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Year Course ID Course
2026-2027 MUSI 310

Special Topics in Music

Topics vary from year to year.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Music or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. Course may be repeated.
2026-2027 MUSI 320

Arranging for Worship Teams

An introduction to arranging techniques for the most common instruments and voice groupings found in church worship teams. Materials are taken from contemporary songs and more traditional church repertoire. Student arrangements are performed as often as possible.

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 225, 226 or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 325

Tonal Harmony III

Advanced integrated study of music theory, including written harmony, form and analysis, and counterpoint. Harmonic elements include secondary seventh chords; dominant 9th, 11th, and 13th chords; chromatic harmony; modulation; and writing in two, three, and four parts. Further studies in harmonic and melodic dictation and sight-singing.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 225, 226
2026-2027 MUSI 326

Counterpoint, Form & Analysis

Advanced integrated study of music theory, including written harmony, form and analysis, and counterpoint. Harmonic elements include secondary seventh chords; dominant 9th, 11th, and 13th chords; chromatic harmony; modulation; and writing in two, three, and four parts. Further studies in harmonic and melodic dictation and sight-singing.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 325
2026-2027 MUSI 327

Composition

The study of composition with emphasis on the student producing pieces in a variety of genres and styles (generally short works for soloists, small ensembles, or digital media). The course format involves weekly sessions of a private or semi-private nature, with the instructor guiding the student in his or her work. (Workload expectations vary with the credit assigned, 2 or 3 sem. hrs. credit.)

Course Credits: 2, 3
Prerequisite(s): Prior studies in music theory, preferably MUSI 225, 226, and instructor's consent
NB: May not be available every semester.
2026-2027 MUSI 328

Composition

The study of composition with emphasis on the student producing pieces in a variety of genres and styles (generally short works for soloists, small ensembles, or digital media). The course format involves weekly sessions of a private or semi-private nature, with the instructor guiding the student in his or her work. (The workload expectations vary with the credit assigned, 2 or 3 sem. hrs. credit.)

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Prior studies in music theory, preferably MUSI 225, 226, and instructor's consent
NB: May not be available every semester.
2026-2027 MUSI 329

Composition

The study of composition with emphasis on the student producing pieces in a variety of genres and styles (generally short works for soloists, small ensembles, or digital media). The course format involves weekly sessions of a private or semi-private nature, with the instructor guiding the student in his or her work. (The workload expectations vary with the credit assigned, 2 or 3 sem. hrs. credit.)

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Prior studies in music theory, preferably MUSI 225, 226, and instructor's consent
NB: May not be available every semester.
2026-2027 MUSI 330

Music History to 1600

A study of musical styles, forms, and composers up to 1600. This encompasses an evaluation of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance music.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 131, 132, 225, 226
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 331

Instrumental Literature

The course is an introduction to representative instrumental solo, ensemble, and orchestra literature for the student's particular instruments. Through the study of primary literature (musical scores), source readings and secondary material, the student is acquainted with standard instrumental literature and a variety of musicological and pedagogical perspectives on this body of music.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the instrumental performance stream or instructor's consent (upper-level standing)
2026-2027 MUSI 333

Keyboard Literature

A survey of solo music for keyboard instruments from the Renaissance to the present. Works for the harpsichord, clavichord, and piano are reviewed.

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 131, 132, 225, 226; 325, and 326 (may be taken concurrently)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 334

Songwriting for Worship II

A course for students who have done Songwriting for Worship I (MUSI 227), and want to explore working on a self-directed creative project. Students write original songs, which creatively pair music and lyrics that will enhance the worship life of Christians, either in gathered worship or private devotional worship. A spiritual theme which runs across the compositions will be emphasized.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 225 and 227
2026-2027 MUSI 335

Choral Literature

The development of sacred and secular choral music from the Middle Ages to the present. Forms and stylistic considerations are examined in representative choral works including the mass, the cantata, the oratorio, and other genres.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 131, 132; 225, 226, and 330 (may be taken concurrently)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 336

Vocal Literature

A study of forms, idioms, and styles characteristic of solo and chamber song in western art music. Emphasis is on the literature available in Central Europe, the British Isles, and North America from the sixteenth century through to the twentieth century.

