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Music

Chair: Associate Professor Binford
Professors: Lipkis, Traupman-Carr; Associate Professors: Barnes, Wetzel, Zerkle; Assistant Professor: Hirokawa; Special Appointment: Spieth; Adjunct Faculty: Stockton; Artist-Lecturers: Andrus, Arnold, Azzati, Birney, Bleiler-Conrad, Brodt, Budlong, DeChellis, Demkee, Diggs, Eyzerovich, Fix, Gairo, Gaumer, Gillespie, Goldina, Kani, Kistler, Jackson, Landham, Lanza, Mathiesen, Moulton, Oaten, Rissmiller, Rostock, Roth, Schrempel, Seifert, Simons, Smyser, Terlaak Poot, Thompson, Torok, Walker, Wilkins, Williams, Wittchen, Wright

Moravian College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The Program in Music

The study of music encompasses theory, history, and performance, and emphasizes artistic and scholarly relationships. Given an integration of musical disciplines within a liberal arts framework, students gain an enhanced understanding of their art and a heightened perception of their intellectual development.

The program provides the means to develop essential musical competencies. Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate competency with fundamental musicianship skills, including sight-singing, solfeggio, and rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in Western music theory, including standard principles of voice-leading and part-writing in diatonic and chromatic harmony and modal counterpoint.
  • Develop an understanding of the major historical styles, epochs, and composers of Western music, from antiquity to the present.
  • Demonstrate growth as performers in both solo and ensemble situations.
  • Demonstrate an ability to improvise using a given set of parameters.
  • Experience music from outside Western studies and styles, and to draw connections to Western music.
  • Write and speak intelligently about music.
  • Synthesize various aspects of music study (theory, history, musicianship, performance) in academic and performance venues, demonstrate critical thinking, and mature into well-rounded performing and thinking musicians.
  • Demonstrate capacity to evolve into self-sufficient and lifelong learners in musical studies.

Several degree programs are designed for individual needs. Students should consult the Moravian College Music Department Handbook for a detailed description of departmental requirements. Artistic talent and experience, musical and educational preparation, and vocational objectives are some factors affecting the choice.

An interview-audition is required for admission to the music major. Specific audition requirements may be found on the Music Department website. The audition will include assessments in music theory, sight-singing, and keyboard proficiencies.

Prospective students should submit a music information form (available from the Admissions Office and the Music Department) and contact the department for an appointment. Audition dates for students entering in Fall 2014 or 2015 may be arranged by calling 610 861-1650.

The Major in Music

The department offers two programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts—32 course units
  • Bachelor of Music—33 course units in one of the following areas:
       Composition
       Music Education (33.75 course units)
       Performance (vocal, instrumental, jazz)
       Sacred Music

Learning in Common Requirements for Music Majors

Music majors in the Bachelor of Arts program must fulfill 6 of 8 Multidisciplinary and Upper-division categories in Learning in Common, of which at least one must be a U course. If the student opts to take an M6 course, the student must take an M6 outside the music department. Bachelor of Music degree students fulfill a modified set of Learning in Common requirements. Bachelor of Music students concentrating in music education complete F1, F2, F3, F4, M2 (English 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105), M3 (Education 160) and one Upper-Division category. All other Bachelor of Music students are exempt from the Quantitative Reasoning (F2) requirement. In the Multidisciplinary categories, Bachelor of Music (non-music education) students are exempt from the Aesthetic Expression (M6) requirement, and they need choose only two of the remaining five Multidisciplinary categories. They also must complete only one of the two Upper-Division category requirements.

Departmental Requirements

During the first semester, the course schedule in all programs is identical, allowing a student the opportunity to determine an area of emphasis, evaluate performance potential, and consider career preparation. All programs share a core of five course units in theory and history: Music 165.2, 171.2, 175.2, 272.2, 281, 283, 352.2, and 354.2.

To complete the major, all Bachelor of Music students must pass a piano proficiency exam. Additionally, all majors are required to perform in end-of-term juries on their major instrument or voice in every term in which they are enrolled in the performance unit. (A waiver is granted for student teachers.) In each fall and spring term, full-time music majors are required to attend 10 concerts and/or recitals and all performance classes. Music minors enrolled in Music 200.1-200 and student teachers are required to attend a combination of eight concerts, recitals, or performance classes.

