Music

Debra Brubaker, Professor of Music
Christopher Fashun, Assistant Professor of Music
Matthew Hill, Department Chair, Professor of Music
Scott Hochstetler, Assistant Professor of Music
Beverly Lapp, Associate Professor of Music
Solomia Soroka, Associate Professor of Music
Matthias Stegmann, Music Center Recording Specialist, Guitar Instructor

Introduction

The music department at Goshen College is dedicated to the cultivation of excellence in the areas of musical performance, pedagogy and scholarship. We believe musical expression is a human manifestation of the divine impulse and, as such, serves as a window into the individual soul, as a bridge between human beings and as a means of shared religious experience. The music department offers a major with five possible concentration areas, three minors, two endorsement options and two one-year certificates:

Visit the music department Web site at www.goshen.edu/music.

Career and postgraduate opportunities

Music graduates are currently working in public and private schools, colleges and universities, in private teaching, music technology, professional performance, in church music ministry and in music business. Some are also practicing music therapy, for which an undergraduate degree in music education is recommended. Many music graduates have gone on to earn degrees at our nation's most prestigious graduate schools.

Major in music

44-84 credit hours (Core and one concentration area)

Core courses (18 credit hours):

  • Mus 201-202, Music Theory I & II 8
  • Mus 204, Survey of Music Literature 3
  • Mus 301, History of Music I 3
  • Mus 303, Advanced Music Theory I 3
  • Mus 410, Senior Seminar 1
  • Sophomore qualifying recital NC
  • Keyboard proficiency NC
  • Senior recital, project, or lecture recital NC

Generalist concentration (25-26 credit hours)

  • Mus 212, Song Leading 1
  • Mus 302, History of Music II 3
  • Mus 304, Advanced Music Theory II 3
  • One specialty course matching primary area of study: 2-3
    Mus 208, Introduction to Piano Pedagogy
    Mus 210, Elementary Music Methods
    Mus 241, Music Technology
    Mus 305, String Methods and Materials
    Mus 308, Vocal Methods and Pedagogy
  • Mus 311, Topics in Music Literature2
  • Applied music 14
  • Ensemble participation at least seven semesters NC
  • Pianists only: accompany at least three sophomore recitals or equivalent NC

Music education concentration for K-12 certification (66 credit hours)

  • Mus 210, Elementary Music Methods 3
  • Mus 302, History of Music II 3
  • Mus 304, Advanced Music Theory II 3
  • Mus 305, String Methods and Materials 2
  • Mus 306, Woodwind Methods and Materials 2
  • Mus 307, Brass Methods and Materials 2
  • Mus 308, Vocal Methods and Pedagogy 2
  • Mus 311, Topics in Music Literature 2
  • Mus 312, Conducting 3
  • Mus 330, Teaching Secondary School Music 2
  • Applied Music 12
  • Professional education courses (see education department pages for details) 30
  • Ensemble participation at least seven semesters NC
  • Pianists only: accompany at least three sophomore recitals or equivalent NC

Music business/technology concentration (34-35 credit hours)

  • Mus 241, Music Technology2
  • Mus 302, History of Music II 3
  • Mus 304, Advanced Music Theory II 3
  • Mus/Comm 340, Audio Production 3
  • Mus 409, Internship 1-2
  • Applied music 8
  • Elective courses chosen from the following list: 14
    Acc 201, Principles of Financial Accounting
    Acc 202, Principles of Managerial Accounting
    Bus 315, Principles of Management
    Bus 316, Principles of Marketing
    Bus 328, Venture Planning
    Comm 190, Introduction to Radio
    Comm 212-312, Broadcast Media Production I & II
    Comm 270, Media, Law and Ethics
    Comm 326, Creating for the Web
  • Ensemble participation at least seven semesters NC
  • Pianists only: accompany at least three sophomore recitals or equivalent NC

Music and worship concentration (29-30 credit hours)

