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Music Overview & Goals

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Music prepares the successful student in several ways. It provides a broad basis in music study from which to continue in any number of graduate programs in music. Practical experience with lessons and ensembles gives the graduate a basis from which to launch a professional teaching career.

For the performer, performance experience along with knowledge gained in academic music classes imbues the graduate with a sense of confidence and accomplishment. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in music is a precious liberal arts credential that allows you to continue on any number of career paths.

students walking and talking

Areas Of Study

Music (Major, Minor)

ALUMNISUCCESS

“The years that I spent at Bethany studying and performing prepared me for every professional scenario that I have encountered. I’ve never lost an audition, thanks to my Bethany College experience.”

Amanda McCoy

Bethany College, 2009, Amanda McCoy is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry. She has performed all over the United States and Europe.

CAREERS IN MUSIC

Education

  • K-12
  • Secondary
  • Post-Secondary
Performing arts

  • Performing artist management
  • Music industry promotion and marketing
  • Audio recording
  • Music editing
Meet The Faculty
Michael Mihalyo

Chair

Phillips Johnson Visual Arts Center

Requirements

MUSIC MAJOR

MUSI 103, 171, 172, 230, 250, 251, 271, 272, 477, 490, 495; THEA 103 or VISA 100 or VISA 101; 7 credits of Applied Lessons; 8 credits of ensemble or registration in an ensemble each semester that the student is a music major. Applied Instrument or Voice Proficiency Exam or four semesters of individual applied instrument or voice instruction that may or may not be in the same instrument and/or voice.

MUSIC MINOR

MUSI 103, 171, 172, 250 or 251; 4 credits of Applied Lessons; 4 credits of Ensemble.

Course Descriptions

MUSIC

MUSI 100 Applied Lessons in a Group Setting 1 credit
This series of courses provides instruction through group lessons for students with little or no background in the instrument to be studied. Appropriate techniques in performance, sight reading and introductory repertoire are studied.
SEC AA Voice Class
SEC BB Piano Class
SEC CC Guitar Class

MUSI 101 Music Literacy 2 credits
This course instructs the student in reading conventional music notation. The repertoire used as examples will be drawn from a variety of sources that include popular, folk, and classical music.

MUSI 102 MIDI and Musical Notation Software 3 credits
Instruction will be provided in the application of Musical Instrument Digital Iinterface (MIDI) between electronic musical instruments, digital audio workstations, and recording and notation software. Prerequisite: MUSI 101 or MUSI 171.

MUSI 103 Introduction to Music 3 credits
This course is an historical and aesthetic study of western art music that emphasizes learning to listen. Representative masterworks are studied and consideration is given to aesthetic functions and values. Preparing for and attending live concerts are essential parts of the course.

MUSI 104 Out of the Blues and Into Rock 3 credits
This course focuses on the development of the African American genre of music known as blues and its impact on popular music as it developed in North America and Britain during the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond. The student is expected to acquire a comfortable familiarity with the course content. Activities include lectures, readings, watching DVDs, listening to CDs, live in-class performances, and writing. (This course may be taken for credit as FINA 104.)

MUSI 105 College Choir 1 credit
The Bethany College Choir performs music in a broad range of styles. Concerts are on campus and off campus on weekdays and weekends and sometimes during tours. Members attend two weekly rehearsals and performances and extra rehearsals as scheduled. Members are assessed the cost of purchasing appropriate formal concert attire. This course may be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. (This course may be taken for credit as FINA 105.)

MUSI 106 College Wind Ensemble 1 credit
The College Wind Ensemble performs music in a broad range of styles. Members attend weekly rehearsals plus performances and extra rehearsals as scheduled. Concerts are on and off campus. Active student leadership is strongly encouraged. This course may be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. (This course may be taken for credit as FINA 106.) Prerequisite: an audition is required.

MUSI 107 Rock Ensemble 1 credit
The Rock Ensemble composes, records, performs, and promotes original music in popular idioms. Members attend frequent rehearsals and recording sessions. The group presents live performances on and off campus and produces audio recordings (CDs) for distribution. In addition to composers and musicians, students interested in the technical and promotional aspects of the project are also encouraged to enroll. Active student leadership is strongly encouraged. (This course may be taken for credit as FINA 107.) Prerequisite: An audition and/or interview is required.

MUSI 109 Guitar Ensemble 1 credit
This course prepares and performs music appropriate to the instrument. Members attend weekly rehearsals, plus performances and extra rehearsals as needed. Active student leadership is strongly encouraged. (This course may be taken for credit as FINA 109.)

MUSI 110 Digital Audio Production for Music 3 credits
This courser focuses on hands-on experience in multi-track recording of musical instruments using a digital audio workstation. It also sets the state stage for an additional work in digital editing, mixing, and mastering techniques. (This course may be taken for credit as COMM 110.)

