Courses

Using the  study area buttons below find detailed information about the courses being offered. 
If you have questions about any of the courses please contact Academic Services.

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Music

• MUS 2 Private Lessons - Instrument

  We offer lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, and a variety of other instruments as instructors are available. Ten lessons are offered each semester. For information on cost, please visit the Tuition and Fees webpage. To apply for lessons, please contact the Music and Worship Arts office (performingarts@briercrest.ca). Practice rooms are available on a rental basis for those taking Private Lessons. Students may receive credit for applied lessons--we do not charge tuition beyond the regular lesson fee for one-hour credits. All students taking Private Lessons for credit receive a grade for each semester of study.

• MUS 3 Private Lessons - Voice

  We offer lessons in voice as instructors are available. Ten lessons are offered each semester. For information on cost, please visit the Tuition and Fees webpage. To apply for lessons, please contact the Music and Worship Arts office (performingarts@briercrest.ca). Practice rooms are available on a rental basis for those taking Private Lessons. Students may receive credit for applied lessons--we do not charge tuition beyond the regular lesson fee for one-hour credits. All students taking Private Lessons for credit receive a grade for each semester of study.

• MUS 4 Private Lessons - Piano

  We offer lessons in piano as instructors are available. Ten lessons are offered each semester. For information on cost, please visit the Tuition and Fees webpage. To apply for lessons, please contact the Music and Worship Arts office (performingarts@briercrest.ca). Practice rooms are available on a rental basis for those taking Private Lessons. Students may receive credit for applied lessons--we do not charge tuition beyond the regular lesson fee for one-hour credits. All students taking Private Lessons for credit receive a grade for each semester of study.

• MUS 5 Ensemble-Worship Team

  Students may have the opportunity to be involved in other faculty-led or student-led small vocal and/or instrumental groups (worship teams or performance teams) as singers, players, or technicians for credit. These groups are formed at the discretion of the Music/Worship Arts Department. Students may receive one credit per semester upon completion of the ensemble requirements. We expect students to commit to this ensemble for both semesters.

• MUS 6 Ensemble-College Singers

  A multi-voice choir that participates regularly in choral concerts, college musicals, and local church worship services. College Singers collaborates with the orchestra and other choral ensembles. This group offers training, experience, and ministry opportunities within the context of a caring musical community. A two-semester commitment to this group is expected.

• MUS 7 Ensemble-Resonant

  Resonant is an a cappella chamber ensemble that performs music that spans the styles of jazz, gospel, and classical both on campus and on tour. This group offers singers training, performance experience, and ministry opportunities in a challenging yet encouraging environment. A two-semester commitment to this group is required.

  Prerequisite: Entrance to this ensemble is by audition, interview and consent of the instructor

• MUS 8 Ensemble-Orchestra

  A 20-piece group (open to college, high school students, and community members) that joins with our choirs to participate in local church worship services, choral/instrumental concerts, and college musicals. This group offers training, experience, and ministry opportunities within an instrumental musical setting. A two-semester commitment to this group is expected.

• MUS 98 Piano Proficiency

  Piano Proficiency is a requirement and will include scales, chords, prepared pieces of music, and one piece for sight reading. This requirement is pass/fail.
  
  Note: This requirement must be completed before the student begins their second year of study in the BA Music program. The successful completion of this requirement is necessary for acceptance into a Performance concentration.

• MUS 110 Introduction to Musicianship

  This course introduces students to the basics of the language of music. The focus of instruction is foundational study in comprehension of written music and identification of aural musical components (major/minor chords, etc.). This course prepares students for MUS 115 Musicianship I. Students may be exempt from Introduction to Musicianship by writing a theory placement exam and scoring a passing grade.
  
  Note: May be taken as a free elective credit towards the AA or BA Music degrees.

• MUS 115 Musicianship I

  This course continues to build a broader vocabulary of music theory by studying triadic harmony of the Common Practice Period. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ear training, two-part dictation, cadences, four-part voice leading, open and closed voicing, figured bass practices, and harmonization.
  
  Note: Students with credit for MUS 200 Musicianship II cannot take this course for credit

  Prerequisite: MUS 110 Introduction to Musicianship or passing grade on the theory placement exam.

• MUS 116 Musicianship II

  This course continues to investigate the logical progressions of the Common Practice Period. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ear training, four-part dictation, secondary triads, ornaments, tonicization and modulation, four-part harmonization, and analysis.
  
  Note: Students with credit for MUS 201 Musicianship III cannot take this course for credit

  Prerequisite: MUS 115 Musicianship I

• MUS 130 Basic Voice

  Basic vocal techniques are studied in a small class setting. Students gain an understanding of the physical function of the voice and gain confidence in singing. Public speaking techniques are also addressed. This is an introductory course to vocal technique.

• MUS 140 Basic Piano

  This course consists of a group approach to the study of the fundamentals of piano playing. The class is designed for those who have little or no piano background.

• MUS 160 Live Sound and Production

  This course covers basic knowledge and skills of live sound reinforcement, including sound system components, setup, signal flow, mixing, and signal processing. Related topics such as stage lighting, stage management, professional etiquette, and the philosophy of sound are also explored as time allows.

