Music (MUSC)

Acquaints the student with a practical understanding of musical notation, cord and scale structures, intervals, key signatures, and a basic knowledge of the keyboard.

Engages students in an introduction to solo vocal performance, with a goal of developing vocal technique and a deeper understanding of vocal physiology, performance, and music. The course will explore several styles of music and seek to enhance the performance skills of each class member. The class is open to all students.

This course provides a foundation for ukulele and guitar performance, including accompanying in the classroom, playing and accompanying oneself or others, and demonstrating musical artifacts through classroom performance. The student will learn to identify pitches on both the ukulele and guitar, perform scales and simple melodies, execute useful and well-recognized harmonic patterns using foundational chord types, finger basic-function chords from major and minor keys (up to three sharps and two flats), and explore arpeggiation and picking styles.

Provides the student with basic music theory concepts leading to an understanding of tonal harmony and voice leading. This course features an integrated, historical approach through written work, listening, and analysis. (For music majors; others may enroll with permission of instructor.)

A continuation of Music Theory I, providing the student with a more in-depth understanding of tonal harmony and voice-leading through written work, listening, and analysis. The course features an integrated, historical approach to understanding music theory concept.

This course provides the student with the first semester of an integrated two year ear-training and sight-singing course. Students gain critical listening and performance skills through dictation, sight-singing, and aural analysis. MUSC 115 is coordinated with MUSC 105 and will parallel the concepts presented there as much as possible. (For music majors; others may enroll with permission of instructor.)

This course provides the student with the second semester of an integrated two-year ear-training and sight-singing course. Students gain critical listening and performance skills through dictation, sight-singing, and aural analysis. MUSC 116 is coordinated with MUSC 106 and will parallel the concepts there as much as possible. (For music majors; others may enroll with permission of instructor.)

Provides an introduction to music and musical styles. Selected pieces and composers are studied within a historical-cultural context; provides an examination of works from the medieval era through the twentieth century.

Is an introductory study of the development of popular music traditions in the United States from the nineteenth century to the present. This course is intended to introduce students to the academic study of the history of American popular music, including musicological analysis and various approaches to the historical and socio-cultural issues regarding American popular musical traditions.

Surveys major developments in the canon of Catholic music, including the development of chant, the great works of the modern era, to the styles which arose in the post-1969 period, when the Catholic Church changed its ancient Mass radically. Critical engagement with some of the problems the Church faced as she moved from period to period will be paired with an exploration of the implications of that decision for music in worship.

Surveys major developments in and characteristics of the folk musics of Asian, African, South American, Eastern European, and indigenous cultures. Assessments in our reaction to these musics and critical engagement with the cultures they reflect will complement a growing awareness of the rich variety of music found outside traditional Western musical styles.

Requires music majors to attend a minimum of ten music performances on or off-campus each semester. Credit will be given with a punch card for on-campus events and by turning in programs from off-campus events to their applied instructor or the Arts Coordinator.

Provides piano lessons in a group setting. Music majors must pass a keyboard proficiency exam by the end of the first semester of their junior year. Majors may test out of this class at any time.

Introduces the basics of audio hardware and signal paths in tandem with the use of digital audio workstations. The course will focus on the production of radio commercials, voice-overs and music to develop and gain engineering and production skills in recording, mixing, editing, and composition.

This course introduces the use of minimal microphone choices, techniques, placements, and live recording equipment including mixers and live mixing to 2 tracks. Also includes multiple track recording with phasing and mixing problems, and editing the mix to the selected end-user media. The empahasis will be on capturing acoustic music and ambient sound recording; students will record a number of concerts during the semester without the use of processing.

A course which covers broad themes, practices, and subject content not currently offered in the curriculum. This course is directed primarily at non-majors and may be used for general education where approved.

A continuation of Music Theory II, providing the student with a historical perspective on tonal harmonies and forms through written work, listening, and analysis. Features an integrated, historical approach to understanding music theory concepts.

A continuation of Music Theory III, but focuses primarily on music of the 19th and 20th Centuries through written work, listening, and analysis. Features an integrated, historical approach to understanding music theory concepts.

This course provides the student with the third semester of an integrated, two-year training and sight-singing course. Students gain critical listening and performance skills through dictation, sight-singing, and aural analysis. MUSC 215 is coordinated with MUSC 205 and will parallel the concepts presented there as much as possible.

This course provides the student with the final semester of an integrated two-year ear-training and sight-singing course that culminates in a focus on 20th Century techniques and idioms. Students gain critical listening and performance skills through dictation, sight-singing, and aural analysis of 20th Century styles and literature. MUSC 216 is coordinated with MUSC 205 and will parallel the concepts presented there as much as possible. Prerequisite: Audition/permission of director.