  • The Bachelor of Arts with a major in music requires the theory and history core, Music Performance (six terms totaling at least three units), Music 140.2-141.2, 240.2-241.2, and 373 or a music elective. Total: 11 course units.
  • The Bachelor of Arts with major in music, track in pre-music therapy, requires the theory and history core, Music Performance (seven terms totaling at least three and one-half units), Music 140.2-141.2, 2402.-241.2, 322.2, 334.2, 340.2, and 342.2; and Psychology 120.  In addition, students in pre-music therapy must complete a full-unit music therapy experience, which may take the form of an internship or independent study. Consult with the advisor for details.  Total units:  15 units.
  • The Bachelor of Music in music education requires the theory and history core, Music Performance (eight terms, totaling at least five units); Music 130.1-132.1, 135.1-138.1, 140.2-141.2, 240.2-241.2, 322.2, 334.2, 336.2, 340.2, 342.2, 374.2, and 375.2. Total: 17.25 course units. Additionally, the student must pass vocal, piano, and guitar proficiency exams before student teaching. Education 100.2, 130, 160, 244, 367, 368, 375, 376, and 377 are required in the teacher education program. Students interested in teacher certification also should consult the chair of the Education Department.
  • The Bachelor of Music in composition, performance, or sacred music requires the theory and history core, Music Performance (eight terms totaling at least seven units), Music 130.1, 136.1, 137.1, 140.2-141.2, 240.2-241.2, 322.2, 334.2, 336.2, 340.2, 341.2, 342.2; 1.75 units selected from 356.1-364.2 (consult Music Department Handbook for distribution); Music 373; Music 375 or 385; and one elective. In addition, Music 375.2 is taken in the junior year. The sacred-music track substitutes Music 386 for Music 373. Total: 22.5 course units.

The Minor in Music

The minor in music consists of five course units: Music 101 or 140.2 and 141.2; 106; Performance (four terms totaling at least one unit), and two course units selected with the approval of a music advisor.

The Interdepartmental Major

The six course units of Set I of the interdepartmental major include Music 140.2, 141.2, 165.2, 175.2, and Performance (four terms totaling at least one unit). The other three music course units in Set I and the six course units in Set II are selected with the approval of the advisors.

Courses in Music

Course descriptions are arranged in ascending numerical order within categories.

Music Courses Open to All Students

101. A Short Course in Theory. Introduction to the language of music; understanding elements of a score; hearing and writing rhythm, pitch, scales, and chords. Spring. Two 70-minute periods. (M6)
Staff

103.1. Piano Class. Introduction for non-majors; beginners accepted. Notation and playing technique. Spring. One 50-minute period.
Staff

104.1. Voice Class. Instruction for non-majors, particularly choral singers, to improve vocal production, reading, and idiomatic styles. Spring. One 50-minute period.
Staff

105. Introduction to Western Music. Musical organization, structures, and styles shaped by aesthetic, social, and political patterns within Western culture; musical achievements and significant works by major composers; relationships between the arts. (M6)
Staff

106. Art of Music. Introduction to music of Western and non-Western cultures, explored through listening, analysis, composition, improvisation, and performance. (M6)
Staff

113. Introduction to Non-Western Music. Aspects of musical systems of Africa, India, China and Japan, Balinesia, and Islam; folk, court, religious, and contemporary music as related to individual cultural patterns. Spring. (M6)
Stockton

115. Jazz Artists and Eras. Jazz and 20th-century American popular music: ragtime, blues, Dixieland, swing, Tin Pan Alley, musical theater, Latin rhythms, bebop, cool jazz, progressive jazz, rock, and jazz-rock fusion. Two 70-minute periods. (M6)
Gairo, Wetzel

117. Music in the United States. Music and musical life in the United States from colonial times to the present, including traditional and popular styles. Two 70-minute periods. (M6)
Thompson, Torok

188. Women and Music. (Also Women's Studies 188) Women composers and performers from various countries, historical eras, and musical genres. Prior musical knowledge helpful but not required. Fall. Two 70-minute periods. (M6)
Staff

Courses in Musical Techniques

For music majors only. Permission of department chair required.

