Department of Music
- Faculty
- General Information
- Degree Requirements for the Major in Music
- Departmental Programs in Composition, Music Technology, History, Theory, Conducting, Performance
- Courses for Nonmajors
- Courses for Majors and Minors Composition & Music Technology
- Music History and Literature
- Music Theory
- Performance Classes
- Performance Study
- Performing Ensembles
- Additional Course Areas
Faculty
Professor Emeritus
Joel A. Chadabe, M.M.
Yale University
ProfessorDavid M. Janower, D.M.
Indiana UniversityJames R. Morris, D.M.A.
University of Southern California
Associate Professor EmeritusIrvin E. Gilman, M.M.
Manhattan School of Music
Associate ProfessorsR. Findlay Cockrell, M.S. (Collins Fellow)
Juilliard School of MusicK. Drew Hartzell, Jr., Ph.D.
University of RochesterReed J. Hoyt, Ph.D.
University of PennsylvaniaMax Lifchitz, M.M.
Harvard UniversityKirk E. Smith, M.A.
University of Denver
Adjuncts (estimated): 12
The major undergraduate programs offered by the Music Department provide students with the fundamental knowledge and technical capabilities necessary for the pursuit of graduate studies or professional activities. These programs, as well as the minor and the many possibilities for a double major, are also components of a liberal arts education and in that context provide preparation for a variety of careers.Course offerings include a variety of introductory and advanced lectures and lab courses in composition, history and literature, theory, and performance. Seminars, independent study, and internships are also available for majors. Students intending to pursue graduate study in musicology or theory are urged to enroll in foreign language study.
Opportunities for participation in various performance ensembles are provided for majors and nonmajors. Individualized performance instruction for students not in the Departmental Programs may be available by consent of the instructor and the department chair. The department sponsors concerts by its ensembles, faculty, students, and guest artists each semester.
The facilities include housing for musical instruments, practice rooms, a department library and listening room, an electronic music studio and three concert halls.
Degree Requirements for the Major in Music
All majors take the following core courses (24 credits): 16 credits in the theory sequence (A Mus 140, 141, 142, 143, 240, 242); 6 credits in music history (A Mus 230L & 231L) and 2 credits (2 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, 287, or 289 [as appropriate]). All students registered for A Mus 140 and 141 must: 1) be able to read music and 2) satisfactorily pass a departmental aptitude examination which will be administered during the first scheduled class in the fall semester. In addition a noncredit competency exam in piano is given at that time. Those deficient in this area will be required to enroll in an appropriate level of A Mus 165/A Mus 166 (Functional Piano). A grade of C- or higher in A Mus 166 will be needed to satisfy this requirement. Credit for A Mus 165 and/or A Mus 166 will not apply toward major or minor requirements.
Each major program also contains electives, allowing students to emphasize individual interests. A balance of study in historical and technical areas is encouraged.
General Program
B.A.: 36 credits:
- Core:
24 credits to include: A Mus 140, 141, 142, 143, 240, 242; 6 credits in music history (A Mus 230L & 231L) and 2 credits (2 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, 287, or 289 [as appropriate]).
- Electives:
12 credits at the 300-level or above in courses intended for music majors and minors (except A Mus 378, 478, and 479) to include at least 3 credits from A Mus 432Z, 433Z, or 435Z and at least 3 credits from A Mus 320, 350, 352, or 360.
Departmental Programs in Composition, Music Technology, History, Theory, Conducting, Performance
Admission to these programs requires permission of the appropriate departmental committee.
Departmental Program,
B.A.: 54 credits minimum:
- Core:
24 credits to include: A Mus 140, 141, 142, 143, 240, 242; 6 credits in music history (A Mus 230L & 231L) and; 2 credits (2 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, 287, or 289 [as appropriate]).
- Concentration:
Composition, History or Theory: 12 credits in the concentration from 300- and 400-level courses intended for music majors and minors as advised and approved by the department chair. (Students with concentrations in composition are required to take A Mus 320 or A Mus 321 and A Mus 325 as part of their concentration.)
Conducting: 15 credits in one of the following specializations:
Choral Conducting: 6 credits of A Mus 270V; A Mus 360, 361, and 461.
