Music Courses

Music | Courses | Music & Dance Faculty

(All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

100 Music Appreciation (AT) (both sem)

Survey of music of the European classical tradition. Music fundamentals, forms, and styles from the Medieval period to the 20th century. Listening to representative recordings of various stylistic periods. Concert attendance outside class time required.

101 Introduction to Music Literature (AT) (both sem)

Introduction to style analysis through listening to masterworks; basic concepts and practice of listening for ethnic and/or historical styles in music; the application of style-analytic listening to performance, criticism, and musical commentary. Prerequisite: ability to read music.

102 African-American Music (ATU) (1st sem)

Listening to examples of and reading about the African-American musical tradition. Includes spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, and classical music of African-Americans.

103 History of Jazz (ATU) (2nd sem)

Chronological survey covering pre-jazz, ragtime, blues, New Orleans/Chicago, early swing, swing, bop, the '50s (cool, hardbop, thirdstream), '60s, '70s, '80s to present, through lectures, listening, readings, writing, and live performances. Guest lecturers usually include Dr. Billy Taylor and many members of the music faculty.

104 Piano Technology (2nd sem)

Class participation in repairs and regulation of upright and grand pianos. Some tuning instruction.

110 Fundamentals of Theory (both sem)

Fundamental musical concepts and associated symbols through one possible theoretical model of its structure. Requires reasonable analytical skills only; no prior music experience.

112 Theory I (1st sem)

Rudiments, notation, two-voice counterpoint, harmony and voice leading, analysis by score and sound of music literature from various style periods, original composition. Prerequisite: music major standing or by placement test.

113 Theory II (2nd sem)

Continuation of MUSIC 112. Prerequisite: MUSIC 112.

114 Aural Skills I (1st sem) 1 cr

Music listening and reading skills. Transcription, sight-singing, error detection, and dictation. Prerequisite: music major standing or consent of instructor.

115 Aural Skills II (2nd sem) 1 cr

Continuation of MUSIC 114. Prerequisite: MUSIC 114.

121 Voice Class 2 cr (MUS ED)

Principles of basic voice production; repertoire for beginning singers; vocal performance techniques. For music majors only.

130 Class Piano I (1st sem) 2 cr

For music majors only. Development of a proper technical approach to the piano and of the basic keyboard skills of reading, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, and simple score reading. Techniques of class piano methodology and insight into the literature of the piano.

131 Class Piano II (2nd sem) 2 cr

Continuation of MUSIC 130. Prerequisite: MUSIC 130.

132 Class Piano III (1st sem) 2 cr

Continuation of MUSIC 131. Prerequisite: MUSIC 131.

133 Class Piano IV (2nd sem) 2 cr

Continuation of MUSIC 132. Prerequisite: MUSIC 132. Final examination.

150 The Lively Arts (ATG)

Weekly lectures by guest artists and faculty, small group discussions in residence halls, attendance at Fine Arts Center Performing Arts Series events and guided visits to University Gallery exhibitions of sculpture, painting, and photography. Presents an international perspective emphasizing cultural and social diversity. Topics include elements and styles of Western European "classical" music; artistic expression of African-American culture in jazz, spirituals, gospel and contemporary music; styles, choreography and production of dance; photography and photojournalism; theater; sculpture and modern art; a walking tour of campus site sculpture. Each topic illustrated by an exhibition or performance to which the Fine Arts Center provides tickets.

H01 The Lively Arts Honors Colloquium

Students register for MUSIC 150H for 3 credits and may also elect concurrently Honors Colloquium H01 for one additional credit. Honors section adds an experiential dimension in photography, music, dance and multi-cultural arts. Intended for students who enjoy working in a less structured environment, are experimental-minded and willing to take a risk.

160 American Popular Music (AT)

Colonial times to present: pre-revolutionary and Civil War songs, slave songs, spirituals, minstrel and vaudeville songs, blues and ragtime, jazz, Tin Pan Alley, Sousa marches, swing, country-western, rock, rap and others. Requirements: concert attendance, guided listening activities in and out of class, and written critical evaluations. Substantial required reading and written assignments.

191A Seminar: Introduction to Music Education (2nd sem) 1 cr (MUS ED)

For music majors only. Aspects of music education in the public schools. In-school observations, guest lecturers; discussions of current trends and problems.

