Music Courses

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  • MUS 1 / Music: Imagination and Technique (4) - view
    An introduction to the shaping forces of music, with emphasis on developing musical imagination. Includes basics of acoustics; rhythm and pitch notation; scales; keys; triadic structures; functional harmony; form; and compositional processes. A computer is required since it replaces a printed text so that sounds can be heard. Designed for students with little or no prior musical knowledge or more advanced students interested in learning about music from the perspective of the composer. Offered every semester. Fulfills: BA
  • MUS 3 / Introduction to Western Art Music (4) - view
    This course is designed to introduce students to Western art music, the fundamentals of its construction, and its cultural contexts from the seventeenth century to the present. Attendance at a live concert performance of Western art music is required. Short papers and presentations will explore connections between music and other disciplines and the experience of Western art music live in concert. This course is intended for non-majors and prospective music majors/minors. and is the prerequisite for upper-level courses in Western music history and culture. Enrollment priority: Given to music majors and minors. Offered spring semester. Fulfills: BA BH DIT
  • MUS 9 / Instrumental Vocal Instruction (1) - view
    Private music instruction for students with beginning to intermediate performance skills. Lessons are with affiliate artists appointed by the department. Students are expected to perform at least once by the end of the semester in which they are registered for the course in either the department's monthly Works-in-Progress recitals in the Concert Hall or in an informal studio recital (choice of performing venue will be at the instructor's discretion). Separate sections for vocal, keyboard, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion lessons. All fees for such studies are borne directly by the student and are in addition to the regular tuition charges and fees of the University. Limited scholarship aid is available at the discretion of the department. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. May be repeated for at most eight credits toward the degree. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.
  • MUS 15 / Chorale (2) - view
    Instruction in vocal techniques, phonetics, diction, and sight reading in connection with the study and performance of representative choral music from the 12th century to the present. Where possible, students with skills in playing instruments are given the opportunity to participate as soloists, as accompanists, or as members of a chamber ensemble. Open to all students, faculty, and staff by audition. At most eight credits for instrumental and/or vocal study may be counted toward the degree. Students seeking credit for Chorale must register in regular fashion each semester in which they seek credit. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester. Fulfills: BA
  • MUS 17 / Madrigal Singers (2) - view
    Instruction in vocal techniques, phonetics, diction, and sight reading. Focuses on repertoire for a capella (unaccompanied) vocal chamber ensemble. The Madrigal singers rehearse once per week and perform several times yearly on campus. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. May be repeated for credit. Offered every semester. Fulfills: BA
  • MUS 22 / University Chamber Orchestra (2) - view
    Study and performance of representative instrumental music from the Middle Ages to the present. Also performs in conjunction with musical theatre productions. Open on a noncredit basis to all students, faculty, and staff by audition. Students seeking credit for Chamber Orchestra participation must register in regular fashion each semester in which they seek credit. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. May be repeated up to eight credits for the nonmusic major, four credits for the music major. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester. Fulfills: BA
  • MUS 23 / Introduction to Conducting (4) - view
    Designed to provide a basic technical foundation of conducting skills and insights. All students can benefit from the musical insights that conducting study can provide. During the course, students gain a critical kinetic sense of the flow of music in time by creating movements that elicit musical imagery in space and time. The analytical and score reading components of the course are designed to deepen the listening experience of any musician. Prerequisite: MUS 1 and permission of instructor. Offered fall semester in alternate years.
  • MUS 24 / Selected Ensembles (2) - view
    Open to instrumentalists and vocalists in the following groups: University Wind Ensemble, section . 001; University Flute Orchestra, section . 002; Chamber Ensembles, section . 003; and University Brass Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, or Pep Band, section . 004. Ensembles present at least one performance per semester. Open to students, faculty, and staff on a credit or noncredit basis. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester. Fulfills: BA
  • MUS 27 / Music Theory I (4) - view
    An integrated treatment of basic elements of the theory, analysis and aural skills of common Practice Era (tonal) music. Includes rhythm; clefs; major, minor and modal scales; keys; intervals; triads and seventh-chords; inversions; and elementary species counterpoint. Emphasis is on integrating an intellectual grasp of elementary music theory with practical, aural skills. (sight singing and ear training). Prerequisite: MUS 1 or permission of instructor. Offered fall semester.
  • MUS 28 / Music Theory II (4) - view
    The theory and structure of music from the early 19th century through the mid-20th century. Includes chromatic harmony, altered chordal structures, extended tertian and quartal sonorities, and an exploration of 20th-century techniques (atonal, aleatoric, serial, minimalist, dodecaphonic, and others). Works analyzed range from mid-Beethoven through Crumb, Glass, and others. A detailed analytical project is required in addition to the final composition project. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: MUS 27, or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester.
