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.
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- MUS 100GS - Music Appreciation - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of music in its basic concepts covering a broad spectrum of world styles and eras.
- MUS 101GS - 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.
- 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.
- MUS 105 - Wind Ensemble - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Select instrumental ensemble open to entire university community through audition.
- 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 122 - Conducting - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
MUS 122, Conducting is a course designed to introduce and develop the basic concepts of conducting a musical ensemble for the
music major or minor.
- MUS 129 - Class Voice - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Fundamentals of singing with an emphasis on basic musicianship and performance.
- MUS 130 - Voice Techniques - 1 hour
- Prereq: music education major or permission of the instructor
Fundamentals of singing with an emphasis on the practical aspects of teaching, evaluating students, and performing.
- 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 as determined through audition. Piano,
organ, voice, stringed instruments, wind instruments or percussion. 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: grade of C- in MUS 140
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.
- MUS 149 - Private Instruction, Secondary Instrument - 1 hour
- Prereq: music major or minor; 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; 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; 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 - 2 hours
- 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 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in
which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being
mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the
Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement. Students
may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 credit hours or more to UNK are exempt from taking a
portal course.
- 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: grade of C- in 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: grade of C- in 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 211 - Sound Recording and Reinforcement - 2 hours
- Prereq: none
An introduction to the basic techniques of sound recording and reinforcement of music and how they apply to the music industry.
The course focuses on microphones, mixers, signal processing, recording hardware and software, amplifiers, and speakers. The
course includes a laboratory experience utilizing audio equipment and software common to music sound production.
- 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: grade of C- in MUS 141*
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: grade of C- in MUS 240*
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 (IPA), manner and placement of
articulation for both German and French, concentrating on diction comprehension for singers.
- 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 - 2 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of the technological advances in music. The course focuses on the computer as a music tool, music software, Musical
Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), electronic music instruments, music synthesis and sampling, and electronic musical
communication.
- 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 311 - Practicum in Sound Production - 1 hour
- Prereq: MUS 211 or permission of the instructor
Students will augment skills and knowledge in sound recording and reinforcement using knowledge gained in
MUS 211 Sound Recording and Reinforcement through working with the Sound Production Coordinator to record
and reinforce recitals, concerts, and other events in the Fine Arts Building.
- 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: grade of C- in 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: grade of C- in 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: grade of C- in MUS 199* and in 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: grade of C- in 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/MUS 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/MUS 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, 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
Coreq: MUS 357*
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.
- MUS 388GS - General Studies Capstone - 3 hours
- Prereq: open to juniors and seniors or to students within 6 hours of completion of their General Studies program
An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have
gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive
means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone
course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
- MUS 406 - Instrumental Conducting & Literature - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201*, 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 - Choral Conducting and Literature - 3 hours
- Prereq: MUS 199*, MUS 201*, 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); 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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: grade of C- in MUS 199* and in 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: grade of C- in MUS 199* and in 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 - 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*, 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, 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, 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 - 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, 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.
