Music

http://www.whitworth.edu/music

Mission Statement

The Whitworth Music Department is a community of musicians that recognizes creative expression as an essential aspect of being created in God’s image and is a place where individual and community artistry blend toward a higher purpose. We prepare students for careers in music, further studies and a lifetime of musical engagement.

Performance Outreach

The music department serves the Spokane community by performing nearly 100 recitals and concerts each year on campus, in schools and churches, and at the historic Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Through annual international and regional tours, our students share their music with diverse audiences. Our students volunteer their musical gifts in local outreach ministries, retirement communities, churches, schools and other venues.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Technical skill and musicianship in both individual and ensemble performance.
  • A strong foundation in music theory, analysis and aural skills.
  • Knowledge of a breadth of musical traditions, literature and aesthetics.
  • An understanding of the intersection of music with Christian faith and other worldviews throughout history and in contemporary culture.
  • Vocational discovery and career preparation in the context of a vibrant liberal arts education.

Note to all music majors: Additional information about course requirements and scheduling is included in the Student Guide to the Music Department, which is available in the music department office.

Courses

MU 103 Listening to Music3
A course that will guide students in intelligent listening and understanding of Western classical music as well as of world music traditions and popular music compositions. Fall semester and Jan Term.
MU 104 Music of the Christian Church3
This course will guide students to listen intelligently and understand music in the history of the Christian Church. Attention will focus on the role of music in the life of Christian communities. This course includes visits to local church services. Fall Semester, even years.
MU 110 Music Theory I3
Notation, scale structure, intervals, simple harmonic progressions. Taken concurrently with MU 111. Fall semester.
MU 111 Ear Training I1
Ear training, sight singing. Taken concurrently with MU 110. Fall semester.
MU 112 Music Theory II3
Seventh chords, inversions, non-harmonic tones, modulations, altered chords, complex chord progressions. Prerequisite: MU 110 with a minimum grade of C. Spring semester.
MU 113 Ear Training II1
Ear training, sight singing. Taken concurrently with MU 112. Prerequisite: MU 111 with a minimum grade of C. Spring semester.
MU 139 Beginning Class Piano1
Class instruction for non-music majors. Fall and spring semester. Fee.
MU 140 Beginning Class Guitar1
Class instruction. Fall and spring semester. Fee.
MU 141 Class Piano I1
Class instruction for music majors. Fall and spring semester. Fee.
MU 142 Class Voice1
Class instruction. Fall and spring semester. Fee.
MU 204 Introduction to Recording3
This course will introduce students to the art of audio engineering with a special emphasis on the techniques and equipment for audio recording. Students will study recording terminology, hardware and software interconnectivity, signal flow, signal processing, microphone placement, and microphone types. Through hands-on activities, students will record and mix tracks with modern digital audio workstation software including ProTools and Logic Pro. A culminating recording project will be presented at the end of the term.
MU 205 Introduction to Worship Leadership3
This course is concerned with planning and leading worship services with an emphasis on musical leadership of congregational song. Students will develop skills in musical leadership and communication, music arranging, audio technology, and worship design. Prerequisite: passing grade in MU 110 and MU 111 or by permission of instructor.
MU 206 Jazz in America3
Comprehensive review of the cultural settings from which jazz emerged. Major jazz styles, composers/ performers, and recordings. Spring semester.
MU 210 Music Theory III3
Continuation of topics in MU 112. Emphasis on traditional musical forms such as theme and variations, rondo and sonata, with some writing in these forms. Prerequisite: MU 112 with a minimum grade of C. Fall semester.
MU 211 Ear Training III1
Ear training, sight singing. Taken concurrently with MU 210. Prerequisite: MU 113 with a minimum grade of C. Fall semester.
MU 212 Music Theory IV3
An introduction to contemporary harmonic idioms. Composition assignments of varied natures. Prerequisite: MU 210. Spring semester.
MU 213 Ear Training IV1
Ear training, sight singing. Taken concurrently with MU 212. Prerequisite: MU 211 with a minimum grade of C. Spring semester.
MU 225 General Conducting2
Basic techniques of choral and instrumental conducting. Prerequisites: MU 110 and MU 111. Fall and spring semesters. Fee.
MU 235 Classical Music of the Western World3
A music appreciation course covering basic techniques for listening to classic pieces of music. Exploration of the historical forces that have influenced the great compositions of our culture. Periodic offering. Continuing Studies only.
MU 240 Intermediate Class Guitar1
Class instruction. Prerequisite: MU 140. Periodic offering. Fee.
MU 241 Class Piano II1
Class instruction for music majors. Fall and spring semesters. Fee.
MU 249 Jazz Combo1
By audition. Small jazz groups of three to six students learn jazz standards and apply improvisational skills. May be repeated for credit.
