Musical Theatre Course Descriptions

Scroll down to read descriptions of the music courses offered at Carthage, or click on the following links for additional resources.

• Carthage Schoology for current students
• Course schedules for all terms
• Current final exam schedule
• Requirements

 

Carthage Choir (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0010 / 0-2 credits
The Carthage Choir presents concerts of both anthems and longer works, sings for school and community functions, hosts an annual choral workshop, takes an annual spring tour, and tours in Europe every third J-Term. Membership by individual audition.

Carthage Chorale (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0020 / 0-1 credits
The Carthage Chorale is a mixed choral ensemble that regularly sings both sacred and secular music in a variety of venues. Membership by individual audition.

Keyboard Skills I

MUS 0160 / 1 credits
Introduction to the basic fundamentals of keyboard study including elementary solo repertoire.
Prerequisite: Music major status or consent of department

Keyboard Skills II

MUS 0170 / 1 credits
Accompaniment patterns, transposition, and basic improvisation skills through harmonization study. Continued development of keyboard technique through solo and ensemble literature.
Prerequisite: MUS 0160 or consent of instructor

Keyboard Skills III

MUS 0180 / 1 credits
Intermediate study of chord progressions, improvisation, harmonization, and accompaniment patterns. Beginning study of four-part sight reading, analysis of hymns, and score reading. Solo and ensemble literature will focus on intermediate-level standard repertoire.
Prerequisite: MUS 0170 or consent of instructor

Keyboard Skills IV

MUS 0190 / 1 credits
Chord progressions correlated to chromatic harmonic materials of Music Theory III and basic jazz chords. Four-part open choral score, hymn reading, and applied composition. Intermediate-level solo and accompaniment standard literature.
Prerequisite: MUS 0180 or consent of instructor

Carthage Treble Choir (AI)(WEL)

MUS 0240 / 0-1 credits
The Carthage Treble Choir regularly sings both sacred and secular music on and off campus. Membership by individual audition.

Private Voice (AI)

MUS 0250 / 1 credits
Applied voice study focused on the development of technique, literature, and performance skills. Principles of classical vocal technique as well as music theatre style will be studied alongside literature appropriate for the developmental level of the student. Performance opportunities will include formal and informal settings.

Recital Attendance (AI)

MUS 0700 / 0 credits
Required of all music majors each term and of all music minors during their four semesters of applied study. Music education emphasis majors are exempt during their practice teaching term.

Music Theory I (AI)(QR)

MUS 1010 / 3 credits
An in-depth study of harmony and musical materials. Includes music notation, rhythm and meter, the concepts of key and scale, interval quality, diatonic harmony, and phrase structure.
Prerequisite: Passing grade on Music Literacy Assessment

Aural Skills I

MUS 1020 / 1 credit
The course facilitates the development of aural skills through the application of concepts borrowed from music theory: sight-singing, basic music analysis, and transcription. Students may be charged a separate fee for access to required digital resources.

Music Theory II (AI)(QR)

MUS 1030 / 3 credits
A continuation of Music Theory 1010. Includes diatonic and chromatic harmony, nonharmonic tone analysis, and melodic development in various textures and styles.
Prerequisite: MUS 1010 or consent of the instructor

Aural Skills II

MUS 1040 / 1 credit
A continuation of Aural Skills I, applied to musical concepts studied in Music Theory II. Students may be charged a separate fee for access to required digital materials.
Prerequisite: MUS 1020 or consent of the instructor

Music Theatre Techniques I: Song Analysis (IDP)

MUS 1620 / 2 credits
This course for the singer-actor provides foundational instruction in music theatre performance skills: character development and portrayal, scene study, and audition skills. Students will study the history and context of music theatre through the study of performances, and develop as performers through this study. Students will analyze performance text as well as integrate new understandings into solo and small ensemble performances.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor

Music Theatre Techniques II: Song Analysis (IDP)

MUS 1630 / 2 credits
This course for the singer-actor builds on the foundational instruction in music theatre performance skills established in Music Theatre Techniques I. Students in this course will develop deeper understandings of vocal storytelling for character development and portrayal, using the musical score as the text. Students will develop a refined understandings of the vocal mechanism as well as the potential for vocal color and expression to tell the story.
Prerequisites: MUS/THR 1620 or instructor permission

Introduction to Western Music History (CL)

MUS 2110 / 4 credits
This introductory course will survey music in the Western classical tradition from the early Christian era through contemporary Western art music. The course will acquaint the student with major works through musical analysis and critical listening. Significant attention will be paid to musical forms and their cultural context.