130.1. Beginning Vocal Techniques. Basic instruction and methodology in singing and teaching voice; breathing, diction, tone quality, sight reading; vocal repertory. Two 50-minute periods.
Robinson

131.1. Beginning Brass Techniques. Basic instruction and methodology in playing, teaching, and caring for the trumpet and trombone in a music education program; French horn and tuba included. Prerequisite: Music 140.2. Two 50-minute periods.
Wright

132.1. Beginning Woodwind Techniques. Basic instruction and methodology in playing and caring for the flute, clarinet, oboe, and saxophone; bassoon also included. Prerequisite: Music 140.2. Two 50-minute periods.
Andrus, Wetzel

135.1. Beginning Percussion Techniques. Basic instruction and methodology in playing, teaching, and caring for percussion instruments in a music education program. Prerequisite: Music 140.2. Two 50-minute periods.
Mathiesen

136.1. Beginning Piano Techniques. Playing, keyboard harmony, and functional accompanying. Prerequisite: Music 140.2. Two 50-minute periods.
Thompson, Torok

137.1. Beginning Music Technology Techniques. Introduction to electronic music tools: computers, audio- and videotape systems, MIDI instruments, and word-processing, database, composition, hypermedia, and sequencing software. Prerequisite: Music 140.2.
Torok, Wetzel

138.1. Beginning String Techniques. Basic teaching and methodology in playing and teaching strings in a music education program; includes violin, viola, cello, and bass. Important pedagogical methods and material (including Suzuki), forming and leading an elementary string ensemble; basic instrumental repair for strings. Prerequisite: Music 140.2. Two 50-minute periods.
Kistler, Rostock, Simons

Courses in Musicianship

For music majors only, or with permission of department chair.

These half-course units parallel theory instruction and develop techniques and skills in hearing, using solfège for sight-singing, keyboard harmony, score-reading, and dictation.

140.2. Musicianship I. Dictation of traditional melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic materials and using solfège for sight-singing. Fall. Two 50-minute periods.
Staff

141.2. Musicianship II. Adds two-part dictation and clef-reading. Spring. Two 50-minute periods.
Staff

240.2. Musicianship III. Adds three-part dictation, score-reading, keyboard progression; dictation of diatonic and chromatic chord progressions and modulations; figured bass. Fall. Two 50-minute periods.
Staff

241.2. Musicianship IV. Sight-singing, including atonal, modal, and modulating melodies; four-part chorale dictation; and score-reading in clefs. Spring. Two 50-minute periods.
Staff

341.2. Musicianship V. This course continues with the study of written and aural music skills, including score reading in clefs, advanced melodic and harmonic dictation, atonal, modulating, and modal melodies, advanced solfège, accompanying, advanced rhythm and meter, and conducting patterns. Fall. Two 50-minute periods. Prerequisite: Music 241.2 or permission of the instructor.
Staff

Practica

For music majors only, or with permission of department chair.

Professional courses are offered each term in practical application and procedures essential to composition, repertory, performance, careers, and cultural communication within the Bachelor of Music areas of emphasis. Bachelor of Music candidates should consult the Music Department Handbook for a detailed description of practicum requirements.

255.1, 255.2, 355.1, 355.2. Jazz Improvisation Practicum. In part I, the student will learn to improvise over basic jazz forms using major, minor and blues scales as well as seventh chords and their extensions. In part II, instrument-specific, studying historically-significant solos, compositions and recordings, with emphasis on harmonic, melodic and rhythmic transcriptions. Use of modal, hybrid, atonal and octatonic scales. Prerequisite: Music 356.1 or 356.2 and signature of department chair.
Staff

256.1, 256.2, 356.1, 356.2. Jazz Ear-Training Practicum. Aural identification and dictation of melodic, rhythmic and harmonic elements of jazz. The semester culminates in the transcribing of a jazz solo from a recording. Prerequisite: Music 241.2.
Staff

257.1, 257.1, 357.1, 357.2. Diction Practicum. Proper pronunciation of English, French, German, Italian, Latin, Russian, and Spanish in singing. International Phonetic Alphabet. Basics of translation for foreign-language texts. One half unit (.50) required for all vocal performance majors.
Staff

258.1, 258.2, 358.1, 358.2. Miscellaneous Jazz Practicum. Opportunities to study specific jazz topics more in-depth. Topics include advanced jazz arranging/composition, advanced jazz literature. Prepares students for further study in jazz performance. One quarter unit (.25) required of jazz performance majors. Prerequisite: Signature of department chair.
Staff

259.1, 259.2, 359.1, 359.2. Concerto and Orchestral Repertory Practicum. For keyboard majors, standard concerto repertory and important keyboard parts for major orchestral works. For non-keyboard instrumental majors, standard orchestral repertory and excerpts; as time allows, major concerto repertory included. One half unit (.50) required of keyboard and instrumental performance majors.
Staff

261.2, 262.1, 361.1, 361.2. Literature Practicum. Study of solo literature and solos or orchestral excerpts from large works for various instruments or voice. Also includes jazz history and literature. Instrumental literature practica also cover the history and development of the instrument. One half unit (.50) is required for the Bachelor of Music in performance for jazz performance majors. All other performance majors must take three quarter units (.75) of literature practica, including 20th-century literature as well as solo literature and repertoire from large works. See departmental handbook for details.
Staff

