College of Arts & Humanities
Department of Music
202 Performing Arts Center
Phone: 507-389-2118
Website: Department of Music
Chair: John Lindberg
Gerard Aloisio, Karen Boubel, David Dickau, Linda Duckett, Harry Dunscombe, Gary Erickson, Dale Haefner, Diana Moxness, Paul Moxness, Amy Roisum Foley, Doug Snapp, David Viscoli
The Department of Music provides the finest possible training for the prospective music teacher and professional musician and strives to enrich the lives of all university students. Professional programs are designed for music majors; general courses and many opportunities for participation in various musical groups are offered to non-majors.
Admission to Major is granted by the department. Minimum university admission requirements are:
Contact the department for application procedures.
All entering music majors should register for the following courses: MUS 100, MUS 131, MUS 2xx (Private Lesson), and MUS 1xx (Ensemble)
For details on these requirements, see the Undergraduate Music Handbook.
Sophomore Review
Must complete one year of foreign language.
Choose courses from music or other departments.
Elective Elective
Required Minor: None.
Sophomore Review
Choose one of the following options: Voice, Piano, Organ, or Percussion, Strings and Winds:
Choose eight credits from the following:
Choose one course from the following:
Choose an additional 12 credits of Music in theory, history, music education, or MIDI:
Choose eight credits from the following:
Choose an additional 10 credits of Music in theory, history, music education, or MIDI:
Choose an additional 8 credits of Music in theory, history, music education, or MIDI:
Required Minor: None.
Sophomore Review
See the Secondary Education section for admission requirements to Professional Education and a list of required professional education courses.
Students should choose either Vocal/General Music (K-12) or Instrumental/General Music (K-12) as an area of specialization.
Choose a minimum of 4 credits from primary area:
MUS 251, 261 Private Voice I or Private Piano I (4)
Choose a minimum of 3 credits from primary area:
MUS 351, 361 Private Voice II or Private Piano II (4)
Choose a minimum of 2 credits from applied area (If primary area is Voice, 2 credits of 261; if primary area is Piano, 2 credits of 251):
Required Minor: None.
Sophomore Review
*See Music advisor
Choose five credits from Music courses in theory, history, music education, or MIDI.
Required Minor: Choose one: Art Studio, Business Administration, Business Law, Marketing or Management.
GPA Policy. Students must pass required courses under either a music major or the music minor with a grade of C or higher.
Students on academic probation must consult with the department chair.
P/N Grading Policy. No P/N grades are accepted for required music courses except where course is only offered P/N.
Transfer students who wish to major or minor in music will be evaluated by appropriate music faculty for proper placement in the music curriculum. These students must fulfill all graduation requirements of the Department of Music in both academic and performance areas.
Residency. In general, courses taken at another institution at the 300 or 400 level will not be accepted as transfer credit for music majors. Music majors must earn at least half of their music credits (including two semesters of private study) at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Prospective music majors and minors must audition in their major performing area prior to registration.
The Department of Music strongly recommends that students interested in pursuing a major in music contact the department for an advising appointment and audition.
MUS 100 (0) Recital Class
Required for all music majors each semester in residence.
May be repeated. P/N only.
MUS 101 (1) Concert Choir
Select ensemble which performs on and off campus.
Pre: Audition Required
GE-11
MUS 102 (1) Women's Chorale
Large chorus. Open to all qualified students.
Previous singing experience desirable but not required. No audition.
GE-11
MUS 103 (1) Choral Ensemble-Chamber Singers
A select group of approximately 20 singers who perform works for small ensemble. The group tours regularly in the state and in the region.
Pre: Audition Required
GE-11
MUS 104 (1) Opera Chorus
Performs choral repertory drawn from operatic literature.
Pre: Audition Required
GE-11
MUS 105 (1) Maverick Men's Chorus
The Maverick Men's Chorus is an ensemble dedicated to performing fine music from a wide repertoire available for men's chorus. Open to students as well as members of the university community at large. No audition required.
GE-11
MUS 106 (1) MSU Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Ensemble specializing in the performance of vocal jazz literature. Admission by audition only.
