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Music Course Descriptions

  • MUS 101. Music Theory I
    Credits: 4. This course in basic musicianship examines the materials and structures of diatonic music: time, melody, harmony and form. Students must be able to read music; diatonic ear training and sight singing are required components of the class. Fulfills arts requirement.
  • MUS 102. Music Theory II
    Credits: 4. A continuation of MUS 101 in which resources of the tonal system are analyzed with emphasis on seventh chords, both diatonic and chromatic. Traditional part writing is stressed; some chromaticism is introduced in ear training and sight-singing. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or instructor permission.
  • MUS 103. Diction I
    Credits: 1.This course includes the study of articulation, phonetics, the International Phonetics Alphabet (IPA) and the application of IPA to Italian, Latin and English song texts. It is required for music majors in voice track and recommended for students enrolled in MUS 120, MUS 132 and/or MUS 272.
  • MUS 104. Diction II
    Credits: 1.This course continues the study begun in MUS 103 and includes the application of IPA to German and French song texts. It is required for music majors in voice track and recommended for students enrolled in MUS 120, MUS 132 and/or MUS 272. Prerequisite: MUS 103 or permission of the instructor.
  • MUS 110. Jazz Appreciation
    Credits: 4. Explores the many facets of jazz as a musical art form with regards to ethnicity, cultural, historical and musical evolution. Live performances in and out of the classroom enhance the experience. Fulfills arts and diversity in the U.S. requirements.
  • MUS 111. Music Appreciation
    Credits: 4. Introductory course designed to train students in perceptive, intelligent listening. Selected representative works from plainsong through contemporary music. Fulfills arts requirement.
  • MUS 112. The History of Rock
    Credits: 4. This course covers half a century of popular music, beginning with the birth of rock and roll out of rhythm and blues. We examine diverse genres, including rockability, blues, soul, the British Invasion, folk and folk-rock, psychedelia, funk, singer-writers, classic rock, progessive rock, punk rock, New Wave, rap and indie. The evolution of popular music is linked to historical events and social tends. Fulfills arts and diversity in the U.S. requirements.
  • MUS 113. Music and Contemporary Culture: Reflections On the Ways Music Affects and Is Affected By Humanity
    Credits: 4. Explores specific facets of music that affect and are relevant to contemporary culture. Students will be asked to question the significance of music within social structure, religion, politics, economics, education and issues of gender and race. Fulfills arts and diversity in the U.S. requirements.
  • MUS 120. Guilford College Choir
    Credits: 1. Provides opportunities for growth, enrichment and service through quality performances that share the choral art with the college and larger communities. The choir’s repertoire includes extended choral works with orchestra as well as smaller selections in a variety of languages and styles. The choir is non-auditioned; all students with a desire to work hard, build community and explore the art of choral singing are welcome.
  • MUS 121. String Ensemble
    Credits: 1. This course is designed for string instruments to experience playing together while studying rehearsal techniques and learning standard repertoire. This course will culminate in a performance experience each semester.
  • MUS 122. Guitar Ensemble
    Credits: 1. The Guilford College Guitar Ensemble is a dynamic group that performs on and off campus. Weekly rehearsals include work on ensemble techniques, and a wide variety of literature ranging from renaissance to 20th century. Students involved build a strong sense of community with fellow ensemble members. Guitar Ensemble is open to music majors, students minoring in music or through an audition.
  • MUS 123. Jazz Combo
    Credits: 1. Allows the young jazz musician to rehearse and perform within a small combo. Techniques for improvising are explored as well as the role of each instrument in the jazz tradition. Students are expected to read music and develop their soloing skills through practice.
  • MUS 124. Jazz Ensemble
    Credits: 1. Provides musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform within a large jazz ensemble setting. Students are expected to read music, perform within their section, and develop their soloing skills through practice. Music selections studied and performed will include jazz standards as well as new arrangements and compositions. Techniques for improvising will also be explored as well as the role of each instrument in the jazz tradition.
  • MUS 125. Chamber Singers
    Credits: 1. A select choir of 20 singers who perform primarily a cappella literature spanning a variety of musical periods. The choir performs in a number of venues around the Guilford campus and Greensboro community. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester.
  • MUS 127. Concert Band
    Credits: 1. Weekly rehearsals of standard concert band literature with the Greensboro Concert Band in the Cultural Arts Centre (transportation required, carpooling is often available). Most performances take place in Dana Auditorium on the Guilford campus.
