Music Studies (MUS)

MUS 100 Fundamentals of Western European Music Theory 2

Fundamentals of the notation and underlying concepts of Western European art music and related traditions, including staves, clefs & pitches, rhythm & meter, major & minor scales, key signatures, intervals, and triads.

MUS 101 Introduction to Music Theory 2

Intensive study of topics relevant to a wide range of musical traditions, including musical parameters (pitch, duration, timbre, loudness, texture), tuning systems, basic acoustics, notation types, and instrument families.

Prerequisites: Music major or music minor.

Corequisites: MUS 100.

MUS 102 Analysis of Western European Music and Related Traditions II 3

Continued study of Western European art music and related traditions, including part writing and diatonic harmonic progression; introduction to sequences, motives, phrase types, secondary dominants, and modulation to closely related keys. Intended to be taken with MUS 106.

Prerequisites: MUS 101 and MUS 105 or permission of instructor.

MUS 105 Aural Skills I 1

The study of elemental pitch patterns and rhythms from Western European art music and related traditions through performance, transcription, memory exercises, and structured improvisation. Intended to be taken with MUS 101.

Prerequisites: Passing score on the music fundamentals exam or successful completion of MUS 100. Music major or minor.

MUS 106 Aural Skills II 1

Continued study of pitch patterns and rhythms from Western European art music and related traditions, including diatonic modes, chromatic embellishment, modulation between relative keys, syncopation, and hemiola. Dictation of melodies and harmonic progressions. Intended to be taken with MUS 102.

Prerequisites: MUS 101 and MUS 105 or permission of instructor.

MUS 107 Technology for Musicians I 1

Introduction to computer/computer applications: word processing, database, spreadsheet, music notation, Internet and online library, Web page and multimedia development. Experience using, creating, and evaluating computer media for music.

Prerequisites: Music major .

MUS 109 Orientation to College and the Music Major 3

The course will introduce students to the people and resources in the community, on campus, and within the CVPA and School of Music that can assist them in developing the general academic and musicianship skills needed to be successful as they consider their individual interests in music.

MAC: MAC Foundations

Prerequisites: The course is for new students only. Must have fewer than 60 credits to enroll or can enroll by Written Permission.

MUS 120 Speaking of Music 3

The lower division sound studies seminar develops attentive listening skills and examines different sound and perception theories drawn from traditions around the globe. A variety of oral communication skills and methods are developed and practiced.

MAC: MAC Oral Communication

MUS 135 Writing Through Music 3

Introduction to the basic tools of musicological inquiry, including music vocabulary, reading in the discipline, basic library research, and a variety of styles of writing; cultural awareness; attentive listening to music from around the world.

MAC: MAC Written Communication

MUS 201 Analysis of Western European Music and Related Traditions III 3

Advanced study of Western European art music and related traditions, including modulation, modal mixture, Neapolitan, and augmented-sixth chords; introduction to small forms, including binary, ternary, variations, and vocal forms. Intended to be taken with MUS 205.

Prerequisites: MUS 102 and MUS 106 or permission of instructor.

MUS 202 Analysis of Western European Music and Related Traditions IV 3

Advanced study of Western European art music and related traditions, including chromatic embellishing chords and modulation to distantly related keys; introduction to large forms, including rondo, sonata, and sonata-rondo, plus an introduction to twentieth-century approaches to pitch and rhythm. Intended to be taken with MUS 206.

Prerequisites: MUS 201 and MUS 205 or permission of instructor.

MUS 205 Aural Skills III 1

Advanced study of melody, harmony, and rhythm from Western European art music and related traditions, including tonicization and modulation, modal mixture, and an introduction to cross rhythms, changing meter, and asymmetric meter. Intended to be taken with MUS 201.

Prerequisites: MUS 102 and MUS 106 or permission of instructor.

MUS 206 Aural Skills IV 1

Advanced study of melody, harmony, and rhythm from Western European art music and related traditions, including modulation to distantly related keys, whole-tone and octatonic scales, and continued study of cross rhythms and changing meter. Intended to be taken with MUS 202.

