Applied Music (Graduate)
Below are course descriptions for the applied music courses available for graduate-level credit. Click on the title of a class to reveal its descriptions.
You should refer to or the program requirements page for the for degree requirements and course descriptions for other graduate music classes.
This applied class is required for graduate students who are deficient in music theory and/or sight singing as determined by a placement test during orientation. The class provides tailored instruction to prepare students to pass the competency exam.
Advanced applied study in piano, with emphasis on the collaborative process with singers. In addition, there will be study of solo piano literature, as well as exposure to the collaborative process with instrumentalists.
Students will be able to express musical ideas through effective and expressive conducting gestures. Students will learn and/or review the standard conducting patterns, baton technique, score study, rehearsal organization, and programming. They will learn a variety of repertoire with the goal of practicing and refining their choral conducting rehearsal and performance techniques. Students will also exhibit the applied understanding of vocal technique in a choral setting while rehearsing and conducting a North Park ensemble. No previous conducting study is required.
Continuation of principles of breath control, tone development and correct diction aiming toward technical mastery of standard vocal literature. Graduate study assumes a higher level of development in these areas upon entry and sets higher standards for continued improvement than undergraduate study. The standard repertoire studied should expand to fill in areas that are lacking and include new and more challenging repertoire. (See the Music Student Handbook for jury/recital requirements.) At least one complete operatic role and one oratorio role should be studied during the master's program.
Supervised practical experience in accompanying with instruction of the essential skills needed for collaborative work as a vocal coach or keyboard conductor: figured bass, execution of transcriptions, following a conductor, score reading, conducting from the keyboard, transposition and interpersonal skills.
Private coaching sessions dealing with musical and interpretive considerations in various styles of music. Aimed at artistic renderings of both music and text. Graduate students must take the course in the semester prior to the semester of the final recital; may be taken for elective credit in other semesters as well.