This is the first course in a sequence for students interested in a concentrated study of music theory and musicianship. In addition to the fundamental principles of pitch, rhythm, meter, scales, keys, intervals, triads, and seventh chords, this course integrates subjects on musical expression, timbre, texture, performance, and composition.

Co-requisite: Students must take MUS 103 either prior to or concurrently with MUS 104

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This is the first course in a sequence that develops aural perception skills in the principles of theory and musicianship through sight-singing and rhythm reading; scale, interval, and chord identification; melodic and rhythmic error detection; and melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation. This course serves as a lab for MUS 103. Students may be able to test out of MUS 104 by means of a placement test.

Corequisite: MUS 103 either together with or before MUS 104. If a student withdraws from MUS 103, they must also withdraw from MUS 104.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course provides an introductory survey of the characteristic musical forms, techniques, technologies, and styles of Western art music from about 1750 to present. It uses historical methods to closely examine composers, listeners, and performers' activities and experiences alongside significant cultural, social, and political events. The ability to read music is not required.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course constitutes an introduction to piano playing by learning music notation, keyboard technique, fundamental music theory and beginning piano repertoire. No previous experience with music is required. No pre-requisites. This course is designed for true beginners who have had no previous experience with the piano. Students with previous music experience must contact the instructor for placement.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course constitutes an introduction to keyboard skills and piano performance. Fundamental knowledge of music theory is required.

P: MUS 103

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Students study, rehearse, and perform vocal music. This ensemble is dedicated to achieving musical excellence through the performance of choral works of art at the highest possible level, to the development of choral performance skills, and to the cultivation of significant aesthetic experiences through music. This course includes instruction in ensemble musicianship, rehearsal protocols, individual vocal techniques, and discussion of the historical and musical significance of assigned repertoire. There may be a charge for concert dress not to exceed $120, and students may be asked to provide individual transportation to off-campus performances. An audition is required.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of choral repertoire for men's voices. Includes instruction in individual vocal techniques, rehearsal protocols, and discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire. May be repeated for credit. Possible charge for concert dress. Students may be asked to provide their own transportation to a local performance venue.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance choral repertoire for women's voices. Includes instruction in individual vocal techniques, rehearsal protocols, and discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire. May be repeated for credit. Possible charge for concert dress. Students may be asked to provide their own transportation to a local performance venue. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of choral repertoire for small vocal ensemble. Includes instruction in individual vocal techniques, rehearsal protocols, and discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire. May be repeated for credit. Possible charge for concert dress. Students may be asked to provide their own transportation to a local performance venue. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of advanced choral repertoire from all eras. Includes instruction in individual vocal techniques, rehearsal protocols, and discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire. May be repeated for credit. Possible charge for concert dress. Students may be asked to provide their own transportation to a local performance venue. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Students study and perform vocal music of the African diaspora, including spirituals, folk forms, traditional and contemporary gospel, and formally-composed choral works by composers of African descent. This course includes instruction in individual vocal techniques, rehearsal protocols, and discussion of the historical and musical significance of assigned repertoire. There may be a charge for concert dress not to exceed $100, and students may be asked to provide individual transportation to off-campus performances. This course may be taken for up to 10 semesters for credit. An audition is required.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course is designed for students interested in a fundamental study of the materials of music, including pitch, rhythm, meter, scales, keys, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. Intended for students with minimal or no music theory background, this course develops skills in reading, writing, and analyzing a wide variety of music.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Rehearsal and performance of significant repertoire for symphony orchestra from the 18th-21st centuries, including individual practice techniques, rehearsal protocols, discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire, and public performances. May be repeated for credit. Possible charge for concert dress. Students may be asked to provide individual transportation to an off-campus local performance.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of significant repertoire for chamber orchestra from the 17th-21st centuries, including individual practice techniques, rehearsal protocols, discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire, and public performances. May be repeated for credit . Possible charge for concert dress. Students may be asked to provide individual transportation to an off-campus local performance. Audition required. May be repeated for up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of repertoire for marching band. Study of drill and instrumental techniques, memorization, and repertoire of varying styles for large ensemble. May be repeated for credit. There is a band uniform charge; transportation to performances will be provided. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall only

Rehearsal and performance of repertoire for varsity or athletic band. Study of instrumental techniques and repertoire of varying styles for large ensemble. May be repeated for credit. There is a band uniform charge; transportation to performances will be provided. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Spring only

British Brass Band provides an ensemble performing experience in a wide range of musical styles in the British Brass Band musical medium. Music is selected to provide a challenging opportunity for musical growth. Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus events. There is a charge to the student to check out a department-owned instrument.

