Music Major

WHAT IS MUSIC?
Our classical music courses are designed not only to familiarize the student with the physical aspects of the art (including theory and performance techniques) and its aesthetic qualities, but also seeks answers to philosophical questions concerning its nature, origin and development. The program also offers opportunity for private music instruction.

WHAT KINDS OF MUSIC DEGREES DOES KING’S OFFER?

Available As A Major For:
4-Year Bachelor of Music
4-Year Bachelor of Arts

Available As A Concentration For:
3-Year Bachelor of Arts

Available As A Minor For:
4-Year B.A., 3-Year B.A.

Available For These Diplomas and Certificates:
2-Year Diploma in Church Music
1-Year Certificate in Performance
1-Year Artist’s Diploma

Courses Available Include: (for full course descriptions, see the registry pages here)
studies in: applied music (individual instruction), choral ensemble, instrumental ensemble, choral conducting, music history, musicology and creative techniques

Applied Music

MUSI 108 - Applied Music Non-Credit Course
MUSI 109 - Applied Music Non-Credit Course
MUSI 211/261/311/361/411/461 - Second Practical Subject
MUSI 213/263/313/363/413/463/513/563 - First Practical, Specialization Project
MUSI 214/264/314/364/414/464/514/564 - First Practical, Non-Specialization Subject
MUSI 488 - Directed Studies: Diction and Vocal Literature
MUSI 489 - Directed Studies: Piano Pedagogy
MUSI 492 - Directed Studies in the Applied Field
MUSI 498 - Senior Recital
MUSI 601/602/651/652 - Advanced Study in the Applied Field I/II/III/IV
MUSI 603/604/653/654 - Directed Advanced Study in the Applied Field I/II/III/IV
MUSI 648/649/698/699 - Advanced Recital I/II/III/IV

Instrumental Ensemble
MUSI 240/340/440/540 - Instrumental Ensemble Ia/IIa/IIIa/IVa
MUSI 290/390/490/590 - Instrumental Ensemble Ib/IIb/IIIb/IVb
MUSI 491 - Directed Studies: Mixed Ensemble

Chamber Choir/Choral Ensemble
MUSI 105 - Community Chorus
MUSI 110 - Choral Ensemble Ia
MUSI 111 - Chamber Choir Ia
MUSI 160 - Choral Ensemble Ib
MUSI 161 - Chamber Choir Ib
MUSI 209/309/409/509 - Chamber Choir Ia/IIa/IIIa/IVa
MUSI 259/359/459/559 - Chamber Choir Ib/IIb/IIIb/IVb
MUSI 210/310/410/510 - Choral Ensemble Ia/IIa/IIIa/IVa
MUSI 260/360/460/560 - Choral Ensemble Ib/IIb/IIIb/IVb
MUSI 494 - Directed Choral Music Studies

Music Theory Courses
MUSI 200 - Introduction to Music Theory
MUSI 216 - Tonal Harmony 1
MUSI 266 - Tonal Harmony 2
MUSI 316 - Tonal Harmony 3
MUSI 416 - Introduction to Modal Counterpoint
MUSI 466 - Analysis of Tonal Music
MUSI 493 - Directed Theory/Composition Studies

Aural Skills Courses
MUSI 217 - Aural Skills 1
MUSI 267 - Aural Skills 2
MUSI 317 - Aural Skills 3
MUSI 367 - Aural Skills 4
MUSI 467 - Advanced Aural Skills

Liturgical Repertoire and Conducting/Choral Conducting
MUSI 235 - Introduction to Liturgical Music Repertoire and Conducting I
MUSI 285 - Introduction to Liturgical Music Repertoire and Conducting II
MUSI 330 - Choral Conducting I
MUSI 331 - Choral Conducting II

Music Appreciation
MUSI 205 - Music Appreciation I
MUSI 255 - Music Appreciation II

Musicology Courses
MUSI 300 - Major Pre-Christian Music Cultures
MUSI 301 - The Classic Period in Music History
MUSI 302 - Music of Early Christianity, the Medieval Period and the Renaissance
MUSI 303 - History of Baroque Music
MUSI 304 - Music of the 19th Century
MUSI 305 - Music of the 20th Century
MUSI 306 - Music History Overvieww
MUSI 376 - Studies In Christian Worship
MUSI 495 - Systematic Musicology
MUSI 496 - Directed Studies in Musicology

