Offered by Department of Music and Performing Arts
College of Fine Arts and Humanities
MUS Courses
- MUS 98 - Fundamentals of Music - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
An introduction to the basic rudiments and skills of music theory for those with little or
no background in music. Develops both written and aural skills in basic notation, scales,
key signatures, intervals and triads.
- MUS 100GS - Introduction to Music - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of music in its basic concepts covering a broad spectrum of world styles and
eras.
- MUS 101 - American Musical Theatre - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of the history and development of musical theatre in America from 1800's to
present. Examination of significant works, their composers and lyricists, from stage and
movie musicals.
- MUS 103 - University Band - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
An instrumental performance group open to all university students with high school band
experience. Marching, concerts, and tours. F.
- MUS 104 - Symphonic Band - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Large ensemble of brass, wind and percussion instruments performing the best of symphonic
band literature. Open to entire university community. Sp.
- MUS 105 - Wind Ensemble - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Select instrumental ensemble open to entire university community through audition. Sp.
- MUS 106GS - Introduction to Jazz and Blues - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of the musical styles of jazz and blues from the 1800s to the 1990s through
lecture, readings, recordings, concerts, and audiovisual presentations. These indigenous
American musical forms are examined from both a musical and cultural vantage point.
- MUS 107GS - Introduction to Rock and Blues - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of the musical styles of rock and blues from the 1800s to the 1990s through
lecture, readings, recordings, concerts, and audiovisual presentations. These indigenous
American musical forms are examined from both a musical and cultural vantage point.
- MUS 109 - Introduction to Music Education - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Overview of music education. Introduces basic issues and principles of music education,
orientation to student characteristics, teacher roles, and foundations of philosophy and
history. School observations required.
- MUS 110 - Brass Techniques - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of brass instruments with an emphasis on the practical aspects of teaching
and playing the trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba.
- MUS 111 - Woodwind Techniques - 2 hours
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of flute and double reed instruments with an emphasis on the practical
aspects of teaching and playing the flute, oboe and bassoon.
- MUS 114 - Percussion Techniques - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of percussion instruments with an emphasis on the practical aspects of
teaching and playing.
- MUS 118 - Guitar Techniques - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of the guitar with an emphasis on the practical aspects of teaching and
playing. Students must provide their own instruments.
- MUS 120 - String Techniques - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of upper and lower string instruments with an emphasis on the practical
aspects of teaching and playing violin, viola. cello/ and bass.
- MUS 130 - Voice Techniques - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of singing and interpretation with emphasis on solo repertoire. Designed for
the music education major but open to all.
- MUS 135 - Private Instruction for Non-Majors - 1 hour
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Private studio instruction for non-music majors. University level competency is required.
Piano, organ, voice, stringed instruments, wind instruments or percussion. Student may
register as many semesters as desired. At least five hours of practice per week are
required for one hour of credit. Lessons are one-half hour in length for one hour of
credit. May not be applied towards music degree private instruction requirements. A
private lesson fee will be assessed.
- MUS 140 - Piano Techniques I - 1 hour
- Prereq: ability to read musical notation
Beginning keyboard fundamentals designed for music majors and minors with little or no
keyboard background.
- MUS 141 - Piano Techniques II - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 140 or equivalent
Continuation of Piano Techniques I with particular emphasis on building technical facility
and skills in harmonization, improvisation, transposition and sight reading.
- MUS 145 - Diction for Singers I - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
This course teaches the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), manner
and placement of articulation for both English and Italian, concentrating on diction
comprehension for singers. Class meets twice a week.
- MUS 149 - Private Instruction, Secondary Instrument - 1 hour
- Prereq: Music major or minor and permission of instructor
Private instruction for music majors and minors on secondary instrument or voice.
University level competency required as determined through audition. Piano, organ, voice,
string, wind or percussion instruments. At least five hours of practice per week are
required for one hour of credit. May not be applied towards primary (major) instrument or
voice private instruction requirements. Lessons are one-half hour in length for one hour
of credit. A jury examination is usually required at the end of each semester. A private
lesson fee will be assessed.
