Minor in Music

The Minor in Music is an 18-credit program in which students will receive coursework in theory (music theory, ear training, composition and songwriting), practice (private lessons, participation in ensembles, and performance-based classes), and musicology (chosen from a multitude of rotating academic offerings), taught by professional musicians at the top of their craft, which will cultivate a comprehensive foundation of musical literacy and fluency, and will provide them with personal enrichment along with a greater enrichment of the entire UMSV community.

Music Minor Learning Outcomes

A student in the music minor will:

1. Build a strong foundation in the performance of music. | Participation in ensembles, performance-based courses, and in performances will demonstrate the students’ growth as artistic interpreters and ensemble musicians, and in technical proficiency in their voice or instrument.

2. Develop a greater understanding of music theory and heightened aural skills. | In-class assessments, homework assignments, and exams in theoretical and foundation-building courses will measure the growth of the students’ skill sets and understanding of fundamentals.

3. Effective communication: students will utilize oral and written communication to describe, analyze, and critique works of music; and non-verbal communication in ensemble and performance settings. | This will be demonstrated through in-class assessments, written assignments, presentations, and performances.

4. Enhance their cultural and historical understanding of music. | Students’ understanding of music in its cultural context will be demonstrated through in-class assignments, exams, and writings unique to their classes.

5. Experience academic and creative enrichment. | Participation in outreach concerts and on-campus performances and services will serve to demonstrate how the students’ work enriches the campus and community, and reflects the UMSV mission and Setonian tradition of service.

Requirements for the Minor in Music

All students are required to take 18 credits from the following list of courses to complete the Minor in Music.

**Music Minor Required and Elective Courses**
Category	Course	Credits
Required Courses:
	MUS XXX Musicianship I	(3 credits)
	MUS XXX Musicianship II	(3 credits)
Earn between 3-6 credits from the following applied music classes:
	MUS XXX/ART 104 Choir	(1 credit)
	MUS XXX A Cappella Ensemble	(1 credit)
	MUS XXX Instrumental Ensemble	(1 credit)
	MUS 1XX Private Lessons*	(1 credit)
Earn between 6-9 credits from the following:
	MUS XXX/ART 211 Fine Arts Music	(3 credits)
	MUS XXX/ART 253 American Musical Theatre	(3 credits)
	MUS XXX Guitar Basics and Beyond	(3 credits)
	MUS XXX Performance Workshop	(3 credits)
	MUS XXX Latin American Popular Music	(3 credits)

*Private lessons carry an $825 per semester Conservatory fee to offset the cost of 1-on-1 instruction.

Course Descriptions

MUS XXX MUSICIANSHIP I

This course introduces basic principles of Western music theory (scales, keys, and tonal harmony), and develops and sharpens the student’s listening and musicianship skills. Students will learn solfege and basic music reading, which will strengthen their ability to match pitch, hear and sing/play harmonies, and stay rhythmically secure. With an emphasis on popular music styles as well as core ear training concepts, students will heighten their recognition of intervals, scale degrees, melodies, and chords. No formal training or background is required. 3 credits.

MUS XXX MUSICIANSHIP II

This course is a continuation of Musicianship I, building upon and applying the foundation of rudiments to examine harmonic progressions, voice leading, and structural form. Harmonic and structural analysis of works from the Western music tradition become more of a focus, and aural skills are expanded with greater melodic and rhythmic complexity. The class culminates with the presentation of a formal and harmonic analysis of a piece of music. 3 credits.

MUS XXX/ART 104 CHOIR

The UMSV Community Choir is a choral ensemble that rehearses and performs throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. The purpose of the UMSV Community Choir is to sing for on-campus events, churches, schools, and other institutions in the local community and beyond. These musical offerings take place throughout the semester. 1 credit.

MUS XXX A CAPPELLA ENSEMBLE

The A Cappella Ensemble is a semester of weekly 2-hour rehearsals with performances throughout the semester. This course focuses on developing the foundational skills required for a cappella ensemble singing. Students will work on vocal technique, blend, balance, and harmonization while rehearsing and performing selected repertoire. Aside from building a strong foundation of ensemble singing, we will explore contemporary repertoire such as pop, jazz, and trad. song. Multiple performances throughout the semester will showcase the ensemble’s work. 1 credit.

MUS XXX INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE

This course is designed to accommodate a wide range of instruments and skill levels, and offers students the opportunity to explore and perform a diverse repertoire, with arrangements tailored to suit the abilities of the group. Participants will collaborate in a supportive environment that fosters musicianship, ensemble skills, and artistic expression. This ensemble meets twice weekly, each session for 60 minutes: one session of coached rehearsal with Conservatory faculty, and one session of independent group rehearsal. The class culminates with a performance in the end-of semester concert, and may include other performances throughout the semester.

*Requirements: at least 2 years of experience on primary instrument, ability to read music, or by permission. 1 credit.

MUS XXX/ART 211 FINE ARTS MUSIC

This course centers on foundations of musical expression. The course explores themes in the history of music from ancient times to the present. Emphasis is on the relationship between musical styles and historical context—demonstrated through lectures and discussions, keyboard demonstrations, and listening activities. 3 credits, fulfills a core requirement.

MUS XXX/ART 253 AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE

This course will explore the dynamic world of musical theatre to classify artform into the musical theatre canon. This course will heavily rely on discussion in class rooted from the home viewing opportunities and reading material assigned every week. There will also be a final revival presentation due at the end of the semester. 3 credits, fulfills a core requirement.

MUS XXX GUITAR BASICS AND BEYOND

This course centers on the fundamentals of guitar. For beginners and experienced guitarists alike, students will focus on reading music, basic technique, and ensemble play, apply what they learn to various exercises and group pieces. 3 credits.

MUS XXX PERFORMANCE LAB

Performance Lab provides a weekly gathering for music students of all levels and instruments to perform works in progress and develop confidence as performers. Through regular low-stakes performances, guided coaching, and discussion, students learn performance techniques, refine stage presence, and strengthen listening skills. Sessions combine student performance with exploration of general repertoire—symphonic, instrumental, vocal, and chamber music as relevant to those enrolled—along with analysis of scores and engagement with historic and contemporary recordings. The course is student-driven, responding to the needs and interests of the participants. Performance Lab is envisioned as an experiential component of the minor in music, nurturing community across studios and the wider music program. 3 credits.

MUS XXX LATIN AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC

This course introduces the students to the wide spectrum of Latin American music. This includes lectures with music examples of the wide range of musical genres developed in Latin America during the 20th and 21st centuries. The class will study the basic approach to musicology from Latin American scholars and their work. 3 credits.

MUS 1XX PRIVATE LESSIONS*

MUS 1XX is a semester of weekly, 60-minute private lessons. This is one-on-one study of the skills which are the basis of all styles of performance. Aside from building a strong foundation of technique, the student’s musical goals will be addressed, including “Classical” (music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods) and contemporary repertoire such as jazz, musical theater, and pop. 1 credit.