Music
Music (MUSC)
Professors: William E. Duckworth, Barry T. Hannigan, William E. Kenny, William A. Payn, Lois Svard (Chair)
Associate Professors: Christopher Para, Catherine F. Payn, Annie J. Randall
Assistant Professors: Bethany J. Collier, Peter Haberman, Barry Long, Bridget Sweet
Music at Bucknell University covers a wide range of artistic activities and intellectual pursuits. These vary from performing in ensembles (the concert band, jazz band, chapel choir, chorale, handbells, opera company, symphony orchestra, and Javanese gamelan) to the systematic preparation for a career in music, whether in the classroom, in arts management, or on the concert stage.
Within the Music Department, a dedicated faculty of active performers, composers, and scholars contribute to an enthusiastic atmosphere of music making and academic learning. And the wide variety of musical ensembles and organizations on campus provide numerous opportunities for solo and group performance in which students from all disciplines are invited and encouraged to participate.
The University offers two different degrees in music. All music majors at Bucknell, whether in the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Music degree, study a common curriculum of music history, music theory, and performance. Beyond that, the Bachelor of Arts music major is a general program of study within the liberal arts designed to equip students with a broad background in music, while allowing them time to pursue studies in other areas of the university. The Bachelor of Music degree is a more highly specialized program of study in which students have more time to pursue music. It is assumed that people in this degree program plan to become professional musicians of some sort, and individualized professional programs in performance, composition, music history, and music education are offered.
The Bucknell Department of Music maintains its own music library of scores and CDs, houses the Cook Collection of Musical Instruments, and offers some 60 to 70 concerts a year that present both students and professional musicians.
Bucknell University's music department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
A candidate for the Bachelor of Music degree may choose from four curricula: performance, composition, music history, or music education.Students seeking admission into each of these majors must first pass an audition. Recordings are not accepted. Additionally, applicants for the degree in composition must submit a portfolio of their work, and music education applicants must successfully complete an interview. The Music Department website contains complete, up-to-date information about the audition process, dates of auditions, and scholarships.
Prospective students must complete both a music department audition form and the Arts Merit Scholarship application form, regardless of interest in a scholarship.
A student wishing to change degree program from a Bachelor of Arts in music to a Bachelor of Music may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Music program at the end of each semester through the sophomore year. The application must be made in writing to the chair of the music department and involves the same process outlined above for prospective students. Students are not accepted into the Bachelor of Music degree program after the sophomore year.
All Bachelor of Music students must pass a functional keyboard requirement (see description under MUSC 152), fulfill the recital requirements specified in the respective degree programs, and maintain an e-portfolio in accordance with departmental guidelines.
All Bachelor of Music students must participate in a music department ensemble each semester. The two exceptions to this policy are the semester in which a student is studying abroad or in which music education majors are student teaching. Ensemble credits do not count toward fulfilling minimum degree requirements for music majors in any of the degree programs and participation must be on an audit basis.
Performance
Candidates in performance are reviewed at the end of each semester through an examination by a jury composed of members of the faculty of the Department of Music. At the end of the sophomore year, students must be approved for upper-level study by the department. Candidates whose progress is determined to be insufficient will not be permitted to continue in the Bachelor of Music degree program. Performance majors are expected to appear in several successful performances prior to presenting a full public recital in the senior year.
Voice majors in the Bachelor of Music-performance curriculum are required to demonstrate basic proficiency in at least two foreign languages (French, German, or Italian). Students coming to the University having taken at least the equivalent of one college semester (one year in secondary school) in one of the three specified languages should take a minimum of one semester in each of the other two. Students arriving with the specified background in two of the languages should undertake a minimum of one semester in the third. Students without the required experience in any of the three languages must take a minimum of one semester in two of the three languages. Voice majors are encouraged to pursue as much language study as possible, however; students having had the required minimum in all three have no further language requirement. Students who choose to pursue a minor in Spanish at Bucknell may petition to have that coursework replace one of the other required languages.