Popular Music in America (FAR)(DIV)(CL)

MUS 2200 / 4 credits
An appreciation course focusing on the broad range of popular music in America. It presents an overview of popular music and demonstrates how the elements of music, rhythm, melody, and instrumentation apply to the style. The heart of the course is devoted to a survey of American popular music from 1840 to the present as well as related musical styles that influenced its development.

Music Theatre Workshop (AI)

MUS 2620 / 0-2 credits
This course for the singer-actor provides formal and informal venues to develop music theatre skills: character development and portrayal, scene study, and audition skills. The laboratory format allows students to learn from the instructor as well as each other as they cover varied repertory. The course culminates in a performance at the end of each term.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Musical Theatre Techniques III: Scene into Song

MUS 2640 / 4 credits
This course takes the foundations worked on in MT Techniques I and II and combines them with the scene work that happens before the songs are sung. Performers work with scene partners and the course instructor to develop character choices and learn the art of combining scenic work and song analysis. Students will use selections from the Musical Theatre canon to put scenes and songs on their feet for feedback and performative assessment.
Prerequisite MUS 1630

Musical Theatre Techniques IV: Duets and Trios

MUS 2650 / 4 credits
This course continues to build off of MT Techniques I, II, and III, allowing students to work collaboratively in duets, trios, and small groups, on the art of acting and singing with others. Performers work with multiple scene partners, crafting their story, character, and ability to fully integrate the elements of storytelling and well-crafted performances. Students will use selections from the Musical Theatre canon to put scenes and songs on their feet for feedback and performative assessment.

Music Theatre History (CL)

MUS 3400 / 4 credits
An exploration of how drama, art, movement, and music combine into the “spectacular” form of music theatre. This course is designed to provide foundational grounding in music theatre history and criticism. Specific attention will be paid to developing analytical skills specific to the art form of music theatre. Course activities will include critical listening and analysis as well as research practices in music theatre. Given that music theatre is performance-based, application of course content to performance practice will constitute an important dimension of the course. Ticket fee.

Musical Theatre Techniques V: Pop Music 1930s-1970s

MUS 3660 / 4 credits
This course explores the various eras of Pop/ Rock music by separating each decade (1930, 1940, 1950, 1960, and 1970) and requiring students to explore the differences and similarities in each era of the genre of pop/ rock music. Students will walk away with an in-depth understanding of pop music from the 1930s-1970s and how that translates into the genre of Musical Theatre and where the industry is headed, and what it requires of its performers. Using selections from the popular music canon, students will perform selections for feedback and performative assessment.

Musical Theatre Techniques VI: Pop Music 1980s-Present

MUS 3670 / 4 credits
This course explores the various eras of Pop/ Rock music by separating each decade (1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and current) and requiring students to explore the differences and similarities in each era of the genre of pop/ rock music. Students will walk away with an in-depth understanding of pop music from the 1980s to the present day and how that translates into the genre of Musical Theatre, where the industry is headed, and what it requires of its performers. Using selections from the popular music canon, students will perform selections for feedback and performative assessment.

Audition/Business Skills

MUS 4109 / 4 credits
This course prepares students with audition and business skills in the musical theatre industry, allowing them to exit the course with a complete audition book, resume, website, headshots, and other materials needed to complete their senior year and go out into the industry. This course will explore professional organizations, personal branding, networking, and mock auditions.

Senior Seminar in Musical Theatre

MUS 4110 / 4 credits
This seminar course is the capstone for students in the music theatre program. Students in this course will develop the research and proposal for the thesis project, and develop the research and portfolio building skills necessary to complete the Senior Thesis. As part of this course, students will also develop professional materials for professional auditions while also developing skills as reflective practitioners of music theatre.

