F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music

Introduction, practical training, and development of basic piano skills, including the playing of scales, arpeggios, chords, and simple songs; sight reading, transposition, harmonization of melodies, and improvisation. (For music majors only)

Introduction, practical training, and development of basic piano skills, including the playing of scales, arpeggios, chords, and simple songs; sight reading, transposition, harmonization of melodies, and improvisation. (For music majors only)

Continued practical training and development of basic piano skills. (For music majors only)

Introduction, practical training, and development of basic singing skills.

This course covers fundamentals of live audio engineering, rudimentary acoustics, auditory perception and psychoacoustical concepts. Students will learn to assemble sound reinforcement systems for small and large ensembles and examine how sound is perceived by the human ear. Topics such as signal flow, cabling, mixing, busing and monitoring will be addressed. Sound Recording Technology majors must earn a grade of C or better to progress to MUSC 115.

This course is designed to introduce students to the most widely used digital audio workstation in the professional audio industry. Topics include basics of digital audio theory, system configuration, file structure and organization, recording and editing audio and MIDI data as well as post-production video. This course is for Bachelor of Music with emphasis in Sound Recording Technology majors only.

Expanding on the digital audio workstation skills gained in MUSC 115, this course introduces the student to modern multitrack recording techniques. Topics include microphone choice and placement, recording studio signal flow, the use of a large-format console, precise and creative audio editing, file structure and organization, and the basics of signal processing. Students apply this knowledge through guided in-class activities and practical group studio sessions designed to enhance their problem-solving, communication, and critical listening skills. This course is for Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology majors only.

This course provides the knowledge of and skills in music theory fundamentals necessary for music majors and minors to prepare for upper levels of music theory. Non-music majors may take the course if there is room and with the permission of the instructor.

A survey of major composers and their works in the historical context of different style periods, including a discussion of the central philosophical and cultural issues of each period. Students will be required to attend at least three musical events and turn in written critiques.

Practical training and development of piano skills needed in the elementary, secondary choral, and private vocal studio setting. Focus will be placed on preparing for the piano barrier exam for music education majors (including technical skills, rehearsal skills, and sight reading). (For Music Education vocal/guitar/keyboard majors only.)

In this course, students learn how to mix music that supports the emotion of the song and engages listeners. Topics include effective session preparation, advanced editing techniques, musical balancing, creative use of audio effects, and automation techniques. Students will work with pre-recorded multitracks, completing numerous mixes using plug-ins and outboard signal processors, and will receive in-depth critical feedback from their instructor and peers. Through this process, students will develop the critical listening and technical skills to confidently creatively shape sound. This course is for Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology majors only.

This is the final course in a four-part sequence and prepares the student to successfully operate ProTools HD systems in a large console format environment. Students will explore various components of an HD system, session management techniques, selection and editing procedures as well as automation and mixing processes.

Written and keyboard harmony and voice leading. An elementary course dealing with the fundamentals of pitch and time and the use of triads.

Written and keyboard harmony. An elementary course dealing with the fundamentals of pitch and time and the use of triads.

Melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation; singing, recognition, and writing of various intervals and triads.

Melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation; singing, recognition, and writing of various intervals and triads.

Required for music majors. Available to qualified nonmajors. A technical study of music from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century. Listening to recordings and attending live concerts are required.

Required for music majors. Available to qualified nonmajors. A technical study of music from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century, as well as music from non-Western cultures. Listening to recordings and attending live concerts are required.

This course is designed to be an introduction to the appreciation and understanding of music through music listening activities and a survey of music history. Basic principles and elements of music are discussed in relation to contexts within a variety of musical styles including classical, jazz, popular, and world music. Regular and repeated listening is an important part of the course in addition to required concert attendance.

Special topics.

This course will introduce the historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations and contemporary issues of American public education. Also included is an introduction to music education methods and learning theories as they relate to PreK-12 music education, the study of the Virginia Standards of Learning, the National Core Arts Standards for Music and an investigation into teaching for musical understanding, designing musical problems, lesson planning and assessment. In addition, the course will include reading and writing assignments and discussion with teachers and young musicians. All students will complete a 30-hour observation experience in an appropriate PreK-12 setting specific to music education. In order to receive the required school observation placement, students must complete the ODU Teacher Education background check/clearance process prior to the beginning of this course and register for the observation placement on the Teacher Education web pages. See the advisor for more information. Students are expected independently to register for and take the Praxis Core examination or equivalent while enrolled in this course.

