Music

Tina Spencer Dreisbach (1989), Chair, Assistant Professor of Music
B.A., Hiram College;
M.A., Ohio State University;
Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University

Academic Interest: Musicology, Early Music, World Music, General Studies, Popular Styles, Irish and Asian Studies

Alissa L. Shuster (2007), Visiting Assistant Professor of Music
B.A., St. Olaf College;
M.A., Kent State University;
Ph.D., Kent State University;

Academic Interest: Music Theory, Composition, Flute, General Studies, Coaching Ensembles

Randall Fusco (1988), Professor of Music
B.M., M.M., Eastman School of Music

Academic Interests: Piano, Music Theory, Accompanying, Coaching Ensembles, Music History and Literature

Department web address:

http://home.hiram.edu/music/musidx.html

 

Introduction

Hiram College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department of Music offers a major in music, with specific tracks in music education, music in liberal studies, and music performance.   The department also offers a minor in music. Descriptions and requirements for each program are listed below.

Frohring Music Hall contains a recital hall, classrooms, studios and practice rooms, sound and video equipment, and a newly upgraded music technology lab with nine workstations networked to the college and the internet.  The department owns many instruments for student use.  A large collection of music scores and recordings is housed in the Hiram College library. 

                                                 

Music Education

The music education track is designed for the student who has the talent and desire to teach music in public schools. Due to the complexity and depth of coursework and state requirements, it is highly recommended that the student begin this track the first semester of the first year. An evaluation at the end of the second full year is intended to determine progress and areas that need attention. Students who successfully complete this track are licensed to teach pre-K through twelfth grade.

Requirements for the track in music education are:

Music theory 121, 122, 221, 222

Music history 201, 202, 203

Instrumental pedagogy 182, 183, 184, 185

Keyboard skills, Orchestration, Conducting 253, 255, 257, 258

Classrooms methods 302, 304, 305

Education requirements for these students are Education 203, 231, 236, 370, 372, and 601.  There is also a required field experience. Music 437 and 446 (student teaching) is required for State of Ohio teaching licensure.

In addition students must participate in:

At least six consecutive terms of private lessons in one performing area;

Two consecutive years in a secondary performing area;

Six semesters of music ensembles,

A partial senior recital,

Instrumental music majors must participate in the Hiram Concert Band or Chamber Orchestra, and vocal music majors must participate in the College Choir each term.

Music in Liberal Studies

This program is designed for music study in a liberal arts framework.  There is broad coverage rather than concentration on any single segment, and emphases are dependent on the needs and objectives of the student.  Classes develop musicianship, principles and procedures that lead to an intellectual grasp of the art and ability to perform.  This is a flexible program with significant possibilities for interdisciplinary work.

This major serves both students who want to study music while preparing for careers in other fields, and those who intend to pursue graduate study and professional activity in music.  Students can combine this track with other majors and minors or design an interdisciplinary major such as Music and Business, Music and Theatre, or Music Technology.  The program provides a foundation for careers such as arts administration, music librarianship, music therapy, church music, and music publishing and editing.  Students work with their adviser to determine an appropriate program.

Requirements for the track in Liberal Studies are:

Music theory 121, 122, 221

Music history 201, 202, 203

Music electives minimum of 12 hours (may include INTD 343, 351, 379, 385)

At least four terms of private lessons and four terms of music ensembles

Capstone project (4-hour 280 class seminar or 480 individual senior seminar.  Both include a major paper and public presentation.)

Music 222, 255 or 258, and 257 are suggested for graduate school preparation.

 

Music Performance 

It is expected that a student pursuing a music performance track will come to Hiram College with an already established high degree of performing ability and potential for artistic growth. The student must be aware that a major part of his/her development will involve extensive and intensive practice time. Each performance area (piano, violin, voice, etc.) has individual audition requirements. These requirements are available through the music department. Students who successfully complete the performance track will be prepared to pursue work as a performing musician, or study on the graduate level.Requirements for the music performance track are:

Music theory 121, 122, 221, 222 Music history 201, 202, 203 Music 253 (or pass piano proficiency exam)Music 255 (vocal majors) or 258 (instrumental majors) Appropriate 1-hour pedagogy or instrumental methods class

Capstone project (4-hour 280 class seminar)

Additional requirements include:

Further requirements are at least 14 hours of private lessons in the major performing area, six hours of music ensembles, a junior recital and senior recital. Voice majors are required to take one semester of German and one semester of French.

