Music Education
Dr. Mark Davis, Chairman

Mr. William Brackeen, Pianoforte/Theory

Ms. Bonita Franklin, Director of Vocal Music

Mr. Albert Jackson, Director of Instrumental Music

 

 

            The Langston University Department of Music is noted for excellent faculty, numerous performing groups of high caliber, a strong Comprehensive Musicianship core program and outstanding course offerings.  Students seeking a career in one of the many facets of music are provided a sound education at LU.  Performing, composing, conducting, and teaching are frequent goals.  However, it is ultimately the graduation as an educator of high merit that provides our students with a wide range professional possibility.

 

 

Mission of the Department of Music

 

            The pursuit of excellence through the study of music continues to be a vibrant and lasting tradition of the Department of Music at Langston University.  Therefore, the mission of the Department of Music is to provide the highest quality teaching, performance, creativity, and research through a diversity of activities and music experiences.  Equally, the mission of the Department of Music is to foster excellence in the same aforementioned areas through involvement of the faculty and students in public performance, media presentations, research publications and other creative activities.

 

 

Philosophy of the Department of Music

 

            The Department of Music is devoted to the ideal of making music a part of the lives of ALL people, as well as advancing the art of music.  Therefore, we are dedicated to ensuring that each student advances in an enriching, yet flexible learning environment that provides for self-growth, special interests, and physical capabilities.  The Department of Music accepts the charge of providing this musical guidance under the hands of trained professionals.



Departmental Objectives

 

The Music Education curriculum strives to achieve the following objectives:

1.  To offer music courses of interest and value to all University students for

      the development of appreciative listeners or trained participants.                                       
2.  To offer state-approved curricula for the preparation of teachers of music in

      the elementary and secondary public/private schools.        
3.  To offer instruction which can lead to fields of performance, conducting,

      composition and arranging, and related areas.
4.   To offer instruction as preparation for graduate study.
5.   To give the student intensive professional training and equip

                  him/her with a solid foundation through comprehensive musicianship.

 

 

MUSIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM

 

MUSIC CHORAL (Teacher Education)

 

I.   Degree:             Bachelor of Arts in Education

II.  Major:             Music-Choral/Piano (Teacher Education)

A. General Education:  50 hours

B.  Required Courses:  58 hours

MS 1612-4612        Major Applied

MS 1511-2521        Secondary Applied Piano

MS 1711        Music Fundamentals I

MS 1721        Music Fundamentals II

MS 1533        Theory I

MS 1543        Theory II

MS 2553        Theory III

MS 2563        Theory IV

MS 1911        Conducting Fundamentals

MS 2212        Voice Diction I (English and Italian)

MS 2222        Voice Diction II (German, French, and Spanish)

MS 2922        Instrumental Music Survey

MS 3223        Choral Methods

MS 3213        Choral Conducting

MS 1812        Music Survey

MS 3813        Music History I

MS 1812        African American Music

MS 3823        Music History II

MS 3922   Voice Class

*MS 4001        Performance Seminar

MS 4212        Orchestration

**MS 2021        Ensemble (Choir)

MS 4913        Music Education Methods

 

     (Courses required can be completed in four (4) years if the student takes 17-19 hours per semester; however, students with deficiencies should not expect to complete their degree in four years without attending summer sessions.  Students should consult with an advisor in the music area to work out degree plan.)

 

C.        Additional Requirements:  35 hours of Professional Education (see Teacher Education Program).

D. Special Requirements:  7 semesters of Major Applied, with Applied lessons 1 hour per week for 2 hours credit.  Each Applied major is required to own his instrument prior to Senior Recital.  Major Applied Juries are 10-15 minute performances before a faculty committee for evaluation required at the conclusion of each semester of applied study.  Secondary Juries are 5 minutes in length.  The cumulative Jury grade will count as 1/3 of the grade for both Major and Secondary Applied.  A senior recital is optional for students during the seventh semester of Applied Study prior to enrolling in the Professional block courses.

E.  Electives to complete 128 hours. These hours must include a minimum of 45 hours in upper division courses.

 

       *Must enroll each semester.

     **Only four semester hours will count as credit toward the degree requirement; however, students must enroll each semester during residency.

