Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College · Courses
MUSIC
221 courses with the subject MUSIC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
MUSIC 040First-Year Seminar in Music (1) (BME, BM, BMA, BA). This
course is offered to all music majors during their first semester. The goals of this seminar are 1) to engage students in learning and orient them to the scholarly and performing community from the outset of their undergraduate studies in a way that will bridge to later experiences in their chosen music degree programs, 2) to explore a broad and diverse array of musical styles, genres, and music making, and 3) to facilitate students' adjustment to the expectations, demanding workload, increased liberties, and other aspects of the transition to college life. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 10 Rehearsal and performance orchestral literature. MUSIC 100 Campus Orchestra (1-10) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The goals of this course are to develop the instrumental performing skills, music reading abilities, and interpretive capabilities of the class members within a large symphonic orchestra context. The repertoire includes the standard literature from the 18th through 21st centuries as well as new music written for symphony orchestra. Students will be assessed by the use of performance evaluation and assessment of participation and contribution to established goals of the ensemble. The course is for students who have performance skills on standard orchestral string, wind, and percussion instruments. An audition is required. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 8 Rehearsal and performance of choral repertoire appropriate to mixed- voice ensemble of approximately forty-five voices. MUSIC 103 Concert Choir (1 per semester/maximum of 8) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Repertoire is selected from a wide range of choral literature from medieval chant to commissioned twenty-first century choral works. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students. The goal of the ensemble is to provide artistic, meaningful, and successful choral performances. To achieve this goal, the learning objectives for individual students include attention toward individual vocal development, increased musicianship skill, and the discovery of new means of artistic expression. In addition to these individual objectives, the conductor of the ensemble also teaches directly toward the objectives of ensemble tone, blend, balance, intonation, dynamics, diction, phrasing, etc. Grades are determined by a combination of vocal and musicianship assessments (both written and aural) and attendance at rehearsals and performances. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
/Maximum of 8 Rehearsal and performance of choral repertoire appropriate to mixed- voice ensemble of approximately twenty-four voices. MUSIC 104 Chamber Singers (1 per semester/maximum of 8) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Chamber Singers is a premier chamber choir at the University. The repertoire of the 14-voiced ensemble is selected from a wide range of choral literature from medieval chant to commissioned twenty-first century choral works. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students. The goal of the ensemble is to provide artistic, meaningful, and successful choral performances. To achieve this goal, the learning objectives for individual students include attention toward individual vocal development, increased musicianship skill, and the discovery of new means of artistic expression. In addition to these individual objectives, the conductor of the ensemble also teaches directly toward the objectives of ensemble tone, blend, balance, intonation, dynamics, diction, phrasing, etc, Grades are determined by a combination of vocal and musicianship assessments (both written and aural) and attendance at rehearsals and performances. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA)
/Maximum of 8 Ensemble for the performance and study of Baroque or early music on instruments of the era. MUSIC 106 Early Music Ensemble (1 per semester/maximum of 8) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The Early Music Ensemble will meet for a single two-hour rehearsal each week. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled
The Beatles are the most significant musical group in the history of popular music. Their songs are derived from diverse sources, such as rhythm and blues, country and western, rockabilly, rock and roll, Motown, soul, folk rock, the British music hall, and the classical music traditions of Europe and India. MUSIC 109: The Music of the Beatles, an online course, will consider the music of the Fab Four by examining how John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison developed as songwriters. Besides an exploration of the Beatles' music, including the artists and styles of music that influenced them, this online course will include a study of the socio-cultural contexts from which the Fab Four emerged and in which they thrived. Finally, the course will introduce students to the fundamentals of music, as well as ways to integrate that knowledge with the interpretation of song texts. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
Performance and teaching techniques for guitar. MUSIC 112 Guitar Techniques I (.5)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. MUSIC 112 is offered for students who are tracking acceptance into the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. The focus of the course is learning to play the guitar in order to accompany and learning techniques on how to teach the guitar in classroom settings. Topics include: beginning level guitar pedagogy, instrument care and maintenance, classroom structure and materials. The instructional format includes: performance, lecture, large and small group discussion, readings, and musical and teaching examples. Students complete several practical assignments, and present summations of small group discussions. Two practice performances and a final playing and written exam are given. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4593 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Group study emphasizing development of sound vocal and musicianship skills fundamental for music theatre. This class is designed for freshman BFA Musical Theatre majors and freshman BFA Acting majors and is the start of a year long exploration of vocal musical production for the stage. The purpose of this class is to lay introductory foundations in singing techniques and skills currently required for a career in the theatre. Students become familiar with the basic concepts of voice production, as well developing an understanding and awareness of vocal health issues. Additionally, students are exposed to a variety of musical theatre and classical sung repertory while they are encouraged to develop perceptive listening skills by interacting and responding to their peers in class and other performers. In MUSIC 113, students are encouraged and required to develop an appreciation of all genres of sung performance from classical to contemporary. Another important element of the course is helping students develop the necessary vocabulary to respond in writing to vocal performance. Toward that goal, attendance at vocal events scheduled around campus and the community is required. These vocal events will include performances by professionals in many genres. Faculty will provide students with lists of approved events. To help students develop their music performance vocabulary, students are required to respond to some vocal events with written critiques. Aesthetically, students are encouraged to appreciate and practice vocal performance in a variety of stage genres. On the practical side, students learn effective practice skills, music reading, and appreciation of all areas of vocal performance. Students are evaluated based on readings, short writing assignments, evaluations of a number of memorized song performances, and classroom attendance and participation. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 4 Class voice, emphasizing pedagogical experiences and techniques for public school music classrooms. For Music Majors only. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
In Sound Design For Game Audio, students are immersed in the practice of video game sound design. Sound design is the art of creating audio elements that enhance gameplay, shape narrative experiences, and help immerse players in digital worlds. Students will build critical, real- world skills as they learn the creative and analytical processes behind video game sound design. Through hands-on exercises, step-by-step tutorials, and insider industry knowledge, students will develop a toolkit of techniques and methods used by professional sound designers. This includes developing an understanding the impact of music and sounds on the gameplay experience. By the end of this course, students will not only have honed their skills but also gained a practical understanding of the game audio landscape - equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to begin pursuing a career in video game sound design. Recommended Preparation: It is recommended that students have basic experience with using a computer and navigating canvas. This course requires students to install some software components that will be used to complete various assignments. General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think
Course Content and Expectations: Introduction to Music Technology is a coursed designed for freshman or first-year students in the BA Music Technology, BFA Sound Design, or BM Music Composition degree programs at Penn State. This course will provide an introduction and overview to the use of technology in creative music making, live sound, and recording engineering. At the completion of this course, students will have a working fundamental knowledge of audio recording hardware and software, concepts in live sound reinforcement, MIDI sequencing, and an understanding of the various ways technology is used in creative music making. These skills will provide students with a foundation for success in future music technology courses. Course Goals and Objectives: Students will complete 13 weekly assignments and one final project. Weekly assignments are sequential and design to gradual build upon the students' knowledge and experience in the field of music technology. These include live sound, recording, mixing, editing, and MIDI sequencing. The final project will demonstrate the students' ability to combine these skills to create a short original composition/recording.
