MUS 110
ACCOMPANIST/COACHING SESSION
1, 0/2
Corequisites: MUS 112 or MUS 171–473; applied lessons.
Provides students enrolled in the applied music lesson sequence the opportunity to meet and rehearse privately with a staff piano accompanist and have an accompanist present in their applied lesson. Emphasis on memorization techniques, solo and ensemble performance techniques, and musical interpretation. Includes solo or chamber repertoire currently under preparation for collegium, jury, or recital performance.
MUS 111
ACCOMPANYING FOR PIANISTS
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Music Majors Only. For piano students who wish to gain experience accompanying. Students assigned a vocalist or instrumentalist, and will be required to attend their soloist¿s weekly applied lesson as well as a coaching/masterclass session with the piano instructor.
MUS 112
APPLIED MUSIC
1, 1/0
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; previous performance experience; audition and BSC Ensemble participation required.
Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Voice students work with a vocal coach to prepare and perform vocal repertoire, with focus on the basic technical aspects of singing. Private lesson fee possible.
MUS 113
BRASS TECHNIQUES
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Music education majors.
Preprofessional training in performing and teaching methodologies for trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba. Laboratory teaching exposure to Buffalo Public School music students.
MUS 114
PERCUSSION TECHNIQUES
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Music education majors.
Preprofessional training in performing and teaching methodologies for percussion instruments. Laboratory teaching exposure to Buffalo Public School music students.
MUS 115
STRING TECHNIQUES
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Music education majors.
Preprofessional training in performing and teaching methodologies for violin, viola, violoncello, and contrabass.
MUS 116
WOODWIND TECHNIQUES
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Music education majors.
Preprofessional training in performing and teaching methodologies for flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. Laboratory teaching exposure to Buffalo Public School music students.
MUS 119
VOCAL PEDAGOGY
1, 0/0
Develops knowledge and techniques for the teaching of voice, including posture, breathing, diction, repertoire selection at all levels, as well as the pedagogical processes for teaching secondary vocal students. Repeatable.
MUS 122
INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC STUDIES AND CAREERS
2, 3/0
Provides historical, philosophical, and practical foundations needed for a career in music. Experiences that integrate library, research, teacher observation and analysis, reading, and writing skills with regard to the profession are utilized to assist students’ exploration and confirmation of their decision to enter the field.
MUS 161
CLASS PIANO I
1, 0/2
This is the first in a sequence of four group piano courses designed for those music students who need to improve their piano skills. The first two semesters focus on developing general musicianship skills, such as sight reading from the grand staff, melody harmonization, technique, improvisation, ensemble performance, practicing, and use of basic theory skills at the keyboard.
MUS 162
CLASS PIANO II
1, 0/2
Prerequisite: C or better in MUS 161 or audition.
Continuation of the skills acquired in MUS 161.
MUS 171
APPLIED MUSIC
1-2, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition.
Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors. Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 173
APPLIED MUSIC
1-2, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition.
Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors. Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 201
SURVEY OF WESTERN MUSIC HISTORY
3, 3/0; ARIF
Introduction to music from the Middle Ages to the present; study of forms and styles, composers and performers, cultural and social backgrounds, and parallel developments in other arts. Lecturer and listening assignments. Concert attendance required.
Equivalent courses: MUS201W, MUS301, MUS329
MUS 206
FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC
3, 3/0; DIIF, ARIF
This survey course studies the historical developments that helped formulate today’s popular music, including the roots of blues, jazz, and rock music in America.
MUS 208
SURVEY OF WORLD MUSIC CULTURES
3, 3/0; ARIF
Survey of representative art and popular music cultures of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Lectures and listening assignments. Concert attendance required.
MUS 209
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN MUSIC AND CULTURES
3, 3/0; NWIF
Study of the cultures of sub-Saharan Africa focused on the histories and musics from four specific regions. Two-thirds of class time is in lecture format; one-third is dedicated to learning and performing African rhythms on percussion instruments.
MUS 210
MUSIC THEORY FOR NONMAJORS
3, 3/0; ARIF
Music notation, aural and written. Scales, intervals, triads, seventh chords, rhythms, simple and compound meters, elementary recitation, dictation, analysis, and composition.
