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Music

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Further develop your musical understanding

If you’re enchanted by and love music, this is the program for you.

Interested in performing professionally, pursuing a music-related career, or planning to continue studies in graduate school? As a music major, you’ll choose either a performance or music history concentration.

In collaboration with the education department, you can also study music education. Or, combine your passions in one of two available tracks: 

  • Music Administration: This track prepares music and business advocates with excellent leadership, managerial, administrative, and music skills.
  • Liturgical Music Ministry: Prepare for a career in music ministry with courses to help you gain a foundation in music understand and the role of music in worship. 
Music Faculty

Jack Frank
Kent Keating
Gerald Kreitzer
Melinda Westphalen

Students About the Music Department (1:08)

Students About the Music Department
Video Link

Dr. Gerald Kreitzer, Director of Music Activities (1:42)

Dr. Gerald Kreitzer Video
Video Link

Music Students' Schedules (0:53)

Music Students' Schedules
Video Link

I really appreciate the way the music staff care for us. While they care deeply for the music, they also care about all of us and our well-being.

Hillary Wehr '16

Hillary Wehr '16

Music, International Studies

Hillary (Kaefring) Wehr ’16 took her Mount Mercy University education and her love for music and teaching and turned it into a business. Now she spends her days teaching one-on-one voice lessons.

Read more
Emily Tigges '22

Emily Tigges '22

Biochemistry, Music

Wanting to pursue her passions, Emily Tigges came to Mount Mercy in order to grow musically, academically, and personally.

Read more
Calvin Boman '22

Calvin Boman '22

Music

Calvin Boman keeps himself busy by participating in five ensemble groups, three jobs, community theatre, and his schooling.

Read more
Zane Hadish '22

Zane Hadish '22

Music

Zane Hadish played Charlie Chaplin in the Revival Theatre Company production of Chaplin: The Musical, running May 30–June 2, 2019.

Read more

Curriculum

Build the skills and confidence to succeed.

Experienced professors work with you to design a program which suits your needs. Beyond gaining a comprehensive music background, specialized courses allow you to explore applied vocals or instrumental composition and liturgical music.

In addition, through your practices and studies, you’ll develop important time management and performance skills, gain valuable collaborative skills, and strengthen your communications abilities for listening and interpreting others—applicable to all job requirements.

What courses will I take?

Music Major

Required:
MU 100Seminar0
MU 101Music Theory I3
MU 102Music Theory II3
MU 202Music Theory III3
MU 203Music Theory IV3
MU 257Vocal Techniques ^3
or MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy
MU 322Instrumentation and Arranging3
MU 324Form and Analysis3
MU 332Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period3
MU 333Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present3
Applied Music Lessons 1
Total Hours27
^

 Students with piano as their major concentration are required to take MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy; those with voice as their major concentration are required to take MU 257 Vocal Techniques.

1

Paticipation in applied music is required each semester. 

Music: Music Administration Track

Required:
BC 202Accounting: Information for Decisions4
BK 208Principles Of Marketing3
BN 204Principles Of Management3
BN 304Human Resource Management3
BN 424Management Internship3
CO 102Public Speaking3
MU 101Music Theory I3
MU 102Music Theory II3
MU 332Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period3
MU 333Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present3
Applied Music Lessons 1
Ensemble 1
Choose One of the Following:3
BK 305
Professional Selling
BK 335
Tradeshow and Event Planning
BK 340
Contemporary Topics In Marketing
Choose One of the Following:3
AR 120
Visual Technology
CO 280
Writing For Public Relations
Total Hours37
1

Paticipation in applied music and ensemble is required each semester. Check with music advisor to see which courses meet the ensemble requirement. Examples include: MU 177 Madrigals, MU 170 University Band, and MU 168 Mount Mercy University Choir. 

