Music

Music
Academic Bulletin

Courses in the Music Department are basically offered in three main aspects – 

1. music history
2. music performance (applied lessons and ensembles)
3. music theory  

• The three music minors require courses in all three areas, with more depth in the area of emphasis.   
• The music major requires courses in these three areas plus Post-Tonal Music (Music 401), Junior Seminar (Music 580) and Senior Project I & II (Music 600, 610.)

Students who have been involved in music in high school will often want to continue pursuing their love of music at Allegheny, whether they are music majors, minors or neither.  Most popular are the ensembles, applied lessons, and introductory level courses.  Quite a few of these students who start out saying they will neither major nor minor in music do end up pursuing a minor in music.  Therefore, addressing such a possibility might be integral in knowing how to plan.  Please advise students interested in Music to take the Department diagnostic exam, particularly if they might be taking courses in music theory and music history.  (Students who are interested in auditioning for music ensembles must keep the 12:30 to 1:20 time period open as many ensembles rehearse at that time.  Alternative sections should be available for all other courses that meet at that time.)

Music Diagnostic Exam online (SAKAI): 

• Prior to taking courses in music theory (Music 188, 200, 201, 300) or music history (286, 287, 387), students need to take the music diagnostic exam online (SAKAI). Students can request access to the diagnostic via a Google Form (see Learning Commons for more information.) 
• For theory courses, students will be placed by this theory diagnostic.  
• For history courses, students who place into Music 200 or above will have more success than those without any music theory experience.   Students who might major or minor should take this diagnostic exam as soon as possible.

For music theory, questions should be directed to 

• Professor Jennifer Dearden, Room M-116: jdearden@allegheny.edu

For music history, questions should be directed to either

• Professor Julie Hepler, Room M-117: juhepler@allegheny.edu 

• or Professor Lowell Hepler, Room M-114: lhepler@allegheny.edu

Performing Ensembles - auditions for music ensemble courses (Music 110-119) usually occur during the first week of classes of each semester.  See the following professors for your desired ensemble:

• Music 110 – Civic Symphony (orchestra); Professor Jennifer Dearden, Room M-116, jdearden@allegheny.edu
• Music 112 & 113 – Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble (bands); Professor Lowell Hepler, Room M-114, lhepler@allegheny.edu
• Music 114 – Jazz Band; Professor Stephen Corsi, Perc. Studio, scorsi@allegheny.edu
• Music 115 to 119 – Choirs; Professor James Niblock, Room M-205, jniblock@allegheny.edu 

Applied lessons - students can take applied lessons for credit (Music 230-485).  See Financial Services for applied lesson fees. Contact appropriate area coordinator below to audition for placement. 

• Brass, Music 230’s, 330’s, 430’s – Professor Lowell Hepler, Room M-114, lhepler@allegheny.edu 
• Percussion, Music 240, 340, 440 – Mr. Stephen Corsi, c/o Professor Hepler, Room M-114, scorsi@allegheny.edu
• Keyboard, Music 250, 350, 450 – Professor Douglas Jurs, Room M-115, djurs@allegheny.edu 
• Voice, Music 255, 355, 455 – Ms. Carol Niblock, Room M-205, cniblock@allegheny.edu 
• Strings, Music 260’s, 360’s, 460’s – Professor Jennifer Dearden, Room M-116, jdearden@allegheny.edu
• Guitar, Music 265, 365, 465 – Mr. James Froman, Room M-120, jfroman@allegheny.edu
• Woodwinds, Music 270’s, 370’s, 470’s – Professor Julie Hepler, Room M-117, juhepler@allegheny.edu

 Suggested Schedules for the Music Major:
 

All applied courses in Music 430-480 and 485 include weekly lessons plus Performance Seminars on Fridays, 12:30-1:20pm.  Placement by applied teacher of students into level 400 lessons is based on technical competence and repertoire level.  Prior enrollment in level 200 and/or 300 lessons may be required before advancing to level 400.  When counting toward the major or minor, requirements for applied lessons and ensembles are on the student’s principal instrument.  

 Timing of Courses:
 

Things to Remember:

• For students placed into Music 188 or 200 who might also be on a pre-health track, double majoring, considering a 3-2 program, or hoping to study away from campus for a semester, it is imperative they start Music 188 and/or 200 during their first year.   
• Students placed into Music 201 can opt to start these courses in their first year.
• Students who place into a given course in the theory sequence may not count lower numbered theory courses toward the major or minor in music.
• Courses offered Fall Semester Only: Music 188, 201 287, 580.
• Courses offered Spring Semester Only: Music 200, 286, 300, 387, 401.
• All applied lessons and ensemble courses are repeatable.
• All applied lesson courses carry a fee.  See Financial Services for applied lesson fees.
• Students are encouraged to enroll in applied lessons and performing ensembles through all four years at Allegheny.

The Music Department offers Minors in Music History, Performance, and Theory. Please see Academic Bulletin for specifics.