Open to all interested students, this basic course in fundamentals of tonal music is designed to develop competencies in the reading and writing of notes, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, and rhythmic elements. It is intended for the student with limited musical knowledge or the student who wishes to prepare for the music theory sequence.

Introduces the basics of sight singing, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and kinesthetic/conducting. Required for all music majors and minors. No previous skill or knowledge required.

Studies the fundamentals of music; notation, scales, interval recognition, chordal construction, and introduces tonal harmony. Open to general students.

The study and analysis of intersecting melodic lines to create musical harmony. Special attention will be given to the principals of Western classical common practice harmony and voice leading.

Continues to study sight singing, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and kinesthetic/conducting. The emphasis of this course is on triadic harmony and rhythmic subdivision. Required for music majors and minors.

Continues to study sight singing, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and kinesthetics/conducting. Emphasis on triadic harmony and rythmic subdivision. Required for music majors and minors.

How are artists using music to shape society and how is society influencing what we are listening to? This course will explore how music - listening, creating, performing - is a lens for discovering and interpreting our own culture and those around us. Topics of discussion to include (but not limited to) race, gender, mental health, class & socio-economics, human trafficking, immigration, violence/war, politics and technology.

For students with no previous keyboard experience. Ability to read music is not necessary. Emphasis is on note-reading, basic theory, chord usage, and technical development.

For students with prior training in piano. Course is designed for music majors and non-music majors. Expectations for each student are based on individual needs. Emphasis is on note-reading, basic theory, chord usage, repertoire, technical development, and creative activities.

An introduction to jazz piano in a solo and accompanying context. Emphasis on jazz theory, chord voicings, and improvisation.

Emphasis is on basic vocal technique: breath control, tone, diction, and stage presence. Music includes classical, folk, and American music. Extra Fee.

Introduction to folk-style guitar playing. May be taken by music education majors to meet guitar proficiency.

Studies Intermediate folk guitar.

A course exploring music along with its interaction with social/political/religious structures throughout history.

This course provides an overview of Western European musical history from the Medieval to Romantic periods.

Continues to study sight singing, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and kinesthetic/conducting. The emphasis of this course is on seventh chords, chromatic harmony, and rhythmic subdivision. Required for music majors.

Develops skills in melodic sight singing and dictation; rhythmic dictation and sight singing; and kinesthetics/conducting. Emphasis is on chromatisism and 20th century rhythmic concepts. Required for music majors.

The study and analysis of intersecting melodic lines to create musical harmony. Special attention will be given to the principals of Western classical common practice harmony and extended tonality through the use of functional chromaticism.

Develops skills in music analysis through study of common structures in Western art music. The emphasis of this course is on critical listening, stylistic, and structural analysis.

A keyboarding skills class designed specifically for music majors who need to pass the piano proficiency exam. Assumes a basic knowledge and intermediate skill level. Students do not need to take this course if they have passed the piano proficiency exam.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the flute.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the oboe.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the clarinet.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the bassoon.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the trumpet.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the horn.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the trombone.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the euphonium.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the tuba.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on percussion instruments.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the violin.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the viola.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the violoncello.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the double bass.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the harp.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the organ.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the piano.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the harpsichord.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire with the voice.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the classical guitar.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the saxophone.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the jazz guitar.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the jazz piano.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the harpsichord.

Small choral ensemble selected from Concert Choir members. Perform literature appropriate for chamber ensemble.

Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble. Students receive no credit for this course.

A class that specializes in the preparation (improvization), study, and performance of music from the jazz idiom.

An organization of vocalists specializing in the preparation, study, and performance of music from the jazz literature.

An organization of vocalists specializing in the preparation, study, and performance of music from the jazz literature.

The SPU Jazz Ensemble is a collaborative group of vocalists and instrumentalists performing in the jazz genre. Audition is required.

The World Drums Ensemble is a select group of instrumentalists who study and perform music from the traditional repertoire of the world of percussion. Topics covered are Drumming of West Africa, Brazil, Cuba, and the South Pacific. Class work includes individual “outside” practice and full ensemble rehearsals with a focus on rhythmic accuracy, technique, phrasing, intonation, dynamic control, tone production, improvisation, stylistic considerations, and ensemble participation and performance.

This course is designed for musicians to select and perform in small-group ensemble projects, self-rehearse, and work with faculty coaches. All musicians are encouraged to participate.