Prerequisites: MUS 201 and MUS 205 or permission of instructor.

MUS 207 Introduction to Aural Skills 2

The study of elemental pitch patterns and rhythms from Western European art music and related traditions through performance, transcription, memory exercises, and structured improvisation.

Prerequisites: MUS 100 and MUS 101.

Corequisites: MUP 204 or MUS 215 or MUS 216.

MUS 211 Topics in Pop Music 3

Examines popular music in the context of social, cultural, and political climates. Illustrates how music is an inexorable agent of social change and identity. No previous musical experience required.

MAC: MAC CritThink Hum and Fine Art

MUS 212 Topics in Hip Hop 3

Examines Hip Hop music from 1970 through 2000 in the context of social, cultural, and political climates. Illustrates how the four art forms of Hip Hop are an inexorable agent of social change and identity. No previous music experience required.

MAC: MAC Diversity and Equity

MUS 214 Jazz Appreciation 3

Introductory course focusing on jazz. Students gain understanding of aims and methods of artistic expression and the role of cultural traditions and artistic value in human society. No musical training required.

MAC: MAC CritThink Hum and Fine Art

MUS 215 Principles of Popular Music Theory 3

A music-theoretical approach to the structural, stylistic, and aesthetic principles of popular music. Study of the pitch, rhythmic, textural, and timbral organization of one or more popular music subgenres.

Prerequisites: MUS 101.

Corequisites: MUS 207.

MUS 216 Principles of Classical Music Theory 3

Introduction to the theory and analysis of melody, harmony, rhythm and meter, and form in Western European music of the 18th through 21st centuries.

Prerequisites: MUS 101.

Corequisites: MUS 207.

MUS 229 History of Rock Music 3

Survey of rock music from the 1950s to the present. Emphasis will be placed on identifying specific styles and explaining the influence of key performers.

MAC: MAC CritThink Hum and Fine Art

MUS 241 Music Appreciation 3

Introduction to Western culture art music through a survey of its history, composers, forms, styles. Requires listening assignments and recital attendance. No musical training required.

MAC: MAC CritThink Hum and Fine Art

Prerequisites: Non-music majors only.

MUS 242 Music for Film 3

Familiarizes students with how music operates in films from the major film industries of the world, and introduces and engages musical-cinematic trends over the course of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

MAC: MAC CritThink Hum and Fine Art

MUS 243 Music and Fairy Tales 3

Explores the connection between fairy tales and music, particularly regarding the changes these stories undergo when they shift medium. Assignments and class discussions focus on required reading, viewing, and listening in various genres, both classical and popular, including opera, musical theater, film, ballet, and song.

MAC: MAC CritThink Hum and Fine Art

MUS 244 Music Cultures of the World 3

Survey of music cultures from around the world with emphasis on the socio-cultural context in which they are found.

MAC: MAC Global and Intercultural

MUS 301 Analysis of Western European Post-Tonal Music and Related Traditions 3

Analysis of selected post-tonal compositions from Western European art music and related traditions, as well as composition exercises based on models.

Prerequisites: Either MUS 202 and MUS 206. or MUP 204 or MUS 215 or MUS 216; and MUS 207, or permission of instructor.

MUS 305 Topics in Music Theory I 3

Rotating topics in the Western art music tradition. Each offering of the course will focus on one (and only one) of the following topics: Sonata Theory, and Analyzing Art Song and Opera.

Prerequisites: MUP 204 or MUS 215 or MUS 216, plus MUS 207.

Notes: May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.

MUS 306 Topics in Music Theory II 3

Intensive study of topics outside the Western art music tradition such as: Analyzing Intercultural Encounters, Analysis of Global Pop Music, Hollywood Harmony, Funky Pitch Systems, Funky Rhythms and Asymmetric Meters, Feminist Music Theory and Embodiment, and Analyzing and Creating Heavy Metal. One topic is studied for the entire semester.

Prerequisites: MUS 204 or MUS 215 or MUS 216. and MUS 207;

Notes: May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.

