Music at Bluffton College

It is the Music Department's objective to provide opportunities to study music as one of the representative arts in Western culture, to provide opportunities to develop performance skills for use throughout life; and to provide ensemble settings in which to use the skills and knowledge while in college.

Majors

Bluffton College, an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, offers two majors in music: Music (liberal arts) and Music Education. A minor in Music is offered for students who major in another discipline.

Music (liberal arts) majors may choose to focus their studies in one of the following concentration areas: music business, church music, performance studies or piano pedagogy. Designed to help prepare students for careers in music retailing/arts administration, church music, music performance and piano instruction, each concentration maintains a common curricular core of music theory and history, piano and applied area study.

The Music Education major meets Ohio licensure requirements for vocal/instrumental music, Pre-K-12.

Students who are awarded music scholarships are required to declare a major in Music by the end of their first year in order to receive their scholarships the following year.

Music (liberal arts) (45 hours)

MUS 116 Voice Class (2)
MUS 131 Music Theory 1 (2)
MUS 133 Music Theory 2 (2)
MUS 132 Aural Skills 1 (2)
MUS 134 Aural Skills 2 (2)
MUS 235 Music Theory 3 (3)
MUS 236 Music Theory 4 (3)
MUS 221 Music History 1 (3)
MUS 222 Music History 2 (3)
MUS 401 Music Seminar (2)
Electives in music (6 hours)

Applied music: (12 hours)
Piano: MUS 101 and/or MUS 121, MUS 122 (4)
Major applied area: MUS 101, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 and 110 (8)

Ensembles: (3 hours)
Music majors must participate in at least one of the following ensembles each semester.
MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)

Music recital/lab
All majors are required to enroll in MUS 100 each semester until graduation.

Junior recital
MUS 300 is taken during the second semester of the junior year.

Senior recital
MUS 400 is taken during the senior year.

Music major with concentration in Music Business (48 hours)

Music courses: (23 hours)
MUS 131 Music Theory 1 (2)
MUS 133 Music Theory 2 (2)
MUS 132 Aural Skills 1 (2)
MUS 134 Aural Skill 2 (2)
MUS 212 Electronic Music (2)
MUS 235 Music Theory 3 (3)
MUS 236 Music Theory 4 (3)
MUS 221 Music History 1 (3)
MUS 222 Music History 2 (3)
MUS 402-01 Music Practicum (1)

Non-Music courses: (14 hours)
CPS 100 Using Microcomputers (2)
EBA 140 Fundamentals of Economics (3)
EBA 151 Principles of Accounting 1 (3)
EBA 354 Principles of Management (3)
EBA 356 Principles of Marketing (3)

Applied music: (8 hours)
Piano: MUS 101 and/or MUS 121, MUS 122 (4)
Major applied area: MUS 101, 103, 105, 106, 107,108, 109 and 110 (4)

Ensembles: (3 hours)
Music majors must participate in at least one of the following ensembles each semester for a total of three hours.
MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)

Music recital/lab
All majors are required to enroll in MUS 100 each semester until graduation.

Junior recital
MUS 300 is taken during the second semester of the junior year.

Music major with concentration in Church Music (46 hours)

Music courses: (25 hours)
MUS 131 Music Theory 1 (2)
MUS 133 Music Theory 2 (2)
MUS 132 Aural Skills 1 (2)
MUS 134 Aural Skill 2 (2)
MUS 141 Beginning Conducting (2)
MUS 231 Church Music (2)
MUS 235 Music Theory 3 (3)
MUS 236 Music Theory 4 (3)
MUS 221 Music History 1 (3)
MUS 222 Music History 2 (3)
MUS 402-02 Music Practicum (1)

Non-Music courses: (8 hours)
REL 230 Christian Worship (2)
REL 334 Foundations of Christian Ministry (3)
One of the following three:
    COM 340 Religious Communication (3)
    THE 233 Creative Drama (3)
    THE 257 Oral Interpretation (3)

Applied music: (10 hours)
Must include a minimum of two hours in three of the following areas:
MUS 101 Applied Piano (2)
MUS 105 Applied Voice (2)
MUS 106 Applied Organ (2)
MUS 110 Applied Guitar (2)
An additional four hours required in major applied area. (4)

Ensembles: (3 hours)
Music majors must participate in at least one of the following ensembles each semester for a total of three hours.
MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)

Music recital/lab
All majors are required to enroll in MUS 100 each semester until graduation.

