Music
Why pursue a music degree at North Central College?
With a degree in music, you won’t have to choose between performance or music education – you can be involved in a variety of ways! Music majors work closely with faculty to carve out their own niche, studying music performance, music composition and improvisation, and music technology. Music majors are equipped for several different pathways when they graduate, including becoming a performer, music journalist, music therapist or attending graduate school. At North Central College you will strengthen many aspects of your musicianship and creative expression. Music majors are passionate, creative, collaborative and above all, love their instrument and voice. In this program, you’ll gain a solid liberal arts foundation and one-to-one attention working on your craft.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Putting extensive time and effort into honing your musical craft
- Exploring performance, education and administrative aspects of music
- Performing live in orchestras, operas or bands
then a degree in MUSIC might be for you.
Why study music at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Arranging and Orchestration
- Aural Skills
- Class Piano
- Computer and Electronic music
- Doing Music History
- Doing Ethnomusicology
- Elements of Conducting
- Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
- Music Now
- Music Technology
- Music Theory
- Piano Pedagogy
- Piano Literature
Beyond the Classroom
As a music major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Cater your lessons and performances around areas of interest like jazz, musical theatre, opera or classical.
- Get involved in an acapella group like No Control A Capella, One Note Stand, Sonata Problem and Tonacity.
- Hone your jazz skills and knowledge with Jazz Club or Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- Share composition ideas at the North Central College Composer’s Consortium.
- Perform in a variety of campus venues and ensembles—our more than 20 student groups range from small to large instrumental ensembles and choral ensembles.
Music, B.A.
The B.A. in music is designed for the student interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences without focusing on performance or music education. The concentration includes a global perspective and technological perspective with an emphasis on research and writing.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
4.00 credit hours
Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
4.00 credit hours
Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
-
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the first in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the second in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
4.00 credit hours
A continued study of tonal forms, chromatic harmony and voice leading and rhythm. Topics include species counterpoint, popular music forms, contrapuntal forms and chromatic modulation.
-
MUSI 258 - Music Now
MUSI 258 - Music Now
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the study of music as seen from a variety of disciplinary perspectives--education, composition, performance and ethnographic and historical research. The exploration of music including its production and role in everyday social life.
-
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the theory, applications and techniques of music and audio software. Topics include digital audio workstations, computer music, music notation platforms, music composition and sound design software and methods for music information retrieval.
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
4.00 credit hours
In this course, we will hone research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of the past. Through a series of case studies, we will examine important musical historical moments as models for our own historical research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we will encounter musical works long considered key to understanding historic music traditions. Throughout, we will investigate questions such as: What are the tools used to create a music history? Do we evaluate the usefulness of historical sources? And, how does knowledge of music's histories inform our contemporary musicianship?
Electives
Eight credit hours from the following:
-
MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to piano teaching. The study of the learning process, teaching methods and teaching materials. Requires observation of experienced teachers and supervised teaching.
-
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
4.00 credit hours
An in-depth survey of piano literature from the early baroque period through the 20th century focusing on how composition evolved the past several hundred years.
-
MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
4.00 credit hours
The study and practice of the technical and historic aspects of orchestration and arranging for instrumental and vocal ensembles.
-
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
4.00 credit hours
An introductory study of fundamental conducting techniques, principles, leadership and practices for conductors of instrumental and choral ensembles. An experiential, practical approach that includes lecture, reading, writing and student-led collaborative learning activities.
-
MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
4.00 credit hours
Investigates the role of music in human sociability through engagement with ethnographic readings and recordings of global music scenes and practices. Students conduct their own field research to explore hands-on the links between music and politics, religion, sexuality and many other aspects of social life.
-
MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
4.00 credit hours
Concepts and techniques of computer music research, composition and performance. Topics include digital audio signal processing, MIDI, computer programming for music, sound analysis and synthesis, algorithmic processes and various stylistic approaches to making electronic music. Students with advanced programming skills are allowed to focus on software development and those with a stronger interest in musical creation may focus on various software and performance techniques.
