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Curriculum

The Music Department offers three music curricula: (1) music major (8-units); (2) music major with performance emphasis (12.5-units); and (3) music major with music education emphasis (12.5-units). These programs are linked below with an explanation of the purpose and the requirements for each. Links are also available to view a suggested course sequence for each.

8-Unit Major
12.5 Unit Major, Performance Emphasis
12.5 Unit Major, Education Emphasis

Music Department Course Listing
in Academic Catalog

Requirements for Major (8 units)
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View a Suggested Course Sequence for the 8-unit Major

The 8-unit music major is for students who have strong musical interests but who do not necessarily intend to pursue a full-time professional career in music.

***This major may not be used as a major in the elementary or secondary education program. Students interested in teaching music in the public schools should enroll in the 12.5 unit music major with music education emphasis.***

Students in the 8-unit major should begin their study by enrolling in the following courses in the fall of their first or second year: Music 101 & 101L (1 unit), an applied music lesson (.5 unit) and a departmental ensemble (.25 unit). If enrolling in the ensemble for credit will cause a student to exceed 4.5 units the ensemble may be audited.

Students selecting this curriculum must complete eight units in music as follows:

Units Course No. Piano Lab Title Semester
1 101 & 101L Yes Music Theory 1 Fall
1 102 & 102L Yes Music Theory 1 Spring
1 201 & 201L Yes Music Theory 2 Fall
1 202 & 202L Yes Music Theory 2 Spring
1 313 No Music History 1 Fall
1 314 No Music History 2 Spring
*2 153-186 No Applied Lesson Fall & Spring

* .5 units per semester for a minimum two years. Students are expected to take applied music lessons each semester they are in residence. Visit the Registrar's Home Page to view specific course numbers for ALL applied lessons. A 1/2 unit in conducting (MUS 230) may be substituted for 1/2 unit in applied lesson by permission of department.

Courses required for the major must be taken for a numerical grade.

Additional Requirements:

(1) Students are required to participate in at least one of the major performing organizations most appropriate to their primary performance medium (choir, jazz ensemble, marching/symphonic band, orchestra) each semester the student is enrolled in this curriculum. Keyboard performers may satisfy this requirement through accompanying; guitarists should make special arrangements with the chair of the Music Department.

(2) Students must attend seven approved campus recitals and concerts per semester. A student attending Albion for four years must attend 56 concerts/recitals to graduate. Specific details concerning approved recitals and concerts and other information is in the Music Department Handbook and may be obtained from the Music Department Office.

(3) Piano Proficiency Requirement
Successful completion of 101L and 102L will satisfy the piano proficiency requirement.


Requirements for Major with
Performance Emphasis (12.5 units)
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View a Suggested Course Sequence for the 12.5-unit Major, Performance Emphasis

The music major with performance emphasis is for students who intend to pursue a career in music as a private music teacher, church musician or performer or those who desire to enter graduate school.

Students should begin their study by enrolling in the following courses in the fall of their first year: Music 101 & 101L (1 unit), an applied music lesson (.5 unit) and a departmental ensemble (.25 unit). If enrolling in the ensemble for credit will cause a student to exceed 4.5 units the ensemble may be audited.

Students selecting this curriculum must complete 12.5 units in music as follows:

Units Course No. Piano Lab Title Semester
1 101 & 101L Yes Music Theory 1 Fall
1 102 & 102L Yes Music Theory 1 Spring
1 201 & 201L Yes Music Theory 2 Fall
1 202 & 202L Yes Music Theory 2 Spring
1 215 No Orchestration Fall
1 313 No Music History 1 Fall
1 314 No Music History 2 Spring
.5 401 No Selected Topic Fall & Spring
*4 153-186 No Applied Lesson Fall & Spring
**1   No Music Elective Fall & Spring

* .5 units per semester. Visit the Registrar's Home Page to view specific course numbers for ALL applied lessons.

**One unit elective in voice/piano/instrument classes, pedagogy, church music, literature or conducting. Vocal performance students are encouraged to elect Diction for Singers during their freshman or sophomore year.***

Courses required for the major with performance emphasis must be taken for a numerical grade.

--During any semester that an off-campus program is elected, students are expected to arrange to take applied lessons.--

Additional Requirements:

(1) At the end of the first semester of the sophomore year, students' performance level and academic progress toward the major will be evaluated by the faculty through a sophomore jury.