Instrumental majors must participate in Concert Band or Chamber Orchestra and Voice majors in the College Choir each term they are on campus.

                                                 

Music Minor

The requirements for a minor in music are: Music 121, 122; two music history courses chosen from 201, 202, 203; four semesters of private lessons, and ensemble participation.  

Departmental Honors                 

Senior music majors with an overall GPA of 3.0 and a department GPA of 3.6 may be considered for departmental honors.  Majors in liberal studies and music education must complete a capstone project judged by the faculty to be outstanding, extending beyond the usual requirements.  For a performance major the project will be a superior senior recital and accompanying document.                                                  

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available in voice and all keyboard, wind, string, and percussion instruments as well as guitar (classical, jazz, folk), banjo, mandolin, recorder, and Irish whistle.  A half-hour lesson each week equals one hour of academic credit.  One-hour lessons (2 academic credits per term) are reserved for performance majors.  Class lessons in piano and guitar are also offered for beginners.

                                                 

Departmental Offerings

101 Introduction to Music IM                                                               3 hours

An introduction to the music of the Western world and selected Non-Western cultures. The course surveys important composers, compositions and stylistic developments of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, and the 20th Century. The students are introduced to the elements of music and how they can be used to listen to music more intelligently and appreciatively. Class sessions include both lectures and guided listening.

102 Survey of American Music IM                                                      3 hours

American music from colonial psalm-singing to the most recent jazz, avant-garde, popular and rock-and-roll. The course is designed to give the student a chronological and historical understanding of the development of American music. Some background material related to European and African music will be discussed. The format of the class will involve lectures, listening to recordings, and class discussion.   A strong emphasis will be placed on listening skills for purposes of identifying genre, period, style, and composer.

103 Drums, Songs, and Spirits:

                               Introduction to World Music CM EW                      3 hours

Interest in and appreciation of world music has grown enormously in the past decade.  This class is an introduction to ethnomusicology: the study of music in culture.  Students explore traditional music and dance of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, as well as Native American and Black American styles.  Class sessions include listening, videos, discussion, and student presentations.  Guest lectures and live performance when possible.

104 Musical Theater IM                                                                       3 hours

A study in the development of the three types of musical theater: Opera, Operetta and the Musical. Class meetings will involve lectures, discussions of outside readings, analyses and discussions of video performances.

106 Introduction to Music Technology:

                                  Midi and Computer Music  CM                            3 hours

Music 106 is an introduction to the hardware and software available in the Hiram College Music Technology Lab. During the three week course, each student will choose three software programs to study from the following: Finale 2006, Steinberg Wave Lab Suite, Band-in-a-Box or Pyware Java Marching Band Charting. In addition, one afternoon will be spent on skill and drill software for music students which will include Auralia and Musition. 

108 Rhythm and Revolt: The History of Rock and Roll IM                   3 hours

Little more than fifty years after its birth, American rock is the most influential music in the world. This class examines the myriad stylistic roots of rock and roll and its growth amid the tumultuous social events of postwar American culture. Emphasis is on the early creative energy: the soloists and groups of the First Wave (1950s) through the Beatles era. Technical aspects of music and listening skills are developed within the framework of popular style.

121 Music Theory I CM                                                                         4 hours

122 Music Theory II                                                                             4 hours

221 Music Theory III                                                                           3 hours

222 Music Theory IV                                                                            3 hours

The four semester Music Theory sequence covers the study of melody, rhythm, harmony, major and minor scales and modes. The sequence begins with elementary material (Music Theory I) and continues through more advanced concepts (Music Theory II). Each course is a prerequisite to the next. Music Theory I is open to all students with note reading ability.Music Theory III consists of the continuation of essential auditory skills, and introduces modulation and basic form and analysis. Simple works from the music literature are examined to demonstrate rondo, sonata form, and theme and variations.

Music Theory IV continues auditory skills and form and analysis. Basic twentieth century techniques and styles are also introduced. Music by Debussy, Schönberg, Bartók and Stravinsky will be examined to demonstrate these techniques. Students may experiment with composing in the styles and techniques studied.