• MUS 203 Recording Arts I

  This course introduces students to the art and science of audio recording through a hands-on look at the basic elements of recording techniques, including studio procedures, microphone techniques, tracking, editing, mixing, and mastering. There is an emphasis on critical listening and analysis, as well as discussion of music and musical form.
  
  Cross-listed: COMM 203 Recording Arts I

• MUS 206 Musicianship III

  This course deals with the understanding of chromatic harmony and extended progressions in the Common Practice Period. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ear training, chromatic melodic motion, extended use of secondary dominants, modal exchange and mixture chords, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, tritone substitution, four-part harmonization, and analysis.
  
  Note: Students with credit for MUS 300 Musicianship IV may not take this course for credit.

  Prerequisite: MUS 116 Musicianship II

• MUS 216 History of Western Music I

  This course provides a study of music history up to 1750 including antiquity, medieval, Renaissance, baroque, and Classical eras. The study of forms and genre and listening comprise a major part of the course.
  
  Cross-listed: MUS 216 History of Western Music I

  Prerequisite: MUS 110 Introduction to Musicianship (or equivalent)

• MUS 217 History of Western Music II

  This course provides a study of music history in the Classical and Romantic eras. The study of forms and genre and listening comprise of a major part of the course.
  
  Cross-listed: MUS 217 History of Western Music II

  Prerequisite: MUS/FIN 216 History of Western Music I

• MUS 260 Introduction to Electronic Music

  This course provides students with a basic understanding of synthesizers, sequencing, MIDI, and notation. It seeks to equip them with a hands-on understanding of how technology can enhance music.

• MUS 301 Contemporary Musicianship

  This course builds on a foundation of rudiments using jazz and other contemporary materials to develop a functional understanding and practical application of music theory. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, aural and keyboard skills, melodic transcription and harmonization, modes, seventh chords, extensions and harmonic function.
  
  Note: Students with credit for MUS 113 Musicianship I may not take this course for credit.

  Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MUS 116 Musicianship II

• MUS 303 Recording Arts II

  This is an advanced course in recording technology that expands on the foundation of MUS/COMM 203 Recording Arts I. The focus of the course is practical, with each student incorporating their creative and technical skills into recording the major project: a professional demo.
  
  Cross-listed: COMM 303 Recording Arts II

  Prerequisite: MUS/COMM 203 Recording Arts I

• MUS 310 Songwriting

  This course is a practical study in popular songwriting. Topics include the study of common song forms, lyric structure, the use of figurative language, rhyme and rhythm, and techniques of sustaining creativity as a songwriter. Further topics include writing for a specific audience, the marketing and publishing of songs, the impact of songwriting in popular culture, and the moral dimensions of songwriting in today's society. Students are required to write and present their songs in class in addition to submitting their work to the instructor for grading.

  Prerequisite: MUS 115 Musicianship I

• MUS 314 Counterpoint

  This course explores eighteenth-century contrapuntal techniques through analysis and written exercises in strict style. Topics include the basics of species counterpoint, writing contrapuntal dances, writing fugues, and realizing figured bass.

  Prerequisite: MUS 206 Musicianship III or permission of the instructor

• MUS 316 History of Western Music III

  This course provides a study of music history in the Post-Romantic and twentieth century eras. In addition to avant-garde and modern trends, this course also provides an introduction to jazz, American roots music, Canadian developments, and the global pop scene, which they have influenced. The study of forms and genre and listening comprise a major part of the course.
  
  Cross-listed: FIN 316 History of Western Music III

  Prerequisite: MUS/FIN 217 History of Western Music II

• MUS 323 Conducting I

  An introduction to vocal and instrumental conducting. Physical gestures, musicianship, leadership principles, repertoire, and the role of conducted ensembles in various contexts will be examined. Students will be exposed to the basic principles and tools that have informed great conductors throughout history.

  Prerequisite: MUS 115 Musicianship I

• MUS 324 Conducting II

  This course provides a further study into vocal and instrumental conducting, including stylistic influences, rehearsal techniques, score preparation, and developing a choir. Practical experience in leading groups is an important aspect of this course.

  Prerequisite: MUS 323 Conducting I

• MUS 330 Vocal Master Class I

  The course is an exploration of the performance practices of vocal literature. Styles include musical theatre, jazz, pop, classical, folk, and gospel. Students are expected to prepare and perform various assigned pieces with an accompanist.

  Prerequisite: Minimum of one year of private vocal lessons; presently enrolled in private vocal lessons; and consent of the instructor in consultation with the private lesson instructor

• MUS 334 Junior Recital

  The junior recital includes the preparation and performance of an approved solo recital on the student's major applied instrument. One half-hour of music (normally memorized) is required. For repertoire and specific requirements, consult the instructor. Required of all Performance emphasis students in their junior (third) year.

  Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

• MUS 340 Musical Theatre Workshop

  This course offers introductory studies in rehearsal and performance of musical theatre. Rehearsal techniques incorporate vocal, speech, dramatic, and choreographic coaching. Students also develop skills in make-up, hair, costumes, set design, and set construction. The semester culminates in a performance of scenes from various musicals. Assignment to roles in the productions is on the basis of audition.

