2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Music

Whether music is your life – or simply a treasured part of the life you hope to create – Cal Lutheran’s Music Department can provide the professional training and performance experiences that maximize your abilities and enhance your love of the art.

The Music Department prides itself on creating a strong musical education within a nurturing atmosphere. Faculty members are experienced professionals who are committed to teaching excellence.

The music program is widely respected for its performance ensembles, its classroom teaching, its studio instruction and the musical theater productions presented in collaboration with the Theatre Arts Department.

Music Department technology labs embrace the latest in digital music production and studio recording. The department works closely with the multimedia program to foster collaboration among students working on projects ranging from new media to film.

Each student has the opportunity to study privately with some of the finest musicians in the Los Angeles area. Individual lessons are available in voice, piano, organ, percussion, composition, and all string, brass and woodwind instruments. Solo performance opportunities are widely available.

Ensembles are open to all university students (by audition), and include the Cal Lutheran Choir, Women’s Chorale, University Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and smaller chamber ensembles. The Cal Lutheran Choir and Wind Ensemble embark on frequent tours. Past trips have included Hawaii, England, Scandinavia, and Italy.

Career preparation is an important part of the student/faculty mentor relationship. While many music students continue on to graduate studies, careful advising and planning of course work have led Cal Lutheran graduates to successful careers teaching in public schools and universities, working in the church or in establishing their own private studios. Graduates have also become successful singers, instrumentalists and conductors throughout the country. Music related work is also available in industries such as media, advertising, arts management and in the exciting ever-changing film, television and recording industries.

Scholarships are offered by audition to talented music students, whether majors or non-majors. Please check the music department website for audition details.

A fee is required for Private Lessons. For current fees, please refer to the University Costs section of the catalog.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

46 credits minimum; 20 credits upper division

MUS 101Music and Culture3
MUS 107Music Theory I2
MUS 108Music Theory II2
MUS 109Musicianship Skills I1
MUS 110Musicianship Skills II1
MUS 111Keyboard Harmony I1
MUS 112Keyboard Harmony II1
MUS 207Music Theory III2
MUS 208Music Theory IV2
MUS 209Musicianship Skills III1
MUS 210Musicianship Skills IV1
MUS 211Keyboard Harmony III (includes piano proficiency exam)1
MUS 301History and Literature of Music3
MUS 302History and Literature of Music3
MUS 309Fundamentals of Conducting3
MUS 407Analyzing Music2
MUS 475Capstone: Senior Recital/Thesis1
Applied lessons with 4 upper division8
Large ensemble with 4 upper division 8
Total Hours46

Performance Emphasis

12 credits minimum.

MUS 375Junior Recital1
MUS 439Creating Music3
MUS 154Chamber Music1
MUS 154Chamber Music1
MUS 354Chamber Music1
MUS 354Chamber Music1
Additional upper division applied lessons4
Total Hours12
1

Voice/Piano majors may use one of the following in lieu of 1 unit of MUS 354: MUS 453 (2) or MUS 454 (2).
Percussion majors may substitute MUS 160/MUS 360 for MUS 354.

Composition Emphasis

11 credits minimum. Composition majors must take a minimum of two semesters of MUS 140/MUS 340 (piano).

MUS 2003
MUS 375Junior Recital1
MUS 439Creating Music3
MUS 347Composition1
MUS 347Composition1
MUS 347Composition1
MUS 347Composition1
Total Hours11

Music Education Emphasis

13 credits minimum.

MUS 2003
MUS 423String and Brass Techniques2
MUS 424Woodwind and Percussion Techniques2
MUS 439Creating Music3
MUS 410Choral Conducting3
or MUS 411 Instrumental Conducting
MUS 404Foundations of Music Education3
Total Hours16

Music Technology Emphasis

14 credits minimum.

MUS 2003
MUS 300/300LStudio Recording I and Studio Recording I Lab4
MUS 400/400LStudio Recording II and 4
MUS 439Creating Music3
MUS 492Internship2
Total Hours16

Church Music Emphasis

12 credits minimum.

MUS 392Liturgy and Worship4
MUS 410Choral Conducting3
MUS 439Creating Music3
MUS 492Internship2
Total Hours12

Notes:

  • Applied lessons may be divided between voice and piano/organ (minimum of four required in piano/organ).
  • REL 332 or REL 335 recommended for upper division religion requirement. Recommended participation in Lord of Life Worship Team.

