Course Descriptions

Undergraduate Courses

MUG 297
INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-3 CREDITS
An advanced course of individually directed study with a focus on Music Theory or Music History topics. Does not fulfill the Music History/Music Theory elective requirement. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUG 301
BASIC CONDUCTING
2 CREDITS
Students will study fundamental conducting techniques as expressed through beat patterns and explore the physical language of conducting as an expressive and illustrative medium. Students will acquire basic score study skills through analysis of selected masterworks and will have the opportunity to conduct a small class ensemble. Prerequisites: MUT 151 and MUT 201.

MUG 329
PEDAGOGY
2 CREDITS
This course serves as an introduction to the world of teaching. It addresses the musical, technical, theoretical and practical concerns of the pedagogue. Students will develop teaching skills in the basic elements of music, as well as a broad array of instrumental techniques. This course is divided into three sections: one for strings, one for wind, brass and percussion and one for piano students. Prerequisite: Conservatory students only.

MUG 390
MUSIC INTERNSHIP
1-3 CREDITS
Music students gain on-the-job performing or teaching experience through an internship placement. Prerequisites: Permission of college internship liaison, 2.5 cumulative GPA in major and/or departmental approval.

MUG 580
MUSIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP
3 CREDITS
This course helps graduate Conservatory of Music students define individual career objectives and develop the skills required to achieve these goals. Guest speakers from the faculty and musical community visit the seminar throughout the semester. Offered: Every other year.

MUG 597
INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-3 CREDITS
Advanced course of individually directed study with a focus on Instrumental Music, Music Literature, Music Pedagogy, Music History or Music Theory topics. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: MM students only, permission of the instructor and academic advisor.

MUH 300
MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL, RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE PERIODS
3 CREDITS
This course sets the music of the Medieval and Renaissance periods in the contexts of Church and court patronage and traces the connections between music and literature, painting and architecture. It describes features of musical construction and style in sacred and secular vocal music and dance music at court. The course describes the development of instrumental forms of trio sonata and concerto, the rise of public opera and the keyboard music. Prerequisite: Conservatory students or permission of instructor.

MUH 301
MUSIC OF THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
3 CREDITS
This course will review the Enlightenment and its effect on musical style. New forms gain prominence in this period, including the sonata, string quartet and symphony. The string quartet becomes the “connoisseur’s” form and is regarded as the most important form of chamber music. Opera seria gives way to new comic forms of opera, especially in Mozart’s operas. The piano as the new keyboard instrument gives rise to important sonatas by Haydn, Mozart and early Beethoven as well as Mozart’s piano concertos. Prerequisite: Conservatory students or permission of instructor.

MUH 302
MUSIC OF THE ROMANTIC PERIOD
3 CREDITS
Beethoven’s influence on the 19th century, especially through the ‘heroic’ symphonies, had a powerful influence on later 19th century composers. Piano music takes innovative new directions in the works of Schumann, Chopin and Liszt, while orchestral music develops new directions in the concert overture and symphonic poem. Changes in musical language can be found in Wagner’s operas, which not only influence many other composers but also overshadow the early years of the 20th century. Prerequisite: Conservatory students or permission of instructor.

MUH 303
MUSIC OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
3 CREDITS
The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the styles that have emerged in the music of the 20th century. The course will largely concentrate on the main composers of the century and their works. Lecture material will also include some discussion of sociopolitical/economic factors and developments in other art forms to provide a background for the intellectual climate of the period. Weekly listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. Prerequisite: Conservatory students or permission of instructor.