Junior recital
MUS 300 is taken during the second semester of the junior year.

Senior recital
MUS 400 is taken during the senior year.

Music major with concentration in Performance Studies (45-46 hours)

Music courses: (26-27 hours)
MUS 131 Music Theory 1 (2)
MUS 133 Music Theory 2 (2)
MUS 132 Aural Skills 1 (2)
MUS 134 Aural Skill 2 (2)
MUS 235 Music Theory 3 (3)
MUS 236 Music Theory 4 (3)
MUS 221 Music History 1 (3)
MUS 222 Music History 2 (3)
MUS 390 Independent Study (music literature) (2)
MUS 401 Music Seminar (2)
One of the following as related to major applied area:
    MUS 113 String Class (2)
    MUS 116 Voice Class (2)
    MUS 117 Brass Class (3)
    MUS 118 Percussion Class (2)
    MUS 119 Woodwind Class (3)

Applied music: (16 hours)
Piano: MUS 101 and/or MUS 121, MUS 122 (4)
Major applied area: MUS 101, 103, 105, 106, 107,108, 109 and 110 (8)
Secondary instrument applied area (4)

Ensembles: (3 hours)
Music majors must participate in at least one of the following ensembles each semester.
MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)

Music recital/lab
All majors are required to enroll in MUS 100 each semester until graduation.

Junior recital
MUS 300 is taken during the second semester of the junior year.

Senior recital
MUS 400 is taken during the senior year.

Music major with concentration in Piano Pedagogy (45 hours)

Music courses: (27 hours)
MUS 131 Music Theory 1 (2)
MUS 133 Music Theory 2 (2)
MUS 132 Aural Skills 1 (2)
MUS 134 Aural Skill 2 (2)
MUS 235 Music Theory 3 (3)
MUS 236 Music Theory 4 (3)
MUS 221 Music History 1 (3)
MUS 222 Music History 2 (3)
MUS 311 Piano Pedagogy – Elem Methods (2)
MUS 312 Piano Pedagogy – Int, Adv Methods (2)
MUS 390 Independent Study (piano literature) (2)
MUS 402-04 Music Practicum (1)

Non-Music courses: (3 hours)
EDU 215 Human Growth and Development (3)

Applied music: (12 hours)
Piano: MUS 101 and/or MUS 121, MUS 122 (4)
Major applied area: MUS 101, 103, 105, 106, 107,108, 109 and 110 (8)

Ensembles: (3 hours)
Music majors must participate in at least one of the following ensembles each semester.
MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)

Music recital/lab
All majors are required to enroll in MUS 100 each semester until graduation.

Junior recital
MUS 300 is taken during the second semester of the junior year.

Senior recital
MUS 400 is taken during the senior year.

Music Education (89 hours)

MUS 113 String Class (2)
MUS 116 Voice Class (2)
MUS 117 Brass Class (3)
MUS 118 Percussion Class (2)
MUS 119 Woodwind Class (3)
MUS 131 Music Theory 1 (2)
MUS 133 Music Theory 2 (2)
MUS 132 Aural Skills 1 (2)
MUS 134 Aural Skills 2 (2)
MUS 235 Music Theory 3 (3)
MUS 236 Music Theory 4 (3)
MUS 221 Music History 1 (3)
MUS 222 Music History 2 (3)
MUS 141 Beginning Conducting (2)
MUS 142 Instrumental Conducting (2) or MUS 143 Choral Conducting (2)
MUS 203 Instrumental Methods/Literature (2) or MUS 204 Choral Methods/Literature (2)
MUS 212 Electronic Music, Instruments and Equipment (2)
MUS 329 Music Education in Early Childhood (3)
MUS 331 Music Education in Middle Childhood, Adolescence and Young Adults (3)
MUS 303 Orchestration, Composition and Arranging (3)
MUS 401 Music Seminar (2)

Applied music: (10 hours)
Piano: MUS 101 and/or MUS 121, MUS 122 (3)
Major applied area: MUS 101, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 and 110 (7)

Ensembles: (3 hours)
Music education majors are required to participate in at least two ensembles each semester, one choral and one instrumental.
MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)

Music recital/lab
All majors are required to enroll in MUS 100 each semester until graduation.

Junior recital
MUS 300 is taken during the second semester of the junior year.

Senior recital
MUS 400 is taken during the senior year.