  • One of the following courses: 3
    Mus 208, Introduction to Piano Pedagogy
    Mus 210, Elementary Music Methods
  • Mus 212, Song Leading 1
  • Mus 241, Music Technology2
  • Mus 311, Topics in Music Literature: Music in Worship 2
  • Mus 312, Conducting 3
  • Mus 409, Internship 1-2
  • Applied music 8
  • Three related courses chosen from the following: 9
    Bibl 301, Hebrew Scriptures
    Engl 120, Introduction to Creative Writing
    Psyc 210, Developmental Psychology
    Rel 202, Religion in the Americas
    Rel 210, Introduction to Youth Ministry
    Rel 320, Christian Faith
    Thea 235, The Power of Story
    Thea 245, Aesthetics
  • Ensemble participation at least six semesters NC
  • Public demonstration of leading chamber ensemble or congregational singing NC
  • Pianists only: accompany at least two sophomore recitals or equivalent NC

Piano pedagogy concentration (29 credit hours)

  • Mus 208, Introduction to Piano Pedagogy 3
  • Mus 211, Group Piano Instruction 2
  • Mus 302, History of Music II 3
  • Mus 304, Advanced Music Theory II 3
  • Mus 310, Private Teaching 2
  • Mus 311, Topics in Music Literature 2
  • Mus 412, Piano Literature 2
  • Applied music 12
  • At least six semesters of ensemble/accompanying NC
  • Accompany at least two sophomore recitals or equivalent NC

Research and performance endorsement options

Research endorsement requirements:

  1. Sophomore qualifying recital (15 min.) or lecture-recital (20 min.) involving live performance and sample of written scholarly work (3,000 words) on a music topic submitted to faculty.
  2. Junior project: a lecture or lecture-recital (30 min.) or a presentation at the student research symposium. Paper must be submitted to faculty for approval one month in advance.
  3. Senior presentation of a scholarly paper (60 min.), which may or may not include performance. A 9-10,000 word paper must be submitted to faculty one month prior to the public presentation.

Performance endorsement requirements:

  1. Sophomore qualifying recital (20-25 min.)
  2. Junior recital (30 min.)
  3. Senior recital (50-60 min.) A permission performance is required one month prior to the public senior recital date.
  4. Specific instrument requirements:
    Pianists - learn at least one full concerto (may serve as junior recital) and accompany at least three sophomore recitals or comparable collaborative performances.
    Violinists - learn at least one full concerto (may serve as junior recital)
    Other instrumentalists - significant sonata repertoire and full concerto or other collaborative chamber project.

Additional requirements

Keyboard proficiency. Keyboard proficiency will require facility in sight-reading, keyboard technique, harmonization, transposition, improvisation and playing by ear. Prior to entering the first semester of music theory (Mus 201), an examination will be given to determine the student's keyboard proficiency level and placement in the keyboard theory labs. Keyboard proficiency exams will be given at the end of each semester. In order to pass the keyboard proficiency exam, most students require a sequence of study that begins with the 200-level music theory keyboard skills labs and continues with at least one semester of private applied piano study. Students earning a grade of B or higher in Mus 250 Class Piano automatically meet the requirement. Fulfilling the keyboard proficiency requirement early on in the degree program (by the end of the junior year at the very latest) is strongly recommended.

Departmental recitals. All music majors are expected to perform at least once per semester in the music department weekly recitals. All music minors are expected to perform at least once a year.

Sophomore qualifying recital. All music majors, minors and interdisciplinary majors with a focus in music are required to present 15-20 minutes of music in a public recital by the end of their fourth semester of applied music study. Successful completion of this requirement, as well as acceptable work in other music studies, is a prerequisite for continuing as a major in the department.

Junior recital/project. Junior recitals/projects are required only for students pursuing the research or performance endorsements. See specific requirements under those headings and on the music department Web site.

Senior recital/lecture-recital/project. For those required to perform or present a senior recital or project, a permission performance is required one month prior to the public senior recital/presentation date. All program notes, translations and written documents must be submitted at the time of the permission for review and approval. Senior recitals are not required for music minors, but may be included (NC) if agreed upon by the student and music department adviser.