MUS 218
AURAL PERCEPTION I
1, 0/3
Corequisite: MUS 230.
Laboratory course for those with basic music-reading skills. Reinforces theoretical music concepts in the form of sight singing, rhythmic, melodic dictation, and basic musicianship. A diagnostic test is given at the beginning of the semester. Required for music majors.
MUS 219
AURAL PERCEPTION II
1, 0/3
Prerequisites: MUS 218, MUS 230. Corequisite: MUS 231.
Continuation and development of the melodic, rhythmic, and musicianship skills acquired in MUS 218. Required for music majors.
MUS 220
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS FOR MUSIC EDUCATION
2, 2/0
Prerequisites: MUS 230, MUS 231, or permission of instructor.
Students gain knowledge of current technology applications suitable for music instruction, including administrative applications, software for notation and composition, and MIDI-based sequencing, as well as teaching methods and strategies for using technology in music classrooms and ensembles; incorporates extensive hands-on activities.
MUS 224
MUSIC AND POLITICAL ACTION
3, 3/0; WCIF
Prerequisites: CWP 101, CWP 102.
A chronological overview of significant political, social, military, and religious events and the music associated with those important events. Various composers, musical styles, musical forms, and musical selections as they directly relate to historically significant circumstances, events, and movements within world and American history. While previous musical experience is helpful, it is not required.
MUS 230
MUSIC THEORY I
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: Basic music-reading skills. Corequisite: MUS 218.
Fundamentals of music, including notation, scales, modes, tonality, key signatures, intervals, basic chords, basic harmony, voice leading, melodic structures, and the general stylistic features of the various epochs of Western music.
MUS 231
MUSIC THEORY II
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: MUS 230, MUS 218. Corequisite: MUS 219.
Continuation of the fundamentals of music, with emphasis on harmony, voice leading, and simple formal structures within the contexts of the various historical periods of Western music. Required for music majors.
MUS 261
CLASS PIANO III
1, 0/2
Prerequisite: C or better in MUS 162 or audition.
This course and MUS 262 are designed for music students who are working toward successful completion of the piano proficiency exam. The skills developed are those used by music educators in the elementary or secondary classroom: sight reading, melody harmonization, accompanying, score reading, and improvisation.
MUS 262
CLASS PIANO IV
1, 0/2
Prerequisite: C or better in MUS 261 or audition.
Continuation of the skills acquired in MUS 261.
MUS 271
APPLIED MUSIC
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition. Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors.
Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 273
APPLIED MUSIC
1-2, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition. Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors.
Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 290
PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA
1, 1/0 ARIF
Prerequisite: Audition. Participation in the Buffalo State College Philharmonia Orchestra, a college-community ensemble composed of qualified Buffalo State student musicians and experienced community musicians. The orchestra serves as the principal vehicle for increasing students¿ awareness of symphonic repertoire, orchestral excerpts, and performance protocol as directly related to an orchestral ensemble. Repertoire is planned and organized to provide students with a diverse exposure to important classical, pops, and seasonal programming. May be taken more than once.
MUS 302
MUSIC HISTORY: ANTIQUITY THROUGH BAROQUE
3, 3/0
Prerequisite or co-requisite: MUS 330 Music Theory III.
Listening, identification, analysis, and study of musicological and sociohistorical trends in the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque style periods.
Equivalent course: MUS302W
MUS 303W
MUSIC HISTORY: CLASSIC THROUGH MODERN
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CWP 102, MUS 302. Co-requisite: MUS 331 Music Theory IV
Listening, identification, analysis, and study of musicological and sociohistorical trends, with focus on the eighteenth-, nineteenth-, twentieth-, and twentyfirst centuries, including opera, oratorio, solo song, chamber music, symphony, and contemporary forms.
Equivalent course: MUS303W
MUS 305
MODERN JAZZ
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: MUS 206.
History and development of modern jazz from 1941 to the present.
Equivalent courses: AAS304, MUS305W
MUS 306
URBAN BLUES AND ROCK
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: MUS 206.
Sources and development of the idioms, style, and sound media of this music.
Equivalent course: MUS306W
MUS 313
CHAMBER CHOIR
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition.
A select vocal ensemble of mixed voices that studies and performs art music from the medieval through modern genres.
