Music Courses and Opportunties
UofSC Aiken Music offers courses such as Introduction to Music, World Music, Music Theory and Aural Techniques, History of Western Music I and II, and other topics courses that provide opportunities for musical growth in a lecture-based class.
Information about courses offered – course numbers, meeting times, instructor, and any special information regarding each course – is listed below.
For degree-seeking students, official course descriptions, fees, and graduation requirements are contained in the Undergraduate and Graduate Course Bulletin.
At UofSC Aiken, studies in music are an integral part of campus life. All students are invited to participate in music activities, regardless of major. As a part of UofSC Aiken Music, you’ll find a faculty dedicated to student success, challenging ensembles, opportunities for personal growth, courses designed to broaden your understanding of the world, and individualized attention to help you reach your potential.
Students may elect to enroll in private lessons for composition, percussion, piano, strings, voice, or wind instruments. Lessons are available to students, regardless of major, but require a placement audition prior to the beginning of the semester and permission of the program coordinator. Private lessons are given weekly throughout each semester and may be taken for one or two credit hours. For more information, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
View the Course Schedules for each semester
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| MUSC 100 | Recital Class | 0 |
| Applied vocal lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 101 | Voice I | 1-2 |
| Applied vocal lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 102 | Voice II | 1-2 |
| Applied vocal lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 112 | Percussion Instruments I | 1-2 |
| Applied percussion lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 113 | Percussion Instruments II | 1-2 |
| Applied percussion lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 121 | Organ I | 1-2 |
| Applied organ lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 122 | Organ II | 1-2 |
| Applied organ lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 133 | Piano I | 1-2 |
| Applied piano lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 134 | Piano II | 1-2 |
| Applied piano lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 135 | Group Piano | 3 |
| A beginning group piano course that places emphasis on music reading and beginning techniques | ||
| MUSC 138 | Group Piano for Music Education Majors I | 1 |
| A group piano course that assists in preparing music education majors for the piano proficiency exam | ||
| MUSC 141 | String Instruments I | 1-2 |
| Applied guitar lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 142 | String Instruments II | 1-2 |
| Applied bass lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 151 | Woodwind Instruments I | 1-2 |
| Applied saxophone lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 152 | Woodwind Instruments II | 1-2 |
| Applied saxophone lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 161 | Brass Instruments I | 1-2 |
| Applied trumpet lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 162 | Brass Instruments II | 1-2 |
| Applied trumpet lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 173 | Introduction to Music | 3 |
| Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of music through the introduction of musical excerpts from the Middle Ages through the Twentieth Century Humanities requirement. | ||
| MUSC 175 | World Music | 3 |
| Explores the musical styles, instruments, and tonal systems of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, and the indigenous cultures of North and South America and Eastern Europe through the listening of musical excerpts. Western World Studies requirement | ||
| MUSC 183 | Athletic Band I | 1 |
| The “Pacer Pulse Basketball Pep Band” is an athletic band that serves as a highly musical, professional, and organized catalyst of positive energy for USCA men’s and women’s home basketball games. “Pacer Pulse” is open to all USCA students who are woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists regardless of major. | ||
| MUSC 184 | USCA Wind Ensemble | 1 |
| The USCA Wind Ensemble is steered by a philosophy that seeks to expose its students and its audience to the highest quality music written for wind and percussion instruments. In rehearsal and performance, students are exposed to a diverse body of repertoire exploring a wide variety of compositional techniques, time periods, rehearsal methods, and expressive possibilities.The USCA Wind Ensemble is open to all USCA students who are woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists regardless of major. | ||
| MUSC 185 | USCA Concert Choir | 1 |
| The Concert Choir introduces students to a wide variety of music literature from the Western tradition as well as indigenous music throughout the world. Membership is open to all USCA students, regardless of major | ||
| MUSC 186 | Masterworks Chorale I | 1 |
| The Masterworks Chorale performs repertoire consisting of sacred and secular literature with an emphasis on the masterworks of renowned composers. Students are expected to have had musical experience at the high school level or above | ||
| MUSC 187 | Jazz Band I | 1 |
| This ensemble rehearses and performs a variety of jazz music throughout the semester | ||
| MUSC 188 | Canticum Novum I | 1 |
| An auditioned ensemble specializing in the performance of early music as well as contemporary literature for the small ensemble | ||
| MUSC 195 | Music Technology | 2 |
| Introduces students to current computer-based music technology used in the music profession and music educational settings | ||
| MUSC 196 | Music Theory and Aural Techniques I | 4 |
| Students will study written and analytical applications of major and minor scales and harmonic structures, principles of voice leading, part-writing in root position, harmonic progression, musical form, and species counterpoint representative of the music of the 16th-18th Century. Students will develop sight singing and ear training skills relative to the course content | ||
| MUSC 197 | Music Theory and Aural Techniques II | 4 |
