Marylhurst Music Core

Every music degree program at Marylhurst incorporates a rigorous set of courses that comprehensibly develop a student's musicianship. These required courses cover the traditional music subjects of theory, harmony, form and analysis, composition, music history and literature, plus practical skills such as aural dictation, sight-singing, keyboard harmony and improvisation. Whether a student is pursuing a professional degree in music therapy or a liberal arts degree in music, the student is expected to strive towards excellence in all subjects and skills incorporated in the Marylhurst Music Core.

Music Core Outcomes

Performance

Perform on a primary instrument or voice, individually and in ensembles, at the appropriate level to the student's specific music degree, demonstrating musicianship, technical proficiency, interpretive understanding and breadth of repertoire.

Conceptual Knowledge

Identify and work conceptually with the elements of the musical language, analyzing and imitating the use of melody, harmony, rhythm, structure and style in the music of the past and present.

Historical Perspective

Understand how music has been created, performed and perceived throughout history and cultures, while acquiring an acquaintance with a wide selection of music literature.

Musical Literacy

Accurately read, sing, hear and notate music.

Keyboard Fluency

Demonstrate fluency at the keyboard, playing scales and standard harmonic progressions in all keys, harmonizing melodies, improvising, accompanying song sessions and performing elementary repertoire from the classical, traditional, folk and popular repertoire.

Technological Awareness

Understand how technology serves the field of music as a whole and acquire a working knowledge of technological developments in the student's musical field of interest.

Leadership & Collaboration

Develop conducting and rehearsal skills sufficient to work as a leader and collaborator in musical interpretation.

Effective Communication

Demonstrate the ability to write and speak effectively about music, developing and defending musical judgments, engaging in critical discussion of the student's own music-making and the music of others.

Research Skills

Develop research methods appropriate to one's musical emphasis, resulting in a research paper.

Community Engagement

Constructively participate in the music community.