82 courses with the subject MUS, 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.
A course designed to accommodate studio classes, master-classes, general department recitals, Junior Recitals, and Senior Recitals. Students will perform in one or more of these sessions each semester. Course Fee: $25
A course designed to develop sight-singing as well as melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 143.
A remedial course designed to introduce music majors and music minors to the fundamental elements of music. Enrollment, determined by examination, will emphasize basic musical concepts. Since the class is considered remedial in nature, it does not fulfill graduation requirements for music majors and music minors. Music majors and music minors must earn a grade of C or higher to continue into Music Theory I. This course can count towards a general elective for non-music majors.
A course designed to give the student a theoretical and practical knowledge of the fundamentals of music. Scales, key signatures, intervals, rhythm, triads, and diatonic harmony are studied. Emphasis is placed on four-part choral style writing. A study of the harmonic, melodic, and formal elements of music.
A continuation of Aural Skills I. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 153
A continuation of Music Theory I with emphasis on harmonic progression, triads in inversion, musical form, non-chord tones, and seventh chords.
An introduction to the fundamentals of playing acoustic guitar for worship. Basic techniques of playing chords, chord voicing, strumming, and fingerpicking will be explored.
This class is designed to refine the techniques introduced in Guitar Class I, with an emphasis on applying those techniques in the context of worship choruses. Students will continue to develop their skills by playing the most common chords and chord progressions with rhythmic stability.
A continuation of Aural Skills II. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 223.
A continuation of Music Theory II with emphasis on secondary dominant chords, modulation, binary and ternary forms, borrowed chords, and augmented sixth chords.
A continuation of Aural Skills III. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 233.
A continuation of Music Theory III with emphasis on advanced chromatic harmony, late nineteenth-and twentieth-century practices, musical form, and counterpoint.
A course designed for worship leaders to explore the unique roles and features of the various instruments in the rhythm section of a worship band. An emphasis will be placed on how to communicate with the instrumentalists by using appropriate musical terminology.
Required of all Music majors as well as music minors. All sections of the piano proficiency exam must be passed by the end of the junior year. See Music Department Handbook for details.
Studies of the periods and styles of music in theory, form, performance and practice. Important people, places and events that affect the development of church music will be discussed. Historical influences and important events of church music history will be surveyed. Covers the period from antiquity through the Baroque. Attention will be given to church masters.
A junior-level project required of students enrolled in the contemporary track of the Music Performance degree. The recital will consist of at least 45 minutes of contemporary Christian music and will feature the student as soloist.
A continuation of Music History I The Classic, Romantic and Modern periods will be studied. The major composers, forms, and styles of music from 1750 to the present will be emphasized. Specific attention will be given to church music masters.
A study of composers, musical styles and developments from 1901 to the present. This course will examine music in form, performance and practice including world music, folk, and jazz.
A course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of conducting. Beat patterns, entrances and releases, cueing, score preparation and rehearsing will be covered.
Explores techniques of choral conducting, including group vocal technique and repertoire. Attention is given to various style periods and their characteristic sound quality.
Explores techniques of instrumental conducting, including problems of the instrumental medium. The course also includes an analysis and interpretation of literature appropriate for use in schools and the community. Students conduct the Wind Ensemble.
A course designed to introduce the techniques of writing worship choruses. The class will emphasize the development of melodic ideas, crafting song sections that combine into a unified whole, formal structure, harmonic progressions, and writing lyrics based on sound biblical theology.
A senior project consisting of a performance of at least 50 minutes of music. Students in Church Music will perform a 30-minute recital on their primary instrument and a 20-minute conducting recital. Students in Music Performance will present a 50-minute recital entirely on their primary applied instrument, emphasizing classical music literature from all periods of music history. Course fee of $165.
A seminar course that explores topics including: concert promotion, booking, developing the concert program, and stage presence, as well as Web commerce and ministry organization finances.
A course designed to introduce students to musical techniques of arranging for both choral and instrumental ensembles. Students will apply their musical knowledge in a variety of creative writing assignments. Required for Church Music, Worship Leading, and Music Performance majors.
