Music Degrees Online

The Bachelor of Music Education degree prepares students for careers teaching instrumental, choral, and general music in K-12 schools, and satisfies the requirements for K-12 licensure in the State of Colorado. Students must apply for and be granted admission to the music education program prior to any enrollment in music education methods courses, supervised field experiences, and student teaching. Further information may be obtained in the Department of Music Student Handbook, Policies & Procedures. Students seeking this degree must satisfy all applicable requirements of the Department of Music and the School of Professional Studies teacher education program. Students should read the teacher licensure sections of the Catalog and stay in regular contact with both a music and teacher education advisor. To become licensed, recipients of the Bachelor of Music Education degree must satisfy all applicable requirements of the teacher education and licensure programs in the School of Professional Studies. This degree program is approved by the Colorado State Department of Education and has full accreditation by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
The Bachelor of Music degree prepares students for further graduate studies, or for careers as performers, composers, or private studio teachers. Concentrations are available in performance and composition. To be admitted to this program, students must demonstrate the capability of developing a high level of musicianship. For admission to the performance concentration, students must pass the music performance audition upon completion of MUS 1720, Private Instruction II. For admission to the composition concentration, students must pass a review of their composition portfolio upon completion of MUS 3650, Basic Techniques of Composition.

The Metropolitan State College of Denver is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Department offers a Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in performance and composition, a Bachelor of Music Education degree with concentrations in choral and instrumental music, a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, and a minor in music. The Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees are professional degree programs designed for students wishing to prepare themselves for careers as performers, composers, or teachers or for further graduate study; these degrees do not require a minor. The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is a non-professional degree with a liberal arts focus, and requires a minor. Back to top

The information presented on this website does not constitute a binding contract between the Metropolitan State College of Denver and students (current and prospective). The Department of Music reserves the right to change its contents at any time, without advance notice.

MUS 326-327 GUITAR ENSEMBLE
(CLASSICAL and JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY) (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of guitar literature of various periods, meeting twice weekly. Days and times of the rehearsals are arranged at the beginning of each semester. As enrollment allows, there will be a Jazz and Contemporary Guitar section. Each student is responsible for appropriate performance attire. Prerequisite: MUS 125 or permission of the instructor. Open to non-music majors. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.
MUS 228-229 MEN’S CHORUS (1 s.h.)
The Men’s Chorus is open to all men in the university community from all disciplines that love to sing and enjoy camaraderie through great music. Music from every music epoch will be performed from serious to more pop/contemporary a cappella forms. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.
MUS 286-287 WOMEN’S CHORUS (1 s.h.)
The Methodist University Women’s Chorus is open to all women of the University community with students from all disciplines that love to sing and enjoy camaraderie through great music. It is intended to provide a foundation in area of vocal technique while achieving a high standard of excellence in repertoire selected from all periods and musical styles. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.
MUS 267-268 SHOW CHOIR (”SYNERGY”) (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of various styles of popular music, with appropriate choreography. Members of this elective musical ensemble may be required to purchase performance outfits. This course is open to vocalists and instrumentalists. This course does not fulfill ensemble requirements for music majors. Open to non-music majors.
MUS 348-349 CONCERT BAND (1 s.h.)
This ensemble plays a variety of concert band/wind band literature from throughout the 20th century. The band will perform at least two concerts and the MU Graduation ceremony each term. This group is available for credit, and each semester enrolled fulfills one (1) credit toward the MU Arts and Humanities requirements.
MUS 390-391 CHAMBER MUSIC (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of works and arrangements for string, brass, woodwind, and keyboard instruments. The ensemble is open to non-music majors.
MUS 394-395 ORCHESTRA (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of ensemble works for orchestra and smaller chamber ensembles. Performances may occur on or off campus. Open to non-music majors.
MUS 398-399 JAZZ ENSEMBLE (1 s.h.)
Rehearsal and performance of works and arrangements for brass, woodwind, keyboard and percussion instruments. Meets twice weekly. The ensemble is open to non-music majors.

