Music
This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.mtmercy.edu.
The music major offers three possible areas of study leading to the baccalaureate degree: the Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Arts in Music: Music Administration, and the Bachelor of Arts in Music-Education. Students majoring in music have the option of either a performance or music history concentration. Students wishing to pursue the music history concentration will substitute a bachelor’s thesis for the full senior recital.
The music major prepares the student to continue music studies at the graduate level and to become a studio teacher and performer. The offerings in music education are designed for teacher certification at the elementary and secondary school level (grades K-12). Students majoring in music have two concentration options: 1) Performance, which requires a half recital (30 minutes) during the junior year and a full recital (60 minutes) during the senior year, or 2) Music History, which requires a half recital during the junior or senior years and a substantial research project culminating in a thesis during the senior year. Students with a concentration in music history must enroll for MU 445 Music Independent Study during at least one semester of their senior year. An interview and musical audition with the music faculty is required so proper placement and advice may be given.
The Music: Music Administration major prepares music and business advocates with excellent leadership, managerial, administrative, and music skills. Students take required courses from the Music and Business Departments, and elective classes from Art and Communications Departments.
As part of their applied music experience, all Music, Music: Music Administration, and Music-Education majors are required to attend student, faculty, and guest recitals and perform at least once each semester in the weekly music seminar.
All music majors and minors enrolled full-time must register for MU 168 Mount Mercy University Choir or MU 170 University Band.
Objectives established for students in this major include, among others: write 4-part chorales using proper voice leading techniques of the 18th century; critically analyze large-scale musical forms; and distinguish among the major genres of Western art music (e.g. symphony, opera, choral works).
Career Opportunities
Teaching in schools, performing or teaching privately are the areas in which most music majors are employed. Many opportunities are also available in fields of music publishing and commercial music.
Course Offerings
Applied Music
Private lessons are available for all band and orchestral instruments, piano, and voice and may be taken for various duration and credit. All students enrolling for private lessons must obtain approval of the music department chair. Course can be taken for 0, 1, or 2 semester hours. (Depending on the semester, other areas may be available. Check the current course schedule for a full list.)
Music majors will not be charged lesson fees once they successfully complete 24 semester hours of Mount Mercy University coursework. Students will be assigned teachers by the music faculty. The amount of college credit allowed will be determined by the music faculty. The following fees are charged for lessons:
No credit (half-hour lesson per week): $275.00 per semester
One semester hour credit (half-hour lesson per week): $275.00 per semester
Two semester hours credit (one hour lesson per week): $450.00 per semester
Appearance in jury examination, recital, or other performance is required of all applied music students who are studying for credit. In addition these students will attend regularly scheduled seminars for performance preparation. Students majoring in music normally enroll for applied lessons in their major area of concentration for two credit hours per semester, they may elect to take up to 4.5 semester hours each year without a fee (after completing 24 semester hours of Mount Mercy University coursework); those majoring in music-education normally enroll for one credit hour per semester.
See the Graduate section of this Catalog for more information on Graduate programs offered at Mount Mercy.
Courses
MU 100 Seminar: 0 semester hours
A weekly seminar which allows students to gain performing experience and discuss issues related to performance.
MU 101 Music Theory I: 3 semester hours
Fundamentals of notation, rhythm, intervals, simple triads, three and four-part writing including figured bass, sight singing, keyboard harmony, melodic and rhythmic diction. Deficiencies in rudiments must be made up during the first two weeks of the term. Two lectures and two one-hour labs per week. (offered alternate years during the spring semester).
MU 102 Music Theory II: 3 semester hours
Follows MU 101 and includes more advanced writing, sight singing, and chord construction. Harmonic dictation is now included. Two lectures and two one-hour labs per week. Prerequisite: MU 101. (Offered alternate years during the fall semester).
MU 107 Instrumental Music Methods and Materials: 1 semester hour
An introduction to basic instrumental techniques intended to enable students to become minimally proficient on a variety of wind, brass, string, and percussion instruments.
MU 108 Instrumental Techniques Brass and Percussion: 1 semester hour
An introduction to brass and percussion instrumental techniques intended to enable students to become minimally proficient on a variety of brass and percussion instruments.
MU 109 Instrumental Techniques Strings and Woodwinds: 1 semester hour
An introduction to strings and woodwinds instrumental techniques intended to enable students to become minimally proficient on a variety of string and woodwind instruments.
MU 110 French Horn: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 112 Trombone: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 113 Trumpet: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 114 Tuba: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 115 Euphonium: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 125 Bassoon: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 126 Clarinet: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 127 Flute: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 128 Oboe: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 129 Saxophone: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 135 Cello: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 136 Guitar: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 137 Harp: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 138 String Bass: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 139 Viola: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 140 Violin: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 145 Piano: 2 semester hours
Applied music lessons.
