Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

MUS 800 – Foundations of Music Education     3 credit hours

The purposes of this course are (1) for students to gain an overview of the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations that have shaped and directed music education and (2) to build upon this foundational perspective to develop a vision of music education for the future. Topics include philosophical principles of music education, psychological theories relevant to music teaching, and practical application of these principles through the National Standards for Music.
Prerequisite: Graduate status or permission of instructor

MUS 801 – Music Analysis     3 credit hours

A study of the architecture of music, and will include analysis of harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and formal elements in the works of representative composers and styles. The objective of the course is to acquire the ability to approach a piece of music unencumbered by preconceived notions and to discover the structure of music.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Completion of Graduate Music Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 80% or completion of MUS 402 with a minimum grade of "B" and permission of instructor.

MUS 802P – Music Theory Through an Historical Perspective     3 credit hours

An overview of the history and theory of music, focusing on musical styles and form in each era and basic theoretical concepts and techniques of music in historical perspectives. The course includes the basic structure and materials of music, and the major periods of Western music. Coursework includes written theory assignments and analysis, including early twentieth century, and an overview of historical periods and musical literature through readings, score study and recorded examples.
Department Consent Required

MUS 803P – Music Technology in the Classroom     3 credit hours

An introduction to the field of electronic music technology and its use in the school music program. The course provides a basic understanding of analog and digital synthesis, digital sequencers, electronic rhythm instruments, signal processors and amplifiers, Musical Instrument Digital Interface protocol, and appropriate computer software with an emphasis on utilization in the school classroom.

MUS 804 – Introduction to Music Research     3 credit hours

The purposes of this course are for students to gain an overview of online research tools available through the UNK library, applying these tools towards: a class research project; preparation for other graduate level courses; and ultimately the graduate Capstone, and gain familiarity with various style manuals (MLA, APA, and Chicago).
Prerequisite: Admission to Music graduate program

MUS 805 – Teaching of Jazz Bands     3 credit hours

This class will cover such topics as directing a stage band, starting a jazz ensemble, instrumentation, selecting music, conducting and rehearsing, jazz phrasing and articulation, the rhythm section, and improvisation. The course includes the reading of new literature.

MUS 806P – Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Literature     2 credit hours

Detailed study of conducting problems and band/orchestral literature.

MUS 807P – Advanced Choral Conducting and Literature     2 credit hours

Detailed study of conducting problems and choral literature.

MUS 809P – Vocal Pedagogy     3 credit hours

A study of the problems confronted in dealing with the voice of the beginning and the advanced singer, and an analysis and compilation of suitable literature.

MUS 811P – Woodwind Pedagogy     3 credit hours

An opportunity to study the problems and techniques peculiar to the woodwind instruments; to gain additional proficiency in playing; and to study teaching methods suitable for both individual and group instruction.

MUS 812P – Brass Pedagogy     3 credit hours

A course designed to study the pedagogy, performance, and literature of the brass instruments through lecture, discussion, demonstration, and performance.

MUS 813P – Percussion Pedagogy     3 credit hours

Emphasis placed on techniques of teaching designed to enhance the educator's ability to identify and correct faulty percussion playing in both individual and ensemble performance; and to serve as a source of information for the development of marching band, concert band and percussion ensembles.

MUS 814 – Aesthetics of Music     3 credit hours

A survey of the standard literature of aesthetics. A consideration of art in its relation to experience with specific reference to the function of music in an educational program.

MUS 815 – Graduate Secondary Applied Instruction Studio     1 credit hour

Applied study in a secondary area in music composition, piano, vocal or instrumental areas. A jury examination is required at the end of each semester of study. A private lesson fee will be assessed.
Total Credits Allowed: 5.00
Prerequisite: Music degree seeking student that has been successfully accepted to the graduate program.

MUS 816P – Special Topics in Piano Pedagogy     2-3 credit hours

Topical studies of various teaching techniques and materials used in individual and/or group piano instruction at elementary, intermediate or advanced levels.
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00

MUS 820P – String Pedagogy     3 credit hours

A course designed to study techniques and performance issues specific to string instruments, and to explore teaching methods suitable for beginning to advanced levels in string playing.

MUS 822 – Administration and Supervision of the Music Program     3 credit hours

Problems of the administration and supervision of the music program. Music's contribution to the total school program: equipment, schedule, budget, instructional problems, and human relations.

MUS 831P – Independent Music Studio     2 credit hours

This course is designed to provide guidelines for developing a successful independent music studio including professional qualifications, ethical standards, and effective studio management (instrumental, piano, or vocal).
Prerequisite: Admission to the MAED Music Education program or permission of instructor.

MUS 832P – Fundamentals of Piano Pedagogy I     3 credit hours

An introduction to the basic concepts necessary for successful teaching at the elementary level.

MUS 833P – Fundamentals of Piano Pedagogy II     2 credit hours

A continuation of Piano Pedagogy I with emphasis on group teaching, third year and intermediate students.