Prerequisite: Audition required

Typically offered in Spring only

Rehearsal and performance of significant repertoire for wind ensemble, including individual practice techniques, rehearsal protocols, discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire, and public performances. May be repeated for credit. Possible charge for concert dress. Students may be asked to provide individual transportation to an off-campus local performance. Audition required. May be repeated for up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Students rehearse and publicly perform repertoire for symphonic band, which includes a study of individual practice techniques, rehearsal and performance protocols, and the historical and musical significance of the repertoire. There may be a nominal charge for concert dress and instrument rental, and students may be asked to provide individual transportation to off-campus performances. Although auditions are not required, students must have had at least one year of lessons or performance experience on their instrument. This course may be taken for up to 10 semesters for credit.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Learn to play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument as a member of NC State's Beginning Band. This introductory course will provide an outlet for creative expression as you learn to play a new musical instrument of your choosing in a safe, collaborative and nonjudgmental environment. In Beginning Band, students will learn to read standard musical notation while playing music together as an ensemble during class. A band instrument is required and can be rented through the Department of Music for an additional fee. No experience is necessary to enroll in this class. Beginning Band may not be repeated for credit.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Study of basic and advanced techniques for jazz improvisation, including in-class performance and study of historical models. May be repeated for credit up to ten semesters. Audition required.

Typically offered in Fall only

Rehearsal and performance of basic to advanced repertoire for small jazz ensemble, including individual practice techniques, improvisation, rehearsal protocols, discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire, and public performances. May be repeated for credit. Students may be asked to provide individual transportation to an off-campus local performance. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of basic to advanced repertoire for jazz ensemble, including individual practice techniques, improvisation, rehearsal protocols, discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire, and public performances. May be repeated for credit. Students may be asked to provide individual transportation to an off-campus local performance. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of advanced repertoire for small jazz ensemble, including individual practice techniques, improvisation, rehearsal protocols, discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire, and public performances. May be repeated for credit. Students may be asked to provide individual transportation to an off-campus local performance. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Rehearsal and performance of advanced repertoire for jazz ensemble, including individual practice techniques, improvisation, rehearsal protocols, discussion of historical and musical significance of repertoire, and public performances. May be repeated for credit. Students may be asked to provide individual transportation to an off-campus local performance. Audition required. May be repeated up to 10 semesters.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Development and practice of vocal techniques suitable to solo and ensemble singing in a variety of musical styles, both historical and contemporary.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Instruction in bagpiping, including individual practice techniques and traditional performance practices. Prepares students for advancement into the NC State Pipes and Drums Band. Students will be required to purchase a bagpipe chanter and to provide individual transportation to off-campus performances. The ability to read music is not required upon entry. This course may be taken up to 6 semesters for credit.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This is the second course in a sequence for students interested in a concentrated study of music theory and musicianship. Topics include harmonic analysis, part-writing, seventh chords, nonharmonic tones, melodic organization, harmonic progression and expansion, harmonic rhythm, and tonicization.

Prerequisites: Placement Tests or C- or better in MUS 103 and MUS 104; Corequisites: MUS 154 either together with or after MUS 153.

Typically offered in Spring only

This is the second course in a sequence that develops aural perception skills in the principles of theory and musicianship through sight-singing and rhythm reading; interval and chord identification; melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic error detection; and melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation. This course serves as a lab for MUS 153.