Presents an in-depth study of the music and musical styles of the Medieval (c. 400 A.D.) through Baroque (c. 1750) eras, in a historical-cultural context. Examination of musical scores and listening to recordings is required.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester. Classical guitar students must provide their own nylon string guitar.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides an understanding of the correct pronunciation and articulation of the Latin, Italian and English languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet for singing application.

Performs a variety of choral literature ranging from Gregorian Chant to contemporary works and presents a concert at the end of each semester. The ensemble is open to all students. Audition required for participation.

A university/community ensemble that sings a variety of choral literature, including large choral works.

Provides exposure to all aspects of the production of both opera and music theatre. Productions will vary in style and period each year. Students may participate as a soloist, in the chorus, orchestra, or crew for credit.

This course provides exposure to all aspects of the production of a play. Students may participate as an actor, stage manager, on the production team, or serve as public relations coordinator for credit. Prerequisite: Audition/permission of director.

The JSO is an orchestra consisting of students from Lewis University, Joliet Junior College, the University of St. Francis, and upper level area high school musicians and community members. The orchestra performs a variety of symphonic literature from various historical eras. Prerequisite: Audition/permission of director.

Focuses on performing symphony music from various historical eras, utilizing diverse instrument combinations. The group may vary in size from trio or quartet up to a Baroque chamber orchestra and may perform with other ensembles within the University. Prerequisite: Audition/permission of director.

Engages students in music through in choral performance. The ensemble performs a variety of literature ranging from arrangements of early spirituals, concert spirituals, to contemporary gospel works in the African American tradition. The ensemble will perform several concerts in each semester. The ensemble is open to all students. Audition required for participation. (

Provides historical, philosophical, and practical foundations for the teaching of music. To be taken in conjunction with the initial clinical experience, EDUC 211, which will assist the student in confirming his or her decision to enter the field.

This course provides an extensive study of audio equipment hardware, including microphone pre-amps, microphone studies and trials, compressors, equalizers, and analog to digital converters. Students will take an active role in session operations, and will be involved in numerous recording sessions of music and ensembles from the community, with continued emphasis on recording, mixing, editing, and composition.

This course introduces Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), sequencing language, using audio industry standard software. This course introduces techniques that utilize MIDI recording, routing MIDI channels, quantization, MIDI editing in Step and Score editors, MIDI controllers and combining multiple MIDI sources. Student will create MIDI compositions using these techniques.

Introduces fundamental technologies and equipment used in basic and professional audio systems from a technical and functional perspective. Students will be taught the techniques and tools of sound reinforcement, live audio production, basic and advanced uses of the mixer, and monitor stage mixing for live sound reinforcement. Awareness of audio systems components will be combined with ear training and hands-on practice.

Is a title given to a course which covers broad themes, practices, and subject content not currently offered in the curriculum.

Provides an understanding of the principles of tonal and atonal counterpoint from the origins of past-music to the present. The course will focus primarily, however, on the music and compositional techniques of 18th Century style.

Provides the student with experience in the art and technique of composing original pieces of music. A highly individualized practice, compositions will be done in a variety of media - vocal and instrumental - and in a variety of musical styles, including computer-assisted works.

Jazz Improvisation I is designed to give the basics needed in order to learn the art of improvising music in a jazz idiom. Some of the tools of jazz improvisation include the understanding of jazz chords, scales, patterns, song forms, and listening to recordings of jazz greats.

Offers students a continuation of Western Music Tradition I. Provides an in-depth examination of music and musical styles from the Classical era (c. 1750) through the present. Relates musical styles to historical, cultural, and societal developments. Examination of musical scores and listening to recordings is required.

Provides an exploration of world music cultures; allows students to develop an understanding of diverse musical styles, aesthetic viewpoints of differing cultures, and the function of music in western and non-western societies. The student will not only encounter new musical expressions but also the philosophies and world views which accompany them.

Intended to provide the music major with experience performing in public and to prepare them for the recital in the Senior year. Permission of applied instructor required.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides private lessons to students in a private studio setting. Master classes are organized for each student during the semester with an informal recital/jury at the end of each semester.

Provides an introduction to playing techniques for woodwind instruments and the study of methods of individual and class instruction.

Provides an introduction to playing brass instruments and to the study of methods of individual and class instruction.

Provides an introduction to playing string instruments and to the study of methods of individual and class instruction.

Provides an introduction to playing techniques for percussion instruments and the study of methods of individual and class instruction.

Provides basic conducting techniques, score reading and interpretive skills for music ensembles. Students utilize instrumental and choral scores. Also deals with selection of repertoire, program planning, and rehearsal techniques.

Provides experience in the art and technique of accompanying singers and instrumentalists, both solo and ensemble. Student keyboardists may accompany other students for lessons, recitals, and concerts under faculty supervision; students may also accompany University choral ensembles. Permission of instructor required.