Introduction to basic performance techniques on brass instruments; teaching strategies and materials for use in a heterogeneous instrument setting. MUSIC 151 Brass Techniques I (1)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Introduction to basic brass instrument performance techniques taught in a heterogeneous (mixed group of brass instruments) class setting. The course will provide students with basic introduction to embouchure formation, tone production, and executive skills on two brass instruments. Instructor and student modeled teaching strategies and methods for use in elementary school mixed instrument classes will be demonstrated. Published heterogeneous method books will be investigated and procedures for applying research-based tonal and rhythmic development activities to beginning instrumental instruction will be applied. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Introduction to basic performance techniques on percussion instruments; teaching strategies and materials for use in a heterogeneous instrument setting. MUSIC 152 Percussion Techniques I (1)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Introduction to basic percussion instrument performance techniques. The course will provide students with a basic introduction to playing techniques for a variety of percussion instruments. Instructor and student modeled teaching strategies and methods for use in elementary and secondary school mixed instrument classes will be demonstrated. Published method books will be investigated.
Performance techniques on stringed instruments for music education majors. MUSIC 153 String Techniques I (1)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. This course is required for students working toward entrance to the Bachelor of Music Education degree program. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop proper performance techniques on two of the four orchestral bowed stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) at a sufficient level so that they can provide a desirable aural model for beginning and intermediate string students. Grades will be based on students' musical achievement on the instruments. There will be two performance assessments (one midterm and one final) for each instrument during the course. Required repertoire lists and evaluation tools will be provided prior to all assessments. Students must receive a passing grade for both instruments in order to receive an overall passing grade for the course. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
An introduction to the discipline of music history through the study of representative works. MUSIC 162 Introduction to Music History (2) This course introduces students to the discipline of music history, through study of the core repertoire from the common-practice era: the music of the High Baroque (especially Bach and Handel) through the end of the Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4595 Classical period and the beginnings of Romanticism (Beethoven). The course objectives focus on acquisition of skills necessary for thinking historically about music. Students learn 1) to describe the main stylistic features of a work (melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, timbral, formal); 2) to associate these features with particular composers and eras; 3) to compare and contrast works from the same period and from different periods; and 4) to relate stylistic features to historical context, social function, performance conditions, and listeners' experience. The course thus emphasizes agents--the people who created, performed, listened to, and paid for the music-in order to illuminate both the musical works and the historical and social factors that shaped those works' distinctive features. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: MUSIC 132
/Maximum of 9 ROARS (Research of the Arts, Recording, and Sound) lab is a place to do individualized work with students on their areas of focus in music technology and for music technology students as a whole to learn from one another, in a consistent way over time. The learning style will be mixed, resembling at times a masterclass, an engineering lab, an applied lesson, a mathematics lecture, a prototype demonstration, an ensemble performance, or a software tutorial. Students will normally take ROARS lab for 1 credit, but in the event that transfer students need to do extra work to make up for class time, they can work with the instructor within or outside of class to accomplish this & have their work reflected in greater credit hours earned.
ROARS (Research of the Arts, Recording, and Sound) lab is a place to do individualized work with students on their areas of focus in music technology and for music technology students as a whole to learn from one another, in a consistent way over time. The teaching methods will be mixed, resembling at times a masterclass, an engineering lab, an
ROARS (Research of the Arts, Recording, and Sound) lab is a place to do individualized work with students on their areas of focus in music technology and for music technology students as a whole to learn from one another, in a consistent way over time. The learning style will be mixed, resembling at times a masterclass, an engineering lab, an applied lesson, a mathematics lecture, a prototype demonstration, an ensemble performance, or a software tutorial. Combining the work of 1st- through-4th-year students for 8 semesters is integral to the learning style of this course. This is the 2nd-semester entry for this course.
A study of advanced harmonic concepts and their application to jazz improvisation. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 181 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 8 Rehearsal and performance of 20th and 21st-century popular music repertoire. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students. The ensemble features experienced electric guitarists, bass guitarists, drummers, vocalists, and more, all participating in collaborativ and exploratory weekly rehearsals. Throughout the semester, Rock Ensemble students learn assigned repertoire as well as songs of the group's choosing, culminating in a final concert featuring musicians split into curated bands. The ensemble is committed to a diverse assortment of material from all rock and popular music sub-genres, decades, and band configurations. An audition may be required for placement, dictated by demand and musical needs. Recommended Preparation: Course requires past experience playing an instrument or singing in a group or lesson environment, and the ability to learn songs independently. An audition may be required to assess readiness and suitability for the ensemble. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 8 Preparation and performance of music for like-instrument ensembles such as Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Cello Choir, Horn Ensemble, etc. Development of rehearsal and ensemble skills, an increased awareness of musical styles, public performance(s) of works prepared, and the development of the interpersonal skills necessary for the players to operate as a unit. Time allocated to each of these topics will vary depending on the performance level, experience and needs of the ensemble. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Permission of program Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
/Maximum of 8 Preparation for performance of chamber music literature involving string instruments. MUSIC 190 Chamber Music for Strings (1 per semester/maximum of 8) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Chamber Music for Strings meets at least two hours per week - once with the instructor for coaching and at least once for an additional rehearsal without the instructor's presence. e Course objectives include, but are not limited to, the development of rehearsal and ensemble skills, an increased awareness of musical styles, public performance(s) of works prepared, and the development of the interpersonal skills necessary for the players to operate as a unit. Chamber music is an integral part of instrumental musical training. It is an important partner with conducted ensembles in the performance preparation of musicians. Evaluation of student work is based on participation in rehearsals, the progress made by the ensemble, and the quality of the ensemble's performances. The course is offered during fall and spring semesters. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
/Maximum of 8 Preparation for performance of chamber music literature involving woodwind instruments. MUSIC 191 Chamber Music for Woodwinds (1 per semester/maximum of 8) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Chamber Music for Woodwinds meets at east two hours per week - once with the instructor for coaching and at least once for an additional rehearsal without the instructor's presence. Course objectives include, but are not limited to, the development of rehearsal and ensemble skills, an increased awareness of musical styles, public performance(s) of works prepared, and the development of the interpersonal skills necessary for the players to operate as a unit Chamber music is an integral part of instrumental musical training. It is an important partner with conducted ensembles in the performance preparation of musicians. Evaluation of student work is based on participation in rehearsals, the progress made by the ensemble, and the quality of the ensemble's performances. The course is offered during fall and spring semesters. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
/Maximum of 8 Preparation for performance of chamber music literature involving primarily brass instruments. MUSIC 192 Chamber Music for Brass (1 per semester/maximum of 8) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Chamber Music for Brass meets at least two hours per week - once with the instructor for coaching and at least once for an additional rehearsal without the instructor's presence. Course objectives include, but are not limited to, the development of rehearsal and ensemble skills, an increased awareness of musical styles, public performance(s) of works prepared, and the development of the interpersonal skills necessary for the players to operate as a unit Chamber music is an integral part of instrumental musical training. It is an important partner with conducted ensembles in the performance preparation of musicians. Evaluation of student work is based on participation in rehearsals, the progress made by the ensemble, and the quality of the ensemble's performances. The course is offered during fall and spring semesters. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
/Maximum of 8 Preparation for performance of advanced sonata literature for various individual instruments with keyboard. Bachelor of Arts: Arts Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4597
/Maximum of 8 Keyboard accompaniment of student soloists in the studio and in public performance under faculty supervision. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: KEYBD 120 or KEYBD 130 or consent of supervising faculty member Bachelor of Arts: Arts
MUSIC 207NJazz and the African American Experience3
