Course Offerings in Commercial Music (CMU)
( ) Hours Credit; F–Fall, S–Spring; Su–Summer
Academic Courses
118. Fundamentals of Music Production and Audio Engineering (3) F, S
Prerequisite: MUS 109.
This course provides "hands-on" experience and training in studio production techniques. Students learn studio mic techniques for instruments and voice, basic use of digital audio workstations (DAW), console mixing, and general techniques for studio producing. Students collaborate to produce music demo recordings as a regular part of course requirements.
210. Commercial Music Theory (4) F, S
Prerequisite: MUS 209
This course includes the study of modulation techniques, music structure, form, and melodic contour in traditional, popular, and commercial music genres. Students investigate jazz and extended harmonies used in commercial music and make application of analytical techniques to various literatures. Harmonic function is taught through "praxis" methodology.
230. ProTools I: Fundamentals (2) F
Prerequisite: CMU 118
This course covers Pro Tools principles and application of DAW technologies to support and achieve intended commercial music productions. All phases of project completion using ProTools is addressed, from initial setup to final mix-down, including new functions and feature enhancements. Also addressed are concepts related to recording live instruments, MIDI sequencing of software synthesizers, audio editing, and region looping.
231. ProTools II: Production (2) S
Prerequisite: CMU 230
This course covers advanced Pro Tools principles and application of DAW technologies to support and achieve intended commercial music productions. It builds on the foundations presented in CMU 230. All phases of project completion using ProTools are addressed in greater depth, from initial setup to final mix-down, including new functions and feature enhancements. It covers all key concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools system at the User level. This course, along with Pro Tools I, provides the foundation to Pro Tools User Certification and for the later courses on music post production.
300. Commercial Music Lab I (1)
Prerequisite: MUS 213
Instruction in the use of instrumental and vocal improvisation (incorporating harmony, melody, rhythm and form) and production skills as applied to the Commercial Music Performance. Commercial music styles in production are explored including pop, country, jazz, and contemporary Christian music. Class structure is performance based. Each semester will culminate in a public performance featuring large and small groups.
305. Commercial Music Business (3) S
Prerequisite: MUS 210 or CMU 210
An introduction to current practices in the commercial music industry. Recent developments in this field will be emphasized, including entrepreneurism for the freelance musician. This course highlights the impact of biblical principles for a Christian working in the music industry. Basic principles of music performance, publishing and distribution will be defined and developed including copyright law, song royalties and mechanicals, booking, promoting, copyright management, performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and CCLI), song demo creation, music producing and publishing, market presence, and social media promotion.
310. Principles of Songwriting I (2) S
Prerequisites: MUS 232, CMU 250S
Principles of song writing, including: melodic writing, structure and style; lyric form related to verse/chorus /bridge structures; lyric style from gospel to classical, southern gospel to praise and worship and country to rock 'n roll; and co-writing and collaboration. Students are expected to participate in the Songwriter's Showcase.
311. Principles of Songwriting II (2) F
Prerequisite: CMU 310
A continuation of CMU 310. This course provides practical application of songwriting principles through group collaboration.
315. Music Entrepreneurism (3) F
Prerequisite: MUS 209
This course emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, engages students with the fundamentals of the commercial music business, and explores ways to influence and shape the industry's future. Contracts, copywriting, branding, social media delivery and targeting, online publishing, recording and distribution/aggregate selection, management, image design, marketing, booking, artist representation, and promotion are among the topics that will be covered.
317. Commercial Vocal Styles (2) F
Prerequisites: CMU 250V, CMU 250IG, CMU 250K, or CMU 250I
This course presents an overview of the broad spectrum of commercial vocal styles that have developed during the 20th century. Various artists and innovators from all commercial music contexts are discussed including jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, R & B, Black Gospel, and the Contemporary Christian Music Industry. Different vocal pedagogical techniques that are used to create the style in these various genres will be discussed extensively. As an innovative American music form, commercial music styles have often challenged existing distinctions between "art" and "popular" music. These distinctions are explored and discussed related to the changing roles o music styles within society.
