MUS 103 - Chapel Choir 1cr

This course is open to all members of the Warren Wilson community as well as to interested members of the larger community. Weekly rehearsals are planned to help members develop vocal, ensemble, and musical skills, and to prepare music for Sunday worship services for which this group frequently provides leadership. No audition is required. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 105 - College Chorale 1cr

The College Chorale is an auditioned student choral ensemble devoted to the performance of a variety of musical styles. This large ensemble is for students who seek the opportunity to perform at the college level with members who represent a wide variety of academic majors. The repertoire includes works of various countries, languages, cultures, and historical periods. The College Chorale presents a major concert each semester and performs at various on-campus and off-campus events. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 110 - Music Appreciation 4cr

An introduction to Western art music from its beginnings to the present, this course helps students develop skills in listening to music. Common musical forms such as the sonata, concerto, fugue, and others will be discussed and heard through audio/visual presentations. No previous music experience is necessary.

MUS 114 - Music Cultures of Africa, Mid East, Latin America 4cr

This course uses music as a lens through which students examine several selected cultures from Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Students explore music as a functional activity in people's lives, as a source of cultural identity, and as a form of artistic expression. Through enhanced listening skills and contextual analysis, students develop a framework for understanding the meaning and significance of music in various societies, including their own.

Language/Global Issues

MUS 115 - Music Cultures of Asia 4cr

This course uses music as a lens through which students examine several selected cultures from Asia (South, Central, East, and Southeast). Students explore music as a functional activity in people's lives, as a source of cultural identity, and as a form of artistic expression. Through enhanced listening skills and contextual analysis, students develop a framework for understanding the meaning and significance of music in various societies, including their own.

Language/Global Issues

MUS 120 - Beginning Music Theory 2cr

This course introduces students to the basic elements of music theory beginning with reading lines and spaces, note values, major and minor scales, chords and harmony. Beginning Music Theory is required of all students interested in further studies in music, including Applied music instruction. Students with previous music experience may elect to take a placement examination if they feel their background is sufficient.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 122 - Applied Bass 1cr

This course is designed to prepare bass students for professional work one or more of the following areas: classical music, jazz, traditional music, and other popular music styles. It develops fundamental abilities, principals, competencies, and concepts, helping students gain an increased repertoire of standard literature or tunes and improvement in the skills necessary for successful bass performance. Such skills may include standard notation reading, bass line construction, improvisation, and technique. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 127 - Jazz Ensemble 1cr

Each semester, the Jazz Ensemble explores music from different jazz styles (i.e. Swing, Dixieland, and Latin Jazz), and gives public performances of works learned. This ensemble is open to all Warren Wilson College students, staff, and faculty. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is expected for the group to successfully attain excellence in collaboration and performance. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: Ensemble members must demonstrate command of their instruments.

MUS 130 - Applied Piano 1cr

Students with past keyboard experience may take this course. Literature appropriate to each student's ability is chosen from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods of music. Jazz, Ragtime, or other suitable contemporary compositions are included as a part of every student's study. This course focuses on helping students develop their technique, and their ability to play expressively, and it fosters an understanding and an appreciation of the differences in the styles from each music period. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 134 - Beginning Voice 2cr

In this course, students learn basic concepts of producing good sound including proper breath management, good diction, and developing the full range of the voice. The opportunity to sing for and listen to colleagues is an important aspect of the class.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 135 - Applied Voice 1cr

Students with prior vocal training may take this course. It focuses on development of the student's technical and artistic skills through lessons, practice, performance, listening, and concert attendance. The repertoire is selected from classical vocal literature appropriate to the student's level of proficiency; musical theatre and operetta selections may also be assigned. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 137 - Applied Organ 1cr

This course is for students with a strong background in piano who are interested in learning to play the organ. Beginning organ students study keyboard and pedal techniques and hymn playing. Upper level students study compositions of diverse styles and periods. Performance opportunities include recitals, chapel services, and convocations. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 140 - Old-Time Fiddle I 1cr

