The discipline of music and music making requires the integration of technical skills, creativity, analytical thinking, and understanding. Students electing to study music work with faculty musicians in classes, ensembles, and private lessons to acquire basic musicianship skills, develop performance abilities, learn about music’s role in past and present cultures, and gain the enthusiasm and tools needed for lifelong teaching and learning in the field of music. A degree in music within a liberal arts curriculum provides a broad background, allowing students to enter many careers and to pursue further study and graduate work in many areas. Graduates of Western’s Music Department are now involved in a variety of careers, including the recording industry, concert management, counseling, librarianship, music business, accompanying, coaching, church music, independent teaching, and performance. Many graduates have elected to take the additional music and education courses leading to licensure in Music Education and are pursuing careers in the public schools of Colorado and the nation, often pursuing graduate study in a variety of fields within the education profession.
The Music Department also provides opportunities for all members of the Western community to gain rewarding musical experience as participants in ensembles. Many courses are offered to all students of the University to provide an awareness of music and its importance to all cultures. Free concerts by faculty, students, and guests are performed for the University and the Gunnison community.
Three Comprehensive Program Emphases are available for students who wish to major in music: Music Emphasis, Music Education Emphasis, and Business Emphasis. All programs require study in all areas of music—theory, basic keyboard skills, history and literature, individual and group performance, conducting, and research methods. The Music Education Emphasis includes additional methods and techniques courses designed to qualify students for music-teacher licensure in Colorado. Additional Education courses for the K-12 licensure are administered by the Education Program.
The Music Minor consists of theory and history courses and electives chosen from the offerings of the Music Department.
Western Colorado University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Program Goals
Develop competent musicians with the skills necessary to enter the music professions. Those goals are realized through the following goals/objectives. Graduates of the Music major program will gain experience and knowledge needed to:
- Perform proficiently with the voice or on an instrument as demonstrated through regular semester juries, freshman and sophomore barrier juries, recital hearings, senior recitals and piano proficiency.
- Develop proficiency in musicianship (knowledge and understanding of music history and music theory) demonstrated through oral presentations, written reports, theory placement exam, Pre-Test/Post Test exams in MUS 100 and Music Theory sequence.
- Explore their creative potential demonstrated through lessons, ensembles, compositions, papers/presentations in music history, improvisation, and projects in the music education sequence.
- Apply skills in technology, especially music technology.
- Share and communicate their musical knowledge and understanding with others through lessons, ensembles, studio class performances, student recitals, jury performances and at all public concerts.
- Enter a music or music-related profession.
- Enter graduate study in music.
Capstone Course Requirement
The following course in the Music Major fulfills the Capstone Course Requirement: MUS 400 SENIOR RECITAL/SENIOR PROJECT.
Music Courses
Designed to encourage concert and convocation attendance as a means of learning about music literature and style, performance practice, and topics of interest to musicians. Attending 75% of the posted events in each semester (as either listener or performer) qualifies as a 'Satisfactory' grade. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
An introduction to music literacy and theory. Students acquire basic skills of reading, writing, and performing music and gain an understanding of scales, intervals, chords, and transposition. The course is open to students with little or no musical background.
Open to all who play orchestral instruments and who wish to experience playing orchestral music. The course includes the study and performance of orchestral literature.
Open to all who play band instruments. The course includes the study and performance of symphonic band literature. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition.
Open to all who play band instruments, guitar, bass guitar, and piano. The course includes the study of popular music and performance at university athletic functions including football, basketball, and volleyball events.
Open to anyone with singing experience. The Western Concert Choir studies and performs choral masterworks from all historical periods of music. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition.
Designed to provide experience in musical-dramatic activities. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisite: admission by campus-wide audition.
