MUS 3494 (LUOA), CMUS 494 (LUO): Innovative Commercial Music Ensemble IV

07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 07/30/2026

Course Description

In this course, students participate in a commercial music ensemble, receive weekly coaching from a faculty member, and present a performance during the term. Students should maintain and actively participate in a music ensemble with at least two other musicians.

Rationale

In the 21st century, there are a vast number of types of musical ensembles. This innovative music ensemble will allow the student the flexibility to participate in commercial music groups of various instrumentations playing music in a variety of musical styles. These will often take the form of a contemporary band (vocal, guitar, keys, bass, drums) but may include other formats approved by the instructor.

Course Assignment

Assigned readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student must respond to the Discussion prompts as part of the academic requirements. Each thread must be at least 200 words. In addition, the student must engage with 2 other students’ threads with at least 50 words each. This process fosters active and thoughtful participation in scholarly discourse. The student must support his/her assertions with at least 2 scholarly citations for threads and at least 1 scholarly citation for each reply. Replies should include at least 1 reference from the Bible, which is the appropriate footnote. Acceptable sources include course texts, articles, and the Bible. Sources must be cited in current Turabian format. 

Ensemble Proposal Assignment

For the Ensemble Proposal Assignment, the student must describe the ensemble, either existing or new, in which he/she plans to participate in for this course. The student must complete the Ensemble Proposal Template utilizing current Turabian format and provide their name, at least 3 instruments that will be involved, the style of music to be played, whether the ensemble will rehearse live, and whether the ensemble will rehearse individually and combine each player’s rehearsal video. The completed template will be submitted into Canvas.

Personnel Approval Assignment

The student will complete the Personnel Approval Template that includes the names and instruments of each proposed member of his/her ensemble, as well as a video link showcasing the entire ensemble or individual videos of each proposed member rehearsing on the instrument or vocal part he/she will perform for the ensemble. The student’s ensemble must include at least 3 people (including the student); each player must exhibit ability to play his/her assigned instrument or sing with an appropriate level of skill for the ensemble.

Repertoire Approval Assignment

The student must submit a list of songs or pieces of music to be covered for the semester. The student will utilize the Repertoire Approval Template to provide at least 5-7 well-known and appropriate song choices. Each choice must include the title, the composer or artist, and the duration. 

Ensemble Rehearsal Assignments (10)

The student will rehearse regularly, contribute ideas in rehearsal, perform music well in rehearsal, and contribute to the success of the group. The student will upload videos of the rehearsals for instructor feedback. The student should exhibit good style, interpretation, expression, dynamics, phrasing, and stage presence. The video should also showcase the student and ensemble performing with rhythm, pitch, and suitable tempo. The video must be clear, with no obstruction of the video or sound, and between 3-5 minutes. Additionally, the student will complete the Ensemble Rehearsal Template, providing the student’s name, the module number, the instrument they played, and a link to the video. The student will not embed the video in Canvas but will include a link to the video in the Ensemble Rehearsal Template (provided in Canvas). 

Final Performance Assignment

The student will upload the ensemble’s final performance of 2-3 songs. The video should demonstrate good style, interpretation, expression, appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and stage presence. Additionally, the video should showcase the student performing accurately in rhythm, pitch, and at an appropriate tempo. The video must be clear, with nothing obscuring the audio or visual, and the combined length should not exceed 12 minutes. The student will complete the Final Performance Template, providing the student’s name, the instrument they played, and a link to the video. The student will not embed the video in Canvas but will include a link to the video in the Final Performance Template (provided in Canvas).