This course for beginning fiddlers is an introduction to the traditions of southern old-time fiddling. Students will learn the basics of tuning, fingering, and simple bowing patterns as well as open-string drones and double-stops. The class will focus on a basic repertoire of standard old-time southern dance tunes, in cross-tuning, as well as standard tuning, taught mostly by ear. This course will be designed to accommodate those with prior classical training as well as those who are new to the instrument.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 141 - Old-Time Fiddle II 1cr

This course, a continuation of Old-Time Fiddle I, is for advanced-beginner and intermediate fiddlers, as well as students who have had classical violin training. The focus of the class will be on traditional tunes and songs from the southern old-time fiddle repertoire. Students will learn tunes, mostly by ear, in the various traditional cross-tunings as well as standard tuning. Basic bowing patterns and the use of open-string drones and double-stops characteristic of southern old-time fiddling will also be explored. It is assumed that students know basic fingering and scales.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 140 Old-Time Fiddle I or permission of instructor.

MUS 142 - Mandolin I 1cr

This course is an introduction to the mandolin for beginners. Students will learn simple scales, basic chords, and some old-time or bluegrass tunes and songs, as well as how to play backup to other instruments or vocalists.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 155 - Appalachian Flatfooting and Clogging 1 cr

In this course, students learn the basics of Appalachian flatfooting and clogging, the traditional step dances of the Appalachian region. They also learn about the traditions of team clogging and have the opportunity to create a clogging group for performance. Through assigned readings, documentary videos, and possible visits to regional dance venues, students gain an understanding of the roots and history of these traditional dance forms and their role in Appalachian community, past and present. Although prior dance knowledge is welcome, it is not a prerequisite for the course.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 156 - Appalachian Square Dance 1 cr

This course, open to dancers of all levels, focuses on the traditional square dances of the southern Appalachian region. Students learn these dances and gain an understanding of their roots and history as well as their role in the Appalachian community, past and present. Contra dances, reels, and other dance forms that have influenced the southern dance tradition will also be examined. Students who wish to (not required) learn how to call dance figures. Although prior dance experience is welcome, it is not a prerequisite for this class.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 157 - Beginning String Band 1cr

In this course for intermediate and advanced players with knowledge of basic chords and/or Appalachian repertoire, students learn how to play as an ensemble and create a band with opportunities to perform on campus for dances and other community events. Through the classic Southern Appalachian string band repertoire, the class explores rhythm, arrangements, lead and harmony singing, performance dynamics, and various possibilities of instrumental combinations. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: Some proficiency on an Appalachian stringed instrument.

MUS 161 - Guitar I 1cr

In this course, students learn the basics of acoustic guitar playing, including tuning, chords, rhythm, and picking out melodies. Repertoire is drawn from a variety of styles including folk, country, bluegrass, old-time, blues, and popular music.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 162 - Guitar II 1cr

In this course for those who already know their basic chords, students learn blues and country finger-picking styles on the guitar.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 161 Guitar I or permission of instructor.

MUS 164 - Old-Time Banjo 1cr

This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of clawhammer-style old-time banjo. Students will learn a variety of banjo tunes and songs using several different traditional tunings. No experience with the banjo is required.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 165 - Bluegrass Banjo 1cr

This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of clawhammer-style old-time banjo. Students will learn a variety of banjo tunes and songs using several different traditional tunings. No experience with the banjo is required.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 169 - Old-Time Singing 1cr

Drawing from the rich vocal traditions of rural southern music, students in this course learn to sing a wide variety of old-time songs including ballads and folksongs, minstrel songs, sentimental parlor songs, bluegrass, old-time, and gospel songs. Students also learn to sing harmony as well as melody.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 171 - Beginning Bluegrass Band 1cr

This course for intermediate and advanced players who know their basic chords and can keep a steady rhythm on banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar or bass, is also for singers. Drawing from the traditional bluegrass repertoire of artists such as Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers, students will combine their individual vocal and instrumental skills to form a cohesive band. Students are encouraged to join in singing both lead and harmony. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: Some proficiency on a Bluegrass instrument.