Musical Theatre Emphasis

12 credits minimum.

TA 133Acting I4
TA 334Stage Speech2
MUS 370Acting for Musical Theater2
MUS 403History of Musical Theater2
Total Hours10

Minor in Music

20 credits minimum, 10 credits upper division.

MUS 101Music and Culture3
MUS 107Music Theory I2
MUS 108Music Theory II2
MUS 109Musicianship Skills I1
MUS 110Musicianship Skills II1
MUS 111Keyboard Harmony I1
MUS 112Keyboard Harmony II1
MUS 309Fundamentals of Conducting3
Piano proficiency
Upper Division Music Elective Units 16
Total Hours20
1

Complete the remainder of needed units for the minor with: applied lessons in one performance area, large ensemble participation, or music electives.

Teaching Credential

Students interested in teaching music should contact the Chair of the Music Department for information about the music subject matter program. (See Education)

Private Instruction

Class or private instruction for voice and instruments. Credit is dependent on number of lessons per week. One credit is granted for a 30-minute lesson together with a minimum of five hours practice per week and monthly attendance at Recital Class.

Classes in performance areas within the Music Department, i.e., class piano, class voice, class percussion and class guitar, may be taken for two semesters only for credit. All other applied music classes, i.e., piano, voice, guitar, strings, etc., may be taken for credit each semester a student is in residence. (See University Costs for private instruction fees).

Courses

Lower Division

MUS 101. Music and Culture. (3).

A music appreciation course designed to cultivate perceptive listening of the music of all stylistic periods with emphasis on the role of music within its cultural history. (nonmajors accepted).

MUS 102. Fundamentals of Music. (3).

Emphasis is placed on the basic skills of reading and writing music. Students need have no prior knowledge of music. (Recommended for elementary classroom teachers or anyone interested in music.) (for non-majors).

MUS 103. Music for Classroom Teachers. (3).

Intended for future elementary classroom teachers, this course is designed to equip students with the basic skills of reading and writing music, and understanding of the importance of music in the curriculum, and familiarity with the materials and methods for teaching music to children. Students need have no prior knowledge of music and is designed for non-music majors.

MUS 105/106. Applied Music Lessons. (1,2).

Private instruction for voice, instruments, composition and song-writing. Lessons consist of one 30-minute meeting weekly for 12 weeks during the semester. Additionally, students are required to attend the Music Department performance forum on selected dates throughout the semester. Performance on a performance forum concert will be dependent upon the requirements of individual private lesson faculty, or departmental requirements for certain music scholarship recipients. All private lessons require a juried performance during the week of final exams. A private lesson fee of $330 applies to this course.

MUS 107. Music Theory I. (2).

A study of the primary written materials used for music making. Work will focus on the learning of scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, diatonic chords, commercial chord symbols, rhythm and meter, and an introduction to harmony.

MUS 108. Music Theory II. (2).

An exploration of diatonic harmony achieved through the study of part writing procedures and analysis. Materials will include triads and seventh chords in all inversions, non-chord tones, and an introduction to localized musical structures such as cadences and phrases. Prerequisite: MUS 107.

MUS 109. Musicianship Skills I. (1).

A lab course for achieving basic musical performance skills. The three main components of the course are rhythm, melody reading with solfege, and ear-training exercises. As the first semester in a four-semester sequence, materials will include elementary rhythms in simple and compound meter, diatonic melodies from literature with stepwise motion and simple leaps, interval singing and identification, and ear-training on all of the above materials.

MUS 110. Musicianship Skills II. (1).

A continuation of Musicianship Skills I. Rhythmic exercises will include one and two-part patterns with the inclusion of ties, rests, and syncopation. Melodic reading will consist of diatonic melodies from literature with skips in all chords. Ear-training exercises will include the identification of the intermediate rhythms, diatonic melodies, and simple harmonic progressions. Prerequisite: MUS 109.

MUS 111. Keyboard Harmony I. (1).

A lab course for applying basic theoretical knowledge to the keyboard. Students will perform exercises using diatonic materials, including major and minor scales, triads and seventh chords, and four-part chorale voicing of chords. This is the first semester of a three-semester sequence.

MUS 112. Keyboard Harmony II. (1).

