Music
Swope Music Building and the Performing Arts Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2222
610-436-2739
Dr. Blair, Dean
Dr. Burton, Graduate Coordinator
Return to Music.
Applied Music
(Formerly the departments of Instrumental, Keyboard, and Vocal/Choral Music)
Dr. Hanning, Chairperson
Dr. Powell, Assistant Chairperson
Dr. Bullock, Assistant Chairperson
Professors [top]
Sylvia Moss Ahramjian, M.M., Indiana University
Robert M. Bedford, D.Mus., Catholic University of America
David DeVenney, D.M.A., Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati
Henry Grabb, D.M., Florida State University
Chris Hanning, D.M.A., University of Colorado
Associate Professors
Emily Bullock, D.M.A., University of Colorado
Vincent A. Craig, D.M.A., Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
Carl Cranmer, D.M.A., The Juilliard School
Karen Dannessa, D.M., Florida State University
Jean-Christophe Dobrzelewski, D.M.A., Arizona State University
Marc Jacoby, Ph.D., Northwestern University
Ovidiu Marinescu, D.M.A., Temple University
Kimberly Reighley, D.M.A., Temple University
Gregory Riley, D.M.A., University of Southern California
Andrew Yozviak, D.M.A., Rutgers University
Assistant Professors
Carol Isaacson Briselli, M.M., Temple University
Jonathan Fowler, D.M.A., Rutgers University
John R. Gaarder, M.M., New England Conservatory of Music
Anita Greenlee, M.S., The Juilliard School
Ryan Kelly, D.M.A., Michigan State University
Theresa Klinefelter, D.M.A., Catholic University of America
In Young Lee, D.M.A., Temple University
Glenn Lyons, M.Mus., Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
Stephen Ng, D.M.A., Indiana University
Elizabeth Pfaffle, Mus.D., Indiana University
Peter Paulsen, M.M., Temple University
Patricia Powell, M.M., University of Southern California
Igor Resnianski, D.M.A., Temple University
Randall Scarlata, M.M., The Julliard School
Ralph Sorrentino, M.M., Temple University
Instructors
David Cullen, B.M., Hartford School of Music
Gloria Galante, B.S., West Chester University
Master of Music in Performance (30 semester hours) [top]
The program requires completion of three credits in music history and three credits in music theory, as well as one of the concentrations described below.
Admission Requirements [top]
In addition to the general requirements for admission to degree programs in music, performance applicants must (1) schedule an interview with the graduate coordinator and the department chairperson; (2) submit a repertoire list; and (3) demonstrate performance ability at an advanced level by performing for an audition committee. Vocal performance applicants must audition with a program, including selections drawn from Italian art song, German Lied, French melodie, opera, and oratorio as well as demonstrate diction competency in Italian, German, and French. Students lacking nine undergraduate credits in another language must remove this deficiency before candidacy.
Instrumental concentration: Nine credits in individual lessons at the advanced level (XXX 541-43) and Recital (AIM 697); AES 511 (chamber ensemble); 5-6 concentration credits (selected from AIC 512, and courses with ALC prefix); three credits in music history; three credits in music theory; 6-7 credits of free electives; and completion of a comprehensive exit examination.
Keyboard concentration (piano, harpsichord, or organ): Nine credits in individual lessons at the advanced level (HAR/ORG/ PIA 541-43); six credits in keyboard literature (PIA 623-627) or organ literature (ORG 551-552); three credits of concentration electives from KEN 546, MAK 558, ORG 561-62, PIA 572-73, or PIA 582-83; three or four credits of free electives; two credits of recital (HAR 697, ORG 697, PIA 697); and completion of a comprehensive exit examination.
Voice concentration: Nine credits in individual lessons at the advanced level (VOI 541-43) and a recital (VOI 697); VOC 524 (three credits); 4-6 credits (selected from VOC 511-16, 526, 529, and 591, and MHL 654), 4-6 credits of free electives; and completion of a comprehensive exit examination.
Master of Music in Performance (Conducting Concentration) (30 semester hours)
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to degree programs in music, conducting applicants must (1) submit transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree in music; and (2) demonstrate conducting ability at an advanced level by performing for an audition committee and submitting a video recording.
Choral concentration: 16 hours of required courses (AIM 691; CHO 541, 542, 543, 612; VOI 526, 613; three hours of concentration electives selected from VOC 515, 516, 591; MHL 654; three hours of free electives; and Recital [VOI 697])
Instrumental concentration: 14 hours of required courses (AEB 541 or AEO 541/612; AIC 512, 541, 542, 543; AIM 691); three hours of concentration electives selected from ALC 511, 531, 541, 551, MHL 655; three credits of free electives; and Recital (AES 511 or AIM 697).
Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy (33 semester hours)
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to degree programs in music, piano pedagogy applicants must schedule an entrance examination, which will consist of scales, arpeggios, solo repertoire from various stylistic periods, and sight reading. Applicants whose undergraduate degrees are not in music may be accepted into the program if they demonstrate equivalent background in piano.
Undergraduate Curriculum
- Cognate requirements (6 semester hours)
Music history (3)
Music theory (3) - Concentration requirements (21 semester hours)
Lessons: PIA 578, 579, 588, 589
Pedagogy: PIA 580, 581, 582, 583, 631 - Concentration electives (6 semester hours)
PIA 623, 624, 625, 626, 267 - Recital component (1 semester hour)
PIA 695 - Comprehensive exit exam
Certificate in Piano Pedagogy (15 semester hours)
Curriculum
- Required courses (12 semester hours)
PIA 580, 581, 582, 583 - Area of concentration (2 semester hours)
PIA 511 and 512 - Performance (1 semester hour)
PIA 631 - Comprehensive exam
Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program.
Course Descriptions [top]
Applied Music
Individual Lessons:
Prefixes – BAR, BAS, BSN, CLT, FLU, FRH, GTR, HRP, MIP, OBO, PER, SAX, TBA, TPT, TRB, VCL, VLA, VLN
501-02 Lessons at the Minor (beginning) Level (1)
511-14 Lessons at the Major Level (1)
541-43 Lessons at the Advanced Level (3)
For performance majors only.
AEB 511 Marching Band (1)
AEB 521 Concert Band (1)
AEB 531 Symphonic Band (1)
AEB 541 Wind Ensemble (1)
AEO 531 Chamber Orchestra (1)
AEO 541 Symphony Orchestra (1)
AES 511 Chamber Recital (2) Program selection, recruitment of players, rehearsal, and performance of music for small instrumental ensembles.
AES 512 Instrumental Ensemble (1)
AIC 512 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (2) PREREQ: Undergraduate conducting.
AIC 541 Applied Instrumental Conducting I (3) Advanced individual instruction in instrumental conducting, culminating in a full master’s recital. PREREQ: Completion of a bachelor’s degree in music and admission by audition.
AIC 542 Applied Instrumental Conducting II (3) Advanced individual instruction in instrumental conducting, building on accomplishments in AIC 541 and culminating in a full master’s recital. PREREQ: Completion of a bachelor’s degree in music and admission by audition.
AIC 543 Applied Instrumental Conducting III (3) Advanced individual instruction in instrumental conducting, building on accomplishments in AIC 542 and culminating in a full master’s recital. PREREQ: Completion of a bachelor’s degree in music and admission by audition.
AIM 511 Marching Band Techniques and Materials (3) A survey of the function of the total marching band and of each component in the band.
AIM 679-80 Special Subjects Seminar - Instrumental (1-3) Instrumental music topics presented by faculty and/or visiting lecturers.
AIM 681-83 Independent Study in Music (1-3)
AIM 696 Recital - Instrument (1) For music education majors in lieu of research report. PREREQ: Jury exam.
AIM 697 Recital - Instrument (1) For performance majors. PREREQ: Jury exam.
Instrumental Literature Courses:
A survey of solo, ensemble, and teaching literature through performance and the use of scores and recordings.
ALC 511 Brass Literature (3)
ALC 512 Brass Literature 1 (1)
ALC 513 Brass Literature 2 (1)
ALC 514 Brass Literature 3 (1)
ALC 522 Guitar Literature 1 (1)
ALC 524 Guitar Literature 3 (1)
ALC 532 String Literature 1 (1)
ALC 533 String Literature 2 (1)
ALC 534 String Literature 3 (1)
ALC 542 Woodwind Literature 1 (1)
ALC 543 Woodwind Literature 2 (1)
ALC 544 Woodwind Literature 3 (1)
ALC 551 Instrumental Literature (3)
ALC 552 Percussion Literature 1 (1)
ALC 553 Percussion Literature 2 (1)
ALC 554 Percussion Literature 3 (1)
Master Classes:
Performance techniques and stylistic interpretation of instrumental solo works. PREREQ: Performance ability at the major level.
AMC 511 Master Class - Brass (1)
AMC 521 Master Class - Percussion (1)
AMC 531 Master Class - Strings (1)
AMC 541 Master Class - Woodwind (1)
MIP 510 Musician Injury Prevention (1) This course investigates injury prevention and treatment for performing musicians.
MWB 536-39 Marching Band Workshop (1-3) A comprehensive marching band conference for the total marching band program. Foremost authorities offer instruction in their fields of specialization.
