Whether you want to try something for the first time, or dive deep into your area of study, our courses offer you the opportunity to shine a light on what interests you. 

Please note: The Course Catalog should be used for all official planning. 

MURP - Music Repertoire-Perf Study

MURP 191: Directed Study in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 195: Internship in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 201: Basic Keyboard Skills I

Sight-reading, keyboard harmony, transposition, improvisation, technique, and selected repertoire. Students must demonstrate proficiency at each level before advancing to the next level. Completion of MURP 203 or demonstrated equivalent required of all Bachelor of Music degree candidates and Bachelor of Arts degree candidates with a major in music. Audition for placement required. 1 unit per term. Note: Required in the freshman year of all Bachelor of Music degree students whose performance area is not a keyboard instrument. BKS grades are factored into grade-point averages, but credit does not apply toward requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree. BKS must be completed successfully by the end of the sophomore year. (Music majors and minors are registered for BKS until the requirement has been completed.) Students who do not complete requirements in four terms of study are charged a fee of $75 in each successive term until all requirements are met.
Units: 1

MURP 202: Basic Keyboard Skills II

Sight-reading, keyboard harmony, transposition, improvisation, technique, and selected repertoire. Students must demonstrate proficiency at each level before advancing to the next level. Completion of MURP 203 or demonstrated equivalent required of all Bachelor of Music degree candidates and Bachelor of Arts degree candidates with a major in music. Audition for placement required. 1 unit per term. Note: Required in the freshman year of all Bachelor of Music degree students whose performance area is not a keyboard instrument. BKS grades are factored into grade-point averages, but credit does not apply toward requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree. BKS must be completed successfully by the end of the sophomore year. (Music majors and minors are registered for BKS until the requirement has been completed.) Students who do not complete requirements in four terms of study are charged a fee of $75 in each successive term until all requirements are met.
Units: 1

MURP 203: Basic Keyboard Skills III

Sight-reading, keyboard harmony, transposition, improvisation, technique, and selected repertoire. Students must demonstrate proficiency at each level before advancing to the next level. Completion of MURP 203 or demonstrated equivalent required of all Bachelor of Music degree candidates and Bachelor of Arts degree candidates with a major in music. Audition for placement required. 1 unit per term. Note: Required in the freshman year of all Bachelor of Music degree students whose performance area is not a keyboard instrument. BKS grades are factored into grade-point averages, but credit does not apply toward requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree. BKS must be completed successfully by the end of the sophomore year. (Music majors and minors are registered for BKS until the requirement has been completed.) Students who do not complete requirements in four terms of study are charged a fee of $75 in each successive term until all requirements are met.
Units: 1

MURP 223: Educators' Keyboard Skills

An upper-level keyboard proficiency course for students enrolling in any music education emphasis that includes general music. Students will develop a comfort level at the piano so it can be used as a teaching tool in the classroom. Main topics include vocal warm-ups, improvisation, creating and transposing accompaniments, reading three-part scores and teaching from the keyboard. PREREQUISITES: MURP 203 or equivalent
Units: 1
Prerequisite: MURP 203 or equivalent

MURP 230: Taubman Approach to Piano Playing

The Taubman Approach is a method of movement and study of piano technique that prevents and resolves playing-related injury and offers technical freedom and efficiency at the piano. This approach is an opportunity to cultivate awareness around current habits of movement and construct new habits of movement that support wellness both at and away from the piano.
Units: 3

MURP 271: Introduction to Vocal Studies

An orientation class with flexible content that includes strategies and resources for the college student beginning the study of voice. PREREQUISITES: Concurrent registration in voice lessons
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in voice lessons

MURP 272: English Singing Diction

An introduction to English singing diction, including identification of problematic American regionalisms and basic elements of English poetics. The International Phonetic Alphabet is learned as a tool for work in this and subsequent singing diction classes. PREREQUISITES: Concurrent registration in voice lessons
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in voice lessons

MURP 273: Italian and Latin Singing Diction

An introduction to Italian singing diction with special attention given to sounds problematic for English speakers. Brief study of the pronunciation of ecclesiastical Latin. PREREQUISITES: MURP 272 English diction or permission of instructor.
Units: 1
Prerequisite: MURP 272 English diction or permission of instructor.