Note that music majors audit ensembles rather than take them for credit because the credits do not count toward fulfilling the minimum degree requirements.
The following is a brief outline of required courses of study. Detailed information on this program will be supplied by the Department of Music. Course credit distribution is as shown:
Courses other than Music: 13
Common Learning Agenda courses and electives
Courses in Music: 13
MUSC 101, 102, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 259, 262*, 304*, plus four music electives one of which must be a course in an area of world music.
Courses in Solo Performance (Private Lessons): 6
(4 semesters at .50 credit per semester and 4 at 1 credit)
Total Number of Credits: 32
*Half-credit course.
Composition
This curriculum permits a concentration in the compositional aspects of music in addition to promoting sound musicianship and a broadly based background in the liberal arts. Candidates in composition are reviewed each semester to determine sufficient progress within the degree. At the end of the sophomore year, students must be approved for upper-level study by the department. Candidates whose progress is determined to be insufficient will not be permitted to continue in the Bachelor of Music degree program.
Composition majors must be enrolled in composition each semester they are on campus. During the senior year a student must present a minimum of a half recital of original music (30+ minutes) in partial fulfillment of the graduation requirements for this curriculum. Composition majors are expected to have overseen several successful performances of their own original work prior to presenting the senior recital.
Note that music majors audit ensembles rather than take them for credit because the credits do not count toward fulfilling the minimum degree requirements.
Thirty-two full academic course credits are required for graduation, distributed as follows:
Courses other than Music: 13
Common Learning Agenda courses and electives
Courses in Music: 15
MUSC 101, 102, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 209, 210, 259, 262*, 304*, 350 (studies in composition), plus three music electives, one of which must be a course in an area of world music.
Courses in Solo Performance (Private Lessons): 4
(8 semesters at .5 credit per semester
Total number of credits: 32
*Half-credit courses.
Music History
The curriculum in music history cultivates critical thinking and writing, instills sound musicianship, develops expertise in the area of music history and literature, and fosters a broadly based background in the liberal arts. Candidates in music history are reviewed each semester to determine sufficient progress within the degree. At the end of the sophomore year, students must be approved for upper-level study by the department. Candidates whose progress is determined to be insufficient will not be permitted to continue in the Bachelor of Music program.
During the senior year, a student has the option of presenting half a solo recital in addition to undertaking a special research project in a historical aspect of music.
Note that music majors audit ensembles rather than take them for credit because the credits do not count toward fulfilling the minimum degree requirements.
Thirty-two full academic course credits are required for graduation, distributed as follows:
Courses other than Music: 13
Common Learning Agenda courses and electives.
Courses in Music: 15
MUSC 101, 102, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 259, 262*, 304*, 362, a course in an area of world music, plus four music electives including at least three additional coures in the area of music history.
Courses in Solo Performance (Private Lessons): 4
(8 semesters at .50 credit per semester)
Total number of credits: 32
In addition to the above, students in the music history program also must fulfill a foreign language requirement by one of the following: 1) students entering the university having the equivalent of two years of high school study in one foreign language and one year of high school study in a second foreign language will have met the requirement, or 2) students entering the University having the equivalent of two years of high school instruction in a single foreign language also must have a minimum of one semester of instruction in a second language. Additional instruction in languages is strongly encouraged.
*Half-credit courses
Music Education
The curriculum in music education prepares students to teach music in the public schools. The curriculum is approved by the Department of Education of Pennsylvania as a requirement for professional certification. Through this course of study a student will be expected to develop (1) sound musicianship in an applied area, (2) knowledge of music theory and the history of music, and (3) broad cultural awareness through courses other than music. Students may choose a curriculum that reflects either a vocal or instrumental emphasis. Candidates are reviewed at the end of each semester through an examination by a jury composed of members of the faculty of the department of music as well as by an interview with the senior Music Education faculty member. At the end of the sophomore year, students must be approved for upper-level study by the department. Candidates whose progress is determined to be insufficient will not be permitted to continue in the Bachelor of Music program.
