MUS - Music

Required attendance at recitals and music convocations.

Course examines aspects of American popular music, as well as the influence of other American styles and European influences on contemporary popular music.  Emphasis will most likely cover late 19th and 20th century music.  No prerequisite required, but basic music terminology is helpful.

Introduction to jazz music and its deep connection to activism and social justice, the history of jazz from its development in America at the turn of the 20th century through the present. Emphasis on recognition of styles, prominent innovators, and development of listening skills important for all styles of music. 

Broad overview of the history and materials of Western music from the middle ages to the present.  Introduction to the major eras, styles, genres, and representative composers and works, including an introduction to the skills of reading written music and actively listening to recorded and live performance.

An auditioned choir of treble voices (sopranos and altos) Vox Fortis is comprised of students from all majors. Vox Fortis performs twice a semester at campus concerts as well as additional performances to promote the University. Vox Fortis performs repertoire from the history of all choral traditions.  Cross-listed with MUS 32005 Vox Fortis.

This course covers the basics of the guitar and an application of essential music fundamentals. Students will learn the basics of playing guitar at a beginning through intermediate level by studying music notation, chord symbols, and peer modeling. A brief history of the guitar along with a study of its respective musical styles will also be covered. The course is intended for the non-music major. Students must supply their own instrument. 

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression.  Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week.  A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week.  Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required.  Private lesson fee is applicable.

This course addresses the study and practice of jazz piano/keyboard playing in private lesson (one-to-one) format.  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson provides the student a private one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Beginning to intermediate level private instruction designed to develop technical skills requisite to artistic self-expression. Enrollment in a one credit lesson provides the student a private, 30 minute lesson per week. A two credit lesson, provides the student a private, one hour lesson per week. Juried examination at conclusion of each semester required. Private lesson fee is applicable.

Drum line is open to any University student who plays a percussion instrument, or would like to learn to play drums. The drum line performs at all home football games, selected home basketball games, and off-campus events as selected by the director.

The premier large choral ensemble, Concert Choir is the major touring ensemble of the Music Department's choral division. It performs once or twice each semester in campus concerts, for official University events, and frequently appears in area churches. Membership is open by audition to University students who have previous choral experience and display fundamental vocal performance and musical reading skills. Concert Choir performs repertoire from the history of all choral traditions.

Membership is open to any university student who can display fundamental performance skills and musical proficiency on an orchestral string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. The orchestra performs concerts on and off campus during the fall and spring semesters and is open to all university students through audition.

Membership is open to any university student who can display fundamental performance skills and musical proficiency on trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drum kit, bass guitar or guitar. The Jazz Repertory Orchestra performs concerts on and off campus during the fall and spring semesters and is open to all university students through audition.

An auditioned ensemble open to any University student.  Jazz Workshop specializes in the development of instrumental performance techniques, with specific emphasis on music reading skills, jazz improvisation, and familiarity with all standard repertory and major recording artists.  Performances are required.

Select group of 12-16 voices, Jazz Singers is open by audition only to sophomore, junior, and senior members of Concert Choir. The ensemble specializes in the performance of standard and contemporary jazz repertoire. Performances are on-campus concerts and by invitation for off-campus events.

The Ottawa University Drum Line is the percussion ensemble at Ottawa University. The line consists of OU music majors, non-music majors, and community members joining together to perform the demanding repertoire for both pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments. Original repertory form in the style of contemporary marching band and drum corps drum lines is performed. Traditional and contemporary percussion ensemble repertory is also prepared for public performance and provides learning and performance experiences. Participation in the OU University Drum Line is by audition and invitation.

Membership is open to any university student who can display fundamental performance skills and musical proficiency on an instrument used in the band. During the fall semester, the band performs in the stands at all home football games, selected home varsity basketball games, and other performances. The drum line is selected by audition from students enrolled in the band. The band performs concerts on and off campus during the spring semester and is open to all university students though audition.

Non-auditioned band for brass, woodwind, and percussion players who perform at campus events as required.