MUS 318
AURAL PERCEPTION III
1, 0/3
Prerequisites: MUS 219, MUS 231. Corequisite: MUS 330.
Continuation and development of the melodic, rhythmic, and musicianship skills acquired in MUS 219. Introduction to harmonic dictation. For advanced music students. Required for music majors.
MUS 319
AURAL PERCEPTION IV
1, 0/3
Prerequisites: MUS 330, MUS 318. Corequisite: MUS 331.
Continuation and development of the harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and musicianship skills acquired in MUS 318. For advanced music students. Required for music majors.
Equivalent course: MUS319W
MUS 321
COMPOSITION, IMPROVISATION, AND ARRANGING
2, 3/0
Prerequisite: MUS 330. Corequisite: MUS 331.
Class instruction and supervised training in basic instrumental and vocal improvisation, with study of associated notation styles for composition and group performance. Introduction to arranging and standard notation for choir, band, and orchestra.
MUS 322
INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: Upper-level music major or equivalent.
Introduction to the musical and technical aspects of directing and developing an instrumental ensemble. Use of baton, score reading, and observation. Ensemble work.
MUS 323
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
1, 0/0
Prerequisite: Audition
Study and perform vocal jazz music within an ensemble of 12-16 auditioned musicians. Traditional approached and skills to the performance and study of vocal jazz music will be developed while significantly expanding the student’s knowledge of vocal jazz repertoire, performance practice and vocal techniques.
MUS 326
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
1, 0/0
Prerequisite: Audition.
Training and supervised performance in jazz and dance band combination. Repeatable.
MUS 330
MUSIC THEORY III
3, 0/0
Prerequisite: MUS 231. Corequisite: MUS 318.
Analysis and theoretical understanding of compositional techniques of Western art music of the late seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Required for music majors.
MUS 331
MUSIC THEORY IV
3, 3/3
Prerequisites: MUS 318, MUS 330. Corequisite: MUS 319.
Analysis and theoretical understanding of compositional techniques of Western art music of the twentieth century. Required for music majors.
MUS 333
CHORAL CONDUCTING
2, 0/2
Prerequisites: MUS 219, MUS 119. Corequisite: MUS 335 or MUS 313.
Fundamentals of rehearsing, developing, and conducting choirs for students with choral and vocal background. May require observation of off-site choral ensemble rehearsals and performances. Required for music education majors.
MUS 334
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor.
An exploration of sophisticated percussion literature by modern composers or transcriptions of other works for percussion instruments. The ensemble performs on standard percussion instruments, such as timpani, marimba, vibraphone, snare drum, tom toms, and other struck objects. Repeatable.
MUS 335
BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE CHORALE
1, 0/2
Rehearsal and performance of representative choral music from a diverse repertoire, including classical, pop, gospel, spirituals, jazz, folk, and show music. Presentation of the fundamentals of choral singing. Repeatable.
MUS 337
STRING ENSEMBLE
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor.
A performing ensemble surveying standard chamber music repertoire for string instruments, such as quartet, quintet, or piano trios. Repeatable.
MUS 338
BRASS ENSEMBLE
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor.
Chamber group consisting of trumpets, trombones, French horns, euphoniums, baritones, and tubas. Explores body of chamber music written or transcribed for brass instruments. Repeatable.
MUS 339
WOODWIND ENSEMBLE
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor.
Chamber group consisting of combinations of woodwind instruments, including clarinet choir, flute quartet, saxophone quartet, mixed trios, quartets, quintets, or larger. Explores body of chamber music written or transcribed for woodwind instruments. Repeatable.
MUS 345
ELEMENTARY MUSIC METHODS
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor, music education interview.
Gain knowledge and skills in the areas of teaching methods and strategies for elementary music education; extensive hands-on and writing activities.
MUS 346
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN ELEMENTARY MUSIC
1, 0/0
Corequisite: MUS 345.
Observation and application of instructional procedures learned in MUS 345 through on-site participation in local schools.
MUS 347
THE HISTORY OF PSALMODY
3, 3/0
A comprehensive survey of music based on the texts of the Biblical Book of Psalms. Analyses of the origins, literary structures, content and organization of the psalms; the development of various music performance practices; the tracing of the historical musical development of their settings; and the past and continuing influence of this repertoire on the cultural development of Western Civilization.