F, S
GE-11
MUS 111 (1) Wind Ensemble
A select group of wind and percussion players. Open to all students who play a band instrument. Concerts on and off campus.
Pre: Audition Required
GE-11
MUS 112 (1) Symphonic Band
Open to all students who play a band instrument. No audition required.
GE-11
MUS 113 (1) Pep Band I
Open to any qualified student who plays a band instrument. Plays for hockey and basketball games.
Pre: Audition Required
GE-11
MUS 114 (1) Drum Corps
Open to students who play a band instrument.
Pre: Audition required. F
GE-11
MUS 115 (1) Jazz Band II
GE-11
MUS 116 (1) University Orchestra
Open to all qualified students who play an orchestral instrument.
Pre: Audition Required
GE-11
MUS 117 (1) Theatre Orchestra
Plays for theatre productions.
Pre: Audition Required
GE-11
MUS 119 (1) Ensemble
MUS 120 (3) Introduction to Music
A general course in music appreciation. This course includes a study of styles at different periods, musical forms, and information about composers with emphasis on the elements of music and how these elements have evolved through history.
GE-6 CD-Related
MUS 125 (3) Pop Music USA: Jazz to Country to Blues
Popular music is a multi-billion dollar industry today. What is it, and where did it come from? Learn about the origins of jazz in the music of African-Americans, its growth from Dixieland through the Big Band era (with the contributions of performers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington) to its influences on musical styles in the present day.
GE-6, 7 CD-Core
MUS 126 (3) Pop Music USA: R & B to MTV
Rock music has fans in every country and in every culture. It really is a "universal" language, but it didn't start that way. It began as black Rhythm and Blues in the 40's, and through to the present, minority groups have had a major influence on the music.
GE-6, 7 CD-Core
MUS 130 (3) Fundamentals of Music
Notation, basic keyboard skills.
MUS 131 (2) Music Theory
Part I of a four semester sequence in Music Theory focusing on written music notation skills including scales, tonality, key modes, intervals, transposition, chords, cadences, non-harmonic tones and melodic organization.
MUS 132 (2) Music Theory II
Part II of a four semester sequence in Music Theory focusing on written music notation skills including scales, tonality, key, modes, intervals, transposition, chords, cadences, non-harmonic tones and melodic organization.
Pre-requisite: MUS 131
MUS 133 (2) Aural Skills I
Part I of the four semester sequence focusing on sight-singing and ear training.
MUS 134 (2) Aural Skills II
Part II of the four semester sequence focusing on sight-singing and ear training.
Pre-requisite: MUS 133
MUS 151 (1) Class Instruction in Singing I
Two semester sequence. Fundamentals of posture, tone production, breathing, diction, and expressiveness.
F
MUS 152 (1) Class Instruction in Singing II
A continuation of 151.
S
MUS 160 (1) Beginning Class Piano
Class instruction in preparation for piano proficiency exam.
MUS 161 (1) Intermediate Class Piano
Class instruction in preparation for piano proficiency exam.
MUS 162 (0) Advance Class Piano Proficiency
Required of all music majors. P/N only.
Pre: Class piano or Piano lessons.
MUS 171 (1) Class Instruction in Brass Instruments
Instrumental music education majors only. Emphasis on pedagogical methods and techniques of individual instruments. May be repeated.
MUS 172 (1) Class Instruction in Woodwinds
Instrumental music education majors only. Emphasis on pedagogical methods and techniques of individual instruments. May be repeated.
MUS 173 (1) Class Instruction in Strings
Instrumental music education majors only. Emphasis on pedagogical methods and techniques of individual instruments. May be repeated.
MUS 174 (1) Class Instruction in Percussion
Instrumental music education majors only. Emphasis on pedagogical methods and techniques of individual instruments.
MUS 175 (1) Class Instruction in Guitar
Beginning instruction for students with no previous experience in guitar, focus on developing a basic chord vocabulary and accompaniment techniques.
MUS 181 (2) Introduction to Technology with Applications in Music
This course gives a broad perspective of numerous ways technology can be used and its relationship specifically to music.