MUSI 111-112, 211-212, 311-312, 411 Applied Lessons, Individual 1 credit each
This series of courses provides individualized instruction in applied music technique and repertoire focusing on the student’s experience, ability, and needs. In addition to lessons, students meet periodically with the instructor and other students in a performance seminar. An additional fee is required for this course. (These courses may be taken for credit as FINA 111-112, 211-212, 311-312, 411-412.) Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
SEC 01 Voice
SEC 02 Piano/Organ
SEC 03 Guitar/Bass/Folk Strings
SEC 04 Winds/Brass/Percussion
SEC 05 Orchestral Strings

MUSI 114 Live Sound for Music 2 credits
Instruction will be provided in live sound applications for music. This includes sound reinforcement, recording of live performances, and the use of pre-recorded or MIDI materials in live performances.

MUSI 171 Music Theory I / Ear Training I 4 credits
This course provides an introduction to the stylistic practices of music from the 17th and 18th centuries, and also considers more recent and vernacular music. It begins with a review of music fundamentals including scales, intervals, and notational practices. The course continues with an examination of several melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, and formal structures found in the music under consideration. The ear training component parallels the concepts presented in the music theory portion of the course as is appropriate. Prerequisite: MUSI 101 or Score of 95% on the Bethany College Music Literacy Placement Examination.

MUSI 172 Music Theory II / Ear Training II 4 credits
This course continues the study of the harmonic, melodic, and contrapuntal practices of music from the 17th and 18th centuries, but may include study of more recent literature as well. The course begins with a review of topics from the previous semester and continues with an examination of concepts that will lead to a solid understanding of diatonic modulation and basic forms by the end of the semester. The ear training component parallels the concepts presented in the music theory portion of the course as is appropriate. Prerequisite: MUSI 171.

MUSI 210 Editing, Mixing, and Mastering Digital Audio for Music 3 credits
This course is the second in a series that addresses the processes of digital audio production for music. It is designed to focus on the processes of editing, mixing, and mastering digital audio for music. (This course may be taken for credit as COMM 210.) Prerequisite: COMM/MUSI 110

MUSI 230 Conducting I 3 credits
This course is a study of basic conducting technique and ensemble repertoire. Students work with and without a baton in exploring the art of communication by gesture. (This course may be taken for credit as FINA 230.) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

MUSI 250 Music History: Medieval-Classical 3 credits
This course is a detailed, chronologically-organized study of the development of western art music. Students are introduced to the research materials, repertoire, composers, and styles representative of each era. Attention is given to concurrent philosophical, religious, historical, and artistic events and movements. Emphasis is on the development of listening skills.

MUSI 251 Music History: 18th-20th Centuries 3 credits
This course is a detailed, chronologically-organized study of the development of western art music from the 18th century to the present. Students are introduced to the research materials, repertoire, composers, and styles representative of each era. Attention is given to concurrent philosophical, religious, historical, and artistic events and movements. Emphasis is on the development of listening skills.

MUSI 271 Music Theory III / Ear Training III 4 credits
Music Theory III provides an introduction to the stylistic practices of music from the 19th century and also considers more recent and vernacular music. It begins with a review of topics covered in Music Theory I and II and continues with the examination of advanced melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, and formal structures such as chromatic harmony, extended tertian harmonies, and enharmonic modulation found in the music under consideration. The ear training component parallels the concepts presented in the music theory portion of the course as is appropriate. Prerequisite: MUSI 172.

MUSI 272 Music Theory IV / Ear Training IV 4 credits
This course continues the study of the harmonic, melodic, and contrapuntal practices of music from the 17th century to the present and also considers modern vernacular music. The course begins with a review of extended tertian harmony. It then continues with an examination of topics such as set theory; serialism; polytonality; chance processes; minimalism; experiments in timbre, texture, scalar formations, harmony, and rhythm; and extended instrumental and vocal techniques that characterize the compositional, theoretic, and analytic concepts of the 20th century. The ear training component parallels the concepts presented in the music theory portion of the course as is appropriate. Prerequisite: MUSI 271.

MUSI 309 Audio Recording Portfolio 3 credits
Instruction will be provided in live sound applications for music. This includes sound reinforcement, recording of live performances, and the use of pre-recorded or MIDI materials in live performances. (This course may be taken for credit as MUSI 309.) Prerequisites: COMM/MUSI 110, COMM/MUSI 210, and all MUSI courses required for the Music Technology major.

MUSI 477 Senior Seminar 1 credit
This course is a review of material covered throughout the music curriculum with particular concern for a student’s area of concentration. Academic and professional career opportunities are explored. Guidance for the Senior Project and preparation for the Senior Comprehensive Examination are also provided.

MUSI 487-488 Independent Study 2-4 credits

MUSI 490 Senior Project 2-4 credits

MUSI 495 Comprehensive Exams
This course is an administrative placeholder used to record a student’s score on Comprehensive Exams (CR/NCR).

Interested in learning more about studying Music at Bethany?

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