 

 

MUSIC-INSTRUMENTAL (Teacher Education)

 

I.   Degree:  Bachelor of Arts in Education

II.  Major:    Instrumental/Piano (Teacher Education)

A. General Education:      50 hours

B.  Required Courses:        66 hours

MS 1612-4612        Major Applied Instrument

MS 1511-2511        Secondary Applied Piano (other instrument if piano major)

MS 1711        Music Fundamentals I

MS 1721        Music Fundamentals II

MS 1533        Theory I

MS 1543        Theory II

MS 2553        Theory III

MS 2563        Theory IV

MS 1911        Conducting Fundamentals

MS 1822        Music Survey

MS 3813        Music History I

MS 3823        Music History II

MS 4913        Music Education Methods

MS 3313        String Technique

MS 3413        Band Methods

MS 4212        Orchestration

MS 2422        Brass Wind Technique

MS 3412        Percussion Technique

MS 2412        Woodwind Technique

MS 2912        Choral Music Survey

MS 3923        Instrumental Conducting

*MS 2611        Ensemble (Band)

**MS 4001        Performance Seminar

 

     *Must enroll each semester.

     **Only four semester hours will count as credit toward the degree requirement; however, students must enroll each semester during residency.  (Courses required can be completed in 4 years if the student takes 17-19 hours per semester; however, students with deficiencies should not expect to complete their degree in 4 years without attending summer sessions.  Student should consult with advisor in Music area to work out degree plan.  Program is currently being revised to reduce number of hours required in Music.)

C. Special requirements:  7 semesters of Major Applied with applied lessons 1 hour per week for 2 hours credit.  Each applied major is required to own his/her instrument prior to Senior Recital.  Major Applied juries are 10-15 minute performances before a faculty committee for evaluation required at the conclusion of each semester of applied study.  Secondary juries are 5 minutes in length.  The accumulative jury grade will count as 1/3 of the grade for both Major and Secondary Applied.  A Senior Recital is optional for students during the seventh semester of Applied Study.

D. Electives to complete 132-hours.  These hours will include a minimum of 45 hours in upper division courses.

E.      Additional Requirements:  35 hours of Professional Education (See Teacher Education program).

 

COURSES

MUSIC (MS)

 

Music History and Literature

 

MS 1812 (2CR) AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC

This course is designed to equip students with a rather in-depth understanding of the music black Americans from its roots in ancient Africa to the “New World.”  Course open to general student body.  No prerequisites.

MS 1822 (2CR) MUSIC SURVEY

A general study of examples of music literature together with those fundamentals of form and design essential for the intelligent enjoyment of music; also such historical information as may be necessary to give rise to musical understanding and appreciation.  No prerequisites:  open to general student body.

MS 2912 (2CR) CHORAL MUSIC SURVEY (Instrumental Specialist)

A general study of choral music practices through different historical periods including analysis, problems, philosophies, and techniques.  Designed for instrumental specialists.  Prerequisite:  instructor's approval.

MS 2922 (2CR) INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SURVEY (Choral Specialist)

A course designed to give students with choral music emphasis a broad perspective and general understanding of techniques, practices, literature, and problems involved in instrumental music.  Prerequisite:  instructor's approval.

MS 3813 (3CR) MUSIC HISTORY I

A course designed to equip students with a rather in-depth understanding of the music of the Western world from its roots in antiquity through the Renaissance era.  The course allows students to develop critical thinking skills necessary to analyze musical and cultural trends of each style and period; recognize major historical milestones in music (i.e., Mass, Motet, Madrigal, early Opera, etc.); and develop a logical historical framework with music as its basis. Prerequisite:  junior standing or permission of instructor.

MS 3823 (3CR) MUSIC HISTORY II

This course is designed to equip students with a rather in-depth understanding of the music of the Western world from the Baroque era through the twentieth century.  Students develop critical thinking skills necessary to analyze musical and cultural trends of each style and period, recognize major historical milestones in music (i.e., Opera, Sonata, Oratorio, Rondo, Fugue, Toccata, etc.); and develop a logical historical framework with music as its basis.  Prerequisite:  MS 2813 Music History I.

 

 

Music Theory and Music Education Methods

 

MS 1711 (1CR) MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS I

Designed for students with deficient musical backgrounds, this course places an emphasis on basic skills in vocal and sign theory.  Subject content includes fundamentals of written theory, notation of pitch and rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, and an introduction of 4-part harmony.  Also included are instrumental sight-reading, keyboard harmony, and aural theory.  Prerequisite:  Music Theory Placement Test.

MS 1721 (1CR) MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS II

This course is a continuation of Music Fundamentals I.  Prerequisite:  MS 1711 Music Fundamentals I.

MS 1533 (3CR) THEORY I

(Formerly MS 1714)

This course covers eighteenth-century choral writing correlated with sight singing, keyboard harmony, and harmonic and melodic dictation, using principle and subordinate triads through the dominant seventh.

MS 1543 (3CR) THEORY II

(Formerly MS 1724)

Course requirements are the same as Music Theory 2713.  This course covers the use of seventh-chords in inversions, modulations to closely related keys, non-harmonic tones, and original part-writing exercises involving the above listed techniques.  Prerequisite:  MS 1533.