A continuation of Keyboard Harmony I. Students will perform short diatonic progressions in a four-part chorale style, using the voice-leading procedures learned in the Music Theory II course. This is the second semester of a three-semester sequence. Prerequisite: MUS 111.

MUS 113. Class Voice. (1).

A study of the fundamentals of vocal production and solo vocal literature in a class setting. (Not applicable for the music major whose primary instrument is voice.).

MUS 114. Class Piano. (1).

A practical study of music fundamentals and basic piano technique through the medium of the keyboard. (Not applicable for the music major whose primary instrument is piano.).

MUS 116. Class Guitar. (1).

A study of fundamental guitar technique in a class setting. (Not applicable for the music major whose primary instrument is guitar).

MUS 140/140A. Piano. (1-2,1-2).

MUS 140B/140C. Piano. (1-2,1-2).

MUS 140D. Piano. (1-2).

MUS 141. Organ. (1-2).

MUS 142A/142B. Voice. (1-2,1-2).

MUS 142C/142D. Voice. (1-2,1-2).

MUS 143A. Strings: Violin. (1-2).

MUS 143B. Strings: Viola. (1-2).

MUS 143C. Strings: Cello. (1-2).

MUS 143D. Strings: Double Bass. (1-2).

MUS 143E. Strings: Guitar. (1-2).

MUS 143F. Strings/Guitar. (1-2).

MUS 143G. Strings/Harp. (1-2).

MUS 144A. Woodwinds: Flute. (1-2).

MUS 144B. Woodwinds: Clarinet. (1-2).

MUS 144C. Woodwinds: Oboe. (1-2).

MUS 144D. Woodwinds: Bassoon. (1-2).

MUS 144E. Woodwinds: Saxophone. (1-2).

MUS 145A. Brass: Trumpet. (1-2).

MUS 145B. Brass: Trombone/Tuba. (1-2).

MUS 145C. Brass: French Horn. (1-2).

MUS 145D. Brass/Tuba Euphonium. (1-2).

MUS 146A/146B. Percussion. (1,2).

Includes mallet and percussion instruments.

MUS 147. Composition. (1-2).

Individual lessons on modern procedures for composing music in the tradition of European and American concert music.

MUS 150. Cielo Treble Choir. (1).

The study of various styles of choral music with emphasis on vocal development. Opportunity for public performance. Open to soprano and alto voices. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 153. Wind Ensemble. (1).

The study of representative literature with special emphasis on performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 154. Chamber Music. (1).

The study and performance of instrumental and vocal chamber music. Prerequisite: Permission of Music Department chair.

MUS 155. Jazz Ensemble. (1).

The study and performance of literature appropriate for this performance medium. By audition.

MUS 160. Percussion Ensemble. (1).

The development of techniques for all percussion instruments, including work with mallets, Includes the study and performance of standard percussion ensemble literature.

MUS 180. California Lutheran Choir. (1).

The study of choral repertoire representing all historical periods and musical styles. Frequent public performance. By audition.

MUS 181. University Symphony. (1).

The study of representative instrumental literature of different historical periods, with emphasis on public performances. By audition.

MUS 1ST. Selected Topics. (4).

MUS 207. Music Theory III. (2).

A study of chromatic materials in tonal music, including the analysis and part writing procedures for secondary functions, mode mixture, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, diatonic and chromatic modulation. Prerequisite: MUS 108.

MUS 208. Music Theory IV. (2).

A study of musical materials and compositional techniques from the early 20th-century to the present. The course will be divided into two parts: the first half focuses on the Pre-WW II works of Debussy, Stravinsky, Bartok, and the Second Viennese school; the second half will survey major trends since WW II, with an emphasis on music by American composers. Prerequisite: MUS 207.

MUS 209. Musicianship Skills III. (1).

A continuation of Musicianship Skills II. Students will learn advanced rhythmic exercises, including patterns with small and large beat divisions. Melody reading and ear-training exercises will focus on chromatic and modal materials. Prerequisite: MUS 110.

MUS 210. Musicianship Skills IV. (1).

As the fourth and final semester of the Musicianship Skills sequence, this course will focus on performance skills of advanced rhythms, chromatic and atonal melodies, and other materials common in 20th-century music. Rhythmic exercises will include meter changes, polyrhythms, and metric modulation. Ear-training will include the identification of atonal melodies and trichords. Prerequisite: MUS 209.

MUS 211. Keyboard Harmony III. (1).