The student will be expected to make several successful appearances in recital before the senior year, and to present during the fall of the senior year a minimum of half a solo recital in a chosen applied area as well as complete an e-portfolio in accordance with the department guidelines.The student will undergo jury examinations in the major instrument according to the published schedule. Additionally, all Music Education majors will take four semesters of lessons in a secondary instrument: those students whose primary performance area is instrumental will study a secondary instrument, voice students will study piano, and piano students will study voice.
Note that music majors audit ensembles rather than take them for credit because the credits do not count toward fulfilling the minimum degree requirements.
Music Education students are required to pass the PRAXIS tests. Thirty-two full academic course credits are required for graduation, distributed as outlined below. (The recent Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 49 revisions including additional requirements in Special Education and English Language Learning have, at the time of this printing, not yet been incorporated into the curriculum, so the following is subject to change):
Courses other than Music: 9
Common Learning Agenda and state-required courses
(NOTE: Capstone requirement fulfilled by EDUC 409/439)
Courses in Music and Music Education: 21
MUSC 101, 102, 115*, 116*, 117*, 119*, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 235, 236, 250 or 251, 259, 269, plus one credit in an area of world music; EDUC 101, EDUC 201, EDUC 439 (Practice Teaching, fulfills Capstone); and four quarter credits of additional studio instruction in secondary instruments.
Courses in Solo Performance (Private Lessons): 2
(6 semesters at .25 credit per semester and 1 semester at .50 credit per semester)
Total number of credits: 32
*Half-credit courses.
BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH A MAJOR IN MUSIC
The bachelor of arts degree with a major in music is designed to produce a competent, broadly trained musician capable of professional activity or of graduate study. Entrance to the major in music is based upon a demonstration of sufficient musical talent and training to pursue a study of music. An audition is required for entrance to the degree program. See the Music Department website for information on the audition process, dates of auditions, and scholarships.
Prospective students must complete both a music department audition form and the Arts Merit Scholarship appliction form, regardless of interest in a scholarship.
The major in music consists of nine courses distributed as follows:
- Theory of Music (MUSC 101, 102, 201, 202)
- History of Music (MUSC 204, 205, 206)
- Solo performance (private lessons; a minimum of 1 course credit at 025 credits per semester)
- One additional course chosen from advanced theory of history. An additional .5 lesson credit may be counted toward the nine music courses required for the major.
Students with a strong interest in music who are undecided as to a major should select MUSC 101 in the first semester; this will facilitate later scheduling if a music major is declared.
Bachelor of arts majors in music are expected to participate in one or more of the vocal or instrumental performing organizations of the music department for at least six semesters, to perform in studio classes or departmental recitals, and to maintain an e-portfolio in accordance with the department guidelines.
The minor in music consists of a minimum of six course credits as outlined below. A minimum of two credits must be above the 100 level.
- Two courses in the theory area, chosen from MUSC 105 or 101 (not both), MUSC 102, 201, and 202.
- Two course credits in music history. At least one must be chosen from MUSC 204, 205, or 206. The second course should be chosen from any 200- or 300-level music history course.
- One course credit in elective(s) in music (not ensemble credits).
- One course credit of solo performance (normally four semesters at one-quarter credit per semester).
As with the music major, credits received from participation in ensembles will not count toward the minimum requirements for the minor.
Regulations
Deviation from the established program of study for the major in music may be granted only by permission of the faculty adviser, the department chair, and the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Non-music majors are charged an additional fee for lessons. Check with the music department for a fee schedule.
Private instruction is offered in the following areas of performance: voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, organ, woodwind, brass, guitar, and percussion instruments.
An audtion is required for participation in music department ensembles: symphonic band, jazz band, orchestra, chorale, chapel choir, handbells, opera, and Javanese gamelan. Non-music majors may receive one-quarter credit for participation in each recognized ensemble with a maximum of one-half credit permitted per semester and a limit of two full course credits in all. Note that music majors and minors audit rather than take them for credit because the credits do not count toward fulfilling the minimum degree requirements.