The history and evolution of jazz is a significant cultural manifestation of the African American experience. The music and its artists provide a lens through which to examine questions surrounding the African American experience and what it means to be Black in America, engaging with questions about identity, authenticity, freedom, activism, gender, and sexuality, as well as the role of music in African American life. Drawing upon curricular elements from MUSIC 7, Evolution of Jazz, and
MUSIC 209NThe Music of the Beatles and American Popular Culture3
The Beatles are the most significant musical group in the history of popular music. Their songs are derived from diverse sources, such as rhythm 'n' blues, rock 'n' roll, country 'n' western, Motown, soul, folk musi folk rock, the British Music Hall, and European and Indian classical music traditions. Two ideas define their work: an emphasis on freedom, and how song texts can be interpreted in different ways. The Beatles had a great impact not only on American popular music during their heyday in the 1960s but also on the country' s popular culture in which they were considered philosopher kings. Beatle albums mirrored changing trends in the culture, from the pre-Vietnam War youthfulness of A Hard Day's Night, to the psychedelia of Revolver and Sgt. Pepper, to the countercultural mindset of The White Album. This inter-domain course will focus on how the Beatles influenced American popular culture from the 1960s to the present day. It will examine how the Beatles were a part of a mid-twentieth-century British youth subculture that was shaped by the cultural attitudes of American rock 'n' roll. The course will then turn its attention to the seismic shift initiated by the Fab Four in both music and pop culture in the US from 1964 to 1970, demonstrating how it has permeated the popular culture of the 1970s to the present day. The course will enhance the appreciation of the Beatles and their music through its interdisciplinary focus, contextualizing the Fab Four's work in order to show how both popular music and culture can influence one another. One way the course will facilitate this goal is through the inclusion of selected readings from English literature and popular culture upon which students will write reflection essays. Cross-listed with: ENGL 208N United States Cultures (US) General Education: Arts (GA) General Education: Humanities (GH) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking
Playing accompaniments from chord symbols and full notation, transposition, improvisation, modulation, score-reading, and standard literature. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Intermediate performance and teaching techniques for guitar. MUSIC 212 Guitar Techniques II (1) MUSIC 212 is offered as an Individual Emphasis course for students who have been accepted into the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. The focus of the course is on learning to play the guitar in a group class setting in order to accompany oneself and learning techniques for how to teach the guitar in classroom settings. Topics include: intermediate level guitar pedagogy, instrument care and maintenance, classroom structure and materials. The instructional format includes: performance, lecture, large and small group discussion, readings, and musical and teaching examples. Students complete several practical assignments and present summations of small group discussions. Two practice performances, a final playing and written exam are given, and a formal concert is performed. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 112 c,
Vocal/respiratory anatomy and function, vocal health, voice classification, and techniques that enhance and develop acting and movement from the singer perspective. Anatomy of the larynx and respiratory system are studied and strengthened through in-class work on vocal and breathing exercises. Focus is placed on good tone production and resonance. Basic differences between Classical and Musical Theatre vocal styles are introduced. Techniques that enhance and develop acting and movement choices are also studied through individual and group exercises and through the performance of songs. This course is designed for students in the INART major, and also for students who are interested in singing but are not MUSIC or THEATRE majors. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking
MUSIC 240Introduction to Music Education (2)(BA)This course meets
the Bachelor of Music Education degree requirements. MUSIC 240 is offered every fall semester for students who are considering the Teacher Certification program in Music Education. This course provides prospective music teachers with an opportunity to develop basic music teaching skills; identify behaviors of effective music teachers; identify their own strengths and weaknesses as a teacher, set goals based on those traits, and apply strategies to improve; develop their ability to reflect on their own teaching; and to understand and apply educational and music education theory to a variety of musical developmental levels. Students complete several practical assignments, present summations of small group discussions, and present micro-teaching lessons with peers in class. A midterm and final exam are typically given. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
A class setting in which trumpet performance techniques, teaching/ diagnostic strategies, instructional materials, and literature are taught, practiced, and developed. MUSIC 251A Brass Techniques II: Trumpet (.5) This course develops proper performance techniques on the trumpet in a class setting. Teaching techniques and materials specific to the trumpet are demonstrated and applied. Students will develop a performance level that will enable them to provide a desirable aural model for intermediate and advanced trumpet students. Students are introduced to appropriate trumpet teaching techniques; standard trumpet teaching materials including method books, etudes, and solo literature; effective strategies for diagnosing problems in student performances; and recommended instruments and equipment for all levels of trumpet study. Class meetings will occur twice per week for 1/2 semester. Students will be expected to practice outside of class meeting times. Grades will be based on students' musical achievement on the trumpet and understanding of material presented. There will be multiple performance assessments throughout the course. This course is recommended for students working toward entrance to the Teacher Education Program in Music and the Bachelor of Music Education degree. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 151
A class setting in which horn performance techniques, teaching/ diagnostic strategies, instructional materials, and literature are taught, practiced, and developed. MUSIC 251B Brass Techniques II: Horn (.5) This course develops proper performance techniques on the horn in a Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4599 class setting. Teaching techniques and materials specific to the horn are demonstrated and applied. Students will develop a performance level that will enable them to provide a desirable aural model for intermediate and advanced horn students. Students are introduced to appropriate horn teaching techniques; standard horn teaching materials including method books, etudes, and solo literature; effective strategies for diagnosing problems in student performances; and recommended instruments and equipment for all levels of horn study. Class meetings will occur twice per week for 1/2 semester. Students will be expected to practice outside of class meeting times. Grades will be based on students' musical achievement on the hornt and understanding of material presented. There will be multiple performance assessments throughout the course. This course is recommended for students working toward entrance to the Teacher Education Program in Music and the Bachelor of Music Education degree. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 151
A class setting in which trombone performance techniques, teaching/ diagnostic strategies, instructional materials, and literature are taught, practiced, and developed. MUSIC 251C Brass Techniques II: Trombone (.5) This course develops proper performance techniques on the trombone in a class setting. Teaching techniques and materials specific to the trombone are demonstrated and applied. Students will develop a performance level that will enable them to provide a desirable aural model for intermediate and advanced trombone students. Students are introduced to appropriate trombone teaching techniques; standard trombone teaching materials including method books, etudes, and solo literature; effective strategies for diagnosing problems in student performances; and recommended instruments and equipment for all levels of trombone study. Class meetings will occur twice per week for 1/2 semester. Students will be expected to practice outside of class meeting times. Grades will be based on students' musical achievement on the trombone and understanding of material presented. There will be multiple performance assessments throughout the course. This course is recommended for students working toward entrance to the Teacher Education Program in Music and the Bachelor of Music Education degree. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 151
A class setting in which euphonium and tuba performance techniques, teaching/ diagnostic strategies, instructional materials, and literature are taught, practiced, and developed. MUSIC 251D Brass Techniques II: Euphonium/Tuba (.5) This course develops proper performance techniques on the euphonium and tuba in a class setting. Teaching techniques and materials specific to the euphonium and tuba are demonstrated and applied. Students will develop a performance level that will enable them to provide a desirable aural model for intermediate and advanced euphonium and tuba students. Students are introduced to appropriate euphonium and tuba teaching techniques; standard euphonium and tuba teaching materials including method books, etudes, and solo literature; effective strategies for diagnosing problems in student performances; and recommended instruments and equipment for all levels of euphonium and tuba study. Class meetings will occur twice per week for 1/2 semester. Students will be expected to practice outside of class meeting times. Grades will be based on students'
/Maximum of 2 Performance techniques on violin, viola, cello or string bass for music education majors. MUSIC 253 String Techniques II (0.5 - 1 per semester/ maximum of 2) This course is recommended for students working toward the Bachelor of Music Education degree program, and who hope to teach string/orchestra classes. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop proper performance techniques on the violin, viola, cello, or string bass at a sufficient level so that they can provide a desirable aural model for intermediate and advanced string students. Grades will be based on students’ musical achievement on the instrument(s). There will be multiple performance assessments throughout the course. Required repertoire lists and evaluation tools will be provided prior to al assessments. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 153