| Students will study written and analytical applications of major and minor scales and harmonic structures, principles of voice leading, part-writing in root position, harmonic progression, musical form, and species counterpoint representative of the music of the 16th-18th Century. Students will develop sight singing and ear training skills relative to the course content | ||
| MUSC 203 | Class Voice Instruction and Methods | 1 |
| The course delivers instruction in methods of teaching vocalists. Students will achieve a level of competency in vocal performance. Pedagogical and performance skills will be developed through laboratory and observational experiences | ||
| MUSC 204 | Diction I | 1 |
| Students will study the physical factors that occur in the production of vowel and consonant sounds in Italian and Latin. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and clarity in pronunciation | ||
| MUSC 205 | Diction II | 1 |
| Students will study the physical factors that occur in the production of vowel and consonant sounds in Italian and Latin. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and clarity in pronunciation | ||
| MUSC 214 | Class Percussion Instruction and Methods | 1 |
| The course delivers instruction in methods of teaching percussion instruments. Students will achieve a level of competency in performance on various percussion instruments. Pedagogical and performance skills will be developed through laboratory and observational experiences | ||
| MUSC 243 | Class String Instruction and Methods | 1 |
| The course delivers instruction in methods of teaching string instruments. Students will achieve a level of competency in performance on various string instruments. Pedagogical and performance skills will be developed through laboratory and observational experiences | ||
| MUSC 253 | Class Woodwind Instruction and Methods | 1 |
| The course delivers instruction in methods of teaching woodwind instruments. Students will achieve a level of competency in performance on various woodwind instruments. Pedagogical and performance skills will be developed through laboratory and observational experiences | ||
| MUSC 263 | Class Brass Instruction and Methods | 1 |
| The course delivers instruction in methods of teaching brass instruments. Students will achieve a level of competency in performance on various brass instruments. Pedagogical and performance skills will be developed through laboratory and observational experiences | ||
| MUSC 286 | Masterworks Chorale II | 1 |
| The Masterworks Chorale performs repertoire consisting of sacred and secular literature with an emphasis on the masterworks of renowned composers. Students are expected to have had musical experience at the high school level or above. | ||
| MUSC 288 | Canticum Novum II | 1 |
| An auditioned ensemble specializing in the performance of early music as well as contemporary literature for the small ensemble | ||
| MUSC 296 | Music Theory and Aural Techniques III | 4 |
| Course expands on the material presented in MUSC 197. Course content will cover written and analytical applicationsof secondary leading-tone chords, modulations, binary and ternary forms, mode mixture, Neapolitan chord, and augmented sixth chords. Course will provide and introduction to orchestration. Students will develop sight singing and ear training skills relative to the course content | ||
| MUSC 297 | Music Theory and Aural Techniques IV | 4 |
| Course expands on the material presented in MUSC 297. Course content will cover written and analytical applications of extended chords, shifting keys, expanded tonality, Impressionism, pan-diatonicisim, set theory, twelve tone technique, total serialization, and aleatory music. Students will develop sight singing and ear training skills relative to the course content. | ||
| MUSC 298 | Applied Composition | 1-2 |
| Course provides individual instruction in the process of composition with attention to creativity. | ||
| MUSC 301 | Voice III | 1-2 |
| Applied voice lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 302 | Voice VI | 1-2 |
| Applied voice lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 312 | Percussion Instruments III | 1-2 |
| Applied percussion lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 313 | Percussion Instruments VI | 1-2 |
| Applied percussion lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 321 | Organ III | 1-2 |
| Applied percussion lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 322 | Organ VI | 1-2 |
| Applied percussion lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 330 | Conducting | 1 |
| An introduction to basic conducting technique for use with vocal and instrumental ensembles. Course covers fundamentals such as beat patterns, baton technique, transpositions, score reading and analysis, cueing, subdivisions, etc. Students will complete peer and self-evaluations through observation and video tapes | ||
| MUSC 331 | Advanced Conducting | 2 |
| Course expands on material presented in MUSC 330. Course content covers conducting accompaniments, contemporary scores, performance techniques, logistical consideration, musical theater, and the jazz ensemble. Students will complete peer and self-evaluations through observation and video tapes. | ||
| MUSC 333 | Piano III | 1-2 |
| Applied piano lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 334 | Piano VI | 1-2 |
| Applied piano lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 341 | String Instruments III | 1-2 |
| Applied guitar lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 342 | String Instruments IV | 1-2 |
| Applied guitar lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 351 | Woodwind Instruments III/Section 001 | 1-2 |
| Applied saxophone lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 351/Section 002 | Woodwind Instruments III | 1-2 |
| Applied flute lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 351/Section 003 | Woodwind Instruments III | 1-2 |
| Applied clarinet lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 352/Section 001 | Woodwind Instruments IV | 1-2 |
| Applied saxophone lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 352/Section 002 | Woodwind Instruments IV | 1-2 |
| Applied flute lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 352/Section 003 | Woodwind Instruments IV | 1-2 |
