Methods Studies (MUMS)

The systematic study of techniques, methodology, and pedagogy is a fundamental part of overall musicianship. Depending upon the nature of the degree program chosen, an appropriate methods core is required. Additional course work may be elected by those for whom teaching and learning techniques are especially important. Certain courses may be offered as tutorials based on enrollment demands.

MUMS 114. Piano Sight Reading. Proficiency-based instruction and study to improve eye/hand coordination of those students with rudimentary keyboard skills, with the goal of more efficient learning, maximization of practice time, and preparation for ensemble work. (1)

MUMS 115. Introduction to Music Technology. A survey of computer applications for musicians, including digital audio and visual processing, and broadcast technology. Students will learn to use music software, web-based resources, and MIDI. (2, lin)

MUMS 141. English & Italian Diction. The physiology of diction; introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet; study of Italian and English symbols and rules, interrelating diction and vocal technique; relationship of diction to dramatic and poetic elements of song texts. (2, lin)

MUMS 161. Beginning Improvisation. Introduction to music improvisation skills through group activities, private tutorials, chamber music performance opportunities, master classes and concerts, with peers and professionals in a variety of contexts and styles. Graded pass/fail. (2, lin)

MUMS 221. Singing Pop, Broadway, and Jazz. Introduction to singing popular music in several styles, including contemporary worship and praise music. Using amplification technology for singing through listening and practical assignments. (2, lin)

MUMS 243. Italian Grammar for Singers. Emphasis on basic Italian grammar and vocabulary required to read libretti and other song texts. May not be used to fulfill general education foreign language requirement. Prerequisite: MUMS 141. (2, lin)

MUMS 245. French & German Diction. French and German diction using the International Phonetic Alphabet; continuing emphasis on accurate vowel production, articulation, and diction to develop uniformity, and artistic shaping of words and phrases; relationship of these to appropriate vocal literature. (2, lin)

MUMS 248. Basic Conducting. Basics of conducting: study and development of techniques and competencies necessary for the choral and instrumental conductor. Concurrent enrollment in MUMS 346 required. Prerequisite: MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. (3, lin)

MUMS 255. Principles of Pedagogy I. Introduction to the philosophical and psychological foundation of teaching music; practical considerations in teaching private and group lessons. (2)

MUMS 261. Feldenkrais for Musicians. An introduction to the Feldenkrais Method®, using Awareness Through Movement® lessons developed by Moshe Feldenkrais to encourage freedom of movement and efficient body alignment, and address non-productive movement patterns that interfere with the healthy execution of musical skills. (1)

MUMS 291. Music Business. An exploration of the commercial music business from the perspectives of the artist and the marketplace. The process of creating music, performing, publishing, producing, manufacturing, distributing, and marketing will be discussed in light of current trends and career opportunities. Alternate years. (2, lin)

MUMS 311. Choral Conducting. Problems of choral conducting and performance through conducting advanced choral literature. Concurrent enrollment in MUMS 346 required. Prerequisite: MUMS 248. (3, lin)

MUMS 312. Instrumental Conducting. Score reading, transposition, interpretation, body mechanics, technical expectation of the various sections, study of master conductors through recordings and live performances. Concurrent enrollment in MUMS 346 required. Prerequisite: MUMS 248. (3, lin)

MUMS 313. Piano Accompaniment. Analysis and practice in the art of keyboard accompaniment, with attention to basic vocal and instrumental literature; sight reading, transposition, clefs, and score reading; matters of style and performance practices. By permission of instructor. Alternate years. (2, lin)

MUMS 321-1. Principles of Pedagogy II: Piano. Procedures for teaching keyboard fundamentals and musicianship for both private and class lessons. Study of technique and its historical development. Survey of graded teaching materials. Prerequisite: Achievement of freshman piano major level. Exceptions by permission of the instructor. (2, lin)

MUMS 321-2. Principles of Pedagogy II: Voice. Teaching methods from scientific, artistic, and psychological viewpoints; a survey of repertoire for all voice majors. (2, lin)

