Music

Associate Professor Christian Secrist
Assistant Professor Nichol DelGiorno
Part-time Instructor Terri Benz
Part-time Instructor Tyler Carpenter​​​​​​​

The courses in music are designed to enrich and broaden the understanding of music as an art form in all its cultural contexts. Some courses encourage participation in performance, while others deal with aspects of music history, notation, and analysis. The music minor offers immersive study in music for those who are passionate about music but wish to major in another subject. Prospective students may audition for fine arts scholarships, and all music ensembles (MU103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 113) are open to students (some, but not all, require an audition). Enrollment in the ensembles is counted in determining tuition charges. A fee is charged for private lessons, but this fee is waived for music minors.

Majors & Programs

Courses

MU 102: Music Appreciation

This class explores music through the lenses of culture and history, allowing us a deeper understanding of music-makers and listeners. Students will explore the dominant trends of Western music, including the major composers, musical styles, and historical eras that have shaped music from the Middle Ages to the present. A special emphasis will be given to developing active listening skills, as well as communication skills regarding aesthetic expression.

MU 103: Symphony Chorale

Two and one-half hours of weekly rehearsal and two to four performances during the year. Includes the preparation and performance of major works for chorus and orchestra. Sponsored by the Jacksonville Symphony Society.

MU 105: Wind Ensemble

Three hours of weekly rehearsal, several performances both on and off campus throughout the year, including a Spring Concert Tour with other music ensembles to major metropolitan area. Repertoire performed includes sacred and secular concert music and original works for wind ensemble and concert band. Student should contact instructor for placement.

MU 106: Concert Choir

Three hours of weekly rehearsal, several performances both on and off campus throughout the year, including a Spring Concert Tour with other music ensembles to major metropolitan areas. A variety of music is performed, including great masterworks from all periods of music history. Student should contact instructor for placement.

MU 107: Symphony Orchestra

Two and one-half hours of weekly rehearsal and five or six concerts during the year. Sponsored by the Jacksonville Symphony Society.

MU 108: Chamber Singers

Two hours of weekly rehearsal. Focus on works for smaller forces, including madrigals, motets, and chamber works from all periods in music.

MU 109: Class Voice

Introduction to singing, the development of the solo voice. Study of problems of vocal production, interpretation, style, and stage deportment. Vocal exercises and songs learned and memorized.

MU 111: Introduction to Music and Music Theory

An introductory study of melody, harmony, counterpoint, and part-writing fundamental to Western music, including a discussion of musical examples from different periods. Concurrent ear training, composing, and keyboard training. Entry level course for music minors. Open to other interested students.

MU 113: Small Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, String Quartet, Bella Voce (treble vocal ensemble) or other small chamber ensemble organized by the department.

MU 141: American Popular Music

This course examines the characteristics and significance of popular music in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present. No prior musical experience or knowledge is required to enroll in this course. We will explore musical characteristics such as form and instrumentation as well as the meaning and implications of text in music. The relationship of popular music to cultural, social, economic, and political dimensions will be central to the study and understanding of popular music in the United States.

MU 142: Introduction to World Music

This is an introductory course covering a survey of music that falls outside of the traditional canon of Western Art Music. Historical and cultural backgrounds pertaining to the creation and performance of music will be considered, as will the roles of music and musicians in various culture and comparisons of musical practices in different geographical regions.

MU 162: Instrument

Private instruction in, Piano, Organ, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, or Strings. Other instruments available by request when a well-qualified instructor is available to fulfill student demand.

MU 208: Accompanying

Practical training and experience in the tradition, interpretation and execution of accompaniment. Students will accompany specific vocalists and/or instrumentalists in lessons, classes and performances.

MU 216: Jazz History and Appreciation

A study of the development of Jazz music from its origins to the present day. Students will explore the different eras, styles, artists, literature and social issues associated with Jazz, with a strong emphasis on audio and visual examples. The course will also provide a basic understanding of the structure of Jazz with the goal of developing greater skills for listening and appreciation of this uniquely American genre.

MU 250: Voice: Music Minor

Private instruction in singing and vocal technique for music minors as their primary area of applied study.

MU 260: Instrument: Music Minor

Private instruction in, Piano, Organ, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Strings, or Guitar for music minors as their primary area of applied study.

MU 265: Woodwind Methods

A practical course in the techniques of playing woodwind instruments, designed for music education students.

MU 266: Brass Methods

A practical course in the techniques of playing brass instruments, designed for music education students.

MU 352: Vocal Diction I

A specialized course for the serious singer, this course is designed to develop an appreciation for and application of the following common languages in professional singing: Latin, Italian, and German. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, the student will acquire a working knowledge of rules for applying these languages to singing.

MU SR: Student Recital

Attendance at recitals, concerts, and lectures is required of all music minors after declaration of the degree program. Attendance at these events is similar to convocation requirements, minors must attend at least 6 events per semester. The Department of Music will make a list of approved events available to the students.