Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Music

Contact Info
ChairSecretaryLocationDepartment Phone
Dr. Christopher ScottDevonne Delach225 Swope Music Hall724-738-2063

Department Web Site URL

Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Susan Hadley

Faculty

John Anthony
Instructor
Music
M.M., Youngstown State University
B.S., Slippery Rock University

Amy Baker
Instructor
Music
M.M., Eastern Kentucky University
B.M., Cleveland Institute of Music

Cindy Candelaria-Pieve
Assistant Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Cincinnati College
M.A., CUNY Hunter College
B.A., University of Puerto Rico

Nicole Cochran
Instructor
Music
M.M., Westminster Choir College
B.M., Juilliard School

Gabriel Colby
Instructor
Music
M.M., Carnegie Mellon University
G.P.D., Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University
B.M., Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

Cassandra Eisenreich
Associate Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Miami
M.M., University of Miami
B.S., Slippery Rock University of PA

Justin Gingrich
Instructor
Music

David Glover
Associate Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Texas (Austin)
M.M.E., Florida State University
M.M., Florida State University
B.M., University of North Florida

Susan Hadley
Professor
Music
Ph.D., Temple University
Dip. Ed., University of Western Australia
M.M.T., Temple University
B.M., University of Melbourne (Australia)

Nicole Hahna
Associate Professor
Music
Ph.D., Lesley University
M.Ed., Slippery Rock University
M.S., Radford University
B.M., Appalachian State University

Jonathan Helmick
Associate Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Southern Mississippi
M.M., University of Akron
B.A., University of Akron
B.M., University of Akron

Micah Holt
Instructor
Music
D.M.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
M.M., University of Louisville
B.A., University of Northern Colorado

Yoona Jeong
Assistant Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Texas
M.M., Baylor University
M.M., University of Southern California
B.M., Seoul National University

Heather Johnson
Instructor
Music
M.M., Dana School of Music at YSU
M.M., SUNY at Stony Brook
B.M., The Curtis Institute of Music

Jason Kush
Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Miami
M.M., University of Miami
B.S., Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Timothy Little
Assistant Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Washington
M.M., Louisiana State University
B.M., Shenandoah Conservatory of Music

Kathleen Melago
Professor
Music
D.M.A., Ohio State University
M.A., Eastern Illinois University
M.A., Loras College
M.M., University of Northern Iowa
B.S., Slippery Rock University

Vern Miller
Assistant Professor
Music
M.M.T., Temple University
B.M., Slippery Rock University

Amanda Morrison
Instructor
Music
D.M., Florida State University
M.M., Florida State University
B.M., Duquesne University

Fred Perkins
Instructor
Music
M.M.T., Slippery Rock University
B.M., Appalachian State University

Paige Riggs
Instructor
Music
D.M.A., SUNY at Stony Brook
M.M., Indiana University
B.M., Eastman School of Music

Renate Sakins
Instructor
Music
B.M., Temple University
B.S., University of Wisconsin

Lincoln Sandham
Instructor
Music
D.M., Florida State University
M.M., University of Louisville
B.M., Baldwin Wallace University

Christopher Scott
Associate Professor
Music
D.M.A., University of Cincinnati
M.M., University of Cincinnati
B.A., Augustana College

Brian Stahurski
Instructor
Music
M.M., Duquesne University
B.A., Duquesne University

Glenn Utsch
Assistant Professor
Music
Ed.D., Teachers College Columbia University
M.M.Ed., Teachers College Columbia University
M.M., Manhattan School of Music
B.M., West Chester University

Philip VanOuse
Instructor
Music
M.M., Carnegie Mellon University
B.M., University of Cincinnati

Timothi Williams
Instructor
Music
M.M., Penn State University
B.M., West Liberty University

Courses

MUSI 518 -  Marching Pride  

The Marching Pride performs during the half time at football games, both home and away, and for other special events. Much of its music is specially arranged. Open to all students. Six hours a week rehearsal during the football season. One to six credits for every semester of satisfactory participation is granted for this music performance group. The course may be repeated up to 6 times. Additional repeats are possible with a waiver from the department chairperson. The ensemble is also available without credit.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 556 -  Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) in the Choral Arts  

This course will explore current research and practices of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) in the choral arts. Through detailed analysis of relevant case studies, students will immerse themselves in simulated and situated learning experiences that develop a teaching/conducting pedagogy centered in cultural responsiveness. Students will deepen their understanding and application of personal practice knowledge (PPK), relevant curriculum building, and empathy/social agency that is congruent with the communication and learning styles of ethnically, culturally, and artistically diverse students.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Summer Terms

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 557 -  Music Education for Diverse Learners  

This course provides an introduction to music education approaches and instructional foundations as well as the application of historical and instructional foundations of music with diverse learners. Major topics and developments in the field of special education, important terminology, curricular issues, and diversity, equity, and inclusion are explored. Students will learn about the characteristics of students with specific needs, the educational effects of these needs, appropriate adaptations, as well as music education approaches with diverse learners. Graduate students will analyze research applicable to music education for the diverse learner and apply it to the music education setting.

