Welcome to the dynamic, thriving VAPA Music Program!
Scroll down to find information on the Major, Minor, Scholarships, Ensembles, and more!
The Music Program in the department of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs offers opportunities for rigorous scholarship, performance, and innovative interdisciplinary immersions across other arts disciplines. Moreover, this entrepreneurial music program enables students to create unique new connections with other areas across sciences, computers and technology, ethnic and gender studies, arts therapy, acoustic ecology, business practices, and many more. We take advantage of UCCS’ interconnected academic culture and enable opportunities for students to create new partnerships with disciplines of all kinds. As such, we have several scholarships within and outside the Music Major, for all interested students to participate in building a great music culture for the Colorado Springs region, and to aid in the rising cost of education.
We believe all students are capable of a high level of musicianship and participating in creating a great music culture. As such, all students should be given the opportunity to become active participants in the vast tapestry of musical culture. Our soundscapes and sonic environments of the 21st century need not be defined by, or marginalized to the few great concert halls of the world, standardized elite institutions, or the usual marginal cultural assumptions. Music and sound is, in fact imbedded in many endeavors and ways of working, interconnecting people and ideas in our local and global economies, and is an important aspect of living a complete and fulfilling life. Therefore, the dedication to musical pursuits in practice, in diversity of thought, in in-depth cultural understanding is a direct mode of participation in the improvement of our human culture and economies. The pursuit of music as part of ones identity and practice creates opportunities, but does not limit them, opens new doors but does not close them. We know this to be true - our graduated students, both music majors and minors have moved on to many exciting endeavors across the arts, in music performance across genres, in new innovative musical pursuits, touring the world, music education, graduate programs in sciences, musicology, arts therapy, opening their own business, and many more.
Music Major (scroll down for requirement details)
Students receive a Bachelor of Arts degree that is a unique, innovative music centered Interdisciplinary Arts Major. A 21st century approach is taken in this eclectic curriculum where students are immersed in high-level musical training engineered to communicate, interconnect and illuminate music and sound as a vital meta-field with a vast landscape of relevancy across disciplines, technological applications, to enable entrepreneurial directions and tap into a vital sonic network of our interconnected local, global and commercial culture.
A high level of musician ship, musical knowledge, understanding of cultural histories, historical contexts, socio-political realities, critical thinking and stellar writing skills is the key for students to create a career of their choosing where music plays a direct, or indirect role. Our mantra is creativity. As such, we take new approaches with a traditional music curriculum - most, if not all of our classes are centered on the creative process in music and sound - in practice, thought, and scholarship. Our curriculum includes private lessons from an outstanding faculty, unique ensembles both traditional and innovative, a new approach to music and sound theory focused on creativity, music history and classes focused on musical culturally diversity, VAPA interdisciplinary classes, and cross disciplinary requirements.
Music Composition is approached in its present multidisciplinary realities - orchestration, film scoring, media, environment, multiculturalism, innovative approaches cross-fertilizing music theory with other sonic languages, and creating solid connections between experimental and popular music forms.
VAPA Classes - this unique core of the VAPA Major is made up of new approaches to interdiscplinary connections across arts disciplines. Some of these classes you will find only at a handful of institutions across the nation. Courses taught from music faculty include, but are not limited to Inter Arts Improvisation, Sound Art, Music and Art, Performance Art. In addition, music has a unique connection with the Theatre Program by creative approaches on full theatre productions where music, performance, and sound are integrated into the fabric of a THEATREWORKS student production - out of the pit and onto the stage.
MUS 1310 University Choir: Vicki Burricheter, Instructor :: OPEN TO ALL UCCS STUDENTS!! REPERTOIRE SPANS ACROSS TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY CHORAL LITERATURE.
MUS 2310 VAPA Vocal Ensemble: Solveig Olsen, Instructor :: FOR MUSIC MAJORS, MUSIC MINORS, AND ANY UCCS STUDENT WITH ADVANCED VOCAL EXPERIENCE OF ANY TYPE. Informal audition required on first day of class. In this class, experience a WIDE ARRAY OF VOCAL STYLES AND LITERATURE, including folk & ethnic music from around the globe, gospel, jazz, classical, and 20th century experimental. Focus on vocal pedagogy including methods and literature of vocal teaching, unique singing techniques from AROUND THE GLOBE, the mechanics of the voice, and expanding
your vocal range and musicality.