MUH 362
HISTORY OF CHAMBER MUSIC
3 CREDITS
This course traces the evolution of the forms of chamber music and seeks to discover how and why this evolution came about. Through a large amount of listening, discussion and comparison of standard works, students will examine topics from the history of chamber music. Regular listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUH 363
HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF THE SYMPHONY
3 CREDITS
Students will listen to and discuss the development of the symphony orchestra as a medium and as an art form. Masterpieces of the major symphonists will be studied in detail, with special emphasis of their significance in the evolution of musical style. Regular listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUH 366
VOCAL REPERTOIRE
3 CREDITS
This course serves as an introduction to music for the combined forces of voices and instruments. One objective of the course will be to enrich the musicianship and broaden the understanding of each student by examining the vocal arts through repertoire. Regular listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUH 368
AN OVERTURE TO OPERA
3 CREDITS
This course will introduce the student to the world of opera via study of its history and literature (surveyed chronologically), performance excerpts, and operas on video. Additionally, arias and other short excerpts from a variety of styles will be transcribed for the respective instruments of students in the class. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUH 369
THE CONCERTO
3 CREDITS
The concerto is one of the principal genres of instrumental music found in Western classical music. Each year that this course is offered it will concentrate on a specific type of concerto, e.g., concertos for keyboard instruments or concertos for string instruments. Emphasis will be placed on composers, and works by those composers, who have contributed to the development of the selected type of concerto. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis, not every year. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUH 530
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESEARCH SKILLS
3 CREDITS
In this course students will learn basic research skills, compile a bibliography and write an abstract, all directed toward an oral presentation on a topic of the student’s choice subject to approval by the instructor. This course is a requirement for all M.M. students.

MUH 562
SEMINAR IN CHAMBER MUSIC LITERATURE
3 CREDITS
Students will listen to and discuss the development of the chamber music as a genre. Masterpieces of the chamber music literature will be studied in detail, with special emphasis on their significance in the evolution of musical style. Regular listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. This course will require written assignments and in-class presentations. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year.

MUH 563
SEMINAR IN SYMPHONIC LITERATURE
3 CREDITS
Students will listen to and discuss the development of the symphony orchestra as a medium and as an art form. Masterpieces of the major symphonists will be studied in detail, with special emphasis on their significance in the evolution of musical style. Regular listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. This course will require papers and in-class presentations. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year.

MUH 566
SEMINAR IN VOCAL LITERATURE
3 CREDITS
Students will listen to and discuss the development of music written for the combination of voices and instruments. Masterpieces from this repertoire will be studied in detail, with special emphasis on their significance in the evolution of musical style. Regular listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. This course will require papers and in-class presentations. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year.

MUH 568
SEMINAR IN OPERATIC LITERATURE
3 CREDITS
Students will listen to and discuss the development of opera as genre. Masterpieces from the operatic repertoire will be studied in detail, with special emphasis on their significance in the evolution of musical style. Regular listening and reading assignments will be made throughout the course. This course will require papers and in-class presentations. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year.

MUH 569
SEMINAR IN CONCERTO LITERATURE
3 CREDITS
This course is not a chronological survey of solo concertos, but explores how composers worked out the relationships of solo instruments and orchestra. It will include both solo concertos and concertos for more than one instrument, such as double concertos and concerti grossi. The works of composers who have contributed to the development of this genre will be emphasized. This course fulfills the Music History elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year.

MUP 313-414
KEYBOARD SKILLS FOR PIANISTS I-IV
1 CREDIT
Several essential skills are introduced to the pianist through the four levels of this course. Each skill is continually developed during the four semester curriculum. Skills include sight-reading, score-reading, improvisation, harmonic progressions, realization of figured bass and transposition. Placement exams will determine student level. Prerequisite: Placement exam.

MUP 325
PIANO LITERATURE
3 CREDITS
A survey of significant keyboard literature by genre, including suites and character pieces, sonatas and variations, concerti, and chamber works. Through sight reading, research and listening exams the student will expand their knowledge of the development of piano literature. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered: As needed.

MUP 525
PIANO LITERATURE
3 CREDITS
A survey of significant keyboard literature by genre, including suites and character pieces, sonatas and variations, concerti, and chamber works. Through sight reading, research and listening exams the student will expand their knowledge of the development of piano literature. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered: As needed.

MUP 526
ADVANCED COLLABORATIVE PIANO LITERATURE I: THE INSTRUMENTAL SONATA AND CONCERTO
2 CREDITS
A comprehensive chronological survey of the instrumental sonata and concerto. Through performance, sight-reading, listening and score study, attention will be given to issues of style and performance.

MUP 527
ADVANCED COLLABORATIVE PIANO LITERATURE II: CHAMBER, VOCAL AND ORCHESTRAL REPERTOIRE
2 CREDITS
A survey and study of the hallmarks of piano chamber music, art song, and orchestral masterworks with prominent piano parts. Through performance, sight-reading, listening and score, study focus will be placed on attaining exposure to this vast component of the collaborative artist’s repertoire.