This course is designed for musicians to select and perform in small-group ensemble projects, self-rehearse, and work with faculty coaches. All musicians are encouraged to participate. Students receive no credit for this course.

Performance in an Indonesian ensemble of tuned percussion. It includes gongs, metallophones, and drums. No previous music experience required.

The SPU Worship Arts Ensemble is a multidisciplinary, collaborative group of vocalists and instrumentalists performing gospel, jazz, hip-hop, indie, rock and other sacred music genres. Audition is required.

A choral ensemble made up of high and low voices. Participates in major choral concerts throughout the year. Occasional performances for chapels, and at selected churches and community organizations as an outreach of the University.

A choral ensemble made up of high and low voices. Participates in major choral concerts throughout the year. Occasional performances for chapels, and at selected churches and community organizations as an outreach of the University. Students receive no credit for this course.

As a group of selected wind, brass, and percussion players, this ensemble provides an opportunity for in-depth experience in the performance of wind ensemble and band repertoire.

As a group of selected wind, brass, and percussion players, this ensemble provides an opportunity for in-depth experience in the performance of wind ensemble and band repertoire. Students recieve no credit for this course.

Performing ensemble comprised of string and selected woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The orchestra intentionally studies music literature with diverse historical, cultural, and social context.

Performing ensemble comprised of string and selected woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The orchestra intentionally studies music literature with diverse historical, cultural, and social context. Students receive no credit for this course.

Practical experience in preparation and performance of scenes from the musical theatre and opera repertoires.

This course surveys the major periods in jazz history, from its roots in New Orleans to the present. Emphasises the common elements throughout that history: blues, improvisation, the group negotiation of individual agendas, and the spiritual context of the jazz solo. It also explores how jazz interacts with American history at large. This course is intended as General Education. Music Majors fulfilling their Critical Listening Cultural Reflections credits take MUS 4236 Jazz History for Music Majors.

Students will train in the basic technical skills needed for a musician in the 21st Century. This includes digital music notation, audio editing, microphone placement, recording, and mixing in software.

A survey of popular music in America, beginning in the 1950s. This is a listening-based course that examines style, sound, and development. Particular emphasis is placed on the cultural engagement between popular music, and American society. This course is intended as a general education. Music majors fulfilling the Critical Listening/Cultural Reflections requirements take MUS 4237 American Popular Music for Music Majors.

This course provides an overview of Western European musical history from the Medieval to Romantic periods.

Offered for audio/video/production coverage and management associated with approved musical productions.

Topic and credits to be announced in Time Schedule when offered. Topics are offered usually only once and only upon evidence of significant student interest. Topics might include the music of a specific composer, time, or culture; the pedagogy of a particular teacher or methodology; or techniques of a certain approach to performance. Typically offered: Occasionally.

Through basic skill-building exercises this course teaches musical composition in accordance with stated aesthetic values. Students move through levels of increasing complexity and self-initiation.

A non-genre specific course that will introduce the performance art of musical improvisation.

Explores principles of 17th and 18th century contrapuntal elements through listening, intensive analysis, research and composition.

Course provides students with an understanding of the theoretical foundations of jazz harmony and the practical application in jazz arranging. Students will study jazz and other music of the African Diaspora.

Analytical studies include introductions to non-functional diatonic harmony, basic atonal composition and set theory, and twelve-tone technique.

Students will learn to engineer recordings in concert hall and recording studio locations, primarily using Pro Tools and our microphone collection. Students will study audio theory, including but not limited to signal flow, microphone theory, and the physics of sound. Analyzing the quality of both professional and student recordings will be an important component of the course.

Students will learn to record non-classical music using our recording studio, primarily using Pro Tools. Students will study audio theory, including but not limited to pop recording techniques, psychoacoustics, corrective audio processing, signal processing, and studio business. Analyzing the quality of both professional and student recordings will also be an important component of the course, as well as timbral ear training.

This advanced course will continue students’ development in engineering studio recordings in both concert hall and studio locations, primarily using Pro Tools. Students will further advance their study of audio theory, including but not limited to pop recording techniques, metering, and mastering. Analyzing the quality of both professional and student recordings will also be an important component of the course, as well as timbral ear training.

Songwriting is a creative process. Through practical hands-on experience, students will learn how to explore, evaluate and appropriate the critical components and principles for writing songs. An introduction to instrumentation: timbre, limitations of range, and emotional effects, will enhance the student’s artistic expression in sonically arranging their songs.

