Course Descriptions

MUSC - Music
CI 119, (406) 657-2350

* MUSC 100 Music Appreciation 3 cr.  Introduces methods of music understanding and perceptive listening.  Examines the language and forms of music, plus the styles and genres of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods.

MUSC 101 Fundamentals of Music for Elementary Teachers 2 cr. Prerequisite: Restricted to majors in Elementary Education and Special Education.  Introduces basic concepts, skills and vocabularies in music appropriate for elementary teachers.

MUSC 104 Applied Guitar 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 105 Applied Voice 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 106 Applied Piano 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 107 Applied Flute 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 108 Applied Oboe 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 109 Applied Clarinet 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 110 Applied Saxophone 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 111 Applied Bassoon 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 112 Applied Horn 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 113 Applied Trumpet 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 114 Applied Trombone 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 115 Applied Euphonium 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 116 Applied Tuba 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 117 Applied Violin or Viola 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 118 Applied Cello or Bass 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 119 Applied Percussion 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 125, 126 Keyboard Harmony I, II 1, 1 cr. Corequisites: MUSC 130 and MUSC 132.  An intensive course in keyboard harmony designed to develop keyboard skills essential to teaching music in the public schools.  Includes harmonization of melodies, transposition, and improvisation.

MUSC 130 Music Theory I 3 cr. Corequisites: MUSC 125 and MUSC 131.  The study and application of written harmony, keyboard harmony and analysis.

MUSC 131 Aural Skills I 1 cr.  Beginning ear training and sight singing.

MUSC 132 Music Theory II 3 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 130. Corequisites: MUSC 126 and MUSC 133.  Continues the study and application of written harmony, keyboard harmony and analysis.

MUSC 133 Aural Skills II 1 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 131.  Continues the development of ear training and sight singing.

* MUSC 150 Musics of the World 3 cr.  Introduces students to the uses and functions of music in various cultures.  The style of music used and performance of music in selected cultures of Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia, the Middle East, as well as folk music of Europe will be explored.

MUSC 160 Symphonic Band 1 cr. R-4.  Provides members an opportunity to perform wind band literature from all periods and styles.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 161 Symphony Orchestra 1 cr. R-4.  Provides an opportunity for capable students to participate in the Billings Symphony.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 162 Concert Choir 1 cr. R-4. (formerly A Capella Choir)  Provides an opportunity for members to explore and express, through performance, choral music of all periods and styles of composition.  Annual spring tour.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 163 Town and Gown Chorus 1 cr. R. (formerly Oratorio Chorus)  Provides an opportunity for all members to participate in the preparation and presentation of major choral works.  Open registration, no audition required.

MUSC 165 Chamber Singers 1 cr. R. Corequisite: MUSC 162.  Members are selected through audition to study and present vocal chamber music selected from medieval to contemporary compositions.

MUSC 166 Small Ensemble-Instrumental 1 cr. R. Brass, Woodwind, String, Percussion, New Music.  Offers experience in chamber music for various wind, string and percussion instrument combinations.  Designed to improve individual performance skills as well as familiarizing students with outstanding music.

MUSC 167 Jazz Combo 1 cr.  Provides students the opportunity to rehearse and perform jazz music in a small group setting.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 168 Jazz Ensemble 1 cr. R. Corequisite: MUSC 160.  Provides members the opportunity to perform big band jazz literature from all periods and styles.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 169 Wind Ensemble 1 cr. R. Corequisite: MUSC 160.  Provides members the opportunity to perform wind ensemble literature requiring from eight to fifteen players.  Registration by audition only.  Instrumentation will vary.

MUSC 228 Jazz Improvisation I 1 cr. Prerequisites: MUSC 132 and MUSC 133.Covers basic skills needed to create and perform improvisations involving the simpler harmonic structures, chord progressions and rhythmic frameworks found in jazz.

MUSC 229 Jazz Improvisation II 1 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 228.  Continues the study of improvisational skills begun in MUSC 228, adding more complex harmonic/melodic material.

MUSC 230 Music Theory III 3 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 132. Corequisite: MUSC 231.  Continues the study and application of written harmony, keyboard harmony and analysis.

MUSC 231 Aural Skills III 1 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 133 or permission of instructor.  Continues the development of ear training and sight singing.