  • MUS 30 / Techniques of the Voice (4) - view
    A study of the basic elements of fine vocal production. Studies anatomy, physiology, and physics of the human voice. Emphasizes good vowel and consonant production. Explores the various registers of the voice. Uses a phonetic approach to teach the basics of Italian, German, English, and French singing diction. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered spring semester in alternate years.
  • MUS 31 / World of Opera and the Musical Theatre (4) - view
    A broad survey of the world of opera and the musical theatre from the standpoint of the stories, historical context, singers, libretti, stage designs, costumes, and music that are considered masterpieces. Emphasizes exploration and analysis of representative works on videotape. Students create/present/perform a scene from a specified work and prepare a historical/analytical project. The class visits Lincoln Center and has the opportunity of attending a dress rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera. Prerequisite: An introductory music course or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester.
  • MUS 33 / Music of the Whole Earth (4) - view
    A broad survey of world music, including tribal, folk, and art music, specifically music of Africa, Asia, and Indonesia, among others. Emphasizes analysis of the music and its historical and cultural contexts. Requires attendance at and written critique of a live performance of non-Western music or an additional research project designed in conference with the instructor. Offered spring semester.
  • MUS 34 / History of Jazz (4) - view
    A course designed to help students become familiar with and appreciate jazz as an important American art form through listening together with discussion of key artists, styles, terminology, culture and traditions. Attendance at a live performance is required. Offered fall semester. Fulfills: DUS BA
  • MUS 35 / Music of the World's Religions (4) - view
    The interrelationship between ritual and music in several world religions. Religious traditions to be included are Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Santeria. No technical knowledge of music is necessary. Offered spring semester in alternate years. Same as: PASTH 669.
  • MUS 36 / Women in Music (4) - view
    A study of women composers/performers through the ages emphasizing their changing roles and society's changing attitudes. The seminar focuses on selected works of Hildegard von Bingen, Clara Schumann, Fanny Hensel, Maria Grandval, Ellen Taafe Zwilich, and Laurie Anderson, among others. Fall Semester.
  • MUS 40 / Music in the American Century (4) - view
    A broad survey of American music from John Adams to Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. We will examine neo-romantic trends in the music of Samuel Barber, Amy Beach and John Corigliano, the transcendentalism of Charles Ives, the American West in Aaron Copland, jazz in the music of Leonard Bernstein and the innovations of minimalist composers Phillip Glass and Steve Reich, and the new directions of the "avant-garde" from John Cage to Pauline Oliveros. Offered in odd-numbered years.
  • MUS 46 / Counterpoint (4) - view
    An exploration of contrapuntal compositional techniques, including canon, two-and three-part inventions, and the fugue. Original composition exercises will be assigned to demonstrate application of the various techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 1 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.
  • MUS 52 / Keyboard Studies (4) - view
    Class instruction in areas of basic musicianship & piano skills designed primarily for those with limited or no knowledge in piano technique. Included will be basic music theory with emphasis on scales, chords, and beginning to intermediate music. Additional applications will include sight-reading, transposition, harmonization, basic improvisation, ensemble performance, and use of various accompaniment patterns.
  • MUS 55 / Selected Studies in Music (4) - view
    An intensive survey of Russian music from the 19th century of Glazounov and Glinka, emphasizing the Balekirev group of Borodin, Moussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsokov. Analyzes the music of Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, and the challenges faced by Shostakovich and others under the Soviet system, including an examination of Stravinsky's music and an exploration of contemporary composers Sofia Gubaidlina and Alfred Schnittke. Students present short projects enhancing their understanding of the relationship of music and social/political policy under the Soviets. Other projects include presentations and analyses of particular works. A term paper based on an in-depth study of an aspect of Russian music is required. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: An introductory course in music or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester.
  • MUS 60 / Music Composition (4) - view
    Applied music composition practices in the context of traditional styles of Western music up to and including the first half of the 20th century. Includes development of skills in notation, instrumentation, harmonic structures, and counterpoint. Composing and presenting at least one moderate length work and one multi-movement work is also a goal. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 1 or permission of instructor. Offered every semester.
  • MUS 70 / Introduction to Performing Arts Administration (4) - view
    An introduction to the basic cultural role, issues, structures, operations, and personnel of performing arts (music and theatre) organizations, focusing primarily on the non-profit sector. Contextual subjects will include: an arts institution's role in and responsibility to its community; government's role in the arts; issues of control and power within the organization. Specific topics will include: types of organizations and organizational structures; marketing, publicity and public relations; fundraising, donor relations, grant writing; long-range planning. Prerequisite: At least 8 credits in music or theatre. Same as: THEA 70.
  • MUS 101 / Music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Eras (4) - view
    An overview of Western art music from ancient Greece to the music of Bach and Handel. We will study a core repertoire of music in its historical contexts and explore debates of what these pieces may have sounded like when they were first performed. Students will also learn about the field of music history and the tools available for music research at Drew. At least one class trip to a performance of music before 1750 will be required. Enrollment priority: Limited to those with junior or senior standing. Prerequisite: MUS 3. Offered fall semester in alternate years. Same as: LITST 731.
