These courses are designed for students who have an interest in music. Most courses in this category have no prerequisites and fullfil requirements in the Common Course of Study.
This course explores our globalized musical present and the major forces (social, political, economic, technological) that have shaped it over the last few centuries. Attention is focused on music-making as a form of human activity within and between cultures. Course content ranges over music of diverse times and places. No prior experience in music is needed. [GM2, H]
No prerequisite
Instructor(s): Jorge Torres
The focus of this course is the development of music in the civilizations of Europe and America, not only as an art with its own history, but also as a mirror of the artistic, social, political, and economic development of the Western world. Students are introduced to a basic repertoire in classical music. Lecture/listening. [H]
No prerequisite
Instructor(s): Jorge Torres, Anthony Cummings, Kirk O’Riordan
An exploration of the history, styles, and performance practices of music of African, Asian, and Indian cultures. The study of the music in the context of cultural traditions and institutions and its influence on the music of Europe and America encourages students to examine music from a cross-cultural perspective and to experience the music through performance. Lecture/assigned listening. [GM2, H]
No prerequisite
Instructor(s): Larry Stockton
This course explores the use of computers to compose music in a digital format through music sequencing and sampling software. Basics of melody, harmony, and rhythm are examined as they relate to computer-assisted music composition. Weekly assignments engage students in exploring specific techniques and features of the digital audio software. A final capstone project involves utilizing all skills developed in the course to compose a multi-track musical composition in a variety of audio file formats.
No prerequisite
Instructor(s): Christopher Badami
This introductory course in music theory begins with an introduction to elemental concepts including pitch and rhythm notation, intervals, scales, and triads. Next the focus shifts to a study of the Common Practice Period encompassing diatonic harmonic practices since the eighteenth century, with introductory keyboard assignments and some correlated sight-singing, ear training. One-hour laboratory. Students with prior theory experience may wish to begin their theory studies with MUS 222: Music Theory II. Contact Prof. Wilkins with any questions.
No prerequisite
Instructor(s): Skip Wilkins
This course is intended for those students who wish to begin study of the piano, particularly those with limited or no music reading skills. The class meets 50 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks. Music reading in both treble and bass clefs, as well as basic piano techniques such as scales, hand position, and other technical concepts are taught.
1/4 credit.
No prerequisite
Instructor(s): Holly Roadfeldt
The development of basic piano skills is an important building block in the comprehensive study of music. The piano class is the foundation upon which students learn basic skills to physically and aurally integrate their study of music theory and musicology. Piano proficiency enables one to produce the vertical and horizontal structures of music on an instrument that is visual and tactile in its universality. This course satisfies piano proficiency requirement for Music majors and minors.
Prerequisite: MUS 130 or Permission of Instructor.
Instructor(s): Holly Roadfeldt
Visit the Course Catalog for the official course description and listing