Classes at VWU are small and interactive. Courses within the music program include applied music lessons (that are available to both majors and non-majors), choral and instrumental ensembles (available to both majors and non-majors), as well as courses in musicianship and music literature.
Music Courses (MUS)
100 Introduction to Listening (4)
Offers a user-friendly introduction to the music of such great classical composers as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart while including limited encounters with the musical expressions of popular culture. An ideal survey for non-musicians lacking musical knowledge and performance skills, the course also serves as a helpful introduction to the realm of classical music for those who are contemplating a music major. Films, recordings, lectures, web pages, and live concerts on campus and in the community provide opportunities to develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of our musical heritage. Offered intermittently.
101 Basic Musicianship (4)
Fundamentals of music, including pitch and rhythmic notation. Students learn to interpret music notation by singing, playing the piano and percussion instruments. Students may not receive credit for MUS 101 if they have already taken MUS 102.
Offered intermittently.
102 Basic Musicianship with Guitar (4)
No previous musical experience is necessary, but basic fundamentals of music notation (pitch and rhythm) are taught. Students learn to make music from a written score using the guitar. Students must own their own instrument. Students may not receive credit for MUS 102 if they have already taken MUS 101. Offered intermittently.
110 A World of Music (4)
Students listen to music as it exists in the real world, exploring the diversity of the world’s music to acquire a sense of what exists beyond their own experience. Students learn about American folk, religious, jazz, popular, and ethnic music, as well as some world music. The course concludes with a thorough overview of Western classical music. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
120 Music and the Brain (4)
Listen to and discuss a variety of music and musical styles and their connection to the brain and our emotions. Investigate how we understand and appreciate the aesthetic values of various genres and periods of music. Develop basic musical skills and music literacy. Offered fall of even-numbered years.
201 Music & Art Around the World (4)
Explores connections between music and art around the world. Cultural areas and historical periods explored will include West Africa, East Asia, European historical periods, Harlem Renaissance, and contemporary urban artistic expression. Class discussions will focus on how the arts reflect the sociocultural conditions of their time and place. Offered intermittently.
213/313 Music History I (4)
A chronological study of music from its origins through the early 18th century. A research project and some analysis are required for MUS 313. Prerequisites: for MUS 213: MUS 110, 201, or consent; for MUS 313: Sophomore status or consent. MUS 110, 201 or consent. Offered fall of even-numbered years.
214/314 Music History II (4)
A continuation of MUS 213/313 from the 18th century to the present. Prerequisite: for MUS 214: MUS 110, 201, 213/313, or consent; for MUS 314: Prerequisite: Sophomore status or consent. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
225 Intermediate Musicianship I (4)
A study of music theory, sightsinging, and ear training as part of a program to develop complete musicianship. Music theory is the logical and systematic study of the rationality of music that eventually justifies and broadens natural musical instincts and intuitions. Sightsinging and ear training enhance the musician’s ability to envision the sound of a musical composition from an examination of the printed score. Includes elementary harmony and analysis, modes, triads and inversions, melodic construction, and simple harmonization with primary and secondary triads. Prerequisite: ability to read music notation.
Offered every spring.
226 Intermediate Musicianship II (4)
A study of music theory, sightsinging, and ear training are part of a program to develop complete musicianship. Music theory is the logical and systematic study of the rationality of music that eventually justifies and broadens natural musical instincts and intuitions. Sightsinging and ear training enhance the musician’s ability to envision the sound of a musical composition from an examination of the printed score. Includes elementary harmony and analysis including modes, triads and inversions, melodic construction, and simple harmonization with primary and secondary triads. Prerequisite: ability to read music notation and a grade of C or higher in MUS 225. Offered every fall.
254 Principles of Music Technology (4)
Introduces the core concepts of music technology and how to use them in creating, recording, and producing music. The course includes a discussion of the principles of sound, MIDI, audio editing/recording software, music notation software, and using music technology in performance. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
310 Topics in Sacred Music (4)
An in-depth study of some aspect of sacred music including, but not limited to, hymnology and sacred choral literature, sacred music history, and choral directing, all within the context of a variety of religious traditions. Offered every semester.
