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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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