Course Descriptions

Applied Music

(1 or 2 each semester)

Saint Xavier University students may register for private instruction in piano, organ, voice, guitar, or orchestra/band instruments. An accompanist fee of $100 per credit of registration is applied to private study in voice and orchestra/band instruments. Credit is organized as follows:

Credit Lesson Practice Time
1 semester hour 1/2 hour lesson 7 hours weekly
2 semester hours 1 hour lesson 14 hours weekly

All Music majors/minors are required to attend weekly practicum class (recital class) and repertoire/seminar classes in their area of private applied studies.

Applied Music students will be required to perform a jury examination before the Music faculty at the end of each semester.

Music Ensembles

Music ensembles (230-247) are open to all interested students who must qualify by audition. Ensembles may be taken for credit, or on a non-credit basis upon payment of an auditor’s fee. Non-majors may apply credit earned in these ensembles toward the University “Literature and Fine Arts” requirement. Refer to individual course listings for a description of each ensemble.

Course Descriptions

101 – Music Theory I (3)

Prerequisite: Placement Exam.

The study of traditional diatonic tonal materials and standard notational practice. Development of part-writing and analytical skills. Must be taken in sequence. Taken concurrently with MUS 151 & 161. Offered Fall Term.

102 – Music Theory II (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 101; Placement Exam.

Continuation of MUS 101, leading to elementary modulation. Taken concurrently with MUS 152 & 162. Offered Spring Term.

103 – Vocal Technique (3)

Prerequisite for studying Applied Voice (private voice lessons).

Fundamentals of correct voice production for prospective vocal performance and/or vocal education majors as well as general student population with an interest in building good singing technique. Offered Fall Term. (5 clinical observation hours)

104 – Guitar Class (3)

Prerequisite: No previous guitar study, or very limited experience in guitar.

Introduction into basic playing skills for classical guitar. Students will study basic Music notation (pitch & rhythm) primary chord structures and pick and strum patterns. Individual and small group activities will be used to enhance student learning. Offered on demand.

107 – Class Piano (3)

Prerequisite: No previous piano study, or very limited experience in piano.

An introduction to the rudiments of piano playing. Concepts studied include music fundamentals, rhythms, note reading and basic technique. Offered every semester.

115 – Introduction to Music (3)

Cross Ref: HUM 101

A survey course intended to develop listening skills, an understanding of the basic elements of music, and sensitivity to the aesthetic experience. Students are required to attend live concerts on and off campus. Ticket fee. Offered every semester.

124 – Writing and Speaking About Music (3)

Students will learn to identify the use of elements in musical compositions through historically guided listening and score study. Students will develop the skills needed for doing research in music; choosing an appropriate topic, writing thesis statements and annotated bibliographies, searching out sources (periodicals, references, primary and secondary scores, etc.). Emphasis is placed on the formal structure required for music research presentations. Required of all music majors and minors (traditional or transfer). Offered Spring Term.

129 – Jazz in Chicago (3)

Cross Ref: HUM 129

A survey course in the history of jazz and Chicago’s influence on the development of jazz. Course work will include lecture, discussion and field trips. Students attend musical performances together as a class to share and discuss this common musical experience. Ticket fee. Offered Spring Term.

130 – Music in Chicago (3)

Cross Ref: HUM 130

A survey course focusing on live music performances and the scope of the Chicago musical scene. Course work will include lecture, discussion and field trips. Students attend musical performances together as a class to share and discuss this common musical experience. Ticket fee. Offered on demand.

131 – Rock ‘n’ Roll: An Introduction (3)

Cross Ref: HUM 131

Introductory course on the history of rock ‘n’ roll beginning with the roots of rock to the present day. Course work will include lecture, discussion and field trips. Students attend musical performances together as a class to share and discuss this common musical experience. Ticket fee. Offered Fall Term.

