Designed for non-majors, music minors and prospective majors with no prior experience reading music. This course explores the basic elements of reading, writing, and hearing music. Students must receive a grade of "C-" or higher to advance to Basic Musicianship II (MUSC 106). This course does not count towards the music major/minor requirements.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship in successive levels. Open to all students. Class meets two hours per week. Lab fee. Offered Fall only.

Prerequisite: Take MUSC-101, MUSC-106; or placement by examination.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship in successive levels. The grade of "C-" or higher satisfies the Music Minor piano proficiency requirement. Class meets two hours per week. Lab fee. Offered Spring only.

Prerequisite: MUSC-105A or placement by examination

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Designed for music major and minors as a preparatory course for the music theory sequence. This course explores the basic elements of historical musical style including major and minor scale construction, keys, intervals, notation, terms, time signatures, chord and melody construction, harmonic analysis, melody harmonization, including sight-singing and ear-training. This course does not count toward the music major/minor requirements.

Prerequisite: MUSC-101 or placement by examination

Group guitar instruction open to all students, no previous experience necessary. Basic and intermediate guitar techniques, such as: tuning, major and minor open chords, chord charts, note reading and tablature, basic strumming patterns, basic finger picking, major, minor and pentatonic scales, and basic theory. Class meets two hours each week. Lab fee.

This course offers students the opportunity to explore and perform contemporary popular music across various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Emphasizing collaboration, students will work together to develop their musical skills in group settings, while gaining experience with live performance techniques, arranging, and improvisation. The ensemble will focus on learning popular songs, studying the history and evolution of popular music, and understanding the dynamics of modern music production. Regular performances and rehearsals will enhance students' musicality, stage presence, and ability to work cohesively within a band or group context. Open to all students with basic instrumental or vocal proficiency, this class fosters creativity, musical expression, and a deep appreciation for popular music in today's world.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Group instruction in the fundamentals of singing. Class meets two hours each week. Lab fee.

This course focuses on the fundamentals of playing the electric bass and drum kit for contemporary popular music. Students will be able to perform these instruments at a foundational level in order to effectively arrange parts for and coach drums and bass.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Study and performance of jazz combo literature. Meets two hours each week. Open to all students by audition. Does not meet the music major ensemble requirement.

Introduction to diatonic harmony and analysis of music. Introduction to musical form: phrases, periods and cadences.

Prerequisite: MUSC-106

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course is designed to develop skills in sight singing, rhythm performance, rhythmic and harmonic dictation using simple diatonic melodies and harmony. Class meets two hours per week. Offered Fall only.

Prerequisite: MUSC-106 or placement by examination

Co-Requisite: MUSC-128

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Continuation of diatonic harmony and analysis of music. Introduction to chromatic harmony and modulation to nearly-related keys. Introduction to binary and ternary forms.

Prerequisite: MUSC-128

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course is a continuation of MUSC-129 in the develpment of sight singing and dictation skills. Class meets two hours per week. Offered Spring only.

Prerequisite: MUSC-129 or placement by examiniation

Co-Requisite: MUSC-133

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship in successive levels with specific emphasis on passing a piano proficiency exam section. Class meets two hours per week. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: MUSC-105B or placement by examination

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

The identification of foundational concepts and principles of improvisation. Emphasis on a variety of styles including worship, jazz, gospel, and pop. With specific emphasis on passing a piano proficiency exam section. Class meets two hours per week. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: MUSC-145A or placement by examination

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

An overview of the music teaching profession and its philosophical and practical application for K-12 schools. This course is required for the application for the Bachelor of Music with a major in Music Education degree. Offered Spring only.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

A liberal arts course designed to develop knowledge of music from the listener's point of view. This objective is accomplished by introducing the materials and forms of music and the periods of music history. This course satisfies the core curriculum Fine Arts requirement. No previous musical background is necessary. The lab fee provides concert tickets.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

