Department of Art | School of Music | Department of Performance Studies in Music | Department of Academic Studies in Music | Department of Theatre and Drama

Department of Performance Studies in Music

General Requirements (MUG)

MUG 200. Recital/Workshop Attendance (0). Required of all music majors for at least seven semesters, all minors for six. Attendance at a prescribed number of student, faculty and guest recitals, major workshops and master classes, must be completed. ($30.00 course fee).

MUG 201. Piano Proficiency Examination (0). Prerequisite: Must have completed this course before scheduling the Senior Recital. Students must demonstrate basic piano technical skills: scales, arpeggios, repertory memorization, melody harmonization, open-score reading, transposition and improvisation.

MUG 202. Sophomore Technical (0). Students must demonstrate technical understanding and mastery of their instrument as completion of lower division study as a part of the Admission to Junior Standing. Commercial Music Majors requirement includes a 15-minute proficiency recital as a part of the Sophomore Technical.

Class Applied Study (MUF_)

A series of classes in voice and piano for music majors develop functional abilities in a required secondary performance area. Keyboard principals in Church Music and Music Education (Vocal Licensure) have a required voice secondary. Keyboard principals in all other majors may select their secondary from one of the approved secondary areas. All other principals must have a piano secondary. Class study in guitar and strings fulfills either study supportive to a particular applied area or elective study. In addition to the course tuition, the fee for class instruction in voice, piano, guitar, percussion and composition is $90.00.

MUFA (Voice)

MUFA 111. Secondary Class Voice I (1). First semester secondary voice study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFA 112. Secondary Class Voice II (1). Second semester secondary voice study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFA 211. Secondary Class Voice III (1). Third semester secondary voice study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFA 212. Secondary Class Voice IV (1). Fourth semester secondary voice study. Meets 2 hours per week. A jury exam is required before a faculty panel. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFB (Piano)

MUFB 010. Class Piano – Preparatory (1). Required of students whose audition indicates need for basic study prior to entering secondary sequence. This level of study does not count toward degree requirements. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFB 111. Secondary Class Piano I (1). First semester secondary piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFB 112. Secondary Class Piano II (1). Second semester secondary piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFB 211. Secondary Class Piano III (1). Third semester secondary piano study. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFB 212. Secondary Class Plano IV (1). Fourth semester secondary piano study. Piano Proficiency Exam required upon completion of this course. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFD (Guitar)

MUFD 110. Guitar Reading Lab (1). Development of beginning and intermediate level sightreading skills. Required of guitar principals who do not establish proficiency at audition. Must be continued until proficiency is established. Does not count toward degree requirements. Open to all students for elective credit. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFD 111. Beginning Guitar Class (1). A beginning class for elective students who have not had guitar instruction. Basic guitar technique, chords and music reading will be covered. Beginning elective students will be required to take this course before enrolling in private lessons. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFG (String)

MUFG 494. String Chamber Practicum (1). String players enrolled will study and perform chamber music literature for different combinations of stringed instruments.

MUFG 495. String Quartet (1, even years). Students enrolled in this course will study and perform the classical string quartet repertoire. Required of classical string Performance majors)

MUFG 496. Jazz String Quartet (1). Students enrolled in this course will study and perform the jazz string quartet repertoire. Required of commercial string Performance majors.

MUFH (Percussion)

MUFH 111. Beginning Percussion Class (1). A beginning class for elective students who have not had formal percussion or drumset instruction. Basic drumming, stick technique, and styles will be covered. Beginning elective students will be required to take this course before enrolling in private lessons. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

MUFK (Composition)

MUFK 111. Commercial Class Composition (1). A beginning commercial composition class, this course is a prerequisite for MUBK 112 and MUBK 211. Required for commercial music majors with composition and arranging emphasis. Meets 2 hours per week. ($90.00 course fee)

Private Applied Study (MU__)

Private applied study is provided in voice, piano, organ, guitar, orchestral and band instruments. In addition to classical study in these areas, study is provided in commercial styles when appropriate. The fee for a 25-minute lesson is $150 and the fee for a 50-minute lesson is $300 in addition to the course tuition.

The applied course identification is indicated by a four-letter and three-number system. The first two letters are “MU” indicating music; the third letter shows the area of study – classical or commercial.