MUS 176 - Gamelan Ensemble 1cr

Gamelan is a traditional instrumental ensemble of Indonesia that includes many metal percussion instruments. This ensemble is an introduction to Indonesian gamelan performance, and focuses on Central Javanese style or Sundanese (degung). While auditions are not required, students must demonstrate competence in musical ability. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 180 - Appalachian Ballads and Folk Songs 1cr

This course is an introduction to the unaccompanied ballad and folk song traditions of Appalachia. Students will learn Appalachian versions of British ballads that were brought to the southern Appalachians at the end of the 18th century as well as 19th century ballads that are native to America. In addition to singing, students will learn about the history of the ballads, their cultural context in Appalachia, and the ballad collectors ("songcatchers") who came to the region in the early 20th century.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 199 - Independent Study 1-4cr

MUS 201 - Applied Music Theory 2cr

This course continues where MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory leaves off, then focuses on conventional theory of Western music. Beginning with chords and their inversions, this course continues with chord progressions, Roman numeral analysis, harmonic analysis, voice leading in 4-part writing, figured bass, non-harmonic tones, secondary dominants, and modulation.

Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 202 - Applied Music Theory for Traditional Musicians 2cr

This course is an introduction to music theory as applicable to the traditional vernacular music of North America, with a focus on the music traditions of the southern Appalachian region. Such traditions include old time music, bluegrass, country music, and gospel music. The course covers chord construction, various scales, harmony, intervals, Nashville Numbers system, transposition, elementary ear training, and other relevant concepts. Students also have the opportunity to sing harmony in styles pertinent to these musical traditions. While rudimentary music reading skills are required, the content focuses more on the practical application of these concepts in performance settings.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 109 Intro. to Music or MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 209 - Theory/Improvisation 4cr

This course helps students develop their improvisation skills. Students study the scales, chords, and progressions that are the basic elements jazz musicians use to improvise. By using the traditional blues and jazz forms for structure, students learn how to develop their spontaneous ideas into a logical musical statement and a meaningful improvisation.

Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: MUS 120 Beginning Music Theory or permission of instructor.

MUS 211 - American Vernacular Music 4cr

This course examines America's rich tapestry of vernacular music from the perspective of one particular tradition or genre. Proceeding from a topical approach, the course may focus on such areas as bluegrass music history, American folk music festivals, Appalachian sacred music traditions, the history of the blues, or another relevant topic. As a result, students become familiar with important issues surrounding the creation, perception, and idea of a particular tradition or genre within American vernacular music. They also gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of America's cultural history and its connections with music.

MUS 232 - Appalachian Music and Dance 4cr

This course explores the music and dance traditions of the southern Appalachian region by tracing their historical development from their Scots-Irish and African folk roots to the present day. Topics include ballads and folk songs, sacred singing, dance music, early hillbilly recordings and radio, the folk music revival and contemporary old-time music, bluegrass and early country music, buckdancing, clogging, and square dancing. Although musicians are welcome, musicianship is not a prerequisite for this class.

MUS 240 - Applied Traditional Music: Fiddle 1cr

This course offers students with prior experience in traditional music the opportunity to advance their musical technique through weekly individual lessons in fiddle (old-time or bluegrass). In addition to technique, students learn relevant music theory, develop the ability to play expressively, and gain a better understanding and awareness of the musical traditions, history, and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Repertoire appropriate to each student's individual ability is selected from the traditional old-time or bluegrass canon, and students perform in a juried recital at the end of the semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Artistic Expression

prerequisite: Prior experience on an Appalachian instrument and permission of instructor.

MUS 242 - Applied Traditional Music: Mandolin 1cr

This course offers students with prior experience in traditional music the opportunity to advance their musical technique through weekly individual lessons in mandolin. In addition to technique, students learn relevant music theory, develop the ability to play expressively, and gain a better understanding and awareness of the musical traditions, history, and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Repertoire appropriate to each student's individual ability is selected from the traditional old-time or bluegrass canon, and students perform in a juried recital at the end of the semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Artistic Expression

prerequisite: Prior experience on an Appalachian instrument and permission of instructor.