Senior Thesis Completion

MUS 4990 / 0 credits
Students should register for MUS 4990 the semester they intend to complete their senior project.

Theatre Service and Practice

THR 0100 / 0 credits
Hands-on training and work, completed while fulfilling the technical and artistic production needs of the theatre department.

Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting (For Majors and Minors)(AI)

THR 2110 / 4 credits
A beginning course for the theatre major or minor, with an introduction to the art of acting through individual and group work. Students will develop basic acting skills with a strong emphasis on the Stanislavski system. The class will include improvisation, monologue preparation, scene study, character development, textual analysis, vocal development, and historical research.
Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or music theatre major
Fall

Play Reading and Analysis

THR 2900 / 4 credits
The course will include a critical examination of dramatic literature for the purpose of production. Students in this course will consider representative dramatic works from the ancient Greeks into the 21st century. Students will study the play script as literature, an historical artifact, and a blueprint for production. Course materials may be linked to Carthage theatre productions. This course involves extensive play reading and analysis, historical research, practical application, and a major project.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Fall

Play Production I: Stagecraft

THR 2910 / 4 credits
A beginning stagecraft course for all theatre majors and minors. This course introduces students to the basic aspects of technical theatre production and construction of theatrical scenery. Students will learn how to operate the necessary power tools and stage machinery safely. Students will be involved directly with the Carthage theatre productions. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or music theatre major or minor, or permission of the instructor
Fall/Spring

Play Production II: Costume Technology

THR 2920 / 4 credits
Practical study and experiences to develop technical skills including effective planning and safety practices for basic elements of costume design, acquisition and construction, and makeup design and application. Students will work on projects currently in production by the department.
Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or music theatre major or minor, or permission of the instructor
Fall/Spring

Voice for the Stage (OC)

THR 3100 / 4 credits
This course provides instruction in the proper use and maintenance of the performer’s voice, with special attention given to the unique needs of the stage actor. Exercises and training will help students to understand and develop breath control, resonance, vocal range, and articulation. Accurate vocal style and characterization will be taught as key components to performing various historical periods and styles. Students will also work to minimize vocal tension, improve body alignment and awareness, and acquire or shed dialects as required for a role.
Prerequisite: THR 2110, declared performance major, or instructor consent
Spring

Acting II: Character and Scene Study (AI)

THR 3110 / 4 credits
An intermediate course for the theatre major or minor. A continuation of the acting skills presented in Acting I. A process-oriented course exploring modern and contemporary playwrights. The class will include scene study, character development, textual analysis, vocal development, and historical research.
Prerequisite: THR 2110, declared performance major, or instructor consent
Spring

Premodern Theatre Survey (CL)(FAR)

THR 3260 / 4 credits
This survey course introduces students to the major playwrights and movements in the European theatre from 1650-1850, from the beginning of the English restoration until the rise of Romanticism. Coursework will include both practical applications and written evaluations of play texts and theatre productions.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Classical Theatre Survey (CL)(FAR)

THR 3270 / 4 credits
A comprehensive study of dramatic literary forms and the theatrical expressions of civilizations and cultures from the inception of theatre to the Renaissance. Coursework will include both practical applications and written evaluations of theatre productions.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Modern Theatre Survey (FAR)(CL)

THR 3280 / 4 credits
This course provides a detailed study of theatre and its development in the West since the rise of modernism. Particular attention is given to the immeasurable influence of Marx, Darwin, and Freud on the world, and therefore on the theatre. Students will consider representative works from several late 19th and 20th century movements, such as realism, naturalism, symbolism, German expressionism, futurism, Dadaism, and absurdism. Coursework will include both practical applications and written evaluations of play texts and theatre productions.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Acting III: Periods and Styles

THR 4110 / 4 credits
An advanced course for the theatre major, focusing on the techniques needed for classical drama. The course will include advanced acting techniques exploring period and style work from the Greek/Roman theatre, Shakespeare and the English Renaissance, and Moliere and the French Restoration. Activities will include scene study, textual analysis, vocal development, and historical research.
Prerequisites: THR 3110 and THR 3100, declared performance major, or consent of the department chair
Fall