Required of all instrumental music education students. Designed to develop basic skills of playing and teaching the trumpet and F horn. (offered fall semesters)

Required of all instrumental music education students. Designed to develop basic skills of playing and teaching trombone, euphonium, and tuba. (offered spring semesters)

Required of all instrumental music education students. Designed to develop basic skills of playing and teaching the clarinet, which serves as a foundation for the other woodwind instruments. (offered fall semesters)

Required of all instrumental music education students. Designed to develop basic skills of playing and teaching flute, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. (offered spring semesters)

Required of all instrumental music education students. Designed to develop basic skills of playing and teaching the violin and viola and to explore instructional materials used with these instruments. (offered fall semesters)

Required of all instrumental music education students. The course is designed to develop basic skills of playing and teaching cello and string bass and to evaluate instructional materials used with these instruments. Introduces heterogeneous teaching and rehearsal techniques using all four stringed instruments. (offered spring semesters)

Required of all instrumental music education students. Class lessons on all percussion instruments and the study of teaching methods for these instruments. (offered spring semesters)

Students gain skills and experience related to the use of music in elementary school.

The development of basic skills and techniques necessary for conducting choral and instrumental ensembles.

Required of all instrumental music education students. Class lessons on all percussion instruments and the study of teaching methods for these instruments. (offered fall semesters)

This course is required of all music majors and music minors for six semesters of their enrollment as a music major or a music minor. The successful completion of the course requires attendance at a specified number of approved recitals, concerts, and events each semester.

This course focuses on the craft of songwriting. Covering contemporary song forms, techniques of lyric and melody writing as well as popular harmony and analysis, the course prepares students to write hit songs. Students will learn how to effectively demo their own songs, successfully collaborate, write jingles and copyright their own material.

A continuation of MUSC 222; written and keyboard work introducing modulation, seventh chords, and chromatic harmony.

A continuation of MUSC 321; written and keyboard work introducing advanced modulation, extended chordal structures, advanced chromatic harmony, a basic look at compositional techniques and form and analysis, and selected 20th century techniques.

A continuation of MUSC 224: written and keyboard work introducing modulation, seventh chords and chromatic harmony.

A continuation of MUSC 323; written and keyboard work introducing modulation, seventh chords and chromatic harmony.

An in-depth survey of the music business including an overview of the music industry, songwriting, publishing and copyright, licensing, recording contracts, unions and guilds, artist management, record and concert production, the recording industry, music in broadcast, film, and theater, digital technology and its implications for the music industry including digital downloads, changing production technologies, marketing via social networking and new distribution channels, new business models and their implications, the independent musician, the evolving role of producers, and satellite and internet radio. Students will gain a broad base of knowledge about the music industry and through the research project be able to explore an item of interest in greater depth.

This introductory course will explore the impact of technology on music performance, composition, and education through in-class lecture, hands-on demonstration, and lab projects. Topics covered include but are not limited to: basic acoustics, basic audio signal flow for live performance and recording, microphone basics for live performance and recording, an introduction to sequencing and recording software and Digital Audio Workstations, MIDI and synthesis, basics of mixing, editing, an introduction to music notation software and uses, creation of 'music minus one' projects for pedagogical purposes, and an exploration of common file formats for distribution and publication.

This introductory course is designed to give students a historical overview of mechanical and electronic music through topical study and listening examples. Additionally, students will create their own electronic music compositions using analog, digital and virtual hardware/software.

This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of Jazz improvisation, including harmonic and melodic implications.

This course is a continuation of MUSC 337, and will delve further into more advanced techniques used in Jazz improvisation.

An introduction to the fascinating world of sound synthesis and sound design through practical hands-on assignments using industry-standard techniques and by exploring the technology and historical evolution. The course will focus on subtractive synthesis; a core knowledge for creating one's own sounds to use in music.