An additional fee is charged for all private music lessons. Emphasis is on acquiring musical concepts and technical proficiency, as well as the thorough study of representative literature.
Frequent opportunities to perform are provided in recitals, including general student recitals and partial or full formal recitals. Additional performance opportunities are made available through accompanying vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles. One s.h. is granted for successful completion of a course involving one lesson (1/2 hour). Two s.h. are granted for two lessons each week. All music majors are required to perform in one student recital per semester.
A jury examination is normally required at the end of each semester. A full recital (about sixty minutes) and a half-recital (about thirty minutes) are required of all students pursuing the B.M. in Performance. Candidates for the B.M. in Music Education are required to present a half-recital.
MUS 105-406 OPERA WORKSHOP (1 s.h.)
Study through rehearsal and performance of operatic literature and other works for the musical stage. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. These courses are offered periodically.
MUS 111-112 CLASS VOICE FOR NON-MUSIC MAJORS (2 s.h.)
This course is intended for students with no previous voice instruction, other than perhaps high school or church choir experience. Through vocal exercises, demonstrations, videos, aural skills development, and other means, students will develop their own singing abilities, musical understanding and performance skills.
MUS 125 INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL GUITAR TECHNIQUE AND
LITERATURE (2 s.h.)
In a classroom setting, students will be introduced to beginning technique for the classical guitar. Purchase or rental of a guitar and foot stool are required.
MUS 175-478 PIANO PROFICIENCY (1-2 s.h.)
MUS 114-416 APPLIED PIANO (2 s.h.)
MUS 117-418 VOICE PROFICIENCY (1-2 s.h.)
MUS 131-433 APPLIED VOICE (2 s.h.)
MUS 121-422 APPLIED ORGAN (2 s.h.)
MUS 165 DICTION FOR SINGERS: ITALIAN AND ENGLISH (2 s.h.)
Diction in the four major languages of Western music. Taken in conjunction with applied voice. Required of Voice Performance majors. This course is offered as needed.
MUS 265 DICTION FOR SINGERS: GERMAN AND FRENCH (2 s.h.)
Diction in the four major languages of Western music. Taken in conjunction with applied voice. Required of Voice Performance majors. Prerequisite: MUS 165. This course is offered as needed.
MUS 141-443 APPLIED STRINGS (orchestral and guitar) (2 s.h.)
MUS 144-446 APPLIED STRINGS (orchestral and guitar) (1 s.h.)
MUS 154-456 APPLIED WOODWINDS (2 s.h.)
MUS 171-473 APPLIED PERCUSSION (2 s.h.)
MUS 181-483 APPLIED BRASS (2 s.h.)

MUS 071 CONCERT ATTENDANCE (No Credit)
Music majors must attend a specified number of live musical performances each semester to successfully complete this course. Pass/fail course.
MUS 151 SURVEY OF MUSIC IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION (3 s.h.)
This course fulfills the general education requirement. Development of listening ability through historical survey of Western musical development. Musical examples from Medieval through present day are utilized. No prior knowledge of music is required. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.
MUS 152 JAZZ AND POPULAR CULTURE (3 s.h.)
This course fulfills the general education requirement. A survey course which examines the major style eras of jazz in America as well as musical/societal trends in popular culture. Listening skills are highly emphasized.
MUS 260 SURVEY OF MUSIC LITERATURE (1 s.h.)
A survey course that concentrates on select pieces of literature from the European Classical tradition. Particular emphasis is placed on score reading and listening skills. Also stressed is an understanding of key terminology as it relates to the various periods in Western musical history. Important biographical information about composers will also be discussed. Survey of Music Literature is designed as a prerequisite for MUS 311, and is intended to be taken at the should be taken in the spring semester of the sophomore year. Prerequisite for Survey of Music Literature is successful completion of MUS 162 (theory).
MUS 311 MUSIC HISTORY: ANCIENT THROUGH BAROQUE (3 s.h.)
Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classic periods; the rise of new forms, and stylistic and theoretical analysis of major works. This course is offered every fall semester. Prerequisites: MUS 162, 264; ENG 101, 102.
MUS 313 MUSIC HISTORY: CLASSICISM THROUGH ROMANTIC (3 s.h.)
Beethoven to the contemporary experimental scene with stylistic and theoretical analysis of major works. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: MUS 162, 264, 311; ENG 101, 102.
MUS 340 SACRED CHORAL MUSIC LITERATURE (3 s.h.)
A survey of choral literature for Christian denominations. Literature from every historical period will be introduced, including contemporary Christian choral music. Emphasis will be placed on studying scores, recordings and assessing appropriate literature for a variety of church settings. Prerequisites: MUS 262, 311, and 313. This course is offered periodically.
MUS 385 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MUSIC (1-3 s.h.)
An opportunity for a well-qualified, upper-division student to engage in special research in his/her major. Requires approval by the faculty advisor, the supervising professor, and the department chair, before approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Credit to be determined.
MUS 400 SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSIC 2-(3 s.h.)
Special courses offered periodically.
MUS 419 20th - 21st CENTURY AND NON-WESTERN MUSICAL STYLES (2 s.h.)
This course will identify and analyze the various musical and compositional styles throughout the 20th century (Post W.W. 1), including prominent composers, compositional styles, and analysis of specific works. This course will also survey various jazz as well as non-western styles- especially those of the Far East and Asiatic countries. This course is designed as the final segment of the Music History component, and is intended to be taken in the senior year. Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of MUS 311 and 313.