An introductory course for the music major interested in music education K-12. This course provides students with an overview of the concepts, methods and techniques used in music education. Students will learn the historical, philosophical, and practical conventions of all areas of music education, including elementary music, choir, orchestra, and band. Through this course students will examine different aspects involved in teaching music in the public schools, goals of various music programs, and existing music curricula including sample lesson plans. Including in this course will be an introduction to the Colorado Model Content Standards for Music and technology used in music education. This course is a pre-requisite to the 200 and 300 level music education methods classes.
Designed to give the student-musician rehearsal and performance experience in the area of ensemble and chamber music. Includes the Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, String, and Jazz Ensembles, as well as Chamber Singers, and additional small ensembles. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time.
Development of musicianship skills related to MUS 129. Students will study, sight read, and perform (voice and keyboard) rhythms, tonicization patterns in major and minor keys, intervals, scales, and diatonic chords. Students will also learn to take melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation. (Offered fall) Prerequisite: MUS 100 or the equivalent. Corequisite: MUS 129.
A study of musical analysis, notation, and composition. This course concentrates on fundamentals such as major and minor scales, meter, rhythm, pitch intervals, key signatures, triads and inversions, chord building, harmonic progressions, figured bass interpretation, and voice leading. (Offered spring) Prerequisite: MUS 100 or the equivalent; or instructor permission.
Designed to enhance and build on the musical skills and knowledge learned in MUS 128 and MUS 129 and develop those areas of musicianship through voice performance and dictation. This course builds on knowledge of diatonic triads with the inclusion of inversions, 4-part harmonic contexts, and diatonic seventh chords. Sight singing exercises feature greater melodic leaps and syncopation. (Offered fall) Prerequisite: MUS 128 and MUS 129 with minimum grades of C. Corequisite: MUS 131.
A study of musical analysis, notation, and composition. This course builds on knowledge gained in MUS 128 and MUS 129 and introduces non-chord tones, diatonic seventh chords, small forms, and cadences. This course completes the comprehensive study of diatonic, common practice harmony. (Offered fall) Prerequisites: MUS 129 with minimum grade of C, or instructor permission.
A study of the elements of musical structure designed to form a basis for intelligentlistening. Music is selected to illustrate representative styles of music from differenthistorical periods and world cultures. Required of Music majors and minors duringtheir freshman year.
Beginning piano.
A continuation of MUS 173.
Private instruction.
Private instruction. May be repeated. Typically reserved for Music Education Majors.
Designed to acquaint students with music technology hardware (including MIDI-Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and a variety of software programs to enhance learning, teaching, and performing situations at all ages and levels. Students have the opportunity to work with available equipment. Offered in alternate years (Fall 2013). Prerequisite: MUS 100 or MUS 129 with a minimum grade of C or instructor permission.
Designed to cover basic performing skills and teaching techniques for all woodwindinstruments. Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondaryschools. Offered in alternate years (spring 2010).
Designed to cover basic performing skills and teaching techniques for all brass instruments. Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (fall 2009).
Instruction in violin, viola, violoncello and bass for the Music Education student.Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (fall 2014).
An introduction to the basic percussion instruments with special attention given to standard and contemporary performance techniques and sound production. Emphasis is on application in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (spring 2011).
A study of tone production, breathing as applied to singing, attack and release, muscular control, posture, and vocal health. Special exercises adapted to individual needs of pupils and simple English songs are sung in the class. Emphasis is on basic skills and techniques for use with young voices in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Offered in alternate years (spring 2014).
A study of a specific perspective or repertory of music and its relationship to other aspects of musical culture. Historical, sociological, and multicultural influences and implications, are also considered. The course may be taken two times (with different titles) for credit.
A study of the history and development of jazz and its impact on American Culture. An emphasis is placed on contributions of individuals that altered not only the popularity of jazz, but influenced American society. The course provides an understanding of musical structure, improvisation, instrumental techniques and the impact of jazz on other musical styles and genres.
An introductory course emphasizing the history and development of Rock and Roll music. The growth and development of major historical periods of rock music and related styles will be explored through the study of historical, social, political and cultural influence. Music is selected to illustrate representative styles of music from different historical periods of Rock music and culture.
