Music

MUS100, 101, 102 Beginning Voice (1 semester hour)
For students with little or no previous training. Basic principles of breathing, diction, phrasing, dynamics, interpretation, and the awareness of aesthetic values are introduced through vocal exercises and the learning and memorization of simple songs in English and Italian. A studio recital with other beginners and a jury performance for music faculty conclude each term. Some knowledge of music, or the playing of an instrument such as piano or guitar, is desirable but not required.
No prerequisites

MUS120, 121, 122 Beginning Piano (1 semester hour)
Individual lessons for the inexperienced student; no previous background necessary. Sight reading, aural skills, understanding musical symbols, recognizing key and meter signatures, analysis of harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structure and finger facility in all keys. Simple pieces of music are studied and the values of aesthetic awareness are introduced. A studio recital with other beginners and a jury performance for music faculty conclude each term.
No prerequisites

MUS150 Music Appreciation (3 semester hours)
Through listening to recordings of many styles of musical composition from Bach to the Blues, the class will explore the differences and similarities in the music of all ages and develop a vocabulary to describe the form and style. Provides listening tools to develop an awareness of, and sensitivity to, the vast world of music.
No prerequisites

MUS200, 201, 202 Voice I (1 semester hour)
Continues the study of breath control, diction, and interpretation including the awareness of aesthetic values. More advanced musical literature (including songs and arias in foreign languages) will be learned, according to the individual's capabilities and interests. Student recital opportunities available each term, and performance for other music faculty concludes each term. A non-beginner who has not studied at Aurora University previously will be placed in the appropriate course by the instructor following an audition.
Prerequisites: MUS100, 101, 102.

MUS220, 221, 222 Piano I (1 semester hour)
These courses include work toward the mastery of technical skills needed in the performance of the repertoire studied and understanding of the forms and styles of composition, elements of musical interpretation, memorization, and the use of all of the above in the performance of appropriate repertoire: major and minor scales, triads, and arpeggios, representative works from the finest piano literature, further explorations of the values of aesthetic awareness. There are opportunities to appear in student recitals during each term and a jury performance for music faculty concludes each term. A non-beginner who has not previously studied at Aurora University will be placed in the appropriate course by the instructor following an audition.
Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of piano technique and completion of material in MUS110, 111 or 120, 121, 122.

MUS240 Musics of the World (3 semester hours)
An introduction to music in various parts of the world with emphasis on the way music functions within each society.
No prerequisites

MUS250 American Music (3 semester hours)
Traces the history of music in America from its colonial beginnings and European influences, through the Revolutionary and Civil War periods to the present. A study of the 20th century shows the significance of the jazz idiom and its influence on all forms of music.
No prerequisites

MUS255 Opera Appreciation (2 semester hours)
Traces the history and development of opera from its beginnings to the present day, emphasizing opera as a combination of the art forms. Introduces operas, composers, and performers through listening to live and recorded music, discussions and films. Includes trips to attend Lyric Opera performances. May be taken for up to 4 semester hours.
No prerequisites

MUS300, 301, 302 Voice II (1 semester hour)
A continuation of Voice I.
Prerequisites: MUS200, 201, 202.

MUS310, 311, 312 Voice III (1 semester hour)
A continuation of Voice II.
Prerequisites: MUS300, 301, 302.

MUS320, 321, 322 Piano II (1 semester hour)
A continuation of Piano I.
Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of piano technique and completion of material in MUS220, 221, 222.

MUS330, 331, 332 Piano III (1 semester hour)
A continuation of Piano II.
Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of piano technique and completion of material in MUS320, 321, 322.

MUS400, 401, 402 Voice IV (1 semester hour)
A continuation of Voice III.
Prerequisites: MUS310, 311, 312.

MUS420, 421, 422 Piano IV (1 semester hour)
A continuation of Piano III.
Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of piano technique and completion of material in MUS320, 321, 322.