Applied Music (APPM) < Virginia Commonwealth University Academic Catalog

APPM 126. Keyboard Fundamentals. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Reading, technical study, chording, playing by ear and improvisation in classical and non-classical styles. This course is for beginners.

APPM 161. Lyric Diction I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to VCU music majors and music minors. A study of stage diction with practical experience in singing and phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Languages studied will include English and Italian.

APPM 162. Lyric Diction II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: APPM 161. Enrollment is restricted to VCU music majors and music minors. A study of stage diction with practical experience in singing and phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Languages studied include French and German.

APPM 173. Keyboard Skills I. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Open only to music majors. Initial placement in course sequence determined by proficiency audition. Acquisition of keyboard performance skills with emphasis on sight reading, keyboard harmony and improvisation.

APPM 174. Keyboard Skills II. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Prerequisite: APPM 173. Open only to music majors. Initial placement in course sequence determined by proficiency audition. Acquisition of keyboard performance skills with emphasis on sight reading, keyboard harmony and improvisation.

APPM 199. Recital/Convocation Attendance. 0 Hours.

Semester course; no credit. Course may be repeated without limit. Music majors only. Attendance at weekly departmental convocations and a minimum of 10 additional concerts or recitals each semester.

APPM 251. Jazz Improvisation I. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MHIS 147. A study of basic compositional techniques that can be used in creating a musically effective improvised solo in the jazz medium.

APPM 252. Jazz Improvisation II. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: APPM 251. Advanced melodic, harmonic and rhythmic improvisational techniques as applied to contemporary jazz compositions.

APPM 272. Jazz Piano for the Non-keyboard Player. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Prerequisites: APPM 174 and MHIS 147. Acquisition of jazz keyboard performance skills with emphasis on reading, harmonization and improvisation.

APPM 273. Keyboard Skills III. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1credit. Prerequisite: APPM 174. Open only to music majors. Initial placement in course sequence determined by proficiency audition. Acquisition of keyboard performance skills with emphasis on sight reading, keyboard harmony and improvisation.

APPM 291. Topics in Applied Music. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 laboratory hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Enrollment requires permission of the instructor. Flexible semester courses in selected aspects of music performance. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered.

APPM 299. Master Class. 0 Hours.

Semester course; no credit. Course may be repeated without limit. Participation in weekly master classes in student's applied major area.

APPM 309. Applied Composition. 1 Hour.

Semester course; one-hour weekly private lesson. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite: MHIS 245. For music majors only. A structured approach to composing music from exercises and studies to complex large forms.

APPM 310. Applied Jazz Composition. 1 Hour.

APPM 350. Vocal Coaching. 1,2 Hour.

Semester course; one-half- or one-hour weekly private lessons plus daily practice. 1 or 2 credits. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits. Restricted to music majors. Corequisite: applied voice. Detailed exploration of historical musical style; diction skills for Italian, French, German, Spanish and English; audition techniques; and dramatic interpretation.

APPM 355. Orchestra. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 3 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Provides an opportunity to rehearse and perform works from the symphonic repertoire while improving ensemble skills.

APPM 356. Symphonic Wind Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 3 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Ensemble performs a variety of contemporary wind ensemble repertoire as well as standards. Ensemble performs multiple times throughout the semester and at off-campus events. In addition to rehearsals, weekly one-hour sectionals are required.

APPM 357. University Band. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to all students who play wind or percussion instruments. The class does not require an audition for participation. Ensemble preparation intended for a single performance each semester.

APPM 358. Commonwealth Singers. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Rehearsals focus on the development of individual and group vocal technique, musicianship and communication relevant to repertoire prepared.

APPM 359. Choral Arts Society. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. A large, nonauditioned chorale open to all university students with choral experience. Ensemble will prepare and perform a variety of choral literature each semester.

APPM 360. Large Jazz Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 3 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of eight credits. Enrollment is restricted to music majors or by permission; audition required. Ensemble performs a range of contemporary and historical styles and performs multiple times throughout the semester. In addition to rehearsals, weekly one-hour sectionals are required.

APPM 361. Small Jazz Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Jazz ensembles of typically five to nine players rehearse and prepare existing repertoire and student compositions. Independent problem-solving and ensemble-playing skills developed through weekly rehearsals and coaching.

APPM 362. Accompanying: Piano. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 2 credits. For piano majors only. The development of skills in piano accompaniment of vocal and instrumental performance. Coaching and guidance will include harmonic voicing, sound coloring, balance issues, pedaling and score reduction.

APPM 363. Flute Choir. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission. Conducted ensemble rehearses and prepares repertoire.

APPM 364. Guitar Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2.5 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to guitar music majors or by permission; audition required. Biweekly rehearsals prepare this ensemble of 20-25 guitarists for performances of repertoire from the Renaissance to newly composed and arranged works.

APPM 365. Advanced Aural Skills I. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 2 credits. Prerequisites: MHIS 245. Open to music majors only. Advanced development of skills in melodic and rhythmic dictation, harmonic identification and sight singing.

APPM 366. Aural Skills VI. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1credit. Prerequisites: MHIS 246. Open to music majors only. Advanced development of skills in melodic and rhythmic dictation, harmonic identification and sight singing.

