Music (B.A.)

No credit.
Pass/Fail only.

A continuation of Theory I including inversions of triads, non-harmonic tones, dominant seventh chords, and their resolutions. Emphasis is on four-part writing and analysis of music from the Common Practice Period.
Prerequisite(s): MUSIC 1610 Fundamentals of Music Theory or permission of the instructor.

Continuation of MUSIC 1620 Fundamentals of Basic Musicianship.
Prerequisite(s): MUSIC 1620 Fundamentals of Basic Musicianship or permission of the instructor.

Seventh chords, including the diminished seventh chord; various types of modulation; introduction of secondary dominants; analysis and writing of the period, binary, and ternary song forms; choral harmonization; and modal scales.
Prerequisite(s): MUSIC 1630 Theory II or permission of the instructor.

A review of advanced sight-reading and ear training, drills in more complex rhythmic and melodic materials including chromatic formations, and increased emphasis on individual part-singing and harmonic dictation.
Prerequisite(s): MUSIC 1640 Basic Musicianship II or permission of the instructor.

This course examines the development of new concepts and theories of music that led to significant departures from standard musical practices and ideals. Students will explore twentieth century pitch resources, and contrast late tonal techniques and styles of composers such as Debussy, Ives, Messiaen, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Webern and more. Analysis of specific works will promote discussions, tracing theoretical paths that led to the development of post tonal and avant-garde music. The content is designed to:

1. Widen your knowledge of, appreciation for, and ability to identify, describe, and critically assess musical works in light of the innovative ideas that led to their creation.
2. Give you a sophisticated understanding of the cultural, aesthetic, and stylistic revelence of these works in order to better comprehend the historical impact of radical departures from the norm.
3. To practically apply your knowledge of musical elements in order to create informed and appropriate musical interpretations within the body of music that forms your own repertoire.
4. To introduce you to the oral expression of your music in the style of a professional lecture presentation, so  that you can improve your skills in verbally describing music and musical analysis.

Prerequisite(s): MUSIC 2610 Theory III

Key cultural concepts are used to explore music from selected global case studies. Social, cultural, and historical contexts are examined in relation to musical materials and their application in various traditions and repertoires.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and permission from instructor.

This course provides a rigorous and detailed examination of the development of ideas and styles in the Western musical tradition from the middle ages through the 18th century, and also explores the relationships between the music and the history and culture of Europe and America. The course is designed to widen your knowledge of Western musical repertoire dating from the middle ages through the 18th century; address relevant performance practice issues; and give you a sophisticated understanding of the cultural, aesthetic, and stylistic aspects of that music.

Survey of Western music from the early 18th century to the late 19th century, focusing on distinctive features of musical styles, forms, and genres. Social and cultural contexts are examined in relation to musical materials and their application within specific repertoires.
Prerequisite(s): MUSIC 2610 Theory III and MUSIC 2810 World Music Cultures; or permission of the instructor.

This course provides a rigorous and detailed examination of select pieces across the Western music tradition related to gender and/or sexuality, and also explores the relationships between music, hisotry, and culture. Through historiography and musical analysis, we will discuss systems of domination and subordination along with stereotyped and biased assumptions about women and men pertinent to the music of specific cultures and time periods. The course is designed to: 1)  provide students with a foundational knowledge of key genres and social/cultural background from different historical periods across the Western music tradition; 2)  give students a sophisticated understanding of the cultural, aesthetic, stylistic, and performance practice issues related to select pieces, using scholarly articles, source readings, and stylistic analysis (scoring, dynamics, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form).
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of the instructor.

Through historiography and musical analysis this course provides a rigorous and detailed examination of select pieces across the Western music tradition related to the environment, and also explores the relationships between music, history, and culture. Focusing on works that engage the environment, the course content is designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of key genres and social/cultural background from different historical periods across the Western music tradition; and give students a sophisticated understanding of the cultural, aesthetic, stylistic, and performance practice issues related to select pieces, using scholarly articles, source readings, and stylistic analysis (scoring, dynamics, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form).
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of the instructor.

An introduction to technique and conducting style with emphasis given to developing a nonbaton competency. Attention also will be given to vocal interpretation and choral score reading.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

The course is offered to explore the essential topics a musician should consider when using computers and technology - whether for the purpose of listening, performing, composing, or teaching. Covering subjects ranging from music CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) and desktop publishing to notation sequencing and MIDI and multimedia and CD audio, this course is designed as an introductory undergraduate course devoted to computers as applied to music technology for the musician and music educator.

Advanced research methods, analytical writing, and professional presentation skills compromise the primary components of this rigorous culminating course, which focuses on the integration and application of knowledge and prepares students for the transition from their undergraduate education into their future profession. The Senior Capstone Seminar should be taken during the student's last year in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Prerequisite(s): Music major with senior standing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)