MUS 201 (2) Introduction to Conducting
This course is a prerequisite for Choral Musicianship (MUS 401/402) and Instrumental Musicianship (MUS 411/412). The course will develop basic conducting technique, acquaint the student with appropriate terminology, develop interpretive skills and gesture vocabulary.
MUS 219 (1) Piano Accompanying
Experience in accompanying. Advanced pianists may participate in chamber ensembles. May be repeated.
Pre: Consent
MUS 220 (3) History of Jazz
A historical overview of jazz styles and performers.
CD-Core
MUS 221 (3) Music Literature and History I
An overview of music of the western world from ancient Greece to 1800.
Pre: MUS 132 F
MUS 222 (3) Music Literature and History II
An overview of music of the western world from 1800 to the present.
Pre: MUS 132 S
MUS 231 (2) Music Theory III
Part III of a four semester sequence in Music Theory focusing on written music notation skills.
Pre-requisite: MUS 132
MUS 232 (2) Music Theory IV
Part IV of a four semester sequence in Music Theory focusing on written music notation skills.
Pre-requisite: MUS 231
MUS 233 (1) Aural Skills III
Part III of the four semester sequence focusing on sight-singing and ear training.
Pre-requisite: MUS 134
MUS 234 (1) Aural Skills IV
Part IV of the four semester sequence focusing on sight-singing and ear training.
Pre-requisite: MUS 233
MUS 240 (2) Introduction to Music Education
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 250 (2) Introduction to Music Industry
A survey of career opportunities in Music Industry.
MUS 251 (1-3) Private Voice I
Private lessons: 1 credit=1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 261 (1-3) Private Piano I
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 262 (1-3) Private Harpsichord I
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 265 (1-3) Private Organ I
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 271 (1-3) Private Brass Instruments
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 272 (1-3) Private Reed and Other Instruments
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 273 (1-3) Private String Instruments
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 274 (1-3) Private Percussion I
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 275 (1-3) Private Classical Guitar I
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 278 (1-3) Private Instrument I
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Consent
MUS 281 (2) Intro to MIDI
An introduction to the basics of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), the means by which music interacts with computers.
Pre: MUS 131 and 132
MUS 282 (1) Activity in Music Industry
This course will allow students to gain experience working in the Music Industry area. "This course must be taken for two semester to receive proper credit."
MUS 299 (0) Sophomore Review
The Sophomore Review is the jury for private lessons at the end of the fourth semester of study. The Sophomore Review must be passed for admission to 300 level music study.
Pre-requisite: MUS 2xx, Private Lessons
MUS 305 (2) Opera Workshop
Performance of solo and ensemble vocal operatic repertory.
Pre: Consent
MUS 340 (3) Materials and Methods of Teaching Music
Kindergarten and elementary grades. For elementary education majors only.
MUS 341 (3) General Music K-8
Required of all music education majors. Techniques and methods leading to licensure to teach General Music K-8. Music majors only.
Pre-requisites: Music Theory I and Music Theory II.
MUS 350 (3) Project Development in the Music Industry
Class and/or individual projects for music industry majors only.
MUS 351 (1-3) Private Voice II
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 361 (1-3) Private Piano II
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 362 (1-3) Private Harpsichord II
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 365 (1-3) Private Organ II
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 371 (1-3) Private Brass
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 372 (1-3) Private Reed and Other Instruments
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 373 (1-3) Private String Instruments
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 374 (1-3) Private Percussion II
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 375 (1-3) Private Classical Guitar II
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 378 (1-3) Private Instrument II
Private lessons: 1 credit = 1/2 hour per week, 3 credits = 1 hour per week.
Pre: Upper Level Jury, and consent
MUS 379 (2) Instrument Literature & Pedagogy
Topics to be discussed are methods, literature, and teaching techniques for specific wind, percussion, and stringed instruments.
MUS 381 (3) Music Management and Concert Production
This course is designed to acquaint and give specific knowledge with regards to managing a concert production, working with promoters, finding artists, and creating and negotiating contracts.
MUS 390 (1-6) Study for Honors
Instruction for students in honors program.
Pre: Honors Program Status
MUS 396 (0-1) Junior Recital
MUS 401 (3) Choral Musicianship I
Choral conducting and the administration of school choral programs.