Ensemble participation. All music majors and minors are required to participate in a core ensemble (chorale, chamber choir, orchestra, or wind symphony). Participation in non-core ensembles is also encouraged (jazz band, men's chorus, women's world music choir, Voices-n-Harmony, percussion ensemble, small chamber groups).

Planning guide

First year General education
Music Theory or Foundations of Music Theory
Applied music
Survey of Music Literature
Second year General education
Music Theory (if not taken in first year)
Specialty Course: Elementary Music Methods, Introduction to Piano Pedagogy, Music Technology, Vocal Methods and Pedagogy, or String Methods and Pedagogy
Applied music
Sophomore recital
SST
Third year General education
Advanced Theory
Applied music
Courses in concentration
Fourth year Balance of general education
Balance of major
History of Music
Topics in Music
Senior Seminar
Recital or paper
Fifth year Student teaching in fall for music education majors

Minor in Music

20-21 credit hours

  • Mus 201-202, Music Theory I & II 8
  • Mus 204, Survey of Music Literature 3
  • Mus 212, Song Leading 1
  • Applied music 6
  • One of the following courses: 2-3
    Mus 210, Elementary Music Methods
    Mus 241, Music Technology
    Other upper level Music course (300 and above), not ensemble
  • Ensemble participation at least six semesters NC
  • Sophomore recital or project (may be given in junior or senior year) NC

Planning and advising note

Students pursuing a minor in music, especially those receiving music scholarships, are strongly encouraged to complete all requirements by the end of their junior year, particularly the 201-202-204 sequence of courses.

Minor in piano pedagogy

22 credit hours

  • Mus 201-202, Music Theory I & II 8
  • Mus 204, Survey of Music Literature 3
  • Mus 208, Introduction to Piano Pedagogy 3
  • Mus 310, Private Teaching 2
  • Applied music: piano 6
  • Ensemble participation at least four semesters NC
  • Sophomore recital or project (may be given in junior or senior year) NC

Minor in music in worship

20-21 credit hours

  • Mus 201-202, Music Theory I & II 8
  • Mus 204, Survey of Music Literature 3
  • Mus 212, Song Leading 1
  • Mus 311, Topics in Music Literature: Church Music 2
  • Applied music 4
  • One of the following courses: 2-3
    Mus 208, Introduction to Piano Pedagogy
    Mus 210, Elementary Music Methods
    Mus 241, Music Technology
  • Ensemble participation at least four semesters NC
  • Sophomore recital or project (may be given in junior or senior year) NC

Music courses


MUS 102 Foundations of Music Theory 2
An introduction to the reading and interpretation of musical notation for those with limited experience. The development of basic aural and keyboard skills, along with exposure to musical forms and styles will also be included. Intended as preparation for Mus 201-202 and as an exploratory experience for all aspiring musicians.

MUS 201 Music Theory 3
Designed to show how music is constructed artistically. Develops the ability to hear and perform music and teaches the technical elements necessary for original composition. Participation in the keyboard and aural-skills labs is required (.5 credit hours each). Prerequisite: successful diagnostic theory exam, or completion of Mus 102.

MUS 202 Music Theory 3
Designed to show how music is constructed artistically. Develops the ability to hear and perform music and teaches the technical elements necessary for original composition. Participation in the keyboard and aural-skills labs is required (.5 credit hours each). Prerequisite: Mus 201.

MUS 204 Survey of Music Literature 3
Designed to follow a year of music theory and precede the study of music history, this course presents an introduction to the basic style periods in Western music literature and acquaints the student with the main forms, composers and masterworks of those epochs.

MUS 208 Introduction to Piano Pedagogy 3
This introductory course in the piano pedagogy sequence focuses on the beginning student and on the materials and teaching techniques most effective for this level of instruction. The course includes weekly lecture-discussion sessions, observation of class and private instruction, and the supervised teaching of weekly private lessons. This course is an alternative to Mus 210.

MUS 209 Music Field Experience 1 (1-3)
On-campus internships supervised by a professor. May include arts administration, audio recording technology, church music, private teaching or other fields.