Music: Liturgical Music Ministry Track

Required:
MU 101Music Theory I3
MU 102Music Theory II3
MU 190Music in Liturgy3
MU 251Conducting3
MU 257Vocal Techniques3
MU 322Instrumentation and Arranging3
RS 114Introduction to Christianity3
RS 176Liturgical Worship3
RS 181Introduction to the Bible3
RS 238Sacraments And Worship3
RS 461Senior Field Instruction0
Select one of the following: 1
MU 145
Piano
MU 155
Voice
Select one of the following: 1
MU 168
Mount Mercy University Choir
MU 174
Liturgical Singers
Select two of the following:
Music Electives (other than MU 189)6
Total Hours36
1

Paticipation in applied music and ensemble is required each semester. 

Academic Requirements for Music Major

Music majors must maintain a 2.60 cumulative average in all music courses and are required to pass a piano proficiency examination in their senior year.

Major in Music-Education

MU 100Seminar0
MU 101Music Theory I3
MU 102Music Theory II3
MU 107Instrumental Music Methods and Materials1
MU 108Instrumental Techniques Brass and Percussion1
MU 109Instrumental Techniques Strings and Woodwinds1
MU 202Music Theory III3
MU 203Music Theory IV3
MU 251Conducting3
MU 257Vocal Techniques3
or MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy
or MU 322 Instrumentation and Arranging
MU 324Form and Analysis3
MU 332Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period3
MU 333Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present3
Plus Education Courses *
Total Hours30
*

 See the Education section for full list of required courses. 

Academic Requirements for Music-Education

Music-Education majors should consult the Education section of this Catalog for GPA requirements. Music-Education majors are required to pass a piano proficiency examination in their senior year.

Music-Education majors must enroll for applied lessons and an ensemble every semester except for the student teaching semester. Students majoring in Music-Education with an instrumental concentration will select MU 322 Instrumentation and Arranging. Students majoring in Music with a piano concentration will select MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy. Students majoring in Music with a vocal concentration will select MU 257 Vocal Techniques.

Students planning to pursue Music-Education should follow the program guidelines within the Education section of this Catalog. Music-Education majors will be assigned an advisor in the education division to ensure that all requirements for certification are met.

Students cannot double major between Music, Music - Education, and Music Administration. 

Music Minor

MU 100Seminar0
MU 101Music Theory I3
MU 102Music Theory II3
MU 202Music Theory III3
MU 203Music Theory IV3
MU 332Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period3
MU 333Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present3
Four semesters of Applied Music
Total Hours18

Courses

MU 100 Seminar: 0 semester hours

A weekly seminar which allows students to gain performing experience and discuss issues related to performance.

MU 101 Music Theory I: 3 semester hours

Fundamentals of notation, rhythm, intervals, simple triads, three and four-part writing including figured bass, sight singing, keyboard harmony, melodic and rhythmic diction. Deficiencies in rudiments must be made up during the first two weeks of the term. Two lectures and two one-hour labs per week. (offered alternate years during the spring semester).

MU 102 Music Theory II: 3 semester hours

Follows MU 101 and includes more advanced writing, sight singing, and chord construction. Harmonic dictation is now included. Two lectures and two one-hour labs per week. Prerequisite: MU 101. (Offered alternate years during the fall semester).

MU 107 Instrumental Music Methods and Materials: 1 semester hour

An introduction to entry level professional competencies necessary to successfully teach, administrate, and develop an instrumental music program.

MU 108 Instrumental Techniques Brass and Percussion: 1 semester hour

An introduction to brass and percussion instrumental techniques intended to enable students to become minimally proficient on a variety of brass and percussion instruments.

MU 109 Instrumental Techniques Strings and Woodwinds: 1 semester hour

An introduction to strings and woodwinds instrumental techniques intended to enable students to become minimally proficient on a variety of string and woodwind instruments.

MU 110 French Horn: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 112 Trombone: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 113 Trumpet: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 114 Tuba: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 115 Euphonium: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 125 Bassoon: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 126 Clarinet: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 127 Flute: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 128 Oboe: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 129 Saxophone: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 131 University Strings: 0 semester hours

Open to all students who play a string instrument; no audition is necessary. This ensemble is dedicated to rehearsing and performing all styles of string repertoire. The strings will perform with other university ensembles and alone, both on and off campus. Every effort will be made to assist students with the acquisition of instruments if the student doesn't own his own instrument.

