Music Department

This course gives students the building blocks of a career in music: how to listen, how to practice, stage etiquette, and how to communicate with other musicians and audiences. Students learn how to practice, rehearse, communicate with, and participate in the experience of making music with others and for an audience. Three credits.

This course covers the fundamentals and basic concepts of music theory and notation, including those of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Prior rudimentary experience with reading music (the staff, pitch, clefs, intervals, and rhythmic value subdivisions) is strongly recommended. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 104 or MUSI 101. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 105. 1.5 credits.

This course is the aural accompaniment to MUSI 104. Prior rudimentary experience with reading music (the staff, pitch, clefs, intervals, and rhythmic value subdivisions) is strongly recommended. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 105 or MUSI 101. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 104. 1.5 credits.

The material studied is designed to be applied to the performance and writing of jazz and contemporary music. Topics include chord-scale relationships, chord construction, three, four and five-part harmony, substitutional and function, construction and analysis of harmonic progressions. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 108 or MUSI 103. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 109. Prerequisite: MUSI 104 and 105 with a minimum grade of 60 in each. 1.5 credits.

This course is the aural accompaniment to MUSI 108. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 109 or MUSI 103. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 108. 1.5 credits.

A survey course designed to acquaint students with the core elements of music, and musical periods, genres, and styles while developing critical listening skills. Not acceptable for credit in the Bachelor of Music programs. Three credits.

A Survey of rock and pop styles from 1950 to the near-present. Among many topics covered, birth of rock n’ roll, the British invasion, hip-hop, punk and pop music. From Elvis Presley to the Beatles to Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Tupac, Nirvana and much more. Three credits. May not be offered every term.

A survey course covering folkloric and ethnic musical traditions from around the world: Africa, Asia, North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe. Three credits. May not be offered every year.

Participation in the StFX University Choral and Vocal Jazz Program provides students with an opportunity to develop vocal fundamentals and musicianship through the rehearsal and performance of high-quality choral music from all periods and cultures. Vocal Jazz Ensembles provide a more advanced ground for ear-training and performance through the study of complex harmony in many jazz and popular styles. All ensembles are open to all university students by audition during the first week of fall classes. Concert attendance in the visiting artist series is a required element. Attendance in weekly department masterclasses is also required. Two sections will be offered: section 11 is for voice majors and students participating in more than one ensemble and section 12 is for non-majors participating in one ensemble. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 146 or MUSI 106. 1.5 credits.

These courses integrate materials from applied music and other courses with ensembles. These ensembles meet twice weekly, once with faculty, once self-led rehearsal, both are required for attendance. Repertoire will reflect elements of jazz and contemporary music. Assessment includes performance outside of the classroom in the form of a final ensemble recital at the end of each semester and performances in weekly masterclasses. Concert attendance in the visiting artist series is a required element. Attendance in weekly department masterclasses is also required. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 147 or MUSI 107. Prerequisite: Successful audition held in the first week of September. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 146. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 156 or MUSI 106. Prerequisite: MUSI 146. 1.5 credits.

Continuation of MUSI 147. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 157 or MUSI 107. Prerequisite: MUSI 147. 1.5 credits.

An introductory course in improvisational style specifically pertaining to the Jazz Idiom from 1900 to present. Extensive viewing and listening will be required. Three credits.

The piano has historically been an important tool for musicians of all disciplines. This course introduces fundamental concepts involved in translating musical ideas onto the keyboard. The course covers topics including approaches to chord voicing, chords progressions, and the combination of melody and harmony through practical study and application of these concepts. Students not enrolled in a music degree must have the the permission of the chair be admitted to the course. Three credits.

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music program or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 181 or MUSI 190. Three credits.

This course provides students with instruction on an instrument other than their major instrument. Prerequisite: permission of the chair and studio teacher. Three credits over the full academic year.

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music program or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Prerequisite: MUSI 181 with a minimum grade of 65. Three credits.

A continuation of MUSI 108, this course introduces many devices used in small group arranging: writing introductions, endings, background figures, voicing, and rhythm section parts. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 208 or MUSI 203. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 209. Prerequisites: MUSI 108, 109 with a minimum grade of 60 in each. 1.5 credits.

This course is the aural accompaniment to MUSI 208. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 209 or MUSI 203. Prerequisites: MUSI 108, 109 with a minimum grade of 60 in each. 1.5 credits.

An overview of the guitar and its influence as a musical instrument in western music. Key figures, innovators, builders and performers will be studied in depth. Students will learn the basics of the instrument from its history to actual techniques on how to play. A guitar is required. Not acceptable for credit in bachelor of music programs. Three credits.

The Beatles’ influence on popular music and pop culture is indelible and continuing. This course examines their lives, their music and lyrics, and their context, musically and socially, in the 1960’s and beyond. Three credits.

This course introduces the basic technology and theory used to notate, do live sound, record, edit and produce music. Students will also be introduced to standard industry practices for the production of commercial music. Students not enrolled in a music degree must have the the permission of the chair be admitted to the course. Three credits. May not be offered every year.

A continuation of MUSI 156. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 246 or MUSI 206. Prerequisite: MUSI 156. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 157. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 247 or MUSI 207. Prerequisite: MUSI 157. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 246. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 256 or MUSI 206. Prerequisite: MUSI 246. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 247. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 257 or MUSI 207. Prerequisite: MUSI 247. 1.5 credits.

This class introduces students to the skills and techniques of improvisation in music. The course will focus on skill development, with an emphasis on harmonic, melodic and rhythmic accuracy in a jazz setting. Prerequisites: MUSI 108, 109 with a minimum grade of 60. Three credits.