MUS 210 Elementary Music Methods 3
This course is designed for teaching general music at the elementary level for elementary and music education majors. The course will introduce students to traditional and current methodologies of classroom music instruction. Emphasis on lesson planning, scope and sequence of a K-5 music program, and exploration of diverse repertoire utilizing singing and instruments.

MUS 211 Group Piano Instruction 2
This course will provide students with an introduction to the pedagogy of group piano instruction for older students. We will examine a four-semester curriculum that encompasses elementary to intermediary piano levels. The pedagogical approach will examine conceptual learning and problem solving in relation to the following: ear playing, reading, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, technique and repertoire. Primary aims of study: Learning the applied skills such as ear playing, harmonization and transposition and being able to utilize these materials to convey important musical concepts in a classroom situation; gaining a greater appreciation, through research, of the academic literature concerning group piano instruction; surveying several college-level class piano texts.

MUS 212 Song Leading 1
An introductory course using Hymnal: A Worship Book as a primary text. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to be a confident song leader. Attention will also be given to incorporating a variety of quality worship music in a worship setting. No prerequisite. Nonmajors are welcome.

MUS 240 Class Voice 2
Breathing, diction and other beginning techniques of voice production learned through exercise and song. Musical and dramatic interpretation studied within a singing performance setting. This course serves as a prerequisite for private applied voice study for students without previous vocal instruction. Exceptions are determined by the voice faculty.

MUS 241 Music Technology 2
Introduces student to MIDI, recording, digital audio, notation software and computer-aided instruction in music. Students produce projects relevant to individual areas of study. Explores the historical role of technological development on musical composition and the more practical applications of current technologies. Current issues such as duplication, distribution and intellectual property also discussed. .

MUS 250 Class Piano 2
A course of study for the beginning adult pianist, this course will meet in the Yamaha Clavinova lab. Skill development in ear playing, reading, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, technique and repertoire. Students earning a grade of B or higher in this course will have automatically met their piano proficiency requirement.

MUS 260 Chamber Music 1
Designed as an avenue to explore the intricacies of small ensemble playing. A pre-approved chamber group receives chamber coaching and general supervision with a music professor. The class is open to vocalists and instrumentalists.

MUS 261 Jazz Band 0 (0-1)
Lavender Jazz is Goshen College's big band. The group plays classic jazz standards and styles, such as swing, blues, waltz, mambo, cha cha and funk. Lavender Jazz performs in a variety of settings, including concert halls, malls, churches, high schools, and makes recruiting trips throughout the year.

MUS 262 Opera Workshop 0 (0-1)
Opera Workshop is open to music majors and nonmajors by audition, and may be taken with or without credit. In the spring semester of odd-numbered years, Opera Workshop will perform a complete production of a major opera, operetta, or musical. In the spring semester of even-numbered years, Opera Workshop will meet weekly as a class with the goal of performing a variety of shorter excerpts from opera, operetta and music theater. In the fall semesters, students may sign up for Opera Workshop as an independent study course with students assigned to smaller solo and ensemble scenes.

MUS 265 Composition 2
Composition

MUS 269 Percussion 2
Percussion

MUS 270 Cello 2
Cello

MUS 271 Organ 2
Organ

MUS 272 Piano 2
Piano

MUS 273 Viola 2
Viola

MUS 274 Violin 2
Violin

MUS 275 Voice 2
Voice. Prerequisite: Mus 240.

MUS 277 Flute 2
Flute

MUS 278 Bassoon 2
Bassoon

MUS 279 Oboe 2
Oboe

MUS 281 French Horn 2
French Horn

MUS 282 Trumpet 2
Trumpet

MUS 283 Clarinet 2
Clarinet

MUS 284 String Bass 2
String Bass

MUS 286 Guitar 2
Guitar

MUS 287 Saxophone 2
Saxophone

MUS 288 Harpsichord 2
Harpsichord

MUS 290 Choir (Chorale) 0 (0-1)
The Chorale is open by audition to all singers. Its members represents a wide variety of academic majors. The choir sings choral treasures from every continent and every period of music history. Often the Chorale joins with the Chamber Choir to perform a major work. Choral also performs concerts in the fall and spring, and at occasional off-campus events.

