Music at Aquinas College

Music Major (BA)

Statement of purposes: The Bachelor of Arts – Music Major is a program of study for the student interested in deepening their musical skills and abilities within the framework of the Liberal Arts curriculum of Aquinas College.


>Two-Year Rotation of Courses

Music Core Requirements: Forty-two (42) minimum semester hours

Major Requirements: Forty-two (42) – Forty-four (44) semester hours.

  • At least Twenty-one (21) semester hours must be taken at Aquinas.
  • A GPA of 2.7 must be maintained in the major.
  • MCAP courses must be completed with a B- or higher, MCTH courses must be completed with a C+ or higher, and all other courses must be completed with a C or higher.
AQUINAS REQUIREMENTS
19 (nineteen) semester hours of Music Theory:
MCTH113 Integrated Theory I 3.0
MCTH114 Integrated Theory II 3.0
MCTH115 Ear Training/Sight Singing I 1.0
MCTH116 Ear Training/Sight Singing II 1.0
MCTH203 Integrated Theory III 3.0
MCTH204 Integrated Theory IV 3.0
MCTH205 Ear Training/Sight Singing III 1.0
MCTH206 Ear Training/Sight Singing IV 1.0
MCTH352 Modern Analytical Techniques 2.0
MCTH/CS160 Midi Music Publishing 1.0
Six (6) semester hours of Music History and Literature:
MCHL350 Music History & Literature I (WI) 3.0
MCHL351 Music History & Literature II 3.0
One (1) semester hour of Music Education:
MCED 315 Conducting Fundamentals 1.0
Four (4) semester hours from either College Chorus (MCEN 143-244) or College Band (MCEN 155-256):
  1.0
  1.0
  1.0
  1.0
One (1) semester hour of a Small Ensemble (MCEN):
  1.0
Eight (8) semester hours of either MCAP Applied Piano (125-226), Organ (131-232), Instrument (151-252), or Voice (165, 166, 142-242)
  2.0
  2.0
  2.0
  2.0
Two (2) semester hours of Piano Techniques:
MCAP 123 Piano Techniques I 1.0
MCAP 124 Piano Techniques II 1.0

 

Courses

  • MCTH113, 114 Integrated Theory (3,3) QR

    This two-semester sequence of courses is the study of the development of the materials of music, and the cultivation of an appreciation and understanding of musical style through comprehensive analysis and composition. Harmonic materials of the 17th through 20th centuries are correlated with instruction in written and keyboard harmony, beginning in MCTH113 with basic diatonic intervals and chord structure, and progressing in MCTH114 to common practice chord usage, including borrowed dominant harmonies. Analysis and composition studies culminate in a 16-measure original four-part chorale at the end of MCTH114. Prerequisite: MCTH104 or passing the Music Theory Proficiency Exam. MCTH/CS160 must be taken while enrolled in either of these courses. MCTH113 is a prerequisite for MCTH114.

  • MCTH115, 116 Ear Training/Sight-Singing I and II (1,1)

    This is the lab component of Integrated Theory 113, 114. Students learn to develop the ability to hear mentally what they see, as well as to reproduce it with their voices; to understand what they hear in musical sounds, as well as reproduce them in written form. Prerequisite: MCTH104 or passing the Proficiency Exam. MCTH115 is a prerequisite for MCTH114 and 116.

  • MCTH203, 204 Integrated Theory (3,3)

    This class is designed to build upon the basic tenets of music theory covered in MCTH113/114. Over the course of two semesters a wide range of musical styles from the Baroque to the present will be explored. The emphasis is on more complex chords such as the Augmented 6ths, and larger forms such as those from the Classic and Romantic eras. Prerequisites: MCTH113–116 and MCTH/CS160; MCTH203, 205 are prerequisites for MCTH204, 206.

  • MCTH205, 206 Ear Training/Sight-Singing III and IV (1,1)

    Students will further hone their ability to notate melody, harmony, and rhythm accurately “by ear” through dictation exercises. In addition, students will improve their ability to sing melodies and broken chords in rhythm on sight through sight-reading exercises. They must be taken concurrently with MCTH203 and 204. Prerequisites: MCTH113–116 and MCTH/CS160.

  • MCTH352 Modern Analytical Techniques (2)

    The music of the twentieth century is remarkably diverse in its styles and techniques; there is no single common practice in this music, rather, a wide spectrum of materials and treatments. This course is designed to familiarize students with the most widely used of these, including extended tertian harmony, quartal and secondal harmony, church modes, pandiatonicism, polytonality, interval sets, atonalism, twelve-tone serialism, synthetic scales, rhythmic and metric devices, and changes in music notation that have occurred due to the composition of music with aleatoric elements. Analytical systems developed by prominent composer/theorists will be studied (e.g. Hindemith, Hanson, Forte) and used along with the analytical practices studied in earlier music theory courses. Compositions from the 20th Century will be considered in historical and analytical contexts. Prerequisite: MCTH204 and 206, MCHL350 and 351 or approval of department chairperson.