Music Seminars/Tutorials
MUSI 395 - Leadership In Praise and Worship Music
MUSI 497 - Creative Techniques
MUSI 499 - Topics in Music

Related Links

Course Schedule | Music Department |

Applied Music Non-Credit Course, Every Year, Fall or Winter 0(.5-0-0)

Individual instruction (one-half hour per week) offered in bassoon, cello, clarinet, classical accordion, classical guitar, double bass, flute, French horn, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and voice.

Prerequisites: Audition

Applied Music Non-Credit Course Every Year, Fall or Winter 0(1-0-0)

Individual instruction (one hour per week) offered in bassoon, cello, clarinet, classical accordion, classical guitar, double bass, flute, French horn, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and voice.

Prerequisites: Audition

Second Practical Subject Every Year, Fall or Winter 1.5(.5-0-0) for each course.

These courses are open to students in the music program and are available in bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, classical guitar, flute, French horn, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and voice.

Prerequisites: MUSI 211 requires the passing of an auditioning test, the remaining courses require the previous course as the prerequisite or an equivalent.

First Practical, Specialization Subject Every Year, Fall or Winter 3(1-0-0) for each course

The courses MUSI 213, 263, 313, 363 are open to students in the music program and are available in bassoon, cello, clarinet, classical guitar, double bass, flute, French horn, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and voice. The 413, 463, 513, 563 courses are open in clarinet, classical guitar, flute, French horn, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trumpet, violin and voice. Senior courses in other applied fields will be developed as required. For MUSI 463 and 563 a public solo recital is required (Junior, Senior recital).

Prerequisites: MUSI 213 requires MUSI 261 or equivalent, orthe passing of an auditioning test; the remaining courses require the previous course as the prerequisite or an equivalent

First Practical, Non-Specialization Subject Every Year, Fall or Winter 3(1-0-0) for each course

The courses MUSI 214, 264, 314, 364 are open to students in the music program and are available in bassoon, cello, clarinet, classical guitar, double bass, flute, French horn, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and voice. The 414, 464, 514, 564 courses are open in clarinet, classical guitar, flute, French horn, harp, harpsichord, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trumpet, violin and voice. Senior courses in other applied fields will be developed as required.

Prerequisites: MUSI 214 requires MUSI 261 or equivalent, or the passing of an auditioning test; the remaining courses require the previous course as the prerequisite or an equivalent

Directed Studies: Diction and Vocal Literature, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: MUSI 463 and consent of the instructor

Directed Studies: Piano Pedagogy, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: MUSI 463 and consent of the instructor

Directed Studies in the Applied Field, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: MUSI 463 and consent of the instructor

Senior Recital, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: MUSI 463 and consent of the instructor

Advanced Study in the Applied Field I/II/III.IV, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Advanced study in Applied Music involving one-hour p.w. instruction. This course is open only to students in the After- Degree Performer's Certificate and Artist's Diploma.

Prerequisites: MUSI 601: MUSI 498, MUSI 563 and an audition, MUSI 602: MUSI 601, MUSI 651: MUSI 602, MUSI 652: MUSI 651

Directed Advanced Study in the Applied Field I/II/III/IV, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed advanced studies in the applied field. This course is open only to students in the After-Degree Performer's Certificate and Artist's Diploma.

Prerequisites: MUSI 603: MUSI 498, MUSI 563 and an audition, MUSI 604: MUSI 603, MUSI 653: MUSI 604, MUSI 654: MUSI 653

Advanced Recital I/II/III/IV, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Advanced Juried Recital, involved coaching by instructor. This course is open only to students in the After-Degree Performer's Certificate and Artist's Diploma.

Prerequisites: MUSI 648: MUSI 498, MUSI 563 and an audition, MUSI 649: MUSI 648, MUSI 698: MUSI 649, MUSI 699: MUSI 698

Instrumental Ensemble Ia/IIa/IIIa/IVa, Every Year, Fall 1.5(3-0-0)

This course allows the student to acquire orchestral or instrumental ensemble experience in an educational setting through enrolment in a University of Alberta instrumental ensemble course (e.g. University Orchestra, Academy Strings, Concert Band, Orchestral winds, Wind Ensemble, or Jazz Band) or in a comparable university-level orchestra ensemble.