262.1, 262.2, 362.1, 362.2. Pedagogy Practicum. Major treatises and methods of instrumental or vocal techniques and pedagogical issues. One half unit (.50) required for the Bachelor of Music in performance. One quarter unit (.25) is required of jazz performance majors.
Staff

263.1, 263.2, 363.1, 363.2. Composition Practicum. Topics in composition, including advanced orchestration, counterpoint, and composition seminar. One unit (1.0) required for the Bachelor of Music in composition.
Staff

264.1, 264.2, 364.1, 364.2. Miscellaneous Practicum. Advanced musicianship, music therapy, musical theater, piano tuning, sacred music, modal counterpoint, and other areas of individual interest.
Staff

Courses in Music Theory

For music majors only, or with permission of department chair.

171.2. Diatonic Harmony. Principles of tonal music explored through analysis and writing: voice-leading, chord progression, and procedures of formal analysis. Prerequisite: Music 140.2. Spring. Two 50-minute periods.
Staff

272.2. Chromatic Harmony. Extension of diatonic harmony: secondary functions, modulations, modal mixture, augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan chords, other harmonic enrichments, and jazz theory. Prerequisite: Music 171.2. Fall. Two 50-minute periods.
Staff

340.2. Form. Homophonic and polyphonic forms: binary, ternary, rondo, sonata, canon, fugue, invention, theme and variations. Prerequisite: Music 272.2. Fall. Two 50-minute periods.
Lipkis

Courses in Conducting and Orchestration

For music majors only, or with permission of department chair.

334.2. Introduction to Conducting. Instrumental and choral repertory: interpretation, technical gestures, survey of graded ensemble literature, rehearsal techniques, programming, and organization. Prerequisite: Music 342.2. Spring. Two 70-minute periods.
Barnes, Zerkle

336.2. Conducting. Selection, analysis, rehearsal, and performance of instrumental and choral repertory. Topics include conducting skills, vocal techniques, choral diction, rehearsal techniques, and score-reading. Prerequisite: Music 334.2. Fall. Two 70-minute periods.
Barnes, Zerkle

342.2. Orchestration. Instrumental characteristics, nomenclature, and notation; simple orchestral and ensemble arranging. Prerequisite: Music 272.2. Fall. Two 50-minute periods.
Lipkis

Courses in Music History

For music majors only, or with permission of department chair.

165.2. Music of the Western World. Overview of major historical styles from antiquity to the present, including basic music theory for analysis and composition of rounds, theme and variations, and 12-bar blues progressions. Various genres of music are studied to produce personal listening guides. Two 50-minute periods.
Spieth

175.2. Musics of the World. Elements of music and its role in various non-Western cultures, including Africa, Japan, China, India, Vietnam, Egypt, Russia, Israel, Australia, Latin America, Native America. Music as related to other forms of art; instruments unique to each culture. Prerequisite: Music 165.2 Spring. Two 50-minute periods.
Stockton

281. Western Music to 1750. Antiquity, Roman Catholic liturgical forms, secular vocal and instrumental music of England and the continent; musical aftermath of the Protestant Reformation; the rise of the Baroque; origins of opera, music of the court and church, ascendancy of instrumental music. Prerequisite: Music 165.2. Fall. Two 70-minute periods.
Binford

283. Classical and Romantic Music. Pre-classical style; Viennese classical style; early American music; Beethoven and his romantic heirs; programmatic music; nationalism; poetry and the art song; rise of chamber music and works for solo piano. Prerequisite: Music 281. Spring. Two 70-minute periods. Writing-intensive.
Binford

352.2. Music of the 20th Century to 1945. Post-romanticism, expressionism, impressionism, neoclassicism, serial techniques, diverse currents in the United States, Europe, Russia, and Central and South America. Prerequisite: Music 283. Fall. Two 50-minute periods.
Lipkis

354.2. Contemporary Music since 1945. Modern opera and ballet, new directions in sound, extensions of serialism, indeterminacy, minimalism, electronic and computer-generated music, post-modernism. Prerequisite: Music 352.2. Spring. Two 50-minute periods.
Lipkis

Courses in Music Education

For music majors only. See also courses listed under Education.

