Performance & Conducting
The B.M.A. tracks in Applied Performance and Choral and Vocal Studies prepare students for careers as performers, conductors, and private instructors.
Music at Batten University places applied musical study within a liberal arts context — students develop performance and technical skill while exploring how music reflects historical trends and cultural patterns across societies.
Students choose between two degrees. The Bachelor of Musical Arts (B.M.A.) is performance-focused, with specialization tracks in Applied Performance, Choral and Vocal Studies, or Music Composition, paired with a 20-credit cognate field integrated into a capstone project. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) offers a broader liberal arts approach with tracks in General Music, Arts Management and Entrepreneurship, or Music Production.
All students have access to musical ensembles regardless of major, and the department offers certificate programs in Music Production and Church Music for students seeking focused credentials alongside their primary field of study. Graduates pursue careers in private teaching, church music, music merchandising, arts management, music librarianship, and graduate study in music or the humanities.
All B.M.A. students complete the core below, plus one specialization track (see track tabs) and a 20-credit cognate field.
Total reflects core requirements; specialization track and cognate field hours are listed within their respective rows above.
Complete this track in addition to the B.M.A. Core.
Complete this track in addition to the B.M.A. Core.
Complete this track in addition to the B.M.A. Core.
All B.A. students complete the core below, plus one track (see track tabs).
Complete this track in addition to the B.A. Core.
Complete this track in addition to the B.A. Core.
Complete this track in addition to the B.A. Core.
*Courses can be in different instruments each semester, if desired.
Music and Technology are becoming increasingly integrated, and it is now essential for anyone interested in pursuing musical activities to be familiar with the tools and techniques of music technology. Music educators are expected to teach MIDI Sequencing and Digital Production classes at the middle and high school levels. Increasingly, both professional and amateur musicians find the affordability of sound recording equipment and editing software make it possible to create their own home recording studios. This certificate will allow both music majors and non-music majors to augment their area of study by developing skills and experience in the field of music technology. Contact the Office of Enrollment Services for additional information.
This certificate offers practical and theoretical knowledge for church music ministry career preparation, and has been recognized by the College Board for its excellence in programming. Prior experience in some aspect of church music, a strong desire to serve the Church, plus basic musicianship and keyboard skills are beneficial.
Music coursework spans MUS courses (musicianship, history, conducting, technology) and APMU applied lessons and ensembles (instrumental, vocal, keyboard, guitar, composition). Applied lessons progress through levels — open, lower division, upper division, and senior recital preparation — each gated by jury performance. Most ensembles and applied lessons carry an additional music fee; see individual course descriptions.
Basic Musicianship
Fundamentals of music, including pitch and rhythmic notation. Students learn to interpret music notation by singing, playing the piano and percussion instruments. Students may not receive credit for MUS 101 if they have already taken MUS 102. Offered intermittently.
Basic Musicianship with Guitar
No previous musical experience is necessary, but basic fundamentals of music notation (pitch and rhythm) are taught. Students learn to make music from a written score using the guitar. Students must own their own instrument. Students may not receive credit for MUS 102 if they have already taken MUS 101. Offered intermittently.
Intermediate Musicianship I
A study of music theory, sight singing, and ear training as part of a program to develop complete musicianship. Music theory is the logical and systematic study of the rationality of music that eventually justifies and broadens natural musical instincts and intuitions. Sight singing and ear training enhance the musician's ability to envision the sound of a musical composition from an examination of the printed score. Includes elementary harmony and analysis, modes, triads and inversions, melodic construction, and simple harmonization with primary and secondary triads. Prerequisite: ability to read music notation. Offered every fall.
Intermediate Musicianship II
A study of music theory, sight singing, and ear training are part of a program to develop complete musicianship. Music theory is the logical and systematic study of the rationality of music that eventually justifies and broadens natural musical instincts and intuitions. Sight singing and ear training enhance the musician's ability to envision the sound of a musical composition from an examination of the printed score. Includes elementary harmony and analysis including modes, triads and inversions, melodic construction, and simple harmonization with primary and secondary triads. Prerequisite: ability to read music notation and a grade of C or higher in MUS 225. Offered every spring.
Intro to Music Production
Introduces the core concepts of music technology and how to use them in creating, recording, and producing music. The course includes a discussion of the principles of sound, MIDI, audio editing/recording software, music notation software, and using music technology in performance. Offered every fall.
Great Works
An in-depth study of the process of discovering and analyzing a broad range of repertoire along a particular theme. Major works will be studied from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century alongside works of cultural and social significance. Themes may include: Choral and Vocal Music, Symphonic and Instrument Music, and Keyboard and Chamber Music. Course may be repeated for credit with a different topic. Can be taken multiple times. Offered every fall.
Conducting and Vocal Methods I
Teaches basic conducting techniques. Introduces basic principles of healthy vocal production and how to practice and teach those skills. Includes conducting patterns, basic rehearsal technique, and score study. Offered every spring.