A survey of the keyboard literature from all periods of music history.
A survey of the vocal literature from all periods of music history.
A survey of instrumental and orchestral literature from all periods of music history.
Applied composition lessons are structured to encourage creativity and to lead to the development of a unique individual style of composition. Initial lessons provide experiences in the style of major composers from the Baroque, Classic, Romantic, Impressionist, and Contemporary periods. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. An additional fee of $395 is required.
A course designed to provide the student with the concepts and techniques of teaching piano. The class will study historical aspects of piano pedagogy in the United States, survey current methods and materials related to teaching piano, and examine methods and procedures of professional studio organization and management.
A course designed to provide the student with concepts and techniques of teaching voice.
A course designed to provide the student with concepts and techniques of teaching brass, woodwind, percussion or guitar.
This phase of the student’s education is to provide a supervised experience in direct ministry. All internships must be approved and processed through the Internship office. Internships can range from 4 to 15 weeks. An internship must be for at least 1 credit hour but can be expanded for up to 3 credit hours. A comprehensive journal is required that addresses the student’s activities during the internship and issues of development in their area of ministry. Written evaluations are required by the inte
This course will train the student in the advanced skills of scholarly research, design, writing and documentation as a direct preparation for the final research project of the degree. An emphasis will be given to research techniques in music and music technology.
This course will consist of a major written project that reflects graduate-level research, creativity, and artistry in an area of study agreed upon and under the direct supervision of a professor who has specialization in the chosen topic of study in keeping with the degree. The final project must receive committee approval. If the project is not completed in one semester a project extension fee of $815 will be applied each semester until project is completed. Fee: $815
This course will provide an overview of music theory of the common practice period through the present.
To introduce the student to jazz music with an overview of historical events, music, and social impact connected to the genre. An appreciation of this music will be encouraged through the emphasis of style, genre, and form representing the performers and composers along with their respective biographical data.
This course will provide an overview of music history from earliest recorded history through the present.
Students will create original compositions, arrangements, and transcriptions for band. Topics will include getting works published, the process for submitting unsolicited scores to publishers; the criteria for various levels of school band music, and creating the best demo recording. Participants will compose and/or arrange pieces for students in their ensembles.
The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized. The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts . Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.
The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music history or music theory. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized. The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts. Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.
The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music education. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized . The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts. Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.
The objective of these graduate-level courses is to provide students with the latest information on current topics in music technology. The relationship of the topic to the student’s profession will be emphasized. The courses will include reading assignments, and discussion of relevant research and historical contexts. Students will be evaluated based upon participation in class, performance on assignments, and a midterm and final exam.
An introduction to the fundamentals of keyboard technique. Beginning piano students must enroll in this course. Meets twice per week. This course does not count toward general education credits needed for graduation if the student is a music major or minor. Class fee: $30
A continuation of MUS 621. Meets twice per week. This course does not count toward general education credits needed for graduation if the student is a music major or minor. Class fee: $30
MUS 700s Ensembles 3.5 cr
Offered at all levels of instruction. Literature is chosen from standard works for organ according to the student’s ability.
MUS 700s Ensembles 3.5 cr
Instruction in non-keyboard instruments as appropriate instructors are available.
Offered at all levels of instruction. Literature is chosen from standard works for percussion according to the student’s ability.
Offered at all levels of instruction. Literature is chosen from standard works for woodwind instruments according to the student’s ability.
Offered at all levels of instruction. Literature is chosen from standard works for brass instruments according to the student’s ability.
Offered at all levels of instruction. Literature is chosen from standard works for stringed instruments according to the student’s ability.
Skills of piano improvisation are introduced in this class. Techniques of playing chords, octaves, arpeggios, transposition, modulation, and various playing styles are explored. Essential qualities of skillful piano improvisation will be defined and developed. Copyright © 2026 University of Valley Forge
Lessons are structured to encourage creativity and to lead to the development of a unique individual style of composition. Initial lessons provide experiences in the style of major composers from the Baroque, Classic, Romantic, Impressionist, and Contemporary periods. Students will give attention to musical expression when writing for vocal and instrumental ensembles, and for various performers, occasions and media. Students enroll for 1 credit per semester and may repeat this course.
