New Student Registration: Music

• MUSI 100 – Fundamentals of Musicianship
• MUSI 112 – The Art of Listening
• MUSI 117 – History of Popular Music
• MUSI 118 – World Music
• MUSI 119 – Music in Film, Television & Video Games
• MUSI 165 – Jazz History
• MUSI 166 – Introduction to Contemporary Keyboarding Skills
• MUSI 181 – Applied Performance I
• MUSI 191 – Secondary Instrument I
• MUSI 195 – Applied Performance II

1.5-Credit Courses

• MUSI 104 – Structure of Common Practice Music
• MUSI 105 – Aural Skills I
• MUSI 108 – Contemporary Music Theory I
• MUSI 109 – Aural Skills II
• MUSI 146 – Vocal Ensemble I (first term)
• MUSI 147 – Instrumental Ensembles I (first term)
• MUSI 156 – Vocal Ensemble II (second term)
• MUSI 157 – Instrumental Ensembles II (second term)

MUSI 100 will be a required course for students admitted to the Bachelor of Music for September 2026.  New students beginning the program in September 2025 are strongly encouraged to take MUSI 100 this year, as it will be beneficial to success in their program and in their future careers.  (Students who choose not to take this course in 2025-2026 should speak with the department chair or an academic advisor to discuss options for a music elective instead.)

MUSI 104, 105, 108, 109, 165, 166, 181, and 195 are required first-year courses for students in all music degrees. In addition, MUSI 146 and 156 are required courses for vocalists and MUSI 147 and 157 are required courses for instrumentalists.

MUSI 112 is an elective course for students outside of the music program.  It is closed (not permitted for credit) to students in the music program.

MUSI 181 and 195 are normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music degree.  Other students may be permitted to take these courses with a successful audition, and permission of the instructor and the department chair.  (Note that all Applied Performance courses carry an extra fee above the normal tuition costs.)  Contact the department chair for more information.  Music students must obtain a minimum grade of 65 in each Applied Performance course (181, 195) to be eligible to progress to the next Applied Performance course, throughout their music program.

MUSI 191 requires permission from the instructor or the department chair, and is not normally taken in first year.

Other than MUSI 112, all music courses are open to all students who satisfy the prerequisite and audition (where applicable) requirements.

The most common first-year music courses chosen as electives by students in other programs are MUSI 146 with 147, 112, 117, 118, and 119.  These courses may be electives in any program, other than the Diploma in Engineering.

BBA students intending to complete a pair in music are reminded that a pair requires a minimum of 6 credits at the 200-level or above. Therefore, only two 3-credit courses at the 100-level may be used in a pair. 

Course Descriptions

MUSI 100  Fundamentals of Musicianship
This course gives students the building blocks of a career in music: how to listen, how to practice, stage etiquette, and how to communicate with other musicians and audiences. Students learn how to practice, rehearse, communicate with, and participate in the experience of making music with others and for an audience. Three credits.

MUSI 104   Structure of Common Practice Music
This course covers the fundamentals and basic concepts of music theory and notation, including those of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Prior rudimentary experience with reading music (the staff, pitch, clefs, intervals, and rhythmic value subdivisions) is strongly recommended. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 104 and MUSI 101. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 105. 1.5 credits.

MUSI 105   Aural Skills I
This course is the aural accompaniment to MUSI 104. Prior rudimentary experience with reading music (the staff, pitch, clefs, intervals, and rhythmic value subdivisions) is strongly recommended. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 105 and MUSI 101. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 104. 1.5 credits

MUSI 108   Contemporary Music Theory I
The material studied is designed to be applied to the performance and writing of jazz and contemporary music. Topics include chord-scale relationships, chord construction, three, four and five-part harmony, substitutional and function, construction and analysis of harmonic progressions.  Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 108 or MUSI 103. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 109. Prerequisite: MUSI 104 and 105 with a minimum grade of 60 in each. 1.5 credits.

