Music
Joseph D. Van Riper, Professor
Rose J. Whitmore, Professor
Music Department courses nurture artistic development, cultural literacy, and intellectual engagement through excellence in sacred and secular musical performance and music scholarship, fostering an appreciation for the rich variety of musical expression and thought that deepens understanding across cultures.
The Music program at Principia College offers a range of pathways and areas of emphasis that accommodate varying levels of musical experience, from foundational study for beginners to advanced training for experienced musicians. All offerings are structured to provide both majors and non-majors with a comprehensive introduction to music through performance, composition, history, and theory.
The B.A. in Music is designed to prepare students for graduate study in music or for professional engagement in music, while the B.A. in Music Studies curriculum offers knowledge about music that complements work in other academic fields. The minor allows students to explore areas of emphasis.
The department prioritizes opportunities to make music as the best way to grow as a musician. These include major ensembles (College Choir, College Orchestra, College Jazz Ensemble, and chamber ensembles), Music at Davis, Hymn Sing and Chapel events, and off-campus auditioned opportunities with other area universities (St. Louis Youth Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, big band ensembles, and others). Our ensembles perform two to three large concerts per year, as well as collaborating with Performing Arts musical and dance productions and providing music for other campus events throughout the year.
Music Majors
B.A. in Music:
This degree is designed for students planning to pursue graduate study in music or to engage professionally in music-related fields. The required coursework provides a strong foundation for academic, artistic, or professional development in music.
A grade of C or higher must be attained in each of the following courses in order to complete the major: Class Piano Lab (MUS 115); Music Fundamentals (MUS 150)
; Musicianship II (MUS 160)
or another approved course; Diatonic Harmony (MUS 170)
; Advanced Theory Techniques (MUS 275).
B.A. in Music Studies:
This degree is designed for students whose academic or professional goals would benefit from a broad knowledge of music. A grade of C or higher must be attained in each of the following courses in order to complete the major: Class Piano Lab (MUS 115); Music Fundamentals (MUS 150) ; Musicianship II (MUS 160) or another approved course; Diatonic Harmony (MUS 170) and a course in musicianship.
Minor in Music General Emphasis
The Music General Emphasis minor allows students to explore specific areas of musical interest, such as performance, music theory, history, or music technology. In consultation with the department chair and a music faculty member in their area of interest, students select courses that align with their interests and fulfill the minor requirements.
Piano Proficiency Requirement
The Music Department recognizes the importance of basic piano proficiency for success in undergraduate music study. To support this foundational skill, students must complete two semesters of Class Piano Lab (MUS 115) with a grade of C or higher, or demonstrate equivalent proficiency through a departmental audition. Students who meet the proficiency standard in fewer semesters of study must still fulfill the total credit hour requirement for the major.
Applied Lesson Requirement
Students pursuing a B.A. in Music are required to take four semesters of applied lessons concurrently with being enrolled in an ensemble (Choir, Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble). They must register for Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) (MUS 120) or Applied Lessons (25 Minutes) (MUS 130) . Students who are serious about their musical growth have found it helpful to enroll in as many lessons as possible.
B.A. Music or B.A. Music Studies majors wishing to perform an elective recital must petition the faculty for approval at a Music at Davis two semesters before the recital and be enrolled in lessons and ensembles leading up to the recital. It is best practice to be enrolled in lessons and ensembles each semester a student is enrolled at Principia College prior to a recital. All Music majors who have been approved to give a recital must register for Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) (MUS 120) or MUS 040 Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) . Students who are not majors may apply for special permission a year in advance to give a recital, subject to the decision of the faculty, and they are subject to same guidance about lessons and ensembles.
Only students registered for applied lessons whose credits extend their course-load beyond 18 semester hours in a particular semester may register for the non-credit Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) (MUS 040) or MUS 044 Applied Lessons (25 Minutes) .
Students pursuing a B.A. Music Studies major are required to take a minimum of two semesters of applied lessons following the same rules for ensembles, recitals, and credit or non-credit courses as described above.
