Commercial Music (CMUS)
An introduction to current music technology used in generating music for the commercial music marketplace. This includes using a digital audio workstation, recording analog music, programming digital music, triggering loops in real time, and notating music digitally.
Offered: Resident and Online
A practical introduction to harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic principles of music for the commercial musician. Musical elements including key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, chord construction and chord progressions are introduced as the foundation for harmonic analysis of traditional, contemporary Christian, popular, and jazz music. Special attention is given to the Nashville Number System and jazz harmony practices as methodologies for commercial music analysis. Examination of commercial music and contemporary Christian music genres provides resource for practical application of harmonic principles.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 105
Continuation of CMUS 105. Harmonic analysis, part-writing techniques, and chord construction are taught in conjunction with the Nashville Number System and jazz analysis. Principles of tonal music are explored in commercial music contexts including major-minor seventh chords, major-major seventh chords, minor seventh chords, secondary dominant and leading tone chords, and altered or borrowed chords. Harmonic analysis and construction of rhythm charts are emphasized.
Offered: Resident and Online
Listening skills are developed through rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic dictation. Commercial musicianship skills are refined through sight singing and rhythm exercises from a variety of styles. Special attention is given to tonal center referencing. The course also develops the ability to identify harmonic rhythm while listening to a variety of musical styles.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 107
A continuation of CMUS 107. Further study of harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic dictation and continued development of tonal center referencing technique. Students continue to sharpen listening skills by identifying the harmonic rhythm of a variety of commercial and representative classical and folk music genres.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course focuses on the musical and technological techniques of contemporary film composition. Development of fundamental skill in traditional and non-traditional composition practices using technology through the creation of short works is emphasized.
Offered: Resident and Online
Private lessons in voice, piano/keyboard, guitar, or the instruments of the band or orchestra based on department policies.
Registration Restrictions: Consent of Instructor
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 151
Continuation of CMUS 151, private lessons in voice, piano/keyboard, guitar, or the instruments of the band or orchestra, based on department policies.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to participate in various commercial music ensemble formations, receiving weekly coaching with faculty members, and present a public performance during the term.
Offered: Resident and Online
A survey to popular and jazz music writers, influences, and trends. Emphasis is placed on a general overview of personalities and their unique influences within each of these genres.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course provides training in studio production techniques. Students learn studio miking for instruments and voice, digital audio workstations, and general techniques for studio production. As part of this course, students will produce commercial music demo recordings.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 152
Continuation of CMUS 152, private lessons in voice, piano/keyboard, guitar, or the instruments of the band or orchestra, based on department policies.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 251
Continuation of CMUS 251, private lessons in voice, piano/keyboard, guitar, or the instruments of the band or orchestra, based on department policies.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 106
Rudimentary instruction in conducting techniques for traditional, commercial music, and non-traditional settings. Knowledge and skill areas stressed are: basic conducting gestures and patterns; score interpretation; rehearsal management and technique; programming considerations; studio project necessities, and special problems in vocal and instrumental situation.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 218
This course provides training in sound system setup, design, implementation and front of house and monitor mixing for venues, tours and houses of worship. Students will apply their production skills in sound mixing projects using digital console show files and virtual sound check.
Offered: Resident and Online
The study of computer applications in commercial music, including competencies in the use of music notation software, sequencing, and the fundamental technology skills for publication and producing.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 330
This course is the investigation of computer applications for a variety of commercial musical purposes, including the following: use of multi-track music recording software; sequencing, using loops; integrating MIDI and digital audio; digital audio data capture and editing; and sound shaping.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 106
This course provides opportunity for students to develop skill in strategic areas of vocal or instrumental improvisational technique in commercial music contexts. Investigative studies include the relationship between improvisation and harmonic context in contemporary popular, rock, black gospel, and jazz idioms.
Offered: Resident and Online
An overview of the music industry, highlighting the impact of biblical principles for a Christian working in the commercial music industry. Basic principles of distribution, publishing, and live performance will be defined and developed including copyright law, royalties and mechanicals, promoting, performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and CCLI), demo creation, and market presence.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 106
Commercial music students study with professionals in areas which may include songwriting or other topics such as film scoring, recording, or mixing. Students present their work at the conclusion of the seminar.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 193
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to participate in various commercial music ensemble formations, receiving weekly coaching with faculty members and guests as approved, and present a public performance during the term.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: CMUS 436
This is a capstone course usually completed after completing all other coursework. Internship includes a 400-hour (10-week) minimum of supervised, practical experience in an approved organization within a commercial music context. Application procedures processed through the School of Music. Student must make an application to the Director of Practica the semester prior to completing the internship.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or Senior status; 2.00 GPA; Approval of School of Music Internship Coordinator
Offered: Resident and Online