318 Great Works (4)
An in-depth study of the process of discovering and analyzing a broad range of repertoire along a particular theme. Major works will be studied from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century alongside works of cultural and social significance. Themes may include: Choral and Vocal Music, Symphonic and Instrument Music, and Keyboard and Chamber Music. Course may be repeated for credit with a different topic. Can be taken multiple times. Offered every fall.
321 Conducting and Vocal Methods I (4)
Teaches basic conducting techniques. Introduces basic principles of healthy vocal production and how to practice and teach those skills. Includes conducting patterns, basic rehearsal technique, and score study. Offered every spring.
325 Advanced Musicianship I (4)
A continuation of MUS 225 and 226. Focuses on a wide range of musical styles from the Renaissance to the present. More complex chords and larger forms such as the fugue, rondo, theme and variations, and sonata are studied. Various strategies for analyzing musical compositions are investigated. Post-impressionist and serial composition techniques are included.
Theoretical analysis and study are accompanied by parallel exercises in sight singing and ear training. Prerequisite: MUS 226 with C or higher. Offered every spring.
326 Advanced Musicianship II (4)
A continuation of MUS 225 and 226. Focuses on a wide range of musical styles from the Renaissance to the present. More complex chords and larger forms such as the fugue, rondo, theme and variations, and sonata are studied. Various strategies to analyze musical compositions are investigated. Post-impressionist and serial composition techniques are included. Theoretical analysis and study are accompanied by parallel exercises in sight singing and ear training. Prerequisite: MUS 325 with C or higher. Offered every spring.
350 Music from the Baroque Era (1600-1750) (4)
A listening course exploring music from the Baroque. Students listen to works from this period in their entirety and discover how this music reflects the cultural history of the era. Works by Vivaldi, Couperin, Scarlatti, Handel, Bach, and others are included. Students have the opportunity to attend selected live performances as part of their course work. Offered intermittently.
351 Music in the Classic Era (1750 to 1825) (4)
A listening course exploring music from the Classic era. Students listen to works from this period in their entirety and discover how this music reflects the cultural history of the era. Works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and others are included. Students have the opportunity to attend selected live performances as part of their coursework. Offered intermittently.
352 19th-Century Music (4)
A listening course exploring music from the 19th century. Students listen to works from this period in their entirety and discover how this music reflects the cultural history of the era. Works by Beethoven, Schubert, the Schumanns (both Clara and Robert), Chopin, Liszt, Verdi, Berlioz, Brahms, and others are included. Students have the opportunity to attend selected live performances as part of their coursework. Offered intermittently.
353 20th-Century Music (4)
A listening course exploring music from the 20th century. Students listen to works from this period in their entirety and discover how this music reflects the cultural history of the era. Works by Debussy, Ravel, Puccini, Bartok, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Ives, Copland, Varèèse, Barber, Glass, Gorecki, Pärt, Zwilich, and others are included. Students have the opportunity to attend selected live performances as part of their coursework. Offered intermittently.
354 Conducting and Rehearsal Methods I (4)
This course will focus on allowing students to develop a broad understanding of choral and vocal literature and rehearsal methods related to it. The course will cover classical vocal repertoire (including opera and oratorio) and choral music from all eras of music, as well as develop techniques and processes for rehearsal. Prerequisite: MUS 321.
355 Digital Music Workshop (4)
Develop an understanding of the strategies needed to create digital music in a variety of styles using computer software and MIDI sequencing. Prerequisite: MUS 254. Offered intermittently.
356 Sound Recording Workshop (4)
This course builds on skills developed in MUS 254 and gives students more advanced skills in recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music. As part of a final project students will able to produce 20-30 minutes of recorded music using a variety of styles and techniques. Prerequisite MUS 254. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
399 Arts Administration Practicum (2 or 4)
Develop practical skills in running the day to day activities of an arts center with work in outreach, marketing, and administration. May be repeated for credit, by instructor consent only. Prerequisite: By instructor consent only.
