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Course Descriptions

PSM 101 (3 credit hours)

Course ID:005552
Bluegrass & Traditional Music History I: Geographic Influence & Instrumental Origin

Provides an overview of traditional instruments and their geographic and cultural origins as they relate to the foundation of bluegrass and traditional music genres. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

PSM 105 (1 credit hour)

Recording I

Introduces recording and sound reproduction history, terminology, equipment, and practical session experience.

Lab: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 107 (1 credit hour)

Course ID: 005529

Songwriting I

Introduces the process of creating original melodies and lyrics under the direction of a professional songwriter.

Lab: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 112 (1 credit hour)

Course ID: 005554

Individual Stringed Instrument Instruction

Provides an individual stringed instrument study course under the guidance of an experienced professional instructor. Designed to teach performance techniques in a flexible structure. May be repeated with different subtitle for a maximum of 4 credits.

PSM 113 (1 credit hour)

Course ID: 005556

Guitar I

Teaches basic fundamentals of bluegrass and traditional chords, rhythm and simple flat-picking lead along with standard tuning and set-up tips.

Prerequisite: MUS 174 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 114 (2 credit hours)

Course ID:strong> 005555

Bluegrass & Traditional Band/Ensemble
Pairs two or more instrumentalists in a group/ensemble setting, in order to explore the components and structure of a band under the guidance of a professional band leader. May be repeated with different subtitle for a maximum of 8 credits.

Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 117 (1 credit hour)

Course ID: 005559

Songwriting II

Provides guidance through the process of creating and refining original melodies and lyrics under the direction of a professional songwriter, emphasizing different techniques while overcoming barriers. Prerequisite: PSM 108 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 118 (2 credit hours)

Course ID: 005528

Bluegrass & Traditional Harmony/Part Singing

Introduces basic bluegrass and traditional harmony/part singing and theory using ear training, number notation and basic chords.

Prerequisite: MUS 174 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 121 (3 credit hours)

Course ID: 005557

Bluegrass & Traditional Music History II: Evolution of Old Time, Folk and Early Bluegrass

Provides an in-depth study of old time, folk and early bluegrass music genres and their components, exploring connections between radio, labor conflict, war and early professional musicians.

Prerequisite: PSM 101 or Consent of Instructor.

Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).
Components: Lecture

PSM 125 (1 credit hour)

Course ID: 005558

Recording II

Provides practical studio and set-up training for recording sessions utilizing software and computers.

Prerequisite: PSM 105 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 217 (2 credit hours)

Course ID: 005562

Songwriting III

Provides guidance through the process of creating and refining original melodies, lyrics and music under he direction of a professional songwriter, emphasizing writing for specific media and multi-writer collaboration.

Prerequisite: PSM 128 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 227 (2 credit hours)

Songwriting IV

Provides guidance through the process of creating an effective demo and marketing original songs under the direction of a professional songwriter, emphasizing the completed demo project.

Prerequisite: PSM 238 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 231 (3 credit hours)

Course ID: 005560

Bluegrass & Traditional Music History III: Early Stringband & Country Music

Provides an in-depth study of early string band, country music and promotion pioneers, focusing on the role of early radio and barn dances.

Prerequisite: PSM 121 or Consent of Instructor.

Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).
Components: Lecture

PSM 235 (2 credit hours)

Course ID: 005561

Recording III

Provides an in-depth study of computer and Pro Tools software, recording techniques and applications.

Prerequisite: PSM 125 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 241 (3 elective credit hours)

Bluegrass & Traditional Music History IV: The Masters & Their Music

Provides a comprehensive study of the music and careers of the iconic figures in bluegrass & traditional music from 1936 to present. Requires listening to recordings, reading the primary text, and reading suggested articles from industry periodicals.

Prerequisite: PSM 231.

Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).
Components: Lecture

PSM 245 (2 credit hours)

Course ID: 005061

Recording IV

Provides an advanced and complex study of recording, mixing and editing software session data to finished products.

Prerequisite: PSM 235 or Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory

PSM 250 (3 credit hours)

Instructor Consent Required

Field Experience/Production/Business

Designed to give a wide variety of practical, hands-on work experience in the bluegrass and traditional music field. (Companion course to PSA 240).

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).
Lab: 1.0 credits (15 contact hours).
Components: Laboratory, Lecture