Music Courses & Ensembles

Music Courses

MU 101 Listen to the Music (4)
This course explores the music being presented in classical music concerts in and around Jacksonville, plus an opera and /or a symphony performance in a major city. Class sessions examine the music, composers, and performers involved in upcoming concerts, in an effort to enhance the listening experience at the live concert. When possible, performing musicians visit the class, demonstrating and discussing the music to be performed. Attendance is required at the concerts, most of which are held in the evening. Open to all interested, serious students, regardless of major.

MU 102 Music Appreciation (4)
Music is everywhere, but are we really listening? This class explores music through the lenses of culture and history, allowing us a deeper understanding of music-makers and listeners. Students will explore the dominant trends of Western music, including the major composers, musical styles, and historical eras that have shaped music from the Middle Ages to the present. A special emphasis will be given to developing active listening skills, as well as communication skills regarding aesthetic expression.

MU 109 Class Voice (2)
Introduction to singing, the development of the solo voice. Study of problems of vocal production, interpretation, style, and stage deportment. Vocal exercises and songs learned and memorized. No prerequisite. Offered fall semesters.

MU 111 Introduction to Music and Music Theory (4)
An introductory study of melody, harmony, counterpoint, and part-writing fundamental to Western music, including a discussion of musical examples from different periods. Concurrent ear training, composing, and keyboard training. Entry level course for music majors and minors. Open to other interested students. Offered fall semesters.

MU 112 Music Theory II (3)
Continuation of MU 111. A review of triads in inversion, a continuation of figured bass, chorale harmonization in 4 voices, further development of cadence, phrase, and melody, and diatonic sequences. Introduction to secondary function and modulation. Should be taken concurrently with MU 122. Prerequisite: MU 111. Offered spring semesters.

MU 119 Class Piano (1-2)
This is a group course for students with little or no keyboard experience. The course is designed to develop basic functional keyboard and musicianship skills which includes technique, sight reading, harmonization, theory, and some basic general music history. Non-music majors seeking BLUEprint 2.0 credit or personal experience are encouraged to register for two credits. Music majors working toward piano proficiency are encouraged to enroll for one credit. No prerequisite.

MU 122 Aural Skills II (1)
A lab course designed to be taken concurrently with MU 112 focusing on sight-singing and ear-training skills. Prerequisite MU 111. Offered one day a week.

MU 128/129 Class Guitar (2)
This is a general survey course introducing the guitar to the beginner. The course will cover tablature as well as note reading and will provide a very basic instruction to a variety of styles. By the end of the semester students will be able to play very easy solos and ensemble pieces, as well as provide accompaniment for easy songs in typical guitar keys. No prerequisite. Instruments not provided.

MU 135 Symphonic Literature (4)
What is symphony orchestra and what music does it play? This course will study symphonic literature since 1700 with reference to style, instrumental development, structure and form, along with a survey of orchestral works by major composers. No prerequisite. Open to all students.

MU 141 American Popular Music (4)
This course examines the characteristics and significance of popular music in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present. No prior musical experience or knowledge is required to enroll in this course. We will explore musical characteristics such as form and instrumentation as well as the meaning and implications of text in music. The relationship of popular music to cultural, social, economic, and political dimensions will be central to the study and understanding of popular music in the United States.

MU 142 Introduction to World Music (4)
This is an introductory course covering a survey of music that falls outside of the traditional canon of Western Art Music. Historical and cultural backgrounds pertaining to the creation and performance of music will be considered, as will the roles of music and musicians in various culture and comparisons of musical practices in different geographical regions.

MU 208 Accompanying (1)
Practical training and experience in the tradition, interpretation and execution of accompaniment. Students will accompany specific vocalists and/or instrumentalists in lessons, classes and performances. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

MU 209 Class Composition (4)
How do composers create a work of music? This course is designed for students with little or no compositional experience and will focus on creative awareness, musical notation, and basic craftsmanship. Students will compose individual short works and complete one final piece to be presented on an open forum. Prerequisite: students must have the ability to read music in one clef.

MU 211 Music Theory III (3)
Continuation of MU 112. A review of diatonic harmony and secondary functions. A study of chromaticism including modal mixture, Neapolitan sixth, augmented sixth chords, and enharmonic functions. An introduction to some musical forms. Should be taken concurrently with MU 221. Prerequisite: MU 112. Offered fall semesters.

MU 212 Music Theory IV (3)
Continuation of MU 211. A review of chromatic harmony and enharmonic functions, including analysis of late 19th c. harmonic practices in the western European tradition. A study of twentieth century theory, including synthetic scales modes, set, serialism, aleatoric techniques, and the materials of current composers. Should be taken concurrently with MU 222. Prerequisite: MU 211. Offered spring semesters.