MUA – Classical Applied Study
MUB – Commercial Applied Study

The fourth letter indicates the area of study:

A – voice; B – piano; C – organ; D – guitar; E – brass; F – woodwinds; G – strings; H – percussion; I – other instruments; J – electric bass; K – composition; L – arranging; M – conducting; N – carillon; O – synthesizer (Examples: MUAA – classical vocal study; MUBD – commercial guitar study; MUAE – classical brass study.)

The numerical sequence identifies the following:

• 1st number – year of study in the applied area: O preparatory student, 1 – 1st year, etc.
• 2nd number – hours of credit awarded
  (1,2 hours credit = 25-minute lesson week)
  (3,4 hours credit = 50-minute lesson week)
• 3rd number – semester of study within the year indicated in 1st number

MUA/MUB_010. Private Applied – Preparatory (1). Private study at preparatory level. This level of study does not count toward any degree programs. 25-minute private lesson per week. Minimum of 6 hours per week practice expected. No audition or jury is required. ($150.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB_111, 112, 211, 212. Private Applied (1). Prerequisite: Audition. Lower Division private study at minor level and certain major sequences that require 2 areas of study. One 25-minute private lesson per week. Minimum of 6 hours per week practice is expected. Minors and majors must audition for admission and take a jury each semester. Commercial Music Majors must take MUG 202, Sophomore Technical, at the conclusion of the 212 sequence. A proficiency recital of 15 minutes is included in the requirements of the technical. ($150.00 course fee)

MUA_/MUB_ 111, 112, 211, 212. Private Applied – Elective Level (1). Private Applied study at the elective level does not require an audition or jury. One 25-minute lesson per week is provided and a minimum of 6 hours practice per week is required. ($150.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 311, 312, 411, 412. Private Applied (1). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing for majors, completion of Sophomore Technical for minors, and completion of 111-212 sequence for all students. Upper Division private study at the minor level. One 25-minute private lesson per week, minimum of 6 hours practice per week required. Jury each semester required. Minors must present a 15-minute proficiency recital as part of the jury for the 312 course, the final semester of study required. ($150.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 311, 312, 411, 412. Private Applied – Elective Level (1). Private Applied study at the elective level does not require an audition or jury. One 25-minute lesson per week is provided and a minimum of 6 hours practice per week is required. ($150.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 121, 122, 221, 222. Private Applied – Principal Level (2). Prerequisite: Audition. Lower Division private study at Principal level – BA, BM degrees (except performance). One 25-minute private lesson per week. Minimum of 12 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. Sophomore technical (MUG 202) must be taken at the conclusion of the 222 sequence. ($150.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 321,322,421,422. Private Applied – Principal Level (2). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper Division private study at principal levelÑBA, BM degree principals (except Performance and Church Music). One 25-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 12 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. Half recital (300) required in final semester. ($150.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 131, 132, 231, 232. Private Applied – Major Level (3). Prerequisite: Audition. Lower Division private applied study at major level, BM Performance. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. The Sophomore Technical (MUG 202) must be taken at the conclusion of the 232 sequence. ($300.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 331, 332, 431, 432. Private Applied – Major Level (3). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper division private applied study at major level for Vocal Performance, String Performance, Musical Theatre, Commercial Performance, and Church Music and other principals with permission of Chair of Performance Studies. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. Half recital (300) required in this sequence; and a full recital (400) required for performance majors. ($300.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 141, 142, 241, 242. Private Applied – Major Level (4). Prerequisite: Audition and permission of Associate Dean for Performance Studies. Extra-credit lower division private applied study at major level. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. The Sophomore Technical (MUG 202) must be taken at the conclusion of the 242 sequence. ($300.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 341, 342, 441, 442. Private Applied – Major Level (4). Prerequisite: Admission to Junior Standing. Upper division private applied study at major level for Instrumental Classical Performance Major. Extra-credit upper division private applied study at major level with permission of Chair of Performance Studies. One 50-minute lesson per week. Minimum of 18 hours practice per week required. Jury exam required each semester. Half recital (300) and full recital (400) required in this sequence. ($300.00 course fee)

MUA/MUB 300. 25-minute Recital (0). Prerequisite to scheduling if Senior Recital: MUG201. Recital grade counts half of applied grade in the recital semester.

MUA/MUB 400. 50-minute Recital (0). Prerequisite to scheduling: MUG 201. Recital grade counts half of applied grade in the recital semester.

