MUSC - Music

Students are required to take this course four times. This course is required for all music majors each fall semester. Students must continue to enroll in MUSC 10001 each semester they are a declared music major.

This ensemble performs sacred music ranging from Gregorian chant and Renaissance masses to music of living composers. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings. The choir is directed by Dr. Lawrence Sisk and open to members of the Lewis University community. May be repeated for credit.

Chamber Choir is a collegiate choral ensemble of mixed voices. The repertoire encompasses both sacred and secular choral music of all styles and historical periods. The ensemble rehearses twice weekly and performs at concerts and other events. May be repeated for credit.

Gospel Choir is a collegiate choral ensemble of mixed voices. This ensemble performs diverse music primarily from African diasporic traditions including music from the past and the present. Students learn about repertoire, singing technique, and ensemble singing. The ensemble performs at concerts and other events. May be repeated for credit. 1 credit(s)

Students enrolled in MUSC 10400 Wind Ensemble perform with the Joliet Junior College Community Band. This ensemble is made up of residents from JJC District 525, JJC students, and Lewis University students. Wind Ensemble presents three to five public performances throughout the academic year. The music performed is primarily aligned with Western musical traditions. Students are expected to practice outside of class on their own instruments. Wind Ensemble is open to all Lewis University students. One credit hour. May be repeated for credit.

 

The jazz band performs selections from all jazz repertoires and specializes in music for big band. Participation in Lewis University Jazz Band provides a performing outlet for both music majors and non-music majors. The Jazz Band is conducted in a "learning by doing" style. May be repeated for credit.

Students are instructed in the technique and literature of Rock Band ensemble at all levels. Instruments are provided during class on a first come/first serve basis. Students are expected to practice outside of class on their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. Course may be repeated for credit.

Students of all levels are instructed in practical performance techniques and repertoire of regional Mexican musical styles, with additional opportunities to explore genres from across Latin America.
This course develops student understanding of music theory, performance techniques and practice, and awareness of the cultural context of this music. Students are expected to practice outside of class on their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. Course may be repeated for credit.

Students enrolled in Symphony Orchestra perform with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. This ensemble performs orchestral music primarily aligned with Western musical traditions. Students are expected to practice outside of class on their own instruments. Symphony Orchestra is open to all Lewis University students by audition. May be repeated for credit.

This ensemble performs percussion music from diverse musical styles and traditions. Students are expected to practice outside of class. Percussion Ensemble is open to all Lewis University students. The ensemble rehearses weekly and performs at concerts and other events. May be repeated for credit.

Provides basic instruction in recording live events. To hone their skills, students will record events hosted by the Music Department throughout the semester. Additionally, students will transfer recordings into the computer, learn basic mixing techniques, and become proficient in a variety of recording techniques of live performances. May be repeated for credit.

An introductory course in music literature and history for the non-major, this course fulfills the general education fine arts requirement.

This course provides an historical overview of world music while at the same time observing that it is ever-changing and no longer just influenced by its parent culture. This course fulfills the general education fine arts requirement.

Cantabile Choir is a collegiate choral ensemble of treble voices. The diverse repertoire, both sacred and secular, ranges from the medieval to the present day. The ensemble rehearses twice weekly and performs at concerts and other events. May be repeated for credit.

A survey of popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries, this course examines the musical characteristics, songwriting practices, and performance techniques associated with popular music of various styles and cultures. Social, cultural, historical, and political factors that shaped the development and reception of popular music will be examined, in addition to the development of critical listening skills. Discovering Pop Music fulfills the general education Appreciating the Aesthetic requirement. 3 credit(s)

This course introduces influential examples of popular songs by examining the music, lyrics, instrumentation, performance practice, and accompanying visual media and how they contribute to the relationship between music and social identity.

A survey of jazz music, this course examines the musical characteristics, practices, and performance techniques associated with jazz traditions. Social, cultural, historical, and political factors that shaped the development and reception of jazz music will be examined, and critical listening skills will be developed. History of Jazz fulfills the general education Appreciating the Aesthetic requirement. 3 credit(s)

This introduction to music theory includes the study of scales, keys, modes, melody, rhythm, harmony, and aural skills. Must be taken with MUSC 12200 Music Theory 1 Lab. All theory courses involve computer-assisted instruction.

A continuation of MUSC 12000, this course focuses on the four-part harmony of the 18th century. All theory courses involve computer-assisted music instruction.

