This course is an in-depth study of modern jazz improvisational techniques. May be repeated for credit.

Advanced Opera Workshop is an intensive class for advanced singers who aspire to careers in Opera and/or Musical Theatre. In this class students receive intensive one-on-one instruction on their "audition aria package." An accompanist is assigned for the course and students coach each aria or piece of musical theatre to polish it for professional auditions. Students will also have the opportunity to obtain one-on-one help with their professional credentials, taxes as artists and other items as needed. Since one-on-one instruction is the key to the success of this class the number of students enrolled must be limited. Therefore, undergraduates who wish to take this class must receive a nomination from their Vocal Instructor prior to asking for permission from the instructor of the course. Repeatable for credit.

Development of process-based skill sets for learning to sing and perform recitative, primarily in operas by Handel, Mozart, and bel canto composers. Topics include comparing recitativo secco and recitativo accompagnato and the practical performance techniques involved, applying concepts of lyric diction to the learning process, and mastering finer points such as style, pacing, appoggiature, word play, optional rests, and character development.

Literature study, composition, and performance of fixed and interactive electroacoustic music.

Study of problems in orchestration beyond the general topics addressed in MUS 3306.

This course is an in-depth study of the harmonic and melodic basis of jazz, including the use of modes and extensions in jazz improvisation and composition, and reharmonization and analysis of performers' improvised solos. Students will develop skills in ear training and practical jazz music.

Based on the study of great improvisers of the past (Bach, Liszt, Franck, Messiaen...) and their works, students will learn to develop their own larger scale improvisations, using a variety of forms, musical styles, and harmonic languages. Those skills can be used to great effect for extensive hymn introductions and interludes, as preludes, postludes and sub communione in worship services, for organ demonstrations, and in concert.

Study of techniques and resources for organ (and piano) playing in the context of a worship service. This includes the accompaniment of hymns in different styles (from early hymnody to contemporary songs) and creating introductions, service music (including chant), and the creative use of different types of organs in worship. Most of the class will be at the organ, but we will also discuss how to use the piano for various functions in the liturgy.

Training class for singers and choral-conducting students in stage techniques.

Acting for Singers I is a beginning acting course for the stage specifically designed to provide appropriate training in acting for young singers who aspire to stage careers in Opera and/or Musical Theatre. The course includes instruction in basic stage deportment for recitals and auditions and is also appropriate for students who plan to teach young vocalists in the future, particularly those called upon to teach Opera Workshop or direct an Opera Scenes Program at the University level and/or direct a Musical Production at the high-school level.

Acting for Singers II is the second of two courses designed to provide appropriate training in acting for young singers who aspire to stage careers in Opera and/or Musical Theatre. This course will focus on the individual student rather than the larger group. Students will deal with problems specific to opera and musical theatre including acting within the time-frame of the composer, necessity of singing out to the audience at all times and connection with the conductor during performances. This course is appropriate for aspiring young artists as well as prospective teachers in the fields of vocal and choral music. Prior to taking this course a student should have taken Acting for Singers I or an equivalent.

This course is designed to address music wellness issues and help musicians adopt a healthy approach to performance that will allow them to perform at their best. Regular performance practice will be integrated with relaxation techniques such as stretching, deep breathing, imagery, and progressive relaxation. Practice and memorization techniques to assist with performance preparation will also be covered.

Development of fundamental skills music-based entrepreneurship, and creative thinking beyond the practice room as preparation for 21st-century careers in music.

Introduction to advanced conducting techniques. Focus will be on strengthening skills from undergraduate conducting courses and building strategies for score preparation, knowledge, and facility.

Advanced study of instrumental conducting techniques and related preparation and score study, specifically applied to orchestral ensembles.

Advanced study of choral conducting techniques and related preparation and score study, specifically applied to choral ensembles.

Advanced study of instrumental conducting techniques and related preparation and score study, specifically applied to bands and wind ensembles.

The study of congregational music used in corporate worship. The course includes the historical development of congregational song and the analysis of its literary, scriptural, musical, and theological content.

Investigation of specialized topics in music analysis, with focus on a particular analytical approach or repertoire.

Principles of modal and harmonic counterpoint.

A continuation of MUS 4304. Advanced work in specialized areas of counterpoint.