MUSC 232 Music Theory IV 3 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 230. Corequisite: MUSC 233.  Continues the study and application of written harmony, keyboard harmony and analysis.

MUSC 233 Aural Skills IV 1 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 231.  Continues the development of ear training and sight singing.

MUSC 250 Flute and Single Reed Pedagogy 1 cr. R-2.  Prepares the prospective teacher with the knowledge of methods of instruction and problems of public school music in woodwind instruments; develops fundamental technical skills on flute, clarinet and saxophone.  Includes laboratory experience for the student.

MUSC 251 Double Reed Pedagogy 1/2 cr.  Prepares the prospective teacher with the knowledge of methods of instruction and problems of public school music in double reed instruments; develops fundamental technical skills on oboe and bassoon.  Includes laboratory experience for the student.

MUSC 252 High Brass Pedagogy 1 cr.  Prepares the prospective teacher with the knowledge of methods of instruction and problems of public school music in high brass instruments; develops fundamental technical skills on trumpet and French horn.  Includes laboratory experience for the student.

MUSC 253 Low Brass Pedagogy 1 cr.  Prepares the prospective teacher with the knowledge of methods of instruction and problems of public school music in low brass instruments; develops fundamental technical skills on trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, baritone and tuba.  Includes laboratory experience for the student.

MUSC 254 Percussion Pedagogy 1 cr. R-2. Prepares the prospective teacher with the knowledge of methods of instruction and problems of public school music in the percussion area; develops fundamental technical skills in percussion instruments.  Includes laboratory experience for the student.

MUSC 255 String Instrument Pedagogy 1/2 cr. R-2.  Prepares the prospective teacher with the knowledge of instruction and problems of public school music in the teaching of string instruments.  Develops fundamental technical skills on string instruments.  Includes laboratory experience for the student.

MUSC 256 Vocal Pedagogy 1 cr. R-2.  Prepares the prospective teacher with the knowledge of instruction and problems of public school music in the vocal area.  Develops fundamental technical skills in this area.  Includes laboratory experience for the student.

MUSC 274 Keyboard Skills 1 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.  Includes techniques of harmonization, transposition, sight reading, modulation, improvisation, ensemble playing and accompanying.

MUSC 292 Seminar V 1-3 cr.  Provides students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of music.

MUSC 293 Workshop V 1-8 cr.  Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of music.

MUSC 296 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr.  Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Music supervised by faculty.  Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

MUSC 304 Applied Guitar 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 305 Applied Voice 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 306 Applied Piano 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 307 Applied Flute 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 308 Applied Oboe 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 309 Applied Clarinet 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 310 Applied Saxophone 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 311 Applied Bassoon 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 312 Applied Horn 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 313 Applied Trumpet 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 314 Applied Trombone 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 315 Applied Euphonium 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 316 Applied Tuba 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 317 Applied Violin or Viola 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 318 Applied Cello or Bass 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 319 Applied Percussion 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and upper division status.  1/2 hour lesson per week.

MUSC 340 Music History:  A Survey of Music and Its Development in Western Civilization to 1750  (WR) 3 cr.  Emphasis is given to an acquaintance with representative musical works and style, and to the understanding of musical concepts in the light of their historical background.

MUSC 341 Music History:  A Survey of Music and Its Development in Western Civilization from 1750 to the Present (WR) 3 cr.  Emphasis is given to an acquaintance with representative works and an understanding of specific musical concepts in the light of their historical and general cultural content since 1750.

MUSC 343 History of Jazz 3 cr.  Traces the history of America’s only internationally recognized indigenous art form, jazz, from its roots in Africa to New Orleans and on to the contemporary sounds of today.

MUSC 350 Choral Conducting 3 cr. Prerequisites: MUSC 232 and MUSC 233.  Introduces the basic techniques of choral conducting.  Initial emphasis will be placed on the physical components of conducting (such as posture, beat patterns, preparations, cues, releases and expressive gestures) both with and without baton, as they relate directly to the musical score.  Subsequent emphasis will be given to methodology, including rehearsal techniques, ensemble organization, tone/seating arrangements, score study, choral literature, and repertoire selection.