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 131, 132, 225, 226; 325 and 326 (may be taken concurrently)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 339

Vocal Performance Class

A study of body movement and stage poise for various types of singing. The student learns correct diction in a number of common singing languages and becomes acquainted with repertoire for the voice.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 131, 132, 225, 226; or instructor's consent
2026-2027 MUSI 340

Digital Recording I

An introduction to various aspects of the recording arts with emphasis on working within the digital (virtual) studio environment with Cubase and other virtual instrument software.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 226 or third-year standing
Cross-listed: MCOM 323
2026-2027 MUSI 341

Digital Recording II

Advanced study and practice of the technologies pertaining to professional digital recording.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 340 or instructor's consent
Cross-listed: MCOM 421
2026-2027 MUSI 345

Orchestra

SAMC’s Orchestra is dedicated to the exploration and sharing of the vast literature of symphonic music, presented on and off-campus to the glory of God. The core repertoire of this large ensemble is the masterworks of the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. In keeping with the School’s spirit of collaboration, the Orchestra also performs newly created works by SAMC faculty and student composers. Membership in this ensemble is open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 346

Orchestra

SAMC’s Orchestra is dedicated to the exploration and sharing of the vast literature of symphonic music, presented on and off-campus to the glory of God. The core repertoire of this large ensemble is the masterworks of the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. In keeping with the School’s spirit of collaboration, the Orchestra also performs newly created works by SAMC faculty and student composers. Membership in this ensemble is open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 347

Band

SAMC’s Concert Band is dedicated to the exploration and sharing of music for brass, winds, and percussion, presented on and off-campus to the glory of God. The repertoire for this ensemble includes music originally composed for this instrumentation, and arrangements of music from the 18th century to the present. Membership in this ensemble is open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 348

Band

SAMC’s Concert Band is dedicated to the exploration and sharing of music for brass, winds, and percussion, presented on and off-campus to the glory of God. The repertoire for this ensemble includes music originally composed for this instrumentation, and arrangements of music from the 18th century to the present. Membership in this ensemble is open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 350

Popular Music in the Twentieth Century

This course examines the sources and evolution of popular music in the last century, popular music as both an expression of and a creative force in popular culture, popular music as the rhythmic antithesis of repression, popular music as a commodity of mass production and mass culture, and the means by which the development and cultural importance of popular music can be evaluated. Content and method emphasize inquiry arising from America's religious influence on popular culture and the reciprocal influence of popular culture on the Church, to develop a reasoned Christian perspective about popular music.

Course Credits:
Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing or instructor's consent
2026-2027 MUSI 353

Chamber Choir

The large vocal ensembles of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture provide opportunity for singers to develop vocal technique and music literacy while learning choral repertoire from many stylistic periods and traditions. The Chamber Choir is the most advanced vocal ensemble at TWU and has the most rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule. This course develops musical leadership by teaching ensemble-singing skills, lyric diction, and expressive performance techniques. The Chamber Choir regularly represents the university in local performances as well as on international tours. TWU’s large vocal ensembles are open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 354

Chamber Choir

The large vocal ensembles of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture provide opportunity for singers to develop vocal technique and music literacy while learning choral repertoire from many stylistic periods and traditions. The Chamber Choir is the most advanced vocal ensemble at TWU and has the most rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule. This course develops musical leadership by teaching ensemble-singing skills, lyric diction, and expressive performance techniques. The Chamber Choir regularly represents the university in local performances as well as on international tours. TWU’s large vocal ensembles are open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 355

Video Game Sound & Music

A survey of the history and current use of sound and music in video games. Students will investigate how audio in video games is unique and where it draws on other media, as well as learn about the tools and best practices used in the creation of sound and music in video games. Through this study, students will become more aesthetically informed critics of the use of audio in video games.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Second-year standing or higher
Cross-listed: GAME 320
2026-2027 MUSI 356

Sound Design

Covers the core components of effective sound design, such as sound effects, voice recording and mixing. This is a hands-on studio-based course in which students will engage in frequent hands-on exercises and in-class activities in order to prepare them to contribute the non-musical audio elements necessary for video game development. Students who are not part of the Game Development program will also benefit from taking this course, as it is also applicable to non-game forms of media production.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MCOM 323/MUSI 340
Cross-listed: GAME 321
2026-2027 MUSI 357

Advanced Sound Design

Continues the topics of GAME 321 “Sound Design,” goes deeper in those topics (sound effects, voice recording, mixing), and adds an extra emphasis on studio direction. This is a hands-on studio-based course in which students will engage in frequent hands-on exercises and in-class activities in order to gain the skills and aesthetic judgment necessary to excel in their creation of non-music audio elements of video games. Students who are not part of the Game Development program will also benefit from taking this course, as it is also applicable to non-game forms of media production.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): GAME 321/MUSI 356
Cross-listed: GAME 322
2026-2027 MUSI 358