Prerequisites: MUSI 240: Passing of placement audition with one of the above, MUSI 340: MUSI 290, MUSI 440: MUSI 390, MUSI 540: MUSI 490

Instrumental Ensemble Ib/IIb/IIIb/IVb, Every Year, Winter 1.5(3-0-0)

Continuation of MUSI 240, 340, 440, 540.

Prerequisites: MUSI 290: MUSI 240, MUSI 390: MUSI 340, MUSI 490: MUSI 440, MUSI 590: MUSI 540

Directed Studies: Mixed Ensemble, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: MUSI 459 and consent of the instructor

Community Chorus, Every Year, Fall and Winter 0(0-0-3)

This ensemble rehearses once a week and performs jointly with The King's University College Concert and Chamber Choirs. The Community Chorus is open to anyone interested in choral music. No previous choral experience is necessary and no formal audition is required.

Prerequisites: Vocal Placement Required

Choral Ensemble Ia, Every Year, Fall (3-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique in a large ensemble setting; the study and performance of choral repertoire.

Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor

Chamber Choir Ia, Every Year, Fall (4.5-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique, sight-reading, and listening skills in a smaller and more advanced ensemble; the study and performance of choral repertoire.

Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor

Choral Ensemble Ib, Every Year, Winter(3-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique in a large ensemble setting; the study and performance of choral repertoire. Participation in annual choir tour is required.

Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor

Chamber Choir Ib, Every Year, Winter(4.5-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique in a large ensemble setting; the study and performance of choral repertoire. Participation in annual choir tour is required.

Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor

Chamber Choir Ia/IIa/IIIa/IVa, Every Year, Fall 2.25(4.5-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique, sight-reading, and listening skills in a smaller and more advanced ensemble; the study and performance of choral repertoire.

Prerequisites: MUSI 209: Passing of a voice audition, MUSI 309: MUSI 209 and MUSI 259, MUSI 409: MUSI 309 and MUSI 359, MUSI 509: MUSI 409 and MUSI 459

Chamber Choir Ib/IIb/IIIb/IVb, Every Year, Winter 2.75(4.5-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique, sight-reading, and listening skills in a smaller and more advanced ensemble; the study and performance of choral repertoire. Participation in the annual spring choir tour is mandatory.

Prerequisites: MUSI 259: MUSI 209, MUSI 359: MUSI 259 and MUSI 309, MUSI 459: MUSI 359 and MUSI 409, MUSI 559: MUSI 459 and MUSI 509

Choral Ensemble Ia/IIa/IIIa/IVa, Every Year, Fall 1.5(3-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique, sight-reading, and listening skills in a large ensemble; the study and performance of choral repertoire

Prerequisites: MUSI 210: Passing of a voice audition, MUSI 310: MUSI 210 and MUSI 260, MUSI 410: MUSI 310 and MUSI 360, MUSI 510: MUSI 410 and MUSI 460

Choral Ensemble Ib/IIb/IIIb/IVb, Every Year, Winter 2(3-0-0)

The acquisition of vocal technique, sight-reading, and listening skills in a large ensemble; the study and performance of choral repertoire. Participation in the annual spring choir tour is mandatory.

Prerequisites: MUSI 260: MUSI 210, MUSI 360: MUSI 260 and MUSI 310, MUSI 460: MUSI 360 and MUSI 410, MUSI 560: MUSI 460 and MUSI 510

Directed Choral Music Studies, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: MUSI 459 and consent of the instructor

Introduction to Music Theory, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)

A course designed to provide the student with a solid foundation in the principles and tools of music theory. Topics include rhythmic notation, major and minor scales, intervals, chords and cadences. This course does not meet major requirements in the Bachelor of Music degree program.

Tonal Harmony 1, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)

Topics include harmonic progression, three- and four-part voice-leading, non-chord tones and an introduction to phrase structure. Students with credit in MUSI 207 cannot receive credit in MUSI 216.