MUS 292 Symphony Orchestra 0 (0-1)
The Goshen College Symphony Orchestra presents concerts of major orchestral works from classical to contemporary periods of music each semester. In addition, it collaborates with the choirs for various performances and student winners of the annual Concerto-Aria competition. The orchestra also performs in the department's annual Festival of Carols program and hosts world-renowned guest soloists and composers. The orchestra is open to all students by audition, regardless of major.

MUS 295 Harp 2
Harp

MUS 296 Trombone 2
Trombone

MUS 297 Tuba/Euphonium 2
Tuba/Euphonium

MUS 298 Chamber Orchestra 0 (0-1)
The Chamber Orchestra performs music from Baroque to contemporary and is comprised of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Open to all students by audition, regardless of major. The Chamber Orchestra rehearses one time per week and gives 1-2 performances a semester. The Chamber Orchestra is also the orchestra that performs for the spring opera/musical.

MUS 301 History of Music 3
History of musical style within Western civilization from the ancient Greeks to the modern day. Special emphasis on important trends and their relation to the other arts. Prerequisite: Mus 201-202, Mus 204 or permission of instructor.

MUS 302 History of Music 3
History of musical style within Western civilization from the ancient Greeks to the modern day. Special emphasis on important trends and their relation to the other arts. Prerequisite: Mus 201-202, Mus 204 or permission of instructor.

MUS 303 Advanced Music Theory 3
Study of chromatic harmony through altered chords and modulation procedures of the late 18th and 19th centuries. Introduction of orchestration and 20th century composition techniques. Original composition. Continuation of analysis techniques. Prerequisites: Mus 201-202, Mus 204, or permission of instructor.

MUS 304 Advanced Music Theory 3
Study of chromatic harmony through altered chords and modulation procedures of the late 18th and 19th centuries. Introduction of orchestration and 20th century composition techniques. Original composition. Continuation of analysis techniques. Prerequisites: Mus 303.

MUS 305 String Methods & Materials 2
Study of a variety of pedagogical materials and procedures. Particular emphasis on the methods and ideas of Shinichi Suzuki. Class lessons on stringed instruments.

MUS 306 Woodwind Methods & Materials 2
Study of pedagogical materials and teaching techniques appropriate to the woodwind instruments. Class lessons on woodwind instruments.

MUS 307 Brass Methods & Materials 2
Study of pedagogical materials and teaching techniques appropriate to the brass instruments. Class lessons on brass instruments.

MUS 308 Vocal Methods & Pedagogy 2
Required of all music-education majors and strongly recommended for all students with a voice concentration. Study of basic concepts of singing in a class setting with the goal of assisting students in becoming effective teachers of singing. Emphases will include review of basic singing technique, vocal physiology, drill in diagnosis and correction of vocal problems, diction and vocalizing for desired results. There will be a fieldwork dimension to this class.

MUS 310 Private Teaching 2
With special emphasis on the intermediate level student, this course focuses on the integration of theory, skills and repertoire; the reconstruction of transfer students; adolescent psychology and piano study; and a survey of intermediate materials.

MUS 311 Topics in Music Literature 2
The study of a major composer, genre or style. The topic will be church music at least every other year. Prerequisites: Mus 201-202 and Mus 204 or consent permission of the instructor.

MUS 312 Conducting 3
Principles of conducting theory and practice. Course begins with basic technique and progresses to score preparation and rehearsal planning for large ensembles. Students are encouraged, though not required, to take Mus 212 prior to Mus 312.

MUS 330 Teaching Secondary School Music 2
This course deals with the practical strategies needed to build a successful music program at the secondary level (grades 7-12). Topics studied will include: developing high quality repertoire including multicultural elements, understanding the male changing voice, program structure, student rapport and classroom management, concert programming, marketing and recruiting, assessment strategies, and teaching musical literacy. A field component provides hand-on experience to develop important teaching skills prior to student teaching.