In addition to the above courses, Music Education majors must complete 25 hours of professional education courses:
EDU 203 Introduction to Teaching in a Diverse Society: MA (3)
EDU 215 Human Growth and Development: Birth Through Adolescence (3)
EDU 208 Field Experience: MA (1)
PSY 254 Educational Psychology and Classroom Assessment (3)
CPS 100 Using Microcomputers - waived.
EDU 332 Social and Philosophical Issues in Education (3)
EDU 305 Content Area Literacy - waived.
EDU 345 Multi-age Classroom Organization (2)
EDU 452 Student Teaching - Multi-age (10)
For Music Education majors, the following general education courses are waived: LAS 111 and LAS 301.

Performance requirements
All Music and Music Education majors must successfully complete the following performance requirements:

Ensembles: Music liberal arts majors must participate in at least one ensemble each semester. Music Education majors must participate in two ensembles each semester, one choral and one instrumental.

Piano proficiency: Satisfactory performance on the piano proficiency examination is a graduation requirement in both majors. Music Education majors must complete the examination prior to student teaching. Students must register for piano study each semester until the examination is passed.

Degree recital: All students must present a public junior and senior recital under the direction of their major applied professor, demonstrating competence in an applied performance area. The senior recital serves as the departmental senior comprehensive examination. (In special situations the music faculty may approve an alternative senior project.)

Please consult the Music Department Handbook for details of these and other departmental requirements.

Minor (20 hours)

Music theory (8 hours)
MUS 131 Music Theory 1 (2)
MUS 133 Music Theory 2 (2)
MUS 132 Aural Skills 1 (2)
MUS 134 Aural Skills 2 (2)

Music history: (3 hours required; 6 hours maximum)
MUS 221 Music History 1 (3)
MUS 222 Music History 2 (3)
MUS 401 Music Seminar (2)

Performance Studies: (2 hours required; 6 hours maximum)

MUS 101 Piano (1-2)
MUS 103 Strings (1-2)
MUS 105 Voice (1-2)
MUS 106 Organ (1-2)
MUS 107 Brass (1-2)
MUS 108 Percussion (1-2)
MUS 109 Woodwinds (1-2)
MUS 110 Guitar (1-2)

Music ensembles/performance studies: (1 hour required; 3 hours maximum)
MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
MUS 005 Music Theatre Workshop (.5)
MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)
MUS 009 Jazz Ensemble (.5)
MUS 010 Chamber Music (.5)

Electives in Music: (0-6 hours)
Any music courses not included in the above categories to total the required 20 hours in music.

Courses
MUS 002, 003, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010: Ensemble (.5 hour each)
Participation in designated ensembles, study of the literature being performed and exposure to rehearsal techniques and performance practices involved. A maximum of three hours may count toward graduation.

MUS 002 Wind Ensemble (.5)
The College Wind Ensemble is a band of traditional woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentation, which performs a varied repertoire at several on-campus performances each year. Membership is open to any campus/community instrumentalist desirous of playing. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership.

MUS 003 Chorale (.5)
The Bluffton College Chorale is a SATB chorus which performs a varied repertoire at several on-campus performances and occasional off campus performances each year. Membership is open to any student. Conscientious participation in rehearsals and performances is expected.

MUS 005 Music Theatre Workshop (.5)
Preparation and performance of staged opera and musical theatre works, both in their entirety and in excerpts. Conscientious participation in rehersals and performances is expected. Offered only in selected semesters.

MUS 006 Camerata Singers (.5)
The Camerata Singers is a select chamber choir which performs primarily sacred music in concert performances both on-campus and in the region. This ensemble tours extensively. Much of its varied repertoire is performed a cappella. Conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected to maintain membership.

MUS 007 Lima Symphony Orchestra (.5)
A semi-professional community orchestra which performs a series of nine concerts each year. One three-hour rehearsal per week. Audition required.

MUS 009 Jazz Ensemble (.5)
A select ensemble which studies and performs music in various contemporary popular idioms, including jazz improvisation. Membership based on auditions; conscientious rehearsal and performance attendance is expected.

MUS 010 Chamber Music (.5)
Small instrumental (e.g. Flute Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Quartet, String Quartet) and vocal ensembles which perform varied repertoire both on and off campus. Ensembles are formed based on student interest.