Credits: 3

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 590 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 592 -  Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble  

The SRU Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble is comprised of tuba and euphonium players who rehearse and perform a variety of music written for tuba-euphonium ensemble. This is open to all students regardless of major or area of emphasis. One to two credits for every semester of satisfactory participation is granted for this music performance group. The course may be repeated up to 10 times. Additional repeats are possible with a waiver from the department chairperson. The ensemble is also available without credit.

Credits: 1-2

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 595 -  Workshop  

Special topics of interest to graduates, upper level undergraduates and selected community members. A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Post Baccalaureate level students.

MUSI 598 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Post Baccalaureate or Undergraduate level students.

MUSI 602 -  Teaching General Music Through Distance Education  

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach general music through distance or cyber education.

Prerequisites: PE 502C and PE 503C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 603 -  Teaching Music Performance Through Distance Education  

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach music performance through distance or cyber education.

Prerequisites: PE 502C and PE 503C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 604 -  Reading Music Therapy Research  

This course focuses on how to read, understand and critique music therapy research, based on an introduction to the principles and theories of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods paradigms.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Even

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 605 -  Designing Music Therapy Research  

This course is an in-depth study of various quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research designs in music therapy. Students learn to conceive, design and write a research study in Music Therapy.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Odd

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 606 -  Clinical Assessment: Principles, Procedures, and Tools  

This course provides an overview of the basic principles, procedures, and tools of assessment used by music therapists and allied health professionals in clinical work. Students will learn to select, administer, and interpret various forms of formal and informal assessment methods, as well as design their own assessment tool. Students will learn how to integrate the findings of different assessments and communicate the results through oral or written reports.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Odd

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 607 -  Cultural and Social Foundations of Music Therapy  

Based on principles of multicultural counseling theory, this course is founded on the premise that because both the client and therapist bring to the therapeutic setting a variety of cultural and social variables, such as age, gender, sexual orientation, education, disability, religion, race, ethnic background, and socioeconomic status, it follows that all therapeutic encounters are cross-cultural encounters. This course requires an openness to in-depth critical self-reflection. Music of diverse cultures will also be explored through readings, analytical listening, experiential activities, and focused musical skill acquisition.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Even

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 608 -  Theories of Supervision in Music Therapy  

This course will explore various theories, concepts and styles of music therapy supervision. Issues related to teaching as well as clinical and academic supervision will be surveyed. Also covered are models of supervision for pre-professional and professional clinical work. Furthermore, this course is designed to maximize the effectiveness of the use of self in the therapeutic process. It is based on the concept that it is through our own humanity that we are better able to understand and empathize with our clients, and to relate to and connect with our clients, no matter how different they are from us.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Odd

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 610 -  Ethical and Professional Issues in MT and Related Fields  

This course focuses on ethical issues in clinical music therapy practice, education of clinical practitioners, clinical supervision, and clinical research. Topics include professional ethics in music therapy and related fields, professional roles and responsibilities, areas and levels of practice, self-care, technology, standards of practice, the history and development of professional organizations in music therapy and related fields, credentialing, licensure, private practice, funding and reimbursement, and crisis management.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Even

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 611 -  Social Justice Approaches to Music Therapy  

Social Justice approaches to music therapy are based on the idea that not all individuals or groups in society are given fair treatment and an equal share of benefits, resources and opportunities. It explores social inequities arising from a lack of tolerance for differences and resulting in biases, discrimination, unfair treatment and violence. Social justice music therapy approaches addresses social problems and promotes change through advocacy for individuals, families and communities. We will explore feminist, critical race theory, disability studies and anti-oppressive practice approaches to music therapy.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Even

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 612 -  Medical Music Therapy  

This course represents current research and clinical applications in the practice of medical music therapy with people of all ages from premature infants to older adults. Students will learn how to apply receptive, recreative, compositional and improvisational music therapy techniques to meet the physical as well as emotional, social, cognitive and/or spiritual needs of a diverse range of clients.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Even

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 613 -  Music Psychotherapy  

This course covers a variety of approaches to addressing the emotional and behavioral needs relating to a person's mental well-being, their ability to function in everyday life and their concept of self. It covers psychodynamic approaches to music therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, as well as approaches that center on the empowering capacity of music therapy, approaches in stream with empowerment philosophy and positive psychology that acknowledge and nurture a person's strengths and resources in the music therapy process such as resource-oriented music therapy and narrative therapy.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Odd