Throughout the Music Theory sequence, major emphasis is placed on auditory skills (ear training, sight singing, melodic and rhythmic dictation) in order to prepare students for  comprehending a piece of music at sight. 

182 String Instruments                                                                         1 hour

183 Percussion Instruments                                                                 1 hour

184 Brass Instruments                                                                          1 hour

185 Woodwind Instruments                                                                  1 hour

The basic techniques of playing and teaching these instruments are presented. The courses are designed for the music education major, the composer/arranger, or any interested student with permission of the instructor.

 

201 Music History and Literature I:

                             Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque IM                 3 hours

A historical and analytical study of music from Gregorian Chant through 1750, including composers such as Machaut, Josquin, Palestrina, Lassus, Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Purcell, Vivaldi, Bach and Handel. The student is introduced to research methods in musicology. Open to non-majors with note-reading ability.

202 Music History and Literature II:

                             Classical and Romantic IM                                      3 hours

A historical and analytical study of music by selected composers of the late 18th to late 19th century. Listening assignments teach students to identify different styles of composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Brahms, and Liszt. Open to non-majors with note-reading ability.

203 Music History and Literature III: 

                             Post-Romantic and 20th Century IM                       3 hours

Examines significant music by composers of the late 19th and 20th centuries. This course is intended to make students aware of music as a “living” art and its effects on present and future cultural life. Open to non-majors with note-reading ability.

209 History of Jazz                                                                             3 hours

The purpose of this course is to examine the musical development of jazz in its historical context, as well as the important elements which comprise the individual styles of jazz. The course will study jazz from its inception to the present, focusing on the important musicians and literature of each era, including the New Orleans, swing, bebop, cool, hard bop, free jazz, and jazz-rock fusion styles, in addition to major individual musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker.

210 African American Music IM                                                           3 hours

A survey of the unique contributions to, and influences on, music made by African American composers and performers. Emphasis will be placed on the main musical genres including Spirituals, Work Songs, Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, Swing, Bebop, Modern Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and Gospel Songs.

218 Women in Music IM                                                                       3 hours

An examination of the role of women in music history from the ancient world to the present.  The class focuses on women’s contributions as composers, performers, and patrons. Repertories include classical, popular, and world styles. Suitable for general students.  Music reading ability is helpful.   

 

220 Asian Music IM, EW                                                                      4 hours

Cross-cultural study allows students to investigate new music styles and, equally important, to gain new prespectives on their own experiences and conceptions of music. This class explores music making in three regions of Asia with great performance traditions: South India, Japan, and Bali, Indonesia. Contemporary music is the point of departure, with historical information added to elucidate the present. There are unifying topics such as gender, globalization, and authenticity. Varied format will include listening, discussion, group activities, videos, and guest performers. Suitable for general students or music majors.

253 Functional Piano                                                                           2 hours

Basic practical piano skills: scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, melodic and harmonic improvisation, harmonization of folk songs; all keyboard fundamentals; cadences; preparation of piano pieces. Prepares the student for the piano proficiency examination. Required of the music education major; open to other students with permission of the keyboard faculty.

255 Choral Conducting and Choral Literature                                     3 hours

Basic elements of choral conducting techniques. Survey of choral literature. Prerequisite: Music 122 or permission.

257 Orchestration and Arranging                                                        3 hours

The study of idiomatic writing for all orchestral and band instruments coupled with the investigation of proper techniques in arranging for public school instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: Music 122.

258 Instrumental Conducting                                                              3 hours

The study, development and practice of instrumental conducting and rehearsal techniques utilizing audio/visual taping and the concert band. Also included is a survey of various levels of band literature. Prerequisite: Music 122.

280 Seminar: Topics in Music

281 Independent Study                                                                  1 - 4 hours

302 Teaching Instrumental Music                                                       4 hours

The course prepares music education majors to teach public school instrumental music from the Pre-K through the high school levels. The objectives of the course are: 1) to increase the students’ knowledge of the literature (music, textbooks, periodicals) used to teach and administer an instrumental music program; 2) to improve their skills in writing objectives, diagnosing and improving incorrect playing habits, rehearsing the concert, marching and stage bands, orchestra and small ensembles; 3) to provide students with a personal philosophy for developing instrumental music curricula. Field experience on the early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescent levels is required. Prerequisite: Education 201, 231; Music 257, 258.