Continuation of MUS 3308.

Continuation of MUS 4307. Includes a recital of original works.

Role Preparation will cover the research into the genesis of a specific opera as well as the music of a role from that opera. Students will have the opportunity to learn operatic roles that they, and their applied voice teacher, feel are appropriate for their voices and abilities. Students will then receive musical and dramatic coaching on their roles and will present semi-staged or concert versions of their roles at the end of the semester. May be repeated once for credit.

This seminar focuses on interpreting and understanding primary sources, both written and musical (scores), related to the various styles and approaches to the creation of American music.

A survey of orchestral literature.

Literature of keyboard instruments from early sources to the early nineteenth century.

Literature of keyboard instruments from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

This course examines opera from its origins in the late sixteenth century to the present. Students will learn about opera's musical and literary conventions, its development, and how operas reflect the musical and cultural values of their areas. The scores to be studied are coordinated with recorded and audio/visual examples, as well as with relevant readings from books and periodicals. Class discussion, presentations, essays, listening tests, and a final project are part of the course.

Folk and tribal music in the United States. Specific topics include: music of native Americans, oral tradition music of European immigrants, oral tradition music created in America, African and African-American music, the Latin American musical influence, and ethnomusicology as a discipline of study. Current and historical topics will be included. Students will participate in field research projects.

Music for solo voice from its beginnings to the present.

Continuation of MUS 4327.

Literature for wind ensemble and band from early sources to the present.

Solo and chamber music and pedagogy for percussion instruments.

Chamber music for string instruments.

Solo and chamber music literature and pedagogy for woodwind instruments.

Solo and chamber music and pedagogy for brass instruments.

Secular and religious choral music representing style periods from the late Renaissance to the present.

Important historical, cultural, musical and production moments in the century-long narrative of the American musical theatre. Specific topics may vary from year to year. The course is designed for upper-level music majors; theatre majors and other students should consult with instructors before enrolling.

The organ and its literature from the earliest manuscripts and tablatures through 1750.

The organ and its literature from 1750 to the present.

This course introduces both music majors and non-music majors to the often overlooked contributions of creative Americans to the field of "classical" music from the beginning of the United States' existence to the present time.

An exploration of music education practices in international school settings, including curricular comparisons, student populations, and program configurations. Attention will be given to any specialized procedures required for those interested in teaching in international environments post-graduation. This course may be repeated once.

Introduction to analytical methods, ethnography, and fieldwork techniques in ethnomusicology in order to equip students with practical tools to conduct ethnographical research and fieldwork.

Analysis of specific African musical traditions within their cultural, geographical, historical, and social contexts as points of departure for analyzing and understanding broader patterns and dynamics of human activity.

Analysis of specific Asian musical traditions within their cultural, geographical, historical, and social contexts as points of departure for analyzing and understanding broader patterns and dynamics of human activity.

Analysis of specific European musical traditions within their cultural, geographical, historical, and social contexts as points of departure for analyzing and understanding broader patterns and dynamics of human activity.

Analysis of specific Latin American musical traditions within their cultural, geographical, historical, and social contexts as points of departure for analyzing and understanding broader patterns and dynamics of human activity.

Analysis of specific Texas musical traditions within their cultural, historical, and social contexts as points of departure for analyzing broader patterns and dynamics of human activity reinforcing identity.

Academic approach to a variety of performance practice techniques used in traditional and urban musical genres around the world.

A study of the music in worship from biblical times to the present. Includes strengthening worship leadership and planning skills and thereby connecting the principles and practice of music making in worship to the broader life of the Church in a local context.

A survey of vocal music in the Christian church, with particular emphasis upon the literary, scriptural, theological, musical, historical, and performance background of congregational song, and an introduction to selected standard sacred choral literature.

A survey of the principles involved in organizing and implementing a comprehensive music ministry, including budgeting, programming, and multiple staff relationships. An introduction to pastoral skills including visioning, hospital visitation, and conflict management.

An in-depth study of a narrowly circumscribed topic, such as a composer or genre. This course provides the opportunity to utilize special skills and knowledge of outstanding resident or visiting faculty. May be repeated for credit.

A continuation of MUS 4203. At least one substantial creative project will be completed. Course may be repeated for credit.

An intensive workshop on keyboard methods and materials.