MUP 529
PIANO PEDAGOGY
3 CREDITS
In this course students will review, analyze and familiarize themselves with the methods and schools of pianism and the vast teaching repertoire of the intermediate student through observation, discussion and demonstration. Special attention will be paid to the psychology of learning and teaching which will culminate in the formation of individual teaching philosophies. Issues of the private studio, class piano and music literacy will also be addressed.

MUP 601
SEMINAR IN COLLABORATIVE PIANO I: SKILLS OF INSTRUMENTAL ACCOMPANYING
1 CREDIT
Through lecture, performance and demonstration, skills addressed will include sight-reading, score reduction, conducting, the study of orchestral reductions, transposing instruments and advanced rhythm and aural skill proficiencies. Professional issues including time management, effective preparation and rehearsal techniques, business, and communication skills will also be addressed.

MUP 602
SEMINAR IN COLLABORATIVE PIANO II: PERFORMANCE ISSUES
1 CREDIT
A partial performance class; technical issues and stylistic practices specific to each instrument will be explored as they pertain to the collaborative pianists’ ability to intelligently identify and discuss performance issues across the repertoire. Topics of study will include bowing, breathing, intonation, articulation, balance and stylistic performance practices.

MUP 603
COLLABORATIVE PIANO: PRACTICUM
2 CREDITS
Pianists are exposed to all instruments and every studio in which they will participate in rehearsals, lessons, studio classes, performance forum, master classes and recitals. Over the course of two years, students will be assigned to the string department for two semesters and woodwinds and brass/percussion for one semester each.

MUR 300
JUNIOR RECITAL
0 CREDIT
The Junior Recital consists of a minimum of 40 minutes of music. The student must present one complete work, and one selection must be memorized. The instructor may require that additional works be presented from memory. Prerequisites: Junior standing and instructor approval.

MUR 301
PERFORMANCE FORUM
0 CREDIT
A weekly gathering of all conservatory students and faculty gives students an opportunity to perform in a concert hall setting. All undergraduate students must enroll in Performance Forum each semester that they are in residence at the Conservatory of Music.

MUR 400
SENIOR RECITAL
0 CREDIT
The Senior Recital consists of a minimum of 50 minutes of music and includes an intermission. Repertoire should include a 20th/21st century work, and only complete works should be presented. At least one selection must be memorized. The instructor may require that additional works be presented from memory. Prerequisites: Senior standing and instructor approval.

MUR 501
PERFORMANCE FORUM
0 CREDIT
A weekly gathering of all conservatory students and faculty gives students an opportunity to perform in a concert hall setting. All graduate students must enroll in Performance Forum each semester that they are enrolled in at the Conservatory of Music.

MUR 600
GRADUATE RECITAL
0 CREDIT
The Graduate Recital consists of a minimum of 60 minutes of music and includes an intermission. Repertoire should include a 20th/21st century work, and only complete works should be presented. At least one selection must be memorized. The instructor may require that additional works be presented from memory. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and instructor approval.

MUR 601
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
0 CREDIT
A comprehensive oral exam must be passed at the conclusion of the MM program in the student’s major field of study, music theory and music history. Required of all MM candidates.

MUS 100
ELECTIVE IN INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
1 CREDIT
This course is designed to allow any student to study privately with an instrumental, piano or composition instructor. Prerequisite: Audition and permission of the instructor.

MUS 131-232
SECONDARY PIANO IñIV
1 CREDIT
In this course instrumental music students develop basic skills at the piano. A variety of skills are developed during the two-semester curriculum. These skills include scales and arpeggios, diatonic triads and seventh chords, chord progressions, chromatic chords, modal scales, repertoire, sight-reading, improvisation and harmonization. Placement exams will determine student level. Prerequisite: Placement exam.

MUS 201
APPLIED INSTRUMENT: Fr-So
3 CREDITS
In this course, students strive to develop their individual musical performance ability to its fullest potential, both musically and technically. Students receive training through a broad variety of repertoire and develop independent thinking. Weekly studio classes present a performance workshop dealing with various topics such as technique, performance and pedagogy. Additionally, annual student progress is assessed through juries. Students are required to perform in community performance internships as assigned by their instructor. Prerequisite: Conservatory freshman and sophomore students only.