APPM 367. Piano Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Small chamber ensemble in which piano shares leading or equal role rehearses and prepares repertoire. Groups will rehearse weekly and receive at least three or four coaching sessions per semester.

APPM 368. Woodwind Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Chamber ensembles of two to 13 players, involving woodwinds and often other instruments. Coached by various music faculty on a weekly basis.

APPM 369. Percussion Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Small ensembles of three to six players rehearse primarily non-conducted repertoire for semester performances. Weekly rehearsals with coaching from instructor designed to address musicianship, chamber ensemble skills, rehearsal technique and familiarity with contemporary performance practices.

APPM 370. Percussion Auxiliary. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Enrollment is restricted to percussion majors or by permission of instructor; audition required. Students in this course will participate in large ensembles as required by personnel needs. Weekly rehearsals are designed to improve musicianship, ensemble skills, rehearsal technique and familiarity with contemporary percussion performance practices.

APPM 371. String Chamber Music. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. String chamber involving two to five players rehearse and prepare repertoire. Independent problem-solving and ensemble-playing skills are developed through weekly rehearsals and coaching.

APPM 372. Brass Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Chamber ensembles of three to five players, involving various combinations of brass instruments. Coached by various music faculty on a weekly basis.

APPM 373. Advanced Keyboard Skills I. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. For piano majors only. Emphasis is on harmonization with correct style and voice-leading, reading figured bass and lead sheets, improvisation and reducing scores at the keyboard.

APPM 374. Advanced Keyboard Skills II. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Prerequisites: APPM 373 and MHIS 146. Enrollment restricted to piano majors. Emphasis is on harmonization with correct style and voice-leading, reading figured bass and lead sheets, improvisation and reducing scores at the keyboard.

APPM 377. Vocal Chamber Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits. Open to music majors or by permission; audition required. Variable sized non-conducted ensembles receive weekly coaching in preparation for performances. Ensembles will seek to build proficiency in musicianship skills, reading ability, performance practices and interpretative technique in a variety of styles.

APPM 378. Vox Concordia. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Repeatable to fulfill degree requirements. Enrollment is restricted to music majors or by permission of the instructor; an audition is required. Ensemble rehearses and prepares repertoire for performance. Vox Concordia is open to university students who sing soprano, mezzo-soprano or alto and have previous choral experience.

APPM 381. Conducting. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: MHIS 245. Development of fundamental gestural skills for conducting instrumental and choral ensembles including simple and compound meters, multimetric music and aleatoric music. Introduces basic score reading, aural analysis skills and terminology.

APPM 385. Opera Theatre. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for a total of 16 credits. Permission of instructor required. Explores aspects of opera through study, written research and fully staged public performances of operatic scenes and/or one-act operas.

APPM 386. Opera Ensemble. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 5 credits. Enrollment is restricted to music majors; selected by audition. Explores aspects of operatic chorus singing, acting craft, period and stage movement, stage makeup and technical theatre through fully staged performances.

APPM 395. Opera Orchestra. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 2.5 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for a total of 5 credits. Corequisite: APPM 355. Enrollment is restricted to music majors. Through an intense series of rehearsals and performances of fully staged works from the operatic repertoire, students experience the art of accompanying singers, improve ensemble and listening skills, and develop their sense of balance and their understanding of operatic styles.

APPM 396. Jazz Orchestra II. 1 Hour.

APPM 399. Jazz Master Class. 0 Hours.

Semester course; 1 laboratory hour. 0 credits. Course may be repeated without limit. Weekly classes of mixed instrumentation prepare the student with the performance skills for entry into the jazz field. Instructor and peer critique, transcription and analysis, exposure to improvisatory issues.

APPM 463. Pedagogy. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. A study of the musical, physiological and psychological aspects of teaching instruments or voice.

APPM 464. Piano Pedagogy Practicum. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 1 laboratory hour. 2 credits. Prerequisites: MHIS 304 and APPM 463 (piano). An advanced study of piano pedagogy with a supervised teaching component.

APPM 491. Topics in Applied Music. 1-3 Hours.

APPM 492. Senior Project: Portfolio Review. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisites: APPL 416 for performance majors or APPL 314 for B.A. degree students. Enrollment restricted to students with senior standing and a minimum of 18 credits in 300- or 400-level courses. A capstone experience integrating resume preparation and professional development within the field of music. Documentation of creative activities and achievements accumulated during music studies is compiled for a portfolio review. Graded as Pass/Fail.

APPM 493. Music Internship. 1-4 Hours.

Semester course; Variable hours. 1-4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. Prerequisites: open to music majors with junior standing, 3.0 GPA in major course work and minimum of 2.5 overall GPA, plus consent of coordinator and department chair. Provides full- or part-time professional field experience with approved organizations/individuals. Areas for the internship include (but are not limited to) music publication and production, arts administration and promotion, arts management, entertainment law, presentations and research, instrument repair, recording techniques, composition and arranging, and/or performance opportunities. Graded as S/U.

APPM 585. Opera Theatre. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 2 credits. May be repeated up to four times for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Explores aspects of opera through study, written research and fully staged public performances of operatic scenes and/or one-act operas.