School of Music

Attend 15 concerts or recitals during the semester. Required for seven semesters for all music education majors. Required for eight semesters for all other music majors. Credit/Noncredit.

The study, preparation and performance of small-ensemble music. Ensembles may be comprised of like-instrument groupings including brass, keyboard, percussion, string, vocal, and woodwind, as well as mixed ensembles.

Introduction to aural skills fundamentals including emphasis on melodic, harmonic dictation and sight-singing of music of various ethnic origins and historical style periods. Prerequisite: Passing score on the School of Music Music Theory Placement Exam.

Emphasis on dictation and sight-singing of music of various ethnic origins and historical periods. Prerequisite: MUSI 1116 and MUSI 1316 with a grade of C or better.

The University Band performs standard windband literature. Non-music majors are not required to audition.

The Concert Band includes in its repertoire major contemporary works composed for the windband as well as marches and transcriptions. Prerequisite: audition.

Highest levels of musicianship demonstrated through performance of respected orchestral literature. Prerequisite: audition.

The Pride of South Texas Marching Band performs at the half-time of Texas A&M University-Kingsville football games as well as selected other events. Open to both music and non-music majors.

Performance, arranging and composition of music for the stage band in the modern jazz idiom.

The study, preparation and performance of small-ensemble music in like-instrument groupings, mixed-instrument ensembles and vocal ensembles.

The study of mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance.

Performance, arranging, and improvisation of music for stage band in the Latin jazz idiom. Prerequisite: audition.

Choral ensemble of mixed voices (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). Study and performance of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present. Open to all students. An audition is required for appropriate assignment. Meets the large ensemble requirement for voice majors.

A choral ensemble of women's voices (soprano and alto). Study and performance of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present. Open to all majors. An audition is required for appropriate assignment. This course meets the large ensemble requirement for voice majors.

Study and performance of scenes and acts from operas as well as full operas. Practical experience in opera production including dramatic aspects of staged music-drama. Emphasis on integration of music, acting and staging.

Study and performance of works from the musical theatre repertoire.

Fee: $25.00

Studies and practice in diction of Latin, Italian, and English languages through use of vocal literature of 17th century through the present.

Fee: $5.00

Studies and practice in diction of Spanish, German, and French languages through use of vocal literature of 17th century through the present.

Pedagogy and techniques of clarinet and saxophone.

Fee: $25.00

Pedagogy and techniques of flute and double reed instruments.

Fee: $25.00

Pedagogy and techniques of trumpet and French horn.

Fee: $25.00

Pedagogy and techniques of trombone, euphonium and tuba.

Fee: $25.00

Beginning study of piano with emphasis on functional aspects, e.g. basic techniques, scales, chords and simple transpositions. Music majors will be given priority in enrolling.

Fee: $25.00

Elementary study of piano with emphasis on functional aspects, e.g. basic techniques, scales, chords and simple transpositions. Music majors will be given priority in enrolling. Prerequisite: MUSI 1181.

Fee: $25.00

The rudiments of vocal music, breathing, correct use of body muscle for breath control, diction and the development of tone will be studied. Technical development will include the study of interpretation, tone production, pronunciation and vocal expression.

Fee: $5.00

Pedagogy and techniques of percussion instruments.

Fee: $25.00

Pedagogy and foundational techniques of bowed string instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass.

Fee: $25.00

Fundamentals of and the techniques involved in directing a marching band.

Fee: $5.00

Class instruction in guitar including chord formation, elementary chort progressions, time and key signatures, and patterns.

Intermediate class instruction in guitar including chord formation, intermediate chord progressions and patterns, and note reading. Prerequisite: MUSI 1192.

Study of instruments used in the elementary music classroom including various recorders, the Orff instrumentarium (xylophone, metallophone, glockenspiel) and frame drum.

History, pedagogy, and techniques of the Armonia instruments of the Mariachi ensemble, with specific emphasis in the guitarron, vihuela/guitar, and the harp.

History, pedagogy, and techniques of the Melodia instruments of the Mariachi ensemble, with specific emphasis in the voice, violin, and trumpet.