Interactive Sound Design

Covers the issues and technologies unique to creating and deploying sound and music for video games and other interactive digital media. In this studio-based course, students will engage in frequent exercises and projects in order to develop the advanced knowledge, aesthetic judgment, and digital audio skills that will help these students contribute effectively to sound design in Game Development projects. Students must have at least a basic understanding of programming to participate in this course.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): GAME 321/MUSI 356; CMPT 140
Cross-listed: GAME 323
2026-2027 MUSI 361

Vocal Ensemble

Chamber Singers (Section A) Worship Team (Section B) Renaissance Singers (Section C) Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Section D) Musical Theatre Vocal Ensemble (Section E)

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 362

Vocal Ensemble

Chamber Singers (Section A) Worship Team (Section B) Renaissance Singers (Section C) Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Section D) Musical Theatre Vocal Ensemble (Section E)

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 365

Instrumental Ensemble

Brass Quintet (Section A) Jazz Combo (Section B) Stage Band (Section C) String Quartet (Section D) Woodwind Quintet (Section G) Traditional Jazz Ensemble (Section H) Guitar Ensemble (Section I) Music Theatre Ensemble (Section J) New Music Ensemble (Section K)

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 366

Instrumental Ensemble

Brass Quintet (Section A) Jazz Combo (Section B) Stage Band (Section C) String Quartet (Section D) Woodwind Quintet (Section G) Traditional Jazz Ensemble (Section H) Guitar Ensemble (Section I) Music Theatre Ensemble (Section J) New Music Ensemble (Section K)

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 370

Junior Recital

A 30-minute recital given by a student in the third year of the performance stream. Recital program must be submitted to the department chair for approval.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the performance stream or by special instructor's consent
2026-2027 MUSI 371

Instrumental Techniques: Brass

The study of brass methods and materials. Students are given basic instruction on several of the instruments in each section with strong components in performance (at the beginning level) and in instrumental pedagogical techniques for purposes of teaching in public or private schools or in church-related instrumental music programs.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 225, a minimum of two semesters of applied lessons on major instrument or voice, or instructor’s consent
2026-2027 MUSI 372

Instrumental Techniques: Woodwinds

The study of woodwinds methods and materials. Students are given basic instruction on several of the instruments in each section with strong components in performance (at the beginning level) and in instrumental pedagogical techniques for purposes of teaching in public or private schools or in church-related instrumental music programs.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 225, a minimum of two semesters of applied lessons on major instrument or voice, or instructor’s consent
2026-2027 MUSI 373

Instrumental Techniques: Percussion

The study of percussion methods and materials. Students are given basic instruction on several of the instruments in each section with strong components in performance (at the beginning level) and in instrumental pedagogical techniques for purposes of teaching in public or private schools or in church-related instrumental music programs.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 225, a minimum of two semesters of applied lessons on major instrument or voice, or instructor’s consent
2026-2027 MUSI 374

Instrumental Techniques: Pre-Band Instruments

The study of pre-band instruments methods and materials. Students are given basic instruction on several of the instruments in each section with strong components in performance (at the beginning level) and in instrumental pedagogical techniques for purposes of teaching in public or private schools or in church-related instrumental music programs.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 225, a minimum of two semesters of applied lessons on major instrument or voice, or instructor’s consent
2026-2027 MUSI 381

Concert Choir

The large vocal ensembles of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture provide opportunity for singers to develop vocal technique and music literacy while learning choral repertoire from many stylistic periods and traditions. The Concert Choir is the introductory vocal ensemble at TWU and most singers will spend a minimum of one semester in Concert Choir before progressing to the more advanced ensembles. This course introduces ensemble-singing skills, lyric diction, and expressive performance techniques. The Concert Choir regularly takes part in major joint performances with the other TWU choirs. TWU’s large vocal ensembles are open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 382

Concert Choir

The large vocal ensembles of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture provide opportunity for singers to develop vocal technique and music literacy while learning choral repertoire from many stylistic periods and traditions. The Concert Choir is the introductory vocal ensemble at TWU and most singers will spend a minimum of one semester in Concert Choir before progressing to the more advanced ensembles. This course introduces ensemble-singing skills, lyric diction, and expressive performance techniques. The Concert Choir regularly takes part in major joint performances with the other TWU choirs. TWU’s large vocal ensembles are open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 MUSI 401

Worship Design & Leadership I

A study of the principles and practice of designing effective worship services. This course is the classroom component related to local church practica, MUSI/WRSH 402 and 403.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): WRSH 201, 301, and upper-level standing
NB: MUSI/WRSH 402 is most commonly taken as a co-requisite.
Cross-listed: WRSH 401
2026-2027 MUSI 402