Applied lessons are available through the department for other students in other majors as well. Any student interested in applied lessons must follow the same rules for credit or non-credit courses as described above.
Any combination of instruments in any combination of 50- or 25-minutes lessons may be taken. All lessons, with the exception of carillon, carry a fee. A limited amount of student lessons financial aid is available through the Music Department.
Faculty-Directed Ensemble Requirement
Students pursuing a B.A. Music or B.A. Music Studies major are required to participate in choir, orchestra, or jazz ensemble with a minimum of four semesters. Students who are serious about their musical growth have found it helpful to enroll in as many ensembles as possible.
Preparation for Future Studies in Music Education
Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor concerning available courses within the major that may support post-baccalaureate goals within the field of music.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will perform and express themselves creatively in a variety of musical communities.
- Students will demonstrate essential historical and theoretical concepts in music.
- Students will demonstrate character unfoldment through their professional and personal growth.
- Students will demonstrate an appreciation of multicultural musical styles.
College Wide Student Learning Outcomes of Principia College: Defining a Liberal Arts Education
The curricular and co-curricular programs at Principia College are designed for students to be lifelong learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers. To accomplish this, the College has established the following outcomes for its graduates.
Guided by Principle, Principia College students will demonstrate:
- Depth and breadth of knowledge
- Critical and creative thinking
- Effective communication
- Intellectual inquiry and engagement
- Active commitment to community and global citizenship
MUS 040 Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) 0.0 SH [ ]
Applied instrumental or vocal instruction. Thirteen 50-minute lessons per semester, with two hours of practice daily. For applied music lessons for credit, refer to MUS 120.
Fee=$689.00.
MUS 044 Applied Lessons (25 Minutes) 0.0 SH [ ]
Applied instrumental or vocal instruction. Thirteen 25-minute lessons or equivalent per semester, with one hour practice daily. For applied music lessons for credit, refer to MUS 130.
Fee=$362.00.
MUS 050 College Choir - No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Preparation and performance of choral literature focusing on concepts of style, ensemble, and vocal production. Open to the entire community without audition.
MUS 051 Chorus for Musical - No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Preparation and performance of chorus parts for the musical production. By audition only. Offered only in semesters when there is a musical production.
MUS 052 Prin Music Tour - No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Preparation of music literature for performance on tour focusing on style, ensemble, presentation, and tour logistics. A star (*) grade will be assigned until completion of the tour. Offered by invitation only. Offered on demand.
MUS 053 Baccalaureate Choir -No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Preparation and performance of choral selections for the Baccalaureate service held during commencement weekend. Open to the community without audition.
MUS 061 Orchestra - No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Preparation and performance of instrumental literature covering style, expressive interpretation, and ensemble. Open to the entire community.
MUS 065 Jazz Ensemble - No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Reading and rehearsing music from various big band and combo styles. Special attention is given to style awareness, ensemble, and improvisation techniques. Open to the entire community.
MUS 071 Chamber Music - No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Small chamber ensemble, vocal or instrumental. May be taken more than once.
MUS 080 Student Recital - No Credit 0.0 SH [ ]
Thirty-minute recital on instrument or voice, demonstrating performance ability and understanding of various musical styles. Subject to music faculty approval.
Prerequisite: demonstrated proficiency on instrument or voice.
MUS 100 Intro to the Art of Music 3.0 SH [GEA]
Provides music listening skills, a knowledge of the elements and vocabulary of music, and an acquaintance with the styles and characteristics of classical music through the ages. Designed primarily for the non-major.
MUS 101 Symphonic Masterworks 3.0 SH [GEA]
A survey of symphonic masterworks. Focuses on the style characteristics of the great symphonic composers, a study of symphonic forms, and listening to selected symphonic masterworks. For majors and non-majors.
MUS 102 Operatic Masterworks 3.0 SH [GEA]
A survey of operatic masterworks. Focusing on the style characteristics of the great opera composers through viewing complete performances of the operas studied. For majors and non-majors.