This course delves into the historical significance of popular music in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present day, analyzing music within its broader historical context, considering its cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions. By exploring a variety of genres, we will pursue overarching themes, examine popular music as an artistic expression, a commercial enterprise, a means of identity formation and communication, a phenomenon with local, national, and global reach, and a crucial aspect of American life. As Popular Music History is still being written, weekly presentations will be given comparing current events with their historical roots, providing a living context and application for the subject.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course is designed to teach the fundamental and practical aspects of audio systems while also discussing its role in the music industry and ministry of the Church today. We will learn about sound waves, signal path, mixing boards, equalization, microphones, effects, and lyric presentation.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Study and performance of jazz and big band literature. Performs at special concerts on and off campus; provides music at athletic events and other university functions. Meets three hours each week. Meets the BM Jazz Studies large ensemble requirement. Open to all students by audition.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Study of music from the Baroque and Classical periods with an emphasis on harmony and form. Introduction to canon, fugue, and larger formal procedures, including concerto and sonata forms.

Prerequisite: MUSC-133

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course is designed to develop advanced skills in sight singing, rhythm performance, rhythmic and harmonic dictation using complex diatonic and chromatic melodies and harmony. Class meets two hours per week.

Prerequisite: MUSC-134 or placement by examination

Co-Requisite: MUSC-225

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course is designed for music majors and non-majors with little or no experience in music technology. Students will receive hands-on training in the basics of software sequencing, editing and mixing, as well as notation. Top industry standard DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and notation software are used. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: MUSC-128

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Study of music from the nineteenth century with an emphasis on harmony and form. Study of expanded sonata form, advanced chromatic harmony and extended tertian harmony.

Prerequisite: MUSC-225

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course is a continuation of MUSC 226 in the development of advanced sight singing and dictation skills. Class meets two hours per week.

Prerequisite: MUSC-226

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Instrumental ensemble forthestudy and performance of string orchestra literature with further development of string musicians through rehearsals, sectionals, master classes and performance. Repertoire focus on: classics, spirituals, hymn/anthem arrangements and Christian worship music. This ensemble will join with the University Concert Band for full orchestra performancesand collaborate with local high school string musicians, community members and professional performers. Meets the music major large ensemble requirement.Open to all students by audition.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

The Vanguard University Concert Band is a winds and percussion ensemble based on traditional concert band instrumentation and literature. The Concert Band performs large ensemble works and focuses on providing members with a variety of repertoire, including standards, popular works, new music, and non-traditional collaborations. This ensemble will also join with the String Orchestra for full orchestra performances. Concerts are on campus and at a variety of off-campus venues. Meets the music major large ensemble requirement. Open to all students, alumni, and community members by audition.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

A music ministry group whose primary function is to represent the University at local churches, schools and conventions. Includes frequent weekend performances and an annual extended Summer tour. Study and performance of sacred choral literature of all styles with an emphasis on contemporary Christian music. Meets three hours each week. Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

The study and performance of major choral literature representative of all periods of music, including standard classical repertoire, spirituals, folk songs, hymn/anthem arrangements, and contemporary Christian music. Frequent church and school concerts (up to two per month), with Spring public relations tour. Meets three hours weekly. Meets the ensemble requirement for music majors and minors and is an elective course. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students by audition and interview.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

A survey of music and literature primarily focusing on music in global cultures.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

Basic techniques in improvisation, beginning with simple question and answer phrases and progressing to extended solos. Development of modal and ii-V-I chord progressions through instrumental performance.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

An introduction to conducting patterns and techniques, with an emphasis on providing experience in conducting hymns and songs for worship. Focus will be on providing basics in leading the choral and instrumental rehearsal.

Prerequisite: MUSC-133

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Study of a special topic in music. May be repeated for credit.

