Music Studies Course Descriptions

Students learn multiple systems of pitch organization and harmony-the blues system, Hindustani ragas, diatonic harmony, jazz harmony, atonal set theory, and more-and explore expanded possibilities in musical expression. Students practice with staff notation, chord charts, and a DAW. Contact instructor for a placement test. Prer., MUS 1005 or instructor approval.

Designed for students who have little or no musical background and few or no piano skills. Students will learn the fundamentals of piano playing, as well as the basics of music notation, theory and musicianship. Students will also be exposed to a performance environment, and work to develop strong practice habits.

Students will learn musical traditions from a range of cultures from around the world. This ensemble is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists.

Private instrument and voice instruction - for all instruments and voice types - open to all students regardless of musical background. Twelve 45-minute lessons (or the equivalent) are offered with the meeting time and place to be arranged with the instructor. Lessons will cover technique, interpretation and musical style. Students are required to attend music program seminars held the first Friday of each month and must perform before a jury at the end of the semester.

Examines the history of Jazz music and culture. Starting with the mid-1800s, this class explores the influences and developments of this American art form throughout the twentieth century. Learn about the main contributors, developing musical styles, and how Jazz engaged with social and political issues throughout the course of history. Approved for LAS Humanities area and Cultural Diversity requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures. GT-AH1.

This introductory level history and music appreciation course will survey the major musical, social and economic trends in Rock and Roll music from its roots in the popular music of the late 1800’s to the present. Students will sharpen their musical analysis skills through listening and active participation. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.

Students will explore the history of computer music, including its development, methods, techniques, and applications. Students will then learn a variety of present day widely used software and complete a project of computer music creation which will result in a demonstration/performance. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.

An introduction to the Balinese Gamelan Gong Kebyar orchestral tradition. Students will develop skills and techniques, study music history, and learn pieces from the Gamelan Gong Kebyar repertory. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.

Ensemble will study, rehearse and perform from a wide range of vocal music traditions including folk and ethnic, western classical, gospel, jazz and 20th century experimental avant-garde. It will encompass music that is from composed, oral and improvised music traditions.

Students expand their compositional toolkits to apply to creative projects in their chosen musical styles and mediums. As a community, the class engages in listening, discussion, guest demos, and workshopping. Assignments include guided compositions and student-designed projects. Students may work in any style and are encouraged to explore new areas. Prer., MUS 2010 or consent of instructor.

Private instrument and voice instruction, for all instruments and voice types. Open to all students regardless of major. Ten instructional hours per semester are offered with the meeting time and place to be arranged with the instructor. Lessons will cover more advanced issues of technique, interpretation, and musical style. Prer., MUS 1600 or instructor permission.

Selected topics within European art music, including formal and stylistic developments from Antiquity through the late Baroque/early Classical transition. Development of critical thinking and writing skills by comparing cultural artistic aesthetics within various musical traditions, as well as research methodologies. Approved for LAS Humanities area requirement. Prer., MUS 1010 or instructor approval.

A foundation course that provides an introduction to sound and audio recording principles and techniques. Students will gain an understanding of sound control, room acoustics, microphone, mixing, set-up, recording systems, vocal and instrument recording, and audio and music post-production.

This course investigates the representation, perception, and organization of time across various musical cultures including flamenco, hip hop, Afro-Cuban, gamelan, jazz, and classical. From micro-timings and groove to song structure and sonata form, students explore many levels of temporal experience. Prer., MUS 2010 or instructor approval.

An introduction to the music of various non-western cultures, including those of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Examines relationships between music and culture, based on interpretation and critical analysis through readings, recordings, and film. Beginning fieldwork projects. Approved for LAS Global Awareness requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures. Prer., MUS 1010 or instructor approval.

This is a cross-disciplinary course bridging creative sound art and music practices with geography, naturalism, and environmentalism through the exploration of local geographies, landscapes, and the natural world. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Navigate. Meets with GES 3410.

A continuation of MUS 2500, students continue to expand their compositional techniques while also leading some listening-analysis discussions on musical styles of their choice. Assignments include guided compositions and larger student-designed projects. Students may work in any style and are encouraged to challenge their musical habits. Prer., MUS 2500 or consent of instructor.

The Creative Music Ensemble will rehearse and perform repertoire from a range of contemporary music and participate in an in-depth study and analysis of scores and extended musical notation. In addition, students will rehearse and perform student compositions.

MUS 4600 should be taken in the senior year, and students should be concurrently enrolled in MUS 4980 Music Capstone. The main requirement is for the student to work with the private instructor to develop, rehearse, and prepare the senior recital. This work will overlap somewhat with the Capstone course as the senior Thesis will be required to address senior recital material: repertoire, creative work, compositions/sound designs. Ten instructional hours per semester are offered with the meeting time and place to be arranged with the instructor. Prer., MUS 3600 or instructor permission.

This is a cross-disciplinary course bridging creative sound art and music practices with naturalism and environmentalism by exploring the sonic environments of local/regional geographies. Students will learn high-level music technology applications for field recording, soundscape creation, geography, geotechnology, and music performance practices. Meets with MUS 3410 and GES 3410.