MSC

Survey of Western musical styles, composers, and selected works from the Middle Ages through the present day. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Select a three hour internship or practicum course in one of the affiliated departments Select the remaining six hours from the following:

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Survey of the history of popular music, focusing on the United States. The course examines influential music genres and individual artists as well as situating their repertories within sociocultural, political, economic, and technological contexts. (CD, D, POR)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Survey of jazz music from its origins to the present in cultural and historical contexts. Also listed as AAS 103. (CD, D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Alias

AAS 103

Survey of art, folk, and popular musical styles in Latin America. Develops critical listening skills and introduces music concepts and terminology. Studies the musical interactions among various ethnic groups and enables broader historical, social, and cultural discussions. (CD, D, SWC)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Survey of classical, vernacular, and popular musical traditions in selected Asian cultural contexts, as well as their connections with dance, theater, puppetry, and film. (CD, D, POR, SWC)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Survey of performing arts of Indonesia in cultural and historical context, with a focus on Bali; includes playing and performing on the university’s Balinese gamelan (percussion orchestra). (CD, D, SWC)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A study of the musical sources of American culture and the six streams of music in the United States: folk and ethnic musics, offsprings of the rural South (country music, blues, rock), jazz and its forerunners, popular sacred music, popular secular music, and art music. (CD, D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A historical overview of gender and sexuality and its role in music. This includes both a study of specific musicians as well as a broader exploration of gender roles and stereotypes in music. (CD, D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A historical overview of the wind band from the 16th century to the 21st century. Topics include significant ensembles, compositions, composers, and new directions in the idiom. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Survey of the musical from its origins to the present. (CD, D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A study of the history of film music of multiple cultures from the silent era to modern times, including the analysis of landmark films and pertinent film music theories. (CD, D).

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Exploration of global video game music through its styles, trends, practitioners, history, and technological and industry developments. (CD,

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

An intensive study of a selected topic in music. May be repeated if course content differs. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated if course content differs.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A survey of music history and culture primarily focusing on the period before 1825, with analysis of major musical works and an introduction to music research. Designed for music majors and minors but also fulfills the Division III requirement. P or C - MSC 131 or prerequisite override required. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A survey of music history and culture from 1825 to the present, with analysis of major musical works and an introduction to music research. Designed for music majors and minors but also fulfills the Division III requirement. P or C - MSC 131 or prerequisite override required. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

An intensive study of a selected topic in music history and culture. May be repeated if course content differs. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated if course content differs.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Reviews music fundamentals then studies diatonic harmony and forms in Western classical and American popular styles. Develops composition, analytic, aural, and keyboard skills. Prior experience reading at least one clef and performing basic music is expected. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A continuation of Music Theory I. Studies chromatic harmony and common formal structures in Western classical and some American popular styles. Further develops composition, analytic, aural, and keyboard skills. Offered in Spring only. P-MSC 131 or prerequisite override required. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A survey of music theory topics and techniques for Western classical music from the Renaissance to present. P-MSC 131 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A detailed study of the musical characteristics (melody, harmony, form, rhythm and meter, texture, instrumentation, and text-music relationships) in American popular and jazz styles, primarily through song analysis and composition. P-MSC 131 or prerequisite override required. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Extended development of aural and keyboard skills in music theory. P-MSC 131 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

An intensive study of a selected topic in music theory. May be repeated if course content differs. P-MSC 131 or prerequisite override required. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated if course content differs.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study and performance of orchestral works from the classical and contemporary repertoire. May be repeated. P-Audition.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study and performance of music for mixed ensemble of winds, brass, and percussion. May be repeated. P-Audition.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study and performance of written and improvised jazz for big band and combo ensembles. May be repeated.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Performs at football games, as well as men's and women's home basketball games and other on and off campus events. May be repeated. Offered in Fall.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Performs at men's and women's home basketball games, and at the spring football game. Meets from the beginning of the semester to spring break. May be repeated. Offered in Spring. P-MSC 143 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study and performance of accompanied and a cappella repertoire for beginning and intermediate singers. Rehearsal preparation and instruction may also include ringing 5-octaves of handbells for performances such as the Lovefeast. May be repeated.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Select mixed chorus performing standard choral repertoire; jazz, folk, multicultural, and pop-style compositions; and newly composed and commissioned choral literature. Tours domestically each year and internationally once every four years. May be repeated. P-Audition.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

An early music vocal chamber ensemble dedicated to the performance and practices of music from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical eras. May be repeated. C-MSC 146.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study and performance of traditional and new compositions for Balinese gamelan (percussion orchestra) and related performing art forms. May be repeated.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Performance of traditional and new Chinese music compositions. Experience on Chinese traditional instruments (dizi, erhu, guzheng, pipa, ruan, percussion, etc.) preferred, but instrumentalists and vocalists of all traditions welcome. May be repeated.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Exploration of the music and history of West African drumming through hands-on experience. Students learn to play jembe, dunun, shekere, iron bell, and their New World descendants, the conga drum, bongo, claves, maracas, and agogo bells.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

