Music

Masterclass is a weekly course that provides music majors with a supportive forum to develop their musicianship through performance, feedback, and reflection. Students strengthen individual musical skills while growing as confident, expressive artists. MUSC0200I - Instrument, MUSC0200P - Piano, MUSC0200V - Vocal

Music majors are required to attend a minimum of 10 concerts and recitals each semester, providing exposure to a wide variety of performances and repertoire.

An introduction to the fundamentals of harmony and the use of analysis as the central activity in the study of music theory.

An introduction to and application of aural skills, including sight-singing, rhythmic dictation, melodic and harmonic dictation.

A further study and application of the fundamentals of harmony and the use of analysis as the central activity in the study of music theory.

A further study and application of aural skills, including sight-singing, rhythmic dictation, melodic and harmonic dictation.

All music majors are required to pass the Piano Proficiency Exam, which covers four key areas: Performance, Technique, Sight Reading, and Harmonization. This exam is administered through the student's private piano instructor (additional fee required). Music majors must attempt all sections of the exam by the end of their sophomore year and are required to enroll in piano lessons until they have successfully completed the Piano Proficiency Exam. Grade of Pass/Fail.

Grade of Pass/Fail

This course is designed to provide a framework for students to understand and appreciate Western art music. The course will introduce students to foundational concepts and compositions that have shaped the musical landscape.

Music education majors are required to demonstrate basic proficiency in guitar, including tuning, mastery of common chords, and basic melodic playing techniques. Proficiency can be assessed through examination or by earning a C or better in Private Guitar (additional fee required). Grade of Pass/Fail.

An introductory course dealing with the call to ministry through music. Topics include fundamental philosophies of music in the church, current issues and practical considerations of a career in the church today.

Study of harmony and analysis including modulation, romantic harmony, enharmonic functions, elementary forms and 20th century techniques.

Study and application of aural skills, including sight-singing, rhythmic dictation, four-part dictation and advanced harmonic dictation.

Further study of harmony and analysis including modulation, romantic harmony, enharmonic functions, elementary forms and 20th century techniques.

Further study and application of aural skills, including sight-singing, rhythmic dictation, four-part dictation and advanced harmonic dictation.

Private music instruction in instrument or voice for weekly 30-minute lessons for non-music majors.  A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC2254 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Private music instruction in piano, voice, organ, strings, percussion, woodwind or brass instruments.  Weekly 30-minute lessons, weekly Master Class and jury examination required.  May be repeated for credit.  A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC2255 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Private instruction in instrument or voice for weekly one hour lessons for the non-music major.  A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC2256 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Private music instruction in piano, voice, organ, strings, percussion, woodwind or brass instruments.  Weekly 30-minute lessons, weekly Master Class and jury examination required.  May be repeated for credit.  A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC2257 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Students will engage in traditional and innovative approaches to music-making. Students will explore diverse music and cultures, including world music, popular music, and jazz, and develop skills in music creation, improvisation, and facilitation.

Private or group instruction on one high and one low brass instrument, emphasizing the requisite skills to direct school instrumental programs. Fee: Additional fee required.

Private or group percussion instruction emphasizing the requisite skills to direct school instrumental programs. Fee: Additional fee required.

Private or group instruction on two string instruments emphasizing the requisite skills to direct school string programs. Fee: Additional fee required.

Private or group instruction on two woodwind instruments emphasizing the requisite skills to direct school instrumental programs. Fee: Additional fee required.

Audition for placement in the appropriate section. Choir sings in music department concerts, chapels, and selected churches and community events. May be repeated for credit. Fee: Additional fee required.

A performance-focused jazz ensemble experience for instrumentalists interested in both large ensemble (Big Band) and small group (Combo) settings. Students study and perform a broad range of repertoire spanning the jazz tradition, with emphasis on stylistic interpretation, ensemble skills, improvisation, and musicianship. Open to all students; placement by audition. Additional fee required.

A course designed for students ready to participate in a small chamber group. Membership open to non-majors as well as majors. May be repeated for credit.

Hands-on, supervised experience in commercial music settings. Students engage in a range of professional activities such as event and ensemble management, live sound and audio production, and related commercial music operations in performance, studio, or event-based environments. Emphasis is placed on real-world skills and logistics, communication, and technology. Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours to complete the course. May be repeated for credit.

A study of repertoire and pedagogy relevant to applied individual instrumental instruction

A practical approach to the preparation for and leadership of music in varied worship settings. Includes traditional, evangelical, contemporary, and liturgical settings. Students will learn to create worship services using appropriate selections for varied situations, work with various types of accompaniment, and lead congregational music.

A study of Italian, German, French, and English diction employing the International Phonetic Alphabet.

This class focuses on the major approaches to music education including Kodaly, Orff, Gordon's Music Learning Theory, Dalcroze, and Suzuki. This course includes a field experience.

This class focuses on the application of the learning theories presented in MUSC3450, procedures, and objectives in school music in the primary and intermediate grades. This course includes a classroom field experience and technology-intensive lesson component.

This class focuses on strategies for instrumental/choral rehearsals and classrooms, materials, tools, and curricular structure common to the subject in the secondary schools.