Instrumental Conducting: 6 credits of A Mus 270 (as appropriate); A Mus 360, 362, and 462.Music Technology: 12 credits to include A Mus 193, 295, 325, and 327.
Performance: 12 credits (4 semesters) from A Mus 178, 278, 378, 478, 479.
- Electives:
12 credits at the 300-level or above in courses intended for music majors and minors (except A Mus 378, 478, and 479) to include at least 3 credits from A Mus 432Z, 433Z, or 435Z and at least 6 credits from A Mus 320, (neither A Mus 320 nor 321 will count as electives in the Composition Program), 350, 352, or 360.
- Ensemble/Performance:
Composition, Music Technology, History or Theory: 6 credits (6 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, or 287) or performance (except A Mus 165 and 166) in addition to the core requirements. Those in the Music Technology Program may substitute 2 credits (2 semesters) of A Mus 289 for 2 credits (2 semesters) or A Mus 185, 186, 187, or 287.
Conducting: 3 credits (3 semesters) in ensemble appropriate to the concentration or A Mus 170Q or 270Q as advised.
Performance: 6 credits (6 semesters) for instrumentalists and vocalists from A Mus 180, 182, 184, 185, 186, 187, or 287 (as appropriate to their specialization); 2 credits (2 semesters) for pianists/guitarists from A Mus 180, 182, 184, 185, 186, 187, or 287; and 4 credits as advised.
- Additional Requirements:
Composition,: Compositions performed in an approved graduation recital or the equivalent.
Performance: Admission to the program by audition. Performance examinations held at the end of each semester but the first, or unless the student is presenting a graduation recital that semester. Participation in an approved graduation recital.
Music Technology, History, Theory, Conducting: An approved senior research project.
Courses for Nonmajors
A Mus 100L Introduction to Music (3)
Understanding the art of music through directed listening emphasizing the many uses of musical material. Uses numerous illustrations accenting the criteria that determine quality. [AR]A Mus 102L The Golden Age of Piano Music (3)
An introduction to the art of music through the study of piano compositions from the Romantic Era. Emphasis will be placed on directed listening to live and recorded performances of major works by Chopin, Liszt, Schubert, Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Clara and Robert Schumann, Gottschalk, Coleridge-Taylor and many others. [AR]A Mus 110 Basic Music Theory (3)
Consideration of the rhythmic, melodic and harmonic elements of music through writing, dictation and analysis of rhythm, modes, intervals, keys, scales, triads in progression and form. Analysis of a variety of musical styles. Previous musical experience helpful but not necessary. Students with credit for A Mus 140 will not, subsequently, receive additional credit for A Mus 110. A Mus 110 and A Mus 140 may not be taken concurrently. Limited to nonmajors.A Mus 115L Jazz: America's Music (3)
An overview of the history of Jazz, its origins and evolution. Emphasis will be placed on the music of well-known Jazz performers and composers. Numerous illustration, listening examples and other appropriate materials will be included as part of the course material. The student will enhance his or her understanding of the truly American art form. [AR]A Mus 208L Introduction to Opera (3)
Defining the medium, its premises and problems, its gradual formation through history, and its function as a dramatic art form. Only one of A Mus 208L and 338L may be taken for credit. [AR]A Mus 209 (= A Aas 209) Black American Music (3)
An introduction to Black American Music. Study will include music from West Africa as well as musical/social influences throughout American History. Musical styles will include spirituals, gospel, blues, jazz and classicalA Mus 211L The Concerto (3)
Study of the concerto grosso and solo concerto from the 17th century onward, and the resulting classical forms and variations. Prerequisite(s): one 100- or 200-level music lecture course or equivalent experience. [AR]A Mus 213L Survey of Symphonic Music (3)
Study of symphonic literature. The growth of the orchestra, symphonic forms and major symphonies. Prerequisite(s): one 100- or 200-level music lecture course or equivalent experience. [AR]A Mus 214L American Music (3)
American music from 1620 to the present. Prerequisite(s): one 100- or 200-level music lecture course or equivalent experience. Only one of A Mus 214L and 334L may be taken for credit. [AR]A Mus 216L (= A Lcs 216L) Music and Society in Latin America: Past and Present (3)
This course will deal with two basic issues: the evolution of musical thought throughout Latin America from pre-Hispanic times to the present, and the relationship between musical manifestations and the prevailing social order in which those activities took place. A Mus 216E & A Lcs 216E are the writing intensive versions of A Mus 216L & A Lcs 216L; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. [AR DP HU]A Mus 216E (= A Lcs 216E) Music and Society in Latin America: Past and Present (4)
A Mus 216E & A Lcs 216E are the writing intensive versions of A Mus 216L & A Lcs 216L; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. [WI]A Mus 217L (= A Wss 217L) Women and Music (3)
An examination of the contributions of women in music through a historical survey of Western art music and a brief survey of popular and non-Western musics. Works by women composers as well as other phases of women's activities as musicians will be studied. Live performances and interviews will be arranged when possible.A Mus 218 (formerly A Mus 318) Special Topics in Music (1-4)
Group studies that provide the opportunity to explore significant subject areas of interest to faculty and students. Consult fall and spring schedule of classes for specific topics. May be repeated for credit when topic differs. Prerequisite changes with topic and is announced.
