Music Course Listings

Courses Offered Fall 2025

Classes

• MU 201 - Music Fundamentals (fulfills fine arts core requirement)
• MU 202 - Class Piano (fulfills fine arts core requirement)
• MU 203 - The Art of Listening (fulfills fine arts core requirement)
• MU 205 - Musicianship I
• MU 210 - American Musical Theatre: Uptown and Down
• MU 300 - Repertoires of Western Music
• MU 350 - Recording Studio I

Ensembles

• MU 211 - Jazz Ensemble I
• MU 220 - Chamber Ensemble I
• MU 221 - Concert Choir I
• MU 230 - Guitar Ensemble I
• MU 231 - Steel Pan Ensemble I
• MU 311 - Jazz Ensemble II
• MU 320 - Chamber Ensemble II
• MU 321 - Concert Choir II
• MU 323 - Jazz Combo
• MU 327 - Cantorei

Applied Lessons

• MU 360 - Applied Music (1/2 hour)
• MU 361 - Applied Music (3/4 hour)

Course Descriptions

MU 201 - Music Fundamentals

(3.00 cr.)
Develops in the student an awareness of some of the systems within music: acoustical, tonal, rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and formal, and how they relate in an inseparable way to make music. An integrated approach-hearing, seeing, writing, and performing-is the goal. Fulfills fine arts core requirement.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 202 - Class Piano

(3.00 cr.)
Group instruction in musical technique and repertoire for the beginning student. Covers basic skills including music reading. Students work both in groups and individually with the instructor. Fulfills fine arts core requirement.

Restrictions: Restricted to beginning students.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 203 - The Art of Listening

(3.00 cr.)
Through guided listening and an investigation of the cultural histories behind selected works from the western musical tradition – from medieval chant to pop – this course helps students become more perceptive and informed listeners. The ability to read music is not a prerequisite. Fulfills fine arts core requirement.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 204 - Western Musical Traditions

(3.00 cr.)
An introduction to the major forms and styles in the western musical tradition, with an emphasis on guided listening and the study of issues in musical aesthetics through scholarly and primary source texts. Aims to develop a more perceptive and informed listener and to introduce skills in music scholarship. Recommended for majors and minors as a replacement for MU 203. Fulfills fine arts core requirement. Closed to students who have taken MU 203. Same course as HN 322.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 205 - Musicianship I

(1.50 cr.)
Using systematic approaches to sight singing and aural dictation, students develop skills to perform music more accurately and musically. Students also develop the ability to dictate melodic and harmonic intervals, rhythms, whole melodies, chord qualities, and harmonic progressions.

Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): MU 201.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 206 - Musicianship II

(1.50 cr.)
A continuation of MU 205.

Prerequisite: MU 205.
Sessions Typically Offered: Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 210 - American Musical Theatre: Uptown and Down

(3.00 cr.)
Studies the variety found in American musical theatre, including musical drama, opera, and musical comedy. Through readings, recordings, and video tapes, students investigate this lively art. At least one live performance is viewed during the semester. Same course as DR 210.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies
Interdisciplinary Studies: IU

MU 300 - Repertoires of Western Music

(3.00 cr.)
Through a study of influential and representative works, students become acquainted with important theoretical, stylistic, and generic touchstones of the Western art music tradition from circa 500-2000.

Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): MU 201 or MU 302.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 302 - Structure of Music: Theory I

(3.00 cr.)
Music theory encompasses the study of melodic and harmonic practices common in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Focuses on comprehension through the development of skills including exercises, drills, ear-training, sight-singing, and analysis as well as lecture.