- MUS 150 - Private Instruction, Primary Instrument - 1 hour
- Prereq: Music major or minor and permission of instructor
Private instruction for music majors and minors on primary instrument or voice. University
level competency required as determined through audition. Piano, organ, voice, string,
wind or percussion instruments. At least five hours of practice per week are required for
one hour of credit. Lessons are one-half hour in length for one hour of credit. All
students enrolled in MUS 150 are required to attend ten recitals and/or concerts each
semester. A jury examination is usually required at the end of each semester. A private
lesson fee will be assessed.
- MUS 151 - Private Instruction, Primary
Instrument - 2 hours
- Prereq: Music major or minor and permission of instructor
Private instruction for music majors and minors on primary instrument or voice. University
level competency required as determined through audition. Piano, organ, voice, string,
wind or percussion instruments. At least ten hours of practice per week are required for
two hours of credit. Lessons are one hour in length. All students enrolled in MUS 151 are
required to attend ten recitals and/or concerts each semester. MUS 151 may not be taken in
lieu of two semesters of MUS 150. A jury examination is usually required at the end of
each semester. A private lesson fee will be assessed.
- MUS 159GS - Piano Fundamentals - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of music as applied to the keyboard. Designed for students with little or no
previous musical training. Note and rhythm reading on the keyboard will be emphasized.
Credit may not be applied to a music major or minor.
- MUS 165 - Small Ensembles - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Instrumental, vocal and keyboard ensembles. Consult with instructor before registering.
Students may register as many times as desired, but may not receive more than two hours of
credit in any one term.
- MUS 166 - Accompanying - 2 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
An introduction to the art of accompanying vocal and instrumental literature.
- MUS 167 - Practicum in Accompanying - 1-2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 166 or permission of instructor
Practical application of collaborative rehearsal techniques and performance skills learned
in MUS 166. Assignments will be based on performance level, experience, and departmental
needs and may range from accompanying private voice/instrumental lessons and recitals to
large ensembles.
- MUS 173 - Choraleers - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A select mixed voice choir performing chamber choral repertoire. Open to all university
students through audition.
- MUS 174 - University Men's Chorus - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A men's singing group performing standard male chorus repertoire, including popular,
Broadway, folk, spirituals, and fraternity songs. Open to all men in the university
community.
- MUS 175 - University Chorus - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A large mixed voice choir performing large choral works as well as chamber music. Open to
the entire university community.
- MUS 176 - University Women's Chorus - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A women's singing group performing repertoire from classics to popular, Broadway to
spirituals. Open to all women in the university community.
- MUS 177 - Opera Workshop - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: none
A course for singers who want to perform works from opera, operetta, and musical theatre
repertoire in scenes, one-acts, or full productions. Open to all university students
through audition and placement.
- MUS 178 - Nebraskats - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A select show choir performing a wide variety of popular music. Open to all university
students through audition. Extensive performing throughout the year and annual tour.
- MUS 179 - Collegium - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A select small vocal ensemble performing 16th-20th century a cappella music. Open to
members of Choraleers through audition.
- MUS 180 - Jazz/Rock Ensemble - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
An instrumental big band performing contemporary and traditional jazz and rock music. The
ability to read music is required. Open to all university students through audition in the
fall semester.
- MUS 189 - Music Business Field Study - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A field study to music businesses, trade shows, conventions, etc. involved in the music
business industry. Students will keep a written journal of observations. Offered
occasionally. (Credit/No-Credit)
- MUS 198 - Sight Singing and Ear Training I - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Sight singing of standard music materials; melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation.
Should be taken concurrently with MUS 200.
- MUS 199 - Sight Singing and Ear Training II - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 198
Sight singing of standard music materials; melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation.
Should be taken concurrently with MUS 201.
- MUS 200 - Theory I - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Rudiments of music, including melodic and rhythmic notation, scales, key signatures,
intervals, and chord structure. Elementary harmonic analysis, with non-harmonic tones.
Should be taken concurrently with MUS 198.