  • MCTH160/CS160 MIDI Music Publishing (1) AT

    This course is designed to teach anyone, even non-musicians, how to create professional looking music scores quickly with the aid of the computer for personal use and for transporting music to other instruments. This course is currently taught using FINALE software. The course also discusses the principles of MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) Sequencing, and Analog vs Digital Recording.

  • MCHL350 Music History and Literature I (3) AT, WI

    This course is designed to cultivate an awareness of the development of western music from Antiquity through the Classic Period. Students will gain knowledge and familiarity with the historical events, styles, forms, instruments, composers and compositions representative of the eras studied. Prerequisite: MCTH114 and MCTH116, or approval of department chairperson.

  • MCHL351 Music History and Literature II (3)

    This course is designed to cultivate an of the development of western music from the Romantic Period through present day. Students will gain knowledge and familiarity with the historical events, styles, forms, instruments, composers and compositions representative of the eras studied. Students will also be introduced to world music. Prerequisite: MCTH114 and 116, or approval of department chairperson.

  • MCED315 Conducting Fundamentals (1)

    Offered both as a basic course in conducting and concurrently with MCED323 as a one-semester course requirement for all in the Choral and Instrumental music education as well as Liturgical Music programs, students in this course will learn and be drilled in the common, as well as some complex, meter conducting patterns. Cueing and basic interpretive gestures will be included. Prerequisite: MCTH113, 114, 203, 204; EN201 is pre- or co-requisite for Music Education majors; cumulative grade point average of 3.0; or approval of department chairperson.

  • MCEN143, 144, 243, 244, 343, 344, 443, 444 College Chorus (1 each) AP

    of vocal literature: masterworks to current styles. No audition required.

  • MCEN155, 156, 255, 256, 355, 356, 455, 456 College Band (1 each) AP

    Performance of concert band literature: masterworks to current styles. Open to those with instrumental experience.

  • MCEN171, 172, 271, 272, 371, 372, 471, 472 Jazz Band (1 each) AP

    Standard and original jazz literature performed. Audition required.

  • MCAP125, 126, 225, 226, 325, 326, 425, 426 Studio Applied Piano (2)

    Eight-semester sequence of private piano lessons at the college level. Repertoire will survey Baroque, Classic, Romantic, Impressionistic, 20th C. and Contemporary works of increasing demands as the semesters continue. Fee.

  • MCAP131, 132, 231, 232, 331, 332, 431, 432 Studio Applied Organ (2 each)

    Four-year sequence of private study at the college level. Fee.

  • MCAP165, 166 Voice Techniques Class I and II (1,1) AP

    All beginning voice majors, minors or elective students will gain the necessary foundation, through study, exercises and songs, for successful vocal development at the college level. Study of a variety of song literature, the anatomy and physiology of the voice, Alexander Technique, and other current techniques will be incorporated as the basis for building a strong and healthy singing life or vocal career. Prerequisites: Successful completion (a grade of B- or higher) in MCAP165 to advance to MCAP166.

  • MCAP151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352, 451, 452 Studio Applied Instrumental (2)

    Four-year sequence of private study at the college level. Instruction in string, woodwind, percussion, or brass instruments. See semester schedule for instrument specific course and section numbers. Classical and Jazz sections are offered. Fee.

  • MCAP123, 124 Piano Techniques I and II (1,1) AP

    Required for the first year music major, Piano Techniques I and II are a sequence of two courses which are skill-based courses designed to give the Music major or minor a solid and focused beginning in melodic, harmonic, and scaler playing on the piano. Classes are taught in the AMC piano lab. Prerequisites: Must be able to read music in both the treble and bass clefs. Successful completion (a grade of B- or higher) in MCAP123 to advance to MCAP124. Prerequisites: Grand staff reading and its relationship to the keyboard.

  • MCHL360 Recital Seminars (1) SC

    This course is intended to encompass the preparation, execution and reflection process of a successful Junior or Senior Recital. A seminar with related assignment on each of the following topics will be included: successful recital planning overview, application and office forms, communications needed for a successful recital, repertoire planning and selection, publicity, and the writing process as it relates to program notes and a ‘thank you’ paragraph to be included on the recital program. Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled at or above 4th semester level of MCAP Studio Applied Lessons concurrently and be recommended by that lesson instructor.

  • MCAP460 Music Production Project (1-3) SC

    The Senior Capstone MCAP460 Music Production Project is designed for the student in the B.S.B.A. Dual Major in Business Administration and Music or the B.A. in Music as an independent study course focused on planning and carrying out some, if not all, aspects of producing, marketing, and promoting a performing group, ensemble, soloist or artist presenting a Music Department concert or event. Prerequisites: The student must be at the Junior or Senior level in the B.A. in Music. Others need approval of the Music department chairperson.