Course Descriptions
Scroll down to read descriptions of the Master of Music courses offered at Carthage.
See program requirements:
Voice Pedagogy: Anatomy and Function
MUS 5100 / 4 credits
This course examines respiration, phonation, resonance and articulation in speech and song as well as pedagogical strategies for working with voices of various age levels and experiences. Students will explore practical approaches to evaluating voices and remedying inefficiencies in voice production. Students will develop a familiarity with traditional and modern writings in voice pedagogy, and utilize this research in applied voice settings. This course will include the use of technology in pedagogical settings.
Topics in Pedagogy
MUS 5150 / 4 credits
In this topics course, students will gain an advanced understanding of teaching and learning in the performance of music. Students will explore different topics in music pedagogy, and learn to effectively translate that research into educational practice. Students will master principles and practices involved in teaching music in a variety of educational settings. Students will examine best practice case studies and analyze and apply these skills while refining their own pedagogical skills. Students will learn to apply technology, assess student progress, and document student learning.
Research Methods
MUS 5160 / 4 credits
This course provides a guided introduction to the music research methods. Students will learn the major paradigms in music research, including epistemological and ontological issues. They will explore a range of research designs, methods, and techniques in order to evaluate research designs. Students will explore ethical considerations in research, and will design a research project.
Contemporary Vocal Pedagogy and Styles
MUS 5200 / 4 credits
Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the technical recipes for music theatre vocal styles, including resonance and articulation interaction as well as musical style. This course will focus on efficient vocal technique that is grounded in a secure understanding of musical style elements as well as the integration of these elements with dramatic storytelling.
Prerequisite: MUS 5100
The Voice Profession: Readings and Issues
MUS 5300 / 4 credits
Through readings, discussion, and application, course participants will develop an understanding of the issues in music theatre voice training and the role of the voice teacher in the studio setting. Building on skills developed in MUS 5100 and MUS 5200, this course provides students with the skills to develop a personal identity as a voice teaching professional with a focus on developing individual learning plans for students in private and educational settings. Students will also develop an understanding of the entrepreneurial skills needed for music theatre voice professionals, including the development of a website and other online materials as well as professional-quality audition materials.
Prerequisite: MUS 5200
Supervised Teaching Practicum
MUS 5400 / 1 credit
Students in this course will apply theoretical knowledge to develop their own unique teaching style. Students will have a practicum cohort for discussion and reflection on teaching practices. Students will be expected to teach two to three private students throughout the course of the term as assigned by the instructor.
Prerequisite: MUS 5100 or MUS 5200
Advanced Applied Music Study
MUS 5500 / 1 credit each; repeatable
This course provides opportunities for advanced, applied music study. Through technical exercises, repertoire study, and research of performance practice, participants will develop musical and artistic skills for the purpose of education and performance.
Ensemble
MUS 5560 / 4 credits
Participation in a Carthage music ensemble, with rehearsal and performance geared toward the graduate student.
Movement and Voice Integration
MUS 5600 / 1 credit, repeatable
This course provides opportunities for music theatre students to develop and somatically experience better physical organization, reducing effort, enhancing coordination, and expanding movement options. Movement and voice explorations will provide tools for creative expression. As part of the course, students will be introduced to the bodies of research of Linklater, Lessac, Fitzmaurice, Alexander, and/or Feldenkract visctvisis. Students will learn the basic elements of these pedagogical frameworks and apply these understandings to the analysis of performances and individual research projects.
Literature and Coaching
MUS 5900 / 1 credit, repeatable
Students in this course will explore performance literature through individual coaching and biweekly group master class format.
Seminar
MUS 6000 / 4 credits
Students in this course will develop a thorough understanding of performance practices and stylistic characteristics of a wide variety of musical genres through this variable content course.
Music Theatre Collaboration: Music Theatre Directing/Rehearsal Techniques
MUS 6100 / 4 credits
This course prepares the music theatre voice specialist to collaborate as part of an integrated team with other music theatre specialists including stage directors, designers, and choreographers. This course focuses on the unique roles of the collaborative team as well as tools for integrating and developing effective practices. This course will also address rehearsal techniques, musical arrangements, licensing, auditions, and rehearsal planning.
Prerequisite: MUS 6000
Master of Music Competency Exams
MUS 6300 / 0 credits
This is a written competency exam to demonstrate broad knowledge as well as specific expertise required for the Master of Music.
Capstone Thesis Project or Performance
MUS 6310 / 4 credits
In this capstone course, students will apply research techniques appropriate to the discipline in order to develop an individual research line or curricular project.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 28 graduate credits in Music