An introductory course dealing with correct principles of effective diction essential to the singing of English and Italian songs. (offered every fall)

An introductory course dealing with correct principles of effective diction essential to the singing of German and French songs. (offered every spring)

This course is designed to introduce students to the art of music notation through exploring the history of music engraving practices, hands-on experience writing music manuscript (hand-written) and the use of modern notation software (Finale, Sibelius, etc.) with MIDI implementation.

Students develop critical listening skills through aural analysis, ear training, drill and practice, and comparative analyses. Topics covered include spectral balance and equalization, spatial attributes and reverberation, dynamic range control, distortion and noise, audio clip edit points, analysis of sound, frequencies, effects and processing, delays and decays, and master frequencies. Students are expected to identify frequency ranges, specific audio signatures, distortion, edits, and digit manipulation through aural examinations.

This course is designed to give students hands-on experience working with both hardware and software in the modern MIDI Production studio. Topics covered include MIDI recording, sequencing, editing, and playback techniques, virtual instruments and hardware synthesizers, tracking and mixing in a DAW, and file formats and distribution.

The course covers how music has co-evolved with technology, the entertainment business, and cultural trends. The main theme is how recording technology has evolved, and with it, the music making and music listening experiences. Students will expand their musical vocabulary through the study of numerous musical genres, listening to and discussing the essential elements of impactful records, and learning about key artists, composers, producers, engineers, and other music professionals (both past and present). Students will gain a better understanding of the role music plays in the entertainment industry, including with film, TV, games, social media, live events, and more.

A general survey of the growth of music showing the influence of historical events upon musical developments.

A general survey of the growth of music showing the influence of historical events upon musical development. This is a writing intensive course.

An opportunity to integrate service and applied learning experience with music industry perspectives.

This ensemble will explore Jazz literature, focusing primarily on the small group format. Previous experience with improvisation is necessary for all participants.

One to three rehearsal periods per week, depending on the ensemble. Students will participate in rehearsals and public performances.

Studio class ensemble for strings. Meets once a week.

This is a performance-based course. It is designed to train music majors and non-majors in small ensemble choral techniques. This choral ensemble is an audition-only group.

Extracurricular activities may be approved for credit based on objectives, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department and the student prior to the semester in which the activity is to take place. Credit is subject to review by the provost.

Extracurricular activities may be approved for credit based on objectives, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department and the student prior to the semester in which the activity is to take place. Credit is subject to review by the Provost.

Open to all university students. Symphony band is a large ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion players. Students will participate in rehearsals and concerts.

Participation in rehearsals and public performances of the Concert Choir.

Participation in rehearsals and public performances of the band. Three rehearsal periods per week.

Participation in rehearsals and public performances of the University Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsals two days per week and dress rehearsals TBA.

This instrumental group will explore and perform standard jazz literature for the Jazz Ensemble and the contemporary Jazz Orchestra.

Basketball band performs at all home Men's and Women's basketball games and selected tournament performances.

Vocal jazz ensemble, performing standard jazz choir literature.

Early music instrumental ensemble.

Small vocal ensemble focusing on a cappella classical music.

Brass Ensemble consisting of trumpets, horns, trombones, euphoniums, and tubas. Performing works written for brass as well as arrangements of choral, orchestral, jazz, pop, and show music.

Marching band will meet only during the fall semester and perform at all home and some away football games and other selected events. Students will participate in rehearsals and performances.

An ensemble comprised of a rhythm section and a few vocalists. Students will play musical covers and original songs in weekly rehearsals, and performs a live concert and/or records in the studio. Can be taken a maximum of 2 times for credit.

A study of selected topics designed for nonmajors, or for credit within a major. These courses will appear in the course schedule. Course descriptions and prerequisites for each course may be found in information distributed to all academic advisors.

A study of selected topics designed for nonmajors, or for credit within a major. These courses will appear in the course schedule. Course descriptions and prerequisites for each course may be found in information distributed to all academic advisors.