191B Seminar: Lab Band (2nd sem) 1 cr (MUS ED)

Practical experience in organizing and teaching elementary school band; playing experience on techniques instruments. Students responsible for all aspects of rehearsals including evaluation and selection of repertoire and preparation of lesson plans.

192 Seminar: Marching Percussion Techniques (2nd sem) 2 cr (MUS ED)

Playing and reading fundamentals. Some performances. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

195V, 195W Vocal Diction (2 cr)

For graduate and undergraduate singers, coaches, and accompanists. English/German and French/Italian in alternate semesters, using International Phonetic Alphabet.

202-211, 320, 321 Instrumental Technique Courses 2 cr (MUS ED)

Methods, pedagogy and playing. For Music Education Majors only.

202 Percussion (both sem) 204 Trombone (2nd sem) 205 Flute (2nd sem) 206 Trumpet (1st sem) 207 French Horn (1st sem) 208 Saxophone (2nd sem) 209 Clarinet (2nd sem) 210 Oboe (1st sem) 211 Bassoon (1st sem) 320 Violin (1st sem) 321 Cello (2nd sem)

212 Theory III (1st sem)

Advanced harmony including modulation, mode mixture, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords. Structure of phrases through periods, two- and three-part forms. Prerequisite: MUSIC 113.

213 Theory IV (2nd sem)

Continuation of MUSIC 212. Large forms including rondo, variation, sonata, and invention. Prerequisite: MUSIC 212.

214 Aural Skills III (1st sem) 1 cr

Continuation of MUSIC 115. Prerequisite: MUSIC 115.

215 Aural Skills IV (2nd sem) 1 cr

Continuation of MUSIC 214. Prerequisite: MUSIC 214.

300 Historical Survey I (1st sem)

The history of Western European art music from ancient Greece to 1700. Reading, listening, score study. Prerequisite: MUSIC 113 or consent of instructor. Honors colloquium offered.

301 Historical Survey II (2nd sem)

Western art music from 1700 to 1900. Reading, listening, and score study. Prerequisite: MUSIC 113 or consent of instructor. Honors colloquium offered.

312 Theory V (1st sem)

Continuation of MUSIC 213. The principal forms in Western music from Bach to the present through the study of scores. Forms include, but not restricted to, sonata, rondo, variation, concerto, fugue, and various free designs. Prerequisite: MUSIC 213 or equivalent.

323 Music in Elementary Education (2nd sem) (MUS ED)

With observations, micro teaching. For Music Education majors only. Teaching methods and materials for classroom music teachers. Current techniques and trends in classroom music. Use of sol-fa. Includes observations and prepracticum. Prerequisite: MUS ED 191A.

325 Basic Conducting (1st sem) 2 cr

Introduction to conducting, patterns, transpositions, score reading, conducting in class. Prerequisite to MUSIC 326 or 327. Prerequisites: MUSIC 213 and 215.

326 Instrumental Conducting (2nd sem) 2 cr

Lab. Continuation of basic conducting. Score analysis, interpretation, rehearsal techniques, repertoire selection. Conducting in class. Prerequisite: MUSIC 325.

327 Choral Conducting (2nd sem) 2 cr

Choral conducting techniques for beginning and advanced ensembles. Score study and vocal development. Laboratory experience required. Prerequisite: MUSIC 325.

330 Techniques in African-American Vocal Music I

Performance seminar. Analysis, preparation, and performance of jazz swing (up-temp) and lyrical (ballad) songs, and scatting. Readings of musical scores. Audition required.

332 Techniques in African-American Vocal Music II

Performance seminar. Analysis, preparation, and performance of blues, soul, and gospel songs. Readings of musical scores. Audition required.

333 Jazz Theory and Improvisation I (1st sem)

Hands-on development of the theoretical and improvisational vocabulary of jazz. Development of the visual and aural awareness of chords, scales, harmonic movement, rhythm, phrasing, etc., and implications thereof. Must have sufficient theoretical background, comparable command of an instrument, and applicable reading skills.

334 Jazz Theory and Improvisation II (2nd sem)

Continuation of MUSIC 333 with emphasis on styles, group performance, and historically researched perspectives on jazz performers and composers. Prerequisite: MUSIC 333.