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
1.00 credit hours
Final capstone project for the B.A. in Music, Liberal Arts Track.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Jazz Studies, B.A.
The B.A. in Jazz Studies is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on jazz performance or composition. Entrance into the Jazz Studies performance track is determined by audition with the jazz faculty.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
4.00 credit hours
Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
4.00 credit hours
Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
Jazz Courses
-
MUSI 260 - Jazz Harmony I
MUSI 260 - Jazz Harmony I
4.00 credit hours
Aural skills as applied to jazz harmony: recognition of triads, chords, chord progressions and idiomatic rhythmic fundamentals using ear training, singing, dictation and transcription.
-
MUSI 261 - Jazz Harmony II
MUSI 261 - Jazz Harmony II
4.00 credit hours
Music theory as it applies to swing and bebop jazz styles: scale/chord relationships; harmonic notation; sectional song forms; alterations, substitutions and extensions. Stylistic changes that occurred after Bebop: modal and chromatic harmony, poly chords, pedal points, free playing and quartal harmony.
-
MUSI 281 - Jazz Improvisation I
MUSI 281 - Jazz Improvisation I
4.00 credit hours
Principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises using the major scales, the dorian and mixolydian modes, the blues scales and form, the ii-V-I harmonic progression, the Aeolian and locrian modes and the minor ii-V-I progression. Transcription, analysis and performance of recorded jazz solos to illustrate these principles.
-
MUSI 282 - Jazz Improvisation II
MUSI 282 - Jazz Improvisation II
4.00 credit hours
Intermediate and advanced principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises and jazz repertoire utilizing the lydian and phrygian modes, the whole tone scale, harmonic and melodic minor scales, altered lydian modes, pentatonic scales and Coltrane substitutions. Analysis, transcription and performance of recorded solos illustrating these principles.
-
MUSI 305 - Jazz History I
MUSI 305 - Jazz History I
4.00 credit hours
The stylistic evolution of jazz from its origins to the 1950s, examined within its American cultural context. Traces the historical development from early combo jazz through the swing era to the development of bebop.
-
MUSI 360 - Jazz Arranging and Composition I
MUSI 360 - Jazz Arranging and Composition I
4.00 credit hours
Topics in jazz composition and arranging introduced through the exploration and analysis of jazz repertoire. Topics include arranging and composition for rhythm section and for jazz combos with two to four horns. Elements of big band arranging are introduced as well. Arrangements are performed by student groups.
-
MUSI 401 - Senior Jazz Project
MUSI 401 - Senior Jazz Project
1.00 credit hours
Preparation for the capstone performance of the jazz studies major: a 45-minute concert with a student jazz ensemble, mentored by the primary instrumental/vocal instructor. Covers all aspects of producing a live performance: personnel selection, rehearsal schedule, musical arrangements, venue reservation, marketing and promotion.
-
MUEN 121 - Jazz Combo
MUEN 121 - Jazz Combo
0.00-0.50 credit hours
Faculty-led jazz chamber ensemble performing classic and contemporary jazz repertoire set for rhythm section, horns and/or vocalists. Performs a minimum of three concerts per year on campus.
Applied Jazz Lessons
- Applied Jazz lessons on primary instrument/voice each semester
- Two credit hours at the 100-level
- Four credit hours at the 300-level
Applied Jazz Piano
-
MUAL 111 - Jazz Piano
MUAL 111 - Jazz Piano
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Private instruction in piano in the jazz idiom at the undergraduate level.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad.
Note:
*See department or music guidebook for additional details.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Performance, Vocal Track, B.A.
The B.A. Music Performance, Vocal Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on voice performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
4.00 credit hours
Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
4.00 credit hours
Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
-
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the first in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the second in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
4.00 credit hours
A continued study of tonal forms, chromatic harmony and voice leading and rhythm. Topics include species counterpoint, popular music forms, contrapuntal forms and chromatic modulation.
-
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
4.00 credit hours
Intermediate and advanced work in sight singing, ear training, melodic and rhythmic dictation and harmonic dictation.