Courses for Majors and Minors
Composition & Music Technology
A Mus 227 (formerly A Mus 254) Computer Applications in Music I (3)
The course will provide students with practical experience employing computers in basic musical applications such as notation, sound design and audio editing. Students will be expected to become familiar with the MIDI studio and with four software packages: Finale, Nightingale, Overture, Digital Performer and Sound Tools. Enrollment will be limited to twelve students per term in order to give students ample opportunity to work in the music technology lab. Only one of A Mus 227, A Mus 327 and the former A Mus 254 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.A Mus 320 Introduction to Composition (3)
Techniques of musical composition, notational problems, and examination of students' creative work. Only one of A Mus 320 or 321 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142. [AR]A Mus 321 (formerly A Mus 324) Composition I (3)
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of music composition. Limited to departmental majors in composition. Only one of A Mus 320 or 321 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142 and permission of instructor.A Mus 322 Advanced Composition (3)
A continuation of studies initiated in A Mus 320 or 321. Credit does not apply toward departmental programs in composition or music technology. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits. Only one of A Mus 322 or 420 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 320 or 321 and permission of instructor.A Mus 325 Introduction to Electronic Music (3)
Integrated approach to the techniques, theories and aesthetics of electronic music, including basic electronics and acoustics, with emphasis on instructing the student to use a synthesizer. Prerequisite(s): one 100- or 200-level music course or permission of instructor. [AR]A Mus 326 (formerly A Mus 427) Creative Work in Electronic Music (3)
Analog and digital techniques and concepts in electronic music and related fields, with emphasis on evaluation and discussion of creative work produced by students in the electronic music studios. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits; only one of A Mus 326 or 425 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 325 and permission of instructor.A Mus 327 Computer Applications in Music I (formerly A Mus 254) (3)
The course will provide students with practical experience employing computers in basic musical applications such as notation, sound design and audio editing. Students will be expected to become familiar with the MIDI studio and with four software packages: Finale, Nightingale, Overture, Digital Performer and Sound Tools. Enrollment will be limited to twelve students per term in order to give students ample opportunity to work in the music technology lab. Only one of A Mus 227, A Mus 327 and the former A Mus 254 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):A Mus 140 and corerequisites 141 and 165, if necessary.A Mus 328 (formerly A Mus 354) Computer Applications in Music II (3)
This course will provide students with an opportunity for advanced work with several computer applications currently in use for sound design, algorithmic problem solving, and audio editing. These applications include Metasynth, Cloud Generator, Sound Hack and Max. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 227 or 327 (or former 254) and/or permission of instructor.A Mus 420 (formerly A Mus 424) Composition II (3)
Individualized instruction in musical composition to develop technical skills in creative expression. Limited to department majors in composition. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits; only one of A Mus 322 or 420 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 320 or 321.A Mus 425 Seminar in Electronic Music (3)
A continuation of studies initiated in A Mus 325, with focus on advanced techniques and applications of current software and hardware. Limited to departmental majors in composition and music technology. Only one of A Mus 326 or A Mus 425 may be taken for credit. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.