MUS 311 Anthropology of Music, Sound, and Power 3

Introduction to the anthropology of music. Cultural analysis of music and sound in contemporary settings.

Notes: Students may not receive credit for both ATY 353 and MUS 311.

MUS 312 Popular Music and Society 3

This course focuses on the ways in which popular musics across the globe intersect with, inform, and reflect issues related to race, class, nationalism, migration, gender, sexuality etc. while exposing students to methods of research and analysis of popular music.

Prerequisites: MUS 135.

MUS 325 First Nights: Five Performance Premieres 3

Consideration of five pieces of music both as artworks and moments of cultural history. Study of the techniques of musical listening and the historical context of each premiere.

MUS 326 Music and Environment 3

Consideration of creative works and traditions relating human sound (music, noise, etc.) and the natural environment from artistic, humanistic, and scientific perspectives.

MUS 332 History of Western Music I 3

History of Western art music traditions from the early Christian era to about 1750.

Prerequisites: MUS 135.

Notes: Open to all university students.

MUS 333 History of Western Music II 3

History of Western art music traditions from about 1750 to the present.

Prerequisites: MUS 135 or permission of instructor.

MUS 334 American Music 3

History of music in America. Ballads, spirituals, gospel, blues, jazz, bluegrass, musical theater, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and Native American music.

Prerequisites: MUS 135.

MUS 354 Modern Asia Through Its Music 3

Exploration of modern Asian music and culture. Examines relationships between music and national identity, ethnicity, politics, colonialism, religion, and other cultural phenomena in East, South, and Southeast Asia.

MUS 369 Music and the Grand Tour 3

Examines the historical phenomenon of the Grand Tour and its repercussions for European musical life since the seventeenth century; includes critical reflection on related modern tourism, including relevant sustainability issues.

MUS 370 Music and Politics 3

Drawing from issues related to politics (broadly defined) and musical practices of the past and present, both local and global, this course exposes students to methods of analysis, research, creating, and writing about music/sound/noise in and as politics, including how diverse musical practices dis/organize social life (gender, race, nationality, etc.).

Prerequisites: MUS 135.

MUS 400X Experimental Course 1-6

This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.

MUS 431 Selected Topics in Ethnomusicology 3

This course with rotating topics will examine particular music traditions and current issues in the field of ethnomusicology beyond the survey level. Topics may focus on geographical areas (Africa, Indonesia, Native American, etc.) or theoretical/methodological issues (Music and Gender, Music and Identity, Popular Music, Fieldwork, etc.).

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

MUS 439 Tonal Counterpoint 3

Contrapuntal techniques and standard forms of the middle and late Baroque. Analysis of music by composers from Corelli to Bach, composition in representative forms, and aural training.

Prerequisites: MUS 202 and MUS 206.

MUS 455 The Symphonic Tradition 3

Advanced study of symphonic styles and techniques from Baroque era to present.

Prerequisites: MUS 333 or permission of instructor.

MUS 482 Advanced Analysis of Western European Tonal Music and Related Traditions 3

Analysis of selected tonal compositions from Western European art music and related traditions. Reading and discussion of literature on theoretical concepts and on analysis and interpretation; analytical essay writing.

Prerequisites: MUS 202 and MUS 206 or permission of instructor.

MUS 483 Music before 1600 3

Examines musical traditions before 1600 beyond the survey level. Topics may include gender/sexuality, geography, institutions, orality, performance practice, print/manuscript culture, and/or religion.

Prerequisites: MUS 332 or permission of instructor.

MUS 484 Music from 1600 to 1800 3

Examines musical traditions ca. 1600–1800 beyond the survey level. Topics include performance practice, nationalism, gender and sexuality, religion, orality/notation, organology, and iconography.

Prerequisites: MUS 332 or permission of instructor.

MUS 485 Music of the Nineteenth Century 3

Examines musical traditions ca. 1789–1914 beyond the survey level. Topics may include gender/sexuality, institutions, nationalism, nature, performance practice, and/or religion.

Prerequisites: MUS 333 or permission of instructor.