Keyboard Music
Symbol: HAR, KEN, MAK, MWP, ORG, PIA
501-2 Individual Lessons at the Minor Level in Piano, Organ, Harpsichord (1) Individual, half- hour lessons once weekly. An elective course for all graduate students.
511-14 Individual Lessons at the Major Level in Piano and Organ (1) Individual half-hour lessons. Continued study in the development of repertoire and performing skills. Students may be given permission to register for two course numbers in the same semester, earning the second credit by doing additional outside work and performing in a recital. PREREQ: Completion of the performance major requirements at the undergraduate level or admission by audition.
541-43 Individual Lessons at the Advanced Level in Piano, Organ, and Harpsichord (3) Individual, half-hour lessons once weekly. Advanced studies leading to a full-length recital at the master's level. PREREQ: Completion of the performance major requirements for the bachelor of music degree or admission by audition.
KEN 546 Keyboard Ensemble (2) Performance of duet and two-piano literature.
MAC 558 Master Class (Organ) (1-2)
MAK 558 Master Class (Keyboard) (1-2) Weekly performance sessions for advanced students.
MWP 536-539 Piano Workshop (1-3)
MWS 536-539 Contemporary Applications of Keyboard Synthesizers (3) A hands-on workshop involving programming techniques for synthesizers and the study of MIDI networks. Performance and composition will be emphasized.
ORG 551 Organ Literature I (3) A survey of literature for the organ from the 13th century to the Baroque period. The influence of the organ on the literature. Recordings and performance by organ majors.
ORG 552 Organ Literature II (3) A survey of literature for the organ from J.S. Bach to the present. The influence of the organ on the literature. Recordings and performance by organ majors.
ORG 553 Advanced Organ Pedagogy (3
ORG 561 Accompanying (Organ) (3) Performance of vocal and instrumental accompanying literature for organ from all periods. Performance and reading sessions.
ORG 562 Service Playing (Organ) (3) A survey of problems in service playing for the organist. Hymn accompaniment, improvisation, conducting from the organ, and literature for the service. Observation of service playing when possible.
PIA 572-73 Accompanying I, Vocal II, Instrumental (3) Survey of accompanying literature: (I) art songs, recitatives, cantata, opera, and oratorio arias; and (II) strings, winds, and brass. Performance and reading in class.
PIA 578 Individual, One-Hour Lessons for Students of Piano Pedagogy (2) PREREQ: Admission to the pedagogy concentration.
PIA 579 Individual, One-Hour Lessons for Students of Piano Pedagogy (2)
PIA 580 Perspectives in Pedagogy IV (3) Procedures and materials for group piano instruction. Emphasis on developing comprehensive musicianship through an interwoven study of literature, musical analysis, technique, improvisation, ear training, harmony, transposition, and sight reading. Includes practicum in group piano instruction.
PIA 581 Perspectives in Pedagogy I (3) An in-depth study of materials available to the studio piano teacher for the elementary levels. Discussions include different methods, technique, harmony, ear training, and sight reading. Includes practicum in individual instruction.
PIA 582 Perspectives in Pedagogy II (3) An in-depth study of repertoire and materials available to the studio piano teacher for the intermediate levels. Discussions of related concerns, such as memorization, practice techniques, developing technique through literature, principles of fingering, and sight reading. Includes practicum in individual instruction.
PIA 583 Perspectives in Pedagogy III (3) Further exploration of the goals and objectives of piano study through presentation of selected topics and continued practicum in individual instruction.
PIA 588 Advanced Lessons (2) Individual one-hour lessons once weekly, for students in the M.M. in piano pedagogy degree.
PIA 589 Advanced Lessons (2) Individual one-hour lessons once weekly, for students in the M.M. in piano pedagogy degree.
PIA 608 The Music of Chopin (3) A comprehensive study of the contributions of Frederic Chopin to keyboard literature.
PIA 611 The Piano Concerto (3) A chronological presentation of the development of the piano concerto; performances, problems, and practices will be emphasized. Covers from J.S. Bach to present.
PIA 623 Baroque Keyboard Literature (3) The Renaissance through development of variation form and dance suite. Emphasis on performance practices, realizing ornament signs and figured basses; transferral to the modern piano; in-depth study of works of Handel, J.S. Bach, and D. Scarlatti. Some student performance required.
PIA 624 Classical Piano Literature (3) Literature for the early piano (1750-1830). Origin and development of the sonata and performance practices of homophonic style. Music of the sons of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Sound and structure of the early piano. Some student performance required.
PIA 625 Romantic Piano Literature (3) Analysis of piano styles of Schubert, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Faure, Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky, and Grieg. Performance practices. The virtuoso etude and problems of technical execution. Some student performance required. PREREQ: PIA 426 (Keyboard Literature II) or equivalent.