MUS 340 Audio Production 3
An introduction to the recording studio presenting its function in commercial music production. Areas include basic electronics, studio setup and engineering fundamentals. Lecture/lab.

MUS 355 Arts in London 4
(Cross-listed from Thea 355) A May term class that encompasses theater, art and music study and experiences in London, England. Class activities include morning lectures, visits to art galleries, attending music and theater performances, and day trips to Coventry, Stratford-upon-Avon, Salisbury and other locations. Daily writing assignments and a major project required. Offered in alternate years. Extra cost.

MUS 360 Chamber Music 1
Designed as an avenue to explore the intricacies of small ensemble playing. Approved chamber groups of two to eight students work with the instructor on rehearsal techniques and music decision making in a master-class setting. The class meets weekly and is open to all vocalists and instrumentalists.

MUS 362 Opera Workshop 1
Opera Workshop is open to music majors and nonmajors by audition, and may be taken with or without credit. In the spring semester of odd-numbered years, Opera Workshop will perform a complete production of a major opera, operetta, or musical. In the spring semester of even-numbered years, Opera Workshop will meet weekly as a class with the goal of performing a variety of shorter excerpts from opera, operetta and music theater. In the fall semesters, students may sign up for Opera Workshop as an independent study course with students assigned to smaller solo and ensemble scenes.

MUS 365 Composition 2
Prerequisite: Mus 265

MUS 369 Percussion 2
Prerequisite: Mus 269

MUS 370 Cello 2
Prerequisite: Mus 270

MUS 371 Organ 2
Prerequisite: Mus 271

MUS 372 Piano 2
Prerequisite: Mus 272

MUS 373 Viola 2
Prerequisite: Mus 273

MUS 374 Violin 2
Prerequisite: Mus 274

MUS 375 Voice 2
Prerequisite: Mus 275

MUS 377 Flute 2
Prerequisite: Mus 277

MUS 378 Bassoon 2
Prerequisite: Mus 278

MUS 379 Oboe 2
Prerequisite: Mus 279

MUS 381 French Horn 2
Prerequisite: Mus 281

MUS 382 Trumpet 2
Prerequisite: Mus 282

MUS 383 Clarinet 2
Prerequisite: Mus 283

MUS 384 String Bass 2
Prerequisite: Mus 284

MUS 386 Guitar 2
Prerequisite: Mus 286

MUS 387 Saxaphone 2
Prerequisite: Mus 287

MUS 388 Harpsichord 2
Prerequisite: Mus 288

MUS 390 Choir (Chamber) 0 (0-1)
Chamber Choir is an auditioned group of 20-30 junior and senior singers, performing secular and sacred music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Modern periods. The Chamber Choir occasionally joins the Goshen College Orchestra for choral/orchestral works. Three or four on-campus and numerous off-campus concerts are presented each season, as well as periodic tours. Prerequisite: Mus 290

MUS 395 Harp 2
Prerequisite: Mus 295

MUS 396 Trombone 2
Prerequisite: Mus 296

MUS 397 Tuba/Euphonium 2
Prerequisite: Mus 297

MUS 400 Special Projects in Music 1
May be elected for additional individual work in music theory, analysis, music history, conducting, music recording or music technology. May be repeated.

MUS 409 Music Internship 3 (1-3)
Designed to give students practical experience in music-related fields such as arts administration, music business, audio recording technology, church music and music therapy. Internships are individually arranged with the work supervisor and faculty adviser.

MUS 410 Senior Seminar 1
Weekly meetings of music majors and faculty to discuss vocational, curricular and ethical/spiritual topics.

MUS 412 Piano Literature 2
A functional knowledge of piano literature is essential for all pianists and teachers. This course will present an historical survey of piano literature from J.S. Bach to the present day focusing on stylistic elements pertinent to particular composers. Special emphasis will be given to works that may be best suited for advanced students, both high school and at the college undergraduate level.