Applied Support Courses

Classical Voice

MUAA 106. Diction & Song Literature I (English and Italian) (1). The study of Italian and English diction and song literature. Required of all classical voice principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAA 205. Diction and Song Literature II (German and French) (1). Prerequisite: MUAA 106. The study of German and French diction and song literature. Required of all classical voice principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAA 207. Musical Theatre Styles I (1, even years). A workshop which will examine literature from earliest American musicals to the 1960's musicals in the style of Rogers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Lowe, and others. Performance and observation will be the focus of the class which will culminate in a presentation of representative excerpts. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAA 208. Musical Theatre Styles II (1, even years). A workshop which will examine literature from the 1960's to current day American and British musicals. Performance and observation will be the focus of the class which will culminate in a presentation of representative excerpts. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAA 301. Musical Theatre Coaching (1). Coaching in style and presentation of musical theatre pieces programmed on the junior recital. Coaching may be undertaken with approved staff having expertise in various styles and stage movement.

MUAA 305. Vocal Literature & Vocal Pedagogy (1). Prerequisite: MUAA 205. The study of sacred song, opera and oratorio literature and methodology of teaching singing. Required of all classical voice principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAA 307. Vocal Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUAA applied principal)

MUAA 401. Musical Theatre Coaching (1). Coaching in style and presentation of musical theatre pieces programmed on the senior recital. Coaching may be undertaken with approved staff having expertise in various styles and stage movement.

MUAA 407. Musical Theatre Seminar (0). This course offers performance practice opportunities for Music Theatre majors with an emphasis on learning performance and staging techniques, learning how to prepare for an audition, and discussions of topics specific to musical theatre performers. There will also be guests from the musical theatre community presenting workshops and master class sessions each semester. ($40.00 course fee)

Commercial Voice

MUAA 106. Diction & Song Literature I (1). (See above)

MUBA 303. Commercial Vocal Styles I (1). An in-depth study of Jazz styles. Required of all commercial vocalists, except composition/arranging emphasis. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUBA 304. Commercial Vocal Styles II (1). An in-depth study of rock and pop styles. Required of commercial vocalists with performance emphasis. Commercial vocalists with non-performance emphasis will choose between MUBA 304 and MUBA 305. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUBA 305. Commercial Vocal Styles III (1). An in-depth study of country styles. Required of commercial vocalists with performance emphasis. Commercial vocalists with non-performance emphasis will choose between MUBA 304 and MUBA 305. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUBA 306. Singers' Reading Lab (1). Prerequisite: MUT 235. Basic sightreading and dictation using Kodaly methods. Introduction of "numbers" system of sightreading and chart writing. Required of Commercial Performance Emphasis Voice Majors. Prerequisite to MUC 318, Studio Singers. Meets 2 hours per week

MUAA 307. Vocal Seminar (0). (required each semester enrolled in MUAA applied study)

MUBA 308. Commercial Vocal Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in any applied study) Performance and improvisation are emphasized.

Classical Piano

MUAB 205. Piano Literature I (Baroque and Classical Eras) (1, even years). A study of piano literature of the Baroque and Classical Eras. Required of all classical piano principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAB 206. Piano Literature II (19th and 20th Centuries) (1, even years). A study of piano literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Required of all classical piano principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAB 305. Piano Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MUAB 205 and 206. A study of the methods and materials of teaching piano. Required of all classical piano principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAB 307. Piano Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUAB applied principal)

Commercial Piano

MUBI 201. Improvisation I (1). (See page 263.)

MUBI 202. Improvisation II.(1). (See page 263.)

MUBI 303. Commercial Styles (1). (See page 263.)

MUBB 308. Commercial Keyboard Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUBB principal study)

Organ

MUAC 205. Organ Literature I (1). The study of organ literature through the works of J. S. Bach. Required of all organ principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAC 206. Organ Literature II (1). A study of organ literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Required of all organ principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAC 305. Service Playing (1). A study of methods and materials used in service playing. Required of all organ principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAC 307. Organ Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUAC applied principal)

Classical Guitar

MUAD 205. Classical Guitar Literature I (1, even years). Study of early music written and transcribed for guitar. Required of all classical guitar majors and principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAD 206. Classical Guitar Literature II (1, even years). A study of the classical guitar repertory of the 19th and 20th centuries. Required of all classical guitar principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAD 305. Classical Guitar Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MUAD 205, MUAD 206. A study of methods and materials of teaching classical guitar. Required of all classical guitar majors and principals. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAD 307. Classical Guitar Seminar (0). (Required every semester enrolled in MUAD applied principal.)