PIA 626 20th-Century Piano Literature (3) Seminal works and styles of this century. Albeniz, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, Hindemith, Schoenberg, Bartok, and American composers. Some student performance required. PREREQ: MTC 213 (Theory of Music IV) or equivalent.
PIA 631 Performance Practicum (1) Discussion of teaching and teaching/learning challenges and successes involved in piano performance for both teachers and their students. Examine teaching strategies for preparedness and in performance, playing from memory, and performance anxiety; videos and tapes will be viewed to aid in discussions. Two performance demonstrations are required.
PIA 679 Special Subjects Seminar (1-3) Significant topics presented by faculty members or visiting lecturers. Designed to meet specific needs of the seminar group.
PIA 681 Independent Study in Music (1-3)
PIA 683 Independent Study in Music (1-3)
PIA 695 Recital (1) A full recital of concert works or pedagogical pieces, or a lecture-recital. Required of candidates for the master of music in piano pedagogy. PREREQ: Approval by committee examination.
PIA 696 Recital (1) A shared (half) recital open to candidates for the master of music degree (music education concentration). In lieu of research report. Program notes required. PREREQ: Approval by committee examination.
PIA 697 Recital (2) A full public recital, demonstrating an understanding of various performance styles and an ability to perform literature from several periods. Required of candidates for the master of music in performance. PREREQ: Approval by committee examination.
Vocal/Choral
Symbol: CHO
511 Masterworks Chorus (1) A large mixed chorus presenting oratorios, masses, and advanced-level choral literature. Permission of instructor.
541 Applied Choral Conducting I (3) Advanced individual instruction in choral conducting, culminating in a full master’s recital.
542 Applied Choral Conducting II (3) Advanced individual instruction in choral conducting, culminating in a full master’s recital.
543 Applied Choral Conducting III (3) Advanced individual instruction in choral conducting, culminating in a full master’s recital.
611 Chamber Choir (1) A consort of 15-25 singers specializing in the performance of sacred and secular vocal music of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. By audition.
612 Concert Choir (1) A mixed chorus of 35-45 singers performing sacred and secular choral literature of all periods and styles. By audition.
Symbol: VOC
511 Master Class – Baroque (1) Discussion and performance of songs from the Baroque period.
512 Master Class – German Lied (1) Discussion and performance of German art song.
513 Master Class – French Melodie (1) Discussion and performance of late French art song.
514 Master Class – 20th-Century Art Song (1) Discussion and performance of art songs from the 20th century.
516 French-German Diction (3) French and German diction in a laboratory course to establish correct pronunciation in singing. The phonetics of these languages are used in selected song repertoire.
524 Musico-Dramatic Production (3) Techniques of producing musical plays. Preparation for roles, coaching, and conducting rehearsals. May lead to a public performance of the material studied.
526 Choral Literature (3) Examples of choral music from the various musical periods. Primarily larger works.
529 Vocal Literature (3) Classic song literature, lieder, melodie, and contemporary art songs are discussed.
536 Vocal/Choral Workshops (1-3) Participation-oriented workshops designed to meet specific needs in vocal/choral music.
538 Vocal/Choral Workshops (1-3) Participation-oriented workshops designed to meet specific needs in vocal/choral music.
546 Vocal Ensemble (2) Self-study in the performance and preparation of small ensembles. Project must have the approval of the department chairperson.
591 Vocal Pedagogy (3) Principles and techniques of teaching voice.
613 Advanced Choral Conducting (2) Study and application of advanced choral conducting techniques.
679 Special Subjects Seminar (1-3) Significant topics presented by faculty or visiting lecturers.
682 Independent Study (2)
683 Independent Study (3)
691 Research Seminar in Music (2)
692 Research Seminar in Music (1)
Symbol: VOI
501-02 Individual Lessons at the Minor Level (1) An elective course for graduate students.
511-14 Individual Lessons at the Major Level (1) Voice majors in the master of music in music education program. PREREQ: Completion of the undergraduate voice major requirements or by audition.
541-43 Individual Lessons at the Advanced Level (3) Advanced vocal studies culminating in a full master's recital. PREREQ: Completion of the performance requirements for the bachelor of music in voice program or admission by audition.
696 Recital (1) A shared (half) public recital for candidates in the master of music education program in lieu of a research report. Candidate must write approved program notes. PREREQ: Approval by the examination committee.
697 Recital (2) A full public recital demonstrating an understanding of various performance styles and the ability to perform. Required of candidates for the master of music in voice degree. PREREQ: Approval by the examination committee.
Symbol: VOW
521 The Broadway Musical (3) Surveys the American musical theatre, past and present. Elements of producing the American musical in school settings.