MU 252 Private Brass1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 253 Private Guitar1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 255 Private Organ1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 256 Private Percussion1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 257 Private Piano1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 258 Private Strings1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 259 Private Voice1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 260 Private Woodwinds1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 261 Private Jazz Improvisation1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 262 Private Composition1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 263 Private Jazz Arranging1-2
Weekly half-hour to one-hour lessons, available to all Whitworth students. May be repeated for credit at the same level. Fee.
MU 267 Concert Band1
No audition required. Students may join if they have played an instrument in band at least through their junior year in high school, or have the consent of the instructor. Meets one evening a week and performs on campus once each semester. May be repeated for credit.
MU 270 Chamber Ensemble1
By permission. Performance in a small instrumental ensemble. May be repeated for credit.
MU 271 Whitworth Choir1
By audition. Works of all periods, a cappella and accompanied. Annual tour. May be repeated for credit.
MU 272 The Forest Treble Choir1
By audition. Works from all periods for treble voices, a cappella and accompanied. Christmas and spring concerts. May be repeated for credit.
MU 273 Wind Symphony1
By audition. Primarily original works for band and wind ensemble. Bi-annual tour. May be repeated for credit.
MU 274 Jazz Ensemble1
By audition. All jazz styles. Annual concerts with guest artists, jazz festivals, tours. International travel opportunities during Jan Term. May be repeated for credit.
MU 275 Chamber Singers1
A select, small choral ensemble, the members being chosen from the Whitworth Choir. By audition. May be repeated for credit.
MU 277 The Ponderosa Tenor Bass Choir1
Must be able to match pitches; no previous choral experience required. Works of various styles and musical periods for men's tenor/bass voices, a cappella and accompanied. On-campus and local performance. May be repeated for credit.
MU 278 Whitworth Orchestra1
By audition. Works for full orchestra from all musical periods. Frequent concerts and bi-annual tour. May be repeated for credit.
MU 279 Whitworth Community Chorale1
The Whitworth Community Chorale is a unique choral ensemble in that it exists at the intersection of university and community. The WCC is a space where students, faculty, staff, and community choristers connect and create music across generational, educational, and social boundaries-unified through the choral art. The ensemble is open to all choristers of a variety of ages, skillsets, previous levels of experience-no audition required.
MU 284 Opera Workshop2
Preparation of roles from opera and/or operetta, with performance at the end of the term. Acting, vocal techniques, stage movement. Audition required. Periodic Jan Term offering.
MU 285 Elective Recital0-1
Elective course for students taking private lessons. Departmental approval required. Fall and spring semesters. Fee.
MU 301 Music History I3
Musical styles, forms, composers from ancient times through the 18th century. Lectures, reading, score analysis, coordinated listening. Prerequisite: MU 112. Also listed as EMS 301. Spring semester.
MU 302W The Western Music Tradition I3
An examination of the history and literature of Western music from antiquity through the Classical era. Prerequisite: MU 210 or permission.
MU 303 Music History III3
Continuation of the topics in MU 301 and 302W. Covers music from the late 19th century to the present. Prerequisite: MU 302W. Spring semester.
MU 304 World Music Traditions3
Musical traditions of a variety of cultures, including Native American, African, East European and Indian. Special attention will be given to unique instruments, particularly those from Africa. The relationship of music to religion and politics will also be explored. Periodic offering.
MU 305 Leadership in Music3
Principles of leadership in the context of a study of famous composers of classical music. Study the lives of composers and explore the specific ways composers shaped the development of a rich artistic tradition. Fulfills the fine arts or humanities requirement. Continuing Studies only
MU 306 History and Theology of Worship3
History and theology of the practice of corporate worship and the role of music in worship from the Old Testament to the present. Particular emphasis will be placed on the evolving role of congregational song in worship. Also listed as TH 306. Fall semester, odd years.
MU 329 String Pedagogy2
This course is designed to teach the art of studio teaching to string players. Through classes, observation, and a teaching practicum, students gain the tools and experiences necessary to become a highly qualified teacher. Prerequisites: music major or minor, or instructor permission. Jan Term, periodic offering.
MU 330 Piano Pedagogy2
Exploration of concepts, materials and methods. Prerequisite: music major, music-education major, or music minor. Fall semester, even years.
MU 331 String Techniques1
Techniques, materials, methods, application of scoring. Prerequisite: music or music education major. Fall semester, even years.
MU 332 Percussion Techniques1
Techniques, materials, methods and pedagogy for percussion instruments. Prerequisite: music or music education major. Spring semester, odd years.
MU 333 Woodwind Techniques1
Techniques, materials, concepts, and pedagogy for woodwind instruments. Prerequisite: music or music education major. Fall semester, odd years.
MU 334 Brass Techniques1
Techniques, materials, concepts, and pedagogy for brass instruments. Prerequisite: music or music education major. Spring semester, even years.
MU 335 Survey of Diction for Singers2
An introduction to the sounds of foreign language lyric diction including Latin, Italian, German and French for singers. Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to foreign language choral and song text pronunciation.
MU 337 Piano Literature2