Advanced Musicianship I
A continuation of MUS 225 and 226. Focuses on a wide range of musical styles from the Renaissance to the present. More complex chords and larger forms such as the fugue, rondo, theme and variations, and sonata are studied. Various strategies for analyzing musical compositions are investigated. Post-impressionist and serial composition techniques are included. Theoretical analysis and study are accompanied by parallel exercises in sight singing and ear training. Prerequisite: MUS 226 with C or higher. Offered every fall.
Advanced Musicianship II
A continuation of MUS 225 and 226. Focuses on a wide range of musical styles from the Renaissance to the present. More complex chords and larger forms such as the fugue, rondo, theme and variations, and sonata are studied. Various strategies to analyze musical compositions are investigated. Post-impressionist and serial composition techniques are included. Theoretical analysis and study are accompanied by parallel exercises in sight singing and ear training. Prerequisite: MUS 325 with C or higher. Offered every spring.
Conducting and Rehearsal Methods I
This course will focus on allowing students to develop a broad understanding of choral and vocal literature and rehearsal methods related to it. The course will cover classical vocal repertoire (including opera and oratorio) and choral music from all eras of music, as well as develop techniques and processes for rehearsal. Prerequisite: MUS 321. Offered every spring.
Intermediate Music Production
Develop an understanding of the strategies needed to create digital music in a variety of styles using computer software and MIDI sequencing. Prerequisite: MUS 254. Offered every spring.
Advanced Music Production
This course builds on skills developed in MUS 254 and gives students more advanced skills in recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music. As part of a final project students will be able to produce 20-30 minutes of recorded music using a variety of styles and techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 254. Offered every spring.
Arts Administration Practicum
Develop practical skills in running the day-to-day activities of an arts center with work in outreach, marketing, and administration. May be repeated for credit, by instructor consent only. Prerequisite: By instructor consent only.
Integrative Music Research
Integrate multiple academic Frames of Reference into a research and analysis based on music project. Students will spend the semester reviewing and responding to selected readings designed to review the methods that characterize four of the seven academic Frames of Reference integral to a complete education at Batten University. Students will present a short oral presentation on each of four academic frames and will write a large research and analysis paper for the final. All Music majors are strongly encouraged to take this course the semester before they present their Senior Recital/Project. Offered intermittently.
Music Composition Capstone
Students will design a plan for an independent project that integrates music composition and music technology. The project will be at least 50 minutes in length. For this project, students will create original music and demonstrate the skills they acquired through the music major composition track or Music Technology Certificate. Prerequisite: By consent only. Offered intermittently.
Senior Project
This course is the culminating experience in the music major. Students present a formal recital and/or write a historical or critical thesis. Using music selected from each major historical period, they demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge gleaned from the study of music history and music theory to their interpretations or investigations of the chosen repertoire. Prerequisite: instructor consent.
Music Internship
This course is designed to give you the opportunity to complete an internship in an art based or arts management field. In order to take this course, the student will need to have already been offered an internship and have it approved by the student's advisor. Offered intermittently.
Rock Band
The primary objective of the Pep Band is to rehearse and prepare throughout the semester to perform at Homecoming and Basketball games. The Ensemble meets for 75 minutes weekly to develop ensemble performance skills. In addition, students are expected to practice their parts individually and in sectionals. Offered every fall semester and January Term.
Wesleyan Choirs: Bravura
Bravura is an open-enrollment choir that offers first year students and non-majors a venue to sing quality choral music from a variety of styles and genres while they develop their skills as a singer and as a musician. The choir performs once per semester and engages in service-learning opportunities as part of their performances. No audition necessary.
Class Voice
Offered in conjunction with APMU 211, Batten University Chorale. Students study basic vocal techniques to develop the voice for both solo and choral use. Offered intermittently.
Open Level Applied Music Lessons: 161 (Instrumental, Voice, Piano/Organ, Guitar, and Composition)
No previous musical background needed. A serious commitment to learning musical literature and technique is required. Students may repeat this level for credit with no Jury required. Students intending to advance to the 200-level must perform a jury and earn a grade of C+ or higher. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for APMU 131 will have an additional $150 fee for regular accompanist session. Voice students must participate in Wesleyan Singers, APMU 111.
Open Level Lessons: Vocal
No previous musical background needed. A serious commitment to learning musical literature and technique is required. Students may repeat this level for credit with no Jury required. Students intending to advance to the 200-level must perform a jury and successfully pass the course with a C+ or higher. Applied music fee $250. Students registered for Private Study Voice will also have a $150 fee for weekly accompanist session. Four semester hours must be completed to fulfill the "Creative" general education requirement. Offered in conjunction with APMU 211, Batten University Chorale. Students study basic vocal techniques to develop the voice for both solo and choral use. Offered intermittently.
Group Guitar Skills
Basic music theory and its application in performance on the guitar. Musical notation, key signatures, time signatures and meters for playing simple melodies in the folk, rock, popular and classical styles. Chord construction, strumming techniques and simple finger-picking skills, basic improvisation and ensemble playing. Students must provide their own guitar for class. Can be taken multiple times. No course fee is required. Offered intermittently.