MU 216 Jazz History and Appreciation (4)
A study of the development of Jazz music from its origins to the present day. Students will explore the different eras, styles, artists, literature and social issues associated with Jazz, with a strong emphasis on audio and visual examples. The course will also provide a basic understanding of the structure of Jazz with the goal of developing greater skills for listening and appreciation of this uniquely American genre.

MU 219 Piano Proficiency (1)
An advanced group piano course designed to prepare music majors to pass the Piano Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite MU 119 or permission of instructor.

MU 221 Aural Skills III (1)
A lab course designed to be taken concurrently with MU 211 focusing on sight-singing and ear-training skills. Prerequisite MU 122. Offered one day a week.

MU 222 Aural Skills IV (1)
A lab course designed to be taken concurrently with MU 212 focusing on sight-singing and eartraining skills. Offered one day a week. Prerequisite: MU 221.

MU 265 Woodwind Methods (1)
A practical course in the techniques of playing woodwind instruments, designed for music education students. Offered fall semesters.

MU 266 Brass Methods (1)
A practical course in the techniques of playing brass instruments, designed for music education students. Offered spring semesters.

MU 267 Percussion Methods (1)
A practical course in the techniques of playing percussion instruments, designed for music education students. Typically offered fall semesters.

MU 268 String Methods (1)
A practical course in the techniques of playing string instruments, designed for music education students.

MU 302 Basic Conducting (2)
Study of conducting technique and its application to instrumental and choral music. Includes baton technique, rehearsal technique, score study, analysis, and choral and instrumental repertoire. Proposed Prerequisite: MU 212. Offered fall semesters.

MU 303 Music History I: Antiquity through Baroque Music (4)
A study of the art of music from its origins through the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Emphasis on the historical context of primarily western Eurocentric music. Score studies, listening repertoire, readings, and a research topic. Prerequisites: MU102, MU 111 or consent of instructor.

MU 304 Music History II: Classical Era to the Present (4)
Continuation of MU 303. A study of the art of music from the western Eurocentric tradition from the Classical period to the present. Extensive listening and a research paper are required. May be taken out of sequence with MU 303. Prerequisites: MU102, MU112 or consent of instructor.

MU 307 Counterpoint (4)
A study of the art of combining melodies in two, three, and four parts, following the practice of 18th c. models. A historical review of contrapuntal practices from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Written exercises and the composition of small pieces using primarily 18th c. practices. Suggested for students in music research, composition, and performance. Prerequisite: MU 212.

MU 325 Orchestration and Arranging (4)
A study of the families of instruments and voices, including ranges and characteristics. Examination of methods of scoring for small and large combinations. Analysis of scores that demonstrate stylistic developments in ensemble writing from Haydn to the present. Activities include score study, listening, and scoring and arranging exercises using selected works as models. A final project will be scored for orchestra or wind ensemble.

MU 327 Elementary Music Methods (4)
A course in theory, methods and techniques designed to prepare a music student to teach music in the elementary schools. Prerequisite: two years of music theory and musicianship, and music history (may be taken concurrently). The course includes a clinical field experience in elementary classrooms.

MU 328 Secondary Music Methods (4)
A course in theory, methods and techniques designed to prepare a music student to teach music in the secondary schools. Prerequisite: two years of music theory and musicianship, and music history (may be taken concurrently). The course includes a clinical field experience in a secondary school.

MU 352 Vocal Diction I (2)
A specialized course for the serious singer, this course is designed to develop an appreciation for and application of the following common languages in professional singing: Latin, Italian, and German. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, the student will acquire a working knowledge of rules for applying these languages to singing. Required for music majors pursuing voice as a primary instrument. Prerequisite: an understanding of classical singing, one semester of private voice lessons or consent of instructor. Offered fall semesters.

MU 353 Vocal Diction II (2)
Continuation of MU 352, this course is designed to develop an appreciation for and application of the following common languages in professional singing: French and Spanish. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, the student will acquire a working knowledge of rules for applying these languages to singing. Required for music majors pursuing voice as a primary instrument. Prerequisite: MU 352 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semesters.

MU 401 Forms and Analysis (4)
A detailed study of musical forms and structures. Compositions will be analyzed from the Baroque era through the 20th century, representing a variety of genres. Emphasis will be placed on the development of analytical skills. Prerequisite: MU 212

MU 402 Advanced Conducting (2)
Study of advanced instrumental and choral conducting techniques and repertoire. Refinement of verbal and non-verbal conducting techniques, stressing score study and preparation of choral and/or instrumental works. Includes opportunities to conduct college ensembles when possible. Prerequisite: MU 302. Offered spring semesters.

MU 404 Senior Seminar (1)
Research or creative project in music history, theory, or other approved topic. Preparation for a major-field test in music for seniors majoring in music. Prerequisites: MU 211, 212, 303, 304, 311, 312 and consent of the instructor.