- MUS 201 - Theory II - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 200
Continuation of melodic and harmonic analysis. Harmonization of chorales and other
melodies, using diatonic triads, dominant and leading tone seventh chords, and modulation.
Should be taken concurrently with MUS 199.
- MUS 220 - Kearney Area Symphony Orchestra - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A symphony orchestra made up of UNK faculty and students, as well as instrumentalists from
the community, performing classical and pops concert repertoire, opera, musicals, and
large works with choir. Open to all who qualify through audition. Meets one evening per
week.
- MUS 240 - Piano Techniques III - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 141* or
equivalent
Continuation of Piano Techniques II, with emphasis on harmonization, technique,
improvisation, score reading, solo and ensemble repertoire, analysis and sequencing. The
piano proficiency examination for music business majors, music minors (elementary
education option), and liberal arts in music majors will be administered at the end of
this course.
- MUS 241 - Piano Techniques IV - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 240* or
equivalent
Continuation of Piano Techniques III, with addition of accompanying. Designed to prepare
music education, pre-music therapy, musical theatre, and vocal and instrumental
performance majors for the piano proficiency examination.
- MUS 245 - Diction for Singers II - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 145
Continuation of diction for singers. Teaches the use of the International Phonetic
Alphabet, manner and placement of articulation for both German and
French, concentrating on diction comprehension for singers. Class meets twice a week.
- MUS 247 -
Women Composers and Their Music: A Historical Approach -
3 hours
- Prereq: none
A Survey of women composers and their music throughout
history, from the Middle Ages to the present. A major focus of the course is
the actual music, in written and/or recorded form. Historical, sociological
and psychological factors affecting women composers in each period will also
be included.
- MUS 260 - Keyboard Harmonization - 1 hour
- Prereq: competent keyboard facility and permission of instructor
A course for students with keyboard facility, designed to satisfy piano proficiency
requirements for majors and minors, taken in lieu of the Piano Techniques sequence.
Keyboard harmonization, transposition, improvisation, score reading, solo and ensemble
repertoire, sequencing and sight reading.
- MUS 301 - Music Technology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An introduction to electronic music technology, instruments, and software. The course
provides a basic understanding of synthesizers, sequencing, samplers, rhythm programmers,
MIDI, computer software, and sound processing.
- MUS 310 - Music Business - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of the business aspects of the music industry with an emphasis on merchandising,
recording, publishing, managing, broadcasting, promotion, licensing, and copyrights.
Includes information on career planning and development.
- MUS 324 - Musical Theatre Coaching I - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 150 (voice) or permission of instructor
An introduction to interpretation of Broadway musical songs; examination of lyrics as
script through books lyrics and scores with practical application.
- MUS 325 - Musical Theatre Coaching II - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 324* or
permission of instructor
A continuation of MUS 324 with greater emphasis on physicalization of songs, exploration of
literature for voice/character type, and learning to prepare a song for audition.
- MUS 326 - Musical Theatre Coaching III - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 150 (voice), MUS 325*, an introductory acting course or an introductory dance
course, permission of instructor
A continuation of MUS 325 with greater emphasis on building a working repertoire of
various types of Broadway songs.
- MUS 327 - Musical Theatre Coaching IV - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 326*, or
permission of instructor
A continuation of MUS 326 with special consideration given to performance of duets and
small ensembles.
- MUS 330 - Music Methods for the Elementary Teacher -
3 hours
- Prereq: Elementary Education, Middle Level or Early Childhood Unified major
Basic musical skills methods and materials for the elementary classroom teacher.
- MUS 337 - Sight Singing and Ear Training III - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 199*
Sight singing of standard music materials including chromaticism. Ear training of melodic,
rhythmic and harmonic materials. Should be taken concurrently with MUS 339.
- MUS 338 - Sight Singing and Ear Training IV - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 337*
Sight singing of standard music materials including chromaticism. Ear training of melodic,
rhythmic and harmonic materials. Should be taken concurrently with MUS 340.
- MUS 339 - Theory III - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201*
An intensive study of diatonic and chromatic harmonic structures and processes. Harmonic
analysis of music for various performance media taken mostly from the Romantic period.
Should be taken concurrently with MUS 337*.