Special instrumental groups may be formed if there is sufficient interest. For credit or non-credit. Admission by approval of the instructor.
Guitar Ensemble is open to both music majors and non-music majors with a background and interest in electric or acoustic guitar. This organization fulfills the required ensemble credits for guitar students enrolled in all three music major programs. The ensemble will perform on campus throughout the academic year. Course may be taken for credit or non-credit and admission is by approval of instructor.
An instrumental ensemble organized primarily to accompany the choral ensembles for concerts on and off campus. This group is open to students, faculty, and staff by invitation, audition, or permission from the director. Ensemble may be taken for credit or audit.
Offered to advanced piano majors by permission of instructor. Participants will explore and perform classical repertoire written for two pianists (four hands). The repertoire will be varied to include music for one piano, as well as music for two pianos. Music majors receive secondary ensemble credit.
An ensemble open to all brass students. The organization will perform standard brass literature and some sacred pieces.
The touring choir of the college. Vocalists, accompanists and instrumentalists are selected by audition and must be academically eligible to participate. Enrollment in fall semester requires a 1-year commitment since tours are scheduled throughout the year. Students are required to purchase their own attire. Non-music majors may take Concert Choir for up to one credit; music majors for 0.5 credit only. Fee: $80
An ensemble with flexible instrumentation. Group performs standard Woodwind Quintet, Quartet or Trio literature as well as sacred pieces.
An ensemble open to music majors whose primary instrument is the piano. Participants will be required to accompany vocal and instrumental students in the context of private lessons and on-campus recitals. Music majors receive ensemble credit for their participation and may enroll up to four semesters.
A small mixed choral ensemble open to all students by audition. Music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras will be featured. Fee $60
Percussion Ensemble is open to both music majors and non-music majors with a background and interest in percussion. This organization fulfills the required ensemble credits for percussion students enrolled in all three music major programs. The ensemble will perform on campus throughout the academic year. Course may be taken for credit or non-credit and admission is by approval of instructor.
A small ensemble allowing students to participate in a variety of scenes, focusing on diction, acting, movement, and staging. Fee $60.
A small vocal ensemble performing a variety of sacred, contemporary and gospel music. This ensemble performs on and off-campus and may be taken for credit or non-credit.
An ensemble devoted to performing a variety of classical, sacred, contemporary and gospel music. This group performs on or off-campus and may be taken for credit only.
A non-touring choir formed for participation in chapel services, special on-campus events, and occasional off-campus events. Students are required to purchase their own attire. Open to students and non-students for credit or non- credit. Fee: $80
An ensemble open to violinists, violists, cellists and string bass players. This organization will fulfill the required ensemble credits for string students enrolled in all three music major programs. This ensemble will perform on campus throughout the academic year. Course may be taken for credit or non-credit and admission is by approval of instructor.
An instrumental organization open to all students. The band presents concerts in the college chapel, area churches and provides music for college events, e.g., college sports events. For credit or non-credit. Admission by approval of the instructor. Fee: $35
Handbell Ensemble includes an introduction to handbell ringing, performances, and procedures for creating a handbell choir. The class is open to both music majors and non-music majors with an interest in handbells and includes weekly rehearsals and several on- and off-campus performances. Course may be taken for credit or non-credit and admission is by approval of instructor.
T his ensemble is a journey through the genre of gospel music in America. From its birth in the early 1930s, the journey will include traditional spirituals and hymns through the modern gospel music of the 21st century. The gospel choir is open to all students, including non-music majors and will travel approximately twice per month. Instrumentalists will be selected based on audition. Fee: $30
Lessons in conducting are designed to refine conducting technique and further explore choral or instrumental literature.
Lessons on piano designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Lessons on organ designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Lessons on voice designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Lessons on guitar designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Lessons on an instrument from the percussion family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Lessons on an instrument from the woodwind family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Lessons on an instrument from the brass family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Lessons on an instrument from the string family designed to develop knowledge of literature and skills in performance and reading.
Source: University of Valley Forge's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