Harmonic structure, melodic construction, and song forms in jazz. Chord and scale building, simple analysis, directed listening, and keyboard harmonization. Prerequisites: MUSI 1116, MUSI 1181, and MUSI 1316.

Fundamentals of music with emphasis on developing music theoretical skills. May not apply toward music major or minor.

Historically-based exploration of Western musical styles centered on what is broadly referred to as classical music. A focus on musical vocabulary, historical concepts, and critical listening skills equips student to analyze and discuss music intelligently. Outside listening required. For non-music majors; may not be counted toward a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music in Performance degree, or toward a music minor.

Introduction to music fundamentals and skills including pitch recognition in various clefs, rhythm competency, basic harmonic construction and recognition, harmonic and melodic usage in various historical style periods. Prerequisite: Passing score on the School of Music Music Theory Placement Exam.

Introduction to the fundamental elements of music (e.g. pitch, intensity, duration and timbre) and their interrelationship as the foundation of tonal harmonic structure. Prerequisite: MUSI 1116 and MUSI 1316 with a grade of C or better.

This course explores the fundamentals of audio recording and critical listening as it relates to audio production. Audio recording topics include analog and digital audio, transducers, recording techniques, editing, signal processing, mixing, and acoustics. Critical listening topics include musical balance, sound quality, stereo imaging, artifacts, and acoustic signatures.

This course expands on the concepts and techniques introduced in Audio Recording I. Topics include evaluation of recording spaces, microphone choice and application, digital audio workstation workflows, digital audio formats, and signal processing. Prerequisite: MUSI 1321.

Continuation of MUSI 1117. Prerequisite: MUSI 1117 and MUSI 1317 with a grade of C or better.

Continuation of MUSI 2116. Prerequisite: MUSI 2116 with a grade of C or better.

Intermediate study of piano with emphasis on functional aspects, e.g. basic techniques, scales, chords and simple transpositions. Music majors will be given priority in enrolling. Prerequisite: MUSI 1182.

Fee: $25.00

Advanced study of piano with emphasis on functional aspects, e.g. basic techniques, scales, chords and simple transpositions. Music majors will be given priority in enrolling. Prerequisite: MUSI 2181.

Fee: $25.00

Developing proficiency in functional keyboard skills beyond those covered in applied music lessions; sight reading, transposition, harmonization, playing by ear.

Introduction to accompanying, including necessary technical skills for accompanying instrumental and vocal repertoire.

A course designed to provide students with knowledge of organizing and planning recordings sessions both in and out of the studio environment. Topics covered include business basics, documenting the session, and an in-depth exploration of the tools and technology associated with the recording process including signal flow, analog and digital theory, signal processing, and recording systems. Prerequisite: MUSI 1321 with a grade of C or better.

Basics of jazz improvisation, using and applying the knowledge and concepts of jazz theory. Prerequisite: MUSI 1213.

A continuation and practical application of elements of Jazz Improvisation I. Prerequisite: MUSI 2263.

Techniques of intelligent listening with historical perspective. Emphasis on basic concepts in music and their evolution: texture, form, tonality, etc. Listening techniques to develop aural sensitivity to stylistic features. Outside listening required. Designed for music majors.

The study of the history and development of jazz music, including the various styles and influences that have shaped the many trends in jazz music. Jazz artists and recordings from both a musical and a historical perspective. Open to both music and non-music majors.

The study of the history and culture of the border region of the United States and Mexico, including the various influences that have shaped the musical traditions of this region. Thorough historical and social context will be presented to develop a greater understanding of the music.

The history of rock music from its roots to its most recent trends, with the emphasis on rock as a musical style. Musical parameters (rhythm, harmony, melody, form, texture) as they apply to rock music. Thorough historical detail and social context for the various rock styles presented (e.g. discussions of race, class, gender, sexuality, politics, etc.). Open to both music and non-music majors.

Continuation of MUSI 1317. Prerequisite: MUSI 1117 and MUSI 1317 with a grade of C or better.

Continuation of MUSI 2316. Prerequisite: MUSI 2116 and MUSI 2316 with a grade of C or better.

