Thornton School of Music
Courses of Instruction
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
Performance (Keyboard Studies) (MPKS)
MPKS 150abcd Beginning Piano (2-2-2-2, FaSp) Techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. Not open to music majors.
MPKS 153 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm)
MPKS 160ab Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors I (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) Sight-reading and principles of style as related to intermediate literature; c-clef and open score reading; improvisation and functional harmony. Introduction to standard reference works, periodicals. Required of all keyboard majors.
MPKS 170ab Introduction to Piano Repertoire and Performance (a: 1, Fa; b: 1, Sp) Survey of basic piano repertoire and styles through lecture, discussion, and performance. a: Late Baroque through Beethoven; b: Schubert to the present. Prerequisite: piano performance major status.
MPKS 228 Four-Hand Keyboard Repertoire (1, max 4, FaSp) Preparation and performance of literature for piano duets and duo-piano. (Duplicates credit in former MUEN 228.)
MPKS 250ab Keyboard Instruction I (2-2, FaSp) Beginning and elementary instruction; emphasis on reading skills, harmonization, transposition, score reading, improvisation; group instruction in a keyboard laboratory facility.
MPKS 253 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm)
MPKS 260ab Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors II (2-2, FaSp) Sight-reading and principles of style as related to lower advanced literature; extended score reading; improvisation and functional harmony. Mini-survey; basic keyboard literature. Prerequisite: MPKS 160b.
MPKS 300x Non-Major Individual Instruction (1-2, max 16, FaSpSm) Intermediate and advanced instruction designed for non-music majors. Not available for credit to music majors. (Duplicates credit in former MPKS 201 and MPKS 401.)
MPKS 301 Individual Instruction (1-2, max 16, FaSpSm) Intermediate and advanced instruction on secondary instrument for music majors, on principal instrument for music minors and B.A. music majors. Open only to music majors and minors. (Duplicates credit in former MPKS 201 and MPKS 401.)
MPKS 350ab Keyboard Instruction II (2-2, FaSp) Intermediate and advanced instruction; development of reading, performance and improvisation skills necessary for proficiency examinations. Group and individualized instruction in a keyboard laboratory facility. Prerequisite: MPKS 250b.
MPKS 353 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm)
MPKS 360ab Accompanying (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) Techniques of vocal and instrumental accompanying.
MPKS 390 Special Problems (1-4, Irregular) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
MPKS 431ab Piano Pedagogy: Introduction and Practicum (2-2, FaSp) The learning process at the keyboard; pedagogy and methodology of beginning methods. Studio/group instruction: children/adults. MPKS 431a: survey and observation. MPKS 431b: practice teaching: beginners. Prerequisite: MPKS 253, MPKS 260b.
MPKS 435 Technology of the Pianoforte and Harpsichord (2, Irregular) Analysis of technical innovations and maintenance of the pianoforte and harpsichord as related to musical performance.
MPKS 450ab Piano Pedagogy: Intermediate Literature and Functional Skills (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) Methods, study of college curriculum keyboard classes. Studio/group instruction. Business practices; audition, interview techniques. 450a: Survey and observation. 450b: practice teaching; secondary piano classes. (Duplicates credit in former MUED 450ab.) Prerequisite: a: MPKS 431b; b: MPKS 450a.
MPKS 453 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm)
MPKS 472ab Piano History and Literature (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) Solo piano literature; emphasis on composers’ influences, performance practices and the development of the pianoforte. a: Late Baroque through Beethoven. b: Schubert to the present. (Duplicates credit in former MUHL 472ab.) Prerequisite: for music majors, MUHL 331, MUHL 332; for nonmusic majors, MUHL 315x.
MPKS 481 Interpretation of Baroque Music (2, max 6, FaSp) Repertoire and performance practice in music of the period: style, phrasing, embellishments, dynamics, improvisation, tempi. Performance in class of solo and ensemble works, instrumental and vocal.
MPKS 490x Directed Research (1-8, max 12, FaSpSm) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.
MPKS 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Selected topics of current interest.
MPKS 501 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm) Secondary instruction for graduate music majors or instruction for graduate non-music majors.
MPKS 520 Special Studies in Solo Repertoire for Piano (2, max 12, FaSp) Historical, stylistic and pedagogical aspects of solo repertoire. Special emphasis to be determined by the department.
MPKS 553 Individual Instruction (1 or 2, max 8, FaSpSm)
MPKS 554 Graduate Certificate Performance (4, max 16, FaSpSm) Individual instruction and related lab participation for Graduate Certificate students.
MPKS 560 Song Interpretation Master Class (2, max 12, FaSp) For advanced singers and pianists.
MPKS 561 Chamber Music Interpretation Master Class (2, max 12, FaSp) For advanced pianists and instrumentalists.
MPKS 590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
MPKS 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Selected topics of current interest.
MPKS 653 Performance (1 or 2, max 12, FaSpSm) Individual or master class instruction for DMA Performance majors.
MPKS 754 Artist Diploma Performance (4, max 16, FaSpSm) Individual instruction and related lab participation for Artist Diploma students.
MPKS 790 Research (1-12) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.