Performance and teaching techniques and materials selection for flute. MUSIC 254A Woodwind Techniques II: Flute (.5) This course is intended for music majors working toward the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. This course may serve as a music education elective, and is best taken during the junior year. It should only be taken following successful completion of MUSIC 154 Woodwind Techniques I. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop proper performance techniques in order to produce a characteristic sound on the flute at a sufficient level so that they can provide a desirable aural model for beginning and intermediate string students. Grades will be based largely on the performance achievement on the flute, in addition to development of resources for flute pedagogy and demonstration of appropriate diagnosis and prescription for flute performance problems. There will be two performance assessments during the course. There will be one midterm and one final assessment, weighted as listed:Midterm Assessment (performance and diagnosis) 30% Final Assessment (performance and diagnosis) 50% Resource journal 10%The required repertoire list will be provided approximately two weeks prior to each assessment. Students will also be provided with a copy of the measurement tool to be used in evaluating their performance. Students must receive a passing grade for both assessments in order to receive an overall passing grade for the course. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 154
Performance and teaching techniques and materials selection for oboe. MUSIC 254B Woodwind Techniques II: Oboe (.5) This course is intended for music majors working toward the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. This course may serve as a music education elective, and is best taken during the junior year. It should only be taken following successful completion of MUSIC 154 Woodwind Techniques I. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop proper performance techniques in order to produce a characteristic sound on the oboe at a sufficient level so that they can provide a desirable aural model for beginning and intermediate string students. Grades will be based largely on the performance achievement on the oboe, in addition to development of resources for oboe pedagogy and demonstration of appropriate diagnosis and prescription for oboe performance problems. There will be two performance assessments during the course. There will be one midterm and one final assessment, weighted as listed:Midterm Assessment (performance and diagnosis) 30% Final Assessment (performance and diagnosis) 50% Resource journal 10%The required repertoire list will be provided approximately two weeks prior to each assessment. Students will also be provided with a copy of the measurement tool to be used in evaluating their performance. Students must receive a passing grade for both assessments in order to receive an overall passing grade for the course. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 154
l 0.5 Credits Performance and teaching techniques and materials selection for clarinet. MUSIC 254C Woodwind Techniques II: Clarinet (.5) This course is intended for music majors working toward the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. This course may serve as a music education elective, and is best taken during the junior year. It should only be taken following successful completion of MUSIC 154 Woodwind Techniques I. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop proper performance techniques in order to produce a characteristic sound on the clarinet at a sufficient level so that they can provide a desirable aural model for beginning and intermediate string students. Grades will be based largely on the performance achievement on the clarinet, in addition to development of resources for clarinet pedagogy and demonstration of appropriate diagnosis and prescription for clarinet performance problems. There will be two performance assessments during the course. There will be one midterm and one final assessment, weighted as listed:Midterm Assessment (performance and diagnosis) 30% Final Assessment (performance and diagnosis) 50% Resource journal 10%The required repertoire list will be provided approximately two weeks prior to each assessment. Students will also be provided with a copy of the measurement tool to be used in evaluating their performance. Students must receive a passing grade for both assessments in order to receive an overall passing grade for the course. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 154
Performance and teaching techniques and materials selection for saxophone. MUSIC 254D Woodwind Techniques II: Saxophone (.5) This course is intended for music majors working toward the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. This course may serve as a music education elective, and is best taken during the junior year. It should only be taken following successful completion of MUSIC 154 Woodwind Techniques I. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop proper performance techniques in order to produce a characteristic sound on the saxophone at a sufficient level so that they can provide a desirable aural model for beginning and intermediate string students. Grades will be based largely on the performance achievement on the
Performance and teaching techniques and materials selection for bassoon. MUSIC 254E Woodwind Techniques II: Bassoon (.5) This course is intended for music majors working toward the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. This course may serve as a music education elective, and is best taken during the junior year. It should only be take following successful completion of MUSIC 154 Woodwind Techniques I. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop proper performance techniques in order to produce a characteristic sound on the bassoon at a sufficient level so that they can provide a desirable aural model for beginning and intermediate string students. Grades will be based largely on the performance achievement on the bassoon, in addition to development for resources for bassoon pedagogy and demonstration of appropriate diagnosis and prescription for bassoon performance problems. There will be two performance assessments during the course. There will be one midterm and one final assessment, weighted as listed:Midterm Assessment (performance) 33% Final Assessment (performance and written exam) 66% Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 154
The course is a survey of music history from antiquity through the Baroque period, with readings, listening, and lecture. The principal objectives are: to acquaint students with important musical works from this period of European and American history; to place these works in their larger social, cultural, economic, and intellectual contexts; and to introduce analytical methods useful for describing technical musical features and relating those features to extra-musical concerns. As the second course in the music history sequence designed for music majors and minors, Music 261 forms a part of the core music curriculum required for advanced (400-level) study in the discipline. Assignments and evaluation methods are designed to help students develop their critical faculties and communication skills, through listening, reading, in-class discussion, examinations, and writing. There is significant emphasis on intercultural and international competence through study of music from a range of European countries. Musical analysis is integrated with consideration of the historical, social, cultural, religious, and economic circumstances of the works' production. The course stresses development of criteria of aesthetic judgment, with respect to musical style (deployment of the various musical elements: melody, harmony, Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4601 rhythm, texture, timbre) and the relationship of style to non-musical historical factors. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 131 and MUSIC 162 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
The course is a survey of music history from ca. 1750 to the present, with readings, listening, and lecture. The principal objectives are: to acquaint students with important musical works from this period of European and American history; to place these works in their larger social, cultural, economic, and intellectual contexts; and to introduce analytical methods useful for describing technical musical features and relating those features to extra-musical concerns. As the third n course in the music history sequence designed for music majors and minors, Music 262 forms a part of the core music curriculum required for advanced (400-level) study in the discipline. Assignments and evaluation methods are designed to help students develop their critical faculties and communication skills, through listening, reading, in-class discussion, examinations, and writing. There is significant emphasis on intercultural and international competence through study of music from a range of European countries and the United States. Musical analysis is integrated with consideration of the historical, social, cultural, religious, and economic circumstances of the works' production. The course stresses development of criteria of aesthetic judgment, with respect to musical style (deployment of the various musical elements: melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, timbre) and the relationship of style to non- musical historical factors. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 132 and MUSIC 162 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 6 This course includes weekly composition lessons and seminar meeting for music composition minors. Music Composition Minors will meet weekly with their instructor to complete a series of original music composition projects for a variety of instrumental configurations. This will cover a variety of compositional topics including new and traditional concepts of form, notation, instrumentation and orchestration, melodic and non-tonal writing, improvisation, process-oriented techniques, ensemble logistics and contemporary means of harmonic control. In addition, students will participate in a weekly seminar meeting which will include a variety of events, such as lectures, master classes, group composition projects, guest composers, and student presentations. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 267 and INART 258A
ROARS (Research of the Arts, Recording, and Sound) lab is a place to do individualized work with students on their areas of focus in music technology and for music technology students as a whole to learn from one another, in a consistent way over time. The learning style will be mixed, resembling at times a masterclass, an engineering lab, an applied lesson, a mathematics lecture, a prototype demonstration, an ensemble performance, or a software tutorial. Combining the work of 1st- through-4th-year students for 8 semesters is integral to the learning style of this course. This is the 3rd-semester entry for this course.