MUS 486 Music of the Twentieth Century 3

Examines musical traditions from ca. 1880 to the present beyond the survey level. Topics may include music and the State, gender/sexuality, ethnicity and identity, cultural policy/politics, religion, and/or multimedia.

Prerequisites: MUS 333 or permission of instructor.

MUS 492 Capstone Seminar in Music Studies 3

This senior capstone course for the Bachelor of Arts in Music engages areas of music study—musicology, music theory, and ethnomusicology—through a series of lectures, discussions, and student presentations.

Prerequisites: MUS 332 or MUS 333 or permission of instructor.

MUS 495 History of Opera 3

Principal opera composers and styles from Monteverdi to the present; analytical study of selected major works.

Prerequisites: MUS 333 or permission of instructor.

MUS 497 Directed Study in Music 1-3

Supervised research in advanced subject area resulting in written document or composition. Project outline (available in Music office) prepared by student and supervising professor and approved by Associate Dean and Dean of School of Music.

Prerequisites: Permission of supervising professor and Dean of the School of Music.

Notes: May be repeated for credit if topic varies.

MUS 600X Experimental Course 1-6

This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.

MUS 602 Seminar in Music Research and Writing 3

Musical bibliography encompassing a range of print and electronic sources and databases. Methods for researching and writing about music, including research papers, music criticism, and other genres.

MUS 631 Selected Topics in Ethnomusicology 3

Music traditions and current issues in the field of ethnomusicology. Topics may focus on geographical areas or theoretical/methodological issues.

Prerequisites: MUE 601 or MUS 602.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

MUS 638 Exploring Musical Cultures 1-3

This course is used for music-study trips.

Notes: Offered only when a course accompanies a specific trip. Variable credit.

MUS 639 Tonal Counterpoint 3

Contrapuntal techniques and standard forms of the middle and late Baroque. Analysis of music by composers from Corelli to Bach, composition in representative forms, and aural training.

MUS 644 Pedagogy of Music Theory 3

Survey of philosophies, curricula, course content, and teaching approaches for undergraduate courses in music theory and aural skills. Students will evaluate instructional materials, observe and evaluate the teaching of others, and undertake their own teaching demonstrations.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 655 The Symphonic Tradition 3

Advanced study of symphonic styles and techniques from Baroque era to present.

MUS 660 Rhythm and Meter 3

A selective survey of analytic and theoretic approaches to rhythm and meter in Western concert music as well as a sample of non-notated music.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 662 Schenkerian Analysis 3

Theories and analytical methods of Heinrich Schenker as applied to the tonal repertory. Selected readings from Schenkerian literature.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 664 Theory and Analysis of Western European Post-Tonal Music and Related Traditions 3

Analysis of selected post-tonal compositions from Western European art music and related traditions, as well as an exploration of their theoretical underpinnings. Readings from the secondary literature, analytical essay writing.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 665 History of Opera 3

Principal opera composers and styles from Monteverdi to the present; analytical study of selected major works.

MUS 669 Music and the Grand Tour 3

Examines the historical phenomenon of the Grand Tour and its repercussions for European musical life since the seventeenth century. Includes critical reflection on related modern tourism, including relevant sustainability issues.

MUS 674 First Nights: Five Performance Premieres 3

In depth study of five pieces of music history selected from a variety of periods.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate music history diagnostic exam.

MUS 685 Music of the Nineteenth Century 3

Examines musical traditions ca. 1789-1914 beyond the survey level. Topics may include gender/sexuality, institutions, nationalism, nature, performance practice, and/or religion.

MUS 686 Music of the Twentieth Century 3

MUS 687 Aural and Keyboard Skills for Music Theory 1

Instruction and practice leading to the development of aural and keyboard skills sufficient for instructors of music theory and ear training.

Prerequisites: Admission to the master's degree program in music theory or the certificate program for music theory pedagogy.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

MUS 689 Practicum in Teaching Music Theory and Musicology 1

Supervised teaching of basic music theory and aural skills, music history, music appreciation, or world music.

