We offer lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, and a variety of other instruments as instructors are available. Ten lessons are offered each semester. For information on cost or to apply for lessons, check Tuition Fees 2012-2013 or contact the Music/Worship Arts office
(rkoop@briercrest.ca).
Practice rooms are available on a rental basis for those taking Private Lessons. Students may receive credit for applied lessons—we do not charge tuition beyond the regular lesson fee for one-hour credits. All students taking Private Lessons for credit receive a grade for each semester of study.
MUS _3_ Private Lessons - Voice (1)
We offer lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, and a variety of other instruments as instructors are available. Ten lessons are offered each semester. For information on cost or to apply for lessons, check Tuition Fees 2012-2013 or contact the Music/Worship Arts office
(rkoop@briercrest.ca).
Practice rooms are available on a rental basis for those taking Private Lessons. Students may receive credit for applied lessons—we do not charge tuition beyond the regular lesson fee for one-hour credits. All students taking Private Lessons for credit receive a grade for each semester of study.
MUS _4_ Private Lessons - Piano ()
We offer lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, and a variety of other instruments as instructors are available. Ten lessons are offered each semester. For information on cost or to apply for lessons, check Tuition Fees 2012-2013 or contact the Music/Worship Arts office
(rkoop@briercrest.ca).
Practice rooms are available on a rental basis for those taking Private Lessons. Students may receive credit for applied lessons—we do not charge tuition beyond the regular lesson fee for one-hour credits. All students taking Private Lessons for credit receive a grade for each semester of study.
MUS _5_ SMALL ENSEMBLES (1)
Entrance by audtion.
Worship Teams
Students may have the opportunity to be involved in other faculty-led or student-led small vocal and/or instrumental
groups (worship teams or performance teams) as singers, players, or technicians for credit. Students form these
groups at the discretion of the Worship Arts Department. Students may receive one credit per semester upon
completion of the ensemble requirements.
MUS _6_ LARGE ENSEMBLES (1)
Entrance by audition.
College Singers
A 70-voice choir that participates regularly in local church worship services, choral concerts, and college musicals. This group offers training, experience, and ministry opportunities within the context of a caring musical community.
MUS _7_ LARGE ENSEMBLE (1)
Entrance by audition.
Resonant
Resonant is a 20 voice a cappella ensemble that performs music that spans the styles of jazz, gospel, and classical
both on campus and on tour. This group offers singers training, performance experience, and ministry opportunities
in a challenging yet encouraging environment.
MUS _8_ LARGE ENSEMBLE (1)
Entrance by audition.
Orchestra
A 30-piece group (open to college and high school students and community members) that joins with our choirs to
participate in local church worship services, choral/instrumental concerts, and college musicals. This group offers
training, experience, and ministry opportunities within an instrumental musical setting.
MUS 110 Introduction to Musicianship (3)
This course introduces students to the basics of the language of music. The focus of instruction is foundational study
in comprehension of written music and identification of aural musical components (major/minor chords, etc). This
course prepares students for MUS 113 Musicianship I. Students may be exempt from Introduction to Musicianship by
writing a placement exam ()and scoring a passing grade.
Note: May be taken as a free elective credit towards the AA or BA Music degrees.
MUS 115 Musicianship I (3)
This course continues to build a broader vocabulary of music theory by studying triadic harmony of the Common Practice Period. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ear training, two-part dictation, cadences, four-part voice leading, open and closed voicing, figured bass practices, and harmonization.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 200 Musicianship II cannot take this course for credit
Prerequisite(s): MUS 110 Introduction to Musicianship or passing grade on the theory placement exam.
MUS 116 Musicianship II (3)
This course continues to investigate the logical progressions of the Common Practice Period. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ear training, four-part dictation, secondary triads, ornaments, tonicization and modulation, four-part harmonization, and analysis.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 201 Musicianship III cannot take this course for credit
Prerequisite(s): MUS 115 Musicianship I
MUS 130 Basic Voice (2)
Basic vocal techniques are studied in a small class setting. Students gain an understanding of the physical function
of the voice and gain confidence in singing. Public speaking techniques are also addressed. This is an introductory
course to vocal technique.