MUS 110 Introduction to Computer Music 1.0 SH [ ]
Students learn to use the computer to create music. Various methods are presented including sound design and graphic software for sound creation and performance. Collaborative performance such as laptop orchestra is emphasized. May be taken six times up to a total of six semester hours.
MUS 112 Music Recording Techniques 1.0 SH [ ]
A study of the methods and techniques necessary to make basic and intermediate level acoustic audio recordings in a studio environment, including microphone placement, effects processing, mixing, basic mastering, and the use of the computer software. Study of the role of the producer and recording engineer is emphasized.
MUS 115 Class Piano Lab 2.0 SH [ ]
Class Piano is designed for students with beginning to intermediate musical backgrounds. This course is supervised and individually-paced, and introduces the basics of music, including note names, clefs, key signatures, rhythmic values, major and minor modes, beginning through intermediate repertoire, basic chord progressions, sight-reading, etc. No musical background is required. May be taken up to three times.
Fee=$25.00.
MUS 120 Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) 1.0 SH [ ]
Applied instrumental or vocal lessons. Thirteen 50-minute lessons per semester, with two hours of practice daily.
Fee=$689.00.
MUS 130 Applied Lessons (25 Minutes) 0.5 SH [ ]
Applied instrumental or vocal lessons. Thirteen 25-minute lessons per semester, with one hour of practice daily.
Fee=$362.00.
MUS 150 Music Fundamentals 3.0 SH [GEA]
Introduction to musical notation, rhythm, meter, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, chord progressions, basic cadences, popular song forms, and basic musicianship skills. Involves melodic and rhythmic dictation, sight-singing, and performance skills. Students considering a B.A. Major in Music should complete MUS 150, MUS 160, and MUS 170 by the end of their sophomore year.
Prerequisite: Music background including completion of the piano proficiency requirement. A music theory placement exam should be taken in the week preceding classes in order to make appropriate placement in course level.
Class Level Restriction: Freshman and Sophomore only.
MUS 160 Musicianship II 2.0 SH [ ]
Sight-singing, melodic dictation, rhythmic studies, diatonic chord recognition, keyboard harmony. Students considering a B.A. Major in Music should complete MUS 150, MUS 160, and MUS 170 by the end of their sophomore year.
Prerequisite: MUS 150 (with a grade of C or higher).
Corequisite: MUS 170.
MUS 165 Jazz Ensemble 1.0 SH [ ]
Reading and rehearsing music from various big band and combo styles. Special attention is given to style awareness, ensemble, and improvisation techniques. Open to the entire community. May be taken more than once.
MUS 170 Diatonic Harmony 3.0 SH [ ]
A study of harmonic materials. Part-writing, tonal function, voice leading, harmonization of melody lines. Students considering a B.A. Major in Music should complete MUS 150, MUS 160, and MUS 170 by the end of their sophomore year.
Prerequisite: MUS 150 (with a grade of C or higher) or placement.
Corequisite: MUS 160.
MUS 180 Instrumental Techniques 3.0 SH [ ]
Techniques, characteristics, and usage of brass, woodwind, and string instruments. Acquisition of playing ability on one instrument from each group.
MUS 182 Choral Conducting 2.0 SH [ ]
Introduction to the basics of conducting choral music. Includes emphasis on conducting patterns, rehearsal pedagogy, vocal production, choral literature, score analysis, and choral performance practices.
MUS 190 Music Topics 3.0 SH [ ]
A lower-division music course or seminar on a topic in music and other music-related fields. Topics will vary from year to year based on the needs and interests of students and instructor. The title will be extended to describe the current topic. May be taken more than once provided the topics differ.
Class Level Restriction: Freshman and Sophomore only.
MUS 200 Topics in Music History 3.0 SH [GEA]
A comprehensive study of a notable composer or topic in music history on a significant body of music and its importance. Includes historical context, analysis, and listening. The title will be extended to describe the current topic, e.g., Women in Music, Johann Sebastian Bach. May be taken more than once provided the topics differ.