A study of the basic techniques of conducting, score reading, beat patterns, rehearsal procedures, and style in the instrumental and vocal media. Emphasis is placed on physical exercises, coordination, and the development of fundamental baton techniques. Students conduct in class and observe rehearsal situations with the College ensembles. Offered in alternate even numbered years (fall term). Prerequisites: MUS 130 and MUS 131 with minimum grades of C; or instructor permission.
Designed to enhance and build on the musical skills and knowledge learned in MUS130 and MUS 131 and develop those areas of musicianship through performance(voice and keyboard) and dictation. Studies incorporate modulation using diatonicchords, modemixture, chromaticism, and secondary dominants. (Offered fall)Prerequisites: MUS 130 and MUS 131 with minimum grades of C. Corequisite:MUS 254.
A study of musical analysis, notation, and composition. This course builds on knowledge gained in MUS 130 and MUS 131 and introduces secondary dominants, modulation, chromaticism, extension of tertian harmony, and larger form structures. (Offered Spring) Prerequisites: MUS 130 and MUS 131 with minimum grades of C; or instructor permission. Corequisite: MUS 253.
The student becomes acquainted with the methods and materials to be used in the teaching of music students, in both private and class situations.
An introduction to improvisation for singers and instrumentalists including improvisational experiences in a variety of styles (jazz, classical, and other), integration of music theory with improvisation, and methods of teaching improvisation. Required of majors in the Music Education Emphasis. Offered in alternate years (spring 2010). Prerequisites: MUS 130 and MUS 131 with a minimum grades of C, or instructor permission.
Open to all who play orchestral instruments and who wish to experience playing orchestral music. The course includes the study and performance of orchestral literature. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 101; instructor permission.
Open to all who play band instruments. The course includes the study and performance of symphonic band literature. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 102; or instructor permission.
Open to all who play band instruments, guitar, bass guitar, and piano. The course includes the study of popular music and performance at university athletic functions including football, basketball, and volleyball events. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of 103; instructor permission.
Open to anyone with singing experience. The Western Concert Choir studies and performs choral masterworks from all historical periods of music. Membership is open to Music majors and non-Music majors by audition. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 104; instructor permission.
Designed to provide experience in musical-dramatic activities. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisites: admission by campus-wide audition; junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 105; instructor permission.
Designed to acquaint the piano student with ensemble repertoire and performancetraditions. Prerequisite: four credits of piano private study or equivalent performance background.
A study of the basic principles of composition. Harmonic, contrapuntal, and formal structures of various stylistic periods are employed. Prerequisites: MUS 255 and MUS 256 with minimum grades of C; or instructor permission.
An introduction to current production software designed to give students experience utilizing digital audio recording techniques and electronic sequencers. Students utilize sequencing and sound design software to create electronic music, demonstrate signal flow analysis using real and virtual hardware, understand and demonstrate a variety of microphone-based recording techniques, and create projects using a digital audio workstation. Prerequisite: MUS 131 with a minimum grade of C.
A study of techniques of arranging for instrumental and vocal ensembles. Prerequisite: MUS 256 with minimum grade of C; or instructor permission.
Designed to give the student-musician rehearsal and performance experience in the area of ensemble and chamber music. Includes the Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, String, and Jazz Ensembles, as well as Chamber Singers and additional small ensembles. Membership is open to Music Majors and non-Music Majors by audition. Credit is determined by the type of ensemble and amount of rehearsal time. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; minimum of one semester of MUS 121; or instructor permission.
Designed to enhance and build on the musical skills and knowledge learned in MUS 253 and MUS 254 and develop those areas of musicianship through voice performance and dictation. This course focuses on compositional practices of the twentieth century and includes modal melodic dictation, rhythmic dictation and sight singing with changing meters, and atonal sight singing. (Offered Fall) Prerequisites: MUS 253 and MUS 254 with minimum grades of C. Or instructor permission. Corequisite: MUS 341.