318. Commercial Instrumental Styles (2) S
Prerequisite: CMU 250V, CMU 250IG, CMU 250I, or CMU 250K
This course presents an overview of the broad spectrum of commercial instrumental styles that have developed during the 20th century. Various artists and innovators from all commercial music contexts are discussed including jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, R & B, Black Gospel, and the Contemporary Christian Music Industry. Different instrumental pedagogical techniques that are used to create the style in these various genres will be discussed extensively. As an innovative American music form, commercial music styles have often challenged existing distinctions between "art" and "popular" music. These distinctions are explored and discussed related to the changing roles of music styles within society.
326. History of Commercial Music (3) F
Prerequisite: MUS 210 or CMU 210
This course presents an overview of the development of the commercial music industry during the 20th century. Key innovators from various commercial music contexts are discussed including jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, R & B, Black Gospel, and the Contemporary Christian Music Industry. As an innovative American music form, commercial music styles have often challenged existing distinctions between "art" and "popular" music. These distinctions are explored and discussed related to the changing roles of music styles within society.
329. Fundamentals of Sound Reinforcement (2) F
Prerequisite: CMU 231
This course provides "hands-on" experience and training in sound system setup, design, implementation and live front of house and monitor mixing for venues, tours and houses of worship. Students will apply their live production skills in sound mixing projects using digital console show files and virtual sound check.
335. Intro to Film Scoring (2) F
Prerequisite: MUS 331
This course addresses the skills needed to emulate a wide variety of stylistic scoring approaches appropriate to period setting and/or specific ethnic locale. Approaches to research and adaptation of authentic musical styles will be discussed. Skill development in stylistic craft will be addressed. Careful attention to instrumentation, arranging, orchestration, and dramatic theme development will be stressed.
339. Groove Styles and Techniques (2) S
Prerequisite: MUS 230
Development of groove writing skills in a variety of styles. Emphases include the use of technology, loop creation, and sequencing skills.
362. Studio Producing, Mixing & Audio Engineering (2) S
Prerequisite: CMU 231
This course provides the fundamentals of audio recording and producing including equipment function and application, recording console operation, microphone technique, first and second engineer skill sets, session setup, signal processing, troubleshooting, and critical listening as well as fundamentals for music production and album creation.
391. Practicum I (1) F, S
Prerequisite: CMU 329
Practical, supervised application of commercial music leadership at approved publishing company, church, para-church organization, recording studio, artist group, or other approved organization. Taken the first semester of the student's junior year, students learn principles of leadership, team building, management, planning, program presentation, and more.
392. Practicum II (1) F, S
Prerequisite: CMU 391
This is a continuation of CMU 391. Practical, supervised application of commercial music leadership at approved publishing company, church, para-church organization, recording studio, artist group, or other approved organization. Students learn principles of leadership, team building, management, planning, program presentation and more. Taken the second semester of a student's junior year. In addition to assigned work on location, students will meet periodically throughout the semester on campus with a designated teacher for instruction in resume preparation, principles of interviewing and expectations in preparation for internship.
400. Commercial Music Lab II (1)
Prerequisites: CMU 118, CMU 305
Advanced instruction in the use of instrumental and vocal improvisation and production skills as applied to the Commercial Music Studio. Commercial music styles in recording and production are explored including, but not limited to, pop, country, jazz, and contemporary Christian music. Classes are taught in the music studio to develop greater confidence and foster creativity. Each semester will culminate in a final recording project completed by groups formed in the class.
431. Advanced Scoring Techniques for Media & Film (2) F
Prerequisite: CMU 339
Development of techniques used in composing music for television, film, video games, and arranging for commercial music production through practical writing experience. Assignments representing realistic situations will be recorded synchronously to the specific needs of film scenes, video game applications, or commercial production contexts.
437. Advanced Composition and Arranging Techniques (2) S
Prerequisite: CMU 431
This course focuses on the application of traditional and contemporary composition and arranging techniques to achieve intended musical and dramatic effect. Regular assignments involve the use of electronic and acoustic instrumental color to successfully meet the compositional and arranging needs of a wide variety of commercial applications.
462. Advanced Digital Audio Production (3) F
Prerequisite: CMU 362
This course provides advanced development of real-world digital audio workstation skills and techniques for digital editing: alignment, tuning, sound replacement, time stretching, pitch shifting, as well as a continued implementation of MIDI & Electronic music sound synthesis, sound samples, and virtual instruments.