MUMS 321-3. Principles of Pedagogy II: Strings. Survey and critique of teaching materials for the violin, viola, and cello, from Leopold Mozart to the present day; introduction to Baroque technical concepts. Prerequisite: completion of one year of private study, or permission of instructor. Alternate years. (2, lin)

MUMS 321-4. Principles of Pedagogy II: Brass. Survey and critique of teaching materials for brass instruments in the form of a tutorial. (1-2, lin)

MUMS 321-5. Principles of Pedagogy II: Percussion. Survey and critique of teaching materials for percussion instruments in the form of a tutorial. (1-2, lin)

MUMS 321-6. Principles of Pedagogy II: Woodwind. Survey and critique of teaching materials for woodwinds in the form of a tutorial. (1-2, lin)

MUMS 321-7. Principles of Pedagogy II: Guitar. Survey and critique of teaching materials for the guitar in the form of a tutorial. (1-2, lin)

MUMS 331. Music for Elementary Teachers. Fundamentals of music. Study of pedagogical principles involved in teaching music from kindergarten through grade six. Research of music materials. Laboratory teaching. For non-music majors. (2, lin)

MUMS 332. African Music Education Seminar. Focuses on aspects of specific African musical cultures and their integration with history, geography, and general culture of the African peoples. Cross-cultural issues are highlighted. Provides appropriate background studies for music students intending to travel to Africa. (2)

MUMS 332L. African Music Education Practicum. Provides opportunity for music students to experience African music and culture first hand. Students will be primarily involved in cross-cultural exchanges in school contexts: public schools, slum schools, private schools, Christian schools, missionary schools, rural and urban contexts. By permission of the instructor. Graded pass/fail. (1)

MUMS 333. Music Outreach Practicum. Practical experience in music servant-leadership through teaching, directing, performing, or composing music to serve a specific constituency outside the Conservatory of Music. (0-2, lin)

MUMS 341. Instrumental Techniques. Instruction in the instruments of the band and orchestra in preparation for teaching elementary and secondary instrumental music. Methods of tone production. Development of technical facility and understanding of pedagogical principles involved. (1 or 2, lin)

341-1 String Techniques. (2, lin)	341-5 Double Reed Techniques. (1, lin)
341-2 Guitar Techniques. (1, lin)	341-6 Brass Techniques. (2, lin)
341-3 Flute Techniques. (1, lin)	341-7 Percussion Techniques. (2, lin)
341-4 Single Reed Techniques. (1, lin)

MUMS 342. Vocal Techniques. Techniques of vocal production, the function of the voice, and application of these concepts to choral singing; special emphasis on the training of young and maturing voices. (1, lin)

MUMS 343. Vocal Techniques for Composers. Vocal production through theoretical study and practical application to the individual student's voice; analysis of vocal literature from the composer's perspective; poetry and text-setting in English and foreign languages. Required for composition majors. Alternate years. (2, lin)

MUMS 344. Percussion Techniques for Composers. A survey of percussion instruments and basic performance techniques, notation issues, and percussion literature, with special emphasis on practical applications through compositional projects. Alternate years. (2, lin)

MUMS 346. Conducting Lab. Provides students a music ensemble with which to practice their conducting skills. Required of students enrolled in Basic Conducting, Choral Conducting, or Instrumental Conducting. Graded pass/fail. (0, lin)

MUMS 349. Organ Service Playing Techniques and Teaching. Musicianship for the church organist. Hymn-playing, accompanying, improvisation, conducting from the console, playing various liturgical and non-liturgical services, teaching organ. Required of Bachelor of Music organ majors; open to others by permission of instructor. Alternate years. (3, lin)

MUMS 355. Group Pedagogy. Adaptation of music methods and materials for age-specific and instrument-specific group classes of music students. Group dynamics and management techniques are explored. Prerequisites: MUMS 255 or by approval. (3, lin)

MUMS 356. Studio Administration. Organization, facilities and business procedures for setting up a private music studio; strategies for promotion, recruitment, and retention of students, portfolio development, personal ethics and professional growth. Prerequisite: MUMS 255 or by approval. (2)

