and other facets of organization for teaching High School Marching Band. This course will also examine various jazz styles, rehearsal techniques and improvisation in jazz band.

MU 441 Advanced Choral Conducting (1)
A practical opportunity to direct, under supervision, voices under conditions approximating the rehearsal situation. Prerequisite: MU 240 or consent of instructor.

MU 442 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (1)
A practical opportunity to direct, under supervision, strings and wind instruments under conditions approximating the rehearsal situation. Prerequisite: MU 240 or consent of instructor.

ED 442 Music in the Elementary School (3)
General principles and specific instructional methods for musical activities in the self-contained elementary classroom or in recreational settings. This course is designed for both the pre-service and in-service teacher. A variety of instrumental and vocal activities are presented.

MU 443 Composition (1-3)
Individual tutoring in music composition with emphasis on the development and expansion of music materials. May be taken as an elective. May be repeated as an elective with consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: MU 206 and MU 415 or consent of instructor.

Performance Courses

ENSEMBLES - 1 HOUR

MU 244, 444 Accompanying (1-2)
A laboratory designed to develop proficiency in sight reading and accompanying at the keyboard. Required for keyboard concentrations and keyboard majors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 245, 445 Band (1)
Open to both majors and non-majors, the Symphonic Band performs works from all stylistic periods. The band enjoys a reputation for excellence in performance and championing new literature for wind bands. In the Fall all students participate in the Fighting Blues Marching Band.

MU 246, 446 Choir, Chamber (1)
Open, by audition, to both majors and non-majors, the Chamber Choir focuses both on the fundamentals of proper choral singing and presenting various on-campus performances each year.

MU 247, 447 Choir, Singers (1)
Open, by audition, to both majors and non-majors, The Washburn Singers performs a variety of styles of music from the chamber choir repertoire. In addition to participating in on-campus concerts each year, the ensemble also performs throughout the region for various high school choral programs and civic functions.

MU 248, 448 Choir, Washburn (1)
Open, by audition, to both majors and non-majors, The Washburn Choir excels in performing a wide variety of styles of choral music. The choir performs regularly in both on and off-campus concerts, including major works with the Topeka and Kansas City symphonies. Members of the ensemble have the opportunity to partake in a European concert tour every three or four years.

MU 249, 449 Jazz Ensemble (1)
The Washburn University Jazz Ensembles meet for the purpose of exploring the jazz style in rehearsal and performance through the instrumentation of the jazz big band. Each ensemble will strive for the highest possible standards in performance. An emphasis shall be placed on a wide array of styles, from the older big band styles to newer Latin, rock, and swing arrangements. Selection and placement is by audition.

MU 250, 450 Music for the Stage (1)
Music for the Stage is a performance ensemble/class which concentrates on vocal works to be performed on stage. Each semester varies, depending on the work selected. Works to be performed are chosen from Music Theater, Operetta, and Opera. Productions vary from 'concert style' to full costuming and sets. Students will sing solos, ensembles, and choruses within the chosen work. Vocal performance majors are required to enroll for a minimum of two semesters of Music for the Stage. For all other students, this class counts as a music elective.

MU 251, 451 Orchestra (1)
Enrollment in Washburn University Orchestra is open to music and non-music majors by audition only. Repertory performed ranges from Baroque through contemporary literature. The ensemble performs at least two concerts each semester including Christmas Vespers in the Fall semester. Class participants may audition to perform solos with the orchestra.

MU 252, 452 Orchestra, String (1)
Enrollment in Washburn University String Orchestra is open to music and non-music majors by audition only. Repertory performed ranges from Renaissance through contemporary literature.

MU 253, 453 Percussion Ensemble (1)
Open to both music majors and non-music majors with a background and interest in percussion. During the fall semester the Percussion ensemble functions as the Corps style drum line for the Fighting Blues Marching Band. After marching season, the emphasis shifts to the study and performance of the highest quality percussion ensemble literature. The repertoire is diverse, including pieces for keyboard percussion, non-pitched percussion works, jazz oriented music, and compositions featuring the entire family of percussion instruments.

MU 254, 454 Small Ensemble (1)
This class offers students a chamber music experience with only one person on a part. Pre-existing
chamber groups may enroll, or students will be assigned to various chamber groups based upon current enrollment. Recital performance is required.

PRIVATE LESSONS
1-3 HOURS

255, 455 Bassoon
256, 456 Cello
257, 457 Clarinet
258, 458 Euphonium
259, 459 Flute
260, 460 Guitar
261, 461 Harp
262, 462 Harpsichord
263, 463 Horn
264, 464 Oboe
265, 465 Organ
266, 466 Percussion
267, 467 Piano
268, 468 Saxophone
269, 469 String Bass
270, 470 Trombone
271, 471 Trumpet
272, 472 Tuba
273, 473 Viola
274, 474 Violin
275, 475 Voice

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