MUS 311
SMALL ENSEMBLE
1 CREDIT
The chamber music program focuses on the process of coming together to achieve a successful musical experience while recognizing the substantial individual and collective responsibility required to that end. Regular coaching and rehearsals form the basis for developing the skill of musical interaction. Chamber groups are required to perform on campus and throughout the community as assigned by their instructor. Prerequisite: Audition may be required.

MUS 321
LARGE ENSEMBLE
1 CREDIT
This course provides students with an opportunity to learn and perform repertoire from a wide range of periods and styles in an orchestral setting. Rehearsals and concerts provide guided practical experience in all facets of music making. Prerequisite: Audition may be required.

MUS 323
WIND ENSEMBLE
0 CREDITS
This course offers the study and performance of the repertoire for ensembles of woodwinds, brass and percussion players in various combinations. Required of all undergraduate brass, wind and percussion conservatory students. Offered: as needed.

MUS 325
ORCHESTRAL REPERTOIRE
0 CREDITS
This course focuses intensely on orchestral performance issues. Sections of the orchestra will split apart to study the vast orchestral repertoire as it applies specifically to their family of instruments. Required of all undergraduate conservatory wind, brass and percussion students.

MUS 401
APPLIED INSTRUMENT: Jr-Sr
4 CREDITS
In this course, students strive to develop their individual musical performance ability to its fullest potential, both musically and technically. Students receive training through a broad variety of repertoire and develop independent thinking. Weekly studio classes present a performance workshop dealing with various topics such as technique, performance and pedagogy. Additionally, annual student progress is assessed through mock auditions and intensive recital preparation will occur. Students are required to perform in community performance internships as assigned by their instructor. Prerequisite: Conservatory junior and senior students only.

MUS 501
APPLIED INSTRUMENT: MM
3-5 CREDITS
In this course, students strive to develop their individual musical performance ability to its fullest potential, both musically and technically. Students receive training through a broad variety of repertoire and develop independent thinking. Weekly studio classes present a performance workshop dealing with various topics such as technique, performance and pedagogy. Additionally, students are required to fulfill specific performance requirements in concerto and chamber music performance as well as mock orchestral auditions. Students are required to perform in community performance internships as assigned by their instructor. Prerequisite: Conservatory Master of Music students only.

MUS 511
SMALL ENSEMBLE
1 CREDIT
The chamber music program focuses on the process of coming together to achieve a successful musical experience while recognizing the substantial individual and collective responsibility required to that end. Regular coaching and rehearsals form the basis for developing the skill of musical interaction. Chamber groups are required to perform on campus and throughout the community as assigned by their instructor. Prerequisite: Audition may be required.

MUS 521
LARGE ENSEMBLE
1 CREDIT
This course provides students with an opportunity to learn and perform repertoire from a wide range of periods and styles in an orchestral setting. Rehearsals and concerts provide guided practical experience in all facets of music making. Prerequisite: Audition may be required.

MUS 523
WIND ENSEMBLE
0 CREDITS
This course offers the study and performance of the repertoire for ensembles of woodwinds, brass, and percussion players in various combinations. Offered: as needed. Required of all graduate brass, wind and percussion conservatory students.

MUS 525
ORCHESTRAL REPERTOIRE
0 CREDITS
This course focuses intensely on orchestral performance issues. Sections of the orchestra will split apart to study the vast orchestral repertoire as it applies specifically to their family of instruments. Required of all graduate conservatory wind, brass and percussion students.

MUS 601
APPLIED INSTRUMENT: PPC
3-4 CREDITS
In this course, students strive to develop their individual musical performance ability to its fullest potential, both musically and technically. Students receive training through a broad variety of repertoire and develop independent thinking. Weekly studio classes present a performance workshop dealing with various topics such as technique, performance and pedagogy. Additionally, students are required to fulfill specific performance requirements in concerto and chamber music performance as well as mock orchestral auditions. Students are required to perform in community performance internships as assigned by their instructor. Prerequisite: Conservatory certificate students only.

MUT 150-251
EAR TRAINING I-IV
1 CREDIT
Essential skills are introduced to music students through the four levels of this course. Each skill is continually developed during the four-semester curriculum. In-class activity will include rhythmic drills, sight-singing exercises and dictation exercises. Material covered over the course of four semesters will include: diatonic melody and harmony; chromatic melody and harmony; chord progressions, including chromatic chords; four-part dictation; syncopation and irregular subdivisions; and 20th century materials. Placement exams will determine student level. Prerequisite: Placement exam.