-
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
2.00 credit hours
The third course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include four octave minor scales and chord progressions and development of early intermediate level technical exercises and repertoire.
-
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
2.00 credit hours
The fourth course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include intermediate level technical exercises, accompanying, harmonization, and complex score reading.
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
4.00 credit hours
In this course, we will hone research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of the past. Through a series of case studies, we will examine important musical historical moments as models for our own historical research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we will encounter musical works long considered key to understanding historic music traditions. Throughout, we will investigate questions such as: What are the tools used to create a music history? Do we evaluate the usefulness of historical sources? And, how does knowledge of music's histories inform our contemporary musicianship?
Vocal Track Courses
-
MUEN 105 - Opera Workshop
MUEN 105 - Opera Workshop
1.00 credit hours
A basic study of performance techniques for the singer of musical theatre and opera, designed to give students experience in singing and acting through study and active participation in works of the musical stage. This course is repeatable.
-
MUSI 228 - Diction for Singers
MUSI 228 - Diction for Singers
4.00 credit hours
Instruction in English, Italian, German and French diction as it applies to vocal music. Coursework includes use of the International Phonetic Alphabet and the preparation and in-class performance of representative vocal solos in each language studied.
-
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the theory, applications and techniques of music and audio software. Topics include digital audio workstations, computer music, music notation platforms, music composition and sound design software and methods for music information retrieval.
-
MUSI 329 - Vocal Pedagogy
MUSI 329 - Vocal Pedagogy
2.00 credit hours
The study of the vocal instrument and techniques for proper use. Emphasis is on healthy production and the establishment of performance techniques to be used when teaching young or amateur singers.
Applied Vocal Lessons
Eight credit hours from the following:
-
MUAL 100 - Voice
MUAL 100 - Voice
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Private instruction in voice at the undergraduate level.
-
MUAL 300 - Advanced Voice
MUAL 300 - Advanced Voice
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Private instruction in voice at the advanced undergraduate level.
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
1.00 credit hours
Final capstone project for the B.A. in Music, Liberal Arts Track.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Complete the Junior and Senior full recital. (Composition majors may opt for an instrumental or vocal Junior recital.
- Minimum of four credit hours in an approved instrumental ensemble (MUEN prefix).
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Performance, Piano Track, B.A.
The B.A. Music Performance, Piano Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on piano performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
4.00 credit hours
Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
4.00 credit hours
Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
4.00 credit hours
A continued study of tonal forms, chromatic harmony and voice leading and rhythm. Topics include species counterpoint, popular music forms, contrapuntal forms and chromatic modulation.
-
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
4.00 credit hours
Advanced study of tonal and post-tonal forms. Topics include modes, scales, set theory, recent trends, and rhythm, meter and form in the 20th and 21st centuries.
-
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
4.00 credit hours
Intermediate and advanced work in sight singing, ear training, melodic and rhythmic dictation and harmonic dictation.
-
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the theory, applications and techniques of music and audio software. Topics include digital audio workstations, computer music, music notation platforms, music composition and sound design software and methods for music information retrieval.
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
4.00 credit hours
In this course, we will hone research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of the past. Through a series of case studies, we will examine important musical historical moments as models for our own historical research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we will encounter musical works long considered key to understanding historic music traditions. Throughout, we will investigate questions such as: What are the tools used to create a music history? Do we evaluate the usefulness of historical sources? And, how does knowledge of music's histories inform our contemporary musicianship?
Piano Track Courses
-
MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
MUSI 334 - Piano Pedagogy
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to piano teaching. The study of the learning process, teaching methods and teaching materials. Requires observation of experienced teachers and supervised teaching.
-
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
MUSI 335 - Piano Literature
4.00 credit hours
An in-depth survey of piano literature from the early baroque period through the 20th century focusing on how composition evolved the past several hundred years.
-
MUSI 336 - Collaborative Piano
MUSI 336 - Collaborative Piano
2.00 credit hours
Introduction to the collaborative process of performance for vocal and instrumental accompaniment. Emphasis is on personal practice methods, ensemble rehearsal techniques, score study and sight-reading.