401 Integrative Music Research (4)
Integrate multiple academic Frames of Reference into a research and analysis based on music project. Students will spend the semester reviewing and responding to selected readings designed to review the methods that characterize four of the seven academic Frames of Reference integral to a complete education at Virginia Wesleyan University. Students will present a short oral presentation on each of four academic frames and will write a large research and analysis paper for the final. All Music majors are strongly encouraged to take this course the semester before they present their Senior Recital/Project. Offered intermittently.
456 Music Composition Capstone (2)
Students will design a plan for an independent project that integrates music composition and music technology. The project will be at least 50 minutes in length. For this project, students will create original music and demonstrate the skills they acquired through the music major composition track or Music Technology Certificate. Prerequisite: By consent only. Offered intermittently.
480 Senior Project (2)
This course is the culminating experience in the music major. Students present a formal recital and/or write a historical or critical thesis. Using music selected from each major historical period, they demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge gleaned from the study of music history and music theory to their interpretations or investigations of the chosen repertoire. Prerequisite: instructor consent.
499 Music Internship (4)
This course is designed to give you the opportunity to complete an internship in an arts based or arts management field. In order to take this course, the student will need to have already been offered an internship and have it approved by the student’s advisor. Offered intermittently.
Applied Music Courses (APMU)
101 Pep Band (1)
The primary objective of the Pep Band is to rehearse and prepare throughout the semester to perform at Homecoming and Basketball games. The Ensemble meets for 75 minutes weekly to develop ensemble performance skills. In addition, students are expected to practice their parts individually and in sectionals. Offered every fall semester and January Term.
111 Wesleyan Choirs: Bravura (1)
Bravura is an open-enrollment choir that offers first year students and non-majors a venue to sing quality choral music from a variety of styles and genres while they develop their skills as a singer and as a musician. The choir performs once per semester and engages in service learning opportunities as part of their performances. No audition necessary.
113 Class Voice (2)
Offered in conjunction with APMU 211, Virginia Wesleyan Chorale. Students study basic vocal techniques to develop the voice for both solo and choral use. Offered intermittently.
121 Open Level Applied Music Lessons: 161 (Instrumental, Voice, Piano/Organ, Guitar, and Composition) (2)
No previous musical background needed. A serious commitment to learning musical literature and technique is required. Students may repeat this level for credit with no Jury required. Students intending to advance to the 200-level must perform a jury and earn a grade of C+ or higher. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for APMU 131 will have an additional
$150 fee for regular accompanist session. Voice students must participate in Wesleyan Singers, APMU 111.
131 Open Level Lessons: Vocal
No previous musical background needed. A serious commitment to learning musical literature and technique is required. Students may repeat this level for credit with no Jury required. Students intending to advance to the 200-level must perform a jury and successfully pass the course and successfully pass the course with a C+ or higher. Applied music fee $250. Students registered for Private Study Voice will also have a $150 fee for weekly accompanist session. *Four semester hours must be completed to fulfill the "Creative" general education requirement. Offered in conjunction with APMU 211, Virginia Wesleyan Chorale. Students study basic vocal techniques to develop the voice for both solo and choral use. Offered intermittently.
163 Group Guitar Skills (2)
Basic music theory and its application in performance on the guitar. Musical notation, key signatures, time signatures and meters for playing simple melodies in the folk, rock, popular and classical styles. Chord construction, strumming techniques and simple finger-picking skills, basic improvisation and ensemble playing. Students must provide their own guitar for class. Can be taken multiple times. No course fee is required. Offered intermittently.
201 Jazz Ensemble (1)
An exploration of music associated with the jazz ensemble and preparation for group performances. Ensembles meet for 75 minutes weekly to develop ensemble performance skills. In addition, students are expected to practice their individual parts and participate in active focused listening assignments on a weekly basis. Offered every semester.
202 Orchestra (1)
An exploration of music associated with classical chamber ensembles and preparation for group performances. Ensemble will meet weekly to develop ensemble performance skills. In addition, students are expected to practice their individual parts and participate in active focused listening assignments on a weekly basis. Offered every semester.
