Music Courses

Pursue Your Passion for Music

Whether you want to start a career in music or just improve your skills, we have courses for you! Our experienced and talented faculty are here to help you reach your musical goals.

MUA-119 Class Piano

1 credit—This course is designed for students of all levels, especially for students without any piano or musical experience. It is an introduction to fundamental aspects of playing piano including technique, musicianship, performance, as well as reading music scores and understanding music in general. It is also perfect for music majors to develop basic piano proficiency skills, including scales, chords, harmonizing melodies, and developing a basic piano repertoire.

Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-100 Music Appreciation

3 credits—An introduction to the musical arts through listening to and studying the music of various periods. Some sections of the course may be presented by live musicians. Allied arts, including dance, painting, and literature, may be used to demonstrate the relatedness of music to the larger scope of human experience.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-102 Music Fundamentals

3 credits—This course will introduce basic concepts of music theory, aural skills, and vocabulary for non-majors with limited background in music fundamentals or as preparation for music major theory courses. Topics such as clefs, staff, key signatures, notation, meter, rhythm, and simple chords as well as basic sight singing, ear training, and keyboard harmony will be covered.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-106 Music Theory I

4 credits—Music Theory I is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of music theory. This course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to read and write musical notation, understand basic harmony and analyze simple pieces. Topics covered include: pitch and rhythm notation, scales and modes, chords and harmony, counterpoint and part writing, form and analysis, and sight-singing and ear training. Through a combination of class discussion, ear training exercises, and written assignments, students will develop a solid foundation in music theory. This course is recommended for music majors, as well as anyone interested in a deeper understanding of music.

Lecture Hours: 64

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-107 Music Theory II

4 credits—Music Theory II builds on the concepts covered in Music Theory I, and focuses on more advanced topics in music theory. This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of harmony, counterpoint, and analysis. Topics covered include: figured bass, seventh chord, non-harmonic tones, modulation, chromatic harmony, and the analysis of more complex pieces. Through a combination of class discussion, ear training exercises, and written assignments, students will develop a more advanced understanding of music theory.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MUS-106.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-154 Chorus

1 credits—This course is designed for students to perform accompanied and unaccompanied vocal ensemble music, ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. The group meets regularly and presents a wide variety of choral literature in on and off campus performances throughout the year. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUS-202 World Music

3 credits—This course is an exploration and comparative examination of non-western music and cultural traditions. Formatted for the general student and music major, the course will include fundamentals of music, basic elements of global music, and study of societal and cultural influence of music traditions on a nation/country.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

No matter your skill level—beginner or advanced—you can take music lessons with us. We offer two types of lessons:

  • Level I: 30-minute lessons for one credit.
  • Level II: 60-minute lessons for two credits, with more practice time needed between lessons.

MUA-101 Applied Voice

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week, with a minimum of 30 minutes of practice per day. The goal is the development of both fundamental and advanced vocal techniques. The presentation of the standard repertoire for the specific voice is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-401 Applied Voice II

2 credits—Applied Voice II meets individual needs based upon the student's background and training while providing applied lessons and guided instruction in tone production, technique, musicianship, and performance practice. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice of fundamental techniques and solo repertory. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-112 Applied Composition

1 credits—This course is designed for students who desire private, one-on-one instruction in music composition. One credit hour indicates a one half-hour private lesson per week. The course will enable students to gain increased proficiency in composition, focused on various styles and contemporary/avant garde compositional techniques. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-212 Applied Composition II

2 credits—This course is designed for students who desire private, one-on-one instruction in music composition. Two credit hours indicate a one-hour private lesson per week. The course will enable students to gain increased proficiency in composition, focused on various styles and contemporary/ avant garde compositional techniques. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-120 Applied Piano

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-121 Applied Piano II

2 credits—This course offers a one-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-124 Applied Guitar

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-227 Applied Guitar II

2 credits—This course offers a one-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-126 Applied Strings

1 credits—This course offers one half-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-149 Applied Strings II

2 credits—This course offers a one-hour lesson of private instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through weekly lessons and regular practice. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-180 Applied Percussion

1 credits—Individualized instruction in percussion/drum set for the beginning, intermediate or advanced student. Requires 30 minute weekly lessons during the semester. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course may be repeated with different content for credit. No prior musical experience is necessary.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

MUA-181 Applied Percussion II

1 credits—Individualized instruction in percussion/drum set for the beginning, intermediate or advanced student. Requires 30 minute lessons during the semester. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MUA-180.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

Get ready to showcase your talents with a variety of exciting performance opportunities!

