Music Courses

Pursue Your Passion for Music

Whether you want to start a career in music or just improve your skills, we have courses for you! Our experienced and talented faculty are here to help you reach your musical goals.

MUA-119 Class Piano

1 credit—This course is designed for students of all levels, especially for students without any piano or musical experience. It is an introduction to fundamental aspects of playing piano including technique, musicianship, performance, as well as reading music scores and understanding music in general. It is also perfect for music majors to develop basic piano proficiency skills, including scales, chords, harmonizing melodies, and developing a basic piano repertoire.

Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-100 Music Appreciation

3 credits—An introduction to the musical arts through listening to and studying the music of various periods. Some sections of the course may be presented by live musicians. Allied arts, including dance, painting, and literature, may be used to demonstrate the relatedness of music to the larger scope of human experience.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-102 Music Fundamentals

3 credits—This course will introduce basic concepts of music theory, aural skills, and vocabulary for non-majors with limited background in music fundamentals or as preparation for music major theory courses. Topics such as clefs, staff, key signatures, notation, meter, rhythm, and simple chords as well as basic sight singing, ear training, and keyboard harmony will be covered.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-106 Music Theory I

4 credits—Music Theory I is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of music theory. This course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to read and write musical notation, understand basic harmony and analyze simple pieces. Topics covered include: pitch and rhythm notation, scales and modes, chords and harmony, counterpoint and part writing, form and analysis, and sight-singing and ear training. Through a combination of class discussion, ear training exercises, and written assignments, students will develop a solid foundation in music theory. This course is recommended for music majors, as well as anyone interested in a deeper understanding of music.

Lecture Hours: 64

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-107 Music Theory II

4 credits—Music Theory II builds on the concepts covered in Music Theory I, and focuses on more advanced topics in music theory. This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of harmony, counterpoint, and analysis. Topics covered include: figured bass, seventh chord, non-harmonic tones, modulation, chromatic harmony, and the analysis of more complex pieces. Through a combination of class discussion, ear training exercises, and written assignments, students will develop a more advanced understanding of music theory.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MUS-106.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-154 Chorus

1 credits—This course is designed for students to perform accompanied and unaccompanied vocal ensemble music, ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. The group meets regularly and presents a wide variety of choral literature in on and off campus performances throughout the year. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-202 World Music

3 credits—This course is an exploration and comparative examination of non-western music and cultural traditions. Formatted for the general student and music major, the course will include fundamentals of music, basic elements of global music, and study of societal and cultural influence of music traditions on a nation/country.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

No matter your skill level—beginner or advanced—you can take music lessons with us. We offer two types of lessons:

  • Level I: 30-minute lessons for one credit.
  • Level II: 60-minute lessons for two credits, with more practice time needed between lessons.

MUA-101 Applied Voice

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week, with a minimum of 30 minutes of practice per day. The goal is the development of both fundamental and advanced vocal techniques. The presentation of the standard repertoire for the specific voice is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-401 Applied Voice II

2 credits—Applied Voice II meets individual needs based upon the student's background and training while providing applied lessons and guided instruction in tone production, technique, musicianship, and performance practice. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice of fundamental techniques and solo repertory. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-112 Applied Composition

1 credits—This course is designed for students who desire private, one-on-one instruction in music composition. One credit hour indicates a one half-hour private lesson per week. The course will enable students to gain increased proficiency in composition, focused on various styles and contemporary/avant garde compositional techniques. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-212 Applied Composition II

2 credits—This course is designed for students who desire private, one-on-one instruction in music composition. Two credit hours indicate a one-hour private lesson per week. The course will enable students to gain increased proficiency in composition, focused on various styles and contemporary/ avant garde compositional techniques. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-120 Applied Piano

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-121 Applied Piano II

2 credits—This course offers a one-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-124 Applied Guitar

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-227 Applied Guitar II

2 credits—This course offers a one-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-126 Applied Strings

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-149 Applied Strings II

2 credits—This course offers a one-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-180 Applied Percussion

1 credits—Individualized instruction in percussion/drum set for the beginning, intermediate or advanced student. Requires 30 minute weekly lessons during the semester. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course may be repeated with different content for credit. No prior musical experience is necessary.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-181 Applied Percussion II

1 credits—Individualized instruction in percussion/drum set for the beginning, intermediate or advanced student. Requires 30 minute lessons during the semester. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MUA-180.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

Get ready to showcase your talents with a variety of exciting performance opportunities!