MUS 257 - Old-Time String Band 1cr

This course is for musicians who are proficient on a traditional Appalachian instrument and have already had some experience playing as part of an ensemble. Students work together to form an old-time band that is capable of playing for dances or other performances both on and off campus. Topics include repertoire, arrangements, starting and endings, tempo, rhythm, lead, back-up, chord choices, singing, dynamics, how to achieve a cohesive band sound, and performance for dances and concerts. Students meet once each week with the professor for guidance and feedback and once every week as a group (on their own) for a band practice. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: Appalachian stringed instrument proficient, MUS 157 Beginning String Band, or permission of instructor.

MUS 261 - Applied Traditional Music: Guitar 1cr

This course offers students with prior experience in traditional music the opportunity to advance their musical technique through weekly individual lessons in acoustic guitar. In addition to technique, students learn relevant music theory, develop the ability to play expressively, and gain a better understanding and awareness of the musical traditions, history, and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Repertoire appropriate to each student's individual ability is selected from the traditional old-time or bluegrass canon, and students perform in a juried recital at the end of the semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Artistic Expression

prerequisite: Prior experience on an Appalachian instrument and permission of instructor.

MUS 264 - Applied Traditional Music: Banjo 1cr

This course offers students with prior experience in traditional music the opportunity to advance their musical technique through weekly individual lessons in banjo (old-time or bluegrass). In addition to technique, students learn relevant music theory, develop the ability to play expressively, and gain a better understanding and awareness of the musical traditions, history, and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Repertoire appropriate to each student's individual ability is selected from the traditional old-time or bluegrass canon, and students perform in a juried recital at the end of the semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Artistic Expression

prerequisite: Prior experience on an Appalachian instrument and permission of instructor.

MUS 271 - Bluegrass Band 1cr

This course is for musicians who are proficient on a traditional bluegrass instrument and have already had some experience playing as part of an ensemble. Students work together to form a bluegrass band that is capable of playing for dances or other performances both on and off campus. Topics include repertoire, arrangements, starting and endings, temp, rhythm, lead, back-up, chord choices, singing, dynamics, how to achieve a cohesive band sound, and performance for dances and concerts. Students meet once each week with the professor for guidance and feedback and once every week as a group (on their own) for a band practice. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

Prerequisite: Bluegrass stringed instrument proficient, MUS 171 Beginning Bluegrass Band, or permission of instructor.

MUS/THR 280 - Opera as Drama 4cr

This course introduces students to the world of opera and emphasizes the dramatic and musical aspects. Students study selected operas from various periods of history, including comic and serious operas, and analyze complete operas by discussing the libretto and the musical score. Students are expected to spend additional time outside of class to view videos of opera performances.

prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

MUS 286 - Jazz Appreciation 4cr

Jazz originated, developed, and evolved in the United States; it is a significant American contribution to the world of music. Like any great music, it has progressed through distinguishable periods and introduced outstanding musicians to society and the world. In this course, students study the history of jazz by tracing its emergence at the turn of the twentieth century, through the proliferation of styles current today. Through assigned readings, listening to recordings, watching videotaped performances, and attending live concerts, understanding and appreciation of swing, bebop, cool, and free jazz will be fostered.

MUS 290-298 - Special Topics in Music 2-4cr

This course is an in-depth consideration of a topic of particular concern within the discipline of Music. The course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

MUS 299 - Independent Study 1-4cr

MUS 399 - Independent Study 1-4cr

MUS 485 - Music Practicum 1cr

A senior music student may design a practicum that culminates his or her course of study in a selected area of specialization. The practicum is an in-depth application of some area of musical study, research, performance, instruction, composition, or some combination of these elements. Students must submit an application in advance to the Music Department.

Prerequisites: Senior standing, Music minor. Permission of supervising staff member and music department chair.

MUS 490-498 - Special Topics in Music 2-4cr

This course is an in-depth consideration of a topic of particular concern within the discipline of Music. The course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

Partially satisfies Artistic Expression

MUS 499 - Independent Study 1-4cr