Applied Piano Lessons
Six credit hours from the following with two credit hours taken at the 100-level and four credit hours taken at the 300-level:
-
MUAL 110 - Piano
MUAL 110 - Piano
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Private instruction in piano at the undergraduate level.
-
MUAL 310 - Advanced Piano
MUAL 310 - Advanced Piano
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Private instruction in piano at the advanced undergraduate level.
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
1.00 credit hours
Final capstone project for the B.A. in Music, Liberal Arts Track.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Complete the Junior and Senior full recital.
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Performance, Instrumental Track, B.A.
The B.A. Music Performance, Instrumental Track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on instrumental performance. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
4.00 credit hours
Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
4.00 credit hours
Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
-
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the first in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the second in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
4.00 credit hours
A continued study of tonal forms, chromatic harmony and voice leading and rhythm. Topics include species counterpoint, popular music forms, contrapuntal forms and chromatic modulation.
-
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
4.00 credit hours
Advanced study of tonal and post-tonal forms. Topics include modes, scales, set theory, recent trends, and rhythm, meter and form in the 20th and 21st centuries.
-
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
4.00 credit hours
Intermediate and advanced work in sight singing, ear training, melodic and rhythmic dictation and harmonic dictation.
-
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
2.00 credit hours
The third course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include four octave minor scales and chord progressions and development of early intermediate level technical exercises and repertoire.
-
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
2.00 credit hours
The fourth course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include intermediate level technical exercises, accompanying, harmonization, and complex score reading.
-
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the theory, applications and techniques of music and audio software. Topics include digital audio workstations, computer music, music notation platforms, music composition and sound design software and methods for music information retrieval.
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
4.00 credit hours
In this course, we will hone research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of the past. Through a series of case studies, we will examine important musical historical moments as models for our own historical research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we will encounter musical works long considered key to understanding historic music traditions. Throughout, we will investigate questions such as: What are the tools used to create a music history? Do we evaluate the usefulness of historical sources? And, how does knowledge of music's histories inform our contemporary musicianship?
Instrumental Track Courses
-
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
MUSI 344 - Elements of Conducting
4.00 credit hours
An introductory study of fundamental conducting techniques, principles, leadership and practices for conductors of instrumental and choral ensembles. An experiential, practical approach that includes lecture, reading, writing and student-led collaborative learning activities.
Applied Instrumental Lessons
- Two credit hours at the 100-level
- Four credit hours at the 300-level
Instrumental Ensemble
- Minimum of four credit hours in an approved instrumental ensemble (MUEN prefix)
Capstone
-
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
1.00 credit hours
Final capstone project for the B.A. in Music, Liberal Arts Track.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Performance, Composition Track, B.A.
The B.A. Music performance track is designed for students interested in obtaining a wide range of musical experiences with a particular focus on performance or composition. Entrance into the music performance track is determined by audition with the music department.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
Core Music Courses
-
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
4.00 credit hours
Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
-
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
4.00 credit hours
Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
-
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 - Aural Skills I
2.00 credit hours
Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
-
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
MUSI 160 - Class Piano 1
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the first in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
MUSI 161 - Class Piano 2
2.00 credit hours
A continuation of intermediate keyboard skills including finger technique, sight-reading, transposition, and harmonization. Technical routines are advised to enhance the student's ability at the piano or keyboard. This course is the second in a sequence that leads to the required piano proficiency exam for all music majors.
-
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
MUSI 201 - Music Theory III
4.00 credit hours
A continued study of tonal forms, chromatic harmony and voice leading and rhythm. Topics include species counterpoint, popular music forms, contrapuntal forms and chromatic modulation.
-
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
MUSI 202 - Music Theory IV
4.00 credit hours
Advanced study of tonal and post-tonal forms. Topics include modes, scales, set theory, recent trends, and rhythm, meter and form in the 20th and 21st centuries.
-
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
MUSI 208 - Aural Skills II
4.00 credit hours
Intermediate and advanced work in sight singing, ear training, melodic and rhythmic dictation and harmonic dictation.