Students will learn the technical skills needed to create a live mix for performance in different performance venues. They will be taught miking technique, equipment setup and acoustics principles.

Students will be taught the compositional techniques and technical skills needed to to create music and effects for film and video. The use of DAWs and Finale Music Notation Software will be the main software used and they will experience syncing to film through these tools. They will also learn to record and mix their projects for publishing.

An exploration of the standard repertoire tailored to each student's instrument of study. The primary learning objective for this course is to understand the historical development of the student's instrument and repertoire. Due to the individualized nature of this course, much of the activity for this course will include individual research, listening, and library skills.

Demonstrates how to enter notes into a computer through a MIDI keyboard, edit the resulting notation using Finale software, and print the results on a laser printer. Typically offered: Summer Quarter.

A study of the philosophical, biblical, and theological relationships of music to worship in the Christian Church.

A study of congregational singing including its history, its genre, its criticism, and its effective use in the worship service.

Designed for non-music majors, this class explores the interdisciplinary aspects of music in the non-music classroom in grades P-5 with a focus on the cognitive benefits of utilizing music while teaching and learning.

A survey of the teaching methods, rehearsal techniques, and choral organization from the elementary school chorus through the adult choir. Emphasis is on development of diagnostic rehearsal skills through special class projects and survival skills for the beginning choral director.

A survey of the instrumental music program, grades 5-12. Emphasis is on examination of appropriate teaching materials, teaching methods for various program levels, program planning and development, and evaluation of learner progress. Experience in planning and presenting model learning experiences in instrumental music is provided.

Students will explore pedagogical theories, techniques, and repertoire for their instrument as well as apply those techniques as student teachers.

This course is designed for all students interested in the arts, educational reform, and social justice. Focus is placed on the transformative power of the arts in social and cultural contexts through the review of related literature and case studies that highlight the significance of the arts in our daily lives. The course will explore specific examples of public fine and performing arts programs, their role in realizing social transformation, and the systems that are used to promote, fund, and support them.

This course will train students in the technical skills needed for a musician in the 21st Century. This includes creating music with MIDI sequencing software (e.g. Logic Pro) and syncing music with video using Final Cut Pro. Students will spend considerable time learning the art of video editing and syncing music, cumulating with students uploading their final projects to YouTube. (Formerly called Music and Video II.)

This course is designed to support the creative work being practiced in collaborative ensembles and other group projects for performance majors. This course will explore strategies for researching sources for artistic models in different styles and genres, and working together to sculpt the sound with creative decision making.

A course designed to introduce basic score reading and analysis, movement, gesture, baton technique, and conducting for a variety of large and small instrumental and choral ensembles.

A cultural and historical survey of non-western music traditions that function as identity for indigenous people, national heritage, faith, and ethnicity. Students will recognize acculturation and musical change as part of world music and understand the impact of Western Colonialism on the development of musical styles and genres in particular regions. The process includes reading, writing, listening, and analysis.

A cultural and historical survey of non-western music traditions in North America that function as identity for faith practices, oppressed minorities, protest and civil rights movements, and racial reconciliation, among others. Students will explore and foster a positive attitude toward diverse music styles that function as agents of change. The process includes reading, writing, listening, and analysis.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the flute.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the oboe.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the clarinet.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the bassoon.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the trumpet.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the horn.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the trombone.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the euphonium.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the tuba.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on percussion instruments.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the violin.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the viola.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the violoncello.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the double bass.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the harp.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the organ.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the piano.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the harpsichord.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire with the voice.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the classical guitar.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the saxophone.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the jazz guitar.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the jazz piano.

Provides an opportunity for students to participate in private lessons and practice a high level of repertoire on the harpsichord.

Extra Fee.

A survey of the major periods in jazz history, from its roots in New Orleans to the present for Music Majors. Emphasizes the common elements throughout that history: blues, improvisation, the group negotiation of individual agendas, and the spiritual context of the jazz solo. It also explores how jazz interacts with American history at large.

A survey of popular music in America for Music Majors. This is a listening-based course that examines style, sound, and development. Particular emphasis is placed on the cultural engagement between popular music and American society.

Video Game and Sound Design will teach students the skills to write music and create sound design in video games. Explores working with animation, dialog editing, and syncing original music with video games. This course will look at the broader video game industry and discuss how it affects our digital society.