The department schedules and administers jury examinations for students in the various music degree programs. Jury requirements may vary for the different programs; all music majors should contact the department for further information.
100. Introduction to Music (I or II; 3, 0)
Appreciation through understanding the materials of music, forms, historic styles, and aesthetic principles. Emphasis upon aural recognition of representative compositions. No prior musical knowledge required. Not open to music majors.
101. Music Theory I (I; 3, 2)
Examination of the factors controlling musical style (melody, harmony, form, etc.). Includes sight singing, ear training, creative writing, and analysis.
102. Music Theory II (II; 3, 2)
Harmonic structure in homophonic and polyphonic music, through seventh chords and tonality changes. Includes sight singing, dictation, and keyboard harmony. Prerequisite: MUSC 101.
103. Jazz, Rock, and the Avant-Garde (II; 3, 0)
American music since 1900, from Cage to Basie to Elvis. Parallel lines of development traced. Does not count toward minimum degree requirements for music majors.
112. Introduction to Classic Jazz (I; 3, 0)
The history of jazz emphasizing the actual recordings and film footage of its most important artists, from Scott Joplin to Keith Jarrett.
113. Introduction to Modern Jazz (II; 3,0)
This course will first examine the music and influence of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Anthony Braxton as a foundation of presenting current jazz artistry.
115. String Class (AII; 3, 0) Half course.
Intended for music-education majors. A beginning course in stringed instruments.
116. Voice Class (AI; 3, 0) Half course.
Vocal technique foundation course for music-education majors. Non-majors who wish to enroll in the course must obtain the permission of the instructor.
117. Woodwind Class (AI; 3, 0) Half course.
Intended for music-education majors. An introductory course in wind instruments.
119. Brass and Percussion Class (AII; 3, 0) Half course.
Intended for music-education majors. An introductory course in brass and percussion instruments.
135. Introduction to Music Education (I or II; 3, 0)
This course serves as preparation for MUSC 235 and music education classes. Practical and philosophical topics related to music training/learning will be explored. Prerequisite: open only to Bachelor of Music Education majors, permission of the instructor.
136. Music for Classroom Teachers (I; 3, 0)
Examination of music fundamentals for the classroom teacher; materials and instructional strategies will focus on music integration into the elementary classroom. Prerequisite: EDUC 101.
152. Functional Keyboard (I and II; R; 0, 3) No credit course.
A requirement for all, and open only to Bachelor of Music majors. Functional keyboard skills including harmonization, transposition, and improvisation. Students will register for the course each semester until it is completed successfully. Failure to complete the requirements will prevent a student from continuing in the degree program. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
201. Music Theory III (I; 3, 1)
Secondary seventh chords; chromatic alteration and modulations in four-part harmony; melodic and harmonic dictation, keyboard harmony, and sight singing. Prerequisite: MUSC 102.
202. Music Theory IV (II; 3, 1)
Twentieth- and twenty-first century music theory. Parametric analysis of composition and musical styles. Includes composition, lab assignments, keyboard harmony, and ear training. Prerequisite: MUSC 201.
203. Jazz Theory and Arranging (II; 3, 0)
Study of the language of improvisation and analysis of techniques used by composers and arrangers throughout jazz history. Emphasis placed on original creative work and music in the style of historically important figures. Prerequisites: MUSC 101 and MUSC 102.
204. History and Literature of Music (I; 3, 0)
Introduction to the study of music history through stylistic developments in music of the Romantic through the Contemporary periods. Composers, masterworks, and musical style.
205. History and Literature of Music (I; 3, 0)
The history of music and development of musical forms and styles during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Composers and masterworks.
206. History and Literature of Music (II; 3, 0)
Historical developments in music and musical style during the Baroque and Classic periods. Composers and masterworks.