Independent reading and study on a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Independent reading and study on a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Required prior to student teaching for all students in music education. Focuses on materials and methods of vocal and general instruction for elementary music classrooms. (offered fall semesters)

Required prior to the Teacher Candidate Internship (student teaching) for all students in music education. Enables students to observe master classroom teachers and to test accumulated teaching practices in elementary school vocal and general classroom settings. 20 hours of music classroom observation required. Also, in order to receive the required school practicum placement, students must have completed the ODU Office of Clinical Experiences background check/clearance process prior to the beginning of this course. The clearance process takes eight weeks. Students must register for the practicum placement on the Office of Clinical Experiences web pages prior to the course drop/add deadline. Students should contact their advisor for more information. (offered fall and spring semesters)

Required prior to the Teacher Candidate Internship (student teaching) for all students in music education with voice, keyboard or guitar concentration. Focuses on methods of vocal instruction, materials and rehearsal methods for secondary vocal classroom settings. (offered spring semesters)

Required prior to student teaching for all students in music education with voice, keyboard or guitar concentration. Enables students to observe master teachers and to test accumulated teaching practices in secondary school vocal classroom settings. 20 hours of observation required. Passing score of 160 on the Praxis Subject assessment, music content knowledge examination (formerly Praxis II) and passing scores on the VCLA are requirements of this course. Also, in order to receive the required school practicum placement, students must have completed the ODU Office of Clinical Experiences background check/clearance process prior to the beginning of this course. The clearance process takes eight weeks. Students must register for the practicum placement on the Office of Clinical Experiences web pages prior to the course drop/add deadline. Students should contact their advisor for more information. (offered fall and spring semesters).

Required prior to the Teacher Candidate Internship (student teaching) for all students in music education with an instrumental music concentration. Focuses on methods of instruction, materials and rehearsal methods for secondary instrumental classrooms. (offered spring semesters)

Required prior to the Teacher Candidate Internship (student teaching) for all students in music education with instrumental music concentration. Enables students to observe master teachers and to test accumulated teaching practices in secondary school instrumental classrooms. Passing score of 160 on the Praxis Subject assessment, music content knowledge examination (formerly Praxis II) and passing scores on the VCLA are requirements of this course. Also, in order to receive the required school practicum placement, students must have completed the ODU Office of Clinical Experiences background check/clearance process prior to the beginning of this course. The clearance process takes eight weeks. Students must register for the practicum placement on the Office of Clinical Experiences web pages prior to the course drop/add deadline. Students should contact their advisor for more information. Offered fall and spring semesters.

Required prior to the Teacher Candidate Internship (student teaching) for all students in music education with the vocal, keyboard and guitar concentration. Focuses on development of vocal majors' ability to read instrumental scores; provides vocal majors an understanding of families of instruments.

This course is designed to assist students in enhancing their understanding of the aesthetic response to music in various settings. Students will learn to integrate their understanding of musical aptitude as it relates to human growth and development. In addition, students will study the psychological implication of personality types as they develop, implement, and assess their pedagogical approach.

Course deals with the analysis, interpretation, and conducting of varied choral literature.

Course deals with the analysis, interpretation, and conducting of varied instrumental literature.

A study of the contrapuntal techniques of sixteenth century composers and their influence upon composers of the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. (offered fall, even years)

Aural analysis study and analysis of the principal traditional musical forms. Stylistic and harmonic analysis as it related to score study will be discussed. (offered spring, even years)

A study of the range, musical functions, and technical characteristics of the instruments and their color possibilities in various combinations. Practical experience in scoring for small and large ensembles. (offered fall, odd years)

This course covers basic arranging techniques for traditional vocal ensembles. Students will develop the ability to reshape pre-existing melodies and chord progressions into successful arrangements for various groups.

Students will learn how to chart and arrange music for the marching band. In addition, basic vocal arranging techniques will be discussed. Students will be required to observe different styles of school marching bands.

This course builds upon the fundamentals experienced in the introductory MIDI course. Topics include: advanced sequencing techniques, looping, editing, data manipulation, patch and control changes through real-time recording, patch editing, storage and retrieval, incorporation of external hardware, sampling, and an introduction to the incorporation of digital audio.

