33 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.
MUS 101BEGINNING CLASS PIANO1
Beginning Class Piano is an introduction to technical and musical aspects of playing the piano, taught in a group setting through use of an electronic piano laboratory. Intended for those who have no previous study in piano. Open to first-year students. No prerequisite. Course fee required. Please see Tuition and Fees rate table for specific charges. Course fees are non- refundable after the start of the term. Offered Term 1. (CRE: see notes above)
Private lessons in voice, instrumental music, or composition. Open to all students. No prerequisite except as listed. May be repeated for credit. Offered both terms. (CRE: see notes above) Course fee required. See Tuition and Fees table for course fee.
The Concert Choir is the large choral ensemble at Hollins, comprised of students from across campus. Open to students in all majors and departments, of all skill levels and backgrounds. This ensemble will focus on healthy vocal technique and the development of comprehensive choral musicianship through the performance experience. Concert Choir performs music from a wide variety of musical styles and genres and presents concerts regularly throughout the year. Open to first-year students. No prerequisite. May be repeated for credit. Offered both terms. (CRE: see notes above)
Valley Chamber Orchestra is a community orchestra in residence on the Hollins University campus. It is open through audition to Hollins students, who may participate for credit or as a volunteer orchestra member for no credit. The orchestra presents one concert each semester in du Pont Chapel. Open to first-year students. Prerequisite: audition. Contact the chair of the Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 327
The Hollins Appalachian Music Ensemble (“The Mountain Laurels”) is devoted to the traditional music of the Appalachian Region. Depending on the interests and abilities of its members, the ensemble will learn to perform instrumental and vocal traditional mountain music and bluegrass. Enrolling students must demonstrate competence on an acoustic instrument such as fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, or bass. Singers are also welcome. The course meets once a week. Course fee required. Please see Tuition and Fees Rate Table for specific charges. Additional course fees are non-refundable after the start of the term. Open to first-year students. Offered both terms. (CRE: see notes above)
Musicianship is an engaging, interactive course designed to develop fundamental skills in conducting, aural training, and keyboard proficiency. Through hands-on exercises, students will enhance their musical literacy, refine their listening abilities, and build confidence in performance. This course provides a strong foundation for further musical study. Prerequisite
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of music theory, including notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, and basic harmony. Students will develop skills in analyzing musical structures and applying theoretical knowledge to performance and composition. Through interactive exercises and creative applications, this course builds a strong foundation for understanding how music is written and performed. Offered Term 1, every other year. Open to first-year students. C&I
Building on the fundamentals from Music Theory I, this course explores more complex harmonic structures, voice leading, chromaticism, and formal analysis. Students will engage in part-writing, harmonic analysis, and ear training to deepen their understanding of musical composition and style. Through hands-on exercises and creative projects, students will refine their analytical and compositional skills across various musical genres. Prerequisite MUS 132. Open to first-year students. Offered Term 2, every other year. INQ
This course explores queer representations and themes with popular music through critical analysis. Students will examine how queer artists and songs challenge norms of gender, sexuality, and identity, analyzing musical techniques, lyrics, and cultural contexts. By studying a range of genres, students will gain insight into how queer music reshapes mainstream narratives and fosters inclusivity in popular culture. Course also listed as GWS 138. Open to first-year students. Music Theory elective. DJP.
MUS 140RHYMES AND RESISTANCE: FEMINISM IN HIP-HOP CULTURE
This course looks at how feminism is expressed in hip-hop, focusing on rhythm, meter, and lyrics. Students will study how female hip-hop artists use rhyme and beats to challenge gender roles and address social issues. Through analyzing lyrics and music, students will understand how hip-hop serves as a tool for feminist expression. Course also listed as GWS 140. Open to first-year students. Music Theory Elective. DJP.
This course explores the role of women in political music, protest songs, and chants as vital tools for advocacy, activism, and social change. Through a historical and contemporary lens, students will examine how women musicians, singers, and activists have used music and chants to challenge political systems, advocate for gender equality, and amplify voices in social movements. Course also listed as GMW 159. Open to first-year students. Music History elective. DJP.
MUS 158HISTORY OF THE EXCLUSION OF WOMEN IN THE WESTERN MUSIC CANON
This course examines the historical exclusion of women in the Western music canon, exploring how gender biases marginalized their contributions. Students will study key female composers and performers alongside canonical works, critically analyzing both. Through lectures and Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 329
This course explores the role of women in political music, protest songs, and chants as vital tools for advocacy, activism, and social change. Through a historical and contemporary lens, students will examine how women musicians, singers, and activists have used music and chants to challenge political systems, advocate for gender equality, and amplify voices in social movements. Course also listed as GWS 159. Open to first-year students. Music History elective. DJP.
MUS 175INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ARTS ADMINISTRATION4
What is happening behind the scenes at an art museum, an opera production, or a dance performance? This course explores the commonalities and peculiarities of the administration of various arts organizations through site visits, guest experts, and written projects such as grant proposals and strategic plans. Also listed and described as ART 175, DANC 175, FILM 175, and THEA 175. Open to first-year students. No prerequisite. Offered every other year in Term 2. (r)
This course applies the scientific method to ecomusicology, exploring the intersection of science, nature, and music technology. Students will record and analyze soundscapes, develop digital audio skills, and evaluate environmental sounds through scientific inquiry. By forming hypotheses, analyzing sound data, and refining conclusions, students will think critically about how sound functions in natural and urban environments.
The Hollins University Chamber Choir is the primary large choral ensemble on campus, singing repertoire from a variety of musical styles and genres. Open to students from all majors and departments, by brief placement audition. The focus will be on continued development of vocal technique and music literacy skills, through regular performance opportunities. Intended for students with previous choral ensemble experience. Open to first-year students. Prerequisite: brief placement audition. May be repeated for credit. (CRE: see notes above)
MUS 257IDENTITY AND INTERSECTIONALITY IN THE AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE
A survey of the historical and current trajectory of the American Musical Theatre – through the lens of those identities often excluded or othered by the genre. We will delve into perceptions, portrayals, and intersections of gender, race, orientation, class and [dis]ability, through examination of characters and storylines, as well as the cast, crew, creators, designers, and Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 330
This course is helpful to students interested in arts management as well as anyone anticipating a career in the nonprofit sector. The two major components of the course are the understanding of philanthropy in the U.S. and the attainment of skills necessary to obtain philanthropic gifts. Assignments may include grant writing, site visits, and oral presentations. Also listed and described as ART 276, DANC 276, FILM 276, and THEA 276. Open to first-year students. No prerequisite.
Individual independent studies below the advanced level, arranged with members of the music faculty. Permission of music faculty member required prior to registration. Offered any term.
The Hollins University Talmadge Singers is our elite small choral ensemble, singing advanced repertoire from a variety of musical styles and genres. Open to all students, by audition. Intended for singers with significant vocal/choral experience, this ensemble will focus primarily on repertoire and performance – performing regularly on-campus throughout the year, as well as on- and off-campus for university functions, run-out concerts, and community outreach events. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. Open to first-year students. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for credit. Offered both terms. (CRE: see notes above)
Individual independent studies at the advanced level, arranged with members of the music faculty. Permission of music faculty member required prior to registration. Offered any term.
The senior recital or project must be approved by the music faculty during the last semester of the junior year. A senior project might consist of a research paper or original compositions. Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 331