As the third and final semester of the Keyboard Harmony sequence, this course will focus on the performance of advanced diatonic, chromatic, and modulating harmonic progressions. Prerequisite: MUS 112.

MUS 282C. ST: Select Topic (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved for core requirement.

MUS 2ST. Selected Topics. (3).

MUS 3ST. Selected Topics. (3).

MUS 4ST. Selected Topic. (4).

Upper Division

MUS 300. Studio Recording I. (4).

Studio theory and standard audio recording techniques with a Pro Tools HD workstation are explored in this course. Topics include: microphones, signal flow, outboard equipment, patching, signal processing, plug-ins, studio communication, and recording session management. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 hours/week. Prerequisite: Mus 200.

MUS 300L. Studio Recording I Lab. (0).

MUS 301/302. History and Literature of Music. (3,3).

A survey of Western European musical heritage from ancient times to the present. Includes formal and stylistic analysis of music representing the different periods through listening, score study and live performances. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 305/306. Applied Music Lessons. (1,2).

Private instruction for voice, instruments, composition and song-writing. Lessons consist of one 30-minute meeting weekly for 12 weeks during the semester. Lessons at the 300 level should reflect a higher level of proficiency than lessons at the 100 level, and should incorporate advanced instruction. Additionally, students are required to attend the Music Department performance forum on selected dates throughout the semester. Performance on a performance forum concert will be dependent upon the requirements of individual private lesson faculty, or departmental requirements for certain music scholarship recipients. All private lessons require a juried performance during the week of final exams. A private lesson fee of $330 applies to this course.

MUS 309. Fundamentals of Conducting. (3).

The study of basic conducting techniques, use of the baton, score study and preparation as well as methods of verbal and nonverbal communication. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 312. Alexander Technique. (1-2).

Introduces students to the principles of the Alexander Technique and the application of these principles in their major areas. The principles develop increased mind and body coordination and are most commonly applied to acting, singing, public speaking, musical instrument performance and athletic performance. Additional fee required. (cross-listed with ACTV 312 & TA 312).

MUS 333. History and Survey of Film Music. (4).

This is a survey of film music from the advent of film sound to the 21st Century. The course will focus on dramatic scoring in primarily American feature films, including a significant examination of historically underrepresented groups in film music production, such as African-American and female composers. Open to non-majors.

MUS 340/340A. Piano. (1-2,1-2).

MUS 340B. Piano/Harpsichord. (1-2).

MUS 340C/340D. Piano. (1-2,1-2).

MUS 341. Organ. (1-2).

MUS 342A/342B. Voice. (1-2,1-2).

MUS 342C/342D. Voice. (1-2,1).

MUS 343A. Strings: Violin. (1-2).

MUS 343B. Strings: Viola. (1-2).

MUS 343C. Strings: Cello. (1-2).

MUS 343D. Strings: Double Bass. (1-2).

MUS 343E. Strings: Guitar. (1-2).

MUS 343F. Strings: Harp. (1-2).

MUS 343G. Strings/Harp. (1-2).

MUS 344A. Woodwinds: Flute. (1-2).

MUS 344B. Woodwinds: Clarinet. (1-2).

MUS 344C. Woodwinds: Oboe. (1-2).

MUS 344D. Woodwinds: Bassoon. (1-2).

MUS 344E. Woodwinds: Saxophone. (1-2).

MUS 345A. Brass: Trumpet. (1-2).

MUS 345B. Brass: Trombone/Tuba. (1-2).

MUS 345C. Brass: French Horn. (1-2).

MUS 345D. Brass/Tuba Euphonium. (1-2).

MUS 346/346A. Percussion. (1-2,1-2).

Includes mallet and percussion instruments.

MUS 346B. Percussion. (1-2).

Includes mallet and percussion instruments.

MUS 347. Composition. (1-2).

Individual lessons on modern procedures for composing music in the tradition of European and American concert music.

MUS 350. Cielo Treble Choir. (1).

The study of various styles of choral music with emphasis on vocal development. Opportunity for public performance. Open to soprano and alto voices. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 353. Wind Ensemble. (1).

The study of representative literature with special emphasis on performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

MUS 354. Chamber Music. (1).

The study and performance of instrumental and vocal chamber music. Prerequisite: Permission of Music Department chair.

MUS 355. Jazz Ensemble. (1).