Prerequisite: MUS 103 and 104, or placement tests; Corequisites: MUS 153. Students must take MUS 153 either together with or before MUS 154. If a student withdraws from MUS 153, they must also withdraw from MUS 154.

Typically offered in Spring only

Examination of western musical materials, forms, styles and history through the primary musical experiences of composing, performing, and listening. Course designed for students with no formal musical training.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Exploring music theory provides the student insight into Basic theoretical elements of music from Western civilization, which are fundamental to analysis and creation of musical compositions. The course will cover tonality, rhythm, intervals, triads, composition of melodies, harmonic progressions, and lead sheets. This course will enrich the student who performs, sings, composes, and enjoys listening to music.

Prerequisite: Ability to read music

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course offers individual instruction in voice or instrumental performance that includes the development of basic technique as well as the advancement of artistry, musicianship, and repertoire. An end-of-semester evaluation serves as a measure of progress for continuation of applied study. A lesson charge of $300.00 is assessed at the beginning of each semester. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the minimal cost of an on- or off-campus event. This course may be taken for up to 2 semesters for credit. Prerequisite: Department Approval

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Designed for the first two semesters of a four-semester program of study, this course offers individual instruction in voice or instrumental performance that includes the development of basic technique as well as the advancement of artistry, musicianship, and repertoire. An end-of-semester performance jury serves as a measure of progress for continuation of applied study. A lesson charge is assessed at the beginning of each semester. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the minimal cost of an on- or off-campus event.

Requisite: Music Minors Only

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Understanding Music is a semester-long exploration of music's materials, contexts, and purposes. We will consider music as a global phenomenon and commonality of human social experience. Through videos, readings and listening to both recorded and live music from diverse world regions, we will examine the occasions and purposes of music making and listening. We will explore the ways in which traditions, values, belief systems, and patterns of social change are encoded and made manifest in musical practices. The ability to read music is not expected. This course can fulfill either the Interdisciplinary Perspectives (IP) or Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) GEP requirements, and the Global Knowledge (GK) co-requisite requirement.

GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Survey of Western art music from antiquity to the mid-18th century, with an emphasis on the characteristic forms and styles of he Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. This course examines the major composers and representative works in light of social, political, and cultural influences. The ability to read music is required.

GEP Global Knowledge, GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall only

This course emphasizes the characteristic musical forms, techniques, technologies, and styles of Western art music from about 1750 to present. It uses musicological methods to closely examine composers, listeners, and performers' activities and experiences alongside dominant European ideologies and significant cultural, social, and political events. The ability to read music is required.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

As a continuation of MUS 153 (Theory and Musicianship II), this course examines compositional processes in chromatic harmony and musical form. Students acquire fluency in the written comprehension of these processes through analysis, problem solving, and notation. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus musical event not to exceed $20.

Prerequisite: MUS 153 (Theory and Musicianship II); Corequisite: MUS 204 either after or simultaneously with MUS 203

Typically offered in Fall only

As a continuation of MUS 154 (Theory and Musicianship Lab II), this course examines compositional processes in chromatic harmony and musical form. Students acquire fluency in the aural comprehension of these processes through rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; contextual listening and identification; composition; sight-singing; and rhythm-reading. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus musical event not to exceed $20.

Prerequisite: MUS 154 (Theory and Musicianship Lab II); Corequisite: MUS 203 either before or simultaneously with MUS 204

Typically offered in Fall only

A historical survey of music in the United States, including classical and popular, secular and religious, vocal and instrumental genres and styles from the eighteenth century to the present, studied in the context of relevant historical, social, and cultural issues.

GEP U.S. Diversity, GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Typically offered in Spring only

The study and performance of intermediate piano repertoire.

Prerequisite: MUS 107

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course is designed to prepare students to teach piano at the elementary level. Topics discussed are the history of piano pedagogy; principles of pedagogy; age- and level-based learning types; technical, artistic and performance problems; music pedagogy as career; reference and teaching materials; and introduction in MIDI technology. Requirement for music minors in the piano performance emphasis. Prerequisite: MUS 390, 207, or instructor's consent.