ROARS (Research of the Arts, Recording, and Sound) lab is a place to do individualized work with students on their areas of focus in music technology and for music technology students as a whole to learn from one another, in a consistent way over time. The learning style will be mixed, resembling at times a masterclass, an engineering lab, an applied lesson, a mathematics lecture, a prototype demonstration, an ensemble performance, or a software tutorial. Combining the work of 1st- through-4th-year students for 8 semesters is integral to the learning style of this course. This is the 4th-semester entry for this course.
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Exploration of world instruments and singing through performance and study. MUSIC 312 Performance of Diverse Musical Styles (1) The focus of the course is participation in a non-Western based music ensemble to gain knowledge of global music traditions and how to apply world music ensemble practices into K-12 teaching. Topics include: cultural knowledge and significance, playing technique and pedagogy, and applications for teaching. The instructional format includes: performance, lecture, small group discussion, readings, and musical examples. Students complete several practical assignments and present summations of small group discussions. A final playing and written exam are given, and a formal concert is performed.
Introduction to standard procedures of tonal analysis, including concepts of form and structure. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 221 and MUSIC 231 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Application of analytical techniques and compositional theories to music of the twentieth century. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 231 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Exploration of instructional materials and repertoire for use in K-12 music settings. Limited to Music Education majors who have been accepted into the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. MUSIC 341 Instructional Materials in Music (2) MUSIC 341 is offered to students who have been accepted into the Teacher Education Degree Program in Music. The focus of this course is to gain knowledge through exploration of the process for selecting instructional materials and repertoire for K-12 music across all settings, choral, general, and instrumental settings. Topics include: the exploration of instructional materials, the criteria for selection of materials, and strategies for arranging musical materials to meet the needs of students. The instructional format includes: lecture, large and small group discussion, readings, and musical examples. Students complete several practical assignments and present summations of small group discussions. A written midterm and final evaluation will be given to assess student learning. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 240 and MUSIC 295A
*1 Applied Music (see note) Additional Course for Major, 2 Additional Course for Major, 1 *1 *1 Applied Music (see note) Ensemble (see note) Additional Course for Major, 1 General Education Course 3 *1
/Maximum of 1 Observation and teaching experiences in a variety of musical instruction settings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 341 and MUSIC 395A Bachelor of Arts: Arts
MUSIC 401 is an in-depth study of the many technical and creative procedures involved when scoring for film or other media. Students focus on analysis, technology, composition, and collaboration. In addition to studying existing film scores, MUSIC 401 covers the various steps in scoring for screen, from deciding on general musical syntax, spotting, timing, to scoring and mixing. This course uses Apple's Logic Pro for demonstration, but students may choose to work in the DAW of their choice, e.g. Pro Tools or Reaper. Studio B contains professional sampling libraries from Native Instruments and Spitfire, as well as a variety of effects available for postproduction. Each student will have a weekly two- hour lab time to use the equipment for assignments and projects. All students are expected to follow the guidelines outlined in the handbook Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 127 or INART 258A, and MUSIC 458
/Maximum of 9 This course enables the participation of non-music majors in a choral ensemble at the 400 level. The course will meet concurrently with EITHER Music 089 or Music 104. The repertoire of the ensemble is selected from a wide range of choral literature from medieval chant to commissioned twenty-first century choral works. The goal of the ensemble is to provide artistic, meaningful, and successful choral performances. To achieve this goal, the learning objectives for individual students include attention toward individual vocal development, increased musicianship skill, and the discovery of new means of artistic expression. In addition to these
It is hard to overstate the impact of popular music on human culture in the past century. But how do we make sense of this music? Some aspects - the centrality of the drumkit, the foregrounding of recording and production - are unique to popular music. Others, like harmony and form, simply work differently here than in other musical traditions. In this survey-style seminar, students will study recent approaches to the analysis of popular music. Four units explore different musical domains: texture, timbre, and production; rhythm and meter; form; harmony. Each unit concludes with an analysis or composition project. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 231 or permission of the instructor
/Maximum of 2 The development of skills in pedagogy for teaching strings. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: STRNG 320 or STRNG 321 or STRNG 322 or STRNG 323 or STRNG 324 or STRNG 330 or STRNG 331 or STRNG 332 or STRNG 333 or STRNG 334 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 2 The development of skills in pedagogy for teaching woodwinds. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4605 Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: WWNDS 320 or WWNDS 321 or WWNDS 322 or WWNDS 323 or WWNDS 324 or WWNDS 330 or WWNDS 331 or WWNDS 332 or WWNDS 333 or WWNDS 334 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 2 The development of skills in pedagogy for teaching brass. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: BRASS 320 or BRASS 321 or BRASS 322 or BRASS 323 or BRASS 324 or BRASS 330 or BRASS 331 or BRASS 332 or BRASS 333 or BRASS 334 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 9 credits of electives Select 20 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) MUSIC 422 may fulfill the requirement of Additional Courses or Supporting Courses and Related Areas in the option, but not both. Voice Option (42-43 credits) Code Title C
Analysis of techniques of teaching voice and studies of related music literature and pedagogical writings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: VOICE 270 or VOICE 280 or permission of instructor Bachelor of Arts: Arts
or MUSIC 424 Piano Pedagogy II Credits Select 6 credits of electives 6 Select 24 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance 24 Select 4 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music 4 1 Handbook for list of ensembles) Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion Instruments Option (41-43 credits) Code Title Credits
Analysis and composition of jazz tunes and chord progressions; instrumental and vocal arranging in the jazz idiom. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 222 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
This course teaches students how to use entrepreneurship as a tool in service to their career goal of becoming a music professional. For students who create their own music in some capacity (composing, arranging, performing) or non-creators who desire to support the production and consumption of music in some way, this course provides a solid understanding of entrepreneurial theory and shows how to apply i to the specific goals and interests of each student. This course takes an in-depth look at how the music industry works and helps you, the student to create a career in music. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Analysis of techniques of teaching intermediate-early advanced level piano and studies of music literature and pedagogical writings. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: KEYBD 270 or KEYBD 280 or MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Analysis of techniques of teaching voice, supervised teaching, studies o studio materials and related topics. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 418 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
MUSIC 432Graduate Review of Twentieth-Century Analysis2-3
/Maximum of 3 The theory and analysis of style in music of the twentieth century. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 262 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
MUSIC 433Advanced Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music3
/Maximum of 6 In-depth studies of selected twentieth-century repertoires and/or analytical models. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 262 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
t 3 Credits/Maximum of 3 , A HISTORY OF ELECTROACOUSTIC MUSIC AS A CONSEQUENCE OF DEVELOPMENTS IN CULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY FROM 1880 to PRESENT. HISTORY OF ELECTROACOUSTIC MUSIC (3) is an introduction to the development of music based in electronics, beginning with the invention of the phonograph and ending with current electronic dance music. The course traces interrelated developments in technology, art, culture, and music, and investigates music through written listening analyses. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: INART 258A or INART 258B