144 – Vocal Methods for Instrumental Majors (1 + Lab)

An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching singing. Students will learn the fundamentals of correct voice production and diction as related to Elementary through High School choral programs. Offered every Fall semester. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week) (5 clinical observation hours)

145 – Brass Methods (1 + Lab)

An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching beginning brass instruments. Students will learn proper playing techniques for all the major instruments of the brass family, in addition to studying appropriate method books for teaching beginning brass students at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels. Instrument fee. Offered every fourth semester. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week) (5 clinical observation hours)

146 – Percussion Methods (1 + Lab)

An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching beginning percussion instruments. Students will learn proper playing techniques for all the major instruments of the percussion family, in addition to studying appropriate method books for teaching beginning percussion students at the elementary, junior, and senior high school levels. Instrument fee. Offered every fourth semester. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week) (5 clinical observation hours)

147 – String Methods (1 + Lab)

Fundamentals of correct tone production, bowing styles, performance techniques and teaching methods for the major instruments of the string family. Instrument Fee. Offered every fourth semester. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week) (5 clinical observation hours)

148 – Woodwind Methods (1 + Lab)

An introductory course focusing on the methods of teaching beginning woodwind instruments. Students will learn proper playing techniques for all the major instruments of the woodwind family in addition to studying appropriate method books for teaching beginning woodwind students at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels. Instrument Fee. Offered every fourth semester. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week) (5 clinical observation hours)

151 – Aural Skills I (1 + Lab)

Prerequisite: Placement Exam. Development of aural recognition skills by means of rhythmic, melodic and two-part dictation.

Build fluency in sight singing, through the use of drills, exercises and music of the common practice period. Develop harmonic and multi-part awareness. Taken concurrently with MUS 101 & 161. Offered Fall Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week)

152 – Aural Skills II (1 + Lab)

Prerequisite: MUS 151; Placement Exam.

Further development of aural recognition & production skills. Taken concurrently with MUS 102 & 162. Offered Spring Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week) 161 – Keyboard Skills I (1 + Lab) Prerequisite: Placement Exam. The study of basic keyboard technique, treble & bass clef reading skills as applied to the keyboard, and rudimentary keyboard harmony. Taken concurrently with MUS 101 & 151. Offered Fall Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week)

162 – Keyboard Skills II (1 + Lab)

Prerequisite: MUS 161.

Continued study of basic technique, reading skills and keyboard harmony, including harmonization, transposition and simple modulation. Taken concurrently with MUS 102 & 152. Offered Spring Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week)

201 – Music Theory III (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 102; Placement Exam.

Further development of part-writing and analytical skills. Introduction of chromatic harmony. Extensive writing assignments, which include original compositions. Taken concurrently with MUS 251 & 261. Offered Fall Term.

202 – Music Theory IV (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 201; Placement Exam.

Continued study of chromatic harmony leading to contemporary techniques. Taken concurrently with MUS 252 & 262. Offered Spring Term.

205 – Italian/English Diction for Singers (2)

Principles of correct pronunciation/articulation of the Italian and English languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet for singing application. Offered alternate years.

206 – German/French Diction for Singers (2)

Prerequisite: 205 – Italian/English Diction or Permission of Instructor.

Principles of correct pronunciation/articulation of the French and German languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet for singing application. Offered alternate years.

216 – The Chicago Cultural Scene: Music (3)

Cross Ref: HUM 216

A survey course covering the broad range of musical experiences available in and around the city of Chicago. In-class lecture as well as attendance at performances and tours of area musical and artistic organizations. Ticket fee. Offered on demand.

217 – Perspectives in Non-Western Music (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 101.

A survey of non-western music and the impact of political, cultural and social aspects at the current time. Offered alternate years. Required of all music majors. Music courses numbered 230-247 may be repeated for credit, or may be taken on a non-credit basis upon payment of an auditor’s fee. Music Ensembles are offered every semester unless noted otherwise.