  • MUS 129. Orchestra
    Credits: 1. Weekly rehearsals of standard orchestral literature with the Philharmonia of Greensboro in the Cultural Arts Centre (transportation required, carpooling is often available). Most performances take place in Dana Auditorium on the Guilford campus.
  • MUS 130. Guitar: Hum and Strum
    Credits: 1. Designed for the beginning player who wishes to learn basic song accompaniment. Students will build a strong foundation of chordal knowledge, finger-picking patterns, right-hand technique and a general understanding of the fretboard in the first position. Students do not need to know how to read music; however, they must own their own instrument.
  • MUS 131. Guitar: Picks and Tabs
    Credits: 1. For guitarists who play either electric or acoustic guitar and are familiar with picks and tablature notation. The class will learn pieces in the following styles: folk, country, rock and jazz. A prerequisite semester of private or class instruction is recommended and a working knowledge of chords is most helpful.
  • MUS 132. Voice Class
    Credits: 1. This class is a prerequisite for MUS 272. Students learn healthy effective technique for solo singing in a supportive group environment.
  • MUS 133. Jazz Improvisation Fundamentals
    Credits: 1. This course is designed for instrumental musicians seeking to develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of jazz improvisation. Students will meet in small groups led by the instructor to practice basic jazz concepts (scales, chords, arpeggios, form, melodic paraphrase, etc). Students will learn how to create an improvisation over a set of basic chord changes using these concepts. Topics covered will be reinforced by listening to classic jazz recordings. Students will also study basics of jazz style and history as it pertains to the material covered. Students enrolled in this course must be able to read music.
  • MUS 134. African Drumming
    Credits: 1. Learn techniques and patterns commonly employed in traditional West African cultures. The primary focus is on the djembe, but other drums are employed as well. No musical background is required. The music department has a limited number of instruments for student use.
  • MUS 140. Opera Scenes
    Credits: 1-4. Students study, prepare and perform selected solo and ensemble literature taken from opera and musical theater. Roles are assigned on the basis of audition.
  • MUS 141. Class Piano I
    Credits: 1. This course in group piano instruction is the first in a four-semester series of performance studies courses required for beginning piano students. Successful completion of the four-semester series, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for MUS 270. Students should expect to spend approximately three hours per week of individual effort in preparation for this class.
  • MUS 142. Class Piano II
    Credits: 1. This course in group piano instruction is the second in a four-semester series of performance studies courses required for beginning piano students. Successful completion of the four-semester series, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for MUS 270. Students should expect to spend approximately three hours per week of individual effort in preparation for this class.
  • MUS 143. Class Piano III
    Credits: 1. This course in group piano instruction is the third in a four-semester series of performance studies courses required for beginning piano students. Successful completion of the four-semester series, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for MUS 270. Students should expect to spend approximately three hours per week of individual effort in preparation for this class.
  • MUS 144. Class Piano IV
    Credits: 1. This course in group piano instruction is the fourth in a four-semester series of performance studies courses required for beginning piano students. Successful completion of the four-semester series, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for MUS 270. Students should expect to spend approximately three hours per week of individual effort in preparation for this class.
  • MUS 150. Special Topics
    Credits: 4. May also be offered at 250, 350 and 450 levels.
  • MUS 152. HP:America and Its Musicals: 1900-1975 (THEA 152)
    Credits: 4. Traces development of the American musical theatre from 1900 to 1975 with a primary focus on the years of significant transformation that begin in 1940. Studies the art from sociological, political, cultural, economic, artistic and historic perspectives. Analyzes individual artists and productions that have influenced and been influenced by the evolving American national identity. Fulfills historical perspectives requirement.
  • MUS 201. Music Theory III
    Credits: 4. Beginning with the chromatic material that ended MUS 102, this course studies historic developments that led to post-romanticism and beyond. An overview of 20th-century compositional practices including impressionism, atonality and serialism is presented. Ear training and sight singing are involved with modulation and chromaticism. Prerequisite: MUS 102 or instructor permission.
  • MUS 202. Music Theory IV
    Credits: 4. Traditional formal structures are explored and analyzed. Great works from the Western repertoire are studied both intellectually and aurally. Ear training and sight singing are involved with chromaticism. Prerequisite: MUS 201 or instructor permission.
  • MUS 205. Guitar Pedagogy and Literature
    Credits: 4. Examines two important facets of the classical guitar. The first half of the semester explores the history of the classical guitar, its players and music. The second half deals with teaching the guitar. Students will observe lessons, compare and analyze methodologies and gain hands-on teaching experience. This class is intended for the guitar major or concentrator, but no prerequisite is required.