MUSIC 437Music Information Retrieval and Computer-Assisted Music3
Music Information Retrieval and Computer-Assisted Music have become quite important to electronic musicians recently and will increase in importance over time. The common threads that run through the topics of this course are, first, the mathematics & software that have entered the popular imagination as "big data" & "modeling" and, second, music. An application of these ideas might look like software in which one can search all of Beethoven's works to determine exactly how often he followed a V7 chord with a vi chord; this would be called Music Information Retrieval (MIR). Using a computer to calculate the possible solutions to a species counterpoint exercise might be computer-assisted
/Maximum of 1 This course is a survey of topics related to a career in classical music performance, private teaching, and educational institution teaching. These are the principal means by which the freelance musician earns a living. Topics include résumé writing, biography writing, repertoire list writing, press release writing, website and flyer design, audio and video recordings, auditions, competitions, performance opportunities, networking, professional finances, fundraising, managing all aspects of a private teaching enterprise, and applying for institutional teaching positions. Panel discussions with professional musicians will be scheduled. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 5th semester standing
In Sound Design For Game Audio, students are immersed in the practice of video game sound design. Sound design is the art of creating audio elements that enhance gameplay, shape narrative experiences, and help immerse players in digital worlds. Students will build critical, real- world skills as they learn the creative and analytical processes behind video game sound design. Through hands-on exercises, step-by-step tutorials, and insider industry knowledge, students will develop a toolkit of techniques and methods used by professional sound designers. This includes developing an understanding the impact of music and sounds on the gameplay experience. By the end of this course, students will not only have honed their skills but also gained a practical understanding of the game audio landscape-equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to begin pursuing a career in video game sound design. Recommended Preparation: It is recommended that students have basic experience with using a computer and navigating canvas. This course requires students to install some software components that will be used to complete various assignments.
Emphasis in teaching in secondary general music settings. MUSIC 442W Emphasis in Secondary General Music (3) MUSIC 442W is offered to Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4607 students who have been accepted into the Teacher Certification program in Music Education. The focus of this course is to provide students with opportunity to explore secondary general music settings under the close supervision of a faculty member. Topics include: the design and implementation of curriculum in secondary general music, the leading and teaching of songs in these settings, and specific grade- level appropriate pedagogy. The instructional format includes: lecture, small group discussion, readings, musical and teaching examples, and off campus observation and teaching in middle and high school classrooms. Students complete several practical assignments including off campus observations, presentation of the summations of small group discussions, curriculum planning and models, and teaching within public schools in grades 5-12. This is a writing intensive course with focus on a detailed, multi-drafted topic paper relating to specific elements of teaching choral and general music at the secondary level. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 345 and MUSIC 395B Bachelor of Arts: Arts Writing Across the Curriculum
MUSIC 443WChoral Emphasis in Secondary Music Education3
This course meets the Bachelor of Music (Music Education) degree requirements. The course is intended to prepare pre-service teachers to teach secondary choral (vocal) music. Preparation will include observation of current public school teachers and teaching techniques and methods, preparation and implementation of appropriate lessons including assessments, in-depth analysis (case study) of a student currently in the public schools, development of a written philosophy of music education and choir instruction, and consideration of practical matters associated with teaching in the public schools such as scheduling, recruitment and parent interaction. The course serves as a capstone to the prior courses in the music education curriculum. Previous courses in instructional planning, instructional materials, instrument techniques, conducting, piano and vocal technique will have developed necessary prior skills. Skills and concepts from these classes will be applied in this authentic context in the collegiate and public school classrooms. The students will be assessed according to their effectiveness in observation, teaching preparation, teaching and research. Evaluation will be in the form of written and verbal feedback, and completion of rubrics by the instructor and the students themselves (self- and peer-evaluation). Students will complete a field experience component in local middle or high schools. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 387 or MUSIC 388 or MUSIC 389 or MUSIC 418 Recommended Preparation: KEYBD 100 or KEYBD 395C Writing Across the Curriculum
MUSIC 444WEmphasis in Elementary and Intermediate Band3
Examination and application of teaching strategies and materials for students planning to teach band in the elementary and middle schools. MUISC 444W Capstone Experiences in Elementary and Intermediate Band (3)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The course is intended to prepare pre-service teachers to teach beginning through intermediate instrumental (band) music. Preparation will include observation of current public school teachers and teaching technique4s and methods, preparation and implementation
Examination and application of teaching strategies and materials for students planning to teach high school bands. MUSIC 445W Capstone Experiences in High School Band (3) This course is intended to prepare pre-service teachers to teach high school band. Students will observe, analyze, and discuss the teaching techniques, methods, and materials used by public school teachers in high school band instructional settings. Students will prepare and implement rehearsal plans including assessments, in-depth investigation of appropriate repertoire for use in high school bands and concert programming. Students will develop score analysis skills necessary to plan and guide music making and learning in the band rehearsal. Students will develop materials and strategies that strengthen the connection of instrumental performance to the public school curriculum. Students will develop a written philosophy of music education and the role instrumental performance in band within the music education of high school students. Students will consider practical matters associated with teaching in the public schools such as: scheduling, interaction with parents/teachers/administrators, parental support organizations (music boosters), advocacy, community/school support, and long-range instrumental music program development plans. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 395B and MUSIC 345 Writing Across the Curriculum
Development of teaching techniques for instructing elementary and secondary string/orchestra student musicians for music education majors. MUSIC 446W Capstone Experiences in Strings and Orchestra (3) This course is intended to prepare pre-service teachers to teach elementary and secondary string instrumental (orchestra) music. Preparation will include observation of current public school teachers and teaching techniques and methods, preparation and implementation of appropriate lessons including assessments, in-depth analysis (case study) of a student currently in the public schools, development of a written philosophy of music education and string/orchestra instruction, and consideration of practical matters associated with teaching in the public schools such as scheduling, recruitment and parent interaction.The course serves as a capstone to the prior courses in the music education curriculum. Previous courses in instructional planning, instructional materials, instrument techniques, conducting, piano and voice use will have developed necessary prior skills. Skills and concepts from these classes will be applied in this authentic context in the collegiate and public school classrooms.The students will be assessed according to their effectiveness in observation, teaching preparation, teaching, and research. Evaluation will be in the form of written and verbal feedback, and completion of rubrics by the instructor and the students themselves (self- and peer-evaluation). Enrollment will likely be approximately 5 students each fall semester. Students will spend considerable class time in local public schools for fieldwork. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 345 and MUSIC 395B Writing Across the Curriculum
Old Listing Effective Through Summer 2026: Traditional and contemporary drill design principles, show development strategies, instructional techniques, and organizational procedures involved in teaching marching band.
