Music | West Coast Baptist College

Music

Courses of Study

Course ID Credit Hours Course
MU 100 2

Rudiments of Music

This course is an introduction to music theory covering the elements of pitch and rhythm, music notation, and an introduction to musical analysis. Students may test out by scoring adequately on the Music Theory Placement Test. Prerequisite: None

MU 110 1

Freshman Fifteen (by audition)

Freshman Fifteen is an audition ensemble accessible only to students entering their freshman year of college. Once selected, the student commits to weekly rehearsals, performances, and assignments related to the musical development and performance of the group. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 111 1

Private Music Lesson Elective

These lessons are designed for students who are not in the music program. Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student, and target improvement in personal musicianship. These lessons are not able to be substituted as a replacement for a private lessons requirement as part of the music program. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 121 3

Music Theory 1

This course is a study of the scales, diatonic chords, part writing, music typesetting, and arranging structured in a way to reflect the unique needs of church musicians. Students must demonstrate the ability to compose an original gospel song in the 19th-century style. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 100 with a grade of a “C” or higher, or test scoring requirement met; Corequisite: MU 123

MU 123 1

Sight Singing and Ear Training 1

Sight singing, aural training, dictation, rhythm, and keyboard skills coordinated with the curriculum of Music Theory 1. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 100 with a grade of a “C” or higher, or test scoring requirement met; Corequisite: MU 121

MU 131 3

Music Theory 2

A continuation of Music Theory 1, this course introduces a more detailed study of harmony, writing piano accompaniments, and an introduction to the ambiguities of analytical systems. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 121 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 123; Corequisite: MU 133

MU 133 1

Sight Singing and Ear Training 2

A continuation of MU 123. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 121 and MU 123; Corequisite: MU 131

MU 150 1

Voice Class

Group work in the fundamentals of good singing, including breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, interpretation and stage presence are covered in this class. Students gain practical experience by singing several solos for a grade. Prerequisite: None

MU 202 2

Survey of Western Music

Developing listening skills and a basic understanding of Western music through the study of music literature. Students will be introduced to the basic instruments, structures, forms, and composers from the major style periods, with emphasis on the music from 1600-1950. Prerequisite: None

MU 221 3

Music Theory 3

A continuation of Music Theory 2, this course continues a study of music theory from the church musicians’ point of view, but introduces more complex harmonic vocabulary and the complex ideas associated with modulation and their implications for both arrangers and analysts. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 131 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 133; Corequisite: MU 223

MU 223 2

Music Technology

This course explores the technological side of music and music ministry, exploring the characteristics of sound, acoustics, MVAI composing, sound engineering, sound systems, and the accompanying software for these activities. A brief introduction is given for the major software companies such as Finale, ProTools, and Sibelius. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 131 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 133; Recommended corequisite: MU 221

MU 231 3

Music Theory 4

A continuation of Music Theory 3, this course covers advanced work in part writing, analysis, arranging, composition, and music typesetting for the church musician. Introductory concepts for orchestration are also included. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 221 with a grade of a “C” or higher, and MU 223; Corequisite: MU 233

MU 233 1

Keyboard Harmony

This course is a continuation of the musicianship courses accompanying music theory. This course focuses on developing key technical and analytical skills on the keyboard coordinated with the curriculum of Music Theory 4. These skills include, but are not limited to, playing from a lead sheet, playing from a figured bass, and properly voicing chords. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: MU 221 and MU 223 ; Corequisite: MU 231

MU 301 1

West Coast Choir

The West Coast Choir (WCC) is an audition choir made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will form a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 301 1

West Coast Orchestra

The West Coast Choir (WCC) is an audition choir made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will for a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 301 1

West Coast Choir and Orchestra

The West Coast Choir and Orchestra is an audition group made up of students from all programs of study. In it, you will form a community of performers and artists, sing incredible and challenging music in worship, participate in various activities and events, record on the new college album, and serve a variety of musical functions throughout the school year. Auditions happen once a semester. New members and first year members have an entrance and an exit audition before and after their first year in the choir. A fee of $30 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 302 2

History of Western Music

This course is a survey of the major historical trends that have defined Western music for the last 2,000 years. Through the study of music literature, students will be introduced to composers, music terminology, the basic structures, forms, and instrumentation and performance practices from the major style periods. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 202

MU 310 2

Vocal Diction and Pedagogy

An introduction to the fundamentals of vocal/physical anatomy, acoustics, and diction, with an emphasis on materials, methods, and procedures used in teaching basic principles of vocal production for both individuals and groups. Course will include regular listening and singing exercises, readings, in-class demonstrations, and presentations. Students will observe voice classes and private lessons. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 150, and MU 431

MU 315 2

Choral Conducting 1

This course introduces the student to the art and mechanics of choral conducting. The course explores the basic conducting patterns, left hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, musical terminology, expressive gestures, and score study. This course will develop important conducting techniques necessary for choir directors and congregational song leaders in local church ministry. Prerequisite: None

MU 316 2

Choral Conducting 2

This course explores the essentials of choral rehearsal and performance, the role of the conductor in both, the effective use of rehearsal technique, the identification and correction of vocal faults, and the communicating of musical concepts to a volunteer choir with little or no formal music training. Prerequisite: MU 315 with a grade of a “C” or higher

MU 320 1

Summer Ministry Teams

Students in these traveling ensembles represent West Coast Baptist College in local churches around the country. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 334 3

Piano Pedagogy

This class is devoted to the profession of teaching students to play the piano. Various aspects of the profession are covered, from the practical (advertising, acquiring students, business practices) to the specific (teaching beginning students, surveys of several piano methods, technique and musicality). Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 121, 122, 131, and 132