Prerequisite: MUS 390 or MUS 207; C: MUS 390

Typically offered in Spring only

This course examines the stylistic evolution and cultural impact of popular music in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s. Musical styles discussed include American and British rock, R&B, country, folk, soul, funk, reggae, disco, and punk. No prior musical knowledge is necessary. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus event. This course fulfills GEP requirements in Visual and Performing Arts.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP U.S. Diversity

Typically offered in Fall and Summer

The course examines the stylistic development and cultural impact of popular music in the United States from the 1980s to the present. Musical styles discussed include mainstream and alternative rock, metal, pop, country, contemporary R&B, rap, hip-hop, dance music, and electronica. No prior musical knowledge is necessary. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus event. This course fulfills GEP requirements in Visual and Performing Arts.

GEP U.S. Diversity, GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course is a survey of African-American music in the United States from the colonial period to the present, with emphasis on its unique features, its contributions to American culture, and the ways it has been impacted by major political events and movements, including the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement.

GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course is a survey of the history and the change over time in film and TV scores from the Silent Era until the present. It is an introduction to the interlocking studies of film, music, literature, politics, and culture in the United States in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Students will learn how music enhances, comments on, undermines, and directs a viewer's interpretation of a film or TV episode. Different film genres including horror, historical fiction, movie musicals, and speculative fiction will be highlighted in the course content. Through class discussions, class activities, formal, and informal writing assignments, students will evaluate films, sound recordings, scholarly publications, and primary sources about music in film. No previous musical experience is required.

GEP Humanities

Typically offered in Fall only

This course provides an introduction to the commercial music industry, including its history and development in the context of multiple popular and traditional genres in the United States. Introduction to the Music Industry will increase a student's understanding of common business practices and related knowledge concerning the music industry. It will also assist those students considering further study of the music industry to effectively maintain a professional music career. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of on- and off-campus events.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

As a continuation of MUS 203 (Theory and Musicianship III), this course examines compositional processes in 20th- and 21st-century music. Students acquire fluency in the written comprehension of these processes through analysis, problem solving, and notation. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus musical event not to exceed $20.

Prerequisite: MUS 203A (Theory and Musicianship III); Corequisites: MUS 254 either after or simultaneously with MUS 253

Typically offered in Spring only

As a continuation of MUS 204 (Theory and Musicianship Lab III), this course examines compositional processes in 20th- and 21st-century music. Students acquire fluency in the aural comprehension of these processes through rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation; contextual listening and identification; composition; sight-singing; and rhythm-reading. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus musical event not to exceed $20.

Prerequisite: MUS 203A (Theory and Musicianship III); Corequisite: MUS 253 either before or simultaneously with MUS 254

Typically offered in Spring only

History of jazz and the contributions of major artists. Emphasis of the various styles that have contributed to this American art form. Investigation of structural forms in the jazz idiom.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP U.S. Diversity

Typically offered in Spring and Summer

A class specifically for songwriters, musicians, beat makers, sample manipulators and scratch artists using digital audio workstations (DAWs) as composition tools. This course will also introduce basic audio engineering, gain structure, and signal flow from interface to DAW. The goal is to explore the broader DAW platform as a tool in the songwriting process. Students will explore editing, looping, effects, equalization, plugins and rack hardware. No specific prior mathematics, engineering, or computer training required. Students may be asked to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus event.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Designed for the second two semesters of a four-semester program of study, this course offers individual instruction in voice or instrumental performance that includes the development of basic technique as well as the advancement of artistry, musicianship, and repertoire. An end-of-semester performance jury serves as a measure of progress for continuation of applied study. A lesson charge is assessed at the beginning of each semester. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the minimal cost of an on- or off-campus event. Prerequisite: Music Minors only; two semesters of MUS 193 or departmental approval.

Requisite: Music Minors Only and Two Semesters of MUS 193 or Departmental Approval

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Special Topics in Music

Performance of chamber music. Emphasis on chamber literature from the sixteen through the twentieth centuries written for a wide variety of combinations ranging from string quartets to pieces written for specific instruments and voices.