304 Teaching Vocal and General Music, PreK-3

                                        and Middle Grades 4-9                                 4 hours

The course prepares the music education major to teach music at the early childhood and middle childhood levels. Various music education systems will be examined, including Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze. Skill will be developed through singing, playing instruments, moving and listening. Ohio’s Model Competency-Based Program in Comprehensive Arts Education and the National Association of Schools of Music Standards will provide the framework for this course. Field experiences on the early childhood and middle childhood levels are required. Prerequisites: Education 201, 231.

305 Teaching Vocal and General Music to Adolescents,

                                       Grades 7- 12                                                 4 hours

The course prepares music education majors to teach public school vocal music to adolescents. The objectives of the course are 1) to increase the students’ knowledge of the methods and materials (music, textbooks, periodicals) used to teach and administer the vocal music program at these levels; 2) to improve students’ skills in establishing objectives, diagnosing and improving music reading skills and overall vocal competencies, evaluating music texts appropriate to grade level for determining readability, and assessing students’ reading abilities, and 3) to provide students with a personal philosophy for developing the vocal music curricula. Ohio’s Model Competency-Based Program in Comprehensive Arts Education and the National Association of Schools of Music Standards will provide the framework for this course. Field experience in grades 7 through 12 is required. Prerequisite: Education 201, 231; Music 255, 304.

331 Vocal Pedagogy and Literature                                                      1 hour

A study of literature for the voice and pedagogical approaches to the study of the voice. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

332 Keyboard Pedagogy and Literature                                               1 hour

A systematic study of organ-teaching method books, survey of currently available materials for teaching, as well as a historical survey of literature for the organ. Some practical teaching experience involved. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

480 Senior Seminar                                                                             4 hours

481 Independent Research                                                            1 - 4 hours

498 Internship                                                                                1 - 4 hours

Music Ensembles

Some of the most popular campus activities are organized and directed by the music department faculty.  Among these are College Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Madrigal Singers, Chamber Orchestra, Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop, and Hiram Men’s and Women’s Choruses.

Performing groups are open to all students who qualify. Those who are admitted may register for one hour of credit each term. These courses are offered as pass/no credit only and may be taken more than once for credit.

MUSI 807 Brass Ensemble                       MUSI 828 Chamber Ensembles

MUSI 808 Guitar Ensemble                     MUSI 834 Recorder Ensemble

MUSI 810 Madrigal Singers                    MUSI 837 Chamber Orchestra

MUSI 813 Hiram College Choir              MUSI 839 Hiram Concert Band

MUSI 814 Hiram Men’s Chorus              MUSI 840 Woodwind Ensemble

MUSI 825 Jazz Ensemble                        MUSI 846 Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop

MUSI 816 African Ensemble                                                 

Private Music Lessons

MUSI 546 Baritone Horn                         MUSI 551 Clarinet

MUSI 547 Bassoon                                    MUSI 572 Jazz/Folk Guitar                

MUSI 549 Cello                                         MUSI 573 Mandolin

MUSI 556 Composition                            MUSI 574 Banjo

MUSI 557 Flute                                         MUSI 575 Recorder /Irish Whistle

MUSI 559 French Horn                            MUSI 577 Saxophone

MUSI 561 Guitar                                       MUSI 579 Double Bass /Electric Bass

MUSI 562 Harp                                         MUSI 583 Trombone

MUSI 563 Harpsichord                            MUSI 585 Trumpet

MUSI 565 Oboe                                         MUSI 587 Tuba

MUSI 567 Organ                                       MUSI 589 Viola

MUSI 569 Percussion                               MUSI 591 Violin

MUSI 571 Piano                                        MUSI 593 Voice

MUSI 841, 842 Class Piano I, II                                                             1 hour

These courses are offered as pass/no credit only, and may only be taken once for credit.                                   

MUSI 845, 847 Class Guitar I, II                                                            1 hour

These courses are offered as pass/no credit only, and may only be taken once for credit.                 

Additional Information