MUS 2400 Chamber Ensemble: Jane Rigler, Instructor :: FOR MUSIC MAJORS, MUSIC MINORS, AND ANY UCCS STUDENT WITH ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL EXPERIENCE OF ANY TYPE.
In this class, a special focus will be placed on strings, woodwinds, piano, and "classical" style percussion. Experience a wide array of classical repertoire - from the Renaissance to the 21st century!
The Business of Music with Colin McAllister
This course is aimed at students who are interested in transforming their musical/artisticcreativity into a long-lasting profitable career. We will discuss the principles of entrepreneurship and small business operation, grant writing,marketing. Through readings, lectures, hands-on projects, and in-class discussions with successful individuals across many aspects of the music industry, we'll explore many career opportunities including performance, teaching, audio engineering, music law, event production and management, publishing and more. This course can count as an elective towards the Music major.
The Foundations of Conducting with Thomas Wilson (CS Philharmonic, conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs)
This course is for students with little or no conducting skills. Students will learn the art of score reading, conducting technique, develop listening skills, compare/contrast famous conductors' techniques as well as learn historical content. This class would count as an elective course for Music majors/minors. Additional outside coursework required.
Music Theatre with Solveig Olsen
This vibrant, fun class offers detailed performance practice and technique to improve your voice and stage presence.
A wide range of instrumental and choral groups are offered that include the Jazz and Improvisation Ensemble, VAPA Vocal Ensemble, Chamber Music Ensemble, Electro Acoustic Ensemble, Balinese Gamelan Ensemble, Music Theater, Honors Ensembles (see scholarships below) and Pep Band (see scholarships below).
Sign up NOW for the UCCS Pep Band, which is now called the Mountain Lion Band. Scholarships are available! Contact 719.255.5134 for more information.
Guitar Ensemble with Colin McAllister
Guitar Ensemble is taught on a small group basis and examines aspects of performance in styles pertinent to student interest and abilities (including jazz, classical, bluegrass, fusion, experimental etc). Directed experience in arranging and conducting may also be included. Open to guitarists of all levels, this is a great way to improve playing/reading abilities. This course may count as an ensemble credit for Music majors/minors.
The ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC ENSEMBLE
The eclectic and cutting-edge ensemble will accept any instrumentation and musician willing to explore various methods of musical idioms of composition and improvisation that will merge the acoustic world with the electronic (digital and analogue). This is an upper division (advanced) ensemble that does require outside practice time.
The Gamelan Ensemble with Made Lasmawan
Explore the exotic and colorful musical traditions of Bali, hands on with the renowned Made Lasmawan who will guide you through the various rhythms and melodically flowing ancient storytelling-based music.
Play with the PEAKHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA and get credit!!
Our students and other outside students unite in the Peakharmonic Youth Orchestra. An audition is required and will be held on Tuesday, December 11th, 2012. Upon a successful audition, members will meet at the PYO rehearsal space for 13 weeks (2 hours a week) and have two public performance opportunities with the orchestra. Tuition-merit and instrument-need scholarships are available. Rehearsals are held at 5210 Centennial Blvd., room 112. Students are graded for preparedness, punctuality and professionalism in the orchestra. All non-UCCS students may audition and get college credit through the Extended Studies Office [click here for Extended Studies page]. UCCS registered students may enroll MUS 4950 004 31544 Special Topics for Spring 2013.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Honors Ensembles (scholarship) are created each semester through a select audition process, available (but not exclusively) to Music Majors and select Minors who demonstrate highly skilled musical talents. Honors Ensemble members receive an award-stipend each semester, perform concerts on and off campus, and are given mentorship and support to help build our music culture in the region through participation.
The Mountain Lions (Pep Band) - this unique band is a pep band, a concert band, and a unique performative circus act. We injected a unique take on the Pep Band scenario for basketball season and other sports, for campus activities, festivals, to liven the campus up through music and sound. We amplify instruments not usually associated with pep bands (such as strings) with a personal amplification approach not found anywhere. Ten scholarships are available for the most enthusiastic, creative students - brass, winds, percussion, strings, and will accept instruments often found nowhere near “pep” bands - accordions, kazoos, etc.
Free and Paid Internships - We connect with several organizations for professional internships including the Colorado Springs Chorale, the Colorado Springs Conservatory, area recording studios, as well as marketing and outreach internships in the VAPA Music Program.
For a list of upcoming music performances and other VAPA events, please visit the News & Events page. All events are open to the public and free parking is available in Lot 4 on campus. A map of campus buildings and lots is available here. See recent photos of the What's That Sound? Spring 2011 performance in Kraemer Family Library here!