MUS 349
WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING ENSEMBLE
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Prerequisite or corequisite: MUS 209 or prior musical experience. Introduction to traditional West African rhythms on djembes, dundun drums, and iron bells. Students explore cultural contexts and learn to give and respond to rhythmic signals, learn to play different rhythms simultaneously, and learn culturally and rhythmically appropriate improvisation techniques.
MUS 351
THE AMERICAN MUSICAL
3, 3/0
Historical study of the American musical, focusing on the interrelationship between the disciplines of music, theater, and dance.
MUS 353
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN MUSIC FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
1, 0/0
Corequisite: MUS 345.
Observation and application of adaptations and instructional procedures appropriate for music with exceptional learners through on-site participation in local schools.
MUS 360
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC METHODS
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: MUS 345, MUS 362.
Knowledge and skills in the areas of teaching methods and strategies for secondary instrumental music education; includes extensive hands-on and writing activities.
MUS 361
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN SECONDARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
1, 0/0
Prerequisite: MUS 362 or permission of instructor. Corequisite: MUS 360.
Observation and application of instructional procedures learned in MUS 360 through on-site participation in local schools.
MUS 362
SECONDARY CHORAL METHODS
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: MUS 345 or permission of instructor. Corequisite: MUS 363.
Gain knowledge and skills in the areas of teaching methods and strategies for secondary choral music education; extensive hands-on and writing activities.
MUS 363
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN SECONDARY CHORAL MUSIC
1, 0/0
Prerequisite: MUS 345 or permission of instructor. Corequisite: MUS 362.
Observation and application of instructional procedures learned in MUS 362 through on-site participation in local schools.
MUS 371
APPLIED MUSIC
1-2, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition. Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors.
Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 373
APPLIED MUSIC
1-2, 1/0; EAGC
Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors. Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 410
RECITAL ACCOMPANIST
1, 0/1
Co-requisites: MUS 110 and MUS 171-473 applied lessons
For students enrolled in the applied music lesson sequence and preparing for a recital. Meet and rehearse privately with a staff piano accompanist. Emphasis on preparation for performance, solo and ensemble performance techniques, and musical interpretation.
MUS 440 W/P
ETHNOMUSICOLOGY
3, 3/0; OCIF
Prerequisites: MUS 302/MUS 303W, MUS 331. Pre-requisite or co-requisites: MUS 321.
Lectures, readings, recordings, and hands-on participation in class, with emphasis on understanding the theories and methodologies used to study music as an aspect of human culture. Examination and discussion of case studies from different regions of the world, as well as independent fieldwork research. Required for music majors.
MUS 457
STUDENT TEACHING IN ELEMENTARY MUSIC
5, 0/0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all music coursework, including 100 documented observation hours, the piano proficiency exam, the Music Department Student Teaching Application, and Criteria for Student Teaching. Corequisites: MUS 458, MUS 460.
Supervised full-time teaching internship for a half-semester in an elementary school setting. Required culminating experience for music education majors seeking New York State certification.
MUS 458
STUDENT TEACHING IN SECONDARY MUSIC
5, 0/0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all music coursework, including 100 documented observation hours, the piano proficiency exam, the Music Department Student Teaching Application, and Criteria for Student Teaching. Corequisites: MUS 457, MUS 460.
Supervised full-time teaching internship for a half semester in a middle or high school setting. Required culminating experience for music education majors seeking New York State certification.
MUS 460
STUDENT TEACHING SEMINAR
2, 2/0
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Corequisites: MUS 457, MUS 458.
Study of current issues in music education and the challenges of the beginning teaching experience. Students participate in weekly discussions centered on such topics as music education philosophy in action, curriculum development and evaluation, assessment of musical behaviors, discipline (prevention and intervention), time management, and meeting state and national standards in music.
MUS 471
APPLIED MUSIC
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition. Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors.
Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 473
APPLIED MUSIC
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Audition. Individual lessons for voice or instrument. Required for music majors.
Private lesson fee possible. Concert attendance required.
MUS 488
INTERNSHIP (Non-Capstone)
1-6, 0/0
Prerequisites: Permission of Internship Coordinator; Minimum 2.5 GPA in Major; Minimum 2.0 GPA Overall.