MU 135 Cello: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 136 Guitar: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 137 Harp: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 138 String Bass: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 139 Viola: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 140 Violin: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 141 University Strings: 1 semester hour

Open to all students who play a string instrument; no audition is necessary. This ensemble is dedicated to rehearsing and performing all styles of string repertoire. The strings will perform with other university ensembles and alone, both on and off campus. Every effort will be made to assist students with the acquisition of instruments if the student doesn't own his own instrument.

MU 145 Piano: 2 semester hours

Applied music lessons.

MU 150 Harpsichord: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 151 Organ: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 155 Voice: 2 semester hours

Applied music lessons.

MU 160 Percussion: 2 semester hours

Applied Music lessons (additional fees may apply).

MU 167 Madrigal Singers: 0 semester hours

A small, select vocal music ensemble that performs music from the Renaissance Period through the 21st century.

MU 168 Mount Mercy University Choir: 0 semester hours

Open to all students. The organization is dedicated to the development of an appreciation of choral music through participation. All styles of choral music are rehearsed, and concerts are presented on and off campus throughout the school year. This is a performing ensemble, and students are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Prerequisite: audition with the director.

MU 169 Mount Mercy Jazz Choir: 0 semester hours

Open to all students. This vocal ensemble specializes in singing jazz arrangements of popular music. Frequently called upon to be Mount Mercy's musical ambassadors, the group performs numerous times at both school and community functions. Prerequisite: audition with the director.

MU 170 University Band: 0 semester hours

Open to all students who play a musical instrument; no audition is necessary. This ensemble is dedicated to rehearsing and performing all styles of band repertoire (seasonal music, pep band, jazz and concert band). The band will perform with other university ensembles and alone, both on and off campus. Every effort will be made to assist students with the acquisition of instruments if the student doesn't own his own instrument.

MU 171 University Show Choir: 0 semester hours

Open to all students by audition. Show Choir is a vocal ensemble that incorporates dance and movement to popular music. Those not selected for ensemble will have the opportunity to contribute in various other roles.

MU 172 Chamber Music: 0 semester hours

Explore Chamber Music repertoire and the musician’s role in a small ensemble. Students develop skills in ensemble playing and rehearsal techniques through the preparation and performance of appropriate chamber repertoire. Open to all university students by audition.

MU 173 Jazz Band: 0 semester hours

Patterned after both contemporary big band and modern jazz groups as well as the large popular groups of the 1930's and 1940's, this instrumental group devotes itself to the performance of the best jazz literature of the past and present. Open to all university students by audition.

MU 174 Liturgical Singers: 0 semester hours

This is a performing ensemble which rehearses and participates in weekly Liturgies and other events as directed by a member of the music faculty or staff.

MU 177 Madrigals: 1 semester hour

A small, select vocal music ensemble that performs music from the Renaissance Period through the 21st century.

MU 178 Mount Mercy University Choir: 1 semester hour

Open to all students. The organization is dedicated to the development of an appreciation of choral music through participation. All styles of choral music are rehearsed, and concerts are presented on and off campus throughout the school year. This is a performing ensemble, and students are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Prerequisite: audition with the director.

MU 179 Mount Mercy Jazz Choir: 1 semester hour

Open to all students. This vocal ensemble specializes in singing jazz arrangements of popular music. Frequently called upon to be Mount Mercy's musical ambassadors, the group performs numerous times at both school and community functions. Prerequisite: audition with the director.

MU 180 University Band: 1 semester hour

Open to all students who play a musical instrument; no audition is necessary. This ensemble is dedicated to rehearsing and performing all styles of band repertoire (seasonal music, pep band, jazz and concert band). The band will perform with other university ensembles and alone, both on and off campus. Every effort will be made to assist students with the acquisition of instruments if the student doesn't own his own instrument.