463. Music Mixing and Post Production (2) S
Prerequisite: CMU 462
Students will learn to create polished music content with mastered, album quality mixes in stereo and surround sound using all available tools to achieve professional sound, develop a personal sonic identity, and apply all techniques learned in the Audio Production program. Students will also learn to employ critical and analytical listening skills in music mixing as well as compare and contrast the attributes of differing mix processes. Students will apply their production and mixing skills in a capstone studio mixing and mastering project as well as a live digital console mixing project.
471. Studio Singing Techniques (3) F
Prerequisites: CMU 210, CMU 350V
This course presents an overview of Studio Singing Techniques in the Modern Digital Recording Studio. Discussion begins with the singer and approaches to capturing the best vocal performance. The semester concludes with comping, tuning and editing techniques to achieve a well-recorded vocal performance. In-studio concerns are covered, such as social interaction, warm-up principles, and efficiency without compromising creativity or musicality to reinforce the principle that "time is money."
472. Studio Instrumental Techniques (3) F
Prerequisite: CMU 318
This course presents an overview of Studio Instrumental Techniques in the Modern Digital Recording Studio. Discussion begins with the instrumentalist and approaches to capturing the best instrumental performance. The semester concludes with comping, tuning and editing techniques to achieve a well-recorded instrumental performance. In-studio concerns are covered, such as social interaction, warm-up principles, and efficiency without compromising creativity or musicality to reinforce the principle that "time is money."
484. Commercial Music Internship (2) F, S, Su
Prerequisite: CMU 399, CMU 450IG, CMU 450I, CMU 450K, or CMU 450V
Capstone experience to include a full spectrum of Commercial Music activities within the context of the Music Industry or a local congregation. The internship will be supervised by a designated faculty member and qualified music industry specialist, full-time pastor, or appropriate ministry staff member.
Applied Music (CMU)
Individual applied music study is offered F, S, Su unless otherwise indicated and in all the areas listed below:
Voice
Piano
Guitar (acoustic, electric, bass)
Saxophone
Drum Set
Wind and Brass Instruments
Strings
Percussion
150C-450C, 150I-450I, 150IG-450IG, 150K-450K, 150S-450S, 150V-450V. Applied Commercial Music (1) F, S
Individual applied lessons for students who have been admitted to a Commercial music major or minor program in their principal area. Requires a board examination or juried recital performance.
150C, 250C, 350C, 450C—Composition
150I, 250I, 350I, 450I—Instrumental
150IG, 250IG, 350IG, 450IG—Guitar
150K, 250K, 350K, 450K—Keyboard
150S, 250S, 350S, 450S—Songwriting
150V, 250V, 350V, 450V—Voice
399. Junior Commercial Music Program (1) F, S
Prerequisite: CMU 350IG, CMU 350I, CMU 350K, or CMU 350V
A faculty-supervised 30-40 minute program devoted to the presentation of student work in Commercial Music Performance or Composition & Arranging. The student must demonstrate ability to organize a program reflective of their academic emphasis that includes use of multi-media, Scripture, and instrumental ensembles. The student's final commercial music program must be approved by Faculty Committee.
499. Senior Commercial Music Program (1) F, S
Corequisite: CMU 450IG, CMU 450I, CMU 450K, or CMU 450V
A faculty-supervised 45-60 minute program devoted to the presentation of student work in Commercial Music Performance, Arranging & Composition, Songwriting, or Recording Engineering & Producing. The student must demonstrate ability to organize a program reflective of their academic emphasis that includes use of multi-media, Scripture, and instrumental ensembles. The student's final commercial music program must be approved by Faculty Committee.
Ensembles (CMU)
101, 201, 301, 401. Union Gospel Singers (1)
Union Gospel Singers is a dynamic multi-ethnic vocal worship team. This team leads worship at various functions on campus and in churches locally and regionally. As a performing ensemble, Union Gospel Singers supports Union University in ministry and recruiting efforts.
102, 202, 302, 402. Bluegrass Ensemble/Surrender (1)
Surrender is Union University's premiere Bluegrass group of instrumentalists and singers. This ensemble performs locally and on campus each semester performing a variety of bluegrass traditional and original/gospel arrangements created or transcribed from members of the group.