(2) Students at the senior level will present a full solo recital, or combination solo recital and small ensemble performance in which he or she is a participant in solo capacity. With the approval of the department, a research paper or project may be elected in lieu of the senior recital. The research paper or project option is available only in extraordinary circumstances. The Music Department also encourages a recital, either entire or shared, at the junior level.

(3) Students are required to participate in at least one of the major performing organizations most appropriate to their primary performance medium (choir, jazz ensemble, marching/symphonic band, orchestra) each semester the student is enrolled in this curriculum. Keyboard performers may satisfy this requirement through accompanying; guitarists should make special arrangements with the chair of the Music Department.

(4) Students must attend seven approved campus recitals and concerts per semester. A student attending Albion for four years must attend 56 concerts/recitals to graduate. Specific details concerning approved recitals and concerts and other information is in the Music Department Handbook and may be obtained from the Music Department Office.

(5) Piano Proficiency Requirement
Successful completion of 101L and 102L will satisfy the piano proficiency requirement.


Requirements for Major with
Music Education Emphasis (12.5 units)
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View a Suggested Course Sequence for 12.5-unit Major, Education Emphasis
View a Detailed Course Listing for 12.5-unit Major, Education Emphasis

The music major with music education emphasis provides certification for students who intend to teach music in grades K-12 for private and public schools.

Students should begin their study by enrolling in the following courses in the fall of their first year: Music 101 & 101L (1 unit), an applied music lesson (.5 unit) and a departmental ensemble (.25 unit). If enrolling in the ensemble for credit will cause a student to exceed 4.5 units the ensemble may be audited.

Students selecting this curriculum must complete 12.5 units in music as follows:

1. Major:

Units Course No. Piano Lab Title Semester
1 101 & 101L Yes Music Theory 1 Fall
1 102 & 102L Yes Music Theory 1 Spring
1 201 & 201L Yes Music Theory 2 Fall
1 202 & 202L Yes Music Theory 2 Spring
1 215 No Orchestration Fall
1 313 No Music History 1 Fall
1 314 No Music History 2 Spring
.5 401 No Selected Topic Fall & Spring

2. Minor (required for teaching certificate):

Units Course No. Title Semester
*3.5 153-186 Applied Lesson Fall & Spring
.5   Voice/Piano/Guitar Fall & Spring
.5 230 Intro to Conducting Spring
.5 330 or 331 Instrument or Vocal Conducting Fall

***Specific recommendations for students whose principal performing area is keyboard, voice or an instrument are available from the Music Department.***

--During any semester that an off-campus program is elected, students are expected to arrange to take applied study.--

3. Teacher Certification Requirements—Students in this curriculum must be accepted to and complete the required units of professional education courses taken through the Shurmur Institute.

Vocal students:

Units Dept. Course No. Title Semester
1 PSYC 251 Developmental Psychology Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 201 Processes of Learning/Teaching Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 202 Foundational Contexts of Education Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 373 Literacy Pedagogy in Secondary Schools Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 397 Boundary Crossing in Secondary Schools Spring
*1.5 MUS 240-246 Class Instruments Fall & Spring
1 MUS 325 Teaching Music in Elementary School Spring
1 MUS 328 Teaching Choral Music in Secondary School Spring
1 EDUC 423 Student Teaching Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 432 Student Teaching Seminar Fall, Spring

* Each course here is equal to .25 units for a total of 6 courses.

***Certification for secondary vocal music education alone requires one unit less than the K-12 music certification. Students interested in this alternative should contact the Music Department for specific details.***

Instrumental students:

Units Dept. Course No. Title Semester
1 PSYC 251 Developmental Psychology Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 201 Processes of Learning/Teaching Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 202 Foundational Contexts of Education Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 373 Literacy Pedagogy in Secondary Schools Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 397 Boundary Crossing in Secondary Schools Spring
*1.5 MUS 240-246 Class Instruments Fall & Spring
1 MUS 325 Teaching Music in Elementary School Spring
1 MUS 322 Teaching Instr. Music in Secondary School Spring
1 EDUC 423 Student Teaching Fall, Spring
1 EDUC 432 Student Teaching Seminar Fall, Spring

* Each course here is equal to .25 units for a total of 6 courses.

Courses required for the major with music education emphasis must be taken for a numerical grade.