Students seeking to complete the subject matter program in Music must take this class as part of that program to ensure that they are integrating historical content with their pedagogical experience. This course provides the philosophical background and classroom experience necessary to introduce a person to the teaching profession in a public or private school in a multicultural environment. The purpose of the class is to assist the student to gain an understanding of the resources and challenges facing a teacher serving a linguistically and culturally diverse student population. Discussion will focus on the major professional organizations and educational research related to the philosophical, historical, and demographic developments of American education. Students will complete a 30 hour field work component to observe classroom management and organization, Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE) instructional practices, and the curricula of grades K-12. The role and function of Christian beliefs and values in the public school will be integrated throughout the course. This course is a prerequisite requirement for the Multiple and Single Subject Credential programs. Lab Fee.

Prerequisite: MUSC-337, MUSC-338 or MUSC-339

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Elementary instruction on woodwinds focusing on: tone production, techniques, and care of the instruments. An introduction to the teaching of the woodwind instruments. Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

Elementary instruction in brass instruments: tone production, techniques, and care of the instruments. This course is an introduction to the teaching of the brass instruments. Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

Refer to MUSC 223. Jazz Ensemble

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

A survey of music history and literature from ancient times through the Baroque era (1750). Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

A survey of music history from the Classical and Romantic eras (1750 - 1900). Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

A survey of music history primarily focusing on the music of the twentieth century. Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

Elementary instruction in strings: tone production, techniques, and care of the instruments. This course is an introduction to the teaching of strings. Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

Elementary instruction in percussion: techniques and care of the instruments. This course is an introduction to the teaching of percussion. Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

Study of music in the twentieth century, with an emphasis on post-tonal harmonic and motivic analysis, set theory, serialism, texture and timbre. Study of the application of formal procedures to post-tonal music.

Prerequisite: MUSC-233

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

The course looks at purpose, curriculum, and methods of music education in the elementary school. There will be a survey of materials with consideration of their appropriateness in a sequential program of musical growth. Lab teaching required.

This course looks at purpose, curriculum, and methods of music education in the elementary school. There will be a survey of materials with consideration of their appropriateness in a sequential program of musical growth.

The course examines the purposes, curriculum, and methods of instrumental music education for secondary school. Study will relate to school instrumental organization, lesson plan development, and techniques of marching band development. Emphasis will be placed on the study of appropriate repertoire and materials available to establish a competitive school music program. Lab teaching required.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

This course exams the purposes, curriculum, and methods of vocal music education in the secondary school, relating to school choral organization, the changing adolescent voice, and appropriate repertoire and materials. Lab teaching required.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

Refer to MUSC 240 . Instrumental ensemble forthestudy and performance of string orchestra literature with further development of string musicians through rehearsals, sectionals, master classes and performance. Repertoire focus on: classics, spirituals, hymn/anthem arrangements and Christian worship music. This ensemble will join with the University Concert Band for full orchestra performancesand collaborate with local high school string musicians, community members and professional performers. Meets the music major large ensemble requirement.Open to all students by audition.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the art and craft of songwriting. Through a structured curriculum encompassing melody writing, lyricism, harmony, and song structure, students learn essential techniques for crafting original songs across various genres. By analyzing existing songs and engaging in creative exercises, students develop their creative voice and gain confidence in expressing their musical ideas. This course serves as a springboard for further exploration in songwriting and lays the groundwork for students to develop a diverse repertoire of original compositions.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Refer to MUSC-244 Concert Band.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Study and performance of repertoire for various mixed-ensembles, instrumental and/or vocal. Students will be assigned one or more compositions from various genres which will be studied in depth through weekly rehearsals and coaching sessions. All work will culminate in a final concert.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Foundations and multiculturalism are rooted in Biblical and historical survey of worship. Key worship passages and biblical models of worship will be relevantly applied to current practices and multicultural inclusion in the church.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

Refer to MUSC 248. Vanguard Worship Collective.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