MUSI 109   Aural Skills II
This course is the aural accompaniment to MUSI 108. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 109 and MUSI 103. To be taken concurrently with MUSI 108. 1.5 credits.

MUSI 112   The Art of Listening
A survey course designed to acquaint students with the core elements of music, and musical periods, genres, and styles while developing critical listening skills. Three credits.

MUSI 117   History of Popular Music
A survey of rock and pop styles from 1955 to the near-present.  Among the many topics covered are Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, styles of the 1970s, punk rock and the 'New Wave', Synth-pop, Manchester, Rap/Hip-hop and 'Alternative'.  Three credits.

MUSI 118   World Music
A survey course covering folkloric and ethnic musical traditions from around the world: Africa, Asia, North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe. Three credits. - Not offered 2022-2023

MUSI 119   Music in Film, Television & Video Games
A survey course designed to acquaint students with the music used in film, televisions and video games. Exploring the diverse relationship image and music share, the course will examine important composers, works and historical reasons why different styles of music are used in support of these various media. Three credits. Not offered 2022-2023

MUSI 146   Vocal Ensemble I
Participation in the StFX University Choral and Vocal Jazz Program provides students with an opportunity to develop vocal fundamentals and musicianship through the rehearsal and performance of high-quality choral music from all periods and cultures. Vocal Jazz Ensembles provide a more advanced ground for ear-training and performance through the study of complex harmony in many jazz and popular styles. All ensembles are open to all university students by audition during the first week of fall classes. Two sections will be offered: section 11 is for voice majors and students participating in more than one ensemble and section 12 is for non-majors participating in one ensemble. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 146 and MUSI 106. 1.5 credits.

MUSI 147   Instrumental Ensembles I: Includes Jazz Ensemble, Combos, and Percussion Ensembles
These courses integrate materials from applied music and other courses with ensemble playing. Ensembles meet weekly; extra rehearsal sessions are expected. Coaching comes from professors and advanced students. Repertoire will reflect aspects of jazz, popular, folk, or rock music. Assessment includes performance outside of the classroom. Concert attendance in the visiting artist series is required. Attendance in weekly department master classes is required. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 147 and MUSI 107. Prerequisite: Successful audition held in the first week of September. 1.5 credits.

MUSI 156   Vocal Ensemble II
A continuation of MUSI 146. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 156 and MUSI 106. Prerequisite: MUSI 146. 1.5 credits.

MUSI 157   Instrumental Ensembles II
Continuation of MUSI 147. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 157 and MUSI 107. Prerequisite: MUSI 147. 1.5 credits.

MUSI 165   Jazz History
An introductory course in improvisational style specifically pertaining to the Jazz Idiom from 1900 to present. Extensive viewing and listening will be required. Six credits.

MUSI 166  Introduction to Contemporary Keyboarding Skills
The piano has historically been an important tool for musicians of all disciplines. This course introduces fundamental concepts involved in translating musical ideas onto the keyboard. The course covers topics including approaches to chord voicing, chords progressions, and the combination of melody and harmony through practical study and application of these concepts. Students not enrolled in a music degree must have the permission of the chair to be admitted to the course. Three credits.

MUSI 181   Applied Performance I
This course provides students with private instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Normally restricted to students in the Bachelor of Music program, or may be taken with permission of the chair. A jury performance is required at the end of term. Credit will be granted for only one of MUSI 181 or MUSI 190. Three credits.

MUSI 191   Secondary Instrument I
This course provides students with instruction on an instrument other than their major instrument. Prerequisite: permission of the chair or studio teacher. Three credits over the full academic year.

MUSI 195   Applied Performance I A
This course provides students with instruction on a major applied instrument or voice. Functional piano skills are also covered. Restricted to students in the BA with Major in Music. Applied music fees are attached to this course. Three credits.

Please refer to Section 9.28 Music in the Academic Calendar.

Click here to go to the Music department Webpage.