This class focuses on assessment and lesson planning in the secondary music rehearsal and classroom, as well as music advocacy, fund-raising, and program development issues. It will include a significant classroom field experience and a technology-intensive lesson component.

Designed to help prepare students to become effective choral ensemble directors. Students will develop effective ensemble rehearsal strategies, including anticipating, identifying, and addressing intonation, pitches and rhythmic accuracy, balance and blend, technical challenges, and style and interpretation. Students will also focus on vocal production and technique and other vocal-specific topics.

A small vocal ensemble of select personnel chosen by audition. Ensemble will perform vocal jazz, contemporary Christian and a cappella literature. Membership open to majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit. Fee: Additional fee required.

Introduction to instrumental conducting, including rehearsal techniques, and band and orchestral score reading. Additional topics include development of instrumental methods and finding instrumental music of various styles, genres, and cultures.

This 30-minute public performance fulfills a music major requirement. Repertoire is approved by the student's instructor and area coordinator. Advanced standing is required for eligibility. Refer to the music department handbook for hearing and scheduling details. The student must register for the recital semester. Grade of Pass/Fail.

This 15-minute public performance fulfills a music major requirement. Repertoire is approved by the student's instructor and area coordinator. Advanced standing is required for eligibility. Refer to the music department handbook for hearing and scheduling details. The student must register for the recital semester. Grade of Pass/Fail.

This public performance credit fulfills a music degree requirement for Music Education candidates. This recital consists of at least 30 and no more than 45 minutes of solo repertoire (actual performance time). The program must represent at least three art music periods (three languages for voice recitals), including one work for small ensemble (defined as three or more performers without a conductor). Students must achieve advanced standing in their major performing area before gaining permission to schedule their recital. The student is responsible for registering for the semester of the recital. Grade of Pass/Fail.

A study of standard musical forms in music from the common practice period to the present.

Private music instruction in instrument or voice for weekly 30-minute lessons for the non-music major. A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC4254 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Private music instruction in piano, voice, organ, strings, percussion, woodwind or brass instruments.  Weekly 30 minute lessons, weekly Master Class and jury examination required.  May be repeated for credit.  A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC4255 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Private music instruction in instrument or voice for weekly one hour lessons for the non-music major.  A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC4256 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Private music instruction in piano, voice, organ, strings, percussion, woodwind or brass instruments.  Weekly one hour lessons, weekly Master Class and jury examination required.  May be repeated for credit.  A letter will be assigned for each instrument.  MUSC4257 will be used if additional letters are needed.

Traditionally given during the senior year, this public performance fulfills a requirement for students majoring in applied music composition. The composition recital consists of at least 45 minutes of original music written while in residence. Students must achieve the upper-division standing in composition before scheduling the Composition Recital.

Women's choir whose membership is open to non-majors as well as majors. Personnel chosen by audition. May be repeated for credit. Fee: Additional fee required.

Audition for placement in appropriate section. Choir sings in music department concerts, chapels, selected churches and community events. May be repeated for credit. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of voice production, teaching methods and repertoire for the various voice classifications.

This course provides performance-based training in operatic repertoire through the rehearsal and presentation of scenes or full operas. Emphasis is placed on development of vocal technique, diction, musical and dramatic interpretation, ensemble skills, and stylistic practices appropriate to opera. Audition required.

This course focuses on the rehearsal and performance of a fully staged musical theater production. Students develop skills in singing, acting, movement, character development, and stylistic practices specific to musical theater. Audition required.

An ensemble that performs varied works for both full and string orchestra.  Repertoire includes works from the Baroque era to the 21st Century.  Additionally, string players perform and tour with the University Choir and Orchestra.  The group is open to all NNU students and may be repeated.  Fees: Additional fee required. 

The Northwest Nazarene University Wind Ensemble is a course of membership in the largest instrumental ensemble of the Department of Music. Most wind and percussion instruments are represented in the ensemble. Membership is open to proficient non-majors as well as majors. May be repeated for credit. Initial auditions each year are primarily for chair placement.

An ensemble of select personnel chosen by audition. Ensemble's aims are to perform a variety of choral/orchestral literature from classical to contemporary. Membership open to majors and non-majors. May be repeated for credit.

Courses in the various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, and tap, which are applicable to the requirements of the musical theatre dancer. May be repeated for credit.

This 60-minute public performance fulfills a music major requirement. Repertoire is approved by the student's instructor and area coordinator. Advanced standing and successful completion of a 30-minute recital (MUSC3700) is required for eligibility. Refer to the music department handbook for hearing and scheduling details. The student must register for the recital semester. Grade of Pass/Fail.

This capstone course provides senior commercial music students the opportunity to design and complete a substantial, self-directed project that integrates artistic, technical, and professional competencies. Projects may include, but are not limited to, a recording project, demo album or EP, composition portfolio, production or songwriting project, music business or entrepreneurial plan, or other approved creative or professional endeavors aligned with the student’s primary area of focus. Projects are developed in consultation with a music faculty advisor and must be approved in advance. Grade of Pass/Fail.