Music
Objectives
The mission of the Department of Music is closely aligned with that of the University as a whole: we seek to foster knowledge, wisdom, fidelity, justice, and association in all that we do. We are dedicated to offering high-quality, professional training in music amidst the framework of a liberal arts education. We educate students in an atmosphere that is open, creative, inclusive, and innovative. The Department of Music seeks to cultivate an understanding of the crucial role that music plays in contemporary society and culture.
For those students interested in a career in music, the department offers specialized coursework leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Industry. Students pursuing this degree choose a concentration in Popular Music Studies, Music Business, Popular Music Performance, or Music Production and Recording. This degree provides students the tools needed for a successful career and life in the contemporary music industry. The Department of Music offers a range of courses for students of all majors, demonstrating our dedication to providing arts education as a pillar of a comprehensive liberal arts education.
Courses are taught by experienced faculty who are creatively active as composers, performers, and scholars. Students may take private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and all orchestra and band instruments with instructors who perform professionally throughout Chicagoland and beyond.
The department offers students opportunities to perform in chamber choir, symphony orchestra, jazz band, gospel choir, rock band, and recording ensemble. These ensembles are directed by faculty who have established themselves as respected conductors and music educators at the local, regional, and national levels. Private lessons and participation in ensembles for credit is open to all students at Lewis University, regardless of their major.
Every semester the Department of Music, in cooperation with the Arts & Ideas program, sponsors a series of concerts presented by guest artists, faculty, alumni and students, as well as performances by resident music ensembles. Music majors are expected to participate in or attend these concerts, which are provided free of charge to students.
Financial aid is available for music study at Lewis University in a number of forms. In addition to financial aid through the University, the Department of Music offers a limited number of Talent Scholarships to promising students who intend to major in Music Industry. These scholarships may be combined with grants, loans, and work-study programs from other sources.
MUSC 10001 - Music Seminar (1)
Students are required to take this course four times. This course is required for all music majors each Fall semester.
MUSC 10100 - University Choir (1)
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.
MUSC 10200 - Chamber Choir (1)
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.
MUSC 10300 - Lewis University Gospel Choir (1)
This group rehearses on Monday evenings and performs gospel music. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 10400 - Wind Ensemble (1)
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.
MUSC 10500 - Jazz Band (1)
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.
MUSC 10501 - Rock Band Ensemble (1)
Students are instructed in the technique and literature of Rock Band ensemble at all levels. Instruments are provided during class on a first com/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.
MUSC 10502 - Mariachi Ensemble (1)
Students of all levels are instructed in the technique and repertoire from Latin America, with an emphasis on post-colonial Mexican folkloric music. This course develops student understanding of music theory, performance techniques and practice, and understanding 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.
MUSC 10600 - Symphony Orchestra (1)
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.
MUSC 10700 - Percussion Ensemble (1)
Percussion Ensemble rehearses on Monday afternoons and is open to students in all majors. The repertoire varies each semester. No audition is required.
MUSC 10800 - Recording Ensemble (1)
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.
MUSC 11000 - Discovering Classical Music (3)
An introductory course in music literature and history for the non-major, this course fulfills the general education fine arts requirement.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
MUSC 11100 - World Music (3)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
MUSC 11200 - Cantabile Choir (1)
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.
MUSC 11500 - Discovering Pop Music (3)
A survey of American popular music of the 20th century, this course satisfies the general education fine arts requirement.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): F1904.
MUSC 11550 - Sex, Race, and Power in Pop Music (3)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
MUSC 11700 - History of Jazz (3)
This course provides a historical overview of the origins of Jazz and its most important and influential musicians from 1900 to the present. This course fulfills the general education fine arts requirement.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
MUSC 12000 - Music Theory 1 (3)
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.
Corequisite: MUSC 12200
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
MUSC 12100 - Music Theory 2 (3)
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.
Corequisite: MUSC 12300
MUSC 12200 - Music Theory I Lab (1)
An introductory aural skills course, Music Theory 1 Lab develops fundamental musicianship skills, including sight-reading tonal melodies with solfeggio.
Corequisite: MUSC 12000
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
MUSC 12300 - Music Theory II Lab (1)
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.
Prerequisite: MUSC 12000 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite: MUSC 12100
MUSC 13000 - Introduction to Guitar (1-2)
This class is designed for beginners. Students must have their own instruments.
MUSC 13100 - Guitar (1-2)
This course offers instruction in the technique and literature of the guitar from intermediate to advanced levels of study. Students must have their own instruments. May be repeated for credit.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 13200 - Classical Guitar (1-2)
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.
MUSC 13500 - Bass Guitar (1-2)
Students are instructed in the technique and literature of the bass from beginning to advanced levels. May be repeated for credit.
1-2 credit(s)
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 14000 - Banjo (1-2)
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.
MUSC 14600 - Harp (1-2)
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.