MURP 274: German Singing Diction

An introduction to the pronunciation of written German for the singer. PREREQUISITES: MURP 272 English diction or permission of instructor.
Units: 1
Prerequisite: MURP 272 English diction or permission of instructor.

MURP 275: French Singing Diction

An introduction to French singing diction, with special attention to sounds problematic for English speakers. Expressive use of the language, using appropriate mélodie texts, begun. PREREQUISITES: MURP 272 English diction or permission of instructor
Units: 1
Prerequisite: MURP 272 English diction or permission of instructor

MURP 276: Recitative

An introduction to the performance practices of the pre-Romantic recitative, emphasizing the secco style. Critical listening to a variety of recorded examples and individualized selection, preparation, and coaching of appropriate examples of Baroque and Classic recitatives. PREREQUISITES: Concurrent registration in voice lessons
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in voice lessons

MURP 285: The Eloquent Musician

Course explores and promotes the art of speaking elegantly and knowledgeably about music in the context of live musical performance, and writing engagingly about music for a general audience. Course designed for music majors and other students with strong musical background and interest in interactive concerts and other public programs. PREREQUISITES: Major in music or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Also listed as Innovation & Entrepreneurship 285
Prerequisite: Major in music or consent of instructor

MURP 301: Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors I

Development of functional keyboard skills. Sight-reading, score-reading, transposition, keyboard harmony, playing by ear, improvisation, and conducting from the keyboard. FKS grades are factored into grade-point averages, but credit does not apply toward requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree.
Units: 1

MURP 302: Functional Skills for Keyboard Majors II

Development of functional keyboard skills. Sight-reading, score-reading, transposition, keyboard harmony, playing by ear, improvisation, and conducting from the keyboard. FKS grades are factored into grade-point averages, but credit does not apply toward requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree.
Units: 1

MURP 315: Fretboard Harmony for the Classical Guitarist

Study of intervals, chord construction, and voice leading, using exercises and examples from the standard guitar repertoire. Includes sight-reading, realizing figured bass and harmonizing melodies. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

MURP 317: History and Literature of the Guitar

A study of the guitar and its music from 1500 to present. This course examines the physical evolution of the instrument and surveys the important performers and composers for the guitar and other plucked instruments. Includes readings, listening, analysis, performance, transcription and written assignments. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

MURP 320: Functional Jazz Piano

An introduction to jazz piano voicings, basic piano comping techniques, and the role of the keyboard in the jazz rhythm section. Designed to accommodate upperclass students who have been admitted to the Bachelor of Music degree program with an emphasis in jazz studies, sophomore Bachelor of Music students planning to apply for the emphasis in jazz studies, and experienced student jazz performers with consent of instructor. PREREQUISITES: MUJI 350 or MUTH 301; MURP 203 or MURP 302
Units: 3
Prerequisite: MUJI 350 or MUTH 301; MURP 203 or MURP 302

MURP 361: Acting for Singers 1

An opera/song performance course that develops the fundamental tools to create on stage. This term concentrates on basic acting techniques beginning with spoken word and then transferring those skills to intoned speech (song). These building blocks include understanding and breaking down a script, navigating the stage and movement on it, creating and motivating character choices, response to your fellow performers, honesty on-stage, concentration, imagination and commitment to the script, the environment and your character. PREREQUISITES: Two terms of MUIN 303 and instructor approval
Units: 3
Also listed as Theatre Arts 362
Prerequisite: Two terms of MUIN 303 and instructor approval

MURP 362: Acting for Singers 2

An opera/song performance course that develops the fundamental tools to create on stage. This term concentrates on expanding the techniques from the previous term and on developing a stronger sense of ensemble work. Viewpoints and Theatrical Composition will be the main thrust of the exploration, using the current song and aria repertoire of the individual student. PREREQUISITES: MURP 361 or equivalent
Units: 3
Also listed as Theatre Arts 364
Prerequisite: MURP 361 or equivalent