MUS 201 Beethoven: The Great Master 3.0 SH [GEA]
A survey of the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) including his symphonies, string quartets, piano music, chamber music, and "Fidelio." No music background is required.
MUS 203 American Musical Theater 3.0 SH [GEA]
An overview of the development of the modern American musical theater with emphasis on the music, lyrics, composers, writers, producers, directors, and the history and folklore of "Broadway." No musical background is required.
MUS 204 The Jazz Tradition in America 3.0 SH [GEA]
Explores the connection between jazz music and its cultural and social contexts. The heritage of the lives and music of jazz artists is discussed. Traces the legacy of jazz from its roots in African and American music to current styles. No musical background is required.
MUS 205 The Creative World of Mozart 3.0 SH [GEA]
A survey of the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). An exploration of the beauty, peace, grandeur, drama, and grace of Mozart's operas, symphonies, piano concertos, chamber music, and choral music. No musical background is required.
MUS 206 Student Recital 3.0 SH [ ]
Thirty-minute recital on instrument or voice, demonstrating performance ability and understanding of various musical styles. Subject to music faculty approval. Must be enrolled in lessons leading up to the recital. May be taken twice.
Prerequisite: demonstrated proficiency on instrument or voice.
MUS 207 Popular Music in America 3.0 SH [GEA]
A study of the popular music of America as the voice of the people in society and culture. The rich and varied styles of popular music are discussed in the context of the artists, recordings, and political events surrounding them. No musical background is required.
MUS 212 Traditional Korean Music 3.0 SH [GEA]
This course provides a moderately in-depth look at traditional Korean Music and its social and historical contexts. We will study traditional instruments, systems of notation, types of music (determined by their function) and their formal and stylistic differences and similarities, as well as the unifying ethos in the musical sensibilities expressed.
MUS 213 Music of the World 3.0 SH [GEA]
A selected survey of classical, popular, and folk music traditions from around the world. The role of music as ritual, mode of communication, and artistic expression is studied.
MUS 225 Music Composition 1.0 SH [ ]
Study of the methods and techniques of music composition including historical, social, cultural, and aesthetic considerations. Emphasis on preparation for students who intend to do a capstone in music composition. May be taken more than once.
MUS 227 Field Studies in Music 3.0 SH [GEA]
Field study of materials covered in music courses such as MUS 100, MUS 101, and MUS 102. Offered only as part of an abroad or field study program.
MUS 228 Great Composers &Their Culture 3.0 SH [GEA]
This course includes a study of the great composers and their individual cultures that will be experienced on a music abroad. A specialized survey of music, history, art, and culture directly related to countries visited and composers studied.
MUS 235 Advanced Recording 3.0 SH [GEA]
Advanced study in music recording leading to a strong working knowledge of standard studio production practice. Microphone selection and placement, automation, critical listening skills, and session management will be discussed.
Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 250 College Choir 1.0 SH [ ]
Preparation and performance of choral literature focusing on concepts of style, ensemble, and vocal production. May be taken more than once. Open to the entire community.
MUS 251 Chorus for Musical 1.0-2.0 SH [ ]
Preparation and performance of chorus parts for the musical production. By audition only. Offered only in semesters when there is a musical production. May be offered for variable credit from one to two semester hours. May be taken four times up to a total of eight semester hours.
MUS 252 Principia Music Tour 1.0-2.0 SH [ ]
Preparation of music literature for performance on tour focusing on style, ensemble, presentation, and tour logistics. A star (*) grade will be assigned until completion of the tour. May be offered for variable credit from one to two semester hours. May be taken more than once. Offered by invitation only.
MUS 261 Orchestra 1.0-2.0 SH [ ]
Preparation and performance of instrumental literature focusing on style, expressive interpretation, and ensemble. May be offered for variable credit from one to two semester hours. May be taken more than once. Open to the entire community.
MUS 265 Musicianship III 2.0 SH [ ]
Continuation of MUS 160.