Worship Design & Leadership II

A local church field placement covering the entire semester, with scheduled involvement to be determined early in the semester in cooperation with the ministry leadership of the local church. It is expected that the student is given individual hands-on responsibilities over the semester in areas of strength, as well as opportunities for growth in other areas. The student works under the immediate supervision of a staff or qualified lay leader in the local church and within the general supervision of a TWU instructor.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): WRSH 201, 301
MUSI/WRSH 401
NB: For those involved in leading worship teams in the field placement, MUSI 320 is required; MUSI 405 is recommended. For those involved in leading choirs/ensembles in the field placement, MUSI 405 is required. For those involved in a dramatic ministry in the field placement, THTR 383 is required. For those involved in digital media ministry in the field placement, ART 250/MCOM 231 is required.
Cross-listed: WRSH 402
2026-2027 MUSI 403

Worship Design & Leadership III

A continuation of the local church field placement of MUSI 402, typically in the same church. The field placement covers the entire semester, with scheduled involvement to be determined early in the semester in cooperation with the ministry leadership of the local church. It is expected that hands-on responsibilities in this semester are increased over those of MUSI 402. The student works under the immediate supervision of a staff or qualified lay leader in the local church, and within the general supervision of a TWU instructor.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): MUSI/WRSH 402
Cross-listed: WRSH 403
2026-2027 MUSI 405

Conducting I

An introduction to the principles and techniques of choral and instrumental conducting. The acquisition of fundamental conducting skills, facility in score reading and analysis, and rehearsal techniques are emphasized.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 131, 132; 325, 326; open to non-Music majors by instructor's consent.
2026-2027 MUSI 406

Conducting II

The study of conducting techniques required for difficult examples using traditional compositional techniques and contemporary compositions, including aleatory music. Topics include the refinement of patterns and gestures, score preparation, and the psychology of musical organizations. Students from the class may be selected for performances with the campus ensembles.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 405
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 407

Choral Arranging

An introduction to choral arranging techniques. Materials are taken from classical music, popular melodies, carols, and original melodies. Student arrangements are performed and discussed in class as often as possible.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 325, 326 (may be taken concurrently)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 425

Twentieth Century Music

An examination of representative musical literature spanning the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including compositional practice, analysis, and approaches to history. Analytical issues are examined in response to questions of structural integrity, pitch and temporal organization, and the relationship of recent musical discourse to the tradition of the common practice. Students develop critical interpretive tools through engagement with musicological literature that addresses issues of history, the relationship of music and culture and aesthetic value.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 236, 325
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 MUSI 427

Composition

A continuation of MUSI 329, with emphasis on major works for larger ensembles. The study of composition with an emphasis on the student producing pieces in a variety of genres and styles (generally more extended works for a variety of ensembles or digital media). The course format involves weekly sessions of a private or semi-private nature, with the instructor guiding the student in his or her work. The workload expectations vary with the credit assigned (2 or 3 sem. hrs. credit).

Course Credits: 2, 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 329 and instructor's consent
NB: May not be available every semester.
2026-2027 MUSI 428

Composition

A continuation of MUSI 329, with emphasis on major works for larger ensembles. The study of composition with an emphasis on the student producing pieces in a variety of genres and styles (generally more extended works for a variety of ensembles or digital media). The course format involves weekly sessions of a private or semi-private nature, with the instructor guiding the student in his or her work. The workload expectations vary with the credit assigned (2 or 3 sem. hrs. credit).NB: May not be available every semester.

Course Credits: 2, 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 329 and instructor's consent
NB: May not be available every semester.
2026-2027 MUSI 429

Composition

A continuation of MUSI 329, with emphasis on major works for larger ensembles. The study of composition with an emphasis on the student producing pieces in a variety of genres and styles (generally more extended works for a variety of ensembles or digital media). The course format involves weekly sessions of a private or semi-private nature, with the instructor guiding the student in his or her work. The workload expectations vary with the credit assigned (2 or 3 sem. hrs. credit).NB: May not be available every semester.

Course Credits: 2, 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 329 and instructor's consent
NB: May not be available every semester.
2026-2027 MUSI 430

Foundations & Principles of Music Education

An introduction to the historical, philosophical, sociological, and psychological foundations of music education. Topics covered include: program development, teaching methods, administration, supervision, and evaluation.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): MUSI 131, 132; 225, 226; and third- or fourth-year standing
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: EDUC 430
2026-2027 MUSI 445

Orchestra

SAMC’s Orchestra is dedicated to the exploration and sharing of the vast literature of symphonic music, presented on and off-campus to the glory of God. The core repertoire of this large ensemble is the masterworks of the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. In keeping with the School’s spirit of collaboration, the Orchestra also performs newly created works by SAMC faculty and student composers. Membership in this ensemble is open to students of all majors by audition.

Course Credits: 1