Music

Wendy Reynolds, Assistant Professor

Joseph D. Van Riper, Professor

Rose J. Whitmore, Associate Professor

Music Department courses nurture development in musical artistry, personal and spiritual growth, as well as excellence in sacred and secular musical performance and scholarship, and an appreciation for the rich variety of musical expression and thought that leads to a greater understanding of people of all cultures.

The music program at Principia offers a breadth of major options which provide the opportunity to explore a range of musical rigor and emphases. The full B.A. in Music provides a solid preparation for graduate work while the B.A. in Music Studies provides a knowledge of music which may complement studies in other fields. The B.A. Major in Music Studies: Producer/Performer emphasizes the combined study of technology and performance. Music minor programs give students an opportunity to study music technology and music in general. All offerings are designed to provide both majors and non-majors a broad introduction to music through performance, history, theory, and appreciation.

Music Majors

B.A. in Music:

This degree is for students wishing to pursue music studies beyond the undergraduate level. The courses required of a B.A. in Music provide a solid preparation for graduate work.

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); Diatonic Harmony (MUS 170) ; Musicianship III (MUS 265); Advanced Theory Techniques (MUS 275).

B.A. in Music Studies:

This degree program is for students who will be entering a field where a knowledge of music will be helpful. 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)Diatonic Harmony (MUS 170).

B.A. in Music Studies: Producer/Performer:

This degree is designed for students interested in pursuing a musical practice that draws upon a combination of performance and technology. Course work develops skills in music production, songwriting, performance, and sound design. 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)Diatonic Harmony (MUS 170).

Music Minors

The music minors (Minor in Music General Emphasis and Minor in Music Technology) are designed to provide students with the opportunity to focus on specific areas of musical interest. Students work with the department chair and a music faculty member in the specific focus area to select courses that fulfill these interests and meet the requirements.

Piano Proficiency Requirement

The Music Department recognizes the essential need of its majors to acquire a basic skill level on the piano in order to be successful students of music. This requirement supports the students’ work towards a solid grounding in music at the undergraduate level. To attain that basic skill level, the Music Department offers Class Piano Lab (MUS 115). To complete the Piano Proficiency Requirement, students must complete three semesters of MUS 115 with a C or higher. 

*Students may complete the Piano Proficiency Requirement in fewer than three semesters of MUS 115 by auditioning successfully for the Music faculty.

Applied Lesson Requirement

Students pursuing a B.A. in Music are required to take applied lessons each semester in which they are declared music majors. This requirement is waived for any term in which the student is participating in a Principia Off-Campus Program. They must register for Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) (MUS 120) or Applied Lessons (25 Minutes) (MUS 130). However, if registering for applied lessons for credit extends a student course-load beyond 18 semester hours in a particular semester, the student may register for the non-credit lessons Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) (MUS 040) or Applied Lessons (25 Minutes) (MUS 044).  All performance majors must register for Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) (MUS 120) or Applied Lessons (50 Minutes) (MUS 040).

Students pursuing a B.A. Major in Music Studies or a B.A. Major in Music Studies: Producer/Performer are required to take a minimum of two semesters of applied lessons following the same rules for credit or non-credit courses as described above.

Applied lessons are available through the department for 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.

Faculty-Directed Ensemble Requirement

Students pursuing a B.A. in Music are required to participate in choir, orchestra, or jazz ensemble each semester in which they are declared music majors, with a minimum of four semesters. This requirement is waived for any term in which the student is participating in a Principia Off-Campus Program.

Students pursuing a B.A. Major in Music Studies or a B.A. Major in Music Studies: Producer/Performer are required to take a minimum of four semesters of faculty-director ensemble. This requirement is waived for any term in which the student is participating in a Principia Off-Campus Program.

Preparation for Future Studies in Music Education

While Principia College does not offer a music education program, it is recommended that students who wish to pursue post-baccalaureate study in music education be advised about their individual choice of study by music faculty. All students interested in the post-baccalaureate study of music education are strongly recommended to pursue the following work during the course of their music major:

 
One year of applied voice lessons
MUS 180Instrumental Techniques3.0
MUS 182Choral Conducting2.0
MUS 281Instrumental Conducting2.0