MUS 834P – Advanced Piano Pedagogy I-History     2 credit hours

Advanced studies in teaching philosophies and principles of piano pedagogy.
Department Consent Required

MUS 835P – Advanced Piano Pedagogy II-Keyboard Literature     2 credit hours

Advanced studies in pedagogical approaches to keyboard literature, musicianship and performance.
Department Consent Required

MUS 836P – Internship in Piano Teaching     2 credit hours

Practical application of teaching skills learned in Fundamentals of Piano Pedagogy I and II, and Advanced Piano Pedagogy I. Teaching assignments and observations will be based on student's background, level and experience, and availability of varied teaching environments, constituting a combination of both private and group instruction.
Department Consent Required

MUS 846 – Survey of Choral Literature     3 credit hours

This course examines significant and noted sacred and secular choral literature from the Renaissance to 21st century through general characteristics and development of form, style, and performance practice considering specific examples of representative works.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Completion of Graduate Music Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 80% or completion of MUS 402 with a minimum grade of "B" and permissions of instructor.

MUS 847 – History and Literature of Opera     3 credit hours

This course examines opera as a musical and theatrical genre through general characteristics and development of the form, and through specific examples of representative works.

MUS 848 – History of Baroque Music     3 credit hours

This course develops an in depth understanding of fundamental compositional style elements and performance practices utilized in the Baroque Era, and explores relationships between major philosophical, sociological, and political currents and their relationship to musical developments. The course further acquaints students with landmark composers and compositions that may serve as reference points in their professional musical development.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Completion of Graduate Music Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 80% or completion of MUS 402 with a minimum grade of "B" and permission of instructor.

MUS 849 – History of Classical Music     3 credit hours

This course develops an in depth understanding of fundamental compositional style elements and performance practices utilized in the Classical Era, and explores relationship between major philosophical, sociological, and political currents and their relationship to musical developments. The course further acquaints students with landmark composers and compositions that may serve as reference points in their professional musical development.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Completion of Graduate Music Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 80% or completion of MUS 402 with a minimum grade of "B" and permission of instructor.

MUS 850 – Graduate Applied Instruction     2 credit hours

Applied study in graduate music composition, piano, vocal or instrumental areas. A jury examination is usually required at the end of each semester.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 4.00
Additional Course Fee Required

MUS 851 – History of Romantic Music     3 credit hours

This course develops an in depth understanding of fundamental compositional style elements and performance practices utilized in the Romantic Era, and explores relationships between major philosophical, sociological, and political currents and their relationship to musical developments. The course further acquaints students with landmark composers and compositions that may serve as reference points in their professional musical development.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Completion of Graduate Music Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 80% or completion of MUS 402 with a minimum grade of "B" and permission of instructor.

MUS 852 – History of Twentieth Century Music     3 credit hours

This course is designed to increase the depth of the student's knowledge of the music of our own time. It will include an overview of the major currents and composers in 20th century music and will focus on a few specific composers and ideas.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Completion of Graduate Music Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 80% or completion of MUS 402 with a minimum grade of "B" and permission of instructor.

MUS 853 – A History of Women Composers     3 credit hours

This course will study women composers and their music throughout history, from the Ancient/Middle Ages to the present. The focus of the course will be the actual music, in written and/or recorded form, current research on women composers, historical and sociological contexts and psychological factors affecting women composers.
Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Completion of Graduate Music Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 80% or completion of MUS 402 with a minimum grade of "B" and permission of instructor.

MUS 857P – Elementary School Music     3 credit hours

Current trends in curriculum planning, assessment, and effective teaching strategies at the elementary level.

MUS 860 – Independent Study and Research     1-3 credit hours

Independent research or special assignment in the student's major field.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and 9 hours of Music classes

MUS 880 – Marching Band Technique     3 credit hours

Materials and suggestions to band directors concerning the planning of marching band shows and pageantry.

MUS 885P – Seminar in Opera Technique and Performance     3 credit hours

A study of available operas with regard to casting, rehearsal techniques, staging, managing, and performance.

MUS 891P – Expanded Campus Workshop     1-3 credit hours

Total Credits Allowed: 3.00

MUS 894P – Wind Band Pedagogy     3 credit hours

This course is designed to further develop the band director's understanding of appropriate literature and rehearsal techniques. The course will promote the refinement of analytical skills necessary to more fully identify, understand, teach, and conduct quality repertoire. The course objectives are designed to improve analytical skills and rehearsal effectiveness through a scholarly approach to score study and rehearsal philosophy.
Department Consent Required

MUS 895P – Choral Pedagogy     3 credit hours

This course is designed to further develop the choral director's understanding of appropriate literature and rehearsal techniques. The course will promote the refinement of analytical skills necessary to more fully identify, understand, teach, and conduct quality repertoire. The course objectives are designed to improve analytical skills and rehearsal effectiveness through a scholarly approach to score study and rehearsal philosophy.
Department Consent Required

MUS 897 – Graduate Capstone Project     3 credit hours

Research and/or performance final project in an area of special interest to the student that demonstrates an integration of ideas from at least two content areas of the graduate music program,Aesthetics, Education (foundations, philosophy, psychology), History/Literature, Theory, Pedagogy/Methods, and Performance.

MUS 899P – Music Special Topics     1-3 credit hours

Total Credits Allowed: 9.00