Semester: 1st Semester

MUS 543

Class Description: Each college student receives 32 one-hour private lessons during the academic year.  Students also participate in master classes/technique classes/repertoire classes.  Recital appearances are expected.  Students may request a particular private instruction teacher. The CEO will assign the student to the requested teacher whenever space permits.

MUS 541

Class Description: Each college student receives 32 one-hour private lessons during the academic year.  Students also participate in master classes/technique classes/repertoire classes.  Recital appearances are expected.  Students may request a particular private instruction teacher. The CEO will assign the student to the requested teacher whenever space permits.

MUS 561, 551, 571, OR 575

Class Description: MUS 561 - Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature. All instrumental students must be enrolled in the orchestra program. VAM Symphony Orchestra gives four concerts each year. OR MUS 551 - Vocal Theatre Workshop focuses on staged performances of vocal repertoire. Solo and ensemble pieces will be tailored and assigned to the students. Each term will culminate in a fully-produced show for the public. OR MUS 571 - Each Artist Diploma pianist is expected to organize and present at least one public performance each semester which involves performing with at least one other person. Students report on their project to the College Office by downloading the semester report form from the Student Resources section of the college website. OR MUS 575 -Composition students must arrange a public performance of an original composition. This involves preparation of the score, editing, finding performers, organizing rehearsals and arranging a performance date and venue. It may including performing, or conducting a group of performers. For composition majors only.    

MUS 563, 553, 573, OR 577

Class Description: MUS 563 - Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature. All instrumental students must be enrolled in the orchestra program. VAM Symphony Orchestra gives four concerts each year. OR MUS 553 - Vocal Theatre Workshop focuses on staged performances of vocal repertoire. Solo and ensemble pieces will be tailored and assigned to the students. Each term will culminate in a fully-produced show for the public. OR MUS 573 - Each Artist Diploma pianist is expected to organize and present at least one public performance each semester which involves performing with at least one other person. Students report on their project to the College Office by downloading the semester report form from the Student Resources section of the college website. OR MUS 577 -Composition students must arrange a public performance of an original composition. This involves preparation of the score, editing, finding performers, organizing rehearsals and arranging a performance date and venue. It may including performing, or conducting a group of performers. For composition majors only.

MUS 101

Class Description: A study of the diatonic practices of harmony in tonal music and species counterpoint in modal music using written and analytical exercises.

MUS 121

Class Description: An intensive ear-training and sight-singing course using the moveable “do” system. Tonal, atonal and multiple part diatonic music is studied.

MUS 131

Class Description: An overview of Western music from the Middle Ages to the present day. Representative scores are studied in conjunction with listening to provide a framework for understanding musical styles and practices.

MUS 141

Class Description: Each college student receives 32 one-hour private lessons during the academic year.  Students also participate in master classes/technique classes/repertoire classes.  Recital appearances are expected.  Students may request a particular private instruction teacher. The Executive Director will assign the student to the requested teacher whenever space permits.

MUS 141a OR MUS 161

Class Description: MUS 141a - The examination of piano teaching material for beginning and professional students. Discussion will include the development of good musical taste, technical skills, memorization and intelligent practice. For piano majors only. OR MUS 161 - Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature. All instrumental students must be enrolled in the orchestra program. VAM Symphony Orchestra gives three concerts each year.

MUS 153

Class Description: Students will create basic compositions for one to three instruments after analysis of a variety of 20th- and 21st-century techniques. Includes introduction to notation software. Required for Composition majors and first year students with theory background; open to other interested students with permission of instructor.