An examination of the diverse activities and components involved in the music industry, particularly those concerned with the development of professional musicians, generating and fulfilling the needs of an audience, and creation of services and products.  An overview of the music marketplace, song-writing, publishing, copyright, business affairs, artist management, producing, merchandising, record production, concert production, and arts administration.  Emphasis placed on business start-up and career development. 

A preparatory course for jazz educators.  Designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to direct and manage jazz ensembles.  Topics include: conducting and rehearsal techniques, stylistic considerations, selection of music and equipment, use of P.A., concert programming and promotion, location of resources.

This course introduces the fundamental materials, concepts and mechanics of music as practiced in Western hemisphere over roughly the past three hundred years.  Required of music majors and minors; should be taken concurrently with Aural Skills I.  Prerequisite: Music major or minor or permission of Instructor.  Should be taken concurrently with MUS 26002 Aural Skills I.

This course is a continuation of written study of the materials, concepts and mechanics of music as practiced in the Western hemisphere over roughly the past three hundred years.  Prerequisites: MUS 26000/Music major or minor; or permission of instructor.  Should be taken concurrently with MUS 26003 Aural Skills II.

Practical study of basic sight singing and ear training.  Required of Music majors and minors.  Should be taken concurrently with MUS 26000 Music Theory and Aural Skills I.

Continued study of sight singing and ear training.  Prerequisite:  MUS 26002 Aural Skills I; Music major or minor status; or permission of the instructor. Should be taken concurrently with MUS 26001 Music Theory I.

A performance course of the study of jazz standard tunes into component parts.  Students will master these performance components and then reconnect them into a complete improvisation of the formal structure.  Emphasis on learning assigned repertoire in all keys with the analysis and memorization of jazz solo transcriptions.

Course for students seeking Pre-K -12 teacher licensure in instrumental music with a focus on basic performance skills on trumpet, horn, trombone, and euphonium.  Methods and materials for teaching from beginning through advanced students will be examined along with pedagogical approaches to teaching woodwind instrument performance.  Prerequisite:  MUS 26001 Music Theory II.

Course for students seeking Pre-K -12 teacher licensure in instrumental music with a focus on basic performance skills on flute, clarinet, saxophone, and either oboe or bassoon.  Methods and materials for teaching from beginning through advanced students will be examined along with pedagogical approaches to teaching woodwind instrument performance.  Prerequisite:  MUS 26001 Music Theory II.

Course for students seeking Pre-K -12 teacher licensure in instrumental music with a focus on basic performance skills on snare drum and other percussion instruments.  Methods and materials for teaching from beginning through advanced students will be examined along with pedagogical approaches to teaching percussion instrument performance.  Prerequisite:  MUS 26001 Music Theory II.

Course for students seeking pre-K-12 teacher licensure in instrumental music with a focus on basic performance skills on violin and cello.  Methods and materials for teaching beginning through advanced students will be examined along with pedagogical approaches to teaching orchestral strings performance.

A comprehensive course designed to develop conducting skills and pedagogical techniques appropriate for public school music ensembles.  Score preparation and rehearsal planning for both instrumental and choral ensembles is emphasized.  The historical study of conducting and conductors is studied.

An auditioned choir of treble voices (sopranos and altos) Vox Fortis is comprised of students from all majors. Vox Fortis performs twice a semester at campus concerts as well as additional performances to promote the University. Vox Fortis performs repertoire from the history of all choral traditions.  Cross-listed with MUS 12005 Vox Fortis.

Course for students seeking Pre-K-12 teacher licensure in general music with an emphasis on the elementary level.  Students develop fundamental skills in teaching and evaluating vocal and instrumental techniques utilized in teaching general music.  Topics include the development of the skills necessary to perform written accompaniments on the music keyboard and other chord instruments and how to transpose accompaniments to appropriate keys.  Prerequisite:  MUS 32000 Instrumental and Choral Conducting Methods.

A comprehensive study of general music instruction at the elementary school level. Topics include the philosophy of music education, varied approaches for developing conceptual learning and music skills, creative applications, and analysis of materials.

Emphasizes reading, analyzing and interpreting scores, integrating concepts from instrument method courses with ensemble settings and selecting sequential literature from various eras for instrumental ensembles. Opportunities for conducting ensembles provided.