Music History and Literature
A Mus 230L Music History I (3)
Intensive study of the music of Western civilization from antiquity to the mid-18th century. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 143. Offered fall semester only. [AR EU]A Mus 231L Music History II (3)
Intensive study of the music of Western civilization from the mid-18th century to the present. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 230L. Offered spring semester only. [AR EU]A Mus 334L Survey of American Music (3)
A historical survey of American music, from its roots in the early 17th century to contemporary times. Only one of A Mus 214L and 334L may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142. [AR]A Mus 338L Survey of Opera (3)
An introduction to the forms and conventions of musical dramas. Selected works from its Florentine beginning through the 20th century. Video presentations and live performances will be arranged when possible. Only one of A Mus 208L and 338L may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142 and music major. [AR]A Mus 432Z Music of the Baroque Period (3)
Study of the music of the period, approximately 1600-1750, from the invention of opera through the works of J. S. Bach and Handel. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 230L. [WI]A Mus 433Z Music of the Classical and Romantic Periods (3)
Intensive study of the music and the composers of these periods, emphasizing the various forms of genres. The music from J. S. Bach's sons and Gluck to the symphonic works of Brahms, Mahler, and Richard Strauss. May not be taken for credit by students with credit for A Mus 434Z. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 230L and 231L. [WI]A Mus 435Z Music of the 20th Century (3)
Identifying and examining the major musical genres of the century, the literature of the principal media and the masterworks, as well as the influence of electronic instruments and sound, and non-Western music. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 230L and 231L. [WI]A Mus 436 Music Since 1950 (3)
The literature, aesthetics and techniques of contemporary music for instruments, voices and electronic media. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 230L and 231L.
Music Theory
A Mus 140 Theory I (3)
An examination of fundamental materials basic to tonal music including chord structures harmonic function, nonharmonic tones and simple part-writing. Concepts are coordinated with the content of A Mus 141. A Mus 140 and A Mus 110 may not be taken concurrently. Corequisite(s): A Mus 141 and, if necessary, 165 or 166. Prerequisite(s): ability to read music and a satisfactory score on the departmental aptitude exam given during the first scheduled class meeting. Offered fall semester only.A Mus 141 Sight-Singing and Dictation I (2)
Development of musicianship through intensive drill in aural perception and music reading. Corequisite(s): A Mus 140 and 165 or 166, if necessary. Prerequisite(s): ability to read music and a satisfactory score on the departmental aptitude exam given during the first scheduled class meeting. Offered fall semester only.A Mus 142 Theory II (3)
Study of nonharmonic tones, continued study of harmonic structures through secondary chords, mode mixture chords, and modulation, as well as elementary form. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 140 and 141. Corerequisites: A Mus 143 and 166, if necessary.A Mus 143 Sight-Singing and Dictation II (2)
Continued drill in aural perception and music reading. Corequisite: A Mus 142 and A Mus 166. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 140 and 141. Offered spring semester only.A Mus 240 Theory III (3)
Advanced study of chromatic harmony, elementary counterpoint and larger forms. Sight-singing, dictation and keyboard drill coordinated with course content. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142 and 143 with a grade of C- or higher. Offered fall semester only.A Mus 242 Theory IV (3)
Continued advanced study of harmonic, melodic and formal structures with an emphasis on 20th-century practices. Sight-singing, dictation and keyboard drill coordinated with course content. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 240. Offered spring semester only.A Mus 350 Orchestration I (3)
Basic instrumental techniques, principles of orchestration and scoring for various instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142.A Mus 352 Tonal Counterpoint (3)
The art of combining musical lines in a tonal idiom. Analysis of models from the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142.A Mus 455 Form and Analysis of Tonal Music (3)
Analysis of selected works of instrumental and vocal literature and their compositional techniques, with emphasis on the important formal types. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 240.