335 Jazz Arranging and Composition I (1st sem)

Structural analysis of the components used in big band arranging and composition (ranges, styles, woodwinds, brass, rhythm section, etc.). Much in-process writing. Strong theoretical background knowledge of transpositions, and familiarity with the jazz idiom recommended. Some piano skills valuable. Prerequisite: MUSIC 334 or consent of instructor.

336 Jazz Arranging and Composition II (2nd sem)

Continuation of MUSIC 335. Prerequisite: MUSIC 335.

350 Writing About Music (2nd sem)

The Junior Year Writing requirement for music majors. Prerequisites: upper-division standing and ENGLWP 112 or equivalent.

359 Composition (both sem) 1-3 cr

Semester 1: Exercises in free composition concentrating in small forms. Individual lessons or small group instruction (no more than 3). Semester 2: Continuation of basic compositional materials with emphasis on larger forms. Prerequisites: MUSIC 312 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

393A, 393B Sight Reading I, II

Provides the pianist with systematic practice in the various skills needed for fluent sight-reading. Exercises stress rapid eye movement, touch and transposition as a means to read by intervals and patterns rather than by individual notes. Sight reading repertoire given in a well-graded progressive order and analyzed for note and chord patterns. Two-semester course.

394A, 394B Accompanying I, II

Designed to provide the pianist with an overall knowledge of the art of accompanying, coaching, and ensemble performance. Encompasses both the vocal and instrumental repertoire, dealing with the diverse periods and stylistic differences of the respective repertoire. Each class period includes lecture on historical and biographical background and specific coaching and critical evaluation of individual performances. Two-semester course.

420 Instrumental Music in the Public School (1st sem) (MUS ED)

Materials, techniques, and methods for teaching instrumental music in the public schools, K-12. Field observations, reports, and micro-teaching experience. Prerequisites: instrumental techniques courses, conducting, or by consent of instructor. For Music Education majors only.

421 Choral Music in the Public School (1st sem) (MUS ED)

Organization of the choral program in the junior and senior high school. Materials and methods of teaching small and large vocal ensembles. Study of sol-fa. Field observations. For Music Education majors only.

422 Vocal Pedagogy (1st sem) 2 cr

Discussion, private and group teaching. Teach practice students under supervision. Vocal problems and possible solutions. Prerequisite: Applied Voice; admission of other voice students by consent of instructor.

423 Marching Band Techniques
(2nd sem) 2 cr (MUS ED)

History of the marching band movement; charting and show design; judging a field show; flag, rifle, and drum major techniques. Modern trends through films and video tapes. Prerequisites: 3 semesters University or college marching band, consent of instructor.

459 Composition 1-4 cr, may be repeated

Creative writing. Individual lessons. Free composition in various forms and media. Prerequisite: MUSIC 359 or consent of instructor.

500 The Middle Ages (1st sem)

Survey of Western European art music to 1400 with emphasis on Gregorian Chant, Notre Dame and Ars Nova repertoires. Historical, liturgical, analytic, and performance-practice considerations. Prerequisite: MUSIC 300.

500K,U Practicum: Student Teaching (both sem) 3-12 cr (MUS ED)

Student teaching in the public schools. A semester-long program consisting of not less than 300 clock hours of supervised student teaching. Prerequisites: successful completion of required techniques, method, and pedagogy courses in music education.

501 17th Century (2nd sem)

A survey of Baroque music from Monteverdi to Corelli, emphasizing composers, forms, theory, performance practice, and selected masterpieces. Prerequisite: MUSIC 300.

502 Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven (2nd sem)

A study of the music of the Classical period based on a reading of Rosen's The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven; listening and score study. Prerequisite: MUSIC 301.

503 The 19th Century (1st sem)

A survey of Romantic and post-Romantic music in small and large forms and various media, including keyboard works, Lieder, chamber music, symphony, opera. Reading, listening, score study. Prerequisite: MUSIC 301.

504 Music of the 20th Century (1st sem)

The history of 20th-century music from Strauss to Minimalism, emphasizing masterpieces, but with reference to developments in the other arts, psychology, science, and technology. Prerequisite: MUSIC 301.

505 History of Opera (2nd sem)

A survey of opera from its beginnings ca. 1600 to the present. Emphasis on formal and stylistic developments, opera as drama, literary sources and libretti. Reading, listening, score study, and viewing videotaped performances. Prerequisite: MUSIC 301.