  • Choir
  • Concerts
  • Commencement
  • Open mic events
  • Recitals, competitions, and masterclasses
  • Collaboration and improvisation
  • Musicals and stage productions
  • On and off campus events such as the Student Art Show Opening
  • Music scholarship auditions

Meet Your Instructors

Meet our talented music instructors. They are here to guide you on your musical journey!

background

Dr. Nahyun Kim's Bio

Dr. Nahyun Kim creates compositions that reference experimental concepts that lead the listener towards a new and revelatory experience. Her works come alive with vivid colors and beautiful sounds originating from an atonal palate. Through numerous conferences and festivals, her works have gained recognition in Austria, Poland, Greece, Spain, Ukraine, Italy, China, France, Korea, and throughout the United States.

She has also worked with ensembles and soloists such as Redi Llupa, Jonathan Levin, Jenny Lin, Transient Canvas, MIVOS Quartet, PUBLIQuartet, Ricochet Ensemble, Bruson Quartet, The Sylvanus Ensemble, The American Brass Quintet and among others. In addition, Dr. Kim has won many competitions and received performances such as the Kaleidoscope MusArt Concert in Miami, the Abundant Silence New Works Concert in Denver, the PUBLIQ Access Showcase Concert in New York City, and the Kiev New Music Festival. She also presented, “Development of the Original Korean Musical,” at the Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities. In addition, she was a Distinguished Composer of Choral Music Activities at Kansas City Kansas Community College where she has been commissioned to write new works.

Dr. Kim has extensive teaching experience in a variety of areas, including: the music theory sequence (especially 20th century/contemporary), musicianship, music history, song writing, composition, and piano/keyboard skills. She has provided instruction at many different academic institutions and taught students of all ages, from beginners to graduate level. In recognition of her dedication to teaching, she received the TEACH award (Teaching Excellence And Colleague Honor) for creative, innovative and excellent work in the classroom at KCKCC.

As composer-in-residence for Grande Gioia Music, her current project is the completion of “GUMIHO an Opera in Two Acts.” Dr. Kim earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music (piano, voice, composition), and Master of Arts in music theory and composition from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and a doctorate in composition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Dr. Stewart Cramer's Bio

Dr. Stewart Cramer earned his doctorate in vocal performance and opera directing from the University of Northern Colorado; Master of Music in vocal performance from University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Indiana University.

He has sung in the U.S. and abroad under the baton of conductors such as Richard Bonynge, Edoardo Müller, Christof Perick, Karen Keltner, and Raymond Leppard. His roles include Remendado (Carmen), Pedrillo (Die Entführung aus dem Serail), Alfred (Die Fledermaus), Dr. Caius (Falstaff), Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), Oronte (Alcina), Spoletta (Tosca), Angel Cit 4 Tenor (City of Angels), Dickon (Secret Garden), Woof (Hair), The Wiz (The Wiz), Charlie Dalrymple (Brigadoon), and Lewis (Pippin), and he premiered two works in 2022: The St. Joan of Arc Mass and Covid 2020: The Musical.

He has served as adjudicator and clinician for vocal competitions and festivals. He has also produced, directed, choreographed, and served as a makeup artist for choral ensembles, opera and musical theatre productions, and television. Additionally, he has nearly two decades of music and voice experience.

His students’ successes include semifinalists and finalists in NATS auditions (musical theatre and classical categories); invitations to compete in KCACTF’s theatre conference in Des Moines, IA; acceptance into competitive music programs and auditioned ensembles; roles and solos in local and regional events; and scholarships and competitions.

Ryan Pearson's Bio

Ryan Pearson is a guitarist and instructor, teaching in a wide variety of styles from classical and jazz, to modern rock and blues.

He received a B. A. in philosophy with a minor in music from the University of Northern Iowa and has an Audio Technology Certification from the School of Audio Engineering Institute of New York where he taught full time, covering classes such as recording, mixing, and electronic music production.

Currently, Ryan teaches Digital Mass Media program courses and music courses.

In addition to being an audio engineer and music producer, Ryan loves nerding out on microphones, making electronic beats, and programming synthesizers. One of his main interests is the overlap between music education, performance, and audio technology.

John Chiles Bio

John Chiles began his collegiate studies in viola at Virginia Commonwealth University under Dr. Stephen Schmidt and continued his graduate viola studies under Dr. Julia Bullard at the University of Northern Iowa. He has also completed his Master of Music in Conducting under Dr. Rebecca Burkhardt.

Mr. Chiles serves as a substitute violist with Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra and substitutes with professional orchestras across the state of Iowa. Mr. Chiles is also the director of the Northern Iowa Youth Orchestra at the University of Northern Iowa and currently serves as the Department Chair of Chamber Music and Orchestral Activities in the UNI School of Music Suzuki School.

CONTACT US

Instrumental Music Faculty Mentor

Dr. Nahyun Kim
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 286
319-296-2329 ext.1208
Email Dr. Nahyun Kim

Vocal Music Faculty Mentor

Dr. Stewart Cramer
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 282
319-296-2329 ext.1237
Email Dr. Stewart Cramer