Performance Classes
A Mus 360 Conducting I (3)
Introduction to the elements of conducting, including score-reading, baton technique and aural perception. Emphasizes choral and orchestral literature of the 18th and 19th centuries. Concurrent participation in a university ensemble is required. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 142 or permission of instructor.A Mus 361 Conducting II (Choral) (3) Individual instruction in conducting. Further study of baton technique, rehearsal techniques, ensemble vocal techniques, and score study, covering literature of a broad spectrum but emphasizing the literature performed by department ensembles. Concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble is required. Conducting and/or assisting with an ensemble may be part of a student's work. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 360; A Mus 242 or concurrent enrollment therein; A Mus 270 or concurrent enrollment therein; and permission of instructor.
A Mus 362 Conducting II (Instrumental) (3)
Individual instruction in conducting. Further study of baton techniques, rehearsal techniques, ensemble instrumental techniques, and score study, covering literature of a broad spectrum but emphasizing the literature performed by departmental ensembles. Concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble is required. Conducting and/or assisting with an ensemble may be part of the student's work. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 360; A Mus 242 or concurrent enrollment therein; A Mus 270 or concurrent enrollment therein; and permission of instructor.A Mus 373 String Instruments I (3)
Performance on the string instruments. Course includes the basic techniques and the fundamental problems involved in playing and teaching the violin, viola, cello and contrabass. Open to all students who can read music. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.A Mus 461 Conducting III (Choral) (3)
Advanced individual instruction in choral conducting. Further study of the areas defined in A Mus 361. Concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble is required. Students at this level will be expected to function as assistant conductors of an ensemble. Normally, students will give a conducting recital at the end of their senior year, or participate as conductor in recitals several times over the year. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 361 at B- or better; concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble; and permission of instructorA Mus 462 Conducting III (Instrumental) (3)
Advanced individual instruction in instrumental conducting. Further study of the areas defined in A Mus 362. Concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble is required. Students at this level will be expected to function as assistant conductors of an ensemble. Normally, students will give a conducting recital at the end of their senior year, or participate as conductor in recitals several times over the year. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 362 at B- or better; concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble; and permission of instructor.
Performance Study
The study of keyboard, voice or orchestral instruments. Functional Piano is limited to students enrolled in the music theory core courses (majors or minors) who have not satisfied the piano competency requirement. Secondary Performance Study is available for majors or minors and students in performing ensembles when funding or scheduling permits. Major Performance Study is limited to music majors accepted into the Departmental Program in Performance. Both Major and Secondary Performance Study require concurrent enrollment in an appropriate performing ensemble (keyboard & guitarists excepted) and permission of the instructor and the department chair.
A Mus 165 Functional Piano I (1)
Corequisite: A Mus 140.A Mus 166 Functional Piano II (1)
Prerequisite(s): A Mus 165 or permission of instructor.A Mus 170 Secondary Performance (1)
May be repeated for credit. [AR]A Mus 270 Secondary Performance (3)
May be repeated for credit. [AR]A Mus 178 Major Performance Study I (3) [AR]
A Mus 278 Major Performance Study II (3)
Prerequisite(s): A Mus 178. [AR]A Mus 378 Major Performance Study III (3)
Prerequisite(s): A Mus 278.A Mus 478 Major Performance Study IV (3)
Prerequisite(s): A Mus 378.A Mus 479 Major Performance Study V (3)
Prerequisite(s): A Mus 478.Performance study is available in the following subject areas: piano, harpsichord, guitar, organ, voice, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, harp, viola, violin, violoncello and string bass.
Performing Ensembles
Open to all students by audition except where noted otherwise. May be repeated for credit.
A Mus 180 Chamber Ensembles (1) [AR]
A Mus 182 University Percussion Ensemble (1) [AR]
A Mus 183 Pep Band (1)
S/U graded.A Mus 184 University Jazz Ensemble (1) [AR]
A Mus 185 University-Community Symphony Orchestra (1) [AR]
A Mus 186 University-Community Symphonic Band (1) [AR]
A Mus 187 University-Community Chorale (1) [AR]
No audition required.A Mus 287 University Chamber Singers (2) [AR]
A Mus 289 Electronic Music Ensemble (1)
Prerequisite(s): A Mus 325 or permission of instructor. S/U graded. [AR]