  • MUS 103 / Music of the Classic and Romantic Eras (4) - view
    An in-depth study of Western art music from the Enlightenment to Late Romanticism. We will study representative works in historical contexts ranging from the emergence of modern concert life in the mid-1700s to nineteenth-century Romanticism, nationalism, and exoticism. Students will apply the knowledge gained from coursework to the understanding of recent musicological scholarship. At least one class trip to a performance of music studied in class will be required." Enrollment priority: Limited to those with junior or senior standing. Prerequisite: MUS 3. Offered spring semester in alternate years.
  • MUS 111 / Music of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries (4) - view
    An exploration of the revolutionary changes in music composition, performance, and reception since 1900. Topics include the challenges of modernism and modernity, political upheaval, technological innovation, globalization, and the rising importance of popular music and jazz. Emphasis on learning effective communication of opinions about challenging musical repertoire through written assignments and oral presentations. At least one class trip to a performance of music studied in class will be required. Enrollment priority: Limited to those with junior or senior standing. Prerequisite: MUS 3. Offered fall semester in alternate years.
  • MUS 115 / Style Analysis (4) - view
    An in-depth style analysis technique developed by Jan LaRue of New York University. Musical style will be studied from five basic viewpoints: manipulation of timbre, harmony, melody, rhythm, and form. The first half of the course will concentrate on these elements as they are utilized in works chosen from various historical periods. The second half of the course integrates the five basic elements into a cohesive analysis of four pivotal works from music history. Attention will be given to how different composers have utilized the same five elements to produce radically different stylistic results. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered spring semester in alternate years.
  • MUS 124 / Techniques of 20th-Century Composition (4) - view
    A study of techniques developed in this century, applied to original composition work. Techniques derived from composers ranging from Bartok, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Britten to Ives, Cage, Oliveros, Glass, and Adams. Emphasizes developments since 1950, with investigation of factors leading to developing one's own style. Composing and presenting at least one moderate-length work and one large-scale work is also a goal. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 60 or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester.
  • MUS 125 / Advanced Vocal or Instrumental Instruction (2) - view
    Private music instruction for students with advanced performance skills. Lessons are with affiliate artists appointed by the music department. Students must participate in at least one Works-in-Progress recital in the Concert Hall during each semester in which they are registered for the course. Separate sections for vocal, keyboard, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion lessons. All fees for such study are borne directly by the student and are in addition to the regular tuition charges and fees of the University. Limited scholarship aid is available at the discretion of the department. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.
  • MUS 134 / Orchestration (4) - view
    Musicians must be conversant with the instruments commonly used in compositions in western music. This course will study each instrument in the common-practice orchestra and include its history, construction, timbre (tonal quality) and individual writing techniques endemic to its tonal color. As the course progresses, these instruments will be combined into families (string, woodwind, brass and percussion) and then finally as a full orchestra. Students will work with music writing software and instrumental sampling software so they can hear the results of their orchestrations. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: MUS 103 or permission of the instructor. Offered fall semester in alternate years.
  • MUS 137 / Electronic Music Composition (4) - view
    Focus is on original composition using electronic sound systems developed over the past half century. Procedures examined include both analog and digital synthesis techniques ranging from a classic Moog Synthesizer to FM and wave table synthesis, MIDI (Music Instruments Digital Interface), sequencing, sampling, and algorithmic control. Goals include creation and presentation of several short works together with a final substantial composition. Enrollment priority: Enrollment priority: music majors and minors. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: MUS 60 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring semester.
  • MUS 141 / Topics in Music History (4) - view
    An in-depth study of a topic, viewpoint, or methodology in music history. Topic will vary according to faculty expertise and student interest. May be repeated as topic changes. Enrollment priority: Limited to those with junior or senior standing. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: MUS 3. Offered spring semester in alternate years.
  • MUS 150 / Independent Study in Music (2-4) - view
    Approved and directed projects on particular problems in music. Results to be reported in an appropriate paper. Amount of credit established at time of registration. May be repeated for credit with the approval of the department. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.
  • MUS 153 / Writing for the Musical Theatre (4) - view
    An exploration of the history, style, and techniques of writing for the musical theatre through the collaboration of composer, playwright, and lyricist. Course work will include development of original material. Enrollment priority: Given to Theatre Arts and Music majors. Prerequisite: THEA 55 or MUS 60, or permission of instructor. Same as: THEA 153.
  • MUS 199 / Senior Project: Seminar (4) - view
    A study of problems in research, history, theory, composition, or performance practices. Senior music majors meet once weekly over two semesters. Students emphasizing history do an in-depth research project on an assigned topic. Students emphasizing theory/composition write a substantial work and/or analyze a work of a specific genre. Students emphasizing performance practices prepare a paper relating to the period, composers, instruments, works being studied in preparation for a senior recital. Offered every semester.