Music

Music reading including treble and bass clefs, rhythms, accidentals, notation procedures, time signatures, intervals, triads, scales, basic chord structures, and basic aural skills. This course is designed for students who do not intend to take music theory beyond this class.

Fundamentals of music including simple and compound time signatures, key signatures, scales, intervals, triads, and common foreign language terms. Tonal harmony and basic part writing, non-harmonic tones, common chord modulation, and secondary dominant chords.

Elementary ear training with emphasis on group and individual sight singing, aural recognition and performance of rhythms and melodies, recognition of harmonic progressions, and basic keyboard facility. Two hours per week. A grade of C or better is required for a music major.

This course will examine the significance of multiple aspects of The Beatles, including but not limited to their music and social impact.  Of particular importance will be a look at how the band and their music interacted with movements such as “Beatlemania,” 60s drug culture, psychedelia, advances in recording technology, and the evolution of their musical contemporaries.  Open to all students. May be taken for credit toward the Film and Media Studies major or minor.

This course will provide students an interactive forum to explore the world of song craftsmanship, form and structure, lyric development, and creativity.  Students will study what it takes to write a successful song by analyzing and evaluating the works of artists from today and the past.  Side by side with this process, students will “model” their songs on various selected styles or procedures.  Basic singing ability is a plus, but not required.  Open to all students.

A liberal arts approach to music through a study of its function in society as well as studying differing styles of music. Music from a wide variety of eras and Western countries is presented through recordings and other media. No music reading ability is necessary as a basis for this course. Open to all students.

Jazz appreciation and jazz history in a comprehensive study of the sources, style periods, important performers and recordings of jazz from its origins to the present. Open to all students.

This ensemble trains students in the rudiments of jazz ensemble performance, including improvisation. One 100-minute rehearsal per week. At least one performance per semester. Credits in this course are classified as Activity credits, which are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits.

Designed for students wishing to begin studies (or having very minimal experience) in applied music.  Open to all students. Applied Music comprises approximately 12-13 one-half hour classes per week for the duration of the semester. Students are assigned to the appropriate instructor. All students registered in Applied Music are required to attend eight approved musical performances per semester and accomplish any necessary associated work. A final assessment will take place. Some Applied Music Instructors may also require studio classes periodically through the semester. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

See course schedule for any current offerings.

A concert organization devoted to the study of orchestral music of all periods. One or more formal concerts presented each semester. Open to all instrumentalists by audition. Credits in this course are classified as Activity credits, which are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

Borrowed chords, the Neapolitan chord, augmented sixth chords, other chromatic harmony, and 20th century composition techniques.

Intermediate ear training with emphasis on group and individual sight singing, aural recognition and performance of rhythms and melodies, recognition of harmonic progressions, and keyboard facility. A continuation of Music 127 adding chromatic melody and harmony. Two hours per week. This course may not be taken P-D-F. A grade of C or better is required for a music major.

A concert organization performing the entire range of wind ensemble repertoire. Open to all students by audition during the first week of classes. Credits in this course are classified as Activity credits, which are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

Choral music that bridges a broad array of musical traditions over eight centuries. This ensemble performs works by composers within the classical canon and by composers historically underrepresented on choral concert programs. No audition necessary; please arrange an appointment with the instructor for voice part placement at the beginning of the semester. Credits in this course are classified as Activity credits, which are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

Specific ensembles may vary each semester. Credits in this course are classified as Activity credits, which are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. See course schedule for any current offerings.

This course enables pianists to learn the art of collaboration with soloists and small chamber ensembles. It is the required ensemble for pianists on applied lesson scholarships and for pianists who are music majors (standard or performance track). Open to all students by audition and consent of instructor. Credits in this course are classified as Activity credits, which are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

Fundamentals of jazz harmony, techniques of improvisation, composing, and arranging in the jazz idiom. Among the projects assigned during the semester are the transcription of a famous jazz solo and an original composition. A test in basic jazz chord voicings is part of the final exam. Offered in alternate years.

A select jazz ensemble of 17-20 pieces. This group performs challenging material in the big band idiom. Jazz Ensemble I will perform one formal on-campus concert and several additional off-campus performances each semester. Open to all students by audition during the first week of classes. Credits in this course are classified as Activity credits, which are excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. One credit for each half-hour lesson per week. Students assigned to instructors based on previous study. Lessons graded as any other academic course. All students registering in Applied Music required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

Studio Performance Class is a lab that supports Applied Music (Music 163/164 – 463/464) and provides performing opportunities to our music students in a masterclass atmosphere.

This course is designed to offer students a broad introduction to and understanding of the technologies surrounding music and its production in today's environment.  Students will engage with topics including recording audio, MIDI, digital audio workstations, sampling, signal processing, non-linear editing, and music production in a project-based manner.  Through discussions, listening assignments, and written texts, students will explore the aesthetic and cultural implications of the ways that music and technology intersect in the rapidly changing music landscape.  Students will complete a supervised project in the area of their interest.  No previous experience is required.  May be taken for credit toward the Film & Media Studies major or minor.

Traces the history, styles, and literature of music from the Medieval through the Baroque periods. Extensive listening assignments, reading assignments, listening exams, and written exams. Students must be able to read music.

Traces the history, styles, and literature of music from the Classic through the Romantic periods. Extensive listening assignments, reading assignments, listening exams, and written exams. Students must be able to read music.

Traces the history, styles, and literature of music from 1900-present. Extensive listening assignments, reading assignments, listening exams, and written exams.

See course schedule for any current offerings.