MS 2212 (2CR) VOICE DICTION I

A study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as it applies to transcribing, pronouncing, and singing song texts in English and Italian.

MS 2222 (2CR) VOICE DICTION II

A study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as it applies to transcribing, pronouncing, and singing song texts in German and French.

MS 2412 (2CR) WOODWIND TECHNIQUE

Basic concepts in the teaching and playing of woodwind instruments are covered, including class instruction, laboratory application, clinics, seminars; tone production.  Prerequisite:  sophomore standing.

MS 2422 (2CR) BRASS WIND TECHNIQUE

Basic concepts in the teaching and playing of brass instruments are taught, including class instruction, laboratory application observations, clinics, seminars, tone production, instrument nomenclature, fingering, positions, breath control.  Prerequisite:  sophomore standing.

MS 2553            (3CR)              THEORY III

(Formerly MS 2714)

This course is a study of 18th and 19th-century music through analyzing, writing, dictation, and playing at the keyboard of seventh-chords, altered chords, altered non-harmonic tones and augmented chords.  Also covered are modulations to all keys and an introduction to compositional techniques of the 20th-century, including practice in writing original melodies for solo and ensemble works.  Prerequisite:   MS 1543.

MS 2563 (3CR) THEORY IV

(Formerly MS 2724)

This course is a comprehensive study of form from folksong to symphony, simple song forms to developed structures, formal and harmonic analysis, including structures in music during the latter parts of the 19th century and the 20th century.  Compositional techniques and stylistic differences in various composers' writings are also examined.  Prerequisite:  MS 2553.

MS 3213 (3CR) CHORAL METHODS

This course covers the study of techniques involved in the teaching of choral music on the elementary, junior high, and secondary level. Special emphasis is placed on examining music of a high vocal, theoretical and aesthetic level over a broad range of choral literature..  Prerequisite:  junior standing.

MS 3223 (3CR) CHORAL CONDUCTING

This course covers principles of conducting, baton techniques, conducting with and without a baton, rehearsal procedures, interpretation, laboratory experience, analysis and evaluation of literature.  Prerequisite:  junior standing.

MS 3312 (2CR) STRING TECHNIQUE

This course is a study of basic concepts in the teaching and playing of string instruments, inclusive of class instruction emphasizing bowing technique, instrument nomenclature, and fingering positions.  Prerequisite:  junior standing.

MS 3412 (2CR) PERCUSSION TECHNIQUE

This course covers basic concepts in the teaching and playing of percussion instruments; class instruments; laboratory application, clinics, and seminars.  Prerequisite:  permission of instructor.

MS 3413 (3CR) BAND METHODS

This is a rather in-depth course for prospective band directors with emphasis on organization, management, public relations, fund raising and essentials of building and maintaining the modern football marching band.  Prerequisite:  junior standing and instructor's approval.

MS 3912 (2CR) VOICE CLASS

This course covers the basic concepts and techniques of singing, including breathing, tone production, diction, interpretation, articulation, phrasing, and sight-reading.  No Prerequisite.  non-music majors may enroll with instructor's approval.

MS 3913 (3CR) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MUSIC

A course for elementary education candidates covering song literature, methods, rudiments of music, the child's voice, rhythmic and melodic expression--not open to Music Majors.  Prerequisite:  permission.

MS 3923 (3CR) INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING

This course specifically examines instrumental baton technique.  Practical experience in conducting varying instrumental organizations emphasizing style, phrasing, ensemble technique, proper attacks, and release, balance, cueing and score reading are also covered.  Prerequisite:  junior standing.

MS 4212 (2CR) ORCHESTRATION

This course is a study of the techniques of scoring music for wind, percussion, strings, and electronic instruments, including the use of technology.

MS 4913 (3CR) MUSIC EDUCATION METHODS

The principles, philosophies, methods and materials involved in the total music education program of kindergarten, elementary, junior and senior high schools are covered.  Prerequisite:  junior or senior standing.

 

 

Applied Music

 

MS 1612 (2CR) MAJOR APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRING, PERCUSSION

Individual study of the fundamentals, techniques, methods, skills, music, and literature involved in the performance of a musical medium are covered.  Seven semesters of  Major Applied study are the required for Senior Recital and graduation.  Prerequisite:  Music major.

MS 1622 (2CR) MAJOR APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 1612.  Prerequisite:  music major, MS 1612.

MS 2612 (2CR) MAJOR APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRING, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 1622.  Prerequisite:  Music major, MS 1622.

MS 2622 (2CR) MAJOR APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRING, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 2612.  Prerequisite:  Music major, MS 2612.