- MUS 340 - Theory IV - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 339*
Continuation of Theory III. Introduction to late 16th century and 18th century
counterpoint. Introduction to the expansion of harmonic resources from the period of
Impressionism to the present. Should be taken concurrently with MUS 338.
- MUS 341 - Counterpoint - 2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201*
Study of contrapuntal writing in 18th century style.
- MUS 350 - Advanced Private Instruction - 1 hour
- Prereq: Three semesters of MUS 150/151; Advanced
Standing status; permission to enroll from the instructor and the department chairman
Advanced private instruction for music majors with Advanced Standing status. A minimum
number of 350/351 credit hours are required per degree program (consult individual
programs). Piano, organ, voice, string, wind or percussion instruments. At least five
hours of practice per week are required for one hour of credit. Lessons are one-half hour
in length. All students enrolled in MUS 350 are required to attend ten recitals and/or
concerts each semester. A jury examination is usually required at the end of each
semester. A private lesson fee will be assessed.
- MUS 351 - Advanced Private Instruction - 2 hours
- Prereq: Three semesters of MUS 150/151; Advanced
Standing status; permission to enroll from the instructor and the department chairman
Advanced private instruction for music majors with Advanced Standing status. A minimum
number of 350/351 credit hours are required per degree program (consult individual
programs). Piano, organ, voice, string, wind or percussion instruments. At least ten hours
of practice per week are required for two hours of credit. Lessons are one hour in length.
All students enrolled in MUS 351 are required to attend ten recitals and/or concerts each
semester. MUS 351 may not be taken in lieu of two semesters of MUS 350. A jury examination
is usually required at the end of each semester. A private lesson fee will be assessed.
- MUS 357 - Elementary/Junior High General Music - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 198, MUS 200
and junior standing
Methods and materials for the elementary music classroom. The course will address the
National Standards for Music Education as well as current trends in classroom instruction.
Observation in a public school setting is an integral part of the course.
- MUS 358 -
Field Experience in Music Education - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
- Co-Requisite: MUS 468*,
TE 319*
This 50 clock hour minimum field-based experience in music education is
designed to induct students into classroom teaching and develop an awareness
of the many roles of a professional educator. Under the mentorship of a
practicing K-12 music educator, students will progress through a three-stage process
including assisting, co-teaching, and limited teaching. Students will also be
required to engage in a variety of school related activities commonly
encountered by professional educators.
- MUS 365 - Form and Analysis - 2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 339*
Study of the architecture of music. Analysis of harmonic, melodic, rhythmic and formal
elements in the works of representative composers.
- MUS 375 - Music Business Field Experience - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 310*
A practical experience designed to provide observation and supervised participation in one
of the business areas of the music industry. In consultation with the program director,
students choose participating music business firms and work as if full-time employees in
various aspects of the business. SU.
- MUS 406/806P - Instrumental Conducting & Literature - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201* and large ensemble
The technique of the baton, score interpretation, rehearsal techniques, and a literature
search of instrumental repertoire for all levels of education.
- MUS 407/807P - Choral Conducting and Literature - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201* and large ensemble
The technique of the baton score interpretation rehearsal techniques and a literature
search of choral repertoire for all levels of education.
- MUS 425 - Arranging - 2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 339*
Comprehensive study of arranging vocal and instrumental ensembles with emphasis on
creativity.
- MUS 430 - Vocal Pedagogy - 3 hours
- Prereq: Four semesters of MUS 150 or MUS 350* (voice) and junior
standing OR permission of the instructor.
An introductory study of the voice as it relates to singing; anatomy and physiology of the
voice; comparison of teaching techniques.
- MUS 432/832P - Fundamentals of Piano Pedagogy I - 3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
An introduction to the basic concepts, skills and techniques necessary for successful
teaching at the elementary level. Overview of methods and materials for average-age
beginners; studio operation.
- MUS 433/833P - Fundamentals of Piano Pedagogy II - 2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 432 or permission of instructor
A continuation of Fundamentals of Piano Pedagogy I with emphasis on group teaching;
materials methods and techniques for teaching adult, pre-school and transfer students.