A study of musical analysis, notation, and composition. This course introduces styles and techniques associated with twentieth century composition. Studies include impressionism, set theory, serialism, post-1945 serialism, neotonality, minimalism, and transformational languages. (Offered Fall) Prerequisites: MUS 253 and MUS 254 with minimum grades of C. Or instructor permission. Corequisite: MUS 340.
5A study of advanced techniques of conducting, score reading, musical style, materials, and repertoire in the instrumental and vocal media. Emphasis is placed on physical exercises and coordination of the mind and hands, as well as musical terms necessary for proper interpretation of musical scores. Students conduct in both class and laboratory situations with College ensembles. Offered in alternate years (spring 2015). Prerequisites: MUS 250 with minimum grade of C; or instructor permission.
A study of the development of music from Ancient Greece to the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Emphasis is placed on acquaintance with the music literature of successive periods. Prerequisites: Music Major or Minor status; MUS 140.
A study of the development of music from the Classic and Romantic eras to the present. Emphasis is placed on acquaintance with the music literature of successive periods. Prerequisites: Music Major or Minor status; MUS 140.
A study of contrapuntal techniques necessary to compose polyphonic music in two,three, four, or more parts. Prerequisites: MUS 255 and MUS 256 with minimum grades of C; or instructor permission.
A study of the teaching of general music, working with children's voices, using instruments, and developing listening skills. Current approaches such as Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, and Suzuki are also addressed. Students survey elementary music texts and learn how to develop and plan a music program. Offered in alternate years (spring). Prerequisites: MUS 120 and MUS 250 with a minimum grade of C.
A study of the supervision, organization, and administration of instrumental music in the public schools, K-12, providing background and experience with the philosophical, historical, and practical foundation of instrumental music in the public schools. Emphasis is placed upon contemporary methodology, all aspects of teaching and conducting activities in instrumental music, comprehensive musicianship through performance, and preparation for student teaching. Offered in alternate years (fall 2014). Prerequisites: MUS 250 with a minimum grade of C.
An intensive study of materials and methods for teaching vocal and general music in the elementary and secondary school, plus objectives, organization, administration, curriculum content, guidance for student teachers, and background in contemporary trends in music education for all age levels, K-12. Offered in alternate years (spring 2013). Prerequisites: MUS 120 and 250 with a minimum grade of C.
Students demonstrate competency in an area of performance, research, composition, or music technology. Senior projects may include a research project, composition, music technology project, or internship. Prerequisite: senior standing and consent of faculty advisor.
Designed to extend participant's knowledge of live sound reinforcement in multiple scenarios, acoustics, analog mixing, digital mixing, use of DI boxes, live effects, electro-acoustic performing, commissioning composers, equipment selection, foley, sound design, user-end music licensing, sampling, video editing, and synchronization. Prerequisite: MUS 212 with a minimum grade of C or instructor permission.
Designed to extend participant's knowledge of advanced studio recording techniques, audio-over-IP signal chain, monitor mixing, multi-track recording, use of studio spaces and isolation rooms, audio editing, effects, sampling, mixing, mastering, concert recording, and the use of digital audio workstations for the complete lifecycle of music production. Additional topics of study include music distribution, creator-side music licensing, live streaming, podcasting, and electronic / electro-acoustic composition. Prerequisite: MUS 212 with a minimum grade of C or instructor permission.
A study and analysis of the literature available to the concert band and the various types of large wind ensembles.
An historical study of the standard repertoire for the applied instrument or voice.
A basic course in Italian, German, and French diction designed for voice students.Foreign language diction are studied in selected vocal repertoire.
Students write original compositions for solo or ensemble performing media.
A study of topics related to music study suitable for workshop format. Includes discussion, practice, and demonstration.
A special study in areas of student interest. May be taken for a maximum of four credits.
An internship may be arranged in this course. Credit earned in this course may beapplied to the major or minor with faculty approval. Consult advisor for details.