230 – University Orchestra (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Study and performance of standard orchestral repertoire. Rehearsals are once a week. The orchestra performs each semester. Open to all students and community members. (One 150-minute class session per week)

231 – University Chamber Singers (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Students must demonstrate excellent vocal, sight-reading and intonation skills. Ensemble of 16 to 20 members chosen each semester on basis of vocal and musical ability. Will study and perform music chosen each semester for at least one concert appearance. Auditors receive a Pass/Fail grade. Open to general University students by audition. (Two 80-minute class sessions per week)

232 – University Chorale (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Open to all interested university students, faculty & staff as well as community members. Study and performance of sacred and secular repertoire, with at least one concert appearance each semester. (Vocal ensembles are required for Vocal Music Majors). (One 150-minute class session per week)

233 – University Marching Band (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Performs at all home football games. The band rehearses two times a week during the fall semester in addition to a one-week pre-season Marching Band camp in August. The Marching Band is open to all University wind and percussion performers. (Two 80-minute class sessions per week) (Fall only)

234 – University Concert Band (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

A wide variety of Concert Band literature will be studied including traditional and contemporary literature. The Concert Band is open to all University wind and percussion performers. (Three 50-minute class sessions per week)

236 – Chamber Music Ensemble (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Study and performance of music for small ensembles. Open to instrumentalists of upper intermediate to advanced level of playing on any instrument. Offered on demand.

238 – Guitar Ensemble (1)

Prerequisite: Audition; intermediate level playing proficiency.

Study and performance of guitar ensemble literature. Required of Guitar majors; open to all other interested students.

240 – Jazz Ensemble (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

The Jazz Ensemble performs a wide variety of jazz ensemble literature that uses a standard big-band instrumentation. Open to all university wind, string, piano and percussion performers of traditional jazz big-band instruments. (Two 80-minute class sessions per week)

242 – Opera Workshop (2)

Prerequisite: Level I in Applied Voice or consent of director as well as placement/casting through audition by the Opera Workshop Director.

Staged, costumed production of scenes from (or the complete) opera, operetta, or musical theatre work as chosen by the director each term. Offered on demand.

Note: Rehearsal time exceeds the 2-credit class time commitment.

245 – University Women’s Ensemble (1)

Prerequisite: Audition for placement

Open to all interested University women; including students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members who have choral experience and read music. Study and performance of sacred and/or secular repertoire specifically arranged for women’s voices (SSAA/SSA/SA), with at least one concert appearance each semester. This ensemble may collaborate with the University Men’s Ensemble for a joint concert appearance. (Vocal ensembles are required for Vocal Music Majors). (One 150-minute class session per week). Class meets 4:00 p.m. - 6:20 p.m. on Mondays each semester.

246 – University Men’s Ensemble (1)

Prerequisite: Audition for placement

Open to all interested University men; including students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members who have choral experience and read music. Study and performance of sacred and/or secular repertoire specifically arranged for men’s voices (TTBB/TBB/TB), with at least one concert appearance each semester. This ensemble may collaborate with the University Women’s Ensemble for a joint concert appearance. (Vocal ensembles are required for Vocal Music Majors). (Rehearsal time varies: One 150-minute class session or two 75-minute class sessions or three 50-minute class sessions per week).

247 – University Pep Band (1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Performs at home athletic events. The Pep Band is open to all University wind and percussion performers. (Two 80-minute class sessions per week)

251 – Aural Skills III (1 + Lab)

Prerequisite: MUS 152: Placement Exam.

Advance aural training in melodic, rhythmic and harmonic idioms. Taken concurrently with MUS 201 & 261. Offered Fall Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week)

252 – Aural Skills IV (1 + Lab)

Prerequisite: MUS 251; Placement Exam.

Continuation of MUS 251, including applications to contemporary music. Taken concurrently with MUS 202 & 262. Offered Spring Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week)

261 – Keyboard Skills III (1 + Lab)

Prerequisite: MUS 162: Placement Exam.

Further study in keyboard harmony including some chromatic harmony. Basic ensemble and technical skills at appropriate levels are also included. Taken concurrently with MUS 201 & 251. Offered Fall Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week)

262 – Keyboard Skills IV (1 + Lab)

Prerequisite: MUS 261: Placement Exam.