  Prerequisite: Before this course is registered for, you will need to obtain consent from the instructor, and registered for vocal lessons with a voice teacher in our Worship Arts department during this semester. Preference for the registration of this course will

• MUS 345 Lyric Diction

  This course is an exploration of singing diction required for English, German, Italian and French vocal music through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. It will include the discovery of accurate sounds and an accurate reproduction of those sounds through both reading and singing. The student will gain knowledge in text interpretation and increase proficiency in the singing of each language.

  Prerequisite: Two semesters of Private Lessons - Voice

• MUS 350 Keyboard Improvisation

  This course provides a practical approach to playing keyboard by ear. Emphasis is given to playing a pop music style, especially for worship services and related ministry. Students gain an understanding of music structure in relationship to performance without written music. Most of the time spent in this class is practical in nature-students actually doing improvisation and learning various techniques for evaluation.

  Prerequisite: Basic keyboard ability (equivalent to grade 6 RCM)

• MUS 363 Advanced Electronic Music

  This course will give each student the opportunity to advance the skills and knowledge acquired in MUS 260, and to begin to create significant work that demonstrates facility of the software. Students will be responsible to produce one large project, or a series of significant works, consisting of both midi files and audio MP3s.

  Prerequisite: MUS 260 Introduction to Electronic Music

• MUS 365 Musical Theatre Production and Performance I

  Research, rehearsal, design, staging and presentation of an entire musical theatre production by a musical theatre ensemble. Students can expect to invest a minimum of 120 hours in rehearsal and 40 hours in production.
  
  Cross-listed: THEA 365 Musical Theatre Production and Performance I>
  
  Note: Admittance to course is by instructor permission; assigned roles are by audition; students may take a maximum of 9 credit hours of THEA 360, MUS/THEA 365, THEA 460, or MUS/THEA 465 for credit

• MUS 401 Vocal Pedagogy

  This course provides a study of the anatomy and physiology of the voice and the development of an effective methodology for teaching the art of vocal performance and communication. Vocal problems, solutions, and hygiene are addressed in conjunction with a study of repertoire and performance techniques.

  Prerequisite: Completion of one year of private voice study, currently enrolled in vocal lessons, and permission of the instructor

• MUS 402 Piano Pedagogy

  This course is a study of the principles of teaching piano. Topics covered in this class include, but are not limited to, piano methods, repertoire, and technical problems pertaining to private studio teaching for all levels of performance ability.

  Prerequisite: Completion of one year of private piano study, playing at RCM Grade 9 level, currently enrolled in piano lessons, and permission of the instructor

• MUS 403 Instrumental Pedagogy

  This course is a study of the principles of teaching violin. Topics covered in this class include, but are not limited to, violin/string methods, repertoire, and technical problems pertaining to private studio teaching for all levels of performance ability.

  Prerequisite: Completion of one year of private study on your instrument, playing at an advanced level on your instrument, currently enrolled in private lessons, and permission of the instructor

• MUS 410 Vocal and Instrumental Arranging

  This course provides an introduction to vocal and instrumental arranging including orchestration for winds/strings/brasses/percussion, instrumental writing techniques, and choral techniques and practices. Musical styles, forms, and counterpoint are examined to provide background in arranging music for varied settings.

  Prerequisite: MUS 116 Musicianship II and MUS 260 Introduction to Electronic Music

• MUS 424 Conducting III

  This course is a continuation of MUS 324 Conducting II and explores advanced choral and instrumental conducting techniques. Topics include vocal and instrumental rehearsal techniques, orchestral score preparation, auditioning practices (vocal and instrumental), and leadership issues. In addition, students serve as assistant conductors of regular school ensembles and gain experience in a variety of audition, rehearsal, and performance situations.

  Prerequisite: MUS 324 Conducting II

• MUS 429 Music Internship

  The course provides the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a setting that has both applied and theoretical components.

  Prerequisite: Consent of program coordinator

• MUS 430 Vocal Master Class II

  This course is an exploration of the performance practices of German, Italian, French, Latin and English vocal music. Styles include art songs, Lieder, French Mélodie, opera, and oratorio. Students are expected to prepare and perform various assigned pieces with an accompanist in a master class setting. The semester culminates with a live performance open to the public.

  Prerequisite: MUS 330 Vocal Master Class I

• MUS 434 Senior Recital

  The senior recital includes the preparation and performance of an approved solo recital on the student's major applied instrument. Fifty minutes of music (normally memorized) is required. For repertoire and specific requirements, consult the instructor. Required of all Performance emphasis students in their senior (fourth) year.

  Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

• MUS 465 Musical Theatre Production and Performance II

  Research, rehearsal, design, staging and presentation of an entire musical theatre production by a musical theatre ensemble. Students can expect to invest an minimum of 120 hours in rehearsal and 40 hours in production.
  
  Cross-listed: THEA 465 Musical Theatre Production and Performance II
  
  Note: Admittance to course is by instructor permission; assigned roles are by audition; students may take a maximum of 9 credit hours of THEA 360, MUS/THEA 365, THEA 460, or MUS/THEA 465 for credit