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 614 -  Systems Thinking in Music Therapy  

This course is based on the premise that human beings make sense of the world based on their own development within the context of human systems (individual human systems, family systems, community systems). The course explores the theoretical and historical foundations of systems theory, field theory, quantum theory, and Gestalt theory. We will examine the application of systems thinking in Family Music Therapy, Community Music Therapy, and Kenny's Field of Play.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Odd

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 618 -  Marching Pride  

The Marching Pride performs during the half time at football games, both home and away, and for other special events. Much of its music is specially arranged. Open to all students. Six hours a week rehearsal during the football season. One to six credits for every semester of satisfactory participation is granted for this music performance group. The course may be repeated up to 6 times. Additional repeats are possible with a waiver from the department chairperson. The ensemble is also available without credit.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 650 -  Final Project  

This course requires approval of the program director. This course is an alternative to the thesis. This course allows for the development of a music therapy program in a community facility or other project in lieu of a thesis. Students complete a master's degree final project under faculty supervision.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Every Term

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 656 -  Social Emotional Learning in Music Education  

This course will explore the unique position of music education in addressing the social emotional learning competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Music, by its very nature, is both social and emotional. In this course, you will learn how to integrate the SEL competencies into music education to create an environment where great teaching enriches the lives of students through the fostering of their SEL skills right alongside their musical development.

Credits: 3

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 657 -  Popular Music Pedagogy  

The purpose of this course is to develop student achievement through the exploration of a modern band ensemble. The course will introduce the skills necessary to perform on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, keyboard, drums, vocals, and technology. With an emphasis on the music styles of the last 50 years, many of these will be discussed, demonstrated, and performed by the students. The course will also foster peer-to-peer development in the band setting while encouraging each band to perform cohesively as a single unit. Students in Popular Music Pedagogy will also be introduced to the art of composition and improvisation.

Credits: 3

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 658 -  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Wind Band Literature  

This course will focus on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the wind band profession, particularly related to wind band repertoire and equitable programming practices. In this course, students will engage with first-hand accounts from underrepresented communities in the wind band profession contextualized against a brief history of the wind band and its repertoire. Students will identify and analyze historical systems and structures influencing repertoire development. Diverse works by diverse composers at a variety of grade levels will be studied as well as resources to immediately implement equitable programming practices in the classroom today.

Credits: 3

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 690 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 692 -  Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble  

The SRU Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble is comprised of tuba and euphonium players who rehearse and perform a variety of music written for tuba-euphonium ensemble. This is open to all students regardless of major or area of emphasis. One to two credits for every semester of satisfactory participation is granted for this music performance group. The course may be repeated up to 10 times. Additional repeats are possible with a waiver from the department chairperson. The ensemble is also available without credit.

Credits: 1-2

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 695 -  Workshop  

Special topics of interest to graduates, upper level undergraduates and selected community members. A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 698 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 700 -  Independent Study  

This course will provide students the opportunity to explore a course of study independently. For example, a student may develop a musical skill relevant for their work in music therapy. Approval is granted only after the student has presented a detailed description of the intended independent study project. Approval is granted only for students whose clinical, musical and/or academic record provides support for the benefits of this type of study. This course is repeatable for credit provided that the course of study differs substantially each time.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 705 -  Advanced Music Therapy Practicum  

Students will complete 100 hours of supervised advanced clinical work. Translating theory into professional practice is a central focus. Students meet regularly for individual supervision with their on-site and university supervisor, and receive online group supervision with their university supervisor. This course also focuses on developing appropriate assessment, treatment and evaluation methods for the context and the writing and analysis of a case study derived from the student's clinical experiences. Notes: Students require approval by MMT program director based on consideration of student's completed coursework, previous experience and demonstrated readiness to undertake responsibilities involved in the practicum. Proof of liability insurance and appropriate clearances are required.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring & Summer Terms

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 750 -  Advanced Music Therapy Internship  

Students will complete 600 hours of supervised advanced clinical work beyond the completion of undergraduate/equivalency requirements. Students will utilize advanced musical, verbal and written skills with clients they serve. Weekly group supervision will be provided by graduate music therapy faculty via online methods and phone conferencing. Prerequisites & Notes: Prerequisite MUSI 705, Advanced Music Therapy Practicum. Approval by MMT program director based on consideration of student's completed coursework, previous experience and demonstrated readiness to undertake responsibilities involved in the practicum. Proof of liability insurance and appropriate clearances are required.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 790 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.

MUSI 795 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 798 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

MUSI 800 -  Final Thesis  

This course requires approval of the program director. An individual research study in which the student presents an original research idea, surveys the literature, formulates a specific research problem, designs the research, completes the research and submits a comprehensive written report. Students complete the master's degree research project under faculty supervision.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Every Term

Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Music Therapy.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.