Music (MUS) Courses

MUS-031 Music Lessons

This course is for beginning students who have never studied voice or the particular instrument before. Students focus on the basic technical aspects of singing or playing, and are expected to focus on a variety of repertoire. MUS-160 is a no credit course. $300 Course Fee in addition to normal tuition charges.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0

MUS-101 Music in Society: A History

Appreciation for the history of music and the art of educated listening for students with little or no formal training. The class covers works from the major style periods of European classical music, as well as some examples from non-Western traditions, both as examples of their genres, and as expressions of the societies that produce them. Students may attend Music Department concerts and review them. This course is open to all students, is suitable for fulfilling distribution requirements, but it does not count for the minor.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-102 World Music

An introduction to the various world musical cultures and practices found outside the Western Classical Art tradition. The course gives an overview of music genres, instrumental types and resources, forms, and styles that originate from selected world music traditions in sub-Saharan Africa, Arabic Africa, Middle East, Near East, North America, South/Latin America, and the Caribbean region. Musical practices are studied in terms of structure, performance, aesthetic values, cross-cultural contacts, contextual function, and significance. Coursework includes weekly reading and listening assignments, musical demonstrations, and hands-on experience, as well as the acquisition and development of listening skills. This course is open to all students, is suitable for fulfilling distribution requirements, and is typically offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-104 Topics in Music

A class for all students, regardless of background. Previous topics have included the history of jazz, the symphony, music of Duke Ellington, music of J.S. Bach, music of Beethoven, and music and technology. Suitable for fulfilling distribution requirements. This course does not count toward the major. Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's section information for descriptions of individual offerings, and applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

MUS-111 Digital and Commercial Music

This introductory course provides a comprehensive foundation in contemporary music technology and production. Students will learn to utilize Digital Audio Workstations (e.g. Logic Pro X, though concepts apply to other DAWs) to record and edit both audio and MIDI. Students will gain hands-on experience composing with synthesizers, sample libraries, and audio loops. They will also learn and develop recording, mixing and mastering techniques. This course serves as a creative outlet for students interested in producing and engineering music in a modern recording studio environment.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-121 World Music

An introduction to the various world musical cultures and practices found outside the Western Classical Art tradition. The course gives an overview of music genres, instrumental types and resources, forms, and styles that originate from selected world music traditions in sub-Saharan Africa, Arabic Africa, Middle East, Near East, North America, South/Latin America, and the Caribbean region. Musical practices are studied in terms of structure, performance, aesthetic values, cross-cultural contacts, contextual function, and significance. Coursework includes weekly reading and listening assignments, musical demonstrations, and hands-on experience, as well as the acquisition and development of listening skills. This course is open to all students, is suitable for fulfilling distribution requirements, and is typically offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-130 Musicianship

This course introduces students to systems of reading, writing, and playing Western musical notation. Topics include rhythm, pitch, meter, intervals, scales, key signatures, triads, cadences, chord progressions, composing, and harmonizing simple melodies. The lab component of this course teaches students elementary ear-training and basic piano skills using College keyboards. The goals of this course are to provide the student with an understanding of written notation, along with basic skills that promote further music study, performance, and composition. This course counts toward the music major and minor but is also suitable for students fulfilling distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: MUS-130L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-141 Studio Ensemble

Students registering for this course are forming a small ad-hoc ensembles overseen by full-time music faculty. Using an independent study approach, groups of two or more students can work with the faculty and music instructors to rehearse and perform any type or genre of music as a temporary autonomous ensemble. The manner of study will be determined by the students in consultation with the instructor(s). Students must receive approval of their ensemble from a department Chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-142 Chamber Orchestra

Participation in a given performance ensemble may be either on a non-credit or a for-credit basis. Students are expected to participate in ensembles for a full year. There are no grades assigned for non-credit participation, so it does not compute in the student's GPA; non-credit participation is noted on transcripts. For-credit participation is graded, and therefore does compute in the student's GPA. Students are allowed a maximum of four years (2 credits) of for-credit participation, total, regardless of which ensemble(s) are involved. Ensemble participation is required for majors and minors as detailed above. There is no maximum for non-credit participation; students may participate freely as their own schedules allow. Students do not register for participation in any ensemble at the time of course registration, but initiate participation with the ensemble director or the Fine Arts Center Academic Coordinator at the beginning of the academic year.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25

MUS-143 Glee Club

Participation in a given performance ensemble may be either on a non-credit or a for-credit basis. Students are expected to participate in ensembles for a full year. There are no grades assigned for non-credit participation, so it does not compute in the student's GPA; non-credit participation is noted on transcripts. For-credit participation is graded, and therefore does compute in the student's GPA. Students are allowed a maximum of four years (2 credits) of for-credit participation, total, regardless of which ensemble(s) are involved. A total of two years (1 credit) may be applied to the fulfillment of distribution requirements. Ensemble participation is required for majors and minors as detailed above. There is no maximum for non-credit participation; students may participate freely as their own schedules allow. Students do not register for participation in any ensemble at the time of course registration, but initiate participation with the ensemble director or the Fine Arts Center Academic Coordinator at the beginning of the academic year.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-144 Jazz Ensemble

Participation in a given performance ensemble may be either on a non-credit or a for-credit basis. Students are expected to participate in ensembles for a full year. There are no grades assigned for non-credit participation, so it does not compute in the student's GPA; non-credit participation is noted on transcripts. For-credit participation is graded, and therefore does compute in the student's GPA. Students are allowed a maximum of four years (2 credits) of for-credit participation, total, regardless of which ensemble(s) are involved. Ensemble participation is required for majors and minors as detailed above. There is no maximum for non-credit participation; students may participate freely as their own schedules allow. Students do not register for participation in any ensemble at the time of course registration, but initiate participation with the ensemble director or the Fine Arts Center Academic Coordinator at the beginning of the academic year.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25