Prerequisite: Satisfactorily passing audition

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Study and creation of musical works. Emphasis on writing original music and works imitative of conventional and contemporary musical styles. Students may have to provide their own transportation to an on- or off-campus event and to cover the cost of that event.

Theory I (MUS 103) or consent of instructor

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Survey of the theory and history of computer music, compositional algorithms, digital synthesis techniques, composition of at least one computer music work -- a computer-assisted composition for traditional instruments, a piece for computer music on tape, a real-time piece, or a piece that combines tape and instrument(s).

Prerequisite: Some knowledge of music or computer science (e.g. CSC 200)

GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Evolution of European music from 1600 to 1820, with emphasis on characteristics of Baroque and Classical form and style. Examination of major composers and representative works in light of social, political and cultural influences. Students may be required to attend an on- or off-campus event at their own cost and to provide their own transportation.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

A survey of 19th century European music, including analysis of its texts, forms and composers, and its relations to other art forms of the period. This course fulfills GEP categories in Visual and Performing Arts and Global Knowledge. Students may be required to attend an on- or off-campus musical event at their own cost and to provide their own means of transportation.

GEP Global Knowledge, GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

This course is a study of Western Art Music from 1900 to the present, emphasizing significant composers, repertoire, and compositional procedures and trends, including traditional, atonal, serial, aleatoric, electronic and computer music. The ability to read music is not required. Students may be required to attend and cover the cost of an on-campus event. This course fulfills GEP categories in Visual and Performing Arts and Global Knowledge.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall only

Survey of staged musical works spanning four centuries. Emphasis on large-scale dramatic works in the genres of opera, operetta, and musical. Designed for students with musical and/or theatrical experience. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the cost of an on- or off-campus event.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP Global Knowledge

Typically offered in Fall only

This course examines music in three major regions of the world's largest continent: South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Emphasis is placed on characteristic musical forms and styles of each region, and on cultural, social, political, and sacred contexts in which music is made and experienced. No previous formal training in music is necessary. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to, and cover the cost of, an on- or off-campus event.

GEP Global Knowledge, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP Visual and Performing Arts

Typically offered in Fall only

This course examines the role of gender in the support, creation, and performance of music in the United States and Europe from the 17th century until the present within appropriate cultural, social, economic, and political frameworks. Students trace the changing gendered cultural expectations that affect women's musical opportunities and performance traditions in repertoires ranging from Western classical music to various types of popular music including the blues, jazz, soul, and pop. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the past informs current issues related to women in American music including depictions of women's bodies in music videos, the intersection of race, sexuality, and gender in popular music, the #MeToo movement, and the representation of women's experiences in music. No previous musical experience is required.

GEP Visual and Performing Arts, GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity

Typically offered in Spring only

This class is designed for intermediate songwriters, musicians, beat makers, sample manipulators, and scratch artists using digital audio workstations (DAWs) as composition tools. Intended as a continuation of MUS 270, this course provides intermediate audio engineering and applied technical knowledge, such as equalization, compression, digital signal processing and mixing. Weekly assignments demonstrate command of the sonic and technical aspects of digital audio as well as the craft of songwriting. Students may be asked to provide their own transportation to and cover the minimal cost of an on- or off-campus event. Prerequisite: MUS 270 or departmental approval.

Prerequisite: MUS 270 or Departmental approval

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

The recital is the capstone for students in the Music Minor performance concentration. Students receive weekly individual instruction culminating in a public solo recital. Students also receive instruction in organizing the recital. A lesson charge is assessed at the beginning of the semester. Pending departmental approval, this course may be taken for up to two semesters for credit. Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and cover the minimal cost of an on- or off-campus event. Prerequisite: two semesters of MUS 293 or departmental approval.

Prerequisite: two semesters of MUS 293 or departmental approval

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Examination of selected topics in music.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Directed independent study of selected topics for students with specialized interests in music and/or advanced musical ability. Credit and content determined by faculty member in consultation with Director of Music. Individualized/Independent Study and Research courses require a "Course Agreement for Students Enrolled in Non-Standard Courses" be completed by the student and faculty member prior to registration by the department.