An introduction to the aesthetics and techniques of improvisation through listening and playing. Group improvisational work in styles such as jazz, world music genres, and Baroque music. Intermediate proficiency on an instrument or voice and basic knowledge of scales desirable.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A study of the fundamentals of music theory including key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, and basic sight-singing and ear-training skills. Does not count toward the music major or minor.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1.5

Credits (max)

1.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Introduction to fingerstyle guitar techniques. Covers reading and playing from musical notation, strumming, accompanying songs, and basic theory concepts. Develops a versatile technique adequate for all styles of music. Acoustic guitar required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Introduction to playing the piano and reading piano music in a variety of folk, popular, and classical styles. Designed for students with little or no keyboard experience.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Introduction to the fundamental principles of singing, concepts of breath control, tone, and resonance.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Introduction to modern recording techniques with hands-on experience in an off-campus professional recording studio. Topics to be addressed include basic acoustics of music, microphone techniques, digital audio workstation operation, and basic production techniques. P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1.5

Credits (max)

1.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Advanced aspects of audio engineering and music production via hands-on experience in an off-campus professional recording studio. P or C – MSC 165.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1.5

Credits (max)

1.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

An introduction to the Alexander Technique, a method that teaches performers how to minimize physical effort and maximize musical expression through verbal and tactile feedback. Pass/Fail only.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

The study of a secondary brass or woodwind instrument, especially for students interested in new ensemble opportunities or in teaching. P or C – MSC 141-144 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Development of theatrical singing techniques with study and performance of musical theater repertoire. May be repeated. P- MSC 163, MSC 181, MSC 182, or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Introduces slurs, harmonics and other advanced techniques. Covers sight-reading and performing across the full fretboard. Development of ensemble playing with emphasis on chord progressions and improvisation. Nylon-string guitar required. P-MSC 161 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Continuation of foundational principles. Early intermediate repertoire, scales hands together, principles of fingering, musical approach to learning, chords, arpeggios and ensemble duets. P- MSC 162 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Continuation of fundamental vocal techniques. P-MSC 163 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study and performance of chamber music. Performers are strongly urged to participate in a larger ensemble as well. May be repeated. P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

For musicians who perform in a departmentally-sponsored theatrical production. Course may be repeated for no more than four hours. Pass/ Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required. Combined Bulletin 2026-2027 243

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated for no more than four hours.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

One half-hour voice, instrumental, or composition lesson per week. (See the fee section of this bulletin for specific information regarding additional costs.) May be repeated. P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

One one-hour voice, instrumental, or composition lesson per week. (See the fee section of this bulletin for specific information regarding additional costs.) May be repeated. P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Development of advanced vocal technique and repertoire. May be repeated. P-MSC 173 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study, staging, and performance of standard and contemporary operatic works. May be repeated P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated P-Prerequisite override required.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

A study of choral and instrumental conducting techniques. P-MSC 131 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Attendance at music department events to satisfy requirements for the music major (two semesters) or minor (one semester). Specific attendance requirements will be established at the beginning of each semester. May be repeated. Pass/Fail only.

Subject

MSC

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study the music of Italy, with special emphasis on composers associated with Venice. Offered only at Casa Artom in Venice. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Study of the music and musical institutions of Vienna and Central Europe. Taught in English. Offered only at the Flow House in Vienna. (D)

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

One one-hour voice or instrumental lesson per week. (See the fee section of this bulletin for specific information regarding additional costs). May be repeated. Requires passing of the audition for the Performance Concentration of the music major. P-2 hours total of MSC 181 and/or MSC 182, and prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Project in an area of study not otherwise available in the department. Intended for music majors and minors. P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Advanced study of a selected topic in music. May be repeated if course content differs. P- MSC 131, MSC 121, MSC 122 or prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Repeatable

May be repeated if course content differs.

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Individual instruction preparation and public performance of a senior recital for the performance concentration of the music major. A student may not receive credit for both MSC 382 and MSC 383 and may not enroll in MSC 282 and 382 in the same semester. P-Two semesters of MSC 282 and prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Individual instruction preparation and public performance of a senior honors recital for the performance concentration of the music major. A student may not receive credit for both MSC 382 and MSC 383 and may not enroll in MSC 282 and MSC 383 in the same semester. P-Two semesters of MSC 282 and prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Completion and public presentation of a senior project for the liberal a concentration of the music major, to be carried out under the supervisio of a departmental faculty member. A student may not receive credit for both MSC 397 and 398. P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu

Completion and public presentation of a senior honors project for the liberal arts concentration of the music major, to be carried out under t supervision of a departmental faculty member. A student may not receive credit for both MSC 397 and 398. P-Prerequisite override required.

Subject

MSC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

bulletin.wfu.edu