MUSC 15500 - Trumpet (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 15600 - French Horn (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 15700 - Trombone (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 16000 - Organ (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 16500 - Percussion (1-2)
Students are instructed on the various percussion instruments covering beginning to advanced levels of study. May be repeated for credit.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17000 - Violin/Viola (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17100 - Cello (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17200 - Double Bass (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17500 - Clarinet (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17600 - Flute (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17700 - Oboe (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17800 - Bassoon (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 17900 - Saxophone (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 18000 - Beginning Class Piano 1 (1-2)
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.
MUSC 18200 - Piano (1-2)
Private piano instruction is given at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Some background is required. May be repeated for credit.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 18300 - Applied Jazz Piano (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 18500 - Voice (1-2)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 18600 - Music Composition (1-2)
Private instruction is provided in composing music, with emphasis on computer-assisted techniques. May be repeated for credit.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen, Experiential Learning Gen Ed
MUSC 18700 - Songwriting (2)
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. Focusing on songwriting and critical listening, students will be encouraged to develop their own musical voice. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 19000 - Discovering Classical Music (3)
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.
Attributes: Appreciating the Aesthetic Gen
MUSC 21000 - Introduction to Music Business (3)
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.
MUSC 22000 - Music Theory 3 (3)
This course entails a study of the chromatic harmony of the 19th century. All theory courses involve computer-assisted music instruction.
Prerequisite: MUSC 12100 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite: MUSC 22200
MUSC 22100 - Music Theory IV (3)
Students explore the musical paradigms of the 20th century. All theory courses involve computer-assisted music instruction.
Prerequisite: MUSC 22000 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite: MUSC 22300
MUSC 22200 - Music Theory 3 Lab (1)
An aural skills and keyboard harmony course, Music Theory 3 Lab continues to develop musicianship by introducing chromatic melody and harmony.
Prerequisite: MUSC 12100 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite: MUSC 22000
MUSC 22300 - Music Theory IV Lab (1)
An aural skills and keyboard harmony course, Music Theory 4 Lab introduces advanced chromatic and atonal melodies.
Prerequisite: MUSC 22000 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite: MUSC 22100
MUSC 22600 - Topics in Music (3)
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.
MUSC 22700 - History of Russian Music (3)
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. Resources will be made available to students on Blackboard and in the Lewis University Library, which has a fine collection of materials on Russian music This course satisfies the General Education requirement for Fine Arts.
MUSC 23000 - Film, Music, and History (3)
This course considers music's many functions in film from the 1890s to the present. Viewing films outside of class is required.
MUSC 29900 - Introduction to Recording and Computer Music (3)
This introductory course in the application of the computer to musical functions includes sound generation leading to composition.
MUSC 30000 - Electronic Music Techniques (3)
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.
Prerequisite: MUSC 29900 (may be taken concurrently)
MUSC 31000 - Music Business (3)
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.
Prerequisite: MUSC 21000 (may be taken concurrently)
MUSC 31100 - Music History I (3)
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.
MUSC 31200 - Music History II (3)
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.
MUSC 32100 - Form and Analysis (3)
This course provides a detailed study of the materials and structures of tonal and atonal music.
Prerequisite: MUSC 22100 (may be taken concurrently)
MUSC 32200 - Orchestration (3)
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.
Prerequisite: MUSC 22100 (may be taken concurrently)
MUSC 32300 - Computer Composition (3)
This course is designed for students seeking to compose and notate music using computers.
Prerequisite: MUSC 29900 (may be taken concurrently)
MUSC 33000 - Conducting (3)
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,
Prerequisite: MUSC 22100 (may be taken concurrently)
MUSC 33500 - History of American Popular Music for Majors (3)
A survey of American popular music of the 20th century, this course examines the musical characteristics, songwriting practices, and instrumental/vocal techniques associated with the various styles of popular music. Social, cultural, historical, and political factors that shaped the development and reception of American popular music will be examined.
MUSC 33550 - Sex, Race, and Power in Pop Music for Majors (3)
This course examines social identities and relations of power in contemporary culture by analyzing examples of influential popular songs. Musical characteristics, lyrical focus, instrumental/vocal techniques, performance practices, and accompanying visual media will be investigated for how they contribute to defining the relationship between music and identity.
MUSC 33700 - History of Jazz for Majors (3)
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.
MUSC 41001 - Music Performance Practicum (1)
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.
MUSC 41002 - Music Sound Reinforcement Practicum (1)
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.
MUSC 41003 - Music Production Practicum (1)
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.
MUSC 49700 - Music Capstone Seminar (0)
This capstone course is designed to prepare Music/Music Business majors for the comprehensive examinations in music theory and history required by the department for graduation. Offered online.
Program Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: Music or Music Business.
Class Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Classes: Junior or Senior.
MUSC 49800 - Internship (1)
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.
Program Restrictions: Must be enrolled in the following Program: Music Business.
Class Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Classes: Junior or Senior.