MU 181 University Show Choir: 1 semester hour

Open to all students by audition. Show Choir is a vocal ensemble that incorporates dance and movement to popular music. Those not selected for ensemble will have the opportunity to contribute in various other roles.

MU 182 Chamber Music: 1 semester hour

Explore Chamber Music repertoire and the musician’s role in a small ensemble. Students develop skills in ensemble playing and rehearsal techniques through the preparation and performance of appropriate chamber repertoire. Open to all university students by audition.

MU 183 Jazz Band: 1 semester hour

Patterned after both contemporary big band and modern jazz groups as well as the large popular groups of the 1930's and 1940's, this instrumental group devotes itself to the performance of the best jazz literature of the past and present. Open to all university students by audition.

MU 184 Liturgical Singers: 1 semester hour

This is a performing ensemble which rehearses and participates in weekly Liturgies and other events as directed by a member of the music faculty or staff.

MU 185 Brass: 0 semester hours

Applied music lessons.

MU 186 Brass: 1 semester hour

Applied music lessons.

MU 187 Brass: 2 semester hours

Applied music lessons.

MU 189 Introduction To Music: 3 semester hours

This course provides a general survey of vocal and instrumental forms, terminology, and style of characteristics of composers from the medieval period to the present. It provides an emphasis is upon the musical experience (listening) and historical significance of Western art music. The course is taught each term with some live performances by faculty and guest artists. This course can be used to satisfy core curriculum requirements.

MU 190 Music in Liturgy: 3 semester hours

This course is a historical survey of music in worship through the ages and a survey of repertoire appropriate for liturgical celebrations.

MU 195 Percussion: 0 semester hours

Applied music lessons.

MU 196 Percussion: 1 semester hour

Applied music lessons.

MU 197 Percussion: 2 semester hours

Applied music lessons.

MU 202 Music Theory III: 3 semester hours

This course is a continuation theory study with chromatic and altered chords. It provides an analysis of compositions and original four-part writing. Keyboard harmony at sight in four parts. Prerequisite: MU 102. (Offered alternate years during the fall semester).

MU 203 Music Theory IV: 3 semester hours

More advanced theory with a study of ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, their origin and application to music of the 19th and 20th centuries. The last part of this course is devoted to original compositions in the 20th century style. Prerequisite: MU 202. (Offered alternate years during the spring semester).

MU 251 Conducting: 3 semester hours

Conducting principles and techniques combined with a study of choral and instrumental literature. Prerequisite: MU 102.

MU 257 Vocal Techniques: 3 semester hours

This course focuses on principles of voice production, the selection of voices by range, and a study of procedures and problems in developing vocal ensembles and the solo singer. Prerequisite: MU 102.

MU 315 Piano Literature And Pedagogy: 3 semester hours

This course provides an examination and analysis of piano literature from 1700 through the late twentieth century along with an investigation of current and historical pedagogical methods. Prerequisites: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in MU 333.

MU 322 Instrumentation and Arranging: 3 semester hours

Class designed to help student gain knowledge of composition and arranging. This class will help students learn to engrave music scores and parts as well as an education in the use of music writing software – all genres of music are employed giving the necessary music writing skills for teaching and performance degree candidates. Prerequisite: MU 203.

MU 324 Form and Analysis: 3 semester hours

Musical Forms [Rondo, Sonata, Fugue, Serial as well as Counterpoint] circa 1400 AD – present will be studied and analyzed. Students will have a complete understanding of differing music forms when class is completed Prerequisite: MU 203.

MU 332 Music History I: Medieval Times to Classical Period: 3 semester hours

This course provides a survey of the development of music from pre-Christian times to the present. MU 332 will be devoted to history of music up to 1750.

MU 333 Music History II: Romantic Period to the Present: 3 semester hours

This course provides a survey of the development of music from pre-Christian times to present. MU 333 will emphasize the literature written since 1750.