This course offers students the opportunity to explore and perform contemporary popular music across various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Emphasizing collaboration, students will work together to develop their musical skills in group settings, while gaining experience with live performance techniques, arranging, and improvisation. The ensemble will focus on learning popular songs, studying the history and evolution of popular music, and understanding the dynamics of modern music production. Regular performances and rehearsals will enhance students' musicality, stage presence, and ability to work cohesively within a band or group context. Open to all students with basic instrumental or vocal proficiency, this class fosters creativity, musical expression, and a deep appreciation for popular music in today's world.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Refer to MUSC 250. Concert Choir.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

A 12-week internship in the music industry (non-profit, church or for-profit). Students are required to work 50 hours for each academic unit hour received. Internships may take place in the fields of music retail and wholesale, arts management, marketing, promotions, reocrding, live sound, venue operations, sound design, arts education and/or audio production. Students are encouraged to have their resume and cover letter reviewed by VU Career Services and formally apply for their potential internship programs well before their internship semester. Course may be repeated one time for credit.

Prerequisite: MUSC-462

This course explores the role of the writer, producer, and engineer in the recording studio. Emphasis is placed on modern recording and production techniques and practices in various contemporary music settings. Essentially, this class will give you experience as a producer of recorded music in our state-of-the-art recording studio.

Prerequisite: MUSC-228, MUSC-206

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

This eight-week course provides aspiring live musical directors with the skills and confidence to lead live performances effectively. Students will learn verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, rehearsal planning, musical arrangement, technical equipment management, stage presence, collaboration, and leadership. Through practical exercises and hands-on experience, students will develop the essential skills necessary for success in live performance settings.

Prerequisite: MUSC-206

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective leadership within a worship team context. Drawing upon principles from music theory, theology, leadership studies, and practical experience, students will explore and practice the multifaceted nature of worship team development including how to work with a worship team, coaching and instructing vocalists and instrumentalists, as well as mastering the musical language necessary for seamless communication during rehearsals and live performance.

Prerequisite: MUSC-206

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

This course explores the art of crafting compelling lyrics and poetry within the context of commercial music. From the Homeric epics, to the chorus of Greek tragedy, to devotional songs in various traditions, to the ballads of Robert Burns, to the work of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, and Tupac, and to an exploration of the extraordinary success of "Hamilton", we will study how language and music work together. Through a combination of theoretical study, analysis of existing works, and practical exercises, students will develop their skills in writing meaningful and impactful lyrics that resonate with audiences across various genres of popular music.

Prerequisite: ENGL-120C

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

This course focuses on the principles of digital music sequencing and playback and will include in-depth study of modern software and hardware used in performing live music. Students will study the use of backing tracks, guides, click, and MIDI controllers in live performance.

Prerequisite: MUSC-228, MUSC-206

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course offers students the opportunity to explore and perform contemporary popular music across various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Emphasizing collaboration, students will work together to develop their musical skills in group settings, while gaining experience with live performance techniques, arranging, and improvisation. The ensemble will focus on learning popular songs, studying the history and evolution of popular music, and understanding the dynamics of modern music production. Regular performances and rehearsals will enhance students' musicality, stage presence, and ability to work cohesively within a band or group context. Open to all students with basic instrumental or vocal proficiency, this class fosters creativity, musical expression, and a deep appreciation for popular music in today's world.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

This course is designed to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in Songwriting I, offering students an opportunity to deepen their understanding and mastery of advanced songwriting concepts. Through in-depth exploration of melody, harmony, lyricism, arrangement, and performance, students refine their compositional skills and develop a distinctive musical identity. The course emphasizes critical listening, peer critique, and revision, empowering students to produce polished, professional-quality songs. Additionally, discussions on music publishing, copyright, and industry insights equip students with practical knowledge to navigate the professional landscape of the music industry.

Prerequisite: MUSC-343

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Practical experience in conducting techniques emphasizing the fundamentals and art of choral conducting and expressive gestures. Topics to be addressed include: advanced conducting patterns, gestural technique and cues, repertoire for both school and church and choral rehearsal methods and procedures.