Course for students seeking Pre-K-12 teacher licensure in instrumental music with an emphasis on the secondary level. Students develop fundamental skills in teaching and evaluating instrumental techniques utilized in teaching public school marching bands and jazz ensembles.  Prerequisite:  MUS 32000 Instrumental and Choral Conducting Methods.

Emphasizes reading, analyzing and interpreting scores, integrating concepts from techniques courses with ensembles, and selecting sequential literature from various eras for vocal ensembles. Opportunities for conducting ensembles provided.

An in-depth introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), rules of use and application to strengthen the performance of German and English art songs and other repertoire.

An in-depth introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), rules of use and application to strengthen the performance of Italian and French art songs and repertoire.

An introduction to the teaching of singing.  Emphasis placed on the science of teaching vocal technique with the study of the skeletal system and the physiology of phonation and breathing, vocal acoustics, methods and teaching strategies, and the literature utilized in teaching voice.

Emphasizes general music, instrumental ensembles, vocal ensembles, student development, motivation and classroom control. Overall administration of middle/secondary school music programs. Studies current educational policies at the national and state levels and their impact on music educators.

Methods of instruction, organization, and presentation of appropriate content in choral music classes.

Methods of instruction, organization, and presentation of appropriate content in instrumental music classes.

Designed around special theories, practices, or interests of an individual or group.

Private lessons.

This course addresses advanced study and practice of jazz piano/keyboard playing in private lesson (one-to-one) format. Prerequisite (s): Consent of instructor and/or completion of MUS 16122 Applied Jazz Piano.

Private lessons.

Studies of secondary chord functions, modulation, mode mixture, the Neapolitan chord, an augmented sixth chords. Sight-singing and aural dictation skills furthered in class. Prerequisite: MUS 26001 Music Theory II and MUS 26003 Aural Skills II or consent of instructor.

Investigates en-harmonic spellings, expansion of the harmonic vocabulary, tonal harmony in late 19th century and early 20th century music and other innovative practices of the 20th century.  Sight-singing and aural dictation skills furthered in class.  Prerequisite:  MUS 36324 Music Theory and Aural Skills III or permission of instructor.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

Private lessons.

The premier large choral ensemble, Concert Choir is the major touring ensemble of the Music Department's choral division. It performs once or twice each semester in campus concerts, for official University events, and for frequent guest appearances at area churches. Membership is open by audition to University sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have previous choral experiences and can display fundamental vocal performance and musical reading skills. Concert Choir performs repertoire from the history of all choral traditions.  Prerequisite: Four semesters of MUS 17221 or consent of instructor (based on audition of demonstration of upper division level performance skills).

The Phoenix Symphony Chorus is the professional-level performing partner of The Phoenix Symphony and is an organization independent of Ottawa University. The Phoenix Symphony Chorus is featured in numerous Phoenix Symphony concerts each year ranging from classical masterworks to pops and holiday music. The schedule of performances is set by the Phoenix Symphony. Concerts are usually at Phoenix Symphony Hall in central Phoenix, but are also given at other venues throughout Phoenix and Arizona. Periodically the Chorus will perform in such places as New York City or in Europe. Student membership is typically reserved for music majors. Students will be required to participate in concerts that may occur soon before or after the dates of the OUAZ academic semester, unless excused by the Chorus Master.

The University Orchestra is open to juniors and seniors who demonstrate advanced-level skill on an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion). Membership and seating are determined by auditions which are held at the start of every semester. The Orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire from the orchestra/chamber orchestra literature, and also choral works with the University Choir. Concerts are held at least twice each semester, and frequently include combined programs with the Ottawa Suzuki Strings Institute, and with other area college orchestras. Membership includes OU students, faculty, community members and music students from area music schools. Prerequisite:  Four semesters of MUS 17621 or consent of instructor (based on audition demonstrating upper division level performance skills).

The Jazz Repertory Orchestra is open to juniors and seniors who demonstrate advanced-level skill on the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drum kit, bass guitar or guitar. Membership and seating are determined by auditions which are held at the start of every semester. The jazz ensemble performs concerts on and off campus during the fall and spring semesters and is open to university students through audition. Prerequisite: Four semesters of MUS 17721 or consent of instructor (based on audition demonstrating upper division level performance skills).

