music > curriculum
majors: music education | performance | music technology | BA in music
minors: jazz studies | music technology | music minor
course descriptions
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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applied music
music materials, structures, & techniques
literature & history
music education
music technology
ensembles
other offerings
APPLIED MUSIC: INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
Piano: 120, 220, 320, 420
Organ: 121, 221, 321, 421
Voice: 122, 222, 322, 422
Trumpet: 123, 223, 323, 423
French Horn: 124, 224, 324, 424
Trombone: 125, 225, 325, 425
Baritone (Euphonium): 126, 226, 326, 426
Tuba: 127, 227, 327, 427
Flute: 128, 228, 328, 428
Oboe: 129, 229, 329, 429
Clarinet: 130, 230, 330, 430
Bassoon: 131, 231, 331, 431
Saxophone: 132, 232, 332, 432
Violin: 133, 233, 333, 433
Viola: 134, 234, 334, 434
Cello: 135, 235, 335, 435
String Bass: 136, 236, 336, 436
Guitar: 137, 237, 337, 437
Percussion: 138, 238, 338, 438
Electric Bass: 139, 239, 339, 439
APPLIED MUSIC CLASSES: GROUP INSTRUCTION
MUS 152, 153. VOICE CLASS I & II 1 sh
Group voice instruction ranges from beginner to intermediate.
MUS 154-157. PIANO CLASS I-IV 1 sh
Group piano instruction ranges from beginner to intermediate.
MUS 158. GUITAR CLASS 1 sh
Beginners develop musical skills with the guitar - simple chords, melodies and songs-using elements of classical guitar techniques as a foundation.
MUS 258. DICTION FOR SINGERS 2 sh
Students learn to use the International Phonetic Alphabet, and are introduced to the pronunciation of English, Latin, Italian, French, and German as it applies to vocal literature. Required of voice majors.
MUSIC MATERIALS, STRUCTURES, AND TECHNIQUES
MUS 111, 112. THE MATERIALS OF MUSIC I & II 3 sh
A study of the fundamentals of music, diatonic harmony, and elementary voice-leading and part-writing includes an introduction to harmonic-melodic form, analysis and synthesis of harmonic practices through secondary seventh chords. Offered fall and spring.
MUS 113, 114. AURAL SKILLS I & II 1 sh
Study emphasizes melodic-harmonic-rhythmic dictation, sight singing, and keyboard study. Offered fall and spring.
MUS 211, 212. THE MATERIALS OF MUSIC III & IV 3 sh
A continuation of Music 112 on an advanced level includes complex chromatic harmonies and emphasizes analysis and composition of standard musical forms. Prerequisite for 212: MUS 211. Offered fall and spring.
MUS 213, 214. AURAL SKILLS III & IV 1 sh
These courses provide advanced study in melodic-harmonic-rhythmic dictation, sight singing, and keyboard study. Prerequisite: MUS 114. Offered fall and spring.
MUS 254, 255. JAZZ IMPROVISATION I & II 1 sh
Instrumentalists or vocalists develop skills in improvisational jazz performance techniques.
MUS 256. JAZZ HARMONY 2 sh
This course is a study of jazz harmonic vocabulary and its application to the jazz repertoire. Seventh chords, chord symbols, voicings, guide tones, color tones, voice leading, and reharmonizations are examined. All students play the instrument of their choice AND piano. Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 311. COUNTERPOINT 4 sh
Analysis and composition of period works are part of the study of counterpoint from the 16th to 20th centuries with applications to various vocal and instrumental writings. Prerequisite: MUS 212.
MUS 313. FORM AND ANALYSIS 2 sh
Acquaints the student with the standard forms of tonal music through the aural and visual study of micro and macro forms of representative works. Offered fall of alternate years. Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 413. TWENTIETH CENTURY TECHNIQUES 2 sh
A study of the changes which have taken place in music of the twentieth century. Techniques to be studied include atonality, polytonality, serialism, integral serialism, dodecophony, and electronic music. Offered spring of alternate years. Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 411. INSTRUMENTAL AND CHORAL ARRANGING 2 sh
Students explore technical possibilities and limitations of individual instruments and voices. Study also covers arranging and transcribing for various combinations of instruments and voices. Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 265-465. COMPOSITION 1 sh
Students write compositions integrating techniques of studied repertoire as they explore musical composition in weekly individual meetings with an instructor. Prerequisite: MUS 112 or permission of instructor.
MUS 216. THE STUFF OF MUSIC 4 sh
Through a series of exercises, readings, outside class activities, and class participation, students become familiar with the materials which form the basis of music, including instruments, notation, and terminology. Hands-on application includes basic performance on rhythm instruments and composing simple music compositions.
MUS 217. WORLD MUSIC 4 sh
Text readings, listening, research, writing and class presentation are part of an introduction to the music of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Central and South America. Students gain increased awareness of the art and music of other cultures, make connections with their own art and folk traditions, and search for shared meanings of all musical licensure.
MUS 303. MUSIC HISTORY FOR THE LIBERAL ARTS STUDENT 4 sh
Non-music majors gain improved skills to enhance musical enjoyment, basic knowledge of music styles and events, and focus on placing this knowledge in the context of world events and trends. Study covers selected personalities and works in music through substantial reading, listening, research, and writing.
