Music

Music is one of the most important components of modern life, entering our lives in many ways: through radio and television, movies, recordings, computer games, even elevators and restaurants. The study of music can be approached in several ways. University courses in music tend to be grouped into three categories: music theory (including composition), music history, and applied music (performance). Courses in applied music are normally available only to students in the bachelor of music program, while courses in music theory and music history may be taken by students in any program.

Courses in music history develop an understanding of music from cultural, social and historical perspectives. These courses introduce you to many kinds of music, and help you recognize the features that distinguish different musical styles and periods.

Courses in music theory develop an understanding of the language of music, through its notation and structure. In music theory courses you learn how to read and write music, and discover how musical elements such as timbre, melody, rhythm and harmony are put together to make musical compositions. Courses in aural skills also develop critical listening and sightsinging skills.

Courses in applied music develop the individual student's potential for musical expression and performance. These courses develop your technical competence, musical understanding, and creativity so that you can prepare your own interpretations of music in a variety of styles.

The following music courses are available to students who have not been admitted to the School of Music, and are approprate for students with little or no musical background:

MUSIC 1116 - Basic Musicianship

An introduction to sightsinging and dictation. Credit for this course is not applicable to the bachelor of music degree.

Lectures: Two hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 1120 - Rudiments I

An introductory course in music rudiments and theory. Credit for the course is not applicable to the bachelor of music degree.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 2011 - North American Popular Music

A survey of popular music from the beginning of the century to the present. This course has a strong listening component. The ability to read music is not required. Credit for this course is not applicable to the bachelor of music degree.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 2012 - Understanding Classical Music: Introduction Through Guided Listening

Form and style in Western classical music will be explored within a cultural and historical context. This course has a strong listening component. The ability to read music is not required. Credit for this course is not applicable to the bachelor of music degree.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 2013 - Twentieth-Century Musicals

A survey on 20th-century musical theatre. Selected works, presenting different styles and periods, will be examined in detail. There will be a strong, required listening/viewing component to this course. The ability to read music is not required. Music 2013 cannot be taken for credit by students enrolled in the bachelor of music program. Credit cannot be received for both Music 3007 and Music 2013. Music 2013 is cross-listed with English 2013.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: Three

Note: Credit may not be obtained for both Music 2013 and English 2013.


The following large ensemble courses are available to non-music majors with appropriate background, subject to the approval of the instructor:

MUSIC 2611 - Festival Choir

Prerequisite: Audition for ensemble director. Contact the School of Music.
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 2612 - Chamber Choir

Prerequisite: Audition for ensemble director. Contact the School of Music.
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 2613 - Chamber Orchestra

Prerequisite: Audition for ensemble director. Contact the School of Music.
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 2614 - Concert Band

Prerequisite: Audition for ensemble director. Contact the School of Music.
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 2615 - Jazz Ensemble

Prerequisite: Audition for ensemble director. Contact the School of Music.
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 2616 - Opera Workshop

Prerequisite: Audition for ensemble director. Contact the School of Music.
Credit Hours: One


The following courses are available to students at all levels in the Univesity without prerequisite, but with permission of the Director of the School of Music:

MUSIC 2021 - Newfoundland and Labrador Folksinging

An introduction to the sociolcultural contexts, functions and meanings of folksong in Newfoundland and Labrador. Proceeding from this contextual base drawn from oral and scholarly histories, the course offers practical instruction by a tradition-bearer in the singing of traditional Newfoundland and Labrador tunes and texts, using the techniques of aural transmission and assisted by the written medium where appropriate.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 2022 - Newfoundland and Labrador Fiddling

An introduction to the sociolcultural contexts, functions and meanings of fiddling in Newfoundland and Labrador. Proceeding from this contextual base drawn from oral histories, the course offers practical instruction by a tradition-bearer on the fiddle using the techniques of aural transmission and assisted by the written medium where appropriate.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 2023 - Newfoundland and Labrador Accordion

An introduction to the sociolcultural contexts, function and meanings of accordion music in Newfoundland and Labrador. Proceeding from this contextual base drawn from oral histories, the course offers practical instruction by a tradition-bearer on the button accordion, using the techniques of aural transmission and assisted by the written medium where appropriate.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director
Credit Hours: Three


Some courses in music history and music therory are available to non-music majors who have fulfilled the prerequisities. These may include:

MUSIC 1002 - Music History I

The first of a series of four survey courses in music history. Music 1002 deals with the development of musical styles in Europe from ancient times to the end of the medieval period. Ability to read music is essential. Students with little or no background in music should register for Music 2011 or 2012.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the theory placement test OR admission to the B.Mus. degree program
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 1003 - Music History II

A continuation of Music 1002. Music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Music 1002
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 1107 - Materials & Techniques of Music I

An introduction to melodic writing, harmony and voice-leading, with emphasis on four-part chorale style. Analysis and composition of smaller formal elements.

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the theory placement test.
Credit Hours: Three

MUSIC 1108 - Materials & Techniques of Music II

A continuation of Music 1107

Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Music 1107
Credit Hours: Three


The following courses are restricted to students admitted to a program in the School of Music:

MUSIC 1117 - Aural Skills I

Sight-singing and dictation.

Lectures: Two hours per week
Prerequisite/Corequisite:: Music 1107
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 1118 - Aural Skills II

A continuation of Music 1117.

Lectures: Two hours per week
Prerequisite: Music 1117
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 1127 - Keyboard Harmony I

Introduction to practical keyboard harmony skills for students whose principal applied study is not a keyboard instrument.

Lectures: One hour per week
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the piano proficiency test
Prerequisite/Corequisite: Music 1107
Credit Hours: 0

MUSIC 1128 - Keyboard Harmony II

A continuation of Music 1127

Lectures: One hour per week
Prerequisite: Music 1107, Music 1127
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 1137 - Advanced Keyboard Harmony I

Introduction to practical keyboard harmony skills for students whose principal applied study is a keyboard instrument.

Lectures: One hour per week
Prerequisite/Corequisite: Music 1107
Credit Hours: 0

MUSIC 1138 - Advanced Keyboard Harmony II

A continuation of Music 1137

Lectures: One hour per week
Prerequisite: Music 1107, Music 1137
Credit Hours: One

MUSIC 140 A/B - Applied Study

Private lessons in the principal instrument. Available to music degree students only.

Lectures: One-hour private lesson per week
Prerequisite/Corequisite: Music 140A is a prerequisite for Music 140B
Credit Hours: Four over two semester



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Last modified May 31, 2004.