In addition to music ensembles, the arts, languages, and philosophy department offers a variety of content-based music courses.

Spring 2021 course descriptions include:

Music 1150: Music Understanding and Appreciation
MW 2-2:50 p.m. Blended course with online instruction on Fridays
Lorie Francis, associate teaching professor of music, lorief@mst.edu

A study of the development of music with emphasis on understanding music forms and the role music has played in various historical periods. No previous music experience or the ability to read music is necessary.

Music 2162: Theory of Music II
TTH 9:30-10:45 a.m. online synchronous
Dr. Kyle Wernke, assistant teaching professor of music, wernkek@mst.edu

A continuation of MUSIC 2161: Theory of Music I. Students will explore how music functions beyond the diatonic scale focusing on tonicization, modulation and some post-tonal practices. Students will analyze existing music and create their own music based on the material covered in the class. Successful completion of MUSIC 2161 or an equivalent course is required.

Music 2163: Introduction to Composition and Arranging
TTH 2-3:15 p.m. online synchronous
Dr. Kyle Wernke, assistant teaching professor of music, wernkek@mst.edu

Students will learn to create new musical ideas, develop those ideas, and create an original short piece of music. Students will also learn how to take existing pieces of music and arrange them for various ensembles through a basic course in orchestration.

Music 2001: Special Topics – The Heart of Rock ’n‘ Roll
MW 1-1:50 p.m. Blended course with online instruction on Fridays
Dr. David Samson, assistant professor of music, samsondw@mst.edu

This class will explore the history of rock and popular music from its roots in Southern Blues through the end of the 20th century and its influence on today’s artists. Students will also learn how to analyze basic song forms and recognize popular music trends. This is a blended course that meets in person twice per week and also includes online guided assignments, in-class discussion and project-based assessment.

For more information, please email alp@mst.edu or the professor who teaches the course.