MU 150 Harpsichord: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 151 Organ: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 155 Voice: 2 semester hours
Applied music lessons.
MU 160 Percussion: 2 semester hours
Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).
MU 167 Madrigal Singers: 0 semester hours
A small, select vocal music ensemble that performs music from the Renaissance Period through the 21st century.
MU 168 Mount Mercy University Choir: 0 semester hours
Open to all students. The organization is dedicated to the development of an appreciation of choral music through participation. All styles of choral music are rehearsed, and concerts are presented on and off campus throughout the school year. This is a performing ensemble, and students are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Prerequisite: audition with the director.
MU 169 Mount Mercy Jazz Choir: 0 semester hours
Open to all students. This vocal ensemble specializes in singing jazz arrangements of popular music. Frequently called upon to be Mount Mercy's musical ambassadors, the group performs numerous times at both school and community functions. Prerequisite: audition with the director.
MU 170 University Band: 0 semester hours
Open to all students who play a musical instrument; no audition is necessary. This ensemble is dedicated to rehearsing and performing all styles of band repertoire (seasonal music, pep band, jazz and concert band). The band will perform with other university ensembles and alone, both on and off campus. Every effort will be made to assist students with the acquisition of instruments if the student doesn't own his own instrument.
MU 171 University Show Choir: 0 semester hours
Open to all students by audition. Show Choir is a vocal ensemble that incorporates dance and movement to popular music. Those not selected for ensemble will have the opportunity to contribute in various other roles.
MU 172 Chamber Music: 0 semester hours
Explore Chamber Music repertoire and the musician’s role in a small ensemble. Students develop skills in ensemble playing and rehearsal techniques through the preparation and performance of appropriate chamber repertoire. Open to all university students by audition.
MU 173 Jazz Band: 0 semester hours
Patterned after both contemporary big band and modern jazz groups as well as the large popular groups of the 1930's and 1940's, this instrumental group devotes itself to the performance of the best jazz literature of the past and present. Open to all university students by audition.
MU 177 Madrigals: 1 semester hour
A small, select vocal music ensemble that performs music from the Renaissance Period through the 21st century.
MU 178 Mount Mercy University Choir: 1 semester hour
Open to all students. The organization is dedicated to the development of an appreciation of choral music through participation. All styles of choral music are rehearsed, and concerts are presented on and off campus throughout the school year. This is a performing ensemble, and students are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Prerequisite: audition with the director.
MU 179 Mount Mercy Jazz Choir: 1 semester hour
Open to all students. This vocal ensemble specializes in singing jazz arrangements of popular music. Frequently called upon to be Mount Mercy's musical ambassadors, the group performs numerous times at both school and community functions. Prerequisite: audition with the director.
MU 180 University Band: 1 semester hour
Open to all students who play a musical instrument; no audition is necessary. This ensemble is dedicated to rehearsing and performing all styles of band repertoire (seasonal music, pep band, jazz and concert band). The band will perform with other university ensembles and alone, both on and off campus. Every effort will be made to assist students with the acquisition of instruments if the student doesn't own his own instrument.
MU 181 University Show Choir: 1 semester hour
Open to all students by audition. Show Choir is a vocal ensemble that incorporates dance and movement to popular music. Those not selected for ensemble will have the opportunity to contribute in various other roles.
MU 182 Chamber Music: 1 semester hour
Explore Chamber Music repertoire and the musician’s role in a small ensemble. Students develop skills in ensemble playing and rehearsal techniques through the preparation and performance of appropriate chamber repertoire. Open to all university students by audition.
MU 183 Jazz Band: 1 semester hour
Patterned after both contemporary big band and modern jazz groups as well as the large popular groups of the 1930's and 1940's, this instrumental group devotes itself to the performance of the best jazz literature of the past and present. Open to all university students by audition.
MU 185 Brass: 0 semester hours
Applied music lessons.
MU 186 Brass: 1 semester hour
Applied music lessons.
MU 187 Brass: 2 semester hours
Applied music lessons.
MU 189 Introduction To Music: 3 semester hours
This course provides a general survey of vocal and instrumental forms, terminology, and style of characteristics of composers from the medieval period to the present. It provides an emphasis is upon the musical experience (listening) and historical significance of Western art music. The course is taught each term with some live performances by faculty and guest artists. This course can be used to satisfy core curriculum requirements.
MU 195 Percussion: 0 semester hours
Applied music lessons.
MU 196 Percussion: 1 semester hour
Applied music lessons.
MU 197 Percussion: 2 semester hours
Applied music lessons.
MU 202 Music Theory III: 3 semester hours
This course is a continuation theory study with chromatic and altered chords. It provides an analysis of compositions and original four-part writing. Keyboard harmony at sight in four parts. Prerequisite: MU 102. (Offered alternate years during the fall semester).