This course teaches the fundamental elements of recording, designing, and editing sound for film/video. Students learn the basics of on-set audio recording, sound editing, and multi-track sound design specifically for the moving image. Topics covered include microphone techniques, mixing a multitrack session in Pro Tools, field and studio recording, and Foley techniques.

Small choral ensemble selected from Concert Choir members. Perform literature appropriate for chamber ensemble.

A choir ensemble of treble voices, soprano, and alto. Participates in major choral concerts throughout the year. Occasional performances for chapels, and at selected churches and community organizations as an outreach of the University.

Percussion Ensemble

A class that specializes in the preparation (improvization), study, and performance of music from the jazz idiom.

An organization of vocalists specializing in the preparation, study, and performance of music from the jazz literature.

The SPU Jazz Ensemble is a collaborative group of vocalists and instrumentalists performing in the jazz genre. Audition is required.

The World Drums Ensemble is a select group of instrumentalists who study and perform music from the traditional repertoire of the world of percussion. Topics covered are Drumming of West Africa, Brazil, Cuba, and the South Pacific. Class work includes individual “outside” practice and full ensemble rehearsals with a focus on rhythmic accuracy, technique, phrasing, intonation, dynamic control, tone production, improvisation, stylistic considerations, and ensemble participation and performance.

This course is designed for musicians to select and perform in small-group ensemble projects, self-rehearse, and work with faculty coaches. All musicians are encouraged to participate.

Performance in an Indonesian ensemble of tuned percussion. It includes gongs, metallophones, and drums. No previous music experience required.

The SPU Worship Arts Ensemble is a multidisciplinary, collaborative group of vocalists and instrumentalists performing gospel, jazz, hip-hop, indie, rock and other sacred music genres. Audition is required.

A choral ensemble made up of high and low voices. Participates in major choral concerts throughout the year. Occasional performances for chapels, and at selected churches and community organizations as an outreach of the University.

As a group of selected win, brass, and percussion players, this ensemble provides an opportunity for in-depth experience in the performance of wind ensemble and band repertoire.

Performing ensemble comprised of string and selected woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The orchestra intentionally studies music literature with diverse historical, cultural, and social context.

Practical experience in preparation and performance of scenes from the musical theatre and opera repertoires.

This course surveys the major periods in jazz history, from its roots in New Orleans to the present, with a special section on Seattle jazz. It also emphasizes the common elements throughout that history-blues, improvisation, the group negotiation of individual agendas, and the spiritual context of the jazz solo. This course is intended as General Education. Music Majors fulfilling their Critical Listening Cultural Reflections credits take MUS 4236 Jazz History for Music Majors.

This course provides preparatory instruction for teaching Aural Skills. Under supervision, students will be directly responsible for the teaching, mentorship, learning, and assessment of a small group of three-four students.

Individual research, practice, producing, event planning, and/or performing in area of specialization within music, culminating in a presentation, portfolio, performance, or public release.

This course involves an integrative approach to advanced musicianship. It will assist the student in articulating and synthesizing their chosen senior project within a larger spiritual, social, and artistic context. Typically offered: Autumn, Spring, Winter.

Student works independently with a faculty member on a mutually agreed upon topic.

Practicum

Foci this year will be: Planning and running an entire music therapy session, skill development, clinical issues of transference and countertransference, group dynamics, internship preparation, professional development, research and presentation.

Offered for audio/video/production coverage and management associated with approved musical productions.

An opportunity for music students to gain additional proficiency and experience conducting a choral ensemble. The internship may be completed on or off campus with an approved conductor and ensemble.

An opportunity for music students to gain additional proficiency and experience conducting an instrumental ensemble. The internship may be completed on or off campus with an approved conductor and ensemble.

An opportunity for music students to gain additional proficiency and experience in an approved project of the student's own design.

A minimum of 1020 hours of supervised clinical experience in music therapy at an AMTA national roster internship site. The goal of the internship is to provide clinical training and experience as necessary for success in the practice of music therapy and required for eligibility to take the national examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapy. The student will need to have completed all of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy. The student is required to demonstrate professional level competence in music therapy as defined by AMTA professional competencies.

Topic and credits to be announced in Time Schedule when offered. Topics are offered usually only once and only upon evidence of significant student interest. Topics might include the music of a specific composer, time, or culture; the pedagogy of a particular teacher or methodology; or techniques of a certain approach to performance.

Special Projects in Music