MU 405 Recital (1)
Public solo recital in the student’s chosen instrument or voice. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. May be repeated. Refer to the student handbook in the Music Department for specific requirements.

MU 461, 462 Independent Study in Music (1 - 4)
Advanced supervised study in music theory or history, music performances (not a solo recital), or music administration. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Offered fall semesters.

MU 463, 464 Internship in Music (1 - 4)

MU 465, 466 Independent Research in Music (1 - 4)

MU SR Student Recital (0)

Attendance at recitals, concerts, and lectures is required of all music majors and minors after declaration of the degree program. Attendance at these events is similar to convocation requirements. Music majors must attend at least 10 events per semester. Music minors must attend at least 6 events per semester. The Department of Music will make a list of approved events available to the students.

Music Ensembles

Hours in music ensembles may be counted toward hours required for graduation as follows: a maximum of 12 hours for music majors (may also be counted toward the music major if they carry letter grades); a maximum of 8 hours for non-music majors. Music ensemble hours are included in determining tuition charges for all students. Ensemble participation may be graded, or on a credit/ no credit basis, at the discretion of the student or instructor. Participation in music ensembles will satisfy the general education requirement in Creative Expressions with Studio with successful completion of 4 hours of credit.

MU 103 Symphony Chorale (0 - 1 each semester)
Two and one-half hours of weekly rehearsal and two to four performances during the year. Includes the preparation and performance of major works for chorus and orchestra. Sponsored by the Jacksonville Symphony Society. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

MU 104 Jazz Ensemble (0 - 1 each semester)
Two hours of weekly rehearsal and several performances. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

MU 105 Wind Ensemble (0 - 1 each semester)
Three hours of weekly rehearsal, several performances both on and off campus throughout the year, including a Spring Concert Tour with other music ensembles to major metropolitan area. Repertoire performed includes sacred and secular concert music and original works for wind ensemble and concert band. Student should contact instructor for placement.

MU 106 Concert Choir (0 - 1 each semester)
Three hours of weekly rehearsal, several performances both on and off campus throughout the year, including a Spring Concert Tour with other music ensembles to major metropolitan areas. A variety of music is performed, including great masterworks from all periods of music history. Student should contact instructor for placement.

MU 107 Symphony Orchestra (0 - 1 each semester)
Two and one-half hours of weekly rehearsal and five or six concerts during the year. Sponsored by the Jacksonville Symphony Society. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

MU 108 Chamber Singers (0 – 1 each semester)
Two hours of weekly rehearsal. Focus on works for smaller forces, including madrigals, motets, and chamber works from all periods in music. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MU 113 – Small Ensemble (0 – 1 each semester)
Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, String Quartet, Vocal Quartet or other small chamber ensemble organized by the department. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.


Applied Music (Private Lessons)

Students interested in applied music should contact Student Financial Services for information on the special charges for private lessons. Minors in Music may be exempted from extra charges for private lessons with departmental approval. A lesson for one-hour credit requires a minimum of one hour of daily practice; a lesson for two hours of credit requires prior consent of the instructor and a minimum of two hours daily practice. There is a minimum of twelve lessons per semester. Beginning students with no musical background should consider taking Class Voice, Class Piano, or Class Guitar before enrolling for private lessons on those instruments. No instruments are provided for lessons except for piano and organ. To receive general education credit for lessons, a student must successfully complete a total of 4 hours of private lessons.

Declared music minors, or incoming students intending to declare, should enroll in lessons at the 200-level of study on their primary instrument or voice. Students taking lessons for personal enrichment or BLUEprint 2.0 credit should enroll at the 100- level. Music minors should also enroll at the 100-level for any secondary areas of study.

MU 152 Voice (1 - 2 each semester)
Private instruction in singing and vocal technique.

MU 162 Instrument (1 - 2 each semester)
Private instruction in, Piano, Organ, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, or Strings. Other instruments available by request when a well-qualified instructor is available to fulfill student demand.

MU 250 Voice: Music Major/Minor (1 - 2 each semester)
Private instruction in singing and vocal technique for music majors and minors as their primary area of applied study.

MU 260 Instrument: Music Minor (1 - 2 each semester)
Private instruction in, Piano, Organ, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Strings, or Guitar for music majors and minors as their primary area of applied study.

MU 350 Voice: Music Major, upper division (1 - 2 each semester)
Advanced private instruction in singing and vocal technique for music majors as their primary area of applied study. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Applied Gateway Examination.

MU 360 Instrument: Music Major, upper division (1 - 2 each semester)
Private instruction in singing and vocal technique for music majors as their primary area of applied study. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Applied Gateway Examination.

MU 270, 370 Composition (1 – 2 each semester)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.