  • Choir
  • Concerts
  • Commencement
  • Open mic events
  • Recitals, competitions, and masterclasses
  • Collaboration and improvisation
  • Musicals and stage productions
  • On and off campus events such as the Student Art Show Opening
  • Music scholarship auditions

Meet Your Instructors

Meet our talented music instructors. They are here to guide you on your musical journey!

background

Dr. Stewart Cramer's Bio

Dr. Stewart Cramer earned his doctorate in vocal performance and opera directing from the University of Northern Colorado; Master of Music in vocal performance from University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Indiana University.

He has sung in the U.S. and abroad under the baton of conductors such as Richard Bonynge, Edoardo Müller, Christof Perick, Karen Keltner, and Raymond Leppard. His roles include Remendado (Carmen), Pedrillo (Die Entführung aus dem Serail), Alfred (Die Fledermaus), Dr. Caius (Falstaff), Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), Oronte (Alcina), Spoletta (Tosca), Angel Cit 4 Tenor (City of Angels), Dickon (Secret Garden), Woof (Hair), The Wiz (The Wiz), Charlie Dalrymple (Brigadoon), and Lewis (Pippin), and he premiered two works in 2022: The St. Joan of Arc Mass and Covid 2020: The Musical.

He has served as adjudicator and clinician for vocal competitions and festivals. He has also produced, directed, choreographed, and served as a makeup artist for choral ensembles, opera and musical theater productions, and television. Additionally, he has nearly two decades of music and voice experience.

His students’ successes include semifinalists and finalists in NATS auditions (musical theater and classical categories); invitations to compete in KCACTF’s theater conference in Des Moines, IA; acceptance into competitive music programs and auditioned ensembles; roles and solos in local and regional events; and scholarships and competitions.

John Chiles Bio

John Chiles began his collegiate studies in viola at Virginia Commonwealth University under Dr. Stephen Schmidt and continued his graduate viola studies under Dr. Julia Bullard at the University of Northern Iowa. He has also completed his Master of Music in Conducting under Dr. Rebecca Burkhardt.

Mr. Chiles serves as a substitute violist with Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra and substitutes with professional orchestras across the state of Iowa. Mr. Chiles is also the director of the Northern Iowa Youth Orchestra at the University of Northern Iowa and currently serves as the Department Chair of Chamber Music and Orchestral Activities in the UNI School of Music Suzuki School.

Hanna Stolper's Bio

Hanna Stolper is a pianist from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, whose musical journey began at the age of four. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Silver Lake College under the guidance of Dr. Stanislava Varshavski, and later completed her Master of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Northern Iowa studying with Dr. Vakhtang Kodanashvili. During her time at UNI, she served as a Graduate Assistant, teaching group piano, accompanying ensembles, and performing with soloists for recitals and competitions.

Dedicated to performance, education, and artistic collaboration, Hanna currently serves as Adjunct Piano Instructor and Collaborative Pianist at Hawkeye Community College, as well as Collaborative Pianist and Worship Leader at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. She has previously collaborated with churches, community theaters, and opera programs throughout the region as an accompanist and rehearsal pianist.

Her teaching experience includes positions with Music Hill Studios, Holy Family Conservatory, and several independent studios. In addition to her teaching and performing, Hanna has adjudicated multiple piano competitions across the Cedar Valley, continuing to contribute to the musical growth of young artists.

Luke Sanders Bio

Luke Sanders is Assistant Adjunct Professor of Guitar at the University of Northern Iowa. Prior to UNI, Luke taught guitar and various courses and ensembles within the jazz curriculum at Luther College in Decorah, IA and Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Luke earned his undergraduate degree in Instrumental Music Education at Coe College in 2017. Luke later would go on to lead the jazz program and direct the 9th grade band at Waterloo West High School. Following his time at Waterloo West, Luke earned his Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy at UNI under the tutelage of Bob Dunn, Chris Merz, and Dr. Mike Conrad.

An active performer, clinician, and composer/arranger, Luke has been a staple in the Eastern Iowa Music scene for the past decade. Luke has performed with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra and the Cedar Rapids-based Orchestra Iowa. Luke has also been a featured guest artist with multiple professional concert bands around Iowa presenting the stateside premieres of Mario Parizek’s guitar concerto, Fingerpick meets Blasmusik.

While at UNI Luke’s student quintet, “Bad News,” earned a grant to record an album of all original music titled We Get That a Lot. Luke’s jazz performance experience has taken him around the Midwest in numerous acts as a bandleader and sideman. Luke has been on faculty for the KCCK Middle School Jazz Camp held at Kirkwood Community College since 2016. In addition to the KCCK camp, Luke has also served on staff at the Cedar Falls Summer Jazz camp and UNI’s own Amp Camp.

CONTACT US

Vocal Music Faculty Mentor

Dr. Stewart Cramer
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 282
319-296-2320 ext.1237
Email Dr. Stewart Cramer