This course explores the ways in which Islam has been conceived, represented, and contested through sound. How does hearing or saying affect the practice of religion? What makes a particular sound religious, with regard to either its production or its experience? Topics will include the call to prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, the “problem” of music in Islam, and genres of Islamic music from a wide range of historical and cultural contexts (such as ghazals--love poems set as songs --and Islamic rap, for example), sermons, and other audio artifacts. The course will draw on both reading and listening assignments. May be taken for credit toward the Film and Media Studies major or minor or the South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies major. May be elected as Religion 310.

Study of musical forms including sonata, fugue, theme and variations, binary, ternary, and song forms, among others. Includes key-area and harmonic analysis.  Students who have taken Music 440 may not enroll in Music 326.

Classical music has maintained relevance in popular culture partly through its use in mainstream film. After a brief exploration of the history of music in film, this course will explore the ways in which expressive content of preexisting art music has been recontextualized and even redefined through its use in film. No previous musical experience (such as the ability to read or play music) is required. Open to all students. Offered in alternate years.

The lives and music of selected female classical music composers from the medieval era through the 21st century. Offered in alternate years. Students must be able to read music.

An in-depth examination of the major style periods and artists in jazz. This course explores the musical elements of harmony, form, improvisation, rhythm, and others to contextualize jazz as an ever-evolving art form against the backdrop of Western culture. Emphasis is placed on the repertoire through extensive listening assignments. Written tests will emphasize listening identification.

A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. One credit for each half-hour lesson per week. Students assigned to instructors based on previous study. Lessons graded as any other academic course. All students registering in Applied Music required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

This course will continue the study of topics in music technology, with an emphasis on advanced exploration of recording and mixing techniques, synthesis, sampling, and new technologies in music.  Additionally, this course includes an introduction to audio and music perception and cognition as well as an introduction to programming in Max/MSP. Coursework is largely project based, with the opportunity for students to work in a sustained manner on their topics of interest.  The course includes further discussion of the intersection of music and technology, and how this intersection is reflected in the music we interact with on a daily basis.  Critical listening, as well as reading and writing, will be a component of the course.  May be taken as credit toward the Film & Media Studies major or minor. May be repeated once for credit.

We’re surrounded by recorded music nearly all the time, but what goes into making the recordings of these songs? From George Martin to Timbaland to Sylvia Massy, music producers working behind the scenes have shaped music in profound ways. By embarking on an in-depth study of the art of music production we will explore how this once-technical endeavor has grown into a full-fledged art form unto itself, intersecting with musicianship, psychology, and sociology. This course will study the context, process, and aesthetics of recorded music production, analyzing music productions through listening, reading, and creating, focusing on the conscious choices made during the production process that make up the songs we love. Students will embark on sustained creative projects, making their own music productions alongside their studies. May be taken for credit toward the Film & Media Studies major or minor.

Senior standard track music majors must perform a senior recital that is at least thirty minutes in length. This course substitutes for applied lessons 363/364 during the semester in which the senior recital is performed. Students will receive a one-hour weekly lesson. Honors standard track students should register for 375/376 instead. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

Senior standard track music majors who apply for honors must perform a senior recital that is at least thirty minutes in length. Music 375/376 substitutes for applied lessons 363/364 during the semester in which the senior honors recital is performed. Students will receive a one-hour weekly lesson. The honors recital must be graded a minimum of A- for the student to be eligible for honors and the subsequent interrogative oral examination must be passed with distinction. Students who take Music 375/376 may not register for 373/374 or 497. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

Directed reading, research, composing, arranging, preparation of a critical paper, composition or project on a topic suggested by the student. The student must submit a detailed proposal to the music faculty in the semester preceding the anticipated study. The student is responsible for any extra expenses incurred in completing the project.

See course schedule for any current offerings.

A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. Open to advanced students by consent of music faculty. One credit for each half-hour lesson per week. Lessons are graded as any other academic course. All students registered in Applied Music will be required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

Senior performance track and jazz track music majors must perform a senior recital that is at least sixty minutes in length.. Students will receive a one-hour weekly lesson. Performance track and jazz track students may also register for one credit of 463/464 the same semester in which the recital is given if the primary teacher finds that additional preparation and rehearsal is necessary. Honors performance track and jazz track students should register for 475/476 instead. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

Senior performance track and jazz track music majors who apply for honors must perform a senior recital that is at least one hour in length. Performance track and jazz track students may also register for one credit of 463/464 the same semester in which the recital is given if the primary teacher finds that additional preparation and rehearsal is necessary.  Students will receive a one-hour weekly lesson. The honors recital must be graded a minimum of A- for the student to be eligible for honors and the subsequent interrogative oral examination must be passed with distinction. Students who take Music 475/476 may not register for Music 473/474 or 498. P-D-F not allowed. Credits in this course are classified as Academic credits, which are subject to the 18-credit enrollment limit.

Private lessons in music composition and related skills. Students will compose throughout the semester and prepare a final project. Students will be expected to prepare parts and supervise rehearsals and a performance of this work at a student recital. Lessons may take place online and in person.  With consent, this course may be repeated.

Designed to assist with the preparation of a written thesis for history and theory track majors; the portfolio and performance project for the composition track majors; and the abbreviated thesis for the standard track majors. Standard track students should also register for 373/374. Performance and jazz track students should register for 473/474 instead of 497.

Designed to assist honors students with the preparation of a written thesis for history and theory track majors; the portfolio and performance project for the composition track majors; and the abbreviated thesis for the standard track. Standard track students should also register for 375 or 376. Performance and jazz track students should register for 475 or 476 instead.