Jazz Ensemble
An exploration of music associated with the jazz ensemble and preparation for group performances. Ensembles meet for 75 minutes weekly to develop ensemble performance skills. In addition, students are expected to practice their individual parts and participate in active focused listening assignments on a weekly basis. Offered every semester.
Orchestra
An exploration of music associated with classical chamber ensembles and preparation for group performances. Ensemble will meet weekly to develop ensemble performance skills. In addition, students are expected to practice their individual parts and participate in active focused listening assignments on a weekly basis. Offered every semester.
Wesleyan Choirs: Camerata
Camerata is an auditioned ensemble of 30-40 singers (first year-seniors) that sing repertoire from the standard choral canon, including major works with orchestral accompaniment. As the flagship ensemble of Batten University, this choir tours regularly. Students must be enrolled in APMU 111 or have already taken it for one year. Consent only.
Wesleyan Choirs: Vox Vera
Vox Vera is the top chamber ensemble in the Batten University Choirs program for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. An auditioned mixed choir of 12-16 singers, the choir sings entirely unaccompanied music from a variety of styles and genres, including acapella, jazz, and contemporary music. This ensemble will participate in regional and national tours along with Camerata. Members of Vox Vera must pass an audition and sing in Camerata. Consent only. Offered every semester.
Lower Division Music Major Applied Lessons
Covers five lesson areas: 221 Applied Instrumental Lessons, 231 Applied Voice Lessons, 241 Applied Keyboard Lessons, 251 Applied Guitar Lessons, 261 Applied Composition Lessons. Students who wish to enroll in the 200-level APMU lessons must perform a jury and successfully pass APMU 100 with a grade of C+ or higher. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for APMU 221 and 231 will have an additional $150 fee for regular accompanist sessions. Prerequisite: consent.
Batten University Choral Tour
Discover the life changing experience of taking musical learning out of the classroom and into the community. Students meet for a two-week intensive rehearsal prior to leaving for a one-week tour. Corequisite: enrolled in the Spring session of Wesleyan Singers. Offered every January Term.
Piano Skills I
Students will develop the skills necessary to be competent pianists and to develop the work habits necessary to be successful musicians. Students will learn to read the grand staff, improvise harmonies for melodies, play classical works, and transpose melodies. Offered intermittently.
Piano Skills II
Students will develop the skills necessary to be competent pianists and to develop the work habits necessary to be successful musicians. Students will develop additional skills in improvising harmonies, playing classical works, accompanying performances. Prerequisite: APMU 243. Offered intermittently.
Chamber Music
Students explore the body of chamber music written for their instrument and select and prepare a chamber music composition for performance with a professional ensemble. A weekly one-hour coaching session offers rehearsal strategies as well as discussion of musical ideas and interpretations. In addition, students prepare a listening journal that documents their listening experiences and generate an annotated bibliography of chamber music compositions for their instrument. Applied music fee of $250.
Upper Division Music Major Applied Lessons
Covers five lesson areas: 321 Applied Instrumental Lessons, 331 Applied Voice Lessons, 341 Applied Keyboard Lessons, 351 Applied Guitar Lessons, 361 Applied Composition Lessons. Students who wish to enroll in the 300-level APMU lessons must successfully pass the Upper Division Barrier Jury. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for APMU 321 and 331 will have an additional $150 fee for regular accompanist sessions. Prerequisite: consent.
Applied Lessons: Conducting
Students will develop the skills, knowledge, and gestural vocabulary necessary to lead a musical ensemble in rehearsal and performance. May be repeated up to four times. Prerequisite: MUS 225. Offered intermittently.
Applied Lessons: Conducting Lab
Students will apply the skills, knowledge, and gestural vocabulary necessary to lead a musical ensemble in rehearsal and performance. May be repeated up to eight times. Prerequisite: MUS 321. Offered intermittently.
Senior Recital Preparation Applied Lessons
Covers five lesson areas: 421 Instrumental, 431 Vocal, 441 Piano/Organ, 451 Guitar, 461 Composition. Students should only enroll in the 400-level APMU lessons if they have successfully completed two semesters of APMU lessons at the 300-level and are planning on performing a senior music recital this semester. Applied music fee of $250. Students registered for 421 and 431 will have an additional $300 fee for accompanist sessions and accompanist for the recital. Prerequisite: consent.
The B.M.A. tracks in Applied Performance and Choral and Vocal Studies prepare students for careers as performers, conductors, and private instructors.
The Music Production track and Music Technology certificate build skills in recording, editing, and digital composition for careers in audio production.
The Arts Management and Entrepreneurship track and Church Music certificate prepare students for careers in arts administration, nonprofit management, and church music ministry.
Music majors are well prepared for graduate study in music or the humanities, as well as careers in private and school-based music education.





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