-
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
MUSI 270 - Class Piano III
2.00 credit hours
The third course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include four octave minor scales and chord progressions and development of early intermediate level technical exercises and repertoire.
-
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
MUSI 271 - Class Piano IV
2.00 credit hours
The fourth course in the Class Piano for Music Majors sequence. Students will continue to develop piano skills that are essential to their musicianship and practical for careers in music. Skills include intermediate level technical exercises, accompanying, harmonization, and complex score reading.
-
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
MUSI 301 - Doing Music History
4.00 credit hours
In this course, we will hone research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of the past. Through a series of case studies, we will examine important musical historical moments as models for our own historical research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we will encounter musical works long considered key to understanding historic music traditions. Throughout, we will investigate questions such as: What are the tools used to create a music history? Do we evaluate the usefulness of historical sources? And, how does knowledge of music's histories inform our contemporary musicianship?
Composition Track Courses
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MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
MUSI 342 - Arranging and Orchestration
4.00 credit hours
The study and practice of the technical and historic aspects of orchestration and arranging for instrumental and vocal ensembles.
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MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
MUSI 385 - Computer and Electronic Music
4.00 credit hours
Concepts and techniques of computer music research, composition and performance. Topics include digital audio signal processing, MIDI, computer programming for music, sound analysis and synthesis, algorithmic processes and various stylistic approaches to making electronic music. Students with advanced programming skills are allowed to focus on software development and those with a stronger interest in musical creation may focus on various software and performance techniques.
Applied Composition Lessons
Six credit hours from the following with two credit hours taken at the 100-level and four credit hours taken at the 300-level:
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MUAL 105 - Composition
MUAL 105 - Composition
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Private instruction in music composition at the undergraduate level.
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MUAL 305 - Advanced Composition
MUAL 305 - Advanced Composition
0.00-1.00 credit hours
Private instruction in music composition at the advanced undergraduate level.
Capstone
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MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
MUSI 491 - Music Capstone Project
1.00 credit hours
Final capstone project for the B.A. in Music, Liberal Arts Track.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Six concerts per semester while enrolled as a music major, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Complete the Senior full recital.
- Successful completion of the entrance and continuation auditions.
Note:
*Students must consult the North Central College catalog for other degree requirements.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Music Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Music.
A minimum of 22 credit hours, including:
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MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
MUSI 101 - Music Theory I
4.00 credit hours
Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
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MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
MUSI 102 - Music Theory II
4.00 credit hours
Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
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MUSI 156 - The World of Music
MUSI 156 - The World of Music
4.00 credit hours
Introductory course that uses a case studies approach to present various global music, exploring the relationship of music and sound to social and cultural life in different countries of the world.
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MUSI 258 - Music Now
MUSI 258 - Music Now
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the study of music as seen from a variety of disciplinary perspectives--education, composition, performance and ethnographic and historical research. The exploration of music including its production and role in everyday social life.
Elective
One of the following:
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MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Music Technology
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the theory, applications and techniques of music and audio software. Topics include digital audio workstations, computer music, music notation platforms, music composition and sound design software and methods for music information retrieval.
- A 300- or 400-level Music course (non-performance based)
Applied Lessons
Four semesters of Applied Lessons (MUAL) totaling a minimum of two credit hours.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of requisite number of concert attendance. Three concerts per semester while enrolled as a music minor, unless student teaching or studying abroad. See department guidebook for additional details.
- Students must register in order to be eligible to participate in ensembles. Students must register for credit unless they have already reached the 18.0 credit limit.
Explore our Music Education and Musical Theatre programs!
Music Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Graduate Schools
Recent graduates in music have been accepted at:
- Indiana University
- Boston Conservatory
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Missouri
- Northeastern University
- Vandercook College of Music
- Washington University
- Illinois State University
Careers
Recent graduates of music include:
- Performance (vocal, instrumental, jazz, musical theatre)
- Composition and arranging
- Private studio teaching
- Music library science
- Arts management
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