Master of Choral Pedagogy

CR 524 Vocal Techniques for Choirs 3 Credits

Study of vocal techniques appropriate for use in choral rehearsals and for teaching class voice. Techniques for effecting change in group vocal productions are discussed, including such topics as the identification of group vocal problems and mental and physical preparation of a group for good vocal production. Techniques to be developed include (1) how to communicate information about vocal technique to amateur singers, (2) exercises used to develop choral sound by improving diction, dynamics, legato, staccato, martellato, high and low registers, resonance, vowel modification, etc., (3) how to train singers to use a vocal production specifically appropriate to the repertoire of various style periods and the demands of individual composers, and (4) conducting methods for good choral and vocal training. Recommended both for conducting majors and for students in other major programs, including those for whom the voice is not the primary performance medium.

CR 621 Choral Conducting I 3 Credits

A study of conducting to develop technique through facial expression, breathing, alignment and gesture. Emphasis is placed on developing and refining a process of score study. This course will assist conductors in evaluating their conducting and preparing them to make conducting decisions based upon score study.

CR 625 Choral Pedagogy 3 Credits

This online course reorganizes the components of choral rehearsal technique to reflect a harmonic approach to rehearsing, teaching, and learning. It is designed to emphasize the importance of teaching audiation and rehearsing choirs within a harmonic context.

CR 627 Choral Literature I 3 Credits

A broad survey of choral repertoire from Gregorian chant to present-day compositions. Emphasis is placed upon knowing the availability and sources of music of major composers and of music appropriate for performance in today’s churches and schools.

CR 628 Choral Literature II 3 Credits

A study of selected major choral works, involving analytical and stylistic study. Oral reports by class members on assigned topics.

CR 750 Choral Pedagogy Capstone 3 Credits

Independent research leading to a completed capstone project such as pedagogical publication or presentation, development of an original or unique method of instruction, instructional materials, or case study, or musical performance. The project must be approved by the department.

ME 682 Choral Music Education 3 Credits

This course is designed to assist choral music educators to improve their pedagogical effectiveness. This course will provide students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for developing comprehensive musicianship in the choral ensemble setting through the study of creating original music, responding to music, connecting to students and performing vocal/choral music with a primary focus on choral pedagogy, curriculum development, unit and rehearsal planning, programming, vocal development, program management, music literacy pedagogy, music technology and assessment.

ME 692 Social Justice in Music Education: History, Philosophy, and Practice 3 Credits

The purpose of this course is two-fold. First, the course will explore the historical perspectives that have significantly shaped and informed music teaching and learning within American public education during the last century. Second, students will encounter, engage with, and interrogate philosophies and theories of practice from social justice perspectives in order to critically consider the place and purpose of music and music education within educational and societal contexts.

ME 721 Curriculum Development & Evaluation 3 Credits

This course examines the relationship between curriculum theory and philosophy of music education. Through the study of traditional and contemporary models of curriculum development and evaluation, students broaden their understanding of curriculum as it impacts the learning process. Post modern theory consistent with the Department’s commitment to Critical Pedagogy for Music Education provide the focal point for the development of curricula that enhance and support quality music education. Course content, activities and experiences in this course covers New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Music and prepares students to meet the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teaching.

ME 723 Social, Emotional, and Musical Learning 3 Credits

This course examines topics in psychology of music from the lens of social emotional learning. This theoretical lens will allow students to find the relationships between music-making as social and cultural practices and the development of individual and collective psychological process in music teaching and learning. Major topics include affective and physiological responses to music, musical enculturation, learning theory, well-being and wellness, musical aptitude, developmental processes, and motivation. Students will discuss literature in the psychology of music with applications to K-12 music classes and rehearsals and conduct a pilot study in an area of interest based upon knowledge from the literature.

ME 771 Critical Pedagogy for Music Ed 3 Credits

This course presents the fundamental concepts, contexts and constructs that define Critical Pedagogy for Music Education. It focuses on the application of critical theory as a philosophical perspective to inform decisions teachers make when planning instruction for their students.

MH 731 Intro to Musicology 3 Credits

Introduction to the basic tools of research in historical musicology in order to foster: (1) an awareness of the nature and scope of historical musicology as a scholarly discipline; (2) familiarity with the techniques of musicological research; (3) an understanding of the relationship between musicological research and performance practice; and (4) experience in the application of musicological techniques to specific musical works and issues. It is strongly recommended that this course be taken at the outset of graduate study. Required for all Master of Music candidates.

SM 621 Oratorio Solo Literature 3 Credits

A performance course surveying solo and ensemble portions of oratorios, masses, passions and cantatas from the early Baroque period to the present, with emphasis on appropriate performance techniques for stylistic integrity. Offered in rotation with other Sacred Music electives.

SM 710 Panorama of Sacred Music 3 Credits

This graduate-level course is a one-semester survey of those masterworks and significant musical movements that have shaped the evolution of Western Sacred Music. Beginning with the Old Testament, this course will move through all eras, highlighting important composers and liturgical trends, placing them in their appropriate cultural and theological contexts.

VC 723 Voice Ped I: Voice Science 3 Credits

Study of voice anatomy and physiology with concentration on respiration, phonation, articulation, hearing and vocal health. Through hands-on experience in the Westminster Voice Laboratory, students explore the physics of sound, the fundamentals of musical acoustics, and acoustical elements that are unique to the human voice. Priority registration is given to M.V.P. majors and M.M. students majoring in Voice Performance and Pedagogy. Other students may enroll on a space-available basis.

VC 724 Voice Pedagogy II: Methods 3 Credits

A comparative study of various pedagogical methods and ideals. A wide range of important historical and contemporary pedagogy treatises is reviewed. Students explore exercises and vocalises for general voice development as well as techniques to address and correct specific vocal problems. Role-playing exercises are used to develop appropriate listening and teaching skills. Class participants begin supervised instruction of a volunteer singing student.