MS 3612 (2CR) MAJOR APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 2622.  Prerequisite:  Music major, MS 2622.

MS 3622 (2CR) MAJOR APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 3612.  Prerequisite:  Music major, MS 3612.

MS 4612 (2CR) MAJOR APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

MS 1511 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Individual applied lessons on a second choice instrument for the purpose of developing the skill and knowledge needed to implement the teaching of techniques, musicianship, and musical understanding are covered in this sequence.  Non-music majors may enroll.  Music majors must enroll in secondary piano until they successfully pass the Piano Proficiency Examination.  Prerequisite:  instructor's approval.

MS 1521 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 1511.  Prerequisite:  Instructor's approval, MS 1511.

MS 2511 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 1521.  Prerequisite:  Instructor's approval, MS 1521.

MS 2521 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 2511.  Prerequisite:  Instructor's approval.  MS 2511.

MS 3511 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 2521.  Prerequisite:  Instructor's approval, MS 2521.

MS 3521 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 3511.  Prerequisite:  Instructor's approval, MS 3511.

MS 4511 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

Continuation of MS 3521.  Prerequisite.  Instructor's approval, MS 3521.

MS 4521 (1CR) SECONDARY APPLIED PIANO, VOICE, BRASS, WOODWIND, STRINGS, PERCUSSION

 

MS 4001 (1CR) PERFORMANCE SEMINAR

This course provides the opportunity for majors and Secondary Applied students to develop stage presence and poise for public performance.  Music majors must register for Performance Seminar each semester they are enrolled.

 

 

ENSEMBLE

 

Every music degree student in the Department of Music must participate in one of the large performing ensembles each semester of his/her enrollment, becoming acquainted through actual performance with the best music literature in this medium. These ensembles also serve as laboratories for the development of musical skills, knowledge and exposure to myriad methods and techniques.  Instrumental concentration majors must enroll in band.  Voice majors must enroll in the choir.  Piano majors may enroll in band or choir depending upon their area of specialization (choral or instrumental).  Four hours of ensemble credit are required for graduation.

 

COURSES

 

MS 2611 (1CR) UNIVERSITY BANDS

(Formerly MS 1011)

The Marching Lions, the Concert Band, the Stage Band, the Basketball Prep Band--these University bands appear in campus concerts, at sporting events, and on tour.  These groups are elective for students outside the Department of Music with consent of director.

MS 2021 (1CR) CHOIRS

Concert Chorale and/or University Choir.  For Concert Chorale, auditions are required.  Limited enrollment.  Programs are chosen from select choral literature.  A high standard of vocal ability and musicianship are required.  These groups are elective for students outside the Department of Music with consent of director.  Tours and outside engagements as well as numerous campus concerts are required of ensemble members in the Concert Chorale.  A student must be a member of University Choir to be in Concert Chorale.  University Choir is mixed chorus group.  These groups are elective for students outside the Department of Music with consent of the director.

MS 2031 (1CR) MUSIC THEATER

This course is an introduction to the study and performance of outstanding musical scores including scenes from opera and musical comedies.  This class is elective for non-music majors with consent of the director.

MS 3011 (1CR) STRING ENSEMBLE

This course provides an opportunity for students to study and perform string chamber music.  This course serves as a follow-up to the elective for the string technique class.  The ensemble is elective for non-music majors with the consent of the director.  Often, there are campus concerts and limited outside engagements.

MS 3021 (1CR) STAGE BAND

This group serves as a laboratory instrumental ensemble—advanced or regular.  Students study and perform the larger forms/works of jazz, popular, and dance music literature.  The groups are elective for non-music majors with consent of the director.  Campus and outside engagements are often required of participants.

MS 3031 (1CR) WOODWIND ENSEMBLE

This group serves as a laboratory setting for the study and performance of woodwind chamber music.  The course is elective for majors and non-music majors with consent of the director.  Campus concerts and limited outside engagements are additional requirements.

 

MS 4011 (1CR) BRASS ENSEMBLE

This class serves as a laboratory setting for the study and performance of brass chamber music.  This course is elective for non-majors and majors with consent of the director.  Campus concerts and outside engagements are additional requirements.

 

 

 

 

 


Vocal:
• Langston University Concert Choir
• Langston University Concert Choral
• Lyric Singers
• Troubadours

Instrumental:
Langston University Marching Pride
• Langston University Wind Ensemble
• Langston University Concert Band
• Langston University Jazz Ensemble
• Langston University Pep Band

 

 

Music Student Organizations:

CMENC

Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity

Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority

Sigma Iota Alpha

Phi Mu Alpha

 

 

NASPAAM Archives