MUS 140 Basic Piano (2)
This course consists of a group approach to the study of the fundamentals of piano playing. The class is designed for
those who have little or no piano background.
MUS 160 Live Sound and Production (3)
This course covers basic knowledge and skills of live sound reinforcement, including sound system components,
setup, signal flow, mixing, and signal processing. Related topics such as stage lighting, stage management,
professional etiquette, and the philosophy of sound are also explored as time allows.
MUS 203 Recording Arts I (3)
This course introduces students to the art and science of audio recording through a hands-on look at the basic
elements of recording techniques, including studio procedures, microphone techniques, tracking, editing, mixing,
and mastering. There is an emphasis on critical listening and analysis, as well as discussion of music and musical form.
Cross-listed: COMM 203 Recording Arts I
MUS 206 Musicianship III (3)
This course deals with the understanding of chromatic harmony and extended progressions in the Common Practice Period. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ear training, chromatic melodic motion, extended use of secondary dominants, modal exchange and mixture chords, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, tritone substitution, four-part harmonization, and analysis.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 300 Musicianship IV may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 116 Musicianship II
MUS 216 History of Western Music I (3)
This course provides a study of music history up to 1750 including antiquity, medieval, Renaissance, baroque, and Classical eras. The study of forms and genre and listening comprise a major part of the course.
Cross-listed: MUS 216 History of Western Music I
Prerequisite(s): MUS 110 Introduction to Musicianship (or equivalent)
MUS 217 History of Western Music II (3)
This course provides a study of music history in the Classical and Romantic eras. The study of forms and genre and listening comprise of a major part of the course.
Cross-listed: MUS 217 History of Western Music II
Prerequisite(s): MUS/FIN 216 History of Western Music I
MUS 260 Introduction to Electronic Music (3)
This course provides students with a basic understanding of synthesizers, sequencing, MIDI, and notation. It seeks
to equip them with a hands-on understanding of how technology can enhance music.
MUS 301 Contemporary Musicianship (3)
This course builds on a foundation of rudiments using jazz and other contemporary materials to develop a functional understanding and practical application of music theory. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, aural and keyboard skills, melodic transcription and harmonization, modes, seventh chords, extensions and harmonic function.
Note: Students with credit for MUS 113 Musicianship I may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: MUS 116 Musicianship II
MUS 303 Recording Arts II (3)
This is an advanced course in recording technology that expands on the foundation of MUS/COMM 203 Recording Arts I.
The focus of the course is practical, with each student incorporating their creative and technical skills into recording
the major project: a professional demo.
Cross-listed: COMM 303 Recording Arts II
Prerequisite(s): MUS/COMM 203 Recording Arts I
MUS 310 Songwriting (3)
This course is a practical study in popular songwriting. Topics include the study of common song forms, lyric
structure, the use of figurative language, rhyme and rhythm, and techniques of sustaining creativity as a songwriter.
Further topics include writing for a specific audience, the marketing and publishing of songs, the impact of
songwriting in popular culture, and the moral dimensions of songwriting in today’s society. Students are required to
write and present their songs in class in addition to submitting their work to the instructor for grading.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 113 Musicianship I
MUS 316 History of Western Music III (3)
This course provides a study of music history in the post-Romantic and 20th century eras. In addition to avant-garde and modern trends, this course also provides an introduction to jazz, American roots music, Canadian developments, and the global pop scene, which they have influenced. The study of forms and genre and listening comprise a major part of the course.
Cross-listed: FIN 316 History of Western Music III
Prerequisite(s): MUS/FIN 217 History of Western Music II
MUS 323 Conducting I (3)
This course provides an introduction to conducting vocal and instrumental music. Physical gestures, leadership
principles, repertoire, and the role of choirs in a contemporary church setting are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 113 Musicianship I
MUS 324 Conducting II (3)
This course provides a further study into vocal and instrumental conducting, including stylistic influences, rehearsal
techniques, score preparation, and developing a choir. Practical experience in leading groups is an important aspect
of this course.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 323 Conducting I
MUS 330 Vocal Master Class I (3)
The course is an exploration of the performance practices of vocal literature. Styles include musical theatre, jazz,
pop, classical, folk, and gospel. Students are expected to prepare and perform various assigned pieces with an
accompanist.
