Music
Department Head: Barry E. Kopetz
Department Office:
Music Building A
Telephone: (662) 325-3070
Fax: (662) 325-0250
http://music.msstate.edu/
Mailing Address:
Department of Music
PO Box 6240
Mississippi State, MS 39762
University Bands
Ms. Elva Kaye Lance, Director of Bands
Telephone: (662) 325-2713
http://msuband.msstate.edu
University Choirs
Dr. Gary Packwood, Director of Choral Activities
Telephone: (662) 325-7801
http://www.statesings.com/
University Philharmonia Orchestra
Dr. Barry E. Kopetz, Coordinator
Telephone: (662) 325-3070
Mission
The mission of the Department of Music at Mississippi State University is to contribute to the development of broadly acculturated citizens in our state and region through enhanced musical understanding and enriching musical experiences, providing access and opportunity to our diverse population through programs of teaching, research, and service. The department:
- offers excellent instruction to its students, helping to produce future generations of music professionals and patrons.
- engages in meaningful research, performance, and other creative work, positively affecting students, colleagues, and audiences throughout our community and beyond.
The Mission of the Department of Music at Mississippi State University is two-fold. The department's first obligation is to provide music instruction and specialized pedagogical training for state-certified elementary and secondary school music teachers. This program of instruction is intended to prepare students for exemplary entry-level teaching performance and for admission to selective graduate schools. To this end, the Department of Music provides:
- curricula and advisement that encourage students to acquire a broad, liberal education.
- a comprehensive undergraduate education in the art of music.
- a background in existing music curricula, curriculum design principles, materials, and methodologies.
- preparation in general education, theory, history, and methodology.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree in a liberal arts tradition of music study. This degree is designed to provide foundation coursework to apply to a variety of interdisciplinary careers including music, in preparation for graduate study, or for self-improvement.
Students are required to earn a "C" or better in all required applied music (MUA), music (MU), and music education (MUE) courses.
Auditions
All potential music majors and minors are required to audition for appropriate faculty in order to determine their preparedness to enter the program, participate in ensembles, and determine eligibility for a scholarship or service award.
Although alternate dates are available, the preferred audition date for music majors and minors in all areas is the third Saturday in February. Other audition dates are available by contacting the applied faculty of your area of concentration, the department office (662) 325-3070, or the major ensemble offices.(Choir (662) 325-3490; Band (662) 325-2713)
Transfer Information
After successful admission to the University, and in addition to the music major audition, transfer students are required to complete a music theory and aural skills entrance exam to determine preparedness for upper division study. For more information see the Department of Music website at http://www.music.msstate.edu/students/transfers/ or call 662-325-3070.
Music Minor
Mississippi State University offers MSU students the opportunity to complete a minor in music. The Music Minor is a comprehensive set of courses designed to increase student musicianship and knowledge.
Students must audition and be accepted as a music minor before the minor may be declared. Acceptance in any given studio area is on a space available basis. The requirements for the music minor cannot be completed after graduating from MSU.