MUS 100 Music Recital/Lab (0 P/F)
Development of musical skills through the experience of at least 10 live musical performances and regularly scheduled conducting labs each semester. Music majors are required to enroll in MUS 100 each semester until graduation.

Applied Music — Private Instruction
Individual instruction with emphasis on developing technical proficiency, a repertoire representative of the literature for the particular instrument or voice and a knowledge of performance styles and practices. Performance in studio and departmental recitals. (One hour credit for one half-hour lesson per week; may also be taken for two hours credit for one-hour lesson per week.) Music lessons can not be audited. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

MUS 101 Piano
MUS 103 Strings
MUS 105 Voice
MUS 107 Brass
MUS 108 Percussion
MUS 109 Woodwinds
MUS 110 Guitar
MUS 123 Organ

MUS 112 Functional Guitar (1)
A course to develop facility on the guitar for practical use in the elementary classroom or for group singing. Basic chord progressions, strumming and picking techniques will be covered. By arrangement.

MUS 113 String Class (2)
Development of adequate technical proficiency on all the orchestral string instruments - violin, viola, cello and string bass - with a view toward teaching the string program in public schools. Study of methods, materials and assessment for teaching strings is included. Observation of teaching in culturally diverse settings required

MUS 116 Voice Class (2)
Introduction to the understanding and production of vocal tone with an emphasis on developing healthy vocal proficiency and basic teaching and assessment skills. Specific areas of exploration include breathing, resonance, diction, vocal anatomy, languages and basic repertoire. Students will be expected to gain solo performing proficiency at a beginning/intermediate level. Observation of teaching in a culturally diverse setting required.

MUS 117 Brass Class (3)
Introduction to the techniques, including notation and transposition, of trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba, with an emphasis on developing teaching skills. Students will be expected to gain adequate playing proficiency on the instruments consistent with a beginning/intermediate level. A survey of methods, materials and assessment appropriate for teaching in public schools is included. Observation of teaching in a culturally diverse setting required.

MUS 118 Percussion Class (2)
Development of adequate technical proficiency on the basic percussion instruments - snare drum, timpani and xylophone - with a view toward teaching in public schools. Study of methods, materials and assessment available for teaching is included. Observation of teaching in a culturally diverse setting required.

MUS 119 Woodwind Class (3)
Development of adequate technical proficiency on all the major woodwind instruments - flute, Bb clarinet, oboe, bassoon and alto saxophone - with a view toward teaching in public schools. Study of notation and transposition for woodwind instruments as well as methods, materials and assessment for teaching is included. Observation of teaching in a culturally diverse setting required.

MUS 121, 122 Functional Piano 1, 2 (1/1)
This two-course series is for music majors with little or no keyboard background and is designed to introduce and develop skills necessary to pass the piano proficiency examination.

MUS 131, 133 Music Theory 1, 2(2/2)
A two-course series in music fundamentals with emphasis on written theory, including part writing and harmonic analysis, supplemented by keyboard harmony. MUS 133 is a prerequisite to MUS 133.

MUS 132, 134 Aural Skills 1, 2 (2/2)
A two-course series to develop aural skills including sight-singing, melodic dictation and harmonic dictation. MUS 132 is prerequisite to MUS 134.

MUS 141 Beginning Conducting (2)
An introduction to manual conducting skills and baton technique with emphasis on basic beat patterns, cueing, expression, fermatas and independence of right and left hands. The course will also include instruction in score reading, analysis and preparation, utilizing basic four part instrumental and vocal literature. Students will function as ensemble members and as conductors.

MUS 142 Instrumental Conducting (2)
A continuation of MUS 141 with emphasis on the standard band and orchestra literature, including transposition. Students will develop creative conducting and refine their expressive technique. Advanced topics will include 20th century innovations, applied musicianship analysis/interpretation and rehearsal methodology. Prerequisite: MUS 141.

MUS 143 Choral Conducting (2)
A continuation of MUS 141 with emphasis on expressive techniques, selection and score preparation of choral literature and rehearsal methodology for choirs of all ages. Special topics will include development of critical listening, historical and multi-cultural choral styles and research and professional resources for the choral conductor. Prerequisite: MUS 141.

MUS 203 Instrumental Methods/Literature (2)
A survey of methodology necessary for the development and administration of band and orchestra programs on the elementary, intermediate and secondary levels. Included will be specific components covering marching band methods (marching techniques, outdoor performance), jazz ensemble methods (improvisation, electronic enhancement) and string ensemble methods. Essential instrumental literature will be sampled and evaluated.