211 Wesleyan Choirs: Camerata (1)
Camerata is an auditioned ensemble of 30-40 singers (first year-seniors) that sing repertoire from the standard choral canon, including major works with orchestral accompaniment. As the flagship ensemble of Virginia Wesleyan, this choir tours regularly. Students must be enrolled in APMU 111 or have already taken it for one year. Consent only.
212 Wesleyan Choirs: Vox Vera (1)
Vox Vera is the top chamber ensemble in the Virginia Wesleyan Choirs program for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. An auditioned mixed choir of 12-16 singers, the choir sings entirely unaccompanied music from a variety of styles and genres, including acapella, jazz, and contemporary music. This ensemble will participate in regional and national tours along with Camerata. Members of Vox Vera must pass an audition and sing in Camerata. Consent only. Offered every semester.
221-261 Lower Division Music Major Applied Lessons (2)
- 221 - Applied Instrumental Lessons
- 231 - Applied Voice Lessons
- 241 - Applied Keyboard Lessons
- 251 - Applied Guitar Lessons
- 261 - Applied Composition Lessons
Students who wish to enroll in the 200-level APMU lessons must perform a jury and successfully pass APMU 100 with a grade of C+ or higher. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for APMU 221 and 231 will have an additional $150 fee for regular accompanist sessions. Prerequisite: consent.
230 Virginia Wesleyan Choral Tour (4)
Discover the life changing experience of taking musical learning out of the classroom and into the community. Students meet for a two-week intensive rehearsal prior to leaving for a one-week tour. Corequisite: enrolled in the Spring session of Wesleyan Singers. Offered every January Term.
243 Piano Skills I (2)
Students will develop the skills necessary to be competent pianists and to develop the work habits necessary to be successful musicians. Students will learn to read the grand staff, improvise harmonies for melodies, play classical works, and transpose melodies. Offered intermittently.
244 Piano Skills II (2)
Students will develop the skills necessary to be competent pianists and to develop the work habits necessary to be successful musicians. Students will develop additional skills in improvising harmonies, playing classical works, accompanying performances. Prerequisite: APMU 243. Offered intermittently.
300 Chamber Music (2)
Students explore the body of chamber music written for their instrument and select and prepare a chamber music composition for performance with a professional ensemble. A weekly one-hour coaching session offers rehearsal strategies as well as discussion of musical ideas and interpretations. In addition, students prepare a listening journal that documents their listening experiences and generate an annotated bibliography of chamber music compositions for their instrument. Applied music fee of $250.
321- 361 Upper Division Music Major Applied Lessons (2)
- 321 - Applied Instrumental Lessons
- 331 - Applied Voice Lessons
- 341 - Applied Keyboard Lessons
- 351 - Applied Guitar Lessons
- 361 - Applied Composition Lessons
Students who wish to enroll in the 300-level APMU lessons must successfully pass the Upper Division Barrier Jury. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for APMU 321 and 331 will have an additional $150 fee for regular accompanist sessions. Prerequisite: consent.
371 Applied Lessons: Conducting (2)
Students will develop the skills, knowledge, and gestural vocabulary necessary to lead a musical ensemble in rehearsal and performance. May be repeated up to four times. Prerequisite: MUS 225. Offered intermittently.
372 Applied Lessons: Conducting Lab (1)
Students will apply the skills, knowledge, and gestural vocabulary necessary to lead a musical ensemble in rehearsal and performance. May be repeated up to eight times. Prerequisite: MUS 321. Offered intermittently.
421 - 461 Senior Recital Preparation Applied Lessons (2)
- 421 - Instrumental
- 431 - Vocal
- 441 - Piano/Organ
- 451 - Guitar
- 461 - Composition
Students should only enroll in the 400-level APMU lessons if they have successfully completed two semesters of APMU lessons at the 300-level and are planning on performing a senior music recital this semester. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for 421 and 431 will have an additional $300 fee for accompanist sessions and accompanist for the recital.
Prerequisite: consent.