For information and required courses, visit the Department of Music website: http://www.music.msstate.edu/academics/minorinmusic/
General Education and College Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Foreign Languages | ||
| 3 semesters - Foreign Language - see advisor | 9 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Literature Elective - see A&S requirements | 3 | |
| History Elective - see A&S requirements | 3 | |
| Philosophy Elective - see A&S requirements | 3 | |
| Must be from 2 areas - EN, HI, PHI or REL | 6 | |
| Met in Major Core | 3 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Math higher than MA 1313 | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Physical Sciences w/lab (CH, GG, PH) 1 | 3-4 | |
| Biological Sciences w/lab (BIO, EPP, PO) 1 | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective 2 | 3-4 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| MU 3013 | Survey of Western Music History I | 3 |
| Social Science | ||
| See A&S requirements | 6 | |
| Must be from 3 areas - AN, CO, EC, GR, PS, PSY or SO | 9 | |
| Met in Major Core | 3 | |
| Major Core | ||
| MU 1213 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MU 1321 | Ear Training I | 1 |
| MU 1413 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MU 1521 | Ear Training II | 1 |
| MU 2012 | World Music | 2 |
| MU 2613 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MU 2721 | Ear Training III | 1 |
| MU 2813 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MU 2921 | Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MU 3023 | Survey of Western Music History II | 3 |
| MU 3412 | Conducting | 2 |
| MU 2111 | Piano Class | 1 |
| MU 2121 | Piano Class | 1 |
| MU 3111 | Piano Class | 1 |
| MU 3121 | Piano Class | 1 |
| or MU 3112 | Functional Skills of Piano I | |
| MU 3122 | Functional Skills of Piano II | 2 |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Computer Literacy Requirement | ||
| Achieved through the Music Theory sequence | ||
| MU 1213 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MU 1413 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MU 2613 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MU 2813 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| EDF 3413 | Writing for Thinking (See advisor for other approved courses.) | 3 |
| Applied Study | ||
| 6 semesters of study at 2 hours per semester: | ||
2 semesters of 1000-level courses | ||
2 semesters of 2000-level courses | ||
2 semesters of 3000-level courses must be completed on the same instrument | ||
| At least 1 semester of 2000-level and 2 semesters of 3000-level work must be completed at MSU. | ||
| Ensembles | ||
| 4 semesters of ensembles must be completed at MSU, two of which must be the designated major ensembles. | ||
| Other Requirements | ||
| Piano Proficiency Exam | ||
| Upper Division Proficiency Exam | ||
| MU 1010 | Recital Hour (must be enrolled 8 semesters) | 0 |
| Recital or Project | ||
| Music Electives | ||
| Music Electives | 4 | |
| Met in College Core | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
| 1 | See University/A&S Core. |
| 2 | Consult advisor. |
Minor in Music and Culture
The minor in Music and Culture is intended for students with an interest in non-Western music, especially the music of Africa and the African Diaspora. The program offers students from any major, the opportunity to study the ways in which human cultural diversity is represented through music. The minor features an interdisciplinary approach to exploring music and supports MSU's vision of diversity and global involvement. The minor is distinct from other existing degrees in that it offers an anthropological approach that does not rely heavily on music performance skills.
| Required Courses | 6 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| World Music | ||
| Contemporary Dance | ||
| Electives | 12 | |
| Choose at least two Non-Western Music and Culture electives | ||
| African American Music | ||
| Music of Africa | ||
| Music of Latin America | ||
| Native American Music | ||
| Choose up to two Western Music and Culture electives | ||
| History and Appreciation of American Music | ||
| The History of Rock and Roll | ||
| The History of Jazz | ||
| Introduction to Music in Film | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Courses
MU 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
MU 1003 Fundamentals of Music Theory: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Development of skills for music reading, writing, listening and analyzing. Topics will include pitch, rhythm, meter, scales and basic harmony
MU 1010 Recital Hour: 1 hour.
Minimum one (1) hour weekly. Performance and critique experiences in applied music. Required for music (BA) and music education (BME) majors. May be repeated for credit
MU 1103 African American Music: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A study of African musical and cultural traditions with focus on the impact of these traditions on the development and advancement of African American Music. (Same as AAS 1103)
MU 1111 Piano Class: 1 hour.
Two hours laboratory. Beginning piano for non-music majors
MU 1113 History and Appreciation of Music: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Historical development of music and the composers of the different eras; individual investigation of related special topics; individual and directed listening to music examples
MU 1123 History and Appreciation of American Music: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Historical development of music and composers of the United States; individual investigation of related American music special topics; individual and directed listening to musical examples
MU 1133 The History of Rock and Roll: 3 hours.
Three-hour lecture. History of the development of Rock and Roll from the early 1950’s to the present, including early Rock and Roll, the British invasion, and 21st century current trends; the course examines the symbiotic relationship between music and society
MU 1141 Song Literature: 1 hour.
