Graduate Catalog: Music Courses

Music || Music Therapy || Graduation Requirements

Music (MUSC)

MUSC 501 Computers and Technology for the Musician (3)
A people-centered “hands-on” approach to using the computer and computer-based technology in music, including procedures, types of data to be used, software programs, and hardware needs.

MUSC 506 Psychology of Music (3)
A study of the nature of musical behaviors related to learning in the K-12 setting. Topics include an introduction to developmental learning theories, testing and authentic assessment issues, and research studies applied to music teaching.

MUSC 507 Music in the Middle Ages (3)
A study of Western European monophonic and polyphonic music from the ninth through the fourteenth centuries; includes some transcription.

MUSC 511 Analytical Techniques (3)
Analytical approaches to major works from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; compositional techniques and stylistic differences.

MUSC 512 Music in the Renaissance (3)
A study of sacred and secular music from the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries.

MUSC 513 Music in the Baroque Era (3)
A study of the various genres of vocal and instrumental music from the seventeenth to the mid-eighteenth centuries.

MUSC 515 Improvisation and Transposition (3)
A study of the principles involved and practical application in realizing improvisations and transposition in various styles and idioms.

MUSC 516 Music in the Classic Era (3)
A study of the various genres of vocal and instrumental music from the mideighteenth to the early nineteenth centuries.

MUSC 517 Music in the Modern Era (3)
A study of major developments in concepts and styles of music in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

MUSC 518 Music in the Romantic Era (3)
A study of the various genres of vocal and instrumental music of the nineteenth century.

MUSC 519 Seminar in World Music (3)
This seminar investigates both classical and popular musical traditions of selected non-Western societies, examining performance venues, relationships to other traditions, and the unique meanings of music within different cultures. The course also includes an introduction to various methods of ethno-musicological research. Individual student projects allow for translation of the course material to effective use in specific areas of concentration.

MUSC 520 Instrumental Literature and Conducting (3)
Introduction to instrumental literature as well as rehearsal and conducting techniques for orchestra, band, and stage band.

MUSC 521 Seminar in Elementary Education (3)
This seminar investigates the national standards of music education, research, and curricular design in elementary music education.

MUSC 522 Seminar in Secondary Education (3)
This seminar investigates curricular design issues surrounding general music programs in the grade 7-12 learner. (Prerequisite: experience in secondary music education.)

MUSC 525 Administration and Supervision of Music Education (3)
Designed for those who are charged with leadership in the field of music education; concentration on studies that will initiate and promote excellence in school music programs.

MUSC 526 Care and Repair of Instruments (3)
Practical course in proper care of band and orchestral instruments and procedures for minor repairs.

MUSC 527 History and Philosophy of Music Education (3)
This course addresses the changes and issues that have radically shaped American music education from the 1950s to the present. Topics include foundational events, growth in the profession, and issues shaping the future of music education.

MUSC 528 Seminar in Working with Special Needs Students (3)
This seminar focuses on trends in music education for exceptional children identified by Public Law 94-142 and current policies on inclusion. Through class discussion and related readings, students will develop strategies for modifying existing music materials, and for designing original music materials appropriate to special learners. Seminar is an elective for music teachers in the K-6 setting.

MUSC 530 Choral Arranging (3)
Arranging for vocal ensembles of treble and mixed voices.

MUSC 531 Choral Literature and Conducting (3)
A survey of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present. Advanced rehearsal and conducting techniques with the class as a performing choral group. Consider ation given to stylistic interpretation of the music of various periods.

MUSC 536 Instrumental Arranging (3)
Review of orchestration fundamentals and the writing of practical arrangements for various instrumental ensembles.

MUSC 537A Ensemble Participation: Wind Ensemble (no credit)
Practical experience in performing ensemble, open to qualified students at discretion of the conductor.

MUSC 537B Ensemble Participation: Orchestra (no credit)
See MUSC 537A

MUSC 537C Ensemble Participation: Campus Choir (no credit)
See MUSC 537A

MUSC 537D Ensemble Participation: Jazz Ensemble (no credit)
See MUSC 537A

MUSC 537E Ensemble Participation: String Quartet/Chamber Music (no credit)
See MUSC 537A

MUSC 541 Composition (3)
Work in traditional and twentieth-century forms of music composition; creative work in free composition, with instruction according to the needs and capabilities of the individual student.

MUSC 543 Introduction to Music Bibliography and Research (3)
A seminar designed as an introduction to music bibliography and basic research methodology. Individualized final project allows for practical application of materials studied.

MUSC 545, 546 Seminar in Vocal Pedagogy I, II (3, 3)
These seminars emphasize both the speaking and singing voice with special attention to the physiology of the vocal mechanism; the healthy use and care of the voice, with techniques to promote stress reduction (including Alexander Technique); becoming acquainted with the International Phonetic Alphabet as a tool for teaching and performing vocal music in different languages; and applying principles of healthy vocal production to training and conducting choirs. (MUSC 545 is a prerequisite for MUSC 546.)