| Applied clarinet lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire. | ||
| MUSC 361/Section 001 | Brass Instruments III | 1-2 |
| Applied trumpet lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 361/Section 002 | Brass Instruments III | 1-2 |
| Applied low brass lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 361/Section 003 | Brass Instruments III | 1-2 |
| Applied horn lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 362/Section 001 | Brass Instruments IV | 1-2 |
| Applied trumpet lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 362/Section 002 | Brass Instruments IV | 1-2 |
| Applied low brass lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 362/Section 003 | Brass Instruments IV | 1-2 |
| Applied horn lesson that aids in the development of technique and learning of appropriate repertoire | ||
| MUSC 371 | History of Western Music I | 3 |
| A study of music and its place in western civilization from the middle ages through the baroque | ||
| MUSC 372 | History of Western Music II | 3 |
| A study of music and its place in western civilization from the 18th century to the present | ||
| MUSC 374 | History of American Music | 3 |
| Course offers a broad survey of music in America from Colonial times to the present. Topics include music in early North America, popular music, jazz, theater and film music, opera, and concert music. | ||
| MUSC 386 | Masterworks Chorale III | 1 |
| The Masterworks Chorale performs repertoire consisting of sacred and secular literature with an emphasis on the masterworks of renowned composers. Students are expected to have had musical experience at the high school level or above | ||
| MUSC 388 | Canticum Novum III | 1 |
| An auditioned ensemble specializing in the performance of early music as well as contemporary literature for the small ensemble. | ||
| MUSC 392 | Selected Topics in Music Theory, Performance and Studio | 1-3 |
| Various courses covering topics in music theory, performance and studio to be announced in the schedule of classes. Example of course previously offered is Percussion Ensemble. | ||
| MUSC 393 | Selected Topics in Music History | 1-3 |
| Various courses covering topics in music history to be announced in the schedule of classes. Courses previously offered include Musical Theatre History and Listening/Classical Masterworks. | ||
| MUSC 397 | Orchestration and Arranging | 2 |
| Course provides a study of instrumentation and orchestration in various styles as applied to different instruments. Topics covered include transcription, transpositions, ranges, score analysis, score and part preparation, and scoring for instrumental sections. Students will complete individual projects in composition, arranging, and orchestration. | ||
| MUSC 398 | Form and Analysis | 2 |
| Students will study traditional techniques of musical form and their applications in historical and contemporary styles. Forms examined include binary, ternary, rondo, sonata, concerto, ostinato, variations, suite, and fugue. | ||
| MUSC 399 | Independent Study | 1-6 |
| Various independent studies in music are available to interested students. | ||
| MUSC 486 | Masterworks Chorale IV | 1 |
| The Masterworks Chorale performs repertoire consisting of sacred and secular literature with an emphasis on the masterworks of renowned composers. Students are expected to have had musical experience at the high school level or above. | ||
| MUSC 488 | Canticum Novum IV | 1 |
| An auditioned ensemble specializing in the performance of early music as well as contemporary literature for the small ensemble. | ||
| MUED 360 | Topics in Music Education | 2 |
| Course serves as an introduction to the field of music education. Current trends in music instruction and curriculum design will be discussed, as well as current issues surrounding education. As a corequisite, students will observe in the public school for 20 hours. | ||
| MUED 446 | Teaching Music in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| Students will learn and apply appropriate pedagogical skills for the elementary general music classroom. Topic covered will include developing lesson plans, establishing appropriate assessments and rubrics, and creating short and long-term goalsand objectives | ||
| MUED 456 | Teaching Choral Music in High School | 3 |
| Course content will cover rehearsal strategies, procedures, materials, and methods as they apply to teaching choral music in the high school. Students are required to work with a master teacher in the schools for selected activities in a corequisite practicum. | ||
| MUED 457 | Teaching Instrumental Music in High School | 3 |
| Course content will cover rehearsal strategies, procedures, materials, and methods as they apply to teaching instrumental music in the high school. Students are required to work with a master teacher in the schools for selected activities in a corequisite practicum | ||
| MUED 460 | Practicum I | 1 |
| Course focuses on observation and analysis of classroom management practices, characteristics of the P-12 curriculum, and implementation of appropriate teaching strategies. Students will complete 20 hours of observation in the schools with a master teacher and in informal educational settings or community-based programs. | ||
| MUED 462 | Practicum II | 1 |
| Students will participate in supervised application of classroom instructional methods, evaluative techniques and classroom management skills in clinical settings. Students will complete 30 hours of observation and teaching in the schools with a master teacher and in informal educational settings or community-based programs. | ||
| MUED 464 | Practicum III | 1 |
| Students will participate in supervised application of classroom instructional methods, evaluative techniques and classroom management skills in clinical settings. Students will complete 30 hours of observation and teaching in the schools with a master teacher and in informal educational settings or community-based programs. | ||
| MUED 470 | Internship in Music Education | 12 |
| A program of observation and teaching in the public schools under the supervision of university and public school personnel. | ||
| MUED 476 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| The synthesis and critical evaluation of professional studies in music education. | ||