MURP 390: Tutorial Studies in Music Repertoire and Performance

Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

MURP 391: Directed Study in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 395: Internship in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 399: Independent Study in Music Repertoire and Performance

Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms.
Units: 1 TO 98

MURP 405: Senegalese Music

This course is part of the Lawrence Francophone Seminar in which students study in French-speaking West Africa for ten weeks. PREREQUISITES: Must be attending the LU Francophone Seminar
Units: 3
Also listed as French 404, Global Studies 404
Prerequisite: Must be attending the LU Francophone Seminar

MURP 420: Collaborative Piano: Vocal

Vocal accompanying for the advanced pianist, including art song, opera recitative, and aria. Performances required of all participants.
Units: 3

MURP 425: Collaborative Piano: Instrumental

Instrumental accompanying for the advanced pianist, including duo sonatas and concerto orchestral reductions. Performances required of all participants.
Units: 3

MURP 430: Alexander Technique II: For Performers

This studio-style class applies Alexander Movement Technique (AMT) to performance broadly defined as an activity completed for an audience. Students will work on performance and rehearsal/practice techniques with hands-on guidance from the teacher and will also serve as trained observers for their colleagues. May be taken for 3 or 6 units. PREREQUISITES: THAR 310
Units: 3 OR 6
Also listed as Music 410, Theatre Arts 430
Prerequisite: THAR 310

MURP 451: Literature of the Piano I

A two-term historical survey of the repertoire from 1600 to the present, with consideration of performance practice and broader historical context. Lectures, readings, listening, analysis, performance, and written assignments. PREREQUISITES: Consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

MURP 452: Literature of the Piano II

A two-term historical survey of the repertoire from 1600 to the present, with consideration of performance practice and broader historical context. Lectures, readings, listening, analysis, performance, and written assignments. PREREQUISITES: MUPR 451
Units: 6
Prerequisite: MUPR 451

MURP 455: Vocal Literature

An introductory survey of the history and literature of the solo singer from antiquity to the present. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing or consent of instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor

MURP 456: Advanced Bass Clarinet

An intensive study and direct application of pedagogical principles related to the bass clarinet and its performance and instruction at all levels. Students will consider and discuss traditions and trajectories of the bass clarinet, develop necessary skills to teach and perform on the instrument for a career in performance or applied education, establish a robust bass clarinet pedagogy that is scalable to players from beginners to professionals, and use their skills in performances together of orchestral, chamber, and traditional music. Students will also compile repertoire lists and discuss prominent figures from and study the history of the instrument. PREREQUISITE: Instructor Approval Required PREREQUISITES: Instructor Approval Required
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval Required

MURP 457: Clarinet Orchestral Excerpts

An intensive study of clarinet orchestral excerpts for the purpose of preparing students to engage with professional auditions, professional ensemble performance, and to teach the orchestral and military band repertoire in educational spaces. Mock auditions will also be conducted. May be repeated. PREREQUISITE: Instructor Approval Required PREREQUISITES: Instructor Approval Required
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval Required

MURP 462: Percussion Orchestral Excerpts

An intensive study of percussion orchestral excerpts designed to prepare students for professional auditions and ensemble performances, as well as to equip them with the knowledge to teach orchestral and band repertoire in educational settings. The course will include mock auditions to simulate real-world scenarios and provide practical experience. This course may be repeated for further refinement and mastery. PREREQUISITES: Instructor Approval
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

MURP 465: Woodwind Chamber Music Literature

A general survey of woodwind chamber music ensembles and music from the classical period to the current day, concentrating on the wind quintet, but also including other ensembles that feature at least one woodwind instrument. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing
Units: 1
Prerequisite: Junior standing

MURP 590: Tutorial Studies in Music Repertoire and Performance

Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

MURP 591: Directed Study in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 595: Internship in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 599: Independent Study in Music Repertoire and Performance

Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

MURP 690: Tutorial Studies in Music Repertoire and Performance

Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

MURP 691: Directed Study in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 695: Internship in Music Repertoire and Performance Studies

An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MURP 699: Independent Study in Music Repertoire and Performance

Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.