MUSC 550 Applied Music—Voice (variable credit)

MUSC 551 Applied Music—Piano (variable credit)

MUSC 552 Applied Music—Organ (variable credit)

MUSC 553 Applied Music—Strings (variable credit)

MUSC 554 Applied Music—Woodwinds (variable credit)

MUSC 555 Professional Contribution (no credit)
Project directed by a member of the faculty.

MUSC 555R Professional Contribution: Recital (no credit)
Recital directed by a member of the faculty.

MUSC 555T Professional Contribution: Thesis (3)
Thesis directed by a member of the faculty.

MUSC 555W Professional Contribution: Workshop (no credit)
Workshop directed by a member of the faculty.

MUSC 558 Applied Music—Brass (variable credit)

MUSC 599 Independent Study (variable credit)
A project or course designed for the individual student’s interest and needs through self-directed learning. Prior approval of the Dean is required.

Music Therapy (M TH)

M TH 510 Theories in Creative Arts Therapy (3)
The study of contemporary individual and group theories in view of recent research developments and current trends in music therapy. Emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice.

M TH 511 Assessment and Appraisal in Music Therapy (3)
Principles and applications of structured assessments for various age levels as a prerequisite for program planning and implementation of psychotherapy in music.

M TH 512 Ethical and Legal Issues in Music Therapy (3)
This study of ethical issues in Music Therapy will focus on philosophical and practical questions relevant to the professional music therapist. Attention will be given to basic principles of ethical thought and behavior related to research issues as reflected in the AMTA Code of Ethics and the CBMT Code of Professional Practice.

M TH 513 Advanced Improvisation and Arranging (3)
A study of the principles and techniques involving clinical application and the utilization of various idioms and styles used in the creative music therapy approach. Arranging for Orff Instruments and other opportunities for creative instrumental and vocal ensemble arrangements will be created.

M TH 514 Foundations of Creative Arts Therapy and Psychopathology (3)
An interdisciplinary approach to therapy conducted by specialists in art, music, dance, and psychodrama. Participation in group-process designed to develop the individual while preparing for a team approach in the creative arts. Also includes an in-depth examination of the range of emotional disorders. Integration of the psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive perspectives.

M TH 515 Level I of Bonny Guided Imagery and Music (3)
This course explores the theoretical foundation of the BGIM process and is designed to explore the use of music in healing, transformation, psychotherapy, spiritual growth, and the creative process. Students will explore effective music listening programs and experience the roles of traveler and guide during this dyad of the music psychotherapy process. This course provides opportunities for participation in one’s own inner process while learning an in-depth method.

M TH 540 Clinical Application, Instruction, and Supervision (3)
Supervised field experience involving music therapy intervention with a variety of persons with various disabilities in area facilities. Combines hands-on experience with training in issues associated with supervision and administration of music therapy programs. (A minimum of 50 hours of clinical experience is required).

M TH 541 Clinical Application, Instruction, and Seminar (3)
Pre-internship supervised field experience continues with a variety of persons with disabilities to develop skills in assessment procedures, program planning, implementation, documentation, and evaluation. Includes a comparative analysis, discussion of pre-internship experiences and periodic oral presentations on pertinent topics. (A minimum of 50 hours of clinical experience is required).

M TH 550 Music Therapy Graduate Practicum–Seminar I (3)
A practicum application and consequent seminar in group process and synthesis resulting from the practicum experience. Supervision techniques will also be addressed. Student works as a team member with qualified practitioners, assesses strengths and needs of the client, implements the appropriate therapeutic techniques, and documents the outcomes. (A minimum of 300 hours of practicum is required).

M TH 551 Music Therapy Graduate Practicum–Seminar II (3)
Continuation of M TH 550 with practicum placement in area of specialization. Involves practicum application and consequent seminar in group process and synthesis resulting from the practicum experience. Supervision techniques will also be addressed. Student works as a team member with qualified practitioners, assesses strengths and needs of the client, implements the appropriate therapeutic techniques, and documents the outcomes. (A minimum of 300 hours of practicum is required).

M TH 560 Music Therapy Supervised Internship (12)
The culminating in-depth, supervised clinical training experience at an AMTAapproved clinical training site. Required for Pennsylvania licensure.

Note: For specialty course descriptions, see individual Departmental course listings.

Graduation Requirements

At the completion of the required academic credits, the candidate must pass a written comprehensive examination and complete a Professional Contribution (thesis, workshop, or lecture recital) appropriate to his/her degree, under the direction of an appropriate member of the music faculty.

Music Programs (Catalog)