The study and performance of literature appropriate for this performance medium. By audition.

MUS 360. Percussion Ensemble. (1).

The development of techniques for all percussion instruments, including work with mallets, Includes the study and performance of standard percussion ensemble literature.

MUS 370. Acting for Musical Theater. (2).

Musical Theatre Workshop is designed to develop a technique for musical solo and audition performances. The course will include song analysis, an acting approach to song and choice of material, and technique. (cross-listed with TA 370).

MUS 375. Junior Recital. (1).

MUS 380. California Lutheran Choir. (1).

The study of choral repertoire representing all historical periods and musical styles. Frequent public performance. By audition.

MUS 381. University Symphony. (1).

The study of representative instrumental literature of different historical periods, with emphasis on public performances. By audition.

MUS 392. Liturgy and Worship. (4).

This course is an introduction to Christian liturgical tradition, principally as expressed in Western Christianity. It will include some comparison with non-Christian religious customs, and will give considerable emphasis to the development of worship in the Protestant tradition. The subject matter will be approached from a historical perspective, but will also include some practical training if there is demand. Christian hymnody and liturgical music will also be introduced, with an emphasis on the distinctive Lutheran contributions in those areas. (Cross-Listed with RLTH-392).

MUS 400. Studio Recording II. (4).

An exploration of advanced audio recording techniques using a Pro Tool HD workstation. Topics include: techniques for recording acoustic and electric instruments, remote recording, intermediate mixing techniques, studio acoustics, wiring and design. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 hours/week. Prerequisite: MUS 300.

MUS 403. History of Musical Theater. (2).

This course is designed to have wide interdisciplinary appeal. It will trace the origins of American Musical Theatre to roots in Greek drama, early Christian passion plays and various genres of European opera. Throughout the course of study, parallels will be drawn between American Musical Theatre and various important examples from comic German Singspiels, Italian opera buffe, etc. Students should come away from this course with a new appreciation for musical theatre and opera as well as the American Film Musical.

MUS 404. Foundations of Music Education. (3).

An introductory course in the field of music education designed for students seeking an emphasis in Music Education. This course will survey the history of K-12 schools, and explore various learning approaches, methodologies, and evaluate tools commonly used within diverse music classrooms.

MUS 407. Analyzing Music. (2).

A survey of small and large musical structures through a study of selected European and American works from 1600 to the present. Primary forms to be explored will include variation, sonata, rondo, minuet, and arch form. Prerequisite: MUS 208.

MUS 410. Choral Conducting. (3).

The study and practical application of methods of choral ensemble training. Emphasis is threefold: mastery of conducting skills, understanding of the dynamics of the ensemble and knowledge of choral literature. Prerequisite: MUS 309.

MUS 411. Instrumental Conducting. (3).

Practical experience with a laboratory group in instrumental music. Prerequisite: MUS 309.

MUS 423. String and Brass Techniques. (2).

Elementary instruction in the technique of playing string and brass instruments. Recommended for public school music teachers.

MUS 424. Woodwind and Percussion Techniques. (2).

Elementary instruction in the technique of playing woodwind and percussion instruments. Recommended for public school music teachers.

MUS 439. Creating Music. (3).

An exploration of the creative aspects of music writing, combining elements of composition, orchestration and counterpoint. The composition element will focus on writing short instrumental and vocal works in traditional and modern forms. The orchestration component will involve a survey of instrumental characteristics and their compositional use within small and large ensembles. Counterpoint will be introduced through the study and writing of polyphonic structures, such as canon and fugue. Prerequisite: MUS 208.

MUS 453. Vocal Pedagogy. (2).

Covers the principles of teaching voice based on the physiological functions of the vocal mechanism. Individual as well as group instruction is considered. Recommended for vocal or choral students who may wish to teach in school or community.

MUS 475. Capstone: Senior Recital/Thesis. (1).

MUS 482. Selected Topics. (1-4).

MUS 482C. ST: Select Topic (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved for core requirement.

MUS 482L. Special Topics Lab. (4.00).

MUS 490. Independent Study. (1-4).

MUS 492. Internship. (1-4).

MUS 496. Directed Research. (1-3).

Faculty

Chair

Michael Hart

Professors

Wyant Morton

Mark Spraggins

Assistant professors

Michael Hart

Yoshika Masuda

Senior Lecturer

Eric Kinsley

Lecturer

Benny Faccone