Additional Requirements:

(1) At the end of the first semester of the sophomore year, students' performance level and academic progress toward the major will be evaluated by the faculty through a sophomore jury.

(2) Students at the senior level will present a full solo recital, or combination solo recital and small ensemble performance in which he or she is a participant in solo capacity. With the approval of the department, a research paper or project may be elected in lieu of the senior recital. The research paper or project option is available only in extraordinary circumstances. The Music Department also encourages a recital, either entire or shared, at the junior level.

(3) Students are required to participate in at least one of the major performing organizations most appropriate to their primary performance medium (choir, jazz ensemble, marching/symphonic band, orchestra) each semester the student is enrolled in this curriculum. Keyboard performers may satisfy this requirement through accompanying; guitarists should make special arrangements with the chair of the Music Department.

(4) Students must attend seven approved campus recitals and concerts per semester. A student attending Albion for four years must attend 56 concerts/recitals to graduate. Specific details concerning approved recitals and concerts, carryover of excess credits or of deficits, and other information is in the Music Department Student Handbook and may be obtained from the Music Department Office.

(5) Piano Proficiency Requirement
Successful completion of 101L and 102L will satisfy the piano proficiency requirement.


Music Department Courses
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101 Theory I (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Open to music majors, or with permission of instructor.
Corequisite: Music 101L (Piano Lab).

An introduction to Western musical language through studies in fundamentals (key signatures, intervals, scales, rhythmic notation, etc.), chordal and melodic structures, and basic four-part harmonization. Also includes intensive daily training in sight-singing and ear-training activities. Jensen.

101L Piano Lab (0) Fall
Prerequisite: Open to music majors, or with permission of instructor.

Development of basic reading and harmonization skills at the piano, as well as development of the technical ability to perform elementary repertoire. Jensen.

102 Theory I (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 101 or advanced placement by means of departmental exam.
Corequisite: Music 102L (Piano Lab).

A continuation of studies begun in Music 101, with emphasis on further exercises in and analysis of four-part harmonization, secondary chord function, musical form and exercises in stylized composition. Sight-singing and ear-training continue. Jensen.

102L Piano Lab (0) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 101L.

A continuation of reading, harmonization, and basic theory skills as related to piano playing. Further development of technical skills allowing the study of early intermediate repertoire. Jensen.

110 History of Rock and Roll (1) Fall
This course is designed to give students the tools necessary to (1) think, (2) listen, and (3) write critically about rock and roll music from its roots in the blues through the music of today. Students will be able to not only identify and intelligently discuss the major artists, songs, and periods of rock and roll music, but also place them in their context historically and socially, and be able to make predictions about the music of tomorrow and how it may impact society in various facets. McIlhagga.

111 Music Appreciation (1) Fall, Spring
Designed for the non-music major who wishes to gain an appreciation of music as a fine art. Exploring music from Ancient Greece through the 20th Century. The musical elements of style, form and design will be investigated primarily through listening. Not open to music majors. Miller & Benner.

113 Introduction to Opera (1) Spring
An introductory course designed for both the music major and non-major. The course will concentrate on the most frequently performed operas of Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and Wagner. Extensive use of video tapes of opera performances with sub-titles. Alternate years—next offered Spring 2010. Balke.

119 Evolution of Jazz (1) Fall
An exploration of the rich cultural background and evolution of jazz music through discussion of important performers, composers, educators and critics with respect to their contribution to the development of the art form. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical listening skills through the extensive use of landmark recordings and live performances. Ball.

120 Music as a Creative Process (1) Spring
Corequisite: Participation in one of the Music Department's major performing ensembles (Briton Singers, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra)

This course is designed to give students the tools necessary to think, discuss, and write critically about music both within and outside of their respective ensemble “labs”. Students will learn through reading, writing, and listening assignments, what it truly means to be a complete musician. Students will leave this course with a greater knowledge of the all aspects of musical performance in the mediums represented by the students in the class. McIlhagga.

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121 Marching Band (.25) Fall
Open to all wind or percussion students regardless of major. The "British Eighth" performs at all home football games, several local and regional parades, and other special school events. Audition is for chair placement only. Auditions are held one week prior to the beginning of the fall semester during Pre-Season Camp rehearsals. After marching season, students continue in Symphonic Band until the end of the semester. McIlhagga.