Guided and supervised exposure to professional artistic administration and/or operations through on-the-job work experience in an authorized administrative, business, or performance setting. Will write a written report of the work experience based on journal entries, and receive written evaluations from the Internship Site Supervisor and Internship Coordinator. Internship Disclosure
MUS 491
CAPSTONE IN MUSIC
1-3, 0/0
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of MUS 273; Permission of Instructor; Minimum 2.5 GPA in Major; Minimum 2.0 GPA Overall.
Independent capstone project under the direction of an instructor. Recital, Thesis, Internship, or other project.
BA Capstone Form Internship Disclosure
MUS 495
SPECIAL PROJECT
1-3, 0/0
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
MUS 499
INDEPENDENT STUDY
3-12, 0/0
MUS 590
Independent Study
3
Independent study provides an opportunity for a student to pursue a topic that may be covered only briefly or not at all in a regular course offering. Independent study is never a substitute for a regular course. Independent study may be offered by any member of the music department’s graduate faculty. A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent study may be included in the degree program.
MUS 601
Foundations of Music Education
3
An overview of the historical, cultural and philosophical foundations that have shaped and directed music education in the United States. An examination of aesthetic, sociological and psychological foundations of music education.
MUS 602
Graduate Music History
3
Central themes of historical style and compositional structure in Western art music from the Medieval to Modern eras. Investigate essential artistic values through aspects of historical context, musical analysis, and scholarly commentary, and apply those methodologies in a comprehensive research paper.
MUS 620
Graduate Music Theory
3
Explores theoretical, aesthetic and creative aspects of a selected group of musical works that span the 14th-century to the present day. Develops analytical tools and uses critical thinking skills to analyze those works through the lens of a historically, sociologically and technologically informed perspective.
MUS 624
Social Commentary in Musical Theatre
3
Overview of the history, evolution, and impact of musical stage entertainment as it relates to specific social and political issues and causes; development of prominent stage forms in relation to their intended or unintended social contributions, moral lessons, political purposes, and artistic symbolism.
MUS 625
CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Current trends in curriculum and assessment and the effect on music instruction. Introduces a standards- and repertoire-based curriculum model as a framework to facilitate development of pre-K-12 curriculum for ensembles and general music classes.
MUS 630
Contemporary Issues in Music Education
3
An overview of the historical and intellectual foundations of contemporary music education in the United States. Also an examination of curricular trends and areas of concern for music education in the United States.
MUS 640
RESEARCH METHODS IN MUSIC EDUCATION
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Study of historical, descriptive, qualitative, and experimental research in music education. Students study various research methodologies and analyze example studies in order to facilitate understanding of music education research.
MUS 641
Repertoire and Ensemble Leadership
3
Development of an annotated repertory list for practical use in the school ensemble, and instructional strategies with emphasis on rehearsal procedures and analytical techniques. The course will focus on score study, performance practice, ensemble psychology and conducting technique.
MUS 690
Master’s Project
6–9
With approval of the project adviser, projects may be creative, curricular, investigative, or applied in nature. The project may take many forms and will involve intensive consultation with the graduate faculty advisor and conclude with a formal faculty review. The project will receive 3 or 6 total credits dependent upon its duration and complexity. If the project receives 3 credits, students must take an additional 3 credits of approved graduate electives to attain 30 total credits to complete the degree.
MUS 695
Master’s Thesis
6
An individual research-based investigation of an original problem submitted in acceptable form in accord with stipulated policies by the Buffalo State Graduate School.
MUS 721/722
Master’s Project or Master’s Thesis Continuation (non-credit bearing)
Students who have 24 or more earned hours and who have received an N grade (grade delayed) for either MUS 690 or MUS 695 will be required to enroll in MUS 721 Thesis/Project Continuation. Students must receive advisor permission to enroll in this course and will be able to continue to enroll in it for four semesters (spring and fall) or until the thesis or project has been completed and the N grade has been changed. Graduate students can enroll for this course at no cost for up to two years immediately after the semester in which the capstone course received an N grade. If students do not enroll in this course, they will be deactivated from matriculated status and will have to reapply to the college to continue their studies. Reapplication must be made in accordance with the established deadline dates and current admission requirements.