Provides basic training in opera and musical theatre performance, including stage movement, improvisation, vocal coaching, and the stage arts. Scenes and portions of works will be performed. Two class meetings per week with additional rehearsals scheduled as needed.

Provides an understanding of the correct pronunciation and articulation of the French and German languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet for singing application.

Provides an introduction to the music technologies available to music professionals. Topics to be included are computer proficiency, MIDI, computer-based music notation, sequencing, music and the Internet, and current trends in music technology.

Provides the study of instructional procedures, techniques, resources, and the tools for teaching elementary and middle school students. The course also provides an understanding of instructional innovations, classroom organization and management, and measurement and evaluation techniques.

Provides the study of instructional procedures, techniques, resources, and the tools for teaching middle and high school students. The course also provides an understanding of instructional innovations, classroom organization and management, and measurement and evaluation techniques.

Provides an understanding of the physiological workings of the voice and pedagogical methods for teaching singing, and includes clinical, critiqued student teaching experience.

Provides students with the concepts and materials necessary for successful piano and keyboard teaching at the elementary level. Business aspects, elementary methods, ensemble literature, lesson planning, and software programs appropriate for beginner students will be included.

This course provides ear training for recording engineers to develop an understanding of the sonic spectrum. Theory and application of recording particular voices and instruments using various types of microphones will be extensively investigated. Emphasis will be placed on recording, editing, mixing, and automating effects of digital multi-track productions; various onsite recording sessions of music and ensembles will be utilized.

This course provides a continuation of MIDI Composition I, integrating virtual instruments, rewire techniques, advanced use of processing and sculpting samples, tempo and velocity maps. Students will engage in further exploration of the more elaborate nuances of MIDI triggering architecture and MIDI file management; assessment will be based on MIDI compositions using this architecture.

This course provides students with methods to identify, limit, and cope with digital failure and minimize damage. Students will learn to protect files and safely manage, document, store and back them up. Students will also learn how to effectively collaborate with different artists in bringing their vision to life through creative problem-solving and by learning the psychology of recording sessions.

Provides students with the skills to arrange and orchestrate pieces of music for a variety of vocal and instrumental media.

Jazz Improvisation II is designed to provide advanced skills in the art of improvising music in a jazz idiom. Some of the tools of jazz improvisation include the understanding of jazz chords, scales, patterns, song forms, and listening to recordings of jazz greats.

Provides a survey of sacred and secular literature for the solo voice from approximately 1650 to the present. Designed for music majors.

Provides a survey of keyboard music from the Renaissance era through the present. Designed for music majors.

Provides students with the pedagogical techniques and materials required for the direction of singers in large and small choral ensembles. The course places an emphasis on vocal technique, diction, rehearsal methods and repertoire selection for choral groups.

A half recital or a full recital (to be determined by the applied teacher) is intended to be the capstone performing experience for the Music Major. The recital allows students to master a select repertoire in their applied area and to perform it in a public venue.

Provides the student with advanced conducting techniques, score reading and interpretive skills. Students utilize more complex and difficult scores, analyzing and preparing them for rehearsal and performance. Students may rehearse and perform with one of the University ensembles as part of the course.

Provides students with the concepts and materials necessary for successful piano and keyboard teaching at the intermediate and advanced levels. Business aspects, teaching methods, ensemble literature, lesson planning, and software programs appropriate for intermediate and advanced students will be included.

This course emphasizes communication skills grounded in practical musical experience, participation as engineer and producer on various projects, and interaction effectively with musicians. Students will gain experience through acoustical modeling, interfacing with MIDI and virtual instruments, tempo maps, surround production, and data compression. Mastering digital audio-preparing final audio mix for a media release-will be examined.

This course provides a foundation in standard digital audio workstations for video and film post-production. Students will learn to create sound tracks for TV, film, and multi-media productions, and how to synchronize video with time code. The course also provides foundations and techniques required in the creation and the manipulation of dialogue, music and sound effects along with the methodology of the track building process.

Provides student with methods to identify, limit and cope with digital failure and minimize damage. Students will learn to protect files and safely manage, document, store and back them up. Students will also learn how to effectively collaborate with different artists in bringing their vision to life through creative problem-solving and by learning the psychology of recording sessions.

A course which covers specific themes, practices, and subject content not currently offered in the curriculum. This course is directed primarily to student majoring in the subject area and could be used to complete major requirements. The course will provide an in-depth study of a specific topic.

This course is an academic learning experience designed by the instructor. The student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Internships are full or part-time credit bearing, short-term, supervised work experiences. They can be established on or off-campus and may be paid or unpaid. Faculty members, collaborating with an on-site supervisor, monitor and supervise student progress, detail content, and evaluate final achievement.