MUS 204 Choral Methods/Literature (2)
A survey of methodology necessary for the development and administration of a vocal music program at the elementary, intermediate and secondary levels. The course will include techniques and materials for show choirs and staged musical theatre, in addition to traditional choral ensembles. Standard repertoire will be sampled and evaluated.

MUS 212 Electronic Music, Instruments and Equipment (2)
An introduction to electronic MIDI instruments and computer applications in music. Designed to provide familiarity with hardware, software and functions of microcomputers appropriate for use in the public school classroom.

MUS 221, 222 Music History 1, 2 (3/3)
These two courses comprise a survey of Western music literature and styles. Music History 1 covers the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods; Music History 2 continues through the Classical and Romantic periods through the end of the 20th century. The courses include development of and exercises in listening skills, analytical skills and music research technique. Music History 2 also includes an introduction to non-Western musical styles.

MUS 231 Church Music (2)
A practical study of methods and materials for the church musician. The course includes study and projects in hymnology, church choir literature, instruments in worship and administration of a church music program. Not offered every year; REL 230 is a recommended prerequisite.

MUS 235 Music Theory 3 (3)
A continuation of MUS 133 with emphasis on chromatic harmony and formal structures of Western music. Development of aural skills, including melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation, as well as sight-singing. Prerequisites: MUS 133 and MUS 134.

MUS 236 Music Theory 4 (3)
A continuation of MUS 235 with emphasis on chromatic harmony of the 19th and 20th centuries. Development of aural skills, including melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation, as well as sight-singing. Prerequisite: MUS 235.

MUS 300 Junior Recital (0 P/F)
Demonstration of achievement in applied music study during the junior year. Students present approximately 20 minutes of representative repertoire in their major applied area in a group recital.

MUS 303 Orchestration, Composition and Arranging (3)
A study of the techniques of scoring for the instruments of the band and orchestra as well as voices. Students will write and realize arrangements and/or original compositions for homogeneous groups (string, woodwind, brass, percussion, voice) for the study of range, transposition, clef manipulation and notation. Analysis of techniques of selected Classical, Romantic and modern composers included. Specific orchestration, arranging and composition projects will be completed at appropriate times during the semester. Prerequisite: MUS 236.

MUS 311 Piano Pedagogy - Elementary Methods (2)
A course dealing with the issues facing the prospective piano teacher, i.e., studio setup and policies, financial considerations, professional organizations, etc. Also includes an extensive survey of beginning piano pedagogical materials for children and adults. Not offered every year.

MUS 312 Piano Pedagogy - Intermediate, Advanced Methods (2)
A course dealing with piano teaching materials for the intermediate and advanced student as well as a study of college audition requirements and a review of college class piano materials. Not offered every year.

MUS 313 Vocal Pedagogy (2)
A survey of materials, repertoire and teaching methods for both individual and class instruction in singing. Not offered every year.

MUS 329 Music Education in Early Childhood (3)
A study of the methods, materials, techniques, organization and the assessment of learning activities related to music in elementary schools combining the theoretical and practical. In addition, such topics as inclusion of students with differing learning needs, multiculturalism, classroom management, Orff/Koday techniques and administrative procedures will be addressed.

MUS 331 Music Education in Middle Childhood, Adolescence and Young Adults (3)
A course for the prospective secondary school music teacher dealing with methods, materials, techniques, organization and the assessment of learning activities related to music (instrumental, vocal, general, academic), combining the theoretical and practical. Important contemporary philosophical and professional matters are also investigated.

MUS 390 Independent Study (1-2)
By arrangement.

MUS 400 Senior Recital (0 P/F)
Demonstration of achievement in applied music study during the senior year. Students present a full recital (approximately 1 hour) of representative repertoire in their major applied area.

MUS 401 Music Seminar (2)
This capstone course involves an in-depth study of a major musical work, including its historical context, an analysis of the forms and techniques employed and applicable performance practices. The course also includes study of current issues and events in music and the arts in our society. The course includes a major research project.

MUS 402 Music Practicum (1)
A supervised work-study experience consistent with students' area of emphasis (music business, church music, music education, piano pedagogy). Sections: 01 Music Business, 02 Church Music, 03 Music Education, 04 Piano Pedagogy. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and permission of the faculty supervisor.

Modified 12/7/00