(Section is restricted to the following majors: Music and Music Education). One hour seminar. Emphasis is placed on the history and compositional characteristics of Western art song in terms of melody, harmony, rhythm, accompaniment, form, and poetry through score study, research presentations, and listening assignments
MU 1143 The History of Jazz: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. History of Jazz musical genres. Follows the timeline of Jazz from its multi-cultural origins to its emergence as a uniquely American musical form. Describes the development of different periods of Jazz history, representative personalities and the role of Jazz in society and culture
MU 1151 Vocal Pedagogy: 1 hour.
(Section is restricted to the following majors: Music and Music Education). One hour seminar. Course gives a comprehensive overview of the anatomy/physiology of the human voice, the acoustic properties that govern resonance, and vocal health. It also contains a practicum as students teach voice lessons gaining practical experience
MU 1153 Music of Africa: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to the diverse musical traditions of Africa. The course includes the study of the relationship between music and history by addressing issues of geography, colonialism, globalization, gender, politics and religion
MU 1163 Introduction to Music in Film: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A survey of music in motion picture media, the roles it has played from the silent to contemporary eras, and the cultures and people that produced it
MU 1173 Music of the Beatles: 3 hours.
Three credit hours. A survey of the music of the Beatles focused on its structure, lyrics, social influence, and cultural significance, with emphasis on writing skill development
MU 1213 Music Theory I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Music or Music Education major or permission of the instructor). Three hours lecture. Fundamental concepts of notation of key signatures, intervals, scales, chords, and clefs. Principles of Common-Practice Period Functional Harmony. Co-requisite: MU 1321 or permission of instructor
MU 1241 Diction I: 1 hour.
(Section is restricted to the following majors: Music and Music Education). One hour seminar. Course acquaints voice student with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and application to English and German. Correct singing pronunciation of these languages as applied to art song will be the focus of the course
MU 1251 Diction II: 1 hour.
(Section is restricted to the following majors: Music and Music Education). One hour seminar. Course acquaints voice student with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and application to Italian and French. Correct singing pronunciation of these languages as applied to art song will be the focus of the course
MU 1321 Ear Training I: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: Music or Music Education major or permission of the instructor). Two hours laboratory. Aural identification, singing and dictation of major and minor scales, diatonic melodies, isolated harmonies, simple intervals and rhythms. Co-requisite: MU 1213 or permission of instructor
MU 1413 Music Theory II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: C or better in MU 1213, Music or Music Education Major or permission of the instructor). Three hours lecture. Further elements of harmony, including seventh-chords, non-chord tones, chromatic vocabulary. Small forms. Co-requisite: MU 1521 or permission of instructor
MU 1521 Ear Training II: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: C or better in MU 1321, Music or Music Education major or permission of the instructor). Two hours laboratory. Aural identification, singing and dictation of diatonic melodies, triads, simple intervals and rhythms. Co-requisite: MU 1413 or permission of instructor
MU 2011 Third Year Woodwind Ensembles: 1 hour.
(Audition Required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant woodwind literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2012 World Music: 2 hours.
Two hours lecture. A survey of the non-Western musics and music cultures of the world. The course will serve as an introduction to the discipline of ethnomusicology, the study of music in the context of culture
MU 2023 Music of Latin America: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to the diverse musical traditions of Latin America. The course includes the study of the relationship between music and history by addressing issues of geography, colonialism, globalization, gender, politics and religion
MU 2111 Piano Class: 1 hour.
Two hours laboratory. Beginning piano for instrumental and vocal music majors
MU 2121 Piano Class: 1 hour.
Two hours laboratory. Beginning piano for instrumental and vocal music majors
MU 2173 Women in Music: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites EN 1103 or EN 1163). Three hours lecture. Survey of music from the middle ages to present focusing on music commissioned, written, or performed by women and the evolution of the rights of women as pertains to the music industry with an emphasis on writing skill development
MU 2411 Guitar Ensemble: 1 hour.