An auditioned ensemble open to any University student.  Advanced Jazz Workshop continues and specializes in the development of instrumental performance techniques, with specific emphasis on music reading skills, jazz improvisation, and familiarity with all standard repertory and major recording artists.  Performances are required.

A study of the harmonic, melodic, and formal structures of jazz music as they are applied to improvisation, composition and arranging.  Including chord/scale relations, harmony and keys, the V7 cycle, voice-leading, swing feel and rhythms, re-harmonization, blues, rhythm changes, and the interpretations of written music.

Performance course continuing the work done in Jazz Improvisation I.  Establish mastery of three ‘go-to’ tunes which display modal, major ii-V-I and minor iid-V7alt-I characteristics.  Learn these tunes in 12 keys and using them for placing new material (idiomatic licks and patterns) into musical context.  A diary of patterns and licks will be kept.  Memorization of two transcribed solos and composition of solos over these tunes.

An in-depth study of the careers and recordings of major jazz artists with intensive review of styles and eras.  Focus on landmarks culminating in a well-documented research paper.

Select group of 12-16 voices, Jazz Singers is open by audition only to sophomore, junior, and senior members of the Concert Choir. The ensemble specializes in the performance of standard and contemporary jazz and chamber ensemble repertoire. Performances are on-campus concerts and by invitation to off-campus events.  Prerequisite: Four semesters of MUS 18221 or consent of instructor (based on audition demonstrating upper division level performance skills).

Public recital with preparation of program notes.  Juried recital generally given during junior year as a prerequisite requirement for the presentation of a Senior Recital.  Course is required for Bachelor of Music candidates.

Membership is open to any sophomore, junior, or senior level university student who can display advanced performance skills and musical proficiency on an instrument used in the band.  The band performs concerts on and off campus during the spring semester and is open to all university students through audition.  Prerequisite:  Four semesters of MUS 19621 or consent of instructor (based on audition demonstrating upper division level performance skills).

Non-auditioned band for brass, woodwind, and percussion players who perform at campus events as required. The pep band consists of Ottawa University music majors, non-music majors, and community members joining together to perform demanding traditional and contemporary repertoire. This is the Ottawa University Athletic Band, and performs at all home football games. 

Intended for advanced music students.  Review and analysis of representative jazz melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, and formal structures, as found in the standard jazz repertoire, specifically blues, rhythm changes, major and minor ii-V7-I, modal, polytonal, and mixed meter.  Students will generate original compositions.

Develops the writing and arranging skills required for multi-horn jazz combos.  Emphasis given to rhythm section, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone.  Imitative writing projects based upon analysis of classic small group jazz arrangements forms the basis of study.

Develops the writing and arranging skills required for 18 piece jazz ensembles.  Emphasis given to rhythm section, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone writing.  Imitative writing projects based upon analysis of selected class jazz ensemble arrangements.

Introductory study of scoring and arranging for small and large instrumental and vocal ensembles.  Prerequisite:  MUS 36325 Music Theory and Aural Skills IV with a grade of C or better.  Music majors only or permission of instructor.

Survey of Western art music beginning with the Early Christian era, continuing through the Medieval and Renaissance periods, and culminating in the Baroque. Major composers, styles, genres, and representative works are examined and analyzed, all within the context of historical and cultural developments. Prerequisite:  MUS 26000 Music Theory I and MUS 26002 Aural Skills I or consent of instructor.

Survey of Western art music from the Classical and Romantic periods, and continuing through the Twentieth century and current developments.  Major composers, styles, genres, and representative works are examined and analyzed, all within the context of historical and cultural developments. Prerequisite: MUS 43423 Music History I or consent of instructor.

Independent research course leading to final competency projects that include presentation of senior recital and preparation of program notes. Culminates in applied music studies and is a major component of the comprehensive process.  BA candidates at The College may select an alternative option of the preparation of a research paper on a topic approved by the student's primary applied teacher and department chair.