MUT 200
FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC I: COUNTERPOINT/ELEMENTARY HARMONY
3 CREDITS
This course is divided into two parts. First, as a preparation for the study of tonal harmony, this course will be a study of strict species counterpoint in two voices (through all five species). The second half of the course will begin the study of the basic harmonic materials of “functional” tonal music of the Common-Practice period. Topics covered will include the structure of triads and Roman Numeral analysis, concepts of voice-leading, inversions of chords, harmonic progressions in four parts based on the Bach Chorales, the importance and creation of bass lines, the harmonization of bass lines, and figured bass. Written work will consist of one or two short assignments per week. Prerequisite: Placement exam.

MUT 201
FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC II: ADVANCED HARMONY
3 CREDITS
This course is a continuation of the study begun in Fundamentals I of the basic materials of tonal music, using the four-part “chorale style” of J. S. Bach as the basis of study. Topics will include cadences, nonharmonic tones, triads in second inversion, the structure and treatment of seventh chords, the harmonization of melodies, secondary function chords, modulation and chromaticism. Written work will consist of one or two short assignments per week.

MUT 300
FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC III: TONAL ANALYSIS
3 CREDITS
This course is concerned with the analysis of selected movements and complete compositions from the Common-Practice period of functional tonal music and the development of the necessary analytical skills to achieve this goal. This will be accomplished in a number of ways: 1) the continued development and refinement of the student’s ability to perform harmonic analysis, as begun in Fundamentals I and II; 2) the expansion of analytical techniques to include analysis of rhythm, meter, phrase structure, articulation, etc.; and 3) study of the principal forms from the Common-Practice period, with some consideration of their historical development. Weekly analysis assignments will be required. Prerequisite: MUT 201 or placement exam.

MUT 301
FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC IV: TWENTIETH CENTURY THEORY
3 CREDITS
This course is concerned with the theoretical concepts of 20th century music and the compositional techniques used in this music. At the beginning of the course, there will also be an introduction to the analysis of Medieval and Renaissance music. This course will consist of a survey of a variety of different compositional and analytical techniques and will not be historical in nature. Weekly homework assignments will be required. Prerequisite: MUT 201 or placement exam.

MUT 374
ADVANCED COUNTERPOINT AND FUGUE
3 CREDITS
The main goals of this course will be: through the writing of strict species counterpoint exercises in 18th century style to prepare the student to go on to more advanced stylistic exercises employing true 18th century forms, such as binary form “dance” suite movements, two- and three-part inventions, and chorale preludes and fugues; and to develop the student’s ability to analyze, both in terms of harmony and form, contrapuntal compositions from the 18th century. The course will begin with strict species counterpoint and then move on to the specific style and techniques of 18th century counterpoint. Listening assignments of selected works by J. S. Bach will be required. This course fulfills the Music Theory elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year. Prerequisite: MUT 300.

MUT 375
TONAL COMPOSITION
3 CREDITS
This course involves the imitation of the basic forms of tonal music of the Classical and Romantic periods and focuses on the techniques of motivic transformation, melody, harmony and rhythm. Weekly assignments involving composition and analysis will be required and a composition in a longer form will also be required as a final project. This course fulfills the Music Theory elective. Offered on a rotating basis; not every year. Prerequisite: MUT 300.

MUT 570
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES OF MUSIC
3 CREDITS
This course will concentrate on the development of a variety of analytical skills and will examine compositions from all historical periods. In addition to harmony and form, topics that will be discussed include: articulation and phrasing; accent, rhythm and meter; the analysis of structural pitches (Schenkerian Analysis); texture; timbre and instrumentation; and the concept of a "correct" stylistic interpretation. Offered: Every other year.

Graduate Courses

MUP 601
SEMINAR IN COLLABORATIVE PIANO I: SKILLS OF INSTRUMETNAL ACCOMPANYING
1 CREDIT
Through lecture, performance and demonstration, skills addressed will include sight-reading, score reduction, conducting, the study of orchestral reductions, transposing instruments and advanced rhythm and aural skill proficiencies. Professional issues including time management, effective preparation and rehearsal techniques, business, and communication skills will also be addressed.

Lynn University

Conservatory of Music

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