MUMS 361. Exploratory Improvisation. Students with established improvisation skills will be challenged to enhance their artistic development within various stylistic traditions. Exploration of new techniques of playing and imagining will be encouraged. Graded pass/fail. (2, lin)

MUMS 372. Principles of Pedagogy: Suzuki I. A study and application of the philosophies of teaching and playing the violin/viola using the Suzuki Method in its foundational level (this satisfies Suzuki Association of America's level 1A). Suzuki Literature Book One will be memorized, performed, and analyzed for teaching points. (2, lin)

MUMS 373. Principles of Pedagogy: Suzuki II. A study of violin and viola pedagogy and related topics building on the foundation of Pedagogy I, a prerequisite. Suzuki Literature Book Two will be memorized, performed, and analyzed for teaching points. (2, lin)

MUMS 375. Score Study I. Students will develop advanced audiation skills through study of choral and instrumental scores using solfeggio as the primary tool. Prerequisite MUTC 352 or by approval. (2, lin)

MUMS 376. Score Study II. Students will develop harmonic audiation skills through advanced study of choral and instrumental scores using keyboard as the primary tool. (2, lin)

MUMS 381. Spiritual Formation for the Artist. Exploration of issues of spiritual growth that are unique to the artistically oriented person. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the development of personal character and integrity as a countercultural pursuit. Alternating years. (2, lin)

MUMS 385. Applied Pedagogy I. The culmination of the pedagogy track in which students will be mentored by an experienced teacher in an internship relationship. Students will be responsible for teaching other non-college-age students, observing their mentor-teacher, and consulting weekly. Prerequisites: MUMS 255, 321. (2, lin)

MUMS 421. Honors Conducting. Choral or Instrumental emphasis. For students who demonstrate a superior skill in conducting; by permission of instructor. Prerequisites: MUMS 311 or 312. (2, lin)

MUMS 455. Applied Pedagogy II. A continuation and extension of Applied Pedagogy I. Prerequisites: MUMS 255, 321, 385. (2, lin)

MUMS 471. Choral Methods. Organization of instruction in choral music for the junior and senior high school. Methods of tone production and development; classification and placement of singers; style, interpretation, balance, blend, rehearsal procedures, and ensemble management. (2, lin)

MUMS 471L. Choral Methods Practicum. A teacher-aiding experience in a local school during the semester. Concurrent with MUMS 471. Graded pass/fail. (1, lin)

MUMS 472. Instrumental Methods. Organization of instruction in school instrumental music. Recruitment and teaching techniques, administrative responsibilities, and instructional materials for orchestra, concert and marching bands, and jazz band. (2, lin)

MUMS 472L. Instrumental Methods Practicum. A teacher-aiding experience in a local school during the semester. Concurrent with MUMS 472. Graded pass/fail. (1, lin)

MUMS 473. Elementary School Music. Methods and materials for teaching general music from kindergarten through middle school. Integration of Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze concepts and techniques. Skills in recorder playing and Orff instruments. Study of curriculum, lesson planning, and evaluation. Prerequisites: MUTC 171, MUCS 101 or equivalent. (2, lin)

MUMS 473L. Elementary School Music Practicum. A teaching experience in a local school during the semester. Concurrent with MUMS 473. Graded pass/fail. (1, lin)

MUMS 485. Opera Music Theater Honors Directing. Assistant directing and/or production management for Opera Music Theater II (MUEP 357) or scene directing for Opera Music Theater I (MUEP 356). Offered each semester, by consent of instructor. Repetition encouraged. (2, lin)

MUMS 495. Directed Study. (1-4, lin)

MUMS 496. Internship. Prerequisites: Senior classification and permission of the Director of the Conservatory. Elective Studies majors must have completed 18 hours of their elective concentration. Graded pass/fail. (2-4, lin)

MUMS 511. Improvisation Seminar. In addition to full participation in the International Improvisation Institute program, special daily seminar meetings are designed to gain insights into the nature of improvisation, explore the pedagogical techniques for teaching improvisation, and seek to understand improvisation from different stylistic perspectives and for different instruments and voices. Prerequisite: Completed baccalaureate degree. (2, lin)

Revision Date: May 1, 2008

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