Commercial Guitar

MUBI 201. Improvisation I (1). (See below.)

MUBI 202. Improvisation II. (1). (See below.)

MUBI 303. Commercial Instrumental Styles (1). (See below.)

MUBD 308. Commercial Guitar Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUBD applied principal)

Classical Instruments

MUAI 205. Technique and Literature of the Major Instrument I (1, even years). Study of the techniques and literature of the student’s principal instrument. Required of all classical instrumental principals and majors. This course will have as instructor the applied teacher of the particular instrument. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAI 206. Technique and Literature of the Major Instrument II (1, even years). Continuation of the technical and literature studies of MUAI 205. Required of all classical instrumental principals and majors. This course will have as instructor the applied teacher of the particular instrument. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAI 305. Instrumental Pedagogy (1, odd years). Prerequisites: MUAI 205 and 206. A study of the methods and materials for teaching the student’s major instrument. Required of all traditional instrumental principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUAI 307. Instrumental Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUA applied principal)

Composition

MUAK 307. Composition Seminar (0). This seminar provides a weekly forum whose activities include: 1) performance of student’s compositions, 2) writing for seminar members and reading these compositions, 3) discussion of compositions by faculty members, and 4) presentations on other pertinent topics. Required for composition majors and commercial music majors with a composition and arranging emphasis each semester registered for private or class composition or arranging.

Commercial Instruments

MUBI 201. Improvisation I (1). A theoretical and practical approach to improvisation. Required of all commercial instrumental principals and majors. Meets two hours per week.

MUBI 202. Improvisation II (1). Prerequisite: MUBI 201. Continuation of study of improvisation from MUBI 201. Required of all commercial instrumental principals and majors. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUBI 303. Commercial Instrumental Styles (1). Prerequisites: MUBI 201 and 202. A study of the major styles of commercial music with attention to the characteristics that distinguish each. Required of all commercial instrumentalists. Meets 2 hours per week.

MUBI 308. Commercial Instrumental Seminar (0). (required every semester enrolled in MUB applied principal)

Music Ensembles (MUN)

Ensembles are open by audition, or consultation with the director, to all Belmont University students. Ensembles may be repeated for additional credit.

MUN 380. Tennessee Repertory Theatre Internship (2). Prerequisite: MUAA 400. One semester of involvement with various components of professional theatre production, granted by audition for the company. Requirements would be matched to the student’s need and level of proficiency. Internships would be an elective offering for those whose schedule would permit the intensive two- or three-week obligation necessary to mount a production or for those whose schedule would permit an ongoing relationship over the course of a semester.

MUN 381. Phoenix (1). An 8-member ensemble consisting of vocalists and band. Phoenix performs music which is currently charting or has charted in Billboard magazine. The ensemble features music from all current rock/pop commercial genres. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 382. Belmont Pops (1). A 30-40 voice mixed choir. Pops performs a variety of commercial styles (blues, jazz, pop/rock, country, Broadway, musical theatre, and gospel). Selected by audition. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 383. Southbound (1). An 8-member ensemble consisting of vocalists and band. Southbound performs music featured on country radio formats including progressive country, traditional country, country dance music, country rock, rockabilly and western swing. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 389. University Singers (1). An SATB choir. This group provides performance study in a variety of SATB choral ensemble repertoire. Open to all students of the university without audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 390. Oratorio Chorus (0). Oratorio Chorus performs one major choral composition each semester, usually with orchestra. All classical voice majors and principals and all commercial voice majors and principals must complete five (5) semesters of Oratorio. All other majors and principals must complete two (2) semesters of Oratorio. Open to all Belmont students and faculty without audition. Meets one day per week for 1 and 1/2 hours. ($65.00 course fee)

MUN 391. Belmont Chorale (1). A 40-50 voice mixed choir. Chorale performs a variety of choral masterpieces, with an emphasis on the sacred choral literature. Chorale tours in the spring of each year. A two-semester commitment is required. Selected by audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 392. Belmont Chamber Singers (1). A 16-20 voice mixed choir. Chamber Singers performs a wide range of music from pre-Renaissance to modern and tours in the fall semester. A two-semester commitment is required. Selected by audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 393. Women's Choir (1). Open to all women of the university without audition. Women's Choir combines occasionally with Men's Chorus to sing SATB music. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 394. Men's Chorus (1). Open to all men of the university without audition. Men's Chorus combines occasionally with Women's Choir to sing SATB music. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 395. Company (1). A 14-member show choir. Company performs literature from Broadway shows and popular music styles with fully-staged choreography. Company tours in the spring semester. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 396. Opera Theatre (1-3). Opera Theatre performs fully-staged operas as well as scenes from operas. Selected by audition. Open auditions are held for solo and chorus roles. Credit is one hour per semester for solo and chorus roles. Two- or three-hours credit may be earned for the performance of a major role at the recommendation of the director and approval of the voice faculty and the Dean.