Prerequisites: MUSI 200 or equivalent theoretical rudiments.

Tonal Harmony 2, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)

Topics include all diatonic seventh chords and secondary dominant and leading-tone functions. An original four-part hymn is the final project. Students with credit in MUSI 257 cannot receive credit in MUSI 266.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217

Tonal Harmony 3, 2008-09, Fall 3(3-0-0)

Topics include modulation, form, chords of the flat sixth and dominant extensions. Students with credit in MUSI 307 cannot receive credit in MUSI 316.

Prerequisites: MUSI 266, 267

Introduction to Modal Counterpoint, 2008-09, Winter 3(3-0-0)

An introduction to two-part species counterpoint including invertible counterpoint, cadence formulas, mixed values and the imitative duo. Students with credit in MUSI 407 cannot receive credit in MUSI 416.

Prerequisites: MUSI 316, 317

Analysis of Tonal Music, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-0)

Advanced study of tonal harmony includes basic Schenkerian linear analysis, interworking of text and tonality, sonata-allegro form and tonality of the late nineteenth- and twentiethcenturies. Students with credit in MUSI 366 cannot receive credit in MUSI 466

Prerequisites: MUSI 416, 367

Directed Theory/Composition Studies, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: MUSI 366, MUSI 367 and consent of the instructor

Aural Skills 1, Every Year, Fall 1.5(0-0-3)

Topics include an introduction to the tonic sol-fa system sightsinging system, performance and recognition of ascending and descending diatonic intervals, diatonic melodies, root position chord progressions and rhythms in simple and compound metres. Students with credit in MUSI 207 cannot receive credit in MUSI 217.

Prerequisites: MUSI 200 or equivalent theoretical rudiments

Aural Skills 2, Every Year, Winter 1.5(0-0-3)

Topics include performance and recognition of ascending and descending chromatic intervals, melodies and chord progressions with tonicizations and rhythms including the 2:3, 3:2 cross-rhythm. Students with credit in MUSI 257 cannot receive credit in MUSI 267.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217

Aural Skills 3, 2008-09, Fall 1.5(0-0-3)

Topics include performance and recognition of compound intervals, melodies with modulation, chord progressions with secondary functions and complex rhythms. Students with credit in MUSI 307 cannot receive credit in MUSI 317.

Prerequisites: MUSI 266, 267

Aural Skills 4, 2008-09, Winter 1.5(0-0-3)

Topics include performance and recognition of chromatic and modulating melodies, modulating chord progressions including chords of the flat sixth, rhythms with changing metre and the 3:4, 4:3 cross-rhythm. Students with credit in MUSI 357 cannot receive credit in MUSI 367.

Prerequisites: MUSI 316, 317

Advanced Aural Skills, 2009-10, Fall 1.5(0-0-3)

Topics include performance and recognition of modal, freely chromatic, octatonic, whole-tone and non-tonal melodies, nontonal sonorities, metrical modulation, advanced beat groupings and the 5:4 and 5:3 cross-rhythms. Students with credit in MUSI 407 or MUSI 417 cannot receive credit in MUSI 467.

Prerequisites: MUSI 416, 367

Introduction to Liturgical Music Repertoire and Conducting I, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-0)

This course introduces organists or pianists to the basic conducting techniques, repertoire, and liturgical role of choral music within the worship service. Students with credit in MUSI 330 cannot receive credit in MUSI 235. Not open to B.Mus. students.

Prerequisites: Passing of a rudiments of music and keyboard facility test

Introduction to Liturgical Music Repertoire and Conducting II, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-0)

A continuation of MUSI 235. Students with credit in MUSI 331 cannot receive credit in MUSI 285. Not open to B.Mus. students.

Prerequisites: MUSI 235

Choral Conducting I, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-0)

This course introduces the student to the technique of choral conducting and choral repertoire. It is required of all senior students in the Diploma of Church Music program. The consent of the instructor is required for others. Students with credit in MUSI 235 cannot receive credit in MUSI 330.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267

Choral Conducting II, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-0)

Advanced choral conducting techniques, choral practicum and choral literature. It is required of all senior students in the Diploma of Church Music program. Students with credit in MUSI 285 cannot receive credit in MUSI 331.

