Undergraduate Studies Catalog (1997-1999)

Chairman: Sri Ram V. Bakshi

The department offers music courses for arts for children, general education, and music appreciation. Although there is no major in music, the department offers a music specialty in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children and American Studies. The department also organizes music events and Brockport Chorus.

Interdisciplinary Arts for Children: Music Specialty

Students wishing to major in Arts for Children with a music specialty should contact the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts about the required entrance audition. The students should be able to perform on voice or instrument at NYSSMA level IV.

MUS 105 Introduction to Music (A,P). Open to all students; no musical background required. Covers the three major areas: music fundamentals (scales, chords, notation, etc.), music history (classical music, American pop music of 20th century), and various ethnic music. 3 Cr. Fall.

MUS 112 World Music (A,F,C,W). This course examines the universal principles that connect music around the world. The music of the following areas will be included: India, Africa, Japan, South America, the United States, Europe. A unit on the contribution of women composers is also included. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

MUS 130 Beginning Piano Class (B). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Allows development of practical skills in reading music at the keyboard, including some knowledge of scales and chords to provide basic accompaniment. 2 Cr.

MUS 230 Advanced Piano Class (B). Prerequisite: MUS 130 or instructor's permission. Allows development of more advanced skills in piano performance techniques, including pedalling, phrases and fingering, study of polyphonic and homophonic styles. 2 Cr.

MUS 278 African-American Music and Culture (A,F). Cross-listed as AAS 278. Provides a basic history of African-American music and related aspects of theatre, dance, and literature from the 17th century to the present. 3 Cr. Fall.

MUS 301 Music Making (A). Provides an introduction to music theory and notation, aural discrimination, and composition. 3 Cr.

MUS 320 College Choir (B). Prerequisite: Ability to sing in tune with reasonable quality. Includes performance of standard choral works from many styles and periods. 1 Cr.

MUS 326 Brockport Symphony Orchestra (B). Prerequisite: Audition. Includes performance of standard orchestral repertoire. Allows students to develop orchestral techniques and understanding of musical styles. 1 Cr.

MUS 387 Music and the Child (A). Prerequisite: Introductory music course or instructor's permission. Covers current approaches in using music with children and ways in which music can contribute to the total growth of the child. Explores existing vocal and instrumental materials suitable for children, creating original songs, rhythmic games, and sound stories. 3 Cr.

MUS 399 Independent Study in Music (A). To be defined in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the regulations of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr.

MUS 413 American Music (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Provides a study of representative music styles and idioms of North America from Colonial times to the present; analysis of visual and aural, structural and stylistic characteristics of the music; and recognition of important composers and musicians who contributed to the development of American music. 3 Cr.

MUS 414 American Musical Theatre (A). Surveys the American musical theatre, including Broadway shows, through investigation of its form. Provides analyses, discussions, viewing and research of selected works to serve as a basis for a more aware listening technique. 3 Cr.

MUS 485 American Folk Music (A). Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Takes a performance approach to the history, styles, and repertoire of North American folk music. Allows students to learn approximately 100 folk songs, covering all geographic regions, from performances by the instructor, guest artists, members of the class, films, and recordings. Especially recommended for arts for children, recreation and leisure, education, and music education majors. 3 Cr.

MUS 499 Advanced Independent Study in Music (A). To be defined in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the regulations of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 3 Cr.