374.2. Music Education Seminar. Theoretical and practical problems and issues that arise in teaching. Focus of discussion is on issues perceived to be relevant to all participants. Prerequisites: Education 367 and 368. Co-requisites: Education 375, 376, and 377; minimum 3.00 GPA. Spring. One 2-hour period.
Hirokawa

Courses in Special Areas of Music

For music majors only, or with permission of department chair.

322.2. Improvisation. Tactics and techniques used in playing and communicating in various kinds of music. Students will improvise vocally, rhythmically, and on their major instruments. Fall. Two 50-minute periods.
Hirokawa

365.1. Jazz Methods for Teachers. Preparation for teaching jazz. Topics include teaching jazz improvisation, administering a jazz education program, conducting jazz ensembles/choirs, scheduling rehearsals, choosing music, designing a concert program, and playing rhythm section instruments. Prerequisites: Music 241.2, 272.2, and 136.1.
Wetzel

373. Seminar. Special topics in music history and theory; emphasis on analytic and research skills, music and the other arts. Subject matter varies. Juniors and seniors only. Spring. Two 70-minute periods.
Staff

375 or 375.2. Recital. Preparation and performance of selected works. Program commentary on the music and editions used required; evaluation by faculty jury of artistry and technical competence. Bachelor of Music students in performance, composition, or sacred music register for a half-unit in the junior year and a full unit in the senior year. Bachelor of Music students in music education register for a half-unit.
Staff

385 or 385.2. Project. Exploration of an aspect of composition, theory, or history; public presentation of lecture, seminar, or performance. Spring.
Staff

190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.

286, 381-384. Independent Study.

288, 386-388. Internship.

400-401. Honors.

Courses in Performance

Music majors, minors, and interdepartmental majors must consult the Music Department Handbook for performance (including ensemble) requirements and grading.

Private Lessons

The department offers private instruction in:

  • Bagpipe
  • Brass
  • Celtic fiddle
  • Composition
  • Conducting
  • Electric bass
  • Guitar (classical or jazz)
  • Harpsichord
  • Jazz performance
  • Organ
  • Percussion or Drum Set
  • Piano (classical or jazz)
  • Recorder
  • Strings
  • Theory
  • Viola da gamba
  • Voice
  • Woodwinds

Courses in Performance and Ensembles

Music majors enrolled in required terms of music performance (the actual course number and credit varies) take weekly lessons in the major instrument or voice, perform an end-of-term jury, attend 10 College-sponsored concerts and/or recitals per term, attend all Tuesday morning performance classes, and perform in a large ensemble as follows: (1) Choir or Women's Chorus for voice, keyboard, guitar, and electric bass majors; (2) Marching Band in the fall term and Wind Ensemble in the spring term for wind and percussion majors; and (3) Moravian College Community Orchestra for string majors. (Students enrolled in Music 314, 314.1, 314.2, 314.3, 315, 315.2, 315.2, or 315.3 meet the same requirements, but the jury, performance class, and concert attendance requirements are waived.) Composition and sacred music majors will participate in the large ensemble that corresponds to their major performance area. A suitable ensemble placement, based on instrumentation and student's curricular needs, will be determined by the director of instrumental music or director of choral activities. Except for the first term of enrollment, the first term with a new private lesson instructor, and during student teaching, students also participate in one performance class per semester.

Music majors receive a letter grade that combines the major lesson grade, any secondary lesson grade(s), the large ensemble grade, any chamber ensemble grade(s), the jury grade, performance class grade (when required), and performance class and recital attendance. Students enrolled in a full unit of performance are allowed five lessons and/or ensembles beyond the required major lesson and large ensemble. Students enrolled in .75 unit of performance are allowed four lessons and/or ensembles beyond the required major lesson and large ensemble. Students enrolled in Music .50 unit of performance are allowed two lessons and/or ensembles beyond the required major lesson and large ensemble. Students enroll in Music a quarter unit of performance when taking only the major lesson. Majors may enroll in up to three lessons per term without an extra tuition charge.

Music minors receive lesson grades. Attendance at a number of performances is required (see departmental handbook). Non-majors take lessons for a pass/fail grade.

Ensemble

Course credit is granted for membership in Choir, Orchestra, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Women's Chorus, and Basketball Pep Band. Auditions are scheduled in the fall of each year or at other times by appointment. Ensemble participation is part of the performance credit and grade for the major. For music minors and other non-majors, a half-unit of credit is given after four terms of participation and a second half-unit of credit after six terms of participation. No more than one unit may be counted toward degree requirements by non-majors; additional ensemble activity is recorded without credit notation. LinC credit is available for some ensembles; six terms of participation are required. Additional assignments are required for LinC credit.