Prerequisites: Admission to the certificate program in music theory pedagogy or in musicology.

MUS 690 Current and Historical Trends in Music Theory 3

Selective survey of the discipline of music theory. Current and historical topics such as rhythm and meter, form, tuning and temperament, scale theory, transformational theory, gender and identity, and meaning and embodiment; analytical approaches to a variety of repertoires such as pop-rock, jazz, and world music.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 692 Advanced Analysis of Western European Tonal Music and Related Traditions 3

MUS 697 Directed Study in Music Studies 1-12

Supervised advanced research requiring a written document or composition.

Prerequisites: Permission of supervising professor. Director of Graduate Study, and Dean School of Music Director.

MUS 698 Document in Music Theory 1-3

Development of a research topic in music theory and composition of a substantial paper on that topic. Involves compiling an annotated bibliography, writing a review of the literature, and creating appropriate figures, examples, and/or tables.

Prerequisites: Admission to the M.M. in Music Theory program and successful completion of two semesters of study.

MUS 699 Thesis 1-6

Individual guidance in the development of a specific research problem.

MUS 706 Seminar in Musicology and Ethnomusicology 3

Selected topics in musicology and ethnomusicology, encompassing particular historical periods, geographical areas, genres, performance practices, technologies, politics, and theoretical or methodological approaches.

Prerequisites: MUE 601 or MUS 602 and passing score on the graduate music history diagnostic exam or permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.

MUS 707 Seminar in Musical Analysis 3

Rotating topics in musical analysis such as a particular historical period, genre, composer (or set of composers), style, and/or analytical methodology.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

Notes: May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.

MUS 731 Selected Topics in Ethnomusicology 3

Music traditions and current issues in the field of ethnomusicology. Topics may focus on geographical areas or theoretical/methodological issues.

Prerequisites: MUS 602 or MUE 700.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

MUS 738 Exploring Musical Cultures 1-3

This course is used for music-study trips.

Notes: Offered only when a course accompanies a specific trip, course is variable credit.

MUS 739 Tonal Counterpoint 3

Contrapuntal techniques and standard forms of the middle and late Baroque. Analysis of music by composers from Corelli to Bach, composition in representative forms, and aural training.

MUS 744 Pedagogy of Music Theory 3

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 755 The Symphonic Tradition 3

Advanced study of symphonic styles and techniques from Baroque era to present.

MUS 760 Rhythm and Meter 3

A selective survey of analytic and theoretic approaches to rhythm and meter in Western concert music as well as a sample of non-notated music.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 762 Schenkerian Analysis 3

Theories and analytical methods of Heinrich Schenker as applied to the tonal repertory. Selected readings from Schenkerian literature.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 764 Theory and Analysis of Western European Post-Tonal Music and Related Traditions 3

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 765 History of Opera 3

Principal opera composers and styles from Monteverdi to the present; analytical study of selected major works.

MUS 774 First Nights: Five Performance Premieres 3

In depth study of five pieces of music history selected from a variety of periods.

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate music history diagnostic exam.

MUS 785 Music of the Nineteenth Century 3

Examines musical traditions ca. 1789-1914 beyond the survey level. Topics may include gender/sexuality, institutions, nationalism, nature, performance practice, and/or religion.

MUS 786 Music of the Twentieth Century 3

MUS 789 Practicum in Teaching Music Theory and Musicology 1

Supervised teaching of basic music theory and aural skills, music history, music appreciation, or world music.

Prerequisites: Admission to the certificate program in music theory pedagogy or in musicology.

MUS 790 Current and Historical Trends in Music Theory 3

Prerequisites: Passing score on graduate theory diagnostic exam or permission of the instructor.

MUS 792 Advanced Analysis of Western European Tonal Music and Related Traditions 3

MUS 797 Directed Study in Music Studies 1-12

Supervised advanced research requiring a written document or composition.

Prerequisites: Permission of supervising professor, Director of Graduate Study, and School of Music Director.

MUS 801 Thesis Extension 1-3

Thesis Extension.

MUS 803 Research Extension 1-3

Research Extension.