Theories, practices and styles of traditional music of various cultures throughout the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa, India, Israel, Thailand, Bali, China, Japan, South America, Polynesia and Native American.

Highest levels of musicianship are demonstrated through performance of respected windband literature. Prerequisite: audition.

Symphonic Band includes in its repertoire major contemporary and historical works composed for the wind band as well as marches and transcriptions. Through rehearsal and performance, the student will gain knowledge about historical and contemporary performance practice and become familiar with standard and contemporary works in wind band. Prerequisite: audition.

The Pride of South Texas Marching Band performs at the halftime of Texas A&M University-Kingsville football games as well as selected other events. Leadership skills and marching band teaching techniques are stressed. Prerequisite: completion of two semesters of MUSI 1127.

Jazz music in the small ensemble setting. Experience in improvisation by arranging, rehearsing and performing jazz music as a combo. Prerequisite: Audition.

The premiere instrumental jazz performance ensemble, Jazz Band I performs the highest level of jazz literature stressing improvisation and various styles of jazz. Prerequisite: audition.

The advanced study, preparation and performance of small-ensemble music in like-instrument groupings, mixed-instrument ensembles and vocal ensembles. Prerequisite: junior standing.

The premiere Mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Javelina performs the highest level of literature stressing style and customs of Mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance. Prerequisite: Audition.

A select small mixed ensemble that performs music especially written for a vocal chamber group. Music performed includes that from Renaissance to the present and may include contemporary styles, musical theater, and jazz vocal. Open by audition to all students.

Study and performance of fully staged operas. Practical experience in opera production including dramatic aspects of staged music-drama. Emphasis on integration of music, acting and staging.

Theory and practice of conducting for both vocal and instrumental groups, with emphasis on dealing with incomplete instrumentation and young performers in vocal and instrumental music. Include conducting techniques, score reading and analysis and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisites: MUSI 1117 and MUSI 1317 with a grade of C or better.

Fundamental considerations in arranging music for small and large jazz ensembles. Techniques used by great arrangers. Prerequisite: MUSI 3312.

Students will gain skills to better understand the music industry. In this project-based course, students develop and practice essential skills for the 21st century musician through designing, proposing and evaluating an artistic project. Students will develop a digital portfolio, which will include a website, supporting media, artist bio, mission statement, and interests. They will examine music publishing, licensing, and copyright procedures used by the professional musician, music administrator and music producer.

This class covers architectural acoustics design. Topics will include: plane and spherical waves; acoustic impedance and sound energy density; reflection, refraction, and diffusion; sound absorption; acoustic materials; psychoacoustic aspects; reverberation theory; behavior of sound in rooms; system design for large versus small rooms; and mixing for monitors and front of house. Prerequisite: MUSI 1321 with a grade of C or better.

A continuation and practical application of elements of Music Theory and Aural Training. Study of the compass, techniques and color of the instruments of the orchestra and band and their combinations. Projects in scoring in full orchestra, band and small ensembles. Prerequisites: MUSI 2117, MUSI 2317, MUSI 2182, and MUSI 2306.

The practical application of creative principles in analysis and original writing of the smaller forms. The course will include 18th Century counterpoint: two, three and four part writing, canon, fugue and double counterpoint. Prerequisites: MUSI 2316, MUSI 2317.

A study of compositional techniques by landmark composers and arrangers in Mariachi music. Topics covered include idiomatic writing for instruments, roles of the Melodia and Armonia, and historical development. Projects will be required in scoring for a Mariachi ensemble.

Fundamentals of piano teaching; the learning process and its application to the beginning piano student. Prerequisites: MUSA 1210, MUSA 1220, MUSA 2210, MUSA 2220, or completed piano proficiency.

Examination and evaluation of beginning piano methods. Observation and supervised instruction of beginning-level pianists. Prerequisite: MUSI 3371 [Piano Pedagogy I].

The study of basic musical concepts for application in the elementary classroom, through performance and participation. Prerequisite: MUSI 1195, MUSI 2117, MUSI 2317, MUSI 2182, and MUSI 2306.