/Maximum of 12 In-depth study of music programming techniques. MUSIC 451 Computer Programming for Musicians (3 per semester/maximum of 12)This is an in-depth study of a given music programming language or environment. The language/environment will vary from semester to semester, to include languages such as SuperCollider and Max/MSP. Students will be expected to work independently on a series of projects that require increasing levels of difficulty in programming methodology. The course may be repeated for credit. Students will be acquainted with the basics of how the programming environment treats fundamental matters such as signal flow, defining functions, variables and arguments, and music synthesis techniques. These principles will be expanded, with added layers of complexity to the types of problems presented. More complex instruments, processing, and filtering will be covered, along with real-time capabilities (ability of the program to respond to input from audio input or data from an external controller) and the creation of graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Advanced topics will include algorithmic composition and the creation of plug-ins that may be used by other programs. As this is an upper division class, students will be expected to be self-
Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 267 1 MUSIC 454 Live Sound Engineer Training 1 MUSIC 459 Electronic Music Composition II 2 THEA 484 Sound Recording Techniques 3 Select 8 credits of Applied MUSIC courses 8 3 Supporting Courses and Related Areas 1 Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better 1 Select 1 credit of electives 1 Keyboard Instruments Option (41-42 credits) Code Title Credits
MUSIC 454 is an in-depth study of topics in live sound engineering, providing students with hands-on training in live-sound settings. Students will have the opportunity to work with microphones, mixing consoles, and performers in a live environment for a variety of ensembles. This course prepares students for industry work as live audio engineers. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Prerequisites: MUSIC 453
/Maximum of 3 Survey of how musical information is stored and processed in computer systems. MUSIC 455 Technology in Music (3)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. This course provides a survey of how musical information is stored and transmitted in digital devices. It will be divided into three sections.Weeks 1 and 2 are an introduction to acoustical principles such as the nature of sound transmission and measurements of frequency, sound power level, phase, timbre, and localization. Computer basics will also be covered, with topics to include binary number representation and basic computer operation.Weeks 3 through 8 cover the MIDI transmission protocol that enables musical information to be stored and transmitted efficiently. Topics include the nature of the MIDI data structure, the types of messages that may be passed, and the suitability of MIDI for expressive performance. MIDI software is discussed, including notation software, editor/librarian Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4609 software, and sequencers. The bulk of the course's project component involves working with sequencing programs. Students are also exposed to using MIDI on the web, downloading files and importing them into various applications.Weeks 9 through 15 cover digital audio so that students may understand how instruments capable of understanding MIDI messages are able to translate the instructions into audio signals. Topics include sampling theory, digital vs. analog recording, filters, signal processing, and editing sound files. Projects involving digital audio also use a sequencing program that is able to combine MIDI and audio data.The students are expected to work independently to complete reading assignments according to the schedule outlined in the course syllabus. While due attention will be given to discussion of this material in class, the primary focus of class sessions will be hands-on application, to ensure that students master a set of skills on the computer. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: INART 258A Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Electronic Music Composition II is the second course of a two-semester sequence focused on composition for electronic media. The projects in this course focus on spatial and interactive aspects of computer music, in addition to how these works are realized through the course of performance. The pieces created by students in the course will range from interactive electro-acoustic works realized in real-time to a work for electronic instrument ensemble. Students will become familiar with a variety of software tools and programming languages. The aim of the course is to focus equally on the artistic/compositional merits of your work and provide each student with a thorough knowledge of the technical skills needed to create unique work-specific programs. We will explore a ground-up approach and each student will design distinctive computer tools that support their individual voice as a composer.
Exploration of the world's musical cultures and the implication of and procedures for teaching multicultural music. Limited to upper division music majors or permission of program.
MUSIC 461WStudies in Music History: Antiquity to 16003
/Maximum of 6 In-depth study of selected aspects of music and culture from antiquity t 1600, with emphasis on writing and research. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 261 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts Writing Across the Curriculum
/Maximum of 6 In-depth study of selected aspects of music and culture from 1550-1750, with emphasis on writing and research. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 261 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts Writing Across the Curriculum
/Maximum of 6 In-depth study of selected aspects of music and culture from 1700-1900, with emphasis on writing and research. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 261 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts Writing Across the Curriculum
Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 20 credits in applied music through Level VIII of performance Select 8 credits of approved ensembles (see School of Music Handbook for list of ensembles) Select 8 credits of electives Select 24 credits (at least 12 at the 400 level) in consultation with adviser in an area of study other than music This list of courses must be approved by the College of Arts and Architecture's Dean of Undergraduate Studies. 0-12 of these 24 credits may be included in General Education.
Advanced instruction in conducting; conducting techniques specific to instrumental or choral music; emphasis on score study and rehearsal technique. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 366 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 8 Standard scores of symphonies, tone poems, operas, oratorios, and shorter vocal and instrumental works studied from the viewpoint of the conductor. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 366 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 4 To help students develop authentic and specific characters/portrayals on stage through physical and emotional awareness. MUSIC 468 Acting for Singers (2) This is a course teaching singers the fundamentals of acting. All types of stage work related to vocal music will be explored from performing in recitals and concerts to the opera and excerpted scenes. The objective of the course is to make singers more comfortable on stage and more realistic/believable in their performances/presentations. This course differs from acting courses offered in other areas because the singer has restrictions placed upon him due to the requirements of the music, especially in regard to timing and the sense of time, and the use of texts which are often in foreign languages. The course is an elective 2 credit course which students may repeat for a maximum of 4 credits. An accompanist will be present to accompany students in their song/aria presentations. Every class meeting will begin with warm-up exercises and then continue with further exercises focusing on helping students develop a sense of timing and enabling them to explore the 'beats' (or central topic) of a scene. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to prepare for a scene, analyze it, and determining the goal(s) of the character. The students will be encouraged to learn how to be specific in their acting and to learn what will 'read' to an audience while accurately reflecting the portrayed emotion. Some work will be solo work, but there will also be opportunities to work with partners. Improvisation will also be incorporated.