- MUS 434/834P - Advanced Piano Pedagogy I: History, Philosophies and
Principles of Piano Pedagogy - 2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 433* or
permission of instructor
Advanced studies in teaching philosophies and principles of piano pedagogy; teaching
functional and musicianship skills; building technique.
- MUS 435/835P - Advanced Piano Pedagogy II: Pedagogical Approaches to
Keyboard Literature - 2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 434* or
permission of instructor
Advanced studies in pedagogical approaches to keyboard literature musicianship performance
and performance practice; adjudication; diagnostic procedures; sequencing repertoire.
- MUS 436/836P - Internship in Piano Teaching - 2 hours
- Prereq: MUS 434* or
permission of instructor
Practical application of teaching skills learned in MUS 432-434. Includes direct
observation of and consultation with experienced teachers, supervised teaching, written
evaluations and personal conferences with the piano pedagogy instructor.
- MUS 447 - Music History and Literature I - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201* or permission of
instructor
A survey of the development of western music from Plato to 1800 providing insight into
fundamental compositional style elements and performance practices of each historical
period within a socio-politico-economic context. Students will become acquainted with
landmark composers and compositions.
- MUS 448 - Music History and Literature II - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201* or permission of
instructor
This course is designed to provide a general understanding of the development of western
music from 1800 to the present and is intended as a sequel to MUS 447. Prior completion of
MUS 447 is recommended.
- MUS 450 - Survey of Art Song - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 448* or
permission of instructor
An historical examination of the Art Song literature from the 17th century to the present.
- MUS 451 - History & Literature of Opera - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 448* or
permission of instructor
An historical survey of operatic literature of Italy, France, England, Germany, Austria, Russia,
and the United States from the 17th century to the present.
- MUS 456 - Piano Literature I - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 448* or
permission of instructor
A survey course discussing the structure, style, and history of piano literature from the
Baroque through early Romantic periods.
- MUS 457 - Piano Literature II - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 448* or
permission of instructor
A survey course discussing the structure, style, and history of piano literature from the
Romantic Period through the 20th century.
- MUS 460/860P - Independent Study and Research - 1-4 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor and department chair
Independent research or special assignment to the student's major field. Six hours of
cumulative credit may be earned.
- MUS 468 - Secondary School Music - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 357*, MUS 406*, MUS 407* and junior standing
Examination of methods and materials appropriate for teaching and administering a
comprehensive secondary school music program.
- MUS 473 - Special Topics in Music Business - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 310 and permission of program director
Advanced, independent, in-depth investigations into specific topics related to the Music
Industry. Topics of study are tailored to meet the needs of the student. The format of the
course will vary depending on the topic. Must have special permission of
music business
program director to enroll. This course may be repeated to a maximum of three hours. SP.
- MUS 474 - Music Business Project - 1 hour
- Prereq: permission of program director
Independent investigation of a career in music business with research in the area of the
student's specialization under the supervision of the music business program director.
- MUS 475 - Internship in Music Business - 9-15 hours
- Prereq: MUS 474 and permission of program director
A practical experience designed to provide observation
and supervised work in one of the business areas of the music industry. In
consultation with the program director, students choose participating music
business firms and work as if full-time employees for a total of 500 hours in
various aspects of the business.
- MUS 485/885P - Seminar in Opera Technique and Performance - 3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
A study of available operas with regard to casting, rehearsal techniques, staging,
management, and performance. An opera will be selected, rehearsed and performed as the
culmination of the course.
- MUS 486 - Marching Band/Jazz Ensemble Methods - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An in-depth analysis of how to design and write marching band drill for both halftime and
competition shows.
- MUS 488 - Recital - 1 hour
- Prereq: junior standing and permission of instructor
Required of all candidates for the BM degree with a music performance and musical theatre
emphasis. Other majors at the discretion of the applied instructor. May be repeated for
credit
- MUS 499 - Music Special Topics - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: none
Topics are studied which are not assigned or covered in other courses in the department.
The format of this course will vary depending on the topic, instructor, and the needs of
the student.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is
required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