Prerequisite: MUS 160 (with a grade of C or higher).
Corequisite: MUS 275.
MUS 266 Musicianship IV 2.0 SH [ ]
Concentrates on practical musicianship, including harmonic and rhythmic exercises of increasing complexity. Literature from chant to 20th century, harmonic dictation, and intricate rhythms and keyboard skills are studied.
Prerequisite: MUS 265 (with a grade of C or higher).
MUS 271 Chamber Music for Credit 1.0-2.0 SH [ ]
Small chamber ensemble, vocal or instrumental. May be offered for variable credit from one to two semester hours. May be taken more than once.
MUS 275 Advanced Theory Techniques 3.0 SH [ ]
Analysis and exercises in the primary techniques of advanced music theory. Study of chromatic harmony, two-part counterpoint, and contemporary styles. Taken concurrently with MUS 265.
Prerequisite: MUS 170 (with a grade of C or higher) or placement.
Corequisite: MUS 265.
MUS 281 Instrumental Conducting 2.0 SH [ ]
Introduction to the basics of conducting instrumental music. Includes all essential beat patterns, expressive gestures, score-reading, learning of instrumental transpositions, and score reduction at the keyboard. May be taken four times up to a total of eight semester hours.
Prerequisite: completion of piano proficiency requirement.
MUS 284 Music Careers 3.0 SH [ ]
A survey of music career opportunities such as entrepreneurial music business creation, freelancing, and nonprofits as well as the skills necessary for these activities. Topics covered include the entrepreneurial skills, community engagement, budgeting, negotiating and contracts, strategies, grant writing, and nonprofit organizations.
MUS 300 Topics in Music 1.0-3.0 SH [ ]
In-depth study of topic(s) in music based on needs and interests of students and instructor. May include topics in musicology, ethnomusicology, music composition, music theory, performance, and other music-related fields. May be taken for variable credit from one to three semester hours. May be taken a total of four times provided topics differ.
Prerequisite: In consultation with instructor.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
MUS 303 Junior Recital 1.0-5.0 SH [ ]
Thirty-minute recital of instrumental or vocal music demonstrating performance ability and understanding of various musical styles. Subject to music faculty approval. May be offered for variable credit from one to five semester hours. May be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: demonstrated proficiency on instrument or voice.
Class Level Restriction: Junior only.
MUS 305 Music Production Project 3.0 SH [ ]
Supervised individual project in music production allowing students to pursue advanced applications in the area of music technology. The project will focus on the creation of a complete music work or portfolio of works that incorporate techniques such as recording, arranging, performing, and sound design. Projects of significant scope are expected.
Prerequisite: MUS 112 and MUS 235 or MUS 335.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
MUS 321 Music History I 4.0 SH [GEA]
A study of musical styles and forms of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classic periods with considerable emphasis on listening to the music from these periods.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
MUS 322 Music History II 4.0 SH [GEA]
A study of musical styles and forms of the Romantic period through the present, with considerable emphasis on listening to music from these periods.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
MUS 335 Advanced Music Production 3.0 SH [GEA]
Advanced study in standard studio practice in the areas of audio editing, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and mastering for albums and media. Focus is on post-production techniques in a music environment. Additional skills addressed include knowledge of hardware and software synthesizers, syncing to video, and integration of hardware and software studio techniques.
Prerequisite: MUS 112.
MUS 391 Form and Analysis 3.0 SH [ ]
In-depth analysis of compositions from the Middle Ages to the present. Development of analytical techniques to enable the student to approach a piece of music and discover the essence of its structure, melody, harmony, texture, and style.
Prerequisite: MUS 265 and MUS 275.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
MUS 410 Capstone Project 3.0-5.0 SH [ ]
Senior capstone project consisting of in-depth study, preparation, and public presentation of one’s craft tailored to the student’s focus within the program and approved by Music department faculty. Projects may include recital performance, original composition, production project, or musical analysis. May be taken twice with a star (*) grade. Enrollment requires Music faculty approval.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