MUSC 351 Instrumental Conducting 3 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 350.  Introduces the basic techniques of instrumental conducting.  Continues emphasis placed on techniques previously covered in MUSC 350, including beat patterns, cues, releases, etc.  Emphasis will also be on methodology including rehearsal techniques, ensemble organization, seating arrangements, score reading and band literature.

MUSC 360 Symphonic Band 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: 4 credits of MUSC 160.  Provides members an opportunity to perform wind band literature for all periods and styles.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 361 Symphony Orchestra 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: 4 credits of MUSC 161.  Provides an opportunity for capable students to participate in the Billings Symphony.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 362 Concert Choir 1 cr. R-4. Prerequisite: 4 credits of MUSC 162.  Provides an opportunity for capable students to experience great music written for mixed voices and to develop their potential as members of choral groups.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 363 Town and Gown Chorus l cr. R. Prerequisite: 4 credits of MUSC 163.  Provides an opportunity for all students to sing in a chorus which performs music chosen from classical and popular repertoire.  Open registration, no audition required.

MUSC 365 Chamber Singers 1 cr. R. Prerequisite: 4 credits of MUSC 165. Corequisite: MUSC 362.  A select group of singers chosen mainly for reading and singing ability through private audition, performing all styles of music from early Renaissance madrigals and motels to the Twentieth Century.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 366 Small Ensemble-Instrumental 1 cr. R. Prerequisite: 4 credits of MUSC 166.  Brass, Woodwind, String, Percussion, New Music, Jazz.  Offers experience in chamber music for various wind, string and percussion instrument combinations.  Designed to improve individual performance skills as well as familiarizing students with outstanding music.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 367 Jazz Combo 1 cr.  Provides students the opportunity to rehearse and perform jazz music in a small group setting, Registration by audition only.

MUSC 368 Jazz Ensemble 1 cr. R. Prerequisite: 4 credits of MUSC 168. Corequisite: MUSC 360.  Provides members the opportunity to rehearse and perform jazz ensemble literature of standard and experimental types.  Registration by audition only.

MUSC 369 Wind Ensemble 1 cr. R. Prerequisites: 4 credits of MUSC 169. Corequisite: MUSC 360.  Provides members the opportunity to perform wind ensemble literature requiring from eight to 15 players.  Registration by audition only.  Instrumentation may vary.

MUSC 374 Piano Pedagogy I 1 cr. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.  Preparation of advanced piano students for teaching of beginning pupils, privately and in groups.  Includes a survey of materials and teaching methods appropriate for this level.

MUSC 399 Junior Recital 1 cr. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and successful admission to upper division status.  A pre-recital jury is required at least one month prior to the junior recital.  Requires students to perform a full recital.

MUSC 440 Music Form and Style (WR) 3 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 232.  Involves the study of form with particular attention to tonal structure and musical design in music of the common-practice era.

MUSC 460 Instrumentation and Arranging 3 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 232.  Discussion of individual wind, string, percussion and keyboard instruments.  Techniques of scoring for winds and voices.  Analysis of orchestra.

MUSC 470 Piano Pedagogy II 1 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 374.  Provides piano students with actual teaching situations for the practical application of principles studied in piano pedagogy.  Includes supervised planning, presentation and evaluation of lessons.

MUSC 471 Piano Pedagogy III 1 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 470.  Continues actual teaching situations for the practical application of principles studied in piano pedagogy.  Includes supervised planning, presentation and evaluation of lessons.

MUSC 475 Keyboard Literature 2 cr. Prerequisite: MUSC 341.  Surveys keyboard literature from the development of the Baroque era to the contemporary period.

MUSC 491 Independent Study V 1-5 cr. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and chairperson of department.  Provides outstanding students an individual opportunity to explore material not covered by regular music courses.

MUSC 492 Seminar V 1-3 cr.  Provides advanced students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of music.

MUSC 493 Workshop V 1-8 cr.  Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of music.

MUSC 496 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr.  Provides university credit for a work experience in the area of Music, supervised by faculty.  Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

MUSC 499 Senior Recital 1 cr. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and successful completion of at least two semesters of upper division applied music.  A pre-recital jury is required at least one month prior to the senior recital.  Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Education extended Major in music must present at least a half recital during their senior year.

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