MUN 397. Musical Theatre (1-3). Musical Theatre performs fully-staged musicals as well as scenes from musicals. Selected by audition with priority given to Musical Theatre majors. Auditions are held for solo and chorus roles. Credit is one hour per semester for solo and chorus roles. Two- or three-hours credit may be earned for the performance of a major role at the recommendation of the director and the approval of the voice faculty and the Dean.

MUN 398. Jazzmin (1). A 12-member mixed vocal jazz choir. Jazzmin performs vocal jazz literature including blues, standards, latin, bebop, swing and contemporary jazz. Emphasis is on developing techniques in vocal jazz studies. Jazzmin tours in the spring semester. Selected by audition and limited to sophomore-senior students. A two-semester commitment is required. Meets 4 hours per week.

MUN 481. Woodwind Quintet (1). For advanced players, this ensemble studies and performs the traditional repertoire for this type of ensemble. The ensemble performs at least one on-campus and several off-campus concerts per semester. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director.

MUN 482. Brass Quintet (1). For advanced players, this ensemble studies and performs the traditional repertoire for this type of ensemble. The ensemble performs at least one on-campus and several off-campus concerts per semester. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director.

MUN 484. Bluegrass Ensemble (1). Performing traditional and current bluegrass, folk and country music, this ensemble performs several on- and off-campus concerts per semester. It is open to any Belmont student by audition.

MUN 485. Guitar Ensemble (1). Prerequisite: MUFD 110 or permission of instructor. This ensemble studies and performs the traditional repertoire for this type of ensemble. They perform at least one on-campus concert per semester. An audition is required at the discretion of the director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 486. Percussion Ensemble (1). This ensemble studies and performs the traditional repertoire for this type of ensemble. They perform at least one on-campus concert per semester. An audition is required at the discretion of the director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 487. Piano Ensemble (1). For piano principals or more advanced non-principals. This classical ensemble studies and performs piano ensemble music in a variety of configurations: two piano, four hand, eight hand, etc. An audition may be required at the discretion of the director.

MUN 490. Belmont Band (1). Open to all students having previous band experience upon permission of director. The band presents concerts and serves as a basis for other instrumental ensembles. Required of wind/percussion principals. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 491. Jazz Ensemble (1). The Jazz Ensemble is a select group of musicians who perform a wide variety of contemporary commercial music. Selected by audition. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 492. Collegium Musicum (1). Collegium Musicum is an ensemble of early musical instruments which performs music from the 14thÐ18th centuries.

MUN 493. Belmont Orchestra (1). Open to all students, faculty, staff and community players upon permission of director. The orchestra performs standard and contemporary literature appropriate for the orchestra in regular concerts and is combined with the Oratorio Chorus, Opera and Musical Theater Workshops for performances of major works. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 494. Instrumental Chamber Ensemble (1). Composed of upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. Instrumentalists enrolled will explore the chamber repertoire for their instrument. Permission of the director is required. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 495. Jazz Small Group I (1). This ensemble provides experience in contemporary jazz. The group is composed of four to seven players including rhythm section. Members are encouraged to compose and arrange music for this ensemble. The ensemble performs at least twice per semester. Admission is by audition only. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 496. Jazz Small Group II (1). This ensemble provides experience in contemporary jazz and is a feeder for Jazz Small Group I. It is composed of four to seven players including rhythm section. Members are encouraged to compose and arrange music for this ensemble. The ensemble performs in concert at least once per semester. Admission is by audition only. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 497. Rock Ensemble (1). This ensemble provides experience in all styles of rock music. Standard rock instrumentation is used. The ensemble performs at least one concert per semester. Admission is with the consent of the director. Meets 3 hours per week.

MUN 498. New Music Ensemble (1). This ensemble performs significant music of diverse 20th and 21st century classical styles.