Recommended Prerequisite: MU 201.
Sessions Typically Offered: Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 303 - American Jazz

(3.00 cr.)
Traces the origin and development of a truly American musical phenomenon: jazz. Topics include pre-jazz, ragtime, New Orleans and Chicago jazz, big band, bop, and contemporary styles. Discusses the effect of jazz on the popular music of the time.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 304 - Music and Medicine

(3.00 cr.)
Examines the historical intersections of music and health, with a consideration of how music has been used to improve wellbeing, how myths about maladies have been represented in musical works, and how disabilities of composers and performers have been received by audiences. No training in music necessary. Open to all students. Music majors and minors have additional technical readings and assignments.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Interdisciplinary Studies: IHE

MU 305 - Music in the Twentieth Century

(3.00 cr.)
A survey of European and American art music since 1900.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 308 - Hearing the Movies

(3.00 cr.)
Surveying representative works in a wide range of genres—from silent film, to film musicals, to contemporary epics—this course explores the technical relationships between soundtracks and image tracks, and investigates how the sonic dimension of film can influence narrative interpretation and audience responses. Same course as CM 309.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies
Interdisciplinary Studies: IF

MU 310 - Structure of Music: Theory II

(3.00 cr.)
Third music theory course in the curriculum. Students begin working with advanced techniques of analysis and composing short works. Topics include modulation, melodic development, and chromatic harmony.

Prerequisite: MU 302.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 312 - Class Piano II

(3.00 cr.)
Continuation of MU 202. Group instruction in musical technique and repertoire. Covers more advanced techniques and music reading skills. Students work both in groups and individually with the instructor.

Prerequisite: MU 202.
Sessions Typically Offered: Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 314 - Topics in Non-Western Music

(3.00 cr.)
A survey of musics from around the world and the cultural settings in which they were produced and performed. Specific topics determined by faculty expertise and interests. Topic announced each time the course is offered. No training in music necessary.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Interdisciplinary Studies: CU/ICL

MU 315 - Conducting

(3.00 cr.)
Students study the art of conducting. Topics include score preparation, conducting, and rehearsal techniques. Students work with choral and/or instrumental ensembles in preparation for performance.

Prerequisite: MU 205, MU 302.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 324 - Composition

(3.00 cr.)
Student study the process of musical composition by examining masterworks and by completing a series of composition assignments and original works. Assignments progress from basic melody writing, through two- and three-part writing, to multivoiced works for piano or small ensemble.

Prerequisite: MU 302.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 325 - Counterpoint

(3.00 cr.)
Students study the art of imitative and nonimitative counterpoint by studying examples of polyphonic music from the Renaissance and Baroque.

Prerequisite: MU 201.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 326 – Songwriting

(3.00 cr.)
Introduces the fundamental methods, techniques, and practices of songwriting. Study includes a survey of styles such as pop, folk, hip hop, singer-songwriter, rhythm and blues, and country, including such artists as George Gershwin, The Beatles, Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, and others based on student interest. Students have the opportunity to develop their own original material, work in collaboration with others, and receive individual feedback on their work. Sample topics include song form, text-setting, melody & harmony, and instrumentation.

Prerequisite: MU 201 or MU 202.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 350 - Recording Studio I

(3.00 cr.)
In this hands-on course, students work in Loyola’s recording studio and learn the skills of live and studio multi-track recording, practicable with both professional and non-professional equipment. Through various projects, students gain an understanding of fundamental principles of sound and music recording, and attain facility with recording equipment, recording and editing techniques, and software applications. Practicing the proper and creative use of these elements, students learn how the recording process does not simply document music and speech, but is in fact an integral part of expressive sonic creation. Same course as CM 326.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 351 - Recording Studio II

(3.00 cr.)
A continuation of MU 350. Focuses on the application of advanced techniques in digital recording. Students complete recording assignments in live stereo recording, studio tracking, mixing, equalization, the use of effects, and basic mastering. The primary goal is to provide students with a broader technical and artistic foundation from which to produce articulate and expressive musical works of very high quality through the digital process.

