Music

Music courses support a minor in both the Weekday and Weekend College Programs and serve the Foundations for Leadership Curriculum, particularly in Areas I, II and III. Academic and co-curricular studies include course offerings and performing ensembles focusing on the study of musical styles and cultures while emphasizing an awareness of gender, diversity and the pluralistic nature of musical traditions.

The unique features of Trinity's music curriculum include computer-assisted instruction in keyboard and theory studies and performance experiences open to all students. Co-curricular programs and musical activities are scheduled throughout the academic year, and faculty regularly rehearse and perform with students. The cultural resources of Washington, DC, are integrated into most course offerings through attendance at performances in museums, churches, and concert halls.

The study of music in combination with other disciplines enhances career opportunities. For example, a music minor and a business major prepares the student for work in arts administration, music publishing, music marketing, and other retail fields. Music and communication are appropriate combinations for a student interested in radio or video production. A music minor combined with history, biology, chemistry or social sciences prepares a student for graduate work in anthropology, law, or other fields.

Minor Requirements (18 credits)

ONE of the following courses:

MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music
MUS 102 Creating Your Own Music
PHY 106 Acoustics: The Science of Music
MUS 113 Piano Class
 
FOUR credits chosen from the following:
 
MUS 001, 002 Orchestral Ensemble
MUS 109 Modern Dance
MUS 110 World Dance
MUS 211 Ballet: Classical and Modern I
MUS 212 Ballet: Classical and Modern II
MUS 239, 240 Chamber and Jazz Ensemble
 

TWO of the following courses:

MUS 151 Introduction to Music Literature
MUS 189 Music, Live!
MUS 226 Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Ragtime
MUS 252 Women in Music History
MUS 291, 292 Music in World Cultures
HUM 303 Twentieth Century Music

TWO credits in applied music (MUA 113-434)

THREE additional credits chosen from any music offerings including applied music, dance classes, performing ensembles or elective courses.

Program Policies

Advanced Placement: Credit is granted for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP music theory examination. These credits may count toward the minor and Core or FLC requirements (up to six credits).
CLEP Policy: CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the music minor.
Grades in Minor Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements of a minor in music.
Pass/No Pass: Courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements in music may not be taken pass/no pass. Please note that Applied Music may not be taken pass/no pass. Grades in Applied Music are based on individual progress.
TELL Policy: Students may apply for credit in experiential learning through the fine arts program and should consult with program faculty.
Transfer Credits: A minimum of 12 credits must be taken at Trinity in order to meet the requirements for the music minor. Credits in courses similar to those offered at Trinity (up to six credits) may be accepted dependent upon program review and approval.
 

Course Descriptions: Music

MUS 001, 002 Orchestral Ensemble 1 cr

Offers the opportunity to participate in rehearsals and performances of the Pan American Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble performs at Trinity and in the Washington metropolitan area. In addition to playing standard symphonic works, the orchestra specializes in works by Latin American composers. Students may continue to enroll each semester and earn up to 8 credits. They may also play in the orchestra without enrolling. Requirements include an audition and a commitment to attend all rehearsals.

MUS 005, 006 Gospel Choir 1 cr

Offers the opportunity to learn a rich repertory of music and develop skills in Gospel singing. Students participate in weekly rehearsals and liturgies as well as additional performances on and off campus throughout the semester. Requirements include a commitment to attend all rehearsals and participate in activities. Students may continue to enroll each semester and earn up to 8 credits. They may also sing in the ensemble without enrolling for credit.

MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music 3 cr

Introduces basic skills in music reading, notation, harmony, and applications to the piano keyboard. Includes experiential learning through classroom instruction, individualized work with computer software, original composition, and both written and performance activities.
FLC, Area I, Level 1
Core, V

MUS 102 Creating Your Own Music 3 cr

Focuses on creative expression using the method of graphic notation to analyze and compose music. Twentieth-century scores will be used as models for students to explore their own musical ideas and learn techniques for notation other than traditional pitch and rhythm. Includes work with traditional instruments as well as alternative sound sources. No prior musical experience necessary.
FLC, Area I, Level 1
Core, V

MUS 107, 108 Voice Class 2 cr

Builds skills in vocal technique, including breath control, range, pitch accuracy, and quality. Includes work on folk, popular, and art songs from a variety of eras.

MUS 109 Modern Dance 2 cr

Presents an overview of the various styles, techniques and choreographic ideas from modern dance history. Students experience codified movement from the earliest pioneers to the modern abstractionists, postmodern artists, and the contemporary era.

