New Student Registration: Music

3-Credit Courses

MUSI 112 – The Art of Listening
MUSI 117 – History of Popular Music
MUSI 118 – World Music (Not offered 2022-2023)
MUSI 119 – Music in Film, Television & Video Games (Not offered 2022-2023)
MUSI 165 – Jazz History
MUSI 166 – Basic Keyboarding Skills
MUSI 181 – Applied Performance I
MUSI 191 – Secondary Instrument I
MUSI 195 – Applied Performance II

1.5 Credit Courses

MUSI 104 – Structure of Common Practice Music
MUSI 105 – Aural Skills I
MUSI 108 – Jazz Theory 
MUSI 109 – Aural Skills II
MUSI 146 – Vocal Ensemble I (first term)
MUSI 147 – Instrumental Ensembles I (first term)
MUSI 156 – Vocal Ensemble II (second term)
MUSI 157 – Instrumental Ensembles II (second term)

MUSI 104, 105, 108, 109, 165, 166, 181, 195 and 265 are required first-year courses for students in all music degrees. In addition, MUSI 146 and 147 are required courses for vocalists and MUSI 156 and 157 are required course for instrumentalists. Music students must obtain a minimum grade of 65 in Applied Performance classes (181, 195) to be eligible to progress in the Bachelor of Music degree.

MUSI 112 is an elective course for students outside of the music program.  It is closed (not permitted for credit) to students in the music program.

MUSI 146 and 147 please note, that all students registering for vocal ensembles must pass an audition in the first week of September. Placement in the desired course section is not guaranteed. 

MUSI 181 and 195 are normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music degree.  Other students may be permitted to take these courses with a successful audition, and permission of the instructor and the department chair.  (Note that all Applied Performance courses carry an extra fee above the normal tuition costs.)  Contact the department chair for more information.

MUSI 191 requires permission from the instructor or the department chair, and is not normally taken in first year.

Other than MUSI 112, all music courses are open to all students who satisfy the prerequisite and audition (where applicable) requirements.

The most common first-year music courses chosen as electives by students in other programs are MUSI 146 with 147, 112, 117, 118, and 119.  These courses may be electives in any program, other than the Diploma in Engineering.

Students intending to complete a pair in music are reminded that a pair requires a minimum of 6 credits at the 200-level or above. Therefore, only two 3-credit courses at the 100-level may be used in a pair. 

Course Descriptions From the Current Academic Calendar:

104 Structure of Common Practice Music

This course covers the fundamentals and basic concepts of music theory and notation, including those of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Prior rudimentary experience with reading music (the staff, pitch, clefs, intervals, and rhythmic value subdivisions) is strongly recommended. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 104 and MUSI 101. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 105. 1.5 credits.

105 Aural Skills I

This course is the aural accompaniment to MUSI 104. Prior rudimentary experience with reading music (the staff, pitch, clefs, intervals, and rhythmic value subdivisions) is strongly recommended. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 105 and MUSI 101. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 104. 1.5 credits

108  Jazz Theory

The material studied in Jazz Theory is designed to be applied to the performance and writing of jazz. Topics include chord-scale relationships; chord construction; three-, four-, and five-part harmony; substitution and function; construction and analysis of harmonic progressions. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 108 and MUSI 103. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 109. Prerequisite: MUSI 104 and 105 with a minimum grade of 60 in each. 1.5 credits.

109  Aural Skills II

This course is the aural accompaniment to MUSI 108. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 109 and MUSI 103. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 108. 1.5 credits.

112  The Art of Listening

A survey course designed to acquaint students with the core elements of music, and musical periods, genres, and styles while developing critical listening skills. Three credits.

117  History of Popular Music

A survey of rock and pop styles from 1955 to the near-present.  Among the many topics covered are Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, styles of the 1970s, punk rock and the 'New Wave', Synth-pop, Manchester, Rap/Hip-hop and 'Alternative'.  Three credits.

118  World Music

A survey course covering folkloric and ethnic musical traditions from around the world: Africa, Asia, North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe. Three credits. - Not offered 2022-2023

119  Music in Film, Television & Video Games

A survey course designed to acquaint students with the music used in film, televisions and video games. Exploring the diverse relationship image and music share, the course will examine important composers, works and historical reasons why different styles of music are used in support of these various media. Three credits. Not offered 2022-2023

146  Vocal Ensemble I

Participation in the StFX University Choral and Vocal Jazz Program provides students with an opportunity to develop vocal fundamentals and musicianship through the rehearsal and performance of high-quality choral music from all periods and cultures. Vocal Jazz Ensembles provide a more advanced ground for ear-training and performance through the study of complex harmony in many jazz and popular styles. All ensembles are open to all university students by audition during the first week of fall classes. Two sections will be offered: section 11 is for voice majors and students participating in more than one ensemble and section 12 is for non-majors participating in one ensemble. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 146 and MUSI 106. 1.5 credits.

147  Instrumental Ensembles I: Includes Jazz Ensemble, Combos, and Percussion Ensembles

These courses integrate materials from applied music and other courses with ensemble playing. Ensembles meet weekly; extra rehearsal sessions are expected. Coaching comes from professors and advanced students. Repertoire will reflect aspects of jazz, popular, folk, or rock music. Assessment includes performance outside of the classroom. Concert attendance in the visiting artist series is required. Attendance in weekly department master classes is required. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 147 and MUSI 107. Prerequisite: Successful audition held in the first week of September. 1.5 credits.

156  Vocal Ensemble II

A continuation of MUSI 146. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 156 and MUSI 106. Prerequisite: MUSI 146. 1.5 credits.

157  Instrumental Ensembles II

Continuation of MUSI 147. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 157 and MUSI 107. Prerequisite: MUSI 147. 1.5 credits.

165  Jazz History

An introductory course in improvisational style specifically pertaining to the Jazz Idiom from 1900 to present. Extensive viewing and listening will be required. Six credits.

166  Basic Keyboarding Skills

The piano keyboard has historically been the workshop for the study of harmony and music theory. This class introduces basic piano skills for supplementing the musicianship of non-piano majors. The course includes weekly instruction and testing on fingering patterns for scales, common voicings for all chord types, common chord progressions, melody and bass-lines; all primarily for use in jazz and popular styles of music. Some basic reading skills are also covered. Students with sufficient piano skill may test out upon passing a proficiency exam. Students exempted from this course are required to complete a music elective in place of MUSI 166. Restricted to students in the programs of Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts with Major in Music. Three credits.

181  Applied Performance I

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music program, or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 181 or MUSI 190. Three credits.

191  Secondary Instrument I

This course provides students with instruction on an instrument other than their major instrument. Prerequisite: permission of the chair or studio teacher. Three credits over the full academic year.

195  Applied Performance I A

This course provides students with instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Functional piano skills are also covered. Restricted to students in the BA with Major in Music. Applied music fees are attached to this course. Three credits.

265  Jazz Styles and Analysis

A course in the harmonic and rhythmic analysis of players, particularly Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie, and their innovations which brought the music to its present maturity. Three credits.

Please refer to Section 9.27 Music in the Academic Calendar.

Click here to go to the Music department Webpage.