MU 203 Music Theory IV: 3 semester hours
More advanced theory with a study of ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, their origin and application to music of the 19th and 20th centuries. The last part of this course is devoted to original compositions in the 20th century style. Prerequisite: MU 202. (Offered alternate years during the spring semester).
MU 251 Conducting: 3 semester hours
Conducting principles and techniques combined with a study of choral and instrumental literature. Prerequisite: MU 102.
MU 257 Vocal Techniques: 3 semester hours
This course focuses on principles of voice production, the selection of voices by range, and a study of procedures and problems in developing vocal ensembles and the solo singer. Prerequisite: MU 102.
MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy: 3 semester hours
This course provides an examination and analysis of piano literature from 1700 through the late twentieth century along with an investigation of current and historical pedagogical methods. Prerequisites: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in MU 333.
MU 322 Counterpoint: 3 semester hours
This course focuses on the study of the polyphonic techniques of the 18th century, including analysis of the music of J.S. Bach and his contemporaries. Original composition in 18th style is required. Prerequisite: MU 203.
MU 324 Form and Analysis: 3 semester hours
Forms from the simple one-part song to avant garde 20th century compositions are discussed and analyzed by examination of scores from every style period. Prerequisite: MU 203.
MU 332 Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period: 3 semester hours
This course provides a survey of the development of music from pre-Christian times to the present. MU 332 will be devoted to history of music up to 1750.
MU 333 Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present: 3 semester hours
This course provides a survey of the development of music from pre-Christian times to present. MU 333 will emphasize the literature written since 1750.
MU 445 Music Independent Study: 3 semester hours
Study topic will be negotiated by the student and his/her advisor.
Music Major
| MU 100 | Seminar | 0 |
| MU 101 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MU 102 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MU 202 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MU 203 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MU 257 | Vocal Techniques ^ | 3 |
| or MU 315 | Piano Literature And Pedagogy | |
| MU 322 | Counterpoint | 3 |
| MU 324 | Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MU 332 | Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period | 3 |
| MU 333 | Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present | 3 |
| Applied Music Lessons (8 semesters) | ||
| Total Hours | 27 | |
| ^ | Students with piano as their major concentration are required to take MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy; those with voice as their major concentration are required to take MU 257 Vocal Techniques. |
Music: Music Administration Track
| BC 202 | Accounting: Information for Decisions | 4 |
| BK 208 | Principles Of Marketing | 3 |
| BN 204 | Principles Of Management | 3 |
| BN 304 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| BN 424 | Management Internship | 3 |
| CO 102 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| MU 101 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MU 102 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MU 332 | Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period | 3 |
| MU 333 | Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present | 3 |
| Applied Music Lessons (7 semesters) | ||
| Ensemble (7 semesters) 1 | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Professional Selling | ||
| Tradeshow and Event Planning | ||
| Contemporary Topics In Marketing | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Visual Technology | ||
| Writing For Public Relations | ||
| Total Hours | 37 | |
| 1 | Check with music advisor to see which courses meet this requirement. Examples include: MU 177 Madrigals, MU 170 University Band, and MU 168 Mount Mercy University Choir. |
Academic Requirements for Music Major
Music majors must maintain a 2.60 cumulative average in all music courses and are required to pass a piano proficiency examination in their senior year.
Major in Music-Education
| MU 100 | Seminar | 0 |
| MU 101 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MU 102 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MU 107 | Instrumental Music Methods and Materials | 1 |
| MU 108 | Instrumental Techniques Brass and Percussion | 1 |
| MU 109 | Instrumental Techniques Strings and Woodwinds | 1 |
| MU 202 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MU 203 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MU 251 | Conducting | 3 |
| MU 257 | Vocal Techniques | 3 |
| or MU 315 | Piano Literature And Pedagogy | |
| or MU 322 | Counterpoint | |
| MU 324 | Form and Analysis | 3 |
| MU 332 | Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period | 3 |
| MU 333 | Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present | 3 |
| Plus Education Courses * | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
| * | See the Education section for full list of required courses. |
Academic Requirements for Music-Education
Music-Education majors should consult the Education section of this Catalog for GPA requirements. Music-Education majors are required to pass a piano proficiency examination in their senior year.
Music-Education majors must enroll for applied lessons and an ensemble every semester except for the student teaching semester. Students majoring in Music-Education with an instrumental concentration will select MU 322 Counterpoint. Students majoring in Music with a piano concentration will select MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy. Students majoring in Music with a vocal concentration will select MU 257 Vocal Techniques.
Students planning to pursue Music-Education should follow the program guidelines within the Education section of this Catalog. Music-Education majors will be assigned an advisor in the education division to ensure that all requirements for certification are met.
Students cannot double major between Music, Music - Education, and Music Administration.