Music History & Theory (MSC)

MSC-075:  Music Therapy: Journey to Wellness  (1 Credits)  

This experiential workshop will provide an overview of the mechanics of music therapy and demonstrate how lives can be enhanced through music/brain connections. The many ways that music can be adapted for a variety of populations across the lifespan will be explored.

Cross-listed with: SWK-035.  
MSC-100:  Introduction to Music  (3 Credits)  

A course designed to develop a deeper understanding music. This course explores two essential questions: what is music made of? And what does music do? No musical background required. Open to students whose only experience with music is as a listener.

Fulfills Core Requirement in Visual and Performing Arts.  
Theme: What is Western Heritage?- Ancient and Modern.  
MSC-120:  Voice Class  (1 Credits)  

Vocal class instruction is designed to introduce students with little or no experience to the fundamentals of voice or an instrument. Open to all students. No audition is required.

MSC-121:  Piano Class  (1 Credits)  

Instrumental and vocal class instruction is designed to introduce students with little or no experience to the fundamentals of voice or an instrument. Open to all students. No audition is required.

MSC-122:  Guitar Class  (1 Credits)  

Instrumental and vocal class instruction is designed to introduce students with little or no experience to the fundamentals of voice or an instrument. Open to all students. No audition is required. Students must bring their own instruments. Instrument availability is limited. Rental information is available.

MSC-133:  Woodwind Methods  (1 Credits)  

This course is designed to provide students studying for the teaching profession with the knowledge of rudiments and mechanics on families of instruments as well as voice. Observation and practice of pedagogical methods in K-12 schools are integral to the instrumental/vocal methods curriculum.

MSC-134:  String Methods  (1 Credits)  

This course is designed to provide students studying for the teaching profession with the knowledge of rudiments and mechanics on families of instruments as well as voice. Observation and practice of pedagogical methods in K-12 schools are integral to the instrumental/vocal methods curriculum.

MSC-135:  Brass Methods  (1 Credits)  

This course is designed to provide students studying for the teaching profession with the knowledge of rudiments and mechanics on families of instruments as well as voice. Observation and practice of pedagogical methods in K-12 schools are integral to the instrumental/vocal methods curriculum.

MSC-136:  Percussion Methods  (1 Credits)  

This course is designed to provide students studying for the teaching profession with the knowledge of rudiments and mechanics on families of instruments as well as voice. Observation and practice of pedagogical methods in K-12 schools are integral to the instrumental/vocal methods curriculum.

MSC-145:  Language Orientation  (1 Credits)  

The purpose of this course will focus on developing proficiency in using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students will learn the proper articulation of language sounds in English, Italian, French and German, be able to recognize these sounds aurally and transcribe them into IPA. Through the study of song texts, students will develop the capacity to choose the correct sounds based on an understanding of the standard rules of diction in each language. Listening skills will also be emphasized. Students will develop an awareness of stylistic nuance and interpretation by listening to examples of standard solo vocal literature from Renaissance through contemporary time periods.

MSC-211:  Musicianship I  (3 Credits)  

A practical study of harmony, melody, rhythm, and meter. A course designed to improve a student's musicianship through ear-training, sight-singing and dictation. Work in composition.

Fulfills Core Requirement for Visual and Performing Arts.  
Theme: Engaging Creative, Aesthetic and Spiritual Experience.  
MSC-212:  Musicianship II  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): MSC-211 or permission of department chair is required.  

A continuation of MSC 211 Musicianship I.

MSC-215:  Topics in American Music  (3 Credits)  

An overview of the major developments of music in the United States and the Americas. Topics may include: American Musical Theater, Music and Politics, Black American Music. Fulfills Core Requirement in Visual and Performing Arts.

Fulfills Core Requirement in Visual and Performing Arts. in Visual and Performing Arts.  
Theme: Defining the American Experience.  
Cross-listed with: AST-215.  
MSC-220:  History of Music Through 1750  (3 Credits)  

Designed for music majors and non-majors with experience in reading music, this course is a study of Western European music from the earliest known examples to Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750); with consideration of the cultural and political background in which this music was written. The Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods are covered.

Fulfills Core Requirement for Visual and Performing Arts.  
Theme: What is Western Heritage?- Ancient and Modern.  
MSC-221:  Bach to Rock: Music from 1750 to the Present  (3 Credits)  

Designed for music majors and non-majors with experience in reading music, this course surveys classical, romantic, and modern music; with consideration of the cultural and political background in which this music was written. The history of musical styles from the last days of J. S. Bach to the rock phenomenon is covered.