Prerequisite(s): Minimum of one year of private vocal lessons; presently enrolled in private vocal lessons; and consent of the instructor in consultation with the private lesson instructor
MUS 334 Junior Recital (0)
The junior recital includes the preparation and performance of an approved solo recital on the student’s major
applied instrument. One half-hour of music (normally memorized) is required. For repertoire and specific
requirements, consult the instructor. Required of all Performance emphasis students in their junior (third) year.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor
MUS 340 Musical Theatre Workshop (3)
This course offers introductory studies in rehearsal and performance of musical theatre. Rehearsal techniques
incorporate vocal, speech, dramatic, and choreographic coaching. Students also develop skills in make-up, hair,
costumes, set design, and set construction. The semester culminates in a performance of scenes from various
musicals. Assignment to roles in the productions is on the basis of audition.
Cross-listed: THEA 340 Musical Theatre Workshop
MUS 345 Lyric Diction (3)
This course is an exploration of singing diction required for English, German, Italian and French vocal music through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. It will include the discovery of accurate sounds and an accurate reproduction of those sounds through both reading and singing. The student will gain knowledge in text interpretation and increase proficiency in the singing of each language.
Prerequisite(s): Two semesters of Private Lessons – Voice
MUS 350 Keyboard Improvisation (3)
This course provides a practical approach to playing keyboard by ear. Emphasis is given to playing a pop music
style, especially for worship services and related ministry. Students gain an understanding of music structure in
relationship to performance without written music. Most of the time spent in this class is practical in nature—
students actually doing improvisation and learning various techniques for evaluation.
Prerequisite(s): Basic keyboard ability (equivalent to grade 6 RCM)
MUS 363 Advanced Electronic Music (3)
This course will give each student the opportunity to advance the skills and knowledge acquired in MUS 260, and to begin to create significant work that demonstrates facility of the software. Students will be responsible to produce one large project, or a series of significant works, consisting of both midi files and audio MP3s.
MUS 401 Vocal Pedagogy (3)
This course provides a study of the anatomy and physiology of the voice and the development of an effective
methodology for teaching the art of vocal performance and communication. Vocal problems, solutions, and hygiene
are addressed in conjunction with a study of repertoire and performance techniques.
MUS 402 Piano Pedagogy (3)
This course is a study of the principles of teaching piano. Topics covered in this class include, but are not limited to,
piano methods, repertoire, and technical problems pertaining to private studio teaching for all levels of performance
ability.
MUS 403 Instrumental Pedagogy (3)
This course is a study of the principles of teaching violin. Topics covered in this class include, but are not limited to,
violin/string methods, repertoire, and technical problems pertaining to private studio teaching for all levels of
performance ability.
MUS 410 Vocal and Instrumental Arranging (3)
This course provides an introduction to vocal and instrumental arranging including orchestration for
winds/strings/brasses/percussion, instrumental writing techniques, and choral techniques and practices. Musical
styles, forms, and counterpoint are examined to provide background in arranging music for varied settings.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 200 Musicianship II and MUS 260 Introduction to Electronic Music
MUS 424 Conducting III (3)
This course is a continuation of WA 324 Conducting II and explores advanced choral and instrumental conducting
techniques. Topics include vocal and instrumental rehearsal techniques, orchestral score preparation, auditioning
practices (vocal and instrumental), and leadership issues. In addition, students serve as assistant conductors of
regular school ensembles and gain experience in a variety of audition, rehearsal, and performance situations.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 324 Conducting II
MUS 429 Music Internship (3)
The course provides the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a setting that has both applied and theoretical components.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of program coordinator
MUS 430 Vocal Master Class II (3)
This course is an exploration of the performance practices of German, Italian, French, Latin and English vocal music. Styles include art songs, Lieder, French Mélodie, opera and oratorio. Students are expected to prepare and perform various assigned pieces with an accompanist in a master class setting. The semester culminates with a live performance open to the public.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 330 Vocal Master Class I
MUS 434 Senior Recital (1)
The senior recital includes the preparation and performance of an approved solo recital on the student’s major
applied instrument. Fifty minutes of music (normally memorized) is required. For repertoire and specific
requirements, consult the instructor. Required of all Performance emphasis students in their senior (fourth) year.