122 Symphonic Band (.25) Spring
Open to all woodwind, brass and percussion students regardless of major. The Symphonic Band performs 2 to 3 concerts per semester and explores wind band music from the Renaissance through the 21st Century by composers such as Whitacre, Holst, Husa, Grainger, Gabrieli, Jacob, etc. Members also participate in small chamber ensembles within the larger band. Admission is by audition only during mid-October and/or the first week of the spring semester. McIlhagga.

124 Jazz Ensemble (.25) Fall, Spring
Available to wind and percussion students interested in playing all styles of jazz regardless of major. Admission is by audition only during the first week of classes. Ball.

125 Symphony Orchestra (.25) Fall, Spring
Open to all string, woodwind, brass and percussion students regardless of major. The Symphony Orchestra perform 2 to 3 concerts per semester. Admission is by audition only and are held the first week of each semester; students should bring one prepared solo. Ball.

126 String Ensembles (.25) Fall, Spring
Open to string students and pianists who are interested in performing chamber music. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Permission of instructor required. Staff.

127 Woodwind Ensembles (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Available for woodwind students who are interested in performing chamber music from all periods. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Staff.

128 Brass Ensembles (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Available for brass students who are interested in performing brass chamber music. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Staff.

129 Percussion Ensemble (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Available for percussion students who are interested in playing music for percussion. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Jones.

130 Guitar Ensemble (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Open to all guitar students who are interested in performing chamber music. Rehearsals are by arrangement. Williams.

131 Concert Choir (.25) Fall, Spring
Open to all students by audition. Auditions are held during the first four days of classes in the fall. Rose.

132 Briton Singers (.25) Fall, Spring
Members are selected from the Concert Choir by audition during the first week of classes in the fall. Rose.

192 Guitar Class I (.25) Fall, Spring
Basic development of both classical and plectrum guitar skills. Intended for students with little or no previous training. No applied music fee charged. Williams.

193 Guitar Class II (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Guitar Class I or permission of instructor.

A continuation in the development of music reading skills using easy classical, traditional tunes and technical exercises. No applied music fee charged. Williams.

194 Guitar Class III (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Guitar Class II or permission of instructor.

A continuation of Guitar Class II. No applied music fee charged. Williams.

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195 Piano Class I (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: None.

Open only to non-majors. Development of basic reading and harmonizing skills, as well as the development of the technical ability to perform elementary repertoire. For students with no keyboard background. No applied music fee charged. Staff.

196 Piano Class II (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Music 195 or playing and functional skills test to determine level.

Open only to non-majors. A continuation of reading, harmonization and basic theory as related to playing. Further development of technical skills will allow the study of early intermediate repertoire. No applied music fee charged. Staff.

198 Voice Class (.25) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: None.

Open to all students. A study of the vocal mechanism and practice in the techniques of vocal production and breath support/management, stage diction, as applied to art song/folksong performance by class participants. Staff.

201 Theory II (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Music 102 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: Music 201L (Piano Lab).

A continuation of the studies begun in Music 101 and 102 with a special emphasis on chromatic harmony. A further study of form and exercises in stylized composition. Sight-singing and ear-training continue. Jensen.

201L Piano Lab (0) Fall
Prerequisite: 102L. Open only to music majors.

Continuing development of basic reading and harmonization skills at the keyboard, as well as development of the technical ability to perform elementary repertoire. Jensen.

202 Theory II (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 201 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: Music 202L (Piano Lab).

A continuation of the studies begun in Music 101, 102 and 201 with a special emphasis on form. An introduction to the materials and techniques of twentieth- and twenty-first-century music. Sight-singing and ear-training continue. A major analysis paper is required. Jensen.

202L Piano Lab (0) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 201L. Open only to music majors.

A continuation of reading, harmonization, and basic theory skills as related to piano playing. Further development of technical skills will allow the study of early intermediate repertoire. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the piano proficiency requirement. Jensen.

215 Orchestration (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Music 201 or permission of instructor.

A study of instrumental orchestration techniques and significant score study. The final project will be an orchestration for a large ensemble/or a vocal arrangement. Alternate years — next offered Fall 2009. Staff.

230 Introduction to Conducting (.5) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 201 or permission of instructor.

Fundamentals of conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles. (1) basic beat patterns; (2) score analysis; (3) instrument and voice ranges and transpositions; and (4) some practical aspects of rehearsing. Lecture and laboratory. Ball.

240 Brass Instruments (.25) Fall
Practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of the high brass (trumpet and French horn). Alternate years—next offered Fall 2008. Staff.