Prerequisites: MUSI 330

Music Appreciation I, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)

A course designed to promote the enjoyment of and intelligent listening to music for both the music student and non-music student. Through aural analysis of recordings, the student learns to discern the various physical, psychological, social, ethical, etc., aspects inherent in music and its aesthetic evaluation. The main forms, genres and styles are introduced and analyzed. Basic reading of music an asset but not required. Not open to B.Mus. students.

Music Appreciation II, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)

A survey of the main style periods in music history. Analysis of musical forms and genres. Students with credit in MUSI 306 cannot receive credit in MUSI 255. Not open to B.Mus. students.

Prerequisites: MUSI 205 or MUSI 200 or Consent of the instructor based on student's musical background and sight reading.

Major Pre-Christian Music Cultures, 2010-11, Winter 3(3-1-0)

A history of the major musical cultures of the pre-Christian era: Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Chinese, Hebrew, Greek, Etruscan and Roman. A study, by means of the iconographical method, of the instruments, theory and philosophy of the music in their societies; the correlation of such data with evidence from the Old Testament. The one hour seminar will focus on iconographical analysis and discussion of assignments.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306

The Classic Period in Music History, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-1-0)

The lecture presents an overview of the Vienna Classic Period; the seminar focuses on the development of the symphony during the Classic Period. Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306 MUSI 302 - Music of Early Christianity, the Medieval Period and the Renaissance 2008-09, Fall 3(3-1-0) Lecture-seminar with analyses.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306

Music of Early Christianity, the Medieval Period and the Renaissance, Fall 3(3-1-0)

Lecture-seminar with analyses.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306

History of Baroque Music, 2008-09, Winter 3(3-1-0)

The lectures present an overview of the Baroque Period, the seminars present analyses of various forms and genres of the period.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306

Music of the 19th Century, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-1-0)

A study of the music of the 19th century. Lecture-seminar with analyses.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306

Music of the 20th Century, 2010-11, Fall 3(3-1-0)

A study with analysis of the music of the 20th century, its theoretical and philosophical underpinnings.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306

Music History Overview, Every Year, Winter 3(3-1-0)

An overview of music in its cultural context as it developed from Antiquity to the present. In the seminar representative examples will be analyzed. Students with credit in MUSI 255 cannot receive credit in MUSI 306.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217

Studies In Christian Worship, Every Year, Full Year Course 3(1.5-0-0)

A study of Christian worship which includes biblical principles for worship, the historical development of liturgy, cultural dynamics in contemporary worship, and explores the rich and varied resources with the ecumenical Christian community. Themes to be studied include praise and lament, confession and proclamation, use of the lectionary, sacraments, liturgical dance, the use of art in worship, the relationship of worship and justice, and more. There will be a strong emphasis on the music of worship. Students will have an opportunity to attend various worship services as well plan, lead, and participate in worship. This course meets the senior level foundation theology requirement only for students with music as their major/first concentration. Same as THEO 376

Corequisite: THEO 250

Systematic Musicology, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)

This course introduces various disciplines of Systematic Musicology including Philosophy and Aesthetics of Music.

Prerequisites: MUSI 306 and one 300-level course in music

Directed Studies in Musicology, Every Year, 3(0-0-1)

Directed study in the field of specialization involving one-hour p.w. of coaching or tutorial work.

Prerequisites: 15 credits in Music History and consent of the instructor

Leadership In Praise and Worship Music, Every Year, Fall 3(1-0-3)

This is a tutorial course that will prepare students for musical leadership in a Contemporary Praise and Worship setting. Students will meet with the instructor for 1 hour per week to develop the required skills, and the will spend 3 hours per week practicing and demonstrating these skills in chapel settings and/or potential cooperative intern positions in local assemblies.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267 and audition, or approval of the instructor and audition.

Creative Techniques, Subject to demand, 3(0-3-0)

May cover a variety of fields from composition, creative stage techniques for singers to improvisation courses in applied instruments and could be handled by any of a number of music faculty.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267, 306 and three credits of applied music

Topics in Music, Every Year, 1 to 3 (varies)

Independent study involving an applied area, or reading, research, and analysis on a topic to be arranged with the instructor.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267 and consent