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MUS 1000 - Introduction to Western Classical Music

An introductory exploration of the evolution of Western classical music (WCM) from the Middle Ages to the present in relation to the background of life and art. Major historical movements in WCM are covered as well as the basics of reading western music notation. In addition, the impact and influence of non-western music on WCM will be examined. Field trips will be made to local performing groups.

Credit: 3


MUS 1400 - Music Fundamentals I

An introduction to the fundamental workings of tonal music: reading and notating music; rudiments of music theory and terminology; elementary formal analysis; development of aural skills, including interval recognition, sight-singing, and rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation. Individual listening lab work required outside of class.

Credit: 3


MUS 1600 - Beginning Hula Performance

Beginning Hula Performance enables students to develop proficiency in basic hula movements and perform chants and hula of Hawai‘i. Students will express their dance and vocal talents through hula and chant, develop an appreciation for the stories and beloved places of Hawai‘i, and learn about the performance practices and traditions of hula. Performance venues may include campus events and shows for the wider community.

Repeatable for up to 8 credits.

Credit: 1


MUS 1710 - International Chorale

International Chorale is designed to enable students to perform choral repertoire from multiethnic sources. The course will provide a way for students to express their vocal talents. Performing venues include campus events as well as concerts in the broader community. Special attention will be taken to develop healthy vocal production and basic music reading skills. An audition is required.

Credit: 1


MUS 2101 - Music in World Culture

Prerequisite: Any WC&IL I; may be taken concurrently.

A course that deals with a wide variety of musical traditions from around the world, including "classical," "folk," and "popular." Students learn to differentiate between different types of music and often have the opportunity in hands-on sessions to play instruments from around the world such as the Chinese Luogu (percussion ensemble).

Credit: 3


MUS 2400 - Music Theory I

Prerequisite: MUS 1400 or consent of instructor.

Music Theory I is the study of music notation, the basic principles of part-writing (voice leading chord progression), and music form and analysis. Students will develop skill in note and chord recognition, scales, intervals, and melodies. Integral to the course are the development of skills in music reading, ear-training, sight-singing, and melodic and harmonic dictation. A required course for students enrolled in the Music Minor curriculum.

Credit: 3


MUS 3010 - Jazz History

Prerequisite: Any WC&IL II course.

An introduction to the evolution of jazz, from its roots in West Africa, on the journey through New Orleans, and to its eventual development into what many now consider “America’s classical music.” Social and cultural factors contributing to the music’s growth will also be examined. The course identifies major figures who helped shape the future of jazz, as well as important trends and stylistic developments. Field trips will be made to live performances.

Credit: 3


MUS 3020 - Vocal Pedagogy

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in any WCIL 2 course or HON 1000.

MUS 3020 Vocal Pedagogy is a survey of the study of the human voice and its expressive potential through readings, listening, analyses, observations, and student-guided voice lessons. The course will cover important vocal concepts such as anatomy, alignment, respiration, phonation, resonance, acoustics, vocal health and disorders, changing voice, aging voice, and each issue’s corresponding pedagogy.

Credit: 3


MUS 3030 - History of American Musical Theatre

Prerequisite: Any WC&IL II course.

History of American Musical Theatre is a survey course that examines the history and masterworks of musical theatre, beginning with the birth of opera but focusing on musicals in the United States. The course will consist of lecture/ discussions, guided and independent listening, a course paper, and periodic examinations.

Credit: 3


MUS 3100 - Theatre Music of the World

Prerequisite: Any WC&IL II course.

Theatre Music of the World is an ethnomusicology course with an emphasis on theatre. Modern and historical musical theatre traditions are examined through a sight-and-sound exploration of cultures throughout the world such as Japanese Noh drama and Kabuki theatre, Chinese Jingju opera, Indian Kathakali theatre, Indonesian dance drama and puppet theatre, Western opera, Broadway musicals, and so forth. In addition, the impact and inter-influence of non-western music and western operatic music will be examined.

Credit: 3


MUS 3210 - Applied Music

Prerequisite: MUS 1400 or consent of instructor.

Applied Music (one credit) consists of private or group lessons on a musical instrument or voice with an applied instructor for academic credit. Students must furnish their own instruments, except piano. Students will be evaluated on their level of improvement. Other means of earning applied music credit(s) include choosing one of the following: 1) attend and perform at recitals; 2) attend and perform at a joint concert with performance ensembles; 3) attend a performance and write a concert report; 4) write a research paper with a topic from course instructor. Repeatable for up to 3 credits. Meetings are 30 minutes per week. $240 fee required.

Credit: 1


MUS 3211 - Applied Music

Prerequisite: MUS 1400 or consent of instructor.

Applied Music (two credits) consists of private or group lessons on a musical instrument or voice with an applied instructor for academic credit. Students must furnish their own instruments, except piano. Students will be evaluated on their level of improvement. Other means of earning applied music credit(s) include choosing one of the following: 1) attend and perform at recitals; 2) attend and perform at a joint concert with performance ensembles; 3) attend a performance and write a concert report; 4) write a research paper with a topic from course instructor. Repeatable for up to 6 credits. Meetings are 60 minutes per week. $380 fee required.

Credit: 2


MUS 3700 - Hawaiian Ensemble

Prerequisite: An audition is required.

Instrumental and vocal training in contemporary Hawaiian music. Performing venues may include campus events and performances around the state, US Mainland and abroad. Repeatable for credit, up to 8 credits.

Credit: 1


MUS 3710 - International Vocal Ensemble

Prerequisite: An audition is required.

Intensive training in ensemble and choral singing. Enables students to perform choral repertoire from multiethnic sources. Explores choral music from historical and cultural perspectives. Performing venues may include campus events and performances around the state, U.S. mainland, and the world. Special attention devoted to developing healthy vocal production and improving music reading skills. Repeatable for credit (up to 8 credits).

Credit: 1


MUS 3720 - Chamber Orchestra

Prerequisite: An audition is required.

Intensive training in ensemble and instrumental (classical) orchestral repertoire. Performing venues may include campus events and performances around the state, U.S. mainland and abroad. Repeatable for credit (up to 8 credits).

Credit: 1


MUS 4000 - Topics in Music

Prerequisite: Any WC&IL II course.

Course is designed as an exploration of music topics in music history, music literature, music theory, applied music, music education, and ethnomusicology. The topic will change each time the course is offered. Repeatable for credit (up to 9 credits.)

Credit: 3