Study of the major repertoire and its composers from the Renaissance to the present. Prerequisite: music major, music education major, or music minor. Fall semester, odd years.
MU 344 Elementary Music: Music and Movement1
Curriculum and methods for teaching music and movement in the elementary school. Procedures, materials for teaching music in the self-contained elementary classroom. Designed for non-music majors. Fall and spring semesters, Jan Term. Prerequisite: EDU-201.
MU 348 Computer Applications in Music3
Students will use synthesizers, sequencers and computers to compose, arrange, orchestrate and/or publish music ranging from jazz to orchestral. Prerequisite: MU 110. Periodic Jan Term offering.
MU 365 International Culture Through Jazz3
A select group of Whitworth jazz students (enrollment by audition only) will travel to locations outside the United States and join with international students and instructors in various jazz classes, ensembles and concerts. Includes study of local history and culture through visits to historical and cultural sites in the host city. Offered periodically in Jan Term.
MU 383 Junior Recital0-1
Music majors only. Department approval required. Fall and spring semesters. Fee.
MU 385 Elective Recital0-1
Elective course for students taking private lessons. Departmental approval required. Fee.
MU 394 Music Practicum2
Supervised piano teaching experience, primarily intended for students in piano pedagogy track. Prerequisites: junior standing; music major, music education major, or music minor. Fall and spring semesters.
MU 415 Choral Literature2
History of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present. Prerequisite: MU 210 (MU 301 recommended). Spring semester, even years.
MU 416 Wind Literature1
History of symphonic and wind band/ensemble literature from the baroque period to the present. Prerequisite: MU 210. Fall semester, odd years. Music Education students must take concurrently with MU 417.
MU 417 String Literature1
A survey of the educational literature for public school orchestra programs. Students will explore the most commonly taught literature, learn how to assess technical and musical skills required, and learn how to sequence music for best skill acquisition. Occasional offering
MU 427 Advanced Conducting2
Advanced techniques of choral and instrumental conducting. Score study. Prerequisite: MU 225 with a grade of "C" or better. Spring semester.
MU 432 Instrumental and Choral Arranging2
Practical application of arranging techniques for a variety of instrumental and choral ensembles. Transpositions, instrument and vocal ranges, principles of voicing and score production will be studied. Prerequisite: MU 210. Spring semester, odd years.
MU 436 Survey of Music Industry3
Designed to familiarize students with the primary components of the music industry as well as contracts, music licensing and copyrights. They will explore career options, develop a portfolio, and learn to write effective business letters, invoices and resumes. Periodic offering.
MU 439 Vocal Pedagogy2
A systematic study of vocal physiology and anatomy. Consideration of current teaching trends and preparation of materials for teaching. Prerequisite: music major, music education major, or music minor. Fall semester, odd years.
MU 440 Music Methods in the Elementary School2
Procedures, materials for elementary-school music teaching. For music majors and minors who may become elementary school music specialists. Teaching, observation of lessons, performance organization. Prerequisite: music major, music education major, or music minor. Spring semester, even years.
MU 442 Contemporary/Jazz Methods2
The study of instrumental and vocal jazz styles, pedagogy and technology. Primarily for music education majors, although it may be taken as an elective for those students wishing to learn about the technical and pedagogical side of jazz and contemporary music. Prerequisite: MU 112. Spring semester, odd years.
MU 443 Choral Techniques and Materials3
Techniques, problems in choral conducting, rehearsal procedure. Prerequisite: MU 225; music major or music education major. Fall semester, even years.
MU 444 Instrumental Methods and Materials3
Rehearsal techniques, instrumental literature and materials, marching band techniques, program utilization. Prerequisite: music major or music education major. Fall semester, even years.
MU 449 Jazz Combo1
See MU 249.
MU 452 Private Brass1-2
See MU 252.
MU 453 Private Guitar1-2
See MU 253.
MU 455 Private Organ1-2
See MU 255.
MU 456 Private Percussion1-2
See MU 256.
MU 457 Private Piano1-2
See MU 257.
MU 458 Private Strings1-2
See MU 258.
MU 459 Private Voice1-2
See MU 259.
MU 460 Private Woodwinds1-2
See MU 260.
MU 461 Private Jazz Improvisation1-2
See MU 261.
MU 462 Private Composition1-2
See MU 262.
MU 463 Private Jazz Arranging1-2
See MU 263.
MU 467 Concert Band1
See MU 267.
MU 470 Chamber Ensemble1
See MU 270.
MU 471 Whitworth Choir1
See MU 271.
MU 472 The Forest Treble Choir1
See MU 272.
MU 473 Wind Symphony1
See MU 273.
MU 474 Jazz Ensemble1
See MU 274.
MU 475 Chamber Singers1
See MU 275.
MU 477 The Ponderosa Tenor Bass Choir1
See MU 277.
MU 478 Whitworth Orchestra1
See MU 278.
MU 479 Whitworth Community Chorale1
The Whitworth Community Chorale is a unique choral ensemble in that it exists at the intersection of university and community. The WCC is a space where students, faculty, staff, and community choristers connect and create music across generational, educational, and social boundaries-unified through the choral art. The ensemble is open to all choristers of a variety of ages, skillsets, previous levels of experience-no audition required.
MU 483 Senior Recital0-2
For music majors with performance track only. Prerequisite: MU 383. Fall and spring semesters. Fee.
MU 485 Elective Recital0-2
Elective course for students taking private lessons. Department approval required. Fall and spring semesters. Fee.
MU L99 Music Lab0
MU R99 Recital Hours0