The course covers the different functions that music can serve in film. Students will watch and analyze film and TV scenes through the lens of music and narrative, and study excepts of iconic film scores by composers such as Bernard Hermann, John Williams, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, and John Powell, among others. Students will learn the workflow and diverse skillset of modern film composers, and begin to apply some of their techniques to write music that effectively supports visual storytelling.

Teaching techniques, literature in the performing area. Seminar deals with resource materials. Laboratory: observation and teaching under supervision.

Teaching techniques, literature in the performing area. Seminar portion of the course deals with resource materials. Laboratory portion of the course includes observation and teaching under supervision.

This course will study the historical development of jazz as an American art form. The emotion and meaning of this style will be investigated as well as the historical and contemporary aesthetic response. Emphasis will include the defining role of African American artists. The influence of jazz on the development of contemporary American music will be discussed. Written critiques of live performances will be required.

A study of the techniques and styles in music in the twentieth and twenty-first century. (offered fall, even years)

This course is designed to assist music students to enhance their understanding of musicians' health issues in order to prepare them to achieve their desired performance potential.

A study of music history from monody through the works of Bach and Handel. A discussion of musical style within the context of cultural history. (offered spring semesters, odd years)

A study of music history from the Rococo Period through the works of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. A discussion of musical style within the context of cultural history. (This course is offered in fall semesters in odd-numbered years.)

A study of music history from the late works of Beethoven to Mahler and Strauss. A discussion of musical style within the context of cultural history. (spring semesters, even years)

These courses will appear in the course schedule. Course descriptions and prerequisites for each course may be found in information distributed to all academic advisors.

These courses will appear in the course schedule. Course descriptions and prerequisites for each course may be found in information distributed to all academic advisors.

Independent reading and study on a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Independent reading and study on a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

This course is designed to support the continued training and development of piano skills needed in the elementary, secondary choral, and private vocal studio setting. This course is only for Bachelor of Music, Music Education majors in the Vocal, Guitar, or Keyboard concentration.

Applied lesson.

Half-hour applied lesson.

One hour applied lesson.

One hour applied lesson.

One hour performance level applied lesson.

One hour applied lesson performance level.

One hour lesson in composition.

One half-hour applied lesson.

One half-hour applied lesson.

One hour applied lesson.

One hour applied lesson.

One hour performance level applied lesson.

One hour performance level lesson Completion of this level requires a half hour public recital for instrumental area students.

One hour composition lesson. Original work in composition starting with the smaller forms in both the vocal and the instrumental fields. At least one 10-minute lecture-performance at Student Performance Hours or an equivalent thereof is required.

One hour composition lesson. Original work in composition starting with the smaller forms in both the vocal and the instrumental fields. At least one 10-minute lecture-performance at Student Performance Hours or an equivalent thereof is required.

Hour lesson in composition for minors and non-majors.

Hour lesson in composition for minors and non-majors.

One hour lesson per week.

One hour applied lesson.

One hour performance level applied lesson. Successful completion of a half hour recital is also required for vocal students only.

One hour performance level applied lesson.

One hour composition lesson. Original composition in larger forms. One or more lecture-performances at Student Performance Hours or equivalents thereof are required.

One hour composition lesson. Original composition in larger forms.

One hour composition lesson for minors and non-majors.

One hour composition lesson for minors and non-majors.

One hour applied lesson. Satisfaction of a degree requirement on this level includes successful performance of a one-half hour private or, at faculty discretion, public recital.

One hour applied lesson. Satisfaction of a degree requirement on this level includes successful performance of a one-half hour private or, at faculty discretion, public recital. Numbers may be repeated.

This course is designated only for music majors and/or minors. Music hardware and software to be studied includes, but is not limited to: K2500 Mackie 1604 VLZ 2 pro, Opcode MIDI 96 and Digital.

This course is designated for music majors and and/or minors. Music hardware and software to be studied includes, but is not limited to: K2500, Sound Designer, Oro Tools, and Finale. The participants are expected to compose a medium-length work (at least 4-5 minutes) using the above equipment. Grading is based on the knowledge of the electronic equipment and the quality of composing.

One hour performance level lesson.

One hour performance level lesson. Completion of this level includes successful performance of a one-hour public recital.