506 Music of the Renaissance (1st sem)

A survey of Renaissance music from Dunstable and Dufay to Gesualdo, Monteverdi, and Gabrieliófrom faux bourdon to the invention of opera. Emphasis on musical masterpieces; reference to parallel developments in the visual arts. Prerequisite: MUSIC 300.

507 The Age of Bach and Handel (2nd sem)

Bach and Handel studied from the music- historical, personal, and analytical perspectives. Emphasis on biography, performance practice, and the major masterpieces. Prerequisite: MUSIC 300.

510 Counterpoint (2nd sem)

Writing in the 16th-century sacred polyphonic style. Analysis of Lasso, Palestrina and others. Prerequisite: MUSIC 312.

511 Orchestration (2nd sem)

Scoring problems for various size ensem-bles. Score study. Prerequisite: MUSIC 312.

All ensembles open by audition only, either semester.

551, 552, 553 Small Ensemble 1 cr each

560 University Chorale 1 cr

562 Women's Choir 1 cr

563 Chamber Choir 1 cr

564 Madrigal Singers 1 cr

565 University Orchestra 1 cr

566 Marching Band 2 cr

567 Symphony Band 1 cr

568 Wind Ensemble 1 cr

569 Concert Band 1 cr

570 Jazz Ensemble 1 cr

572 Trombone Choir 1 cr

574 String Bass Ensemble 1 cr

575 Chamber Jazz Ensemble 1 cr

576 Percussion Ensemble 1 cr

577 UMass Marimbas 1 cr

578 Collegium Musicum 1 cr

579 Vocal Jazz Ensemble1 cr

582 Opus One 1 cr

593A Brass Choir 1 cr

580 Performance Workshop for Singers (both sem) 2 cr

Performance, solo and ensemble. Satisfies ensemble requirement for vocal applied music. Use of opera ensemble literature to achieve ease, confidence, and some command of the stage as actors as well as singers. Class and public performance. Pre-requisites: Applied Voice, audition, and consent of director.

585 Fundamentals of Electronic Music
(1st sem)

Elementary study of the literature and techniques of electronic music. Extensive listening assignments in the serious electronic repertory: elementary composition projects for tape and analog synthesizer. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

586 MIDI Studio Techniques (2nd sem)

Introduction to MIDI and computer music synthesis. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

591 Seminars

Electronic Composition (both sem)

Free composition using electronic means. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUSIC 586 or consent of instructor.

20th Century Performance Practice
(both sem) 2 cr

Study of basic pitch and rhythmic materials of 20th-century music. Emphasis on aural skills during class time in addition to required instrumental/vocal performance of above mentioned materials during selected meetings of Composition Laboratory.

Computers in Music Education
(MUS ED)

Designed for the music educator interested in using computers in the music classroom. Topics include multimedia programs and interactive application design, music on the Internet, and MIDI.

French Art Song (2nd sem)

A survey of the history of the French art song from the perspective of the vocalist and the collaborative pianist. Extensive study of vocal accompanying techniques with the practical experience of performing with vocal majors.

Post-Tonal Theory

Introduction to the theory and analysis of post-tonal music, drawn from the work of Forte, Rahn, Perle, and others. Basic concepts including pitch class, integer notation, pitch-class sets, normal form, set class relatedness, symmetry, and interval cycles. Analytic applications to compositions of Schoenberg, Berg, Webern, BartÛk, Debussy and others.

592 Seminar: Continuo (both sem) 2 cr

The realization of figured and unfigured bass at the keyboard (primarily harpsichord). Practical instruction in weekly private lessons; weekly seminar meeting for study of performance practice through 17th-and 18th-century documents (fall), and comparison of exemplary performances (spring). Students perform in public as ability permits. May be taken for two semesters. Consent of instructor required.

595O Seminar 1 cr

Orchestra Repertoire

Applied Music

Private study is offered each semester in piano, organ, voice, violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Classes are open by audition only. Students must register concurrently for an ensemble during each semester of applied music. Lessons are offered under MUS AP 116 (elective); MUS AP 117, 217, 317, 417 (Music majors); MUS AP 218, 318, 418 (majors in the Performance concentration).

Music | Courses | Music & Dance Faculty