241 Brass Instruments (.25) Spring
Practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of the low brass (euphonium, trombone and tuba). Alternate years—next offered Spring 2009. Staff.

242 Woodwind Instruments (.25) Fall
Practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of single reed woodwinds (clarinet, saxophone) and flute. Alternate years—next offered Fall 2009. Miller.

243 Woodwind Instruments (.25) Spring 
Practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of double reed woodwinds (oboe, bassoon). Alternate years—next offered Spring 2010. Staff.

244 Stringed Instruments (.25) Fall
Practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of the violin and viola. Alternate years—next offered Fall 2009. Abo.

245 Stringed Instruments (.25) Spring
Practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of the cello and bass. Alternate years—next offered Spring 2010. Staff.

246 Percussion Instruments (.25) Fall
Practical methods in the teaching and playing techniques of percussion instruments. Alternate years—next offered Fall 2008. Jones.

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295 Piano Class III (.25) Fall
Prerequisite: Music 102L or permission of instructor.

Continuation of Piano Class I and II with emphasis on further development of functional skills such as technique, sight-reading, harmonization and transposition. Students will prepare intermediate level pieces during this semester. No applied music fee charged. Alternate years—next offered Spring 2007. Staff.

296 Piano Class IV (.25) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 295 or playing and functional skills test to determine level.

This final semester further enhances the skills acquired in the previous semesters of piano classes, with an additional emphasis on accompanying techniques. Further development of playing skills will allow students to study more advanced intermediate level repertoire. No applied music fee charged. Staff.

301 Theory III (.25) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 202 or permission of instructor.

An introduction to twentieth-century compositional and analytical techniques. Staff.

313 Music History I (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Music 201 or permission of instructor.

A course in the history of music designed for junior and senior music majors. Covers music from the ancient Greeks through the seventeenth century. In addition to regular examinations, there will be assignments that will stress stylistic characteristics of a period or of an individual composer. There will be assigned listening. Abbott.

314 Music History II (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 313 or permission of instructor.

A continuation of Music 313 covering music from the eighteenth century to the present. In addition to examinations and analysis assignments, there will be a major research paper to be completed by the end of the semester that will investigate some aspect of contemporary Western music or deal with non-Western music. Abbott.

322 Teaching of Instrumental Music in the Schools (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 230, Introduction to Conducting.

Required of all instrumental music education majors. Designed to acquaint the student with all aspects of teaching, developing, planning, directing and administering public school instrumental music programs, K-12. Alternate years—next offered Spring 2010. McIlhagga.

325 Teaching of Music in the Elementary School (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Music 230, Introduction to Conducting

Designed to give the student a knowledge of a well-rounded music program for the elementary grades. Creative experiences, demonstrations and practical work in performing and listening are stressed. Lecture and laboratory. Alternate years—next offered Spring 2009. Treacher.

328 Teaching of Choral Music in the Secondary School (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Music 230, Introduction to Conducting; Music 330 is also strongly recommended.

An introduction to all aspects of the music program for the secondary school and the techniques for administering the program. Lecture and laboratory. It is strongly recommended that Music 330 (Choral Conducting) be elected prior to 328. Alternate years—next offered Fall 2008. Rose.

330 Choral Conducting (1/2) Fall
Prerequisite: Music 230, Introduction to Conducting

Laboratory work in choral conducting and score reading with practical experience in techniques of training choral ensembles. Required of all choral music education majors. Alternate years— next offered Fall 2008. Rose.

331 Instrumental Conducting (1/2) Fall
Prerequisite: Music 230, Introduction to Conducting

Laboratory work to develop techniques and skills required for instrumental conducting and score reading. Students may be given the opportunity to conduct instrumental ensembles on campus. Required of all instrumental music education majors. Alternate years—next offered Fall 2008. Ball.

388, 389 Selected Topics (1/2, 1)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Many courses from the Music Department are offered to meet the evolving needs and interests of students. Examples of topics that have been offered are: Piano Literature, Organ Literature, Song Literature, Piano Pedagogy, Marching Band Techniques, Arranging, Composition, Orchestration, Music since 1945, Diction for Singers, Vocal Pedagogy, Opera Workshop. Staff.

391, 392 Individually Supervised Internships (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.

401, 402 Seminar (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring 
Staff.

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