209 and 210. Composition I and II (I and II; R; 2, 0)
Analytical and creative study of contemporary musical composition. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
234. Technology for Music Educators (I or II; 0, 3)
Explores technology and its uses in music pedagogy in classroom and performance settings. Prerequisite: open to Bachelor of Music major; others by permission.
235. Principles of Teaching Music (I; 3, 0)
This course is for music education majors; it includes discussion and development of essential teaching elements and course content for K-12 music instruction.
236. Student Teacher Seminar (II; 3, 0)
Supervised music teaching experience in schools, including a weekly on-campus seminar. Corequisite: EDUC 439.
250. Instrumental Methods and Literature (I; 3, 2)
Orchestral, concert, marching, and jazz band repertoire. Elementary and secondary school methods and materials. Program administration. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
251. Choral Methods and Literature (II; 3, 2)
Elementary- and secondary-school choral methods and materials. Program pedagogy and administration. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
259. Conducting (I or II; 3, 0)
Standard beat patterns, basic conducting problems, analysis of instrumental and choral scores. Prerequisite: MUSC 201
260. Ensemble ( I and II; R, 0, 3) Quarter course.
Students who are not music majors may receive one-quarter credit for participation in each ensemble, with a maximum of one-half credit per semester and a limit of two full course credits in all. Note that music majors audit ensembles rather than take them for credit because the credits do not count toward fulfilling the minimum degree requirements. All ensembles require an audition or permission of the instructor for first-time members. Ensemble sections are as follows:
260-01 Symphonic Band
260-02 Orchestra
260-03 Chorale
260-04 Chapel Choir
260-05 Opera Company
260-06 Handbell Choir
260-07 Jazz Band
260-08 Javanese Gamelan
262. Orchestration (AI; 2, 0) Half course.
Arrangements for instrumental groups in schools where instrumentation may be very limited; also for full orchestra and concert band. Prerequisite: MUSC 202.
264. World Music (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to music in selected geographic and cultural contexts, including regions of Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Emphasizes relationships between music and other cultural forms.
265. Music in American Life: Selected Topics (I; 3, 0)
A music and culture course open to non-majors. Topics include music of colonial-era settlers, Native Americans, the Harlem Renaissance, "girl groups", and performance art.
266. Popular Music in the USA (I or II; 3, 0)
Historical survey of popular music in the United States beginning with blackface ministrelsy and ending with hip hop. Open to all students.
269. Advanced Conducting (II; 3, 0)
Advanced baton technique, rehearsal methods, and score analysis. Prerequisite: MUSC 259 or permission of the instructor.
304. Style Analysis (I; 2, 0) Half course.
Detailed study of style and structure in music from simple cantilena forms and established structures to highly organized contemporary compositions. Emphasis upon analytical techniques. Prerequisite: MUSC 201.
350. Studies in Music (I or II; R) Half or full course.
Special projects to be undertaken on the approval of a faculty member and the department chair. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
362. Music Projects: Selected Topics (I or II; 3, 0)
A W2 course for students who want to explore in-depth music topics of their choice through intensive research, writing, and seminar-type discussion and presentation. Prerequisite: one music course and topic for research project.
Courses offered occasionally: 104 Introduction to Jazz, 105 Introduction to Music Theory for Non-majors, 106 Jazz Improvisation, 107 Class Piano for Non-music Majors, 108 Introduction to Choral Music, 109 Introduction to the Symphony, 111 Popular Music in America, 120 20/20: 20 New sounds of the 20th Century, 211 Computer Music Composition, 215 Philosophy of Music, 221 Seminar: Early Music, 222 Seminar: Baroque Music, 223 Seminar: Classic Era, 224 Seminar: Romantic Music, 225 Seminar: 20th-century Music, 229 Opera and Ideas, 234 Technology for Music Educators, 237 Piano Pedagogy, 238 Diction, 242 Keyboard Literature, 243 Chamber Music, 244 Chamber Music, 261 Music of Asia, 267 Topics in Music History