(Audition required) One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of guitar ensemble literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2511 Marching Band: 1 hour.
(Audition Required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant marching band literature. May be repeated for credit. (Fall semester only)
MU 2521 Steel Drum Ensemble: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. Exploration of performance techniques, repertoire, and cultural history of Trinidadian steel drums. No audition required. May be repeated for credit
MU 2531 Concert Band: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant concert band literature. May be repeated for credit. (Spring semester only)
MU 2551 Percussion Ensemble: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant percussion literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2561 Symphonic Band: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant symphonic band literature. May be repeated for credit. (Spring semester only)
MU 2571 Wind Ensemble: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. Study, rehearsal and performance of select literature from the wind band repertory. May be repeated for credit
MU 2611 Concert Choir: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant choral literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2613 Music Theory III: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: C or better in MU 1413).Three hours lecture. Chromatic vocabulary, including augmented sixth chords, Neapolitans and modulation, Late Romantic and early 20th Century innovations such as extended tertian chords and substitution chords. Co-requisite: MU 2721 or consent of instructor
MU 2631 Starkville Community Choir: 1 hour.
(Audution required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant choral literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2681 Opera Workshop: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. Course acquaints the voice student with the basics of stagecraft, movement, and acting skills. Course provides the student with the opportunity to study, develop, and improve their dramatic skills outside of the voice studio. May be repeated for credit
MU 2721 Ear Training III: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: C or better in MU 1521) Two hours laboratory. Aural identification, singing and dictation of diatonic melodies with chromatic inflection, seventh chords and rhythms. Co-requisite: MU 2613 or consent of instructor
MU 2731 Chamber Singers: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant choral literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2813 Music Theory IV: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: C or higher in MU 2613 and MU 2721, or equivalents; Co-requisite MU 2921 unless already passed with C or better.) Three hours lecture. Advanced harmony and musical structure; mastery developed through readings, exercises, examinations, and creative projects
MU 2851 Brass Ensembles: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant brass literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2881 Trombone Troupe: 1 hour.
One hour studio. The study and performance of chamber and concert music for the trombone ensemble. (Repeatable ten times)
MU 2911 Jazz Ensemble: 1 hour.
(Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of significant jazz ensemble literature. May be repeated for credit
MU 2921 Ear Training IV: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: C or better in MU 2721; co-requisite: MU 2831 or consent of instructor). Two hours laboratory. Aural identification, singing and dictation of modes, artificial scales, non-triadic chords, modulating melodies , compound intervals
MU 2951 Philharmonia: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: audition required.) Two rehearsals per week. Study, rehearsal and performance of orchestral repertory with a focus on literature for chamber orchestra. May be repeated for credit
MU 2990 Special Topics in Music: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
MU 3013 Survey of Western Music History I: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A survey of western music history from Antiquity through the Baroque Period (up to ca. 1750 A.D./C.E.). This course serves as the first in a 2-course music history sequence required for music majors
MU 3023 Survey of Western Music History II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MU 3013 or permission of instructor). Three hours lecture. A survey of western music history from the Classical Period through the present (from ca. 1750 A.D./C.E.). This is the second in a 2-course music history sequence
MU 3103 Native American Music: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to the diverse musical traditions of Native America. The course includes study of role and meaning of “tradition” in Native American music, selected tribal musical styles, and historical context which influenced tribal music and dance
MU 3111 Piano Class: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: grade of C or better in MU 2121 or equivalent or permission of instructor). Two hours laboratory. Intermediate piano for instrumental and vocal music majors; continuation of MU 2121
MU 3112 Functional Skills of Piano I: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Prior credit or concurrent enrollment in MU 1213-1413). Two hours laboratory. Functional keyboard skills for music majors who read and play intermediate to advanced-level piano repertoire
MU 3121 Piano Class: 1 hour.
