Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).