Fulfills Core Requirement in Visual and Performing Arts.  
Theme: What is Western Heritage?- Ancient and Modern.  
MSC-242:  Elementary Methods  (2 Credits)  

The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the philosophies, practices and methods of teaching classroom music from preschool through the elementary grades. Students will gain practical experience through classroom participation, field observations and visits to local elementary schools. Research and class participation will provide students with a strong foundation in state and national standards, curriculum, curriculum design and classroom management skills.

MSC-243:  Instrumental Methods  (2 Credits)  

The goal of this course is to develop student's knowledge of the philosophies, practices and methods of teaching instrumental playing in the elementary grades through grade 12. Students gain practical experience through classroom participation, field observation and visits to local elementary, middle and high schools. Research provides students with a strong foundation in state and national standards, curriculum design and in rehearsal/classroom management skills.

MSC-244:  Choral and Vocal Methods  (2 Credits)  

The goal of this course is to develop students. knowledge of the philosophies. practices and methods of teaching singing in the elementary grades through grade 12. Work in vocal pedagogy and group vocal technique across musical styles. Students gain practical experience through classroom participation, field observations and visits to local elementary, middle and high schools. Research provides students with a strong foundation in state and national standards, curriculum design, and in rehearsal/classroom management skills.

MSC-300:  Musicianship Ill  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): MSC-212 and music major are required.  

Advanced harmony, melodic and rhythmic training for the music major; chromaticism; work in composition with notation software and digital audio workstation.

MSC-301:  Musical Structures and Styles  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): MSC-300 and music major are required.  

A study of musical structures across genres, induding symphonic forms, folkloric music and American musical styles including blues, jazz, and other popular song forms.

MSC-399:  Special Topics  (1-3 Credits)  

Special Topics courses are offered to supplement the educational experience with unique courses that are not part of the normal course offerings.

MSC-400:  Major Recital  (0 Credits)  

A music major/minor senior year recital or thesis on major instrument. This course is required for music majors.

MSC-401:  Orchestration  (3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): Permission of department chair is required.  

This course is a study in techniques for orchestra, symphonic band, jazz ensemble, chamber and choral ensembles. Instruction is included in idiomatic writing for instruments and score reading.

MSC-403:  Composition  (3 Credits)  

This course is a study in the various styles and techniques of musical composition, culminating in the final project which is an original student work. Departmental approval is required.

MSC-405:  Ensemble Leadership and Rehearsal Techni  (3 Credits)  

A study of ensemble leadership and rehearsal techniques for directing vocal and instrumental ensembles. lndudes experience in score reading, repertoire selection, conducting, error detection, and culturally responsive teaching. Departmental approval is required.

MSC-432:  Student Teaching Seminar  (1 Credits)  

A seminar designed to guide students through the student teaching experience by assisting in the refinement of teaching practices at both the elementary and high school placement. Students will prepare a portfolio necessary for recommendation to the Rhode Island Department of Education for initial licensure. Senior academic standing in the Music Education Program.

MSC-440:  Practicum in Secondary Education  (3 Credits)  

This course provides a 60-hour practicum experience prior to student teaching. Experience in the classroom is critical to the professional development of teachers. The overall goal of this course is to help the teacher education candidate integrate formal course work, educational theory, and the professional Teaching Standards with real teaching experiences in his or her discipline. The practicum provides an opportunity for the teacher education candidate to become familiar with the cooperating teacher, the students, the classroom environment, and school policies prior to the student teaching experience. Students will apply teaching skills specifically to their content area and develop a unit of study to implement during the student teaching experience. The practicum seminar is a discipline-specific teaching course. This course will also address the candidates' concerns regarding school policies and procedures, lesson planning and classroom management.

MSC-441:  Secondary Student Teaching  (12 Credits)  

This 15-week experience is a full-time assignment under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. Opportunities are provided for considerable responsibility within the full range of teaching duties at both the elementary and secondary level. During this time, the experience component continues to be balanced by periods of analysis and evaluation of the teaching-learning process in a weekly seminar, as well as in individualized conferences with the cooperating teacher and university supervisor. Candidates will produce a licensure portfolio by the end of the semester and will be interviewed for recommendation for initial licensure. Acceptance to Student Teaching is required.

Course Fee:  $500.00  
MSC-490:  Music and the Human Experience Capstone  (3 Credits)  

This course is an integration of the knowledge and skills that students have developed as music majors, along with what they have learned in other courses in the humanities, and that which they have experienced through study abroad and community service. Student will explore the role of music in western and non-western societies through research methodologies, class presentations and in writing.

MSC-491:  Internship  (1-3 Credits)  

Placement in a professional environment in music. Can include, but not limited to: studio recording, radio, and music business. Placement is for one semester, and a journal and final paper are required.

MSC-499:  Independent Study  (1-3 Credits)  
Pre-requisite(s): Permission of department chair is required.  

Supervised study. Advanced work in music.