Two hours laboratory. Continuation of MU 3111
MU 3122 Functional Skills of Piano II: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Prior credit or concurrent enrollment in MU 1213-1413). Two hours laboratory. Functional keyboard skills for music majors who read and play intermediate to advanced-level piano repertoire
MU 3123 Creative Arts for Elementary and Middle Levels: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education) Three hours lecture. An exploration of musical and artistic elements utilizing a variety of multicultural music, dance, drama and aesthetic visual. (Same as EDE 3443)
MU 3201 Collaborative Piano Ensemble: 1 hour.
(Prerequisite: late intermediate to early advanced piano skills. Audition required). One to five rehearsals per week. The study and performance of vocal/piano and instrumental piano repertoire. May be repeated for credit
MU 3333 Orchestration: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: C or higher in MU 2813 and MU 2921, or equivalents, plus fully-passed Music Theory Upper Division Proficiency Examination.) Three hours lecture. Study of instruments and orchestration techniques; mastery through readings, exercises, examinations, presentations, and creative projects
MU 3412 Conducting: 2 hours.
Two hours lecture. The elements of conducting, baton technique, and interpretation
MU 3433 Piano Literature: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Repertoire, curriculum building, in a chronological and historical organization for teachers. Includes learning repertoire for teaching beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano. Recommended for all students in the keyboard concentration. Requires music reading and some knowledge of history
MU 3442 Advanced Conducting: 2 hours.
(Prerequisites: MU 3412 and MU 3111 [or equivalent credit]). One hour lecture. Two hours laboratory. Continuation of MU 3412 with emphasis on interpretation of significant instrumental and choral literature
MU 3681 Opera Production: 1 hour.
(Audition required, co-requisite MUA 1050, 2050, or 3050 concurrently with Opera Production). One hour studio. Students will practice acting, singing, stagecraft, and movement, as well as learning to collaborate with their peers. Musical and staging rehearsals will culminate in performances of opera production. May be repeated for credit
MU 4000 Directed Individual Study in Music: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
MU 4313 Form and Analysis: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: C or higher in MU 2813 and MU 2921, or equivalents, plus fully-passed Music Theory Upper Division Proficiency Examination.) Three hours lecture. A survey of forms in music literature, with emphasis on harmonic structure and analytical techniques
MU 4322 Band Arranging: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Passing scores on both written and aural portions of the Music Theory Upper Division exam.) Two hours lecture. Study of idiomatic writing for instrumental ensembles, including marching, concert, and jazz bands
MU 4990 Special Topics in Music: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
MU 6990 Special Topics in Music: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
MU 7000 Directed Individual Study in Music: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
MU 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Music: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
MU 8013 Seminar in Music History Research: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to MME Degree Program.) Three hours graduate seminar. Develops knowledge and skills necessary to conduct advanced research in subjects relating to music history
MU 8023 Seminar in Music Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to MME Degree Program). Three hours seminar. Directed study and discussion of topics in music theory, emphasizing individual analysis, writing and presentation
MU 8402 Advanced Instrumental Arranging: 2 hours.
(Prerequisites: Admission to MME degree program; or permission of instructor). Two hours lecture. Advanced scoring practice in arranging music for concert, marching, jazz bands, and small instrumental ensembles
MU 8412 World Drumming: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to MME Degree Program). Two hours lecture. An introduction to drum techniques, traditional rhythms, performance practices, ensemble organization, and musical concepts of selected world drumming traditions
MU 8422 Keyboard Skills for Music Educators: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to MME Degree Program). Two hours lecture. Group piano course designed to help music educators improve keyboard skills for playing parts and accompaniments, singing and playing, playing from lead sheets, improvisation, and sight playing
MU 8482 Wind Band Literature: 2 hours.
(Prerequisite: admission to the MME degree program). Two hours lecture. The study of the literature and history of the concert band (Renaissance to present era)
MU 8990 Special Topics in Music: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)