MUS 110 World Dance 2 cr

Explores diversity in dance from its very origins to contemporary movements. Various cultural forms of dance are discussed via movement exploration, readings, visual aids, and guest lectures. Students experience dance on its many levels as a primal connection to life, as a fundamental means of communication, as an integral part of theater and drama, and as a recognized world art.

MUS 113, 114 Piano Class 3 cr

Offers a step-by-step practical approach to learning how to play the keyboard. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of music study at the piano in order to acquire skills in note-reading, rhythm, ensemble playing, harmonization, improvisation, playing by ear, and performance of repertory pieces.
FLC, Area I, Level 1
Core, V

MUS 121, 122 Guitar Class 2 cr

Explores beginning guitar techniques, basic chords, music notation, and fundamentals of guitar playing. Includes group as well as individual instruction. No prior music experience required and no lab fee, but students must provide their own instruments.

MUS 151 Introduction to Music Literature 3 cr

Examines the styles and diversity of Western music from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Introduces the materials of music including melody, harmony, rhythm, and formal structure. Explores the vast cultural resources of Washington, D.C.'s concert halls, art galleries, churches, and cathedrals offering musical performances.
FLC, Area III, Level 1
Core, V

MUS 189 Music, Live! 3 cr

Emphasizes the concert-going experience by selecting concerts scheduled in the Washington metropolitan area to attend as a class. Musical compositions presented at each concert are studied along with the social, political, and cultural background in which they were written.
FLC, Area III, Level 1
Core, V

MUS 201 Experiencing Musical Art 3 cr

Examines the way that music exists within cultures. It explores musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture as they are experienced in ritual, religion, dance, healing, and performance in the United States and around the world. No prior experience in music is required for this course.
Core, V

MUS 226 Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Ragtime 3 cr

Traces the origin and development of styles and major forces that shaped American music from the late 19th century to the present. Topics include work songs and field "hollas," revival and camp meeting hymns, bebop and "cool" jazz, along with new rhythms, harmonies, and "blue" notes. Requires attendance at live performances, extensive listening and student reports.

MUS 239, 240 Chamber and Jazz Ensemble 2 cr

Emphasizes ensemble playing for instrumentalists working on repertory ranging from Baroque and Classical styles to 20th century contemporary music. Includes public performances on campus. Students must have prior playing instruction and experience and must provide their own instruments.

MUS 252 Women in Music History 3 cr

Explores the history of women in music from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Includes reading in primary sources and study of recent research on women as performers, composers, publishers, producers, educators, and patronesses. Emphasizes recordings and live performances of music by women.
FLC, Area II and III, Level 1
Core, V

MUS 259 Introduction to Dance I 2 cr

Introduces the basic principles of dance movement: body alignment, coordination, strength and flexibility, and basic forms of locomotion. Students learn the fundamentals of ballet, jazz and modern dance while creating exercises and dancing phrases.
Crosslisted as PEH 259

MUS 262 Introduction to Dance II 2 cr

Examines and analyzes the basic principles of dance movement including body alignment, coordination, strength and flexibility. Members of the class will create dance phrases that draw on the fundamentals of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.

MUS 291, 292 Music in World Cultures 3 cr

Introduces the study of music from a global perspective. Emphasizes the development of listening skills and the appreciation of the music of many different cultures and traditions in order to go beyond the limits of one's own experience. Requires field research. Course may be taken for one or two semesters.
FLC, Area II, Level 1
Core, V
 
Applied Music (MUA)

Students may enroll for applied music lessons for one credit (14 private half-hour lessons) or two credits (14 private 50-minute lessons). Lesson times are arranged directly with the instructor. Lab fees are listed in the course schedule. Students who enroll for Applied Music for the first time at Trinity select the lowest course number listed for the instrument or voice. May not be taken pass/no pass.

Clarinet or Piano Voice Guitar Saxophone

1st Enrollment MUA 113 MUA 115 MUA 121 MUA 133
2nd Enrollment MUA 114 MUA 116 MUA 122 MUA 134
3rd Enrollment MUA 213 MUA 215 MUA 221 MUA 233
4th Enrollment MUA 214 MUA 216 MUA 222 MUA 234
5th Enrollment MUA 313 MUA 315 MUA 321 MUA 333
6th Enrollment MUA 314 MUA 316 MUA 322 MUA 334
7th Enrollment MUA 413 MUA 415 MUA 421 MUA 433
8th Enrollment MUA 414 MUA 416 MUA 422 MUA 434