Requirements for a Music Major, B.A. (47-50)
MU 110Music Theory I3
MU 111Ear Training I1
MU 112Music Theory II3
MU 113Ear Training II1
MU 210Music Theory III3
MU 211Ear Training III1
MU 212Music Theory IV3
MU 213Ear Training IV1
MU 225General Conducting2
MU 301Global Music, Culture, and Society3
MU 302WThe Western Music Tradition I3
MU 303Music History III3
MU 383Junior Recital0-1
MU R99Recital Hours (Seven semesters)0
Six credits of elective music courses6
Six semesters of private lessons (including at least two semesters at the 400 level)6
Eight semesters of ensembles8
Piano proficiency0-2
May be met by passing a proficiency exam or by completing MU 241: Class Piano II, with a minimum grade of “B.” MU 141 may be required prior to MU 241. All incoming students must meet with the piano proficiency coordinator to determine their placement for piano study.

In addition to the requirements listed above, students may elect one or more of the following tracks:

Track I: Composition (52-58)
Music major requirements minus six credits of elective music courses41-44
Additional lessons at the 400 level4
MU 348Computer Applications in Music3
MU 432Instrumental and Choral Arranging2
Choose 2-3 credits from the following:2-3
Jazz in America
String Techniques
Percussion Techniques
Woodwind Techniques
Brass Techniques
MU 483Senior Recital0-2

Track II: Instrumental Performance (50-56)
Music major requirements minus six credits of elective music courses41-44
Additional lessons at the 400 level4
MU 427Advanced Conducting2
One of the following:1
Jazz Combo
Chamber Ensemble
One of the following:2-3
Jazz in America
Computer Applications in Music
Wind Literature
String Literature
Instrumental and Choral Arranging
Contemporary/Jazz Methods
MU 483Senior Recital0-2

Track III: Jazz Performance (53-58)
Music major requirements minus six credits of elective music courses41-44
Additional lessons at the 400 level4
Take four semesters of the following:4
Jazz Combo
Take one credit of the following:1
Private Jazz Arranging
MU 206Jazz in America3
MU 483Senior Recital0-2

Track IV: Music Ministry (61-65)
Music major requirements minus six credits of elective music courses41-44
MU 205Introduction to Worship Leadership3
MU 306History and Theology of Worship3
MU 427Advanced Conducting2
TH 361Christian Theology3
One of the following:2-3
Private Organ (two semesters)
Choral Literature
Music Methods in the Elementary School
Contemporary/Jazz Methods
Choral Techniques and Materials
Take two semesters:4
Internship in Ministry - Music
One course selected from the following:3
Gospel & Growth in a Post Christian Society
Christian Spirituality

Track V: Piano Pedagogy (53-56)
Music major requirements minus six credits of elective music courses41-44
Additional lessons at the 400 level4
MU 330Piano Pedagogy2
MU 337Piano Literature2
Take two semesters of the following:4
Music Practicum