A course in the harmonic and rhythmic analysis of players, particularly Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie, and their innovations which brought the music to its present maturity. The ability to read music is required. Prerequisites: MUSI 104, 105 with a minimum grade of 60. Three credits.

The course is an in-depth study of songwriters and popular songs primarily from the second half of the 20th century to present day. Songs and songwriters of different styles and periods will be explored, as well as songwriters’ approaches to lyric writing. Lyric devices, song forms, and storytelling will be explored and analyzed. Three credits.

This course puts into practice the lyrical and musical devices from many great popular songwriters of different styles. Students will create a portfolio of songs and will make demo recordings of their material using music department technology. Students not enrolled in a music degree must demonstrate proficiency on an instrument or voice and submit a portfolio of their creative work in order to be admitted to the course. Prerequisites: MUSI 108, 109 with a minimum grade of 60. Three credits.

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music program or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 281 or MUSI 290. Prerequisite: MUSI 195 with a minimum grade of 65. Three credits.

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music program or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Prerequisite: MUSI 281 with a minimum grade of 65. Three credits.

The topic for 2025-2026 is Being vs Doing: An Exploration of the Inner Work of the Artist, through Mindfulness and Self Discovery. This forum-based course explores mindfulness within the arts, combining readings, discussions, and recorded talks to enhance self-awareness, acceptance, and bias recognition. Students will engage with works by authors like Alan Watts and Eckhart Tolle, examining practices from Buddhism to the Law of Attraction in a non-religious context. Emphasis is placed on cultivating an inner world that enriches artistic practice. Participants will leave with tools and techniques to improve both their self-expression and creative journeys. Three credits.

Combines jazz arranging and orchestration with writing assignments for small ensembles. Prerequisites: MUSI 208, 209 with a minimum grade of 60. Three credits.

A critical examination of the roles of the singing performer from the later 19th century to present through the development and changes of different musical styles and cultural context. Singer/audience relationships are explored as well as vocal lineage and the musical contributions of key artists. The course also surveys key singers over the last 100 years, through examining ideas fame, artistry, cultural/political significance race, and gender. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 312 or MUSI 385 (offered from 2016-2018). Cross-listed as WMGS 312. Three credits.

An overview of musical styles and forms from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. This course addresses the broad spectrum of musical contributions that allowed for the development of Western music. The ability to read music is required. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 322 or MUSI 315. Prerequisites: MUSI 108 and 109, or 103 with a minimum grade of 60 or permission of the chair. Three credits.

An overview of musical styles and forms from the 18th to 20th centuries. This course addresses the broad spectrum of musical developments of Western music. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 323 or MUSI 316/416. Prerequisite: MUSI 108 and 109, or 103 with a minimum grade of 60 or permission of the chair. Three credits.

Designed to provide a foundation in the techniques of jazz composition with an in-depth study of modal harmony and its applications. Prerequisite: MUSI 208, 209 with a minimum grade of 60. Three credits.

A continuation of MUSI 256. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 346 or MUSI 306. Prerequisite: MUSI 256. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 257. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 347 or MUSI 307. Prerequisite: MUSI 257. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 346. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 356 or MUSI 306. Prerequisite: MUSI 346. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 347. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 357 or MUSI 307. Prerequisite: MUSI 347. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 263 with a focus on the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic vocabularies of jazz genres of 1960’s forward and its associated repertoire. Restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music Honours program or with permission of the chair. Prerequisite: MUSI 263. Three credits.

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in Bachelor of Music programs or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 381 or MUSI 390. Prerequisite: MUSI 295 with a minimum grade of 65. Three credits.

This course provides students with instruction on an instrument other than their major instrument. Prerequisite: permission of the chair and studio teacher. Three credits over the full academic year.

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in Bachelor of Music programs, or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Prerequisite: MUSI 381 with a minimum grade of 65. Three credits.

This course will focus on advanced composition and arranging concepts using and expanding on the techniques gained in previous theory and arranging classes. Topics include orchestration, formal analysis, examining contemporary writers, and writing for various ensembles. Prerequisite: MUSI 304 with a minimum grade of 60. Three credits.

A continuation of MUSI 356. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 446 or MUSI 406. Prerequisite: MUSI 406. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 357. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 447 or MUSI 407. Prerequisite: MUSI 357. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 446. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 456 or MUSI 406. Prerequisite: MUSI 446. 1.5 credits.

A continuation of MUSI 447. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 457 or MUSI 407. Prerequisite: MUSI 447. 1.5 credits.

None

A seminar class that examines the historic so-called “ECM Explosion” of the late 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and the modern European influence. Important musicians and their contributions to improvised music will be examined. Current Canadian jazz and improvising musicians will also be covered. Three credits.

This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music Honours program. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 481 or MUSI 490. Prerequisite: MUSI 395 with a minimum grade of 70. Three credits.

Students work under the supervision of their private studio instructor to produce a half-hour concert performance on their major instrument/voice. Taken concurrently with MUSI 395. Restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music program. No credit.

Students work under the supervision of their private studio instructor to produce a one-hour concert performance on their major instrument/voice. Students also write a thesis on a topic relevant to their performing or compositional interest. Taken concurrently with MUSI 495. Restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music Honours program. Three credits over the full academic year.

This course provides students with instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Taken concurrently with MUSI 494. Restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music Honours program. Prerequisite: MUSI 481 with a minimum grade of 70. Three credits.