Prerequisite: MU 350.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 355 - Special Topics in Music

(3.00 cr.)
An intensive investigation of a special topic of music, music history, performance, or creation. May be repeated twice for credit with different topics.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 400 - Musical Writing for the Public

(1.00 cr.)
Students bring together their historiographic and analytical skills and compile a set of program notes for their final recital or jury in this senior capstone course. In consultation with the music faculty and studio instructor, students research the history, social context, and reception of the works and their composers, and analyze the structures of their pieces. Students then learn to craft notes that are compelling and accessible to a general audience. Generally completed during senior year.

Prerequisite: MU 300, MU 302. 
Restrictions: Restricted to juniors and seniors.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

Ensemble Course Descriptions

MU 211 - Jazz Ensemble I

(1.50 cr.)
The Loyola Jazz Ensemble is open to all instrumentalists by audition. Repertoire includes jazz standards and original compositions. Students are given opportunities for solo playing. An audition with the instructor is required. Students should be able to read a chart. May be repeated for credit.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 220 - Chamber Ensemble I

(1.50 cr.)
Provides performance opportunities for instrumentalists who wish to play as soloists or as members of small groups (two to eight players), with a concert performance at the end of the semester. An audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 221 - Concert Choir I

(1.50 cr.)
Concert Choir is a large, mixed ensemble that performs a varied and challenging program of choral repertoire from across time and place. Known for their diverse repertoire, and for a blended, unified sound, Concert Choir is the department’s flagship choral ensemble, performing at venues both on and off campus. An audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 230 - Guitar Ensemble I

(1.50 cr.)
Designed for guitarists to perform in small groups of two to eight players. There are performance opportunities each semester. Open to students, faculty, and staff by audition. May be repeated for credit.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Varies

MU 231 - Steel Pan Ensemble I

(1.50 cr.)
Repertoire from Trinidad and Tobago. Panorama, transcription, calypso, soca, latin, jazz, ragtime, classical, and island favorites are performed with a full steel pan orchestra. An audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 311 - Jazz Ensemble II

(1.50 cr.)
A continuation of MU 211. An audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Two semesters of MU 211.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 320 - Chamber Ensemble II

(1.50 cr.)
A continuation of MU 220. An audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Two semesters of MU 220.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 321 - Concert Choir II

(1.50 cr.)
A continuation of MU 221. An audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Two semesters of MU 221. 
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 323 - Jazz Combo

(1.50 cr.)
An instrumental jazz group of four to eight players, representing the top jazz musicians on campus. The combo performs repertoire from lead sheets, requiring performers to create arrangements collectively and to develop a musically mature improvisational language. Members must be active in the jazz ensemble. An audition with the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

Concurrent Requisite: MU 211 or MU 311.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 327 - Cantorei

(1.50 cr.)
Cantorei is a smaller vocal ensemble that specializes in the vocal jazz repertoire, delving into both traditional vocal jazz, jazz arrangements of popular tunes, and repertoire from the American Songbook. Participants must also be active members of the Concert Choir. An audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

Concurrent Requisite: MU 221 or MU 321.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 330 - Guitar Ensemble II

(1.50 cr.)
A continuation of MU 230. May be repeated for credit. Open to students, faculty, and staff by audition.

Prerequisite: Two semesters of MU 230 or an audition with the instructor.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 331 - Steel Pan Ensemble II

(1.50 cr.)
A continuation of MU 231. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: MU 231.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

Applied Lesson Course Descriptions

MU 360 - Applied Music (1/2 hour)

(1.00 cr.)
Private instruction in a musical instrument or voice. Each lesson is one-half hour per week with independent practice as prescribed by the teacher. 

Restrictions: Open to first-years and first semester sophomores.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

MU 361 - Applied Music (3/4 hour)

(1.50 cr.)
Private instruction in musical instruments and voice. Each lesson is 45 minutes per week with independent practice as prescribed by the teacher. May be repeated 7 times for degree credit.

Restrictions: Restricted to performing arts majors with a music concentration or comprehensive concentration and music minors.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually

Questions about Music Program courses, ensembles, or lessons? Contact us.