An introductory aural skills course, Music Theory 1 Lab develops fundamental musicianship skills, including sight-reading tonal melodies with solfeggio.

An aural skills and keyboard harmony course, Music Theory 2 Lab builds upon the basic skills introduced in Music Theory 1 Lab. Melodies with modulations are introduced along with keyboard progressions using primary and secondary chords.

This class is designed for beginners. Students must have their own instruments.

This course provides private instruction in the technique and literature of the guitar at all levels. No musical background or experience is required. Literature is specifically chosen for each student's ability and level of advancement. May be repeated for credit.
1-2 credit(s)

This course provides instruction in the technique and literature of the classical guitar from intermediate to advanced levels of study. Students must have their own guitars with nylon strings. May be repeated for credit.

This course provides private instruction in the technique and literature of the bass at all levels. No musical background or experience is required. Literature is specifically chosen for each student's ability and level of advancement. May be repeated for credit.
1-2 credit(s)

This course offers instruction in the technique and literature of the banjo from beginning to advanced levels. Students must have their own instruments. May be repeated.

Students receive one-on-one instruction on the technique of playing the harp and its literature. Students of all majors and all levels of proficiency are welcome but must have their own instrument. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the trumpet at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the French horn at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the trombone at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit.

This course provides instruction in the technique and literature of the organ covering beginning to advanced levels. The course is designed for students with a strong background in keyboard study. May be repeated for credit.

Students are instructed on the various percussion instruments covering beginning to advanced levels of study. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the violin and/or viola at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the cello at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the double bass at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. Instruction is provided for both majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the clarinet at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. May be repeated for credit.

Students get instruction in the technique and literature of the flute at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. May be repeated for credit.

This course provides instruction in the technique and literature of the oboe at all levels. Students must have their own instruments. May be repeated for credit.

This course provides instruction in the technique and literature of the bassoon at all levels. Students must have their own instrument. May be repeated for credit.

This course provides instruction in the technique and literature of the saxophone at all levels.  Both jazz and classical styles may be addressed. Literature is specifically chosen for each student's ability and level of advancement. Students must have their own instrument. May be repeated for credit.

Basic skills of keyboard technique are developed through theory, composition, improvisation and literature. Small classes are taught in the piano lab. Each student has his or her own electric piano with headset.

This course provides private instruction in the technique and literature of the piano at all levels. No musical background or experience is required. Literature is specifically chosen for each student's ability and level of advancement. May be repeated for credit.
1-2 credit(s)

Students receive one-on-one instruction on the techniques and literature of jazz piano. Students of all majors and all levels of proficiency are welcome. May be repeated for credit.

This instruction is designed to acquaint students with fundamental techniques of good vocal production. Literature is specially chosen for each student's ability and goal. May be repeated for credit.

Private instruction is provided in composing music, with emphasis on computer-assisted techniques. May be repeated for credit.

This course focuses on basic songwriting styles and techniques. Over the course of the semester different songwriting basic methods will be presented and students will be shown methods to develop the necessary skills to compose well-crafted songs. While focusing on songwriting, analysis, and critical listening, students will be encouraged to develop their own musical voice. There are no required pre-requisites for the course. May be repeated for credit.

This course surveys the canonical works of the major composers from the classical musical traditions of the Western world. Students will examine meaning through sound, complementing active listening skills by learning about the development of Western musical traditions from historical and cultural perspectives. Discovering Classical Music fulfills the general education Appreciating the Aesthetic requirement and is a writing intensive course.

An introduction to the music industry and an examination of career opportunities. Students learn basic marketplace principles and how these principles apply to music business.

This course entails a study of the chromatic harmony of the 19th century.  All theory courses involve computer-assisted music instruction.

Students explore the musical paradigms of the 20th century. All theory courses involve computer-assisted music instruction.

An aural skills and keyboard harmony course, Music Theory 3 Lab continues to develop musicianship by introducing chromatic melody and harmony.

An aural skills and keyboard harmony course, Music Theory 4 Lab introduces advanced chromatic and atonal melodies.

Topics in Music fulfills a requirement for music majors, but is open to Lewis students in all majors. There are no prerequisites. The topic varies each semester the course is offered and might include: Russian music; liturgical music of the Catholic and Orthodox Church; the symphony; opera from Monteverdi to Verdi; chamber music of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries; music of the 20th century; world music.

