13.3 Music Theory and Composition Courses
MUS 1105 Elements of Music I
is an introductory music theory and aural skills course focusing on reading, writing, and hearing basic and intermediate music rudiments that are associated with common practice Western art music. Topics include: pitch and rhythm, intervals, scales, chords, keys, time signatures, and musical terms. Emphasis will be placed on the aural comprehension of all pertinent topics.
MUS 1106 Elements of Music II
is a continuation of Elements of Music I. This course will focus on advanced rudiments and basic harmony with an emphasis on the aural comprehension of all pertinent topics.
MUS 1107 Materials and Techniques of Music I
is the study of the basic materials of tonal music; introduction to melody writing and phrase structures; introduction to voice leading with emphasis on chorale style; analysis and composition of smaller formal elements.
MUS 1108 Materials and Techniques of Music II
is a continuation of MUS 1107. Harmonic vocabulary is expanded to include all diatonic triads and seventh chords, with an introduction to chromatic harmony; phrase expansions and contractions; analysis and composition of binary and ternary forms.
MUS 1117 Aural Skills I
is a course on sightsinging and dictation.
MUS 1118 Aural Skills II
is a continuation of MUS 1117.
MUS 1120 Rudiments I
is an introductory course in music rudiments and theory, including basic aural skills.
MUS 2107 Materials and Techniques of Music III
is a study of chromatic harmony with emphasis on both writing and analysis. Introduction to sonata form.
MUS 2108 Materials and Techniques of Music IV
is a continuing study of chromatic harmony with an emphasis on enharmonic modulation and other advanced chromatic techniques. Continued study of sonata form, rondo, sonata rondo and variation forms. Written work will include both analysis and composition exercises in the styles studied.
MUS 2117 Aural Skills III
is a continuation of MUS 1118.
MUS 2118 Aural Skills IV
is a continuation of MUS 2117.
MUS 3100 Composition I
introduces students to a variety of compositional concepts such as selected post-1900 techniques, developments in rhythm and metre, texture, phrase structures, song forms, short forms, and motivic development. The emphasis will be on composing short works employing the compositional devices studied. Students planning to apply for the Major in Composition are strongly encouraged to take this course.
MUS 3104 Electronic Music Studio Techniques I
is a course designed to give basic instruction in the theory, technique, and philosophy of electronic music composition. Students obtain the skills necessary to operate the equipment of an electronic music studio (including mixers, synthesizers, and samplers) and to use them in appropriate and creative ways. Objectives of the course are achieved through lecture, lab experiences, listening and practical application.
MUS 3105 Materials and Techniques of Post-Tonal Music
is a study of compositional devices used in the twentieth century. Topics include minimalism, new tonality, aleatorism, atonality, set theory, serial techniques, and electronic music.
MUS 3106 Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint
is a course combining the analytical study of 16th-century sacred polyphony with an emphasis on the development of compositional skills in this style. Students will be required to write two- and three-part counterpoint exercises and a motet. The principal composers studied will be Palestrina, Lassus and Victoria. Some listening and singing assignments are required.
MUS 3108 Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
is a study of form and polyphony in eighteenth-century music, including the fugue and the Baroque suite. Assignments include analysis, composition, and written exercises in counterpoint.
MUS 3109 Jazz Theory and Arranging I
is an introduction to jazz theory and the basic principles of arranging for jazz ensembles with an emphasis on theory.
MUS 3110 Jazz Theory and Arranging II
is a continuation of MUS 3109, and examines the technique of orchestration as it relates to the big band and other large ensembles.
MUS 3112 Orchestration I
is an introduction to the principles of orchestration with an emphasis on instrumentation.
MUS 3118 Advanced Form
is a course combining the advanced study of form and harmony with an emphasis on the development of analytical and compositional skills. Form-functional theory will be used in order to examine, analyze and emulate the music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. The following forms will be covered: Binary, Ternary, Rondo, Sonata-Rondo, and Sonata form.
MUS 3140 Composition Seminar
provides intensive composition study for students whose Major or Minor is Composition.
MUS 4105 Special Topics in Music Theory
will have topics to be studied announced by the School of Music.
MUS 4106 Special Topics in Music Theory
will have topics to be studied announced by the School of Music.
MUS 4107 Special Topics in Music Theory
will have topics to be studied announced by the School of Music.
MUS 4112 Orchestration II
is a continuation of MUS 3112, and examines the technique of orchestration as it relates to the symphonic orchestra and other large ensembles.
MUS 4115 Advanced Post-Tonal Techniques
is a course combining the advanced study of post-tonal music-theoretical models and concepts with an emphasis on the development of demonstrating learned concepts through composition assignments. Students will study, analyze, and write compositions based upon—but not limited to—the following: neo-Riemannian transformations, hexatonic systems, serial transformations, and minimalist structures.
MUS 4140 Advanced Composition Seminar
provides advanced composition study for students whose Major or Minor is Composition. Students will prepare a recital of original works and/or a portfolio of their compositions.
AR = Attendance requirement as noted. CH = Credit hours: unless otherwise noted, a course normally has a credit value of 3 credit hours. CO = Co-requisite(s): course(s) listed must be taken concurrently with or successfully completed prior to the course being described. CR = Credit restricted: The course being described and the course(s) listed are closely related but not equivalent. Credit is limited to one of these courses. Normally, these courses cannot be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements. EQ = Equivalent: the course being described and the course(s) listed are equal for credit determination. Credit is limited to one of these courses. These courses can be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements. |
LC = Lecture hours per week: lecture hours are 3 per week unless otherwise noted. LH = Laboratory hours per week. OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars. PR = Prerequisite(s): course(s) listed must be successfully completed prior to commencing the course being described. UL = Usage limitation(s) as noted. |