MU 445 Music Independent Study: 3 semester hours

Study topic will be negotiated by the student and his/her advisor.

Music at Mount Mercy
Learn more about our ensembles!

Ensembles

We encourage students of all majors to continue to grow your musical skills, gain a personalized experience, and engage your talents through vocal or instrumental ensembles.

University Strings is a gathering of students from diverse majors to perform quality string chamber ensemble and orchestra music representing a diverse set of styles, cultures, and eras. Membership is open to Mount Mercy students and community members interested in receiving a musically rewarding experience in an all-inclusive, welcoming environment.

University Choir

A 50-60 voice ensemble that performs both a wide variety of choral repertoire both on and off campus.

University choir is a non-audition choir open to students from all majors and disciplines, allowing anyone from the student body to participate in choral music making. The University Choir takes an an annual spring break tour that is both a service and a performance tour, visiting locations such as New Orleans, New York, and Denver, Colorado. The ensemble meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.

Jazz Connection

A 12-16 voice auditioned vocal chamber ensemble that gives the opportunity to sing chamber music from all ages and choral music from the jazz repertoire. Chamber/Jazz Singers meets Tuesday & Thursday 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.

Liturgical Singers

Provide music worship at Sunday mass at 8:30 p.m. They meet one hour prior to the service.

Show Choir

A 30-40 voice performance group. All the fun of show choir without the competition pressure! The group performs as a showcase choirs at local show choir competitions and twice a year on campus.

University Band

A 60-member student ensemble that performs a diverse selection of high-quality wind band and chamber wind masterworks representing a variety of styles, genres and time-periods.

Music majors and non-majors are eligible for music scholarships that average over $3,000 per year, with our goal to provide students with a musically rewarding experience in an all-inclusive, welcoming environment while earning a first rate education.

The University Band takes an annual spring break tour that is both a service and a performance tour, visiting regional high school and locations throughout the Midwest.

The ensemble meets on Mondays, 7:00–8:20 p.m., and Wednesdays, 3:30–5:00 p.m.

Jazz Band

Open to all interested students to experience a variety of jazz styles though careful study of quality repertoire, engaging rehearsals, and performances representative of the highest musical standards.

Ensemble rehearsals arranged around student schedules.

Pep Band

Open to all University Band students and performs at 3-4 athletic events each year.

It provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere for members to enjoy being together and to perform a variety of classic and modern pop music along with the MMU Fight Song "Stand for Mercy."

Chamber Music

Available to musicians of similar ability levels interested in a small ensemble experience performance quality chamber music repertoire.

With one on a part, musicians learn the process of preparing music for exacting a performance, without the leadership of a conductor, and collectively develop an interpretation of the work and acquire the interpersonal skills necessary for a musician to function in a small group.

Ensemble rehearsals arranged around student schedules.

For choir inquiries, please contact Kent Keating | kkeating@mtmercy.edu

For band inquiries, please contact Jack Frank | jfrank@mtmercy.edu

For strings inquiries, please contact Joshua Reznicow | jreznicow@mtmercy.edu

For all other inquiries, please contact Gerald Kreitzer | gkreitzer@mtmercy.edu

What are the next steps?

Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.

We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.

Learn more about:

We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.

  1. Create your application

  2. Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"

  3. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:

  Mount Mercy University Admissions
  1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
  Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.

Careers in music

On the Hill, it’s easier to reach for the stars.

A Bachelor of Arts in music leads to a variety of careers. Graduates in music have also embarked on careers in arts management, in non-profit organizations and as entrepreneurs. Some popular career choices include:

  • Accompanist
  • Arranger
  • Audio producer/production
  • Band director
  • Clinician
  • Choral director
  • Composer
  • Dancer
  • Educator
  • Instrumental instructor
  • Lyricist
  • Music store owner, manager or salesperson
  • Music therapist
  • Performer
  • Recording artist
  • Sound design
  • Talent scout or agent
  • Vocal coaching
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