More advance skills in keyboard harmony, transposition, basic accompanying skills and technique at appropriate levels. Chromatic harmony and contemporary examples are emphasized. Taken concurrently with MUS 202 & 252. Offered Spring Term. (Two 50-minute class sessions per week)

270 – Junior Recital (Vocal) (1)

Prerequisite: Junior standing in Applied Music and Formal acceptance as Music Major.

Presentation of 30-40 minute recital during semester of registration demonstrating the ability to perform in a variety of musical styles and periods. Required of all vocal performance majors. *Pre-recital Audition required.

271 – Junior Recital (Piano) (1)

Prerequisites: Junior standing in Applied Piano and Formal acceptance as Music Major.

Presentation of 30-40 minute recital during semester of registration demonstrating the ability to perform in a variety of musical styles and periods. Required of all piano performance majors. *Pre-recital Audition required.

272 – Junior Recital (Instrumental) (1)

Prerequisites: Junior standing in Applied Music and Formal acceptance as Music Major.

Presentation of 30-40 minute recital during semester of registration demonstrating the ability to perform in a variety of musical styles and periods. Required of all instrumental performance majors. *Pre-recital Audition required.

301 – Form and Analysis (2)

Prerequisite: Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-IV.

Comprehensive study of harmonic and formal structures and typical stylistic traits of 18th and 19th Century music. Offered alternate years.

302 – Contrapuntal Techniques (2)

Prerequisite: Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-IV.

Basic contrapuntal principles and skills, especially as applied to 18th and 19th Century styles. Extensive writing practice, and analysis of stylistic models. Introduction to major contrapuntal forms. Offered alternate years.

306 – Orchestration (2)

Prerequisite: Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-IV.

Scoring for various instrumental groupings. Required for Instrumental Music Education Majors. Offered alternate years.

310 – Methods of Teaching Music in the Primary School (2)

Cross Ref: EDU 310

Prerequisite: Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-II.

Principles, techniques, and materials for teaching music at the primary school level. Emphasis on Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze Methods. Required for Music Education Majors. Offered alternate years. (15 clinical observation hours)

311 – Piano Pedagogy (3)

Prerequisite: Advanced standing in Applied Piano, or consent of Professor.

Principles, techniques and materials for teaching piano in the private studio. Required for Piano Performance Majors. Strongly recommended for Music Education Choral Majors with Keyboard Emphasis and for students with piano as the minor instrument. Offered on demand.

312 – Vocal Pedagogy (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of Voice I Level.

Principles, techniques, and materials for teaching singing in the private studio or classroom. Required for Vocal Performance Majors and strongly recommended for Music Education/Choral Emphasis Majors. Offered on demand.

313 – Applied Pedagogy – Instrumental (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of Applied Instrumental Studies Level II.

Principles, techniques and materials for teaching specific instruments in the studio or classroom. Required for the Instrumental Performance Major. Offered on demand.

317 – Music Literature – Voice – Art Song (3)

Prerequisite: Advanced standing in Applied Vocal Music.

Survey of Art Song literature for the voice from the Baroque period through the 20th Century. Required for Vocal Performance Majors and strongly recommended for Music Education/Choral Emphasis/Vocal Majors. Offered on demand.

318 – Music Literature – Voice – Operatic Literature (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of Music History sequence or consent of instructor.

Historical Survey of operatic styles and presentations. Strongly recommended for Vocal Performance and Music Education Majors. Open to the general student when approved by the Professor. Offered on demand.

319 – Music Literature – Piano (3)

Prerequisite: Advanced Standing in Applied Piano.

Survey of keyboard music from the Baroque Era through the present day. Required for Piano Performance Majors. Strongly recommended for Music Education Majors with Keyboard Emphasis and for students with piano as the minor instrument. Offered on demand.

321 – Music Literature: Instrumental (3)

Survey of music for solo instruments from Baroque to modern periods. Required for Instrumental Performance Majors and strongly recommended for Instrumental Education Majors in their specialized area of Applied Music. Offered on demand.