Fee: $25.00

Philosophy, content organization and discussion of the modern performance concepts of music. Emphasis placed on evaluation of musical concepts with analysis of consequent problems. Prerequisites: MUSI 2117, MUSI 2317, MUSI 2182, and MUSI 2306.

Theory and practice of conducting and organizing groups at the secondary school level. Includes refining baton skills, score analysis, arranging/scoring techniques, performance practices of choral and instrumental ensembles, programming, rehearsal techniques and laboratory experience. Prerequisites: MUSI 2117, MUSI 2317, MUSI 2182, MUSI 2306, and MUSI 3196.

A weekly coaching for music education majors preparing to take the TExES content exam, required prior to student teaching. Credit/No-credit. Prerequisite: admission to college of education or passing of mid-level review.

Examination, evaluation and critique of the history and literature of a specific performance medium. Classes are organized by specific performance areas. Prerequisite: MUSI 2306

Examination of methods, principles and psychology of musical materials in performance and teaching. Students are evaluated on teaching techniques to improve one-on-one skills in the studio setting. Classes are organized by specific performance areas. Prerequisite: MUSA 2220.

Development of musical styles, schools of composition, bibliography and evolution of the art of music. Outside listening required. Prerequisite: MUSI 2306.

Development of musical styles, schools of composition, bibliography and evolution of the art of music. Outside listening required. Prerequisite: MUSI 2306.

Faculty-led study abroad program in Music. Topics may center on cultural studies, performance, or music research. Locations of study vary. May be repeated for credit under different topics. Prerequisities: instructor approval and application through the Office of International Studies and Programs.

Aural and visual analysis techniques in all musical styles. All elements in music; form, vocal, piano, chamber and full orchestra scores. Prerequisites: MUSI 2117, MUSI 2317, MUSI 2182, and MUSI 2306.

A continuation of MUSI 4318. Required of performance music majors. Prerequisite: MUSI 4318.

Philosophy and pedagogy of Orff Schulwerk. Emphasis on rhythmic speech, body percussion, singing, playing musical instruments appropriate for use by children, elemental forms, pentatonic folk melodies, soprano recorder and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUSI 3393.

Students will explore techniques for recording relating to the microphone techniques for classical and jazz music recording, mixing, and editing in the both the live and studio settings. Additional topics include surround sound and multitrack production. Prerequisites: MUSI 1321 and MUSI 1322 with a grade of C or better.

This course focuses on contemporary recording techniques associated with rock/pop music production. Topics include multi-track recording, mixing, overdubbing, headphone monitoring. Additional topics include: drum kit techniques, sample libraries and electronic music production, and mastering techniques. Prerequisites: MUSI 1321 and MUSI 1322 with a grade of C or better.

Continuing on from MUSI 4335 and 4336, this course covers advanced recording techniques in classical, jazz, and commercial music, and offers further study in mastering techniques for these styles. Additional topics include sound design and acoustics, outboard signal processing, and creation, maintenance, and repair of audio electronics. Prerequisites: MUSI 1321 and MUSI 1322 with a grade of C or better.

A pedagogical approach to the analysis of jazz programs, jazz ensembles, rehearsal techniques, and rhythm sections. Teaching improvisation in the jazz rehearsal as well as building and maintaining a public school jazz program. Prerequisites: Audition.

This course covers digital sound effects and design for film and games, offering an overview of ADR, Foley, and video technologies. It covers mixing and mastering techniques for various multimedia formats. Prerequisites: MUSI 1321 and MUSI 1322 with a grade of C or better.

Examination and evaluation of mid-level, advanced, and adult piano methods. Setting up a private studio. Prerequisite: MUSI 3373 [Piano Pedagogy II].

Examination and evaluation of mid-level, advanced, and adult piano methods. Supervised piano teaching of students of all levels and group piano. Prerequisite: MUSI 4371 [Piano Pedagogy III].

An analysis of mariachi programs and rehearsal techniques. This course will also discuss how to build and maintain a middle and high school mariachi program.

For advanced students in music who wish to pursue further some special field of learning. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours when problem changes.