MUS: Courses in Music
MUS 109 Musicianship I 3 credit
Introduction to music reading and keyboard playing. Emphasis on
the elements of music through the study of keyboard technique and
performance, solo and ensemble repertoire, music theory, harmonization,
transposition, and composition. No previous musical background
is required. Each semester.
MUS 119 Sight Singing and Aural Skills 3 credit
An introduction to aural skills with an emphasis on sight singing,
rhythmic and melodic identification, analysis and creation of melody,
and simple part-singing designed for aural development. Materials will
focus on rhythm and meter, basic conducting patterns, diatonic melodies,
and use of solfege. This course emphasizes the aural component
of musicianship and is highly recommended for anyone interested in
music performance of all kinds. No previous musical background is
required. Each semester.
MUS 125-225 Voice I and II 3 credits each
A series of courses beginning with the production of sound and from
there, depending on individual talent and interest, building a varied
repertoire that may include folk, musical theatre, classical and operatic
selections.
Voice I explores the production of sound and prepares the student
for performance. Emphasis is on the individual’s voice, breathing,
bringing sound to the mask of the face, strengthening and expanding
the range, acoustics and care of the voice. Students explore toning,
Gregorian chant, technical and interpretational aspects of music and
monologue. Students present staged selections for an on-campus-byinvitation-
only performance final at the end of the semester. Voice I
is open to all students and is a prerequisite for Voice II.
Voice II emphasizes sight-reading, ear training, blending voices into
multiple harmonies, exploring the musical genre, expansion of a varied
repertoire and working with a professional accompanist. The staged
performance final is developed by students and performed off campus,
providing practical application of communication skills learned in
Voice I. Prerequisite: Voice I.
MUS 129 Carroll College Choir 1 credit
Open to qualified singers by audition. The group performs a diverse
repertoire and performs for special events on and off campus. Prerequisite:
Audition with instructor. Each semester. Does not satisfy
core fine arts.
MUS 131-132 Pep Band 1 credit
Pep band is open to interested instrumentalists. Rehearsals are once a
week for 2 hours and performances include home sporting events and
other activities. Repertoire includes mainly contemporary rock and
pop material. One credit may be earned for each semester of participation.
Grading is pass/fail. Available each semester. Does not satisfy
CORE fine arts requirement.
MUS 165 Pop, Rock, and All That Jazz 3 credit
Examination of the development and use of all types of music in the
United States, covering folk traditions, church music, popular and
commercial music, the musical stage, and the fine-art tradition. Special
emphasis on current phenomena of commercial and media music.
Guided listening to recording. No previous musical background is
required. Fall semester.
MUS 199 Music Practicum 1-2 credit
Students can earn credit for participating as musicians in musical
productions or performing arts organizations under the guidance of
qualified music directors. Music performances may be on the Carroll
Campus or elsewhere in the Helena community, such as participation
in the Helena Symphony Orchestra and Chorale (subject to openings).
Enrollment for credit in Pep Band is under a separate heading.
A minimum of thirty (30) hours of participation is required for each
hour of credit. Evaluation is conducted by music faculty in consultation
with the music director. Optional pass/fail grading. Prerequisite:
Interview and/or audition with music faculty. Each semester. Does
not satisfy Fine Arts CORE Curriculum requirements.
MUS 209 Musicianship II 3 credit
Further development of musicianship, with emphasis on keyboard
repertoire, harmonization, accompanying, score reading, analysis of
diatonic materials, composition, transpositions of instruments, and improvisation.
Topics include further study in meter and rhythm, major
and minor scales, intervals, diatonic triads and seventh chords, chord
inversion, non-chord tones, melodic variation, phrase structure and
form. Prerequisite: MUS 109 or consent of instructor. Fall semester.
MUS 261 Music Appreciation 3 credit
An introduction to the fine-art music tradition of Western civilization.
Intended to acquaint the listener and non-musician with the
basic repertoire of concert music. Emphasis on guided listening;
concert attendance required. No background in music is required.
Each semester.
MUS 303 Music of the 20th Century 3 credit
Investigation of style developments in music since Stravinsky and
Schönberg (c. 1900) and in art since the Impressionists and Post-
Impressionists (c. 1800). Guided listening, slide lectures, discussion,
compositional projects in real and stored-time music, as well as projects
in the visual and plastic arts. No background in music is required. Two
90-minute classes per week. Spring semester.
MUS 309 Musicianship III 3 credit
The study of chromatic harmony and 20th century compositional
techniques through analysis, composition, arranging for instruments,
keyboard harmony, and improvisation. Continued work on keyboard
repertoire and performance. Topics include secondary dominants,
modulation, large forms, extended tertian chords, jazz harmony,
set theory, and 12-tone serialism. Prerequisite: MUS 209. Spring
semester.
MUS 399 Music Projects 1-3 credit
An opportunity for qualified music students to participate in musical
productions or performing arts organizations, in roles with a significant
amount of responsibility and leadership. Projects may include activities
related to music such as performance, directing, research, or internship.
Prerequisite: At least twelve (12) credits of college-level music courses
and consent of the music faculty following extensive interviews. Offered
each semester by prior arrangement. Does not satisfy Fine Arts
CORE Curriculum requirements.
MUS 475 Applied Music 1-3 credit
Private study on an instrument or in voice with a local private teacher
approved by the music faculty. Students must have prior music study
on the instrument/voice. Students are personally responsible for financial
arrangements with the private teacher. Evaluation is conducted
by music faculty in consultation with the private teacher at the end of
each semester. Pass/fail grading only. May be repeated each semester.
Does not satisfy Fine Arts Core Curriculum requirements.