Audio Recording / Engineering - The recording studio, Multi-media/Audio Workstation fuses courses in sound design, film scoring, sound art, audio engineering and electronic music composition. Digital recording and computer assisted music production software is available for creative and collaborative work. Music computer software used in the classroom includes: FM8, MAX/MSP, ProTools and Reason.
Classes satisfy a wide-range of interests and are designed for non-music majors as well as students majoring in music. If you have questions or are interested in applying, please review the pages linked below, and then contact one of our core faculty with any further questions. We welcome your inquiries and look forward to meeting you.
Music Option: 60 credits
Students intending to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts with a Music option must complete 60 credit hours: 18 in Music core, 6 ensemble, 6 applied lessons, 12 in Music History, 12 in VAPA and 6 within another VAPA option for a Cross-Disciplinary component.
Music Concentration Requirements: 42 credits
Core Requirements: 18 credits
MUS 1010: Music Theory I (3 credits)
MUS 1030: Sight Singing and Ear Training I (1 credit)
MUS 2010: Music Theory II (3 credits)
MUS 2030: Sight Singing/Ear and Rhythm Skills II (1 credit)
MUS 2150: The Computer in Music (3 credits)
MUS 3010: Music Theory III: Form and Analysis (3 credits)
MUS 4950: Special Topics: Keyboard Skills (1 credit)
MUS 4950: Special Topics: Intro. to Audio Recording (1 credit)
Ensemble & Composition Requirements: 6 credits
MUS 2250: Jazz and Improvisation Ensemble
MUS 2300: Electro Acoustic Ensemble (See below for description)
MUS 2310: VAPA Vocal Ensemble
MUS 2400: Chamber Music
MUS 4930: Gamelan Ensemble
Applied Instrumental & Voice Lessons: 6 credits
Extended Studies MUS 1500 - Private Instruction
Students are required to register and pay through Extended Studies. Visit the Extended Studies page here.
For a list of Private Music Lesson Instructors, visit the People Page here.
Music History Requirements: 12 credits
Lower division 2000 level: 6 credits
MUS 2050: History of Jazz
MUS 2100: Rock and Roll Music
MUS 2850: Western Music History I
Upper Division 3000 / 4000: 6 credits
MUS 3150: Non-Western Music
MUS 3750: 20th Century Experimental Music
MUS 3850: Symphonic Literature (Western II)
VAPA Requirements: 12 credits
3 credits VAPA 1000 level
6 credits VAPA 3000 level
3 credits VAPA 4000 level Capstone
Cross-Disciplinary Requirements: 6 credits
2000 / 3000 / 4000 level courses in Art History, Film Studies, Museum & Gallery Practice, Theatre or Visual Art
Music Minor Requirements: 24 credits
We believe all students are capable of a high level of musicianship. Most high school graduates, even those dedicated to music, received only a very limited exposure to music in its vast potentials and creative applications. Great musical Soundscapes and Sonic Environments of the 21st century need not be marginalized to the few great concert halls of the world, to impossibly expensive arena acts, to standardized elite institutions, or defined by the usual cultural assumptions. Music is regional and global simultaneously, and the people who participate in their music culture define it and own it. The music minor, unlike many other minors, we believe can be a vital partner with any major of any discipline or field. Therefore, our music minor is not minor at all. It is in fact one of our greatest arenas of musical and cultural development in the college educational process. As such, the requirements for the minor are significant, but entirely plausible next to the all important Major.
The music minor consists of 24 academic credits comprised of the following courses:
MUS 101 Music Theory I (3 credits)
MUS 201 Advanced Music Theory (3 credits)
Two Courses from (6 credits total):
MUS 301 Rock and Roll Music
MUS 205 Intro to Jazz
MUS 215 Computer in Music
MUS 285 Western Music History I
Three Courses from (9 credits total):
MUS 301 Theory II
MUS 320 Adv. Comp Music
MUS 375 20th Century Music
MUS 385 Western Music History II
MUS 493 Adv. Special Topics
Three Courses from (3 credits total):
MUS 220 Balinese Ensemble
MUS 225 Jazz Ensemble
MUS 231 Vocal Ensemble
MUS 240 Chamber Ensemble
MUS 230 Electro Acoustic Ensemble
MUS 235 Jazz Vocal Ensemble
For a current schedule or course descriptions please check out the UCCS Bulletin: http://www.uccs.edu/course.html |