323 – Accompanying

(1 credit each semester) (may be repeated)

Prerequisite: Advanced standing in Applied Piano.

A study in the techniques of accompanying including experience in vocal and instrumental accompanying. Required of Piano Performance Majors for two semesters. Offered on demand.

328 – Choral Conducting (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-IV, Music History I-II

Development of conducting technique with emphasis on choral applications. Offered alternate Fall Terms. (5 clinical observation hours)

329 – Instrumental Conducting (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-IV, Music History I-II.

Development of conducting technique with emphasis on instrumental applications. Offered alternate Fall Terms. (5 clinical observation hours)

330 – Music History I: Medieval/Renaissance/Baroque (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-II and Writing and Speaking about Music.

A study of the development of music in the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods with an emphasis placed on the structure, styles, genre, composers, and musical elements associated with these periods. This study will take place in the context of world history, religious, economic and social trends. Offered Fall Term.

331 – Music History II: Classical/Romantic/Contemporary (3)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-II and Writing and Speaking about Music.

A study of the development of music in the Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods with an emphasis placed on aural and visual identification of musical scores in regard to their characteristics, structure and style. This study will take place in reference to world events: religious, economic, political and social. Offered Spring Term.

347 – American Music (2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of MUS 101; or Music major-minor; consent of Professor.

A survey of the development of music in the United States, including folk, popular, and art forms from colonial times to the present. Offered on demand.

348 – Special Topics (varied)

Topics include specialized courses in Women Composers, Chicago Women Composers, and Jazz Studies. Offered on demand.

352 – Directed Teaching – Music Education (K-12) (6)

Cross Ref: EDU 352

Prerequisite: 100 clock hours of supervised clinical experiences in professional education, and the required sequence of music and education courses.

Program of guided observation, participation, and teaching in a classroom setting, jointly supervised by a teacher from the university and one from the field. The student teacher spends the whole day in the field for a period of 16 weeks. Offered every semester.

354 – Independent Study (credit varies)

357 – Senior Project (1)

Prerequisite: Senior standing and formal acceptance as a music major.

Presentation of a major paper/project or original composition corresponding to primary area of specialization as approved by music faculty.

358 – Senior Project – Music Education (0)

Prerequisite: Senior standing in Music Education and formal acceptance as a music major.

Presentation of a major paper/project or original composition corresponding to primary area of specialization as approved by music faculty.

370 – Senior Recital (Vocal) (1)

Prerequisite: Senior standing in Applied Voice and formal acceptance as a music major.

Presentation of 60-minute recital during semester of registration demonstrating the ability to perform in a variety of musical styles and periods. *Pre-recital Audition required.

371 – Senior Recital (Piano) (1)

Prerequisite: Senior standing in Applied Piano and formal acceptance as a music major.

Presentation of a recital during semester of registration featuring 60 minutes of music drawn from at least 4 historical periods or styles. *Prerecital Audition required.

372 – Senior Recital (Instrumental) (1)

Prerequisite: Senior standing in Applied Instruments and formal acceptance as a music major.

Presentation of 60-minute recital during semester of registration demonstrating the ability to perform in a variety of musical styles and periods. *Pre-recital Audition required.

373 – Senior Recital – Music Education (0)

Prerequisite: Senior Standing in Applied Music and formal acceptance as a music major.

Presentation of 60-minute recital during semester of registration performing musical selections from differing historic periods as appropriate. *Pre-recital Audition required.

376 – Methods of Teaching Music in the Middle and Secondary School (3)

Cross Ref: EDU 376

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory/ Aural Skills/ Keyboard Skills I-II or consent of professor. Classroom and field experience.

Principles, techniques, and material for teaching music at the junior and senior high school levels. Emphasis on the Teaching of General Music and incorporating the National Standards for Arts Education into the total curriculum. Offered alternate years. (15 clinical observation hours.)