A semester project appropriate to student's option in B.A. program (e.g., research paper, performance with program notes, or related paper). Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Seventh-semester standing Bachelor of Arts: Arts Writing Across the Curriculum
Introduction to the literature for solo voice in opera, oratorio, cantata, song, and chamber music from the baroque to the present. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 262 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Studies in the development of the opera from 1600 to the present, treating both libretto and music. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 231 and MUSIC 262 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Studies in the development of keyboard music and instruments; a survey of all eras using listening, analysis, and performance. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 262 and MUSIC 332 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Survey of literature relevant to the teaching of voice from historical sources through recent pedagogical scholarship. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 418 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
Survey of orchestral literature. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 262 and MUSIC 332 Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4611 Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 4 Advanced keyboard accompaniment of student soloists in the studio and in public performance under faculty supervision. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 194 or permission of instructor Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 4 Preparation and performance of advanced chamber music. MUSIC 491 Advanced Chamber Ensemble (1 per semester/maximum of 4) Advanced Chamber Ensemble meets at least two hours per week - once with the instructor for coaching and at least once for an additional rehearsal without the instructor's presence. Course objectives include, but are not limited to, the development of rehearsal and ensemble skills, an increased awareness of musical styles, public performance(s) of works prepared, and the development of the interpersonal skills necessary for the players to operate as a unit. Chamber music is an integral part of instrumental musical training. It is an important partner with conducted ensembles in the performance preparation of musicians. Evaluation of student work is based on participation in rehearsals, the progress made by the ensemble, and the quality of the ensemble's performances. The course is offered during fall and spring semesters. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (MUSIC 190 or MUSIC 191 or
/Maximum of 4 Preparation for performance of advanced sonata literature for various individual instruments with keyboard. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MUSIC 193 or equivalent or permission of instructor Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 18 Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively r narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest. Bachelor of Arts: Arts
MUSIC 519Graduate Seminar in Intermediate Piano Pedagogy2
Graduate seminar in intermediate teaching repertoire and strategies for piano from the Baroque to the 21st century. MUSIC 519 Graduate Seminar in Intermediate Piano Pedagogy (2)This course is intended for pianists in the degrees Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts who will have already passed the introductory undergraduate course in Intermediate Piano Pedagogy, MUSIC 424, or the current Graduate Seminar in Piano Pedagogy, MUSIC 589 (which will continue to be offered; it is required for piano pedagogy major students in the Master of Music degree), or an equivalent of one of these courses at another institution. The material will be covered in class discussions, reading and listening assignments, and in-class student presentations. Writing, performing, and speaking will be required. The course is designed to give developing professional pianists and piano teachers greater depth of knowledge of the pedagogical repertoire than is possible either in the introductory course or through their own concurrent teaching experiences. The seminar format encourages group discussion as well as independent work.
MUSIC 524Graduate Seminar in Advanced Piano Pedagogy2
Graduate seminar in advanced repertoire, history of piano pedagogy, and strategies for piano from the Baroque to the 21st century. MUSIC 524 Graduate Seminar in Advanced Piano Pedagogy (2)MUSIC 524 is intended for pianists in the degrees Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts who will have already passed the introductory undergraduate course in Intermediate Piano Pedagogy, MUSIC 424, or the current Graduate Seminar in Piano Pedagogy, MUSIC 589 (which will continue to be offered; it is required for piano pedagogy major students in the Master of Music degree), or an equivalent of one of these courses at another institution. The material will be covered in class discussions, reading and listening assignments, and in-class student presentations. Writing, performing, and speaking will be required. The course is designed to give developing professional pianists and piano teachers greater depth of knowledge of the pedagogical repertoire than is possible either in the introductory course or through their own concurrent teaching experiences. The seminar format encourages group discussion as well as independent work.
MUSIC 537Music Information Retrieval and Computer-Assisted Music3
Music Information Retrieval and Computer-Assisted Music have become quite important to electronic musicians recently and will increase in importance over time. The common threads that run through the topics of this course are, first, the mathematics & software that have entered the popular imagination as "big data" & "modeling" and, second, music. An application of these ideas might look like software in which one can search all of Beethoven's works to determine exactly how often he followed a V7 chord with a vi chord; this would be called Music Information Retrieval (MIR). Using a computer to calculate the possible solutions to a species counterpoint exercise might be computer-assisted music theory. The course will have a seminar-like format in which current research is reviewed and students undertake projects in MIR or CAM.
Study of analytical techniques, aesthetics, writings, in music theory, music cognition, musical sketches, and mathematical models taught from a theory perspective.
MUSIC 585Graduate Seminar in Keyboard Music 1710 to 18202
Seminar in music for keyboards (organ, harpischord, pianoforte) from the early works of J.S. Bach (c. 1710) to late Beethoven. MUSIC 585 Graduate Seminar in Keyboard Music 1710 to 1820 (2)This first of three seminar courses is intended for pianists in the degrees Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts who will have already passed the introductory survey in Keyboard Literature, MUSIC 481 or its equivalent at other institutions. The material, dealing with the periods beginning with late Baroque (J.S. Bach, Handel, Domenico Scarlatti) and ending with Beethoven, will be covered in class discussions, listening assignments, and student presentations in class. Both writing and speaking will be required. The course is designed to give developing professional pianists greater depth and breadth of knowledge of their repertoire than is possible either in the introductory survey or in their own practice. The seminar format encourages group discussion as well as independent work.
MUSIC 586Graduate Seminar in Piano Music 1820-19202
Seminar in music for pianoforte from the early works of Schubert, circa 1820, to Rachmaninoff (Romantic and post-Romantic). MUSIC 586 Graduate Seminar in Piano Music 1820-1920 (2)This course is intended for pianists in the degrees Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts who will already have passed the introductory survey in Keyboard Literature, MUSIC 481, or its equivalent at other institutions. The material, in this case the Romantic music that is the core of pianists' repertoire, will be covered in class discussions, listening assignments, and student presentations in class. Both writing and speaking will be required. The course is designed to give developing professional pianists greater depth and breadth of knowledge of their repertoire than is possible either in the introductory survey or in their own practice. The seminar format encourages group discussion as well as independent work.
MUSIC 587Graduate Seminar in Piano Music 1890-Present2
Seminar in modern music for pianoforte from the early works of Debussy (circa 1890) to the present day. MUSIC 587 Graduate Seminar in Piano Music 1890-Present (2)This course is intended for pianists in the degrees Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts who have already passed the introductory survey in Keyboard Literature, MUSIC 481, or its equivalent at other institutions. The most extensive treatment will be given to Debussy and Ravel in the first weeks, and later to Schonberg and his followers, as well as Bartok, Stravinsky, Hindemith, Ives, Messiaen and other outstanding figures. Less-well known composers of superior accomplishment will also be addressed. The material will be covered in class discussions, listening assignments, and student presentations in class. Both writing and speaking will be required. The course is designed to give developing professional pianists greater depth and breadth of knowledge of their repertoire than is possible either in the introductory survey or in their own practice. The seminar format encourages group discussion as well as independent work.
Rehearsal and performance of choral music. MUSIC 810 Choral Ensemble (1 per semester/maxmum of 4) The goals of Music 810 are to develop the vocal performing skills, music reading abilities, and interpretive capabilities of the class members within a variety of choral ensemble types, including mixed-voice choirs of varying sizes, men's and women's choirs, and choral ensembles focusing on specific musical traditions. Repertoire is selected from Western music as well as world music traditions. The course is for students who have established vocal performance skills. An audition is required.
Rehearsal and performance of instrumental music. MUSIC 811 Instrumental Ensemble (1 per semester/maximum of 6) The goals of Music 811 are to develop the instrumental performing skills, music reading abilities, and interpretive capabilities of the class members within a variety of instrumental ensemble types. Repertoire is selected from Western music as well as world music traditions. The course is for students who have established instrumental performance skills. An audition is required.
This course is designed to prepare and perform mixed ensemble music from all periods and styles (e.g., piano quintet, rock ensemble, early music ensemble, new music ensemble, open music ensemble, etc.). Course objectives include, but are not limited to, the development of rehearsal and ensemble skills, increased awareness of musical styles, public performance(s) of works prepared, and the development of the interpersonal skills necessary for the players to collaborate in a small ensemble setting. Chamber music is an integral part of instrumental musical training.
Creative projects with a professional orientation, including nonthesis research, that are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