Track VI: Piano Performance (49-54)
Music major requirements minus six credits of elective music courses41-44
Additional lessons at the 400 level4
MU 330Piano Pedagogy2
MU 337Piano Literature2
MU 483Senior Recital0-2

Track VII: Voice Performance (49-54)
Music major requirements minus six credits of elective music courses41-44
Additional lessons at the 400 level4
MU 335Survey of Diction for Singers2
MU 439Vocal Pedagogy2
MU 483Senior Recital0-2

Requirements for a Music Education Major, B.A. (57-61)
MU 110Music Theory I3
MU 111Ear Training I1
MU 112Music Theory II3
MU 113Ear Training II1
MU 210Music Theory III3
MU 211Ear Training III1
MU 212Music Theory IV3
MU 213Ear Training IV1
MU 225General Conducting2
MU 301Global Music, Culture, and Society3.00
MU 302WThe Western Music Tradition I3
MU 303Music History III3
MU 383Junior Recital0-1
MU 427Advanced Conducting2
MU 432Instrumental and Choral Arranging2
MU 440Music Methods in the Elementary School2
MU 442Contemporary/Jazz Methods2
MU R99Recital Hours (Seven semesters)0
Six semesters of private lessons (including at least two semesters at the 400 level)6
Seven semesters of ensembles7
Piano proficiency0-2
May be met by passing a proficiency exam or by completing MU 241: Class Piano II with a minimum grade of “B.” MU 141 may be required prior to MU 241. All incoming students must meet with the piano-proficiency coordinator to determine their placement for piano study.
Choose one of the following tracks (courses listed below):9-10
Choral/General track
Instrumental/General track
Must be taken in conjunction with a B.A. in secondary education. Refer to the School of Education section in this catalog.

Track I: Choral/General Track (57-60)
Core courses for music education major (listed above)48-51
MU 415Choral Literature2
MU 439Vocal Pedagogy2
MU 443Choral Techniques and Materials3
Take two semesters of the following:2
Private Piano

Track II: Instrumental/General Track (57-60)
Core courses for music education major (listed above)48-51
MU 331String Techniques1
MU 332Percussion Techniques1
MU 333Woodwind Techniques1
MU 334Brass Techniques1
MU 416Wind Literature1
MU 444Instrumental Methods and Materials3
Take one of the following:1
Class Voice
Private Voice

Requirements for a Music Minor (19)
Four semesters of private lessons4
Four semesters of ensembles4
MU 110Music Theory I3
MU 111Ear Training I1
MU 112Music Theory II3
MU 113Ear Training II1
One of the following:3
Listening to Music
Music of the Christian Church
Global Music, Culture, and Society
or MU 301
 Global Music, Culture, and Society
Jazz in America
MU R99 Four semesters of recital hours0

Worship Leader Minor 

The worship leadership minor is an interdisciplinary minor designed to prepare students of any major to lead music in church. The program balances music studies (music theory/ear training and private lessons, Music of the Christian Church) and theology (Christian Theology and History and Theology of Worship) with a semester-long internship in a local church and Intro to Worship Leadership, in which students regularly prepare and receive feedback on music that they prepare to lead in worship. 

Requirements for Worship Leadership Minor (20)

MU 104Music of the Christian Church3
MU 110Music Theory I3
2 credits of private lessons (or class voice, guitar or piano)2
MU 111Ear Training I1
MU 205Introduction to Worship Leadership3
MU 306History and Theology of Worship3
or TH 306 History and Theology of Worship
TH 361Christian Theology3
TH 436Internship in Ministry - Music2

Fine Arts Courses

FA 301 Power and Politics of Art: Italy/Germany3
Exploration of the arts (primarily visual arts and music) in Rome, Florence, and Berlin, with emphasis on the arts in relation to history, culture, and political systems. Jan Term, odd years.
FA 304 The Arts in Christian Worship3
Explore the ways that the arts have shaped and been shaped by Christian worship practice from the early church to the present, through study in Rome, Taize, and London. Students will visit cathedrals, museums, and other places of historical and cultural significance. Jan Term, even years.
FA 309 Power and Politics of Art Prep Course1
A survey of European art, history, and culture for students enrolled in the Jan Term Power and Politics of Art study program. Fall semester, even years. Must be accepted for Jan Term Power and Politics of Art study program.
Dean of Arts & Sciences

JOHN PELL

Chair

BENJAMIN BRODY

Professors

PHILIP BALDWINBENJAMIN BRODYBRENT EDSTROMSCOTT MILLERRICHARD STRAUCH

Assistant professors

JOSHUA CHISMJARED HALLXIAOSHA LIN

Lecturers

CHRISTOPHER PARKINTHOMAS SHOOK