This course surveys 1000 years of Russian music, beginning with the conversion of Rus to Christianity in 988 and ending with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1988. Topics to be studied include: Znamenny chant; music in the era of Ivan the Terrible; Europeanization in the 18th century under Peter the Great, Empress Elizabeth, and Catherine the Great; Italian-trained composers, e.g., Bortnyansky; the Russian Folk Song; music for the Divine Liturgy and the All-Night Vigil; Romances and Songs of the Golden and Silver Ages; Russian Opera and Ballet; Tchaikovsky and the symphony; tone poems; concertos for piano and violin; music in the Soviet era. There will be opportunities to hear and perform Russian music on and off campus during the semester. Performance is encouraged but not mandatory.

This course considers music's many functions in film from the 1890s to the present. Viewing films outside of class is required.

This introductory course in the application of the computer to musical functions includes sound generation leading to composition.

This course is designed for students seeking to compose and notate music using computers. An advanced course in music technology which focuses on software and hardware that controls digital audio.  May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.

This survey of the music industry is designed for Music Business majors. It is the second course in a sequence together with MUSC 21000 Introduction to Music Business.

The first semester of a year-long survey of music history, this course includes music of the ancient world through Beethoven. This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement for Music majors.

Music History 2 is the second semester of a year-long survey of music history. The course content covers music of the Enlightenment through the 20th century. This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement for music majors.

This course provides a detailed study of the materials and structures of tonal and atonal music.

This class is an introduction to the instruments of the symphony orchestra and rudiments of scoring. Students are taught classification of instruments and how to write for all transposing instruments.

This course is designed for students seeking to compose and notate music using computers.

Through the study and skill development of basic conducting techniques, students will begin to appreciate the relationship between gesture and sound. This course is designed to develop technique and knowledge of instrumental and vocal conducting, 

A survey of popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries, this course examines the musical characteristics, songwriting practices, and performance techniques associated with popular music of various styles and cultures. Social, cultural, historical, and political factors that shaped the development and reception of popular music will be examined, in addition to the development of critical listening skills. Discovering Pop Music for Majors is a music history elective for Music Industry majors and Music minors. 3 credit(s)

Sex, Race, and Power in Pop Music for Majors examines social identities and relations of power that characterize popular music in contemporary society. By investigating artists and examples of music from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through the lenses of sexuality (including gendered expression), race, and the structures of power that organize life in modern society, this course examines how music responds to and impacts our understanding of social difference. A diverse range of noteworthy popular musicians and their creative output will be explored as they relate to the organizing principles of the course. Readings from the disciplines of popular music studies, African American studies, gender and sexuality studies, and cultural studies will be surveyed in the class. Musical characteristics, songwriting practices, instrumental/vocal techniques, and accompanying visual media will be investigated for how they contribute to defining the relationship between music and identity. Social, cultural, historical, and political factors that shaped the development and reception of the musicians discussed in the course will be analyzed.

This course provides a historical overview of the origins of Jazz and its most important and influential musicians from 1900 to the present, and examines the musical characteristics, compositional practices, and instrumental/vocal techniques associated with the various styles of the genre. Social, cultural, historical, and political factors that shaped the development and reception of jazz will be investigated.

Students enrolled in this course will gain experience working as musicians on a performance series to be determined in consultation with the instructor. Performance series include community-facing events that might take place off-campus as well as musical productions on campus directed by the Theatre Department. Through this experiential learning course, students will put their education into practice, performing music at a high level. 1 credit hour, may be repeated.

Students enrolled in this course will gain experience working as live sound engineers on a performance series to be determined in consultation with the instructor. Performance series include community-facing events that might take place off-campus as well as musical productions on campus directed by the Theatre Department. Through this experiential learning course, students will put their education into practice, providing sound reinforcement solutions at a high level. 1 credit hour, may be repeated.

Students enrolled in this course will gain experience working as a producer and sound engineer on a recording project to be determined in consultation with the instructor. Recording projects include community-facing projects that may include musical groups from off-campus as well as Lewis University ensembles. Through this experiential learning course, students will put their education into practice, creating a high-quality recording product. 1 credit hour, may be repeated.

This capstone course is designed to prepare Music Industry majors for the comprehensive music examination and presentation of the student’s representative digital portfolio required by the department for graduation.

In this practical on-the-job training program, interns gain experience in the music business and recording industry. Required of Music Business majors for graduation.