MU 368 2

Teaching Elementary Music

This course is designed to help students learn principles of teaching elementary music in a classroom arena as well as how to prepare lesson plans and educational objectives. Students will teach sample lessons. Confidence in the classroom is emphasized in this course. Prerequisite: EN 102; 64 credits earned

MU 371 1

Ensemble

Students in the music department are required to participate in a performing group every semester during their studies. The student may choose to continue with the West Coast Choir and Orchestra to fulfill this credit. Otherwise, the student will be assigned with a performance group that will meet throughout the semester for rehearsal, development, and performance. Admission to this course is at the discretion of the Music Department. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 401 2

Sacred Music Literature

This course is designed to expose students to the variety of genres related to “sacred” music history. While not occupying too much time on historical events, this course will examine historical musical pieces from the early church to the present. The main activities will be musical listening, analysis and function for worship. Prerequisite: EN 102

MU 402 2

Philosophy of Church Music

This course explores the biblical teachings about music and worship and equips the Christian leader with the critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills necessary to form a biblical philosophy of worship. Students will engage in a variety of readings and critiques as they explore difficult questions surrounding the topic of music and worship in the church music setting. Prerequisite: EN 102

MU 411 2

Arranging and Composition

This course explores various composition and arranging techniques relevant to church music. Students will engage in stylistic analysis of both classical and modern forms, moving from analysis to style-specific arranging. Additionally, students will engage in “from scratch” composition in a variety of vocal formats. This course requires a working knowledge of Finale or other notational software and/or MIDI sequencing software. This course should not be attempted until successful completion of Music Theory 1-4. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 231, and MU 233

MU 412 2

Orchestration and Scoring Techniques

This course explores various composition and arranging techniques relevant to church music, particularly for instrumental music. The course will cover all the orchestral instruments, ranges, dynamic ranges, and any pertinent information relevant to the composition process. This course requires a working knowledge of Finale or other notational software and/or MIDI sequencing software. This course should not be attempted until successful completion of Music Theory 1-4 and Arranging and Composition. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 231, and MU 233

MU 421 1

Private Piano Lessons

Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student. Alternate course codes for registration are as follows: MU 141, MU 142, MU 241, MU 242, MU 341, and MU 342. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 431 1

Private Voice Lessons

Private voice lessons give students the opportunity to receive individual, personalized instruction in solo vocal performance. Half hour weekly lessons will include segments on scales and other exercises, breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, and music study and rehearsal skills. Students will demonstrate their progress with presentations during the Vocal Performance Class. Alternate course codes for registration are as follows: MU 161, MU 162, MU 261, MU 262, MU 361, MU 362. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MU 150

MU 440 1

Private Instrument Lessons

Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student. Alternate course codes for registration are as follows: MU 181, MU 182, MU 281, MU 282, MU 381, and MU 382. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MU 461 2

Instrumental Methods 1

These courses explore the pedagogical approaches to each of the four instrument groups, two per semester. The first semester covers string and woodwinds. The second semester covers brass and percussion. Students will have the opportunity to perform on different instruments from each group, focusing on important technical and pedagogical approaches relevant to school bands, orchestras, and instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: EN 102

MU 462 2

Instrumental Methods 2

These courses explore the pedagogical approaches to each of the four instrument groups, two per semester. The first semester covers string and woodwinds. The second semester covers brass and percussion. Students will have the opportunity to perform on different instruments from each group, focusing on important technical and pedagogical approaches relevant to school bands, orchestras, and instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: EN 102

MU 471 1

Senior Music Recital

This course functions as the seventh required semester of private lessons. As opposed to jury requirements, the student uses this semester solely to prepare for the Senior Music Recital, given in the same semester this course is taken. All the guidelines, fees, and schedule requirements related to Private music lessons apply equally to the Senior Music Recital course. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Private Piano 6 or Private Voice 6; 96 credits earned

MU 481 3

Church Music Seminar 1

This course is the first of two capstone courses for the Church Music program and covers a variety of topics related to church music and worship leadership. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will serve a sort of internship in the music departments of WCBC and Lancaster Baptist Church for a certain number of hours per semester. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 131, MU 133, MU 150, and MU 316

MU 482 3

Church Music Seminar 2

This course is a continuation of the Church Music program capstone course, Church Music Seminar 1 and covers a variety of topics related to church music and worship leadership. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will serve a sort of internship in the music departments of WCBC and Lancaster Baptist Church for a certain number of hours per semester. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 481

MU 491 3

Music Education Seminar 1

This course is a prerequisite to the music education program capstone course, Music Education Seminar 2. This course covers a variety of topics related to music education and educational leadership. Students will examine current scholarship and issues in music education. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will observe music classes at Lancaster Baptist School and/or approved external locations in preparation for the teaching portion of Music Education Seminar 2. Prerequisite: EN 102, MU 131, MU 133, MU 150, MU 316, and MU 368

MU 492 3

Music Education Seminar 2

This course is a capstone course covering a variety of topics related to music education and educational leadership. Students will examine current scholarship and issues in music education. In addition to the helpful discussions, each student will teach in general and specific music classes as part of Lancaster Baptist School and Antelope Valley Music Academy or other approved Christian school(s) for a certain number of hours each semester. A fee of $15 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: EN 102 and MU 491

MUSIC 1

Piano Performance Class (Private Piano Lessons)

Lessons will be tailored to the individual ability of the student. A fee of $264 will be charged at the time of registration for this course. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MUSIC 1

Voice Performance Class (Private Voice Lessons)

Private voice lessons give students the opportunity to receive individual, personalized instruction in solo vocal performance. Half hour weekly lessons will include segments on scales and other exercises, breathing and posture, tone, pronunciation, repertoire, and music study and rehearsal skills. Students will demonstrate their progress with presentations during the Vocal Performance Class. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MU 150