MUS 402 (3) Choral Musicianship II
A continuation of Choral Musicianship I.
Pre: MUS 401
MUS 411 (3) Instrument Musicianship I
Instrumental conducting and the administration of school band and orchestra programs.
MUS 412 (3) Instrument Musicianship II
A continuation of Instrumental Musicianship I.
Pre: MUS 411
MUS 419 (3) Advanced Conducting
Conducting skills for the advanced conductor.
MUS 422 (3) Music of the Renaissance
An intensive examination of the music of Western Civilization from 1450-1600.
Pre: MUS 221
MUS 423 (3) Music of the Baroque Era
An intensive investigation of the music written from 1600-1750.
Pre: MUS 221
MUS 424 (3) Music of the Classic Period
Music of the age of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Pre: MUS 222
MUS 425 (3) Music of the 19th Century
An intensive study of Romanticism in music.
Pre: MUS 222
MUS 426 (3) Music of the Modern Era
Music since 1900.
Pre: MUS 222
MUS 427 (3) Music Theatre
Methods of presenting musical drama.
MUS 429 (3) Topics in Ethnomusicology
The music of non-Western cultures.
MUS 431 (1-3) Composition
An independent study in compositional techniques.
Pre: Consent
MUS 432 (3) Contemporary Theory
Twentieth-century harmonic, melody, and contrapuntal practices.
Pre: MUS 232
MUS 433 (3) Contrapuntal Techniques
Writing and analyzing 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part counterpoint.
Pre: MUS 232
MUS 434 (3) Form and Analysis
Significant musical forms, past and present.
Pre: MUS 232
MUS 435 (3) Orchestration
Writing techniques for instrumental groups of various types.
Pre: MUS 411
MUS 436 (3) Choral Arranging
Arranging music for choral ensembles.
MUS 441 (2) Music in Early Childhood
Learning characteristics, teaching strategies, and materials for ages 2-6.
MUS 445 (2) Advanced Music Methods
Classroom techniques for vocal/general K-12 licensure.
MUS 451 (3) Vocal Pedagogy and Literature
Principles of applied voice instruction and an overview of vocal literature.
MUS 455 (2) Diction for Singers
Application of the International Phonetic Alphabet to song texts in English, French, Italian, and German.
MUS 459 (2) The Art Song
Accompanied solo vocal repertory, with special emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.
MUS 461 (1) Piano Pedagogy
Technical problems in relationship to different styles.
MUS 462 (3) Piano Literature
A survey of literature for the keyboard from the early baroque to the present.
MUS 465 (2) Service Playing
For organists: playing hymns, improvising, conducting from the console, and arranging piano accompaniments for organ.
MUS 466 (1) Organ Pedagogy
Pedagogy and methods for organ.
MUS 467 (3) Organ Literature
Literature from the 15th century to the present day.
MUS 479 (2) Instrument Repair and Maintenance
Basic techniques.
MUS 481 (2) Digital Recording I
This course will allow students to gain experience working in the Music Industry area.
MUS 482 (3) Music Promotion
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the areas of promoting and marketing of themselves, some else as a performer, and their company.
MUS 483 (3) Music in the Marketplace
This course is interdisciplinary in nature and designed to give students an overview of many aspects of the Music Industry including music publishing, copyright, public relations, audience development, financial management, fundraising, donor development, and grant writing.
MUS 485 (1-4) Selected Topics
MUS 491 (1) In-Service
MUS 494 (1-4) Workshop
MUS 495 (1-4) Senior Project
Capstone experience for the BA in Music. The Senior Project may be a composition, a major paper, or a performance. Work on the Senior Project is coordinated with the student's academic advisor.
Pre-requisite: Permission of Instructor
MUS 496 (0-1) Senior Recital
Required of Bachelor of Music majors.
MUS 497 (1-16) Internship
MUS 498 (1) Practicum in Music Industry
This course will allow students to gain experience in working in the Music Industry field in a supervisory or administrative role. "This course must be taken for two semesters to receive proper credit."
MUS 499 (1-4) Independent Study