MUS 361 CONDUCTING (3 s.h.)
The techniques of conducting and score-reading in vocal and instrumental music. Prerequisite: MUS262 and MUS208 or permission of instructor. This course is offered every spring semester.
MUSIC EDUCATION COURSES
MUS 301 STRING TECHNIQUES (1 s.h.)
Methodology of teaching stringed instruments for students seeking teacher licensure. Each student learns to demonstrate characteristic tone quality and elementary technique on at least one stringed instrument. This course is offered as needed.
MUS 302 STRING INSTRUMENT PEDAGOGY (2 s.h.)
This course is designed to prepare students to teach private lessons in violin, viola or cello from beginning through early advanced levels. The course addresses teaching principles of a wide range of contemporary pedagogues including Shinichi Suzuki, Ivan Galamian and Kato Havas. Offered as needed.
MUS 303 WOODWIND TECHNIQUES (1 s.h.)
Methodology of teaching woodwind instruments for students seeking teacher licensure. Each student learns to demonstrate characteristic tone quality and elementary technique on each woodwind instrument. This course is offered as needed.
MUS 304 BRASS AND PERCUSSION TECHNIQUES (1 s.h.)
Methodology of teaching brass and percussion instruments for students seeking teacher licensure. Each student learns to demonstrate characteristic tone quality and elementary technique on each brass and percussion instrument. This course is offered as needed.
MUS 409 PIANO PEDAGOGY (3 s.h.)
Materials and methods for teaching beginning piano through intermediate and early advanced levels with emphasis on notation, scales, technique, style, and interpretation. Students observe private and group instruction and are supervised in the teaching of beginning piano students. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. This course is offered as needed.
EDU 410 MUSIC MATERIALS AND METHODS IN ELEMENTARY AND
SECONDARY EDUCATION I (2 s.h.)
Materials and methods of teaching music to elementary and secondary students with emphasis on voice development and organization and teaching of choral and instrumental groups. EDU 410 is taken immediately before the student teaching semester. This course is offered as needed.
EDU 418 MUSIC MATERIALS AND METHODS IN ELEMENTARY AND
SECONDARY EDUCATION II (2 s.h.)
Materials and methods of teaching music to elementary and secondary students with emphasis on voice development and organization and teaching of choral and instrumental groups. EDU 418 is taken during the student teaching semester. This course is offered as needed.

MUS 107 AURAL SKILLS I (1 s.h.)
Development of the ability to recognize and sing various intervals and rhythms by sight and sound. Students will learn to read the tonal and rhythmic language of music. Class meets two hours a week. MUS 107 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 161. This course is offered every fall semester. This course is designed for music majors and minors.
MUS 108 AURAL SKILLS II (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 107. MUS 108 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 162. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: MUS 161 and 107.
MUS 161 BASIC MUSICIANSHIP I (3 s.h.)
Theory, with emphasis on basic musical terminology, scales, intervals, rhythms, chord structures, and analysis. This course is offered every fall semester. MUS 107 should be taken in conjunction with this course.
MUS 162 BASIC MUSICIANSHIP II (3 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 161. This course is offered every spring semester. MUS 108 should be taken in conjunction with this course. Prerequisites: MUS 161 and 107.
MUS 207 AURAL SKILLS III (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 108. MUS 207 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 261. This course is offered every fall semester. Prerequisites: MUS 162 and 108.
MUS 208 AURAL SKILLS IV (1 s.h.)
Continuation of MUS 207. MUS 208 should be taken in conjunction with MUS 262. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: MUS 261 and 207.
MUS 261 BASIC MUSICIANSHIP III (3 s.h.)
Theory, harmony, and analysis. This course is offered every fall semester. MUS 207 should be taken in conjunction with this course. Prerequisites: MUS 162 and 108.
MUS 262 BASIC MUSICIANSHIP IV (3 s.h.)
Theory with emphasis on chromatic harmony, modulation, and twentieth century composition techniques. This course is offered every spring semester. MUS 208 should be taken in conjunction with this course. Prerequisites: MUS 261 and 207.
MUS 365 INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (2 s.h.)
Laboratory experience and class lecture on current music hardware and software. Exploration of the various utilization of software and technology in teaching and teaching strategies. Investigation of the musical protocol of MIDI as well as basic computer/musical instrument hardware setups. Keyboard skills are desirable. This course is offered periodically. Prerequisite: MUS 162 or permission of the instructor.
MUS 366 INTRODUCTION TO IMPROVISATION (2 s.h.)
Learning the basics of keyboard improvisation with attention to the interpretation of various chord and melodic structures with regard to styles and voicings. This course is offered periodically. Prerequisite: MUS 262 and permission of the instructor.
MUS 465 INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITION AND ARRANGING (3 s.h.)
Composition and arranging of music in various forms; traditional and contemporary approaches and media, including computer-assisted composition. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisite: MUS 262.

One of the obvious questions that students ask as they consider college education is “Can I afford it?” Like any wise investment, an education at a private Christian college brings definite rewards. But it also costs money.
Since we feel that students should receive a quality education that is distinctively Christian, we are prepared to help deserving persons with financial need to meet the cost of a Messiah College education.

In the music degree program, you’ll choose general music, or one of four concentrations: performance, church music, composition, and commercial music. In the performance concentration, you’ll develop your performance skills through intensive practice and lessons. You’ll also learn to teach your instrument, often by instructing beginning students, and study the history of your instrument.
Church music will equip you for work in the church through the study of church music history and administration. You’ll gain experience through involvement in chapel music at Messiah College and participate in music programs at local churches.
Composition students study both composition and a performance area. Many of their works are performed, culminating in a recital of their own compositions. They also learn to create music with electronic instruments.
With a commercial music concentration, you’ll learn the technology of MIDI and studio recording, and the skills of jazz and pop improvisation for your instrument. All four concentrations combine music studies with a minor in another field, allowing greater flexibility in career preparation.