MUS-145 Mariachi Ensemble

The Mariachi ensemble offers students the opportunity to engage in the vibrant musical tradition of mariachi through vocal and instrumental performance. Open to students of all skill levels, this course provides an immersive experience in the characteristic styles, techniques, and cultural significance of mariachi music. Students will develop musicianship skills through ensemble rehearsals, ear training, stylistic interpretation, and historical context exploration. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their progress through performances on and off-campus, contributing to the promotion of Latin American musical heritage within the Wabash College community.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-187 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1

MUS-188 Indpendent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

MUS-202 Instruments & Culture

An introduction to world-music instrumental cultures with an emphasis on organology. A wide selection of traditional instruments will provide a basis for the study of cultural, scientific, and artistic aspects of instrumental music. Specific cultures are illuminated by the examination of aesthetic principles valued by each tradition, the role of musical instruments in culture, the theory of each tradition, and the visual representation of the instrument as both a sound and an art object. The course culminates in a final project. For this project, students may choose to write a term paper, give a class paper presentation, perform on a traditional instrument, or design and build an instrument by constructing a replica of an existing instrument, modifying a traditional instrument, or creating a totally new musical instrument design. It is open to all students, is suitable for fulfilling distribution requirements, and is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-204 Topics in Music

A class for all students, regardless of background. Previous topics have included U.S. American music, electronic music history and literature, computer-driven algorithmic composition, music in East Asian cultures, music computer programing, and fundamentals for singers. This course is suitable for fulfilling distribution requirements. Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's section information for descriptions of individual offerings, and applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

MUS-210 Basic Music Theory & Lab

This course begins with a review of intervals and triads, followed by an examination of tonal music (consonance and dissonance; functional tonality; meter and tonal rhythm). From this study of functional tonal harmony in both its simultaneous and linear aspects, students move on to examine the notion of form, including: general melodic characteristics; tonality and harmonic implication in melody; tendency tones; melodic cadences; motives; phrases and periods; structure and embellishment in melody.
Prerequisites: MUS-130
Corequisites: MUS-210L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-211 Intermediate Music Theory

This course is a continuation of elements of music theory acquired in MUS 201. Students will learn intermediate elements of harmony such as non-chord tones, diatonic and secondary chord functions, modulation, chromatic voice leading, and basic principles of musical form.
Prerequisites: MUS-210
Corequisites: MUS-211L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-220 Approaches to Music & Culture

This course introduces students to methodologies used to study music. Students will learn to apply various critical lenses to music and musical cultures around the world, throughout history, and across traditions. We will explore a range of critical approaches - including historical, ethnomusicological, analytical, and socio-cultural methods - applied to select case studies from pop music, the European "classical" tradition, and oral traditions found globally. Students will also learn to examine primary sources, critical editions, and other examples of material culture. By the end of the course, they will be equipped with tools for conducting independent scholarly research on any music they wish to understand as an expression of the society and culture that produced it. This course is required for the music major and minor, but would be useful for any student wishing to learn how music can be studied and better understood
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-225 European Music Before 1750

The rise of European art music from religious and folk traditions; Gregorian chant and early polyphonic genres; the growth of polyphony in mass, motet, and madrigal; early instrumental music; European genres of the 17th and 18th centuries: opera, oratorio, cantata, concerto, suite, sonata, keyboard music. Some emphasis on the music of J.S. Bach.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-226 European Music Since 1750

A study of the evolution of European classical musical styles and genres from the mid-18th century to the present. The course focuses on Classical composers (Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven) who transformed musical style in sonata, symphony, concerto, chamber music, opera, and sacred music; major Romantic works and significant styles ranging from Schubert to Mahler; developments in European art music during the 20th century with emphasis on increasingly diverse cultural/aesthetic concerns and compositional techniques, as well as experimental departures from European tradition after 1945.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts, History/Philosophy/Religion

MUS-233 Conducting

Conducting is an introductory course for students interested in leading musical ensembles, whether instrumental or vocal. The course combines hands-on practice with theoretical study to explore the foundational aspects of conducting. Topics include gesture and conducting patterns, score analysis, and effective rehearsal techniques. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to lead both instrumental and vocal ensembles with confidence and clarity. As part of the class, students will have the opportunity to rehearse the Wabash College Glee Club and conduct a piece at the end of the semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-287 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1

MUS-288 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

MUS-304 Special Topics in Music

This is a dual-level course, Senior Music Majors register as MUS 304; students who are NOT Senior Music Majors register as MUS 204. This is a topical course. In addition to completing the reading assignment required of all students in the course, Senior Music Majors will read additional scholarly sources to be discussed, attend regular additional meetings with the instructor, and write a substantial research paper. This course will be offered every Fall.Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's section information for descriptions of individual offerings, and applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

MUS-311 Advanced Music Theory & Lab

This course is a continuation of elements of music theory acquired in MUS 301. Students will finish study of chromatic harmony; learn tonal harmony of the late nineteenth century; 20th century music theory; and classical sonata form. This is the third course of the three-course music theory sequence.
Prerequisites: MUS-211
Corequisites: MUS-311L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

MUS-387 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1

MUS-388 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

MUS-487 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1

MUS-488 Independent Study

Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department chair before registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

MUS-498 Senior Seminar

This is the capstone course for music majors emphasizing connections between theory, history, and practice. Through an in-depth study of three seminal masterpieces (e.g., the Bach B Minor Mass, the Mozart Jupiter Symphony, Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire or the Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time), this seminar considers the interrelations of theoretical analysis, historical and stylistic awareness, performance practice, and reception. Required of all music majors. It is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1