  • MUS 210. Conducting
    Credits: 2. A beginning course that introduces students to the basic skills of conducting. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of conducting patterns, techniques of expressive conducting and an interpretative knowledge of musical terms. Prerequisite: must have taken or be enrolled in MUS 102.
  • MUS 215. Music of the World
    Credits: 4. This survey studies and documents traditional music cultures from around the world including Africa, India, Japan, South America and Indonesia. Student presentations focus on other cultures of the world. Fulfills intercultural requirement.
  • MUS 260. Independent Study
    Credits: 1-4. May also be offered at 360 and 460 levels.
  • MUS 270. Performance Studies in Piano
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of piano technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 271. Performance Studies in Jazz Piano
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of jazz piano technique, musicality and literature. Focus on improvisational skills and chart-reading. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 272. Performance Studies in Voice
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of vocal technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits). Prerequisite: MUS 132 or iinstructor permission.
  • MUS 273. Performance Studies in Guitar
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of guitar technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 274. Performance Studies in Saxophone
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of saxophone technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 275. Performance Studies in Brass
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of brass instrument (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba) techniques, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 276. Performance Studies in Winds
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of wind instrument (oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon) techniques, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 277. Performance Studies in Bass Guitar
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of electric bass technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 278. Performance Studies in Percussion
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of percussion technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 279. Composition
    Credits: 1-2. This course is designed to instruct students in the craft of classical music composition including: basic compositional techniques, theoretical concepts and study of the foundational tools of composing. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 280. Performance Studies in Violin
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of violin technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 281. Performance Studies in Viola
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of viola technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 282. Performance Studies in Cello
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of cello technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 283. Performance Studies in Double Bass
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of double bass technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits).
  • MUS 284. Performance Studies in Jazz Improvisation
    Credits: 1-2. Private instruction in foundations of jazz improvisation technique, musicality and literature. Weekly lessons one-on-one occur between student and teacher for 30 minutes (1 credit) or an hour (2 credits). Prerequisite: MUS 133 or instructor permission.
  • MUS 290. Internship
    Credits: 1-4. May also be offered at the 390 level.
  • MUS 302. Junior Recital
    Credits: 1. A public performance comprised of 20-30 minutes of literature standard to the instrument/voice. The selection is determined by the Applied teacher and must have departmental approval. A juried recital hearing must be passed approximately four weeks prior to the public performance.
  • MUS 310. Music History I
    Credits: 4. Explores Western art music from ancient times through 1750. Music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods is examined with an emphasis on the place of art music in society. Ability to read music is helpful. Prerequisite: MUS 101.
  • MUS 311. Music History II
    Credits: 4. Explores Western art music from the classical period through the contemporary period. Music from the Classical, Romantic, Impressionist and 20th-century stylistic periods is examined with an emphasis on the place of art music in society. Ability to read music is helpful. Prerequisite: MUS 101.
  • MUS 402. Senior Recital
    Credits: 1. A public performance comprised of 40-60 minutes of literature standard to the instrument/voice consisting of several stylistic periods (and languages for voice). The selection is determined by the Applied teacher and must have departmental approval. A juried recital hearing must be passed approximately four weeks prior to the public performance. The student is expected to write program notes (and translations as applicable) that reflect in-depth scholarship. CR/NC.
  • MUS 403. Senior Project
    Credits: 2. Under guidance of their music faculty project advisor, students research an aspect of music of special interest. For example, a student may wish to research a topic and write a thesis; another student may wish to rehearse a small ensemble and direct its performance. The project must be approved by the department approximately at least 10 weeks before the expected completion of written work/public presentation.
  • MUS 410. Jazz Theory
    Credits: 4. Jazz Theory explores the fundamental musical concepts of the American musical art form, Jazz. Students will study jazz notation and nomenclature, jazz chord and scale structures and relationships, voice-leading and guidetones, melodic conception and melodic paraphrase, common forms, tonicization, common chord substitutions and basic reharmonization. This course is intended for students pursuing the Bachelor of Music degree. Prerequisite: MUS 202.
  • MUS 470. Senior Thesis
    Credits: 1-4.
  • MUS 490. Departmental Honors
    Credits: 4-8. College requirements as well as specific rules and standards may be obtained from the department chair.