MUS 315. THE MUSIC OF ANCIENT TIMES THROUGH BAROQUE 4 sh
This survey of music through the Baroque period emphasizes Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint through reading, listening, analysis, research, and writing. Offered fall of alternate years. Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 316. CLASSIC AND ROMANTIC MUSIC 4 sh
By reading, listening, research and writing, students explore the relationship of 18th- and 19th-century music to the world - as the expression of artists responding to political, social, and philosophical environments. The course also emphasizes the progressive study of formal analysis, from smaller forms to the large single and multi-movement genres of the period. Offered fall of alternate years. Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 318. HISTORY OF JAZZ 4 sh
This overview of jazz music from about 1900 to the present is designed for the liberal arts major. Topics include jazz styles, individual musicians, and the development and progress of jazz through the 20th century.
MUS 319. HISTORY OF AMERICAN MUSIC 4 sh
Study of American music from 1620 to the present focuses on elements of various musical cultures (i.e. Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America) that have influenced the American style of music.
The following technique courses are required for Music majors seeking music teacher certification.
MUS 361 Percussion Techniques 1 sh
MUS 362 Brass Techniques 1 sh
MUS 363 Woodwind Techniques 1 sh
MUS 364 String Techniques 1 sh
MUS 366 Conducting 2 sh
Students develop skill in baton and rehearsal techniques and interpretation in training and leading various ensembles of instruments and voices.
MUS 461. MUSIC EDUCATION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 4 sh
A study of the methods and materials suitable for teaching at all levels covers the administration of band, orchestra, and choral programs in the public schools with additional emphasis on marching band techniques. Offered spring of alternate years.
MUS 210. INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 4 sh
The course explores the effects of changing technology on music and provides an introduction to the basic elements, terminology and concepts of music technology. The course includes a survey of music software and hardware. Topics include computer-aided instruction, music notation, sequencing, basic MIDI, basic audio editing and synthesis.
MUS 215. CRITICAL LISTENING 1 sh
Basic principles of physical acoustics, psychology of sound, aesthetics of sound with a critical listening study of music and sound. The course includes activities and exercises designed to develop the student’s ability to define and evaluate aesthetic elements of live and recorded music.
MUS 310. SEMINAR IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 4 sh
Studies and practical applications in music recording/sequencing and MIDI production. Foundational techniques of composition using music and audio software for notation and sequencing. Topics include practical application of MIDI systems to control synthesizers and sampling. General knowledge of hardware associated with recording and input including mics, audio interfaces and various MIDI controllers. A unit on live sound reinforcement is included in this course. Project oriented.
MUS 355. TECHNOLOGY IN COMPOSITION AND ARRANGING 4 sh
Characteristics of instruments and vocal arranging normally found in commercial pop, jazz and studio settings. Emphasis is on style and voicing problems in these idioms. Writing projects for vocal jazz ensemble, jazz ensemble, pop groups and studio applications. Course will include a unit specific to music copyrighting and publishing. Project oriented.
MUS 481. MUSIC TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP 1-4 sh
Field application of music technology theories and practices in professional music production or music technology related fields. Study abroad opportunities may be considered with the internship.
Prerequisite: consent of music technology coordinator.
MUS 101. WIND ENSEMBLE 1 sh
Open to all students.
MUS 102. ELON CHORALE 1 sh
The Chorale is open to all Elon University students and membership does not require an audition. A typical program for this ensemble will be diverse and include music from several different traditions / cultures. Emphasis is on vocal technique, development of an awareness of and appreciation for diverse literature, and exploring how music contributes to the quality of life in any community.
MUS 103. ELON CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 1 sh
By audition only.
MUS 104. JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1 sh
By audition only.
MUS 105. ELON CAMERATA 1 sh
By audition only.
MUS 106. CHAMBER ENSEMBLE 1 sh
By audition only.
MUS 107. ÉLAN (voice jazz ensemble) 1 sh
By audition only.
MUS 108. PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 1 sh
By audition only.
MUS 109. ELON UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND 1 sh
This ensemble will furnish half-time entertainment for football games and serves as a model for music education majors in the instruction and development of various styles of marching bands. Offered fall.
MUS 219. JAZZ COMBO 1 sh
Students explore jazz literature for small groups of instrumments to gain an understanding of individual roles in a small ensemble. This will include planning, graphing, and constructing improvisations withing various musical forms.
MUS 369. METHODS & MATERIALS OF PIANO PEDAGOGY 2 sh
Students interested in teaching piano in a private studio explore group and individual instructional techniques for beginning and intermediate students, suitable repertoire, basic keyboard musicianship and pupil psychology.
MUS 471. SEMINAR: SPECIAL TOPICS 1-4 sh
Small groups study under the guidance of a member of the staff.
MUS 491. INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-4 sh
MUS 495. SENIOR SEMINAR 2-4 sh
This capstone experience for music majors includes a comprehensive evaluation of the student's previous education in the major field, a major project to demonstrate proficiency in the student's major area of interest or emphasis, and preparation of materials necessary for enrollment in graduate school or the profession.
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DEGREE INFO
Elon offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (instrumental or vocal) for students interested in graduate school, apprenticeships, and performing careers; a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, which leads to teacher certification; a Bachelor of Arts in Music for students interested in pursuing a double-major in music and another field; and a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology for students interested in media composition, audio engineering, electronic music, and multimedia. Elon also offers a music minor, a jazz minor, a music tech minor, and an emphasis and practicum in piano pedagogy.
Select a topic from the list of majors and minors to the left for detailed information about course requirements.