Prerequisite: MUSC-273

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Practical experience in conducting techniques emphasizing orchestra and band music. Experience in preparing and presenting orchestral/band scores as well as advanced instrumental score preparation, rehearsal methods and baton technique. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: MUSC-273

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course is designed for students to analyze applied studio teaching techniques in order to effectively teach instruments at all levels. Learning styles, private studio procedures, and lesson planning through analysis of various method books and materials are examined. Included observation of private studio instruction and supervised experience teaching private lessons. Offered upon demand.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

This course will create unity within the cohort of Worship Leadership students, while providing students with hands-on experience with crafting, leading rehearsals and executing a well-thought out and theologically based worship service. May be repeated up to eight times for credit. Lab fee.

A study of the instruments of the orchestra, scoring for various combinations and for full orchestra. Offered Fall only.

Prerequisite: MUSC-133

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

An overview of the biblical foundations and historical developments of worship, which provide precedent for worship in the contemporary church. From this foundation, practical guidelines for effective biblical worship design and church music leadership will be explored. Students will develop a philosophy of worship as well as a personal reflection upon the developing synthesis of faith and their craft or area of study while at VUSC. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum Capstone requirement for Bachelor of Arts General Music majors.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course will equip a modern worship leader to adequately serve the contemporary church. Skills developed will include service crafting, team building, rehearsal management, music directing, production management and use of church management software.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

This course focuses on the philosophy, concepts, structure, relationships, activities, organizational tools and administrative skills (including leadership) utilized in church life that typically fill the Monday through Friday work week. These add legitimacy, validity and efficacy to the overall ministry of church music as well as strengthen and enrich worship on Sunday. The introduction and practice of leadership will emphasize and examine: understanding leadership; recognizing leadership traits; engaging people's strengths; understanding philosophy and styles; attending to tasks and relationships; developing leadership skills; creating a vision; establishing a constructive climate; handling conflict; addressing ethics in leadership and overcoming obstacles.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

Arranging for choral ensembles with and without instrumental accompaniment in a variety of styles, including traditional, popular, and jazz. Offered Spring only.

Prerequisite: MUSC-133

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course is designed to teach how to craft a theologically relevant service; overseeing the sound and media; clarifying the role of visuals; building the team and managing rehearsals; working with the band; relating to pastor. Emphasis on skill development and student projects. Offered Spring of odd years.

Prerequisite: MUSC-309

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

Scientific exploration into the workings of the vocal mechanism and the technique of vocal production. A survey of common vocal faults, corrective exercises and an overview of various vocal styles will be included. Under supervision of voice faculty, students will be required to teach a private voice student (basic instruction or non-college student), 30 minutes per week for six weeks towards the end of semester. Offered Spring of odd years.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

Building on skills learned in Studio Tech & Production I, this course continues to explore the role of the writer, producer, and engineer in the recording studio. Emphasis is placed on modern recording and production techniques and practices in various contemporary music settings. Additionally, this class will focus on sound design and mastering techniques to produce high-quality digital recordings.

Prerequisite: MUSC-228, MUSC-454, MUSC-206

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

A study of the business aspects of the music industry including topics such as identification of the management team, the recording industry, songwriting and music publishing, touring, music merchandising and motion picture music. Offered Fall of even years.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

After successful jury level attainment and passing this public solo, student presentation consists of 20-30 minutes of music based on repertoire learned over the years of study at Vanguard University. Final grade is given by a committee of the Deaprtment of Music faculty. Lab fee.

Study of a special topic in music. May be repeated for credit.

Preparation and presentation of representative works on the primary instrument in a thirty minute solo recital. Also, includes independent research project specific to area of study and a reflection paper discussing the synthesis of faith and music within the academic journey. Final grade is given by a committee of the Department of Music faculty. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum Capstone requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in General Music with an emphasis in Applied Music and Bachelor of Music in Church Music and Music Education. Lab fee.

Co-Requisite: MUSI-402; MUSI-412; MUSI-422; or MUSI-492