Music

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.

An entry level course in music theory. The course will teach music notation, scales, key signatures and basic harmony. All students will learn basic sight singing skills and perform simple melodic and rhythmic exercises periodically during the semester.

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.

Offered: spring semester.

 Diatonic Harmony. Students will learn to use quantitative analytical techniques to gain a better understanding of the construction of tonal music created between 1600 and 1900. Beginning with a review of fundamental music theory, scales, intervals and chords, Music Theory I explores the traditional of diatonic harmony with western classical music through part-writing analysis.  Offered every fall semester.

Offered: fall semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 102 or instructor approval.

Chromatic Harmony. A continuation of the study of music theory using quantitative techniques to study the more complex tonal harmonic vocabulary associated with 19th and 20th century music. Beginning with tonicization, this course will cover modulation and common chromatic chords. Student will analyze music, complete part-writing assignments, and create short creative works. The final project will be an extended original tonal composition.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 227, or permission of instructor.

The capstone for the music major is a two-semester sequence in which students bring together the creative, performance, historical and theoretical components of the major and place them in the wider context of the liberal arts. In the Fall semester, students meet as a group or individually with the Capstone instructor once per week. They attend designated concerts in the Concert Hall and participate in at least one field trip, selected with student input. Coursework consists of an online portfolio of their best work in the four components of the major, reflective written assignments, and class discussions about shared concert attendance. Students also develop and submit a formal proposal for their Capstone Project, which will be presented as part of the joint Music Capstone Festival in the spring. In the Spring semester, students prepare their Capstone Project, which will be individually designed but will meet specified goals in performance (creative, musical, verbal), writing/research, and creative work. Students will continue to attend designated concerts in the Concert Hall, to engage in departmental assessment, and to meet as a group to discuss shared concert attendance and progress on their Capstone Projects.

Offered: during fall semester only.

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.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: An introductory music course or permission of instructor.

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.

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.

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.

Offered: Fall Semester.

A survey course covering the history of major developments in the tradition of African American Music. Starting with a discussion of African Music, this course will trace the major music genres that define African American Music from the 18th century to the present. More than listing titles of pieces and musicians, the course will emphasize the historic and cultural factors that helped define developments of African American music. Students will read various articles covering specific discussions of the historical development and cultural analysis of this musical tradition.

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.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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." .

Offered: spring semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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.

An in-depth study of a topic, viewpoint, or methodology in music history. Topic will vary according to faculty expertise and student interest.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

May be repeated as topic changes.

Offered: spring semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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.

Offered: spring semester in odd-numbered years.

Prerequisite: MUS 101 or permission of the instructor.

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.

Offered: every semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 101 or permission of instructor.

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.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 260 or permission of instructor.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 303 or permission of the instructor.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 260 or permission of the instructor.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

May be repeated for at most eight credits toward the degree.

Offered: every semester.

This course will promote the learning of musical skills through choral performance. Open to singers of any musical level, this course will teach students a variety of choral repertoire from different musical styles and genres. There are no auditions necessary for this group. The final evaluation of the course material will occur in the final concert offered every semester. Graded on a Pass/Unsatisfactory basis. This course may be repeated. At most four credits for instrumental and/or vocal study may be counted toward the degree. Offered every semester. The University Chorus is open to all students, faculty, and staff.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: every semester.

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.

May be repeated for credit.

Offered: every semester.

May be repeated for up to four credits for PANAF or music major.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

May be repeated up to eight credits for the nonmusic major, four credits for the music major.

Offered: every semester.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 101 and permission of instructor.

Open to instrumentalists and vocalists in the Chamber Music Ensemble. Ensembles present at least one performance per semester.

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.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: every semester.

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.

An entry level course in music theory. The course will teach music notation, scales, key signatures and basic harmony. All students will learn basic sight singing skills and perform simple melodic and rhythmic exercises periodically during the semester.

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.

Offered: spring semester.

 Diatonic Harmony. Students will learn to use quantitative analytical techniques to gain a better understanding of the construction of tonal music created between 1600 and 1900. Beginning with a review of fundamental music theory, scales, intervals and chords, Music Theory I explores the traditional of diatonic harmony with western classical music through part-writing analysis.  Offered every fall semester.

Offered: fall semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 102 or instructor approval.

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.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: An introductory music course or permission of instructor.

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.

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.

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.

Offered: Fall Semester.

A survey course covering the history of major developments in the tradition of African American Music. Starting with a discussion of African Music, this course will trace the major music genres that define African American Music from the 18th century to the present. More than listing titles of pieces and musicians, the course will emphasize the historic and cultural factors that helped define developments of African American music. Students will read various articles covering specific discussions of the historical development and cultural analysis of this musical tradition.

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.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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." .

Offered: spring semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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.

An in-depth study of a topic, viewpoint, or methodology in music history. Topic will vary according to faculty expertise and student interest.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

May be repeated as topic changes.

Offered: spring semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 103.

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.

Offered: spring semester in odd-numbered years.

Prerequisite: MUS 101 or permission of the instructor.

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.

Offered: every semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 101 or permission of instructor.

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.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 260 or permission of instructor.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 303 or permission of the instructor.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: MUS 260 or permission of the instructor.

This course will promote the learning of musical skills through choral performance. Open to singers of any musical level, this course will teach students a variety of choral repertoire from different musical styles and genres. There are no auditions necessary for this group. The final evaluation of the course material will occur in the final concert offered every semester. Graded on a Pass/Unsatisfactory basis. This course may be repeated. At most four credits for instrumental and/or vocal study may be counted toward the degree. Offered every semester. The University Chorus is open to all students, faculty, and staff.

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). This course is specifically for 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 or for no grade based on student preference. Amount of credit established at time of registration. May be repeated for at most eight credits toward the degree. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: every semester.

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.

May be repeated for credit.

Offered: every semester.

May be repeated for up to four credits for PANAF or music major.

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.

Offered: fall semester in alternate years.

Prerequisite: MUS 101 and permission of instructor.

Open to instrumentalists and vocalists in the University Wind Ensemble. Ensembles present at least one performance per semester.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: every semester.

A study of the basic elements of fine vocal production. Studies anatomy, physiology, and physics of the human voice. Emphasizes good vowel and co-production. Explores the various registers of the voice. Uses a phonetic approach to teach the basics of Italian, German, English, and French sin diction. 

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.

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.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: every semester.