Office of the Registrar
School of Music (2022/2023)
13.3 Music Theory and Composition Courses

1105

Elements of Music I

is an introductory music theory and aural skills course focusing on reading, writing, and hearing basic and intermediate music rudiments that are associated with common practice Western art music. Topics include: pitch and rhythm, intervals, scales, chords, keys, time signatures, and musical terms. Emphasis will be placed on the aural comprehension of all pertinent topics.

CR: MUS 1120

1106

Elements of Music II

is a continuation of Elements of Music I. This course will focus on advanced rudiments and basic harmony with an emphasis on the aural comprehension of all pertinent topics.

CR: MUS 1120

PR: MUS 1105 or permission of the instructor

1107

Materials and Techniques of Music I

is the study of the basic materials of tonal music; introduction to melody writing and phrase structures; introduction to voice leading with emphasis on chorale style; analysis and composition of smaller formal elements.

CO: MUS 1117

CR: the former MUS 110A, the former MUS 1113

PR: MUS 1106 or successful completion of the Theory Placement Test

1108

Materials and Techniques of Music II

is a continuation of MUS 1107. Harmonic vocabulary is expanded to include all diatonic triads and seventh chords, with an introduction to chromatic harmony; phrase expansions and contractions; analysis and composition of binary and ternary forms.

CR: the former MUS 110B, the former MUS 1114

PR: MUS 1107

1117

Aural Skills I

is a course on sightsinging and dictation.

CH: 1

CO: MUS 1107

LC: 2

PR: MUS 1106 or successful completion of the Theory Placement Test

1118

Aural Skills II

is a continuation of MUS 1117.

CH: 1

LC: 2

PR: MUS 1107, 1117

1120

Rudiments I

is an introductory course in music rudiments and theory, including basic aural skills.

CR: MUS 1105, 1106

UL: not applicable to the Bachelor of Music degree.

2107

Materials and Techniques of Music III

is a study of chromatic harmony with emphasis on both writing and analysis. Introduction to sonata form.

CR: the former MUS 210A, the former MUS 2113

PR: MUS 1108 and successful completion of the piano proficiency test

2108

Materials and Techniques of Music IV

is a continuing study of chromatic harmony with an emphasis on enharmonic modulation and other advanced chromatic techniques. Continued study of sonata form, rondo, sonata rondo and variation forms. Written work will include both analysis and composition exercises in the styles studied.

CR: the former MUS 210B, the former MUS 2114

PR: MUS 2107

2117

Aural Skills III

is a continuation of MUS 1118.

CH: 1

LC: 2

PR: MUS 1108, 1118 and successful completion of the piano proficiency test

2118

Aural Skills IV

is a continuation of MUS 2117.

CH: 1

LC: 2

PR: MUS 2107, 2117

3100

Composition I

introduces students to a variety of compositional concepts such as selected post-1900 techniques, developments in rhythm and metre, texture, phrase structures, song forms, short forms, and motivic development. The emphasis will be on composing short works employing the compositional devices studied. Students planning to apply for the Major in Composition are strongly encouraged to take this course.

PR: MUS 1108

3104

Electronic Music Studio Techniques I

is a course designed to give basic instruction in the theory, technique, and philosophy of electronic music composition. Students obtain the skills necessary to operate the equipment of an electronic music studio (including mixers, synthesizers, and samplers) and to use them in appropriate and creative ways. Objectives of the course are achieved through lecture, lab experiences, listening and practical application.

PR: MUS 1108

3105

Materials and Techniques of Post-Tonal Music

is a study of compositional devices used in the twentieth century. Topics include minimalism, new tonality, aleatorism, atonality, set theory, serial techniques, and electronic music.

PR: MUS 2108

3106

Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint

is a course combining the analytical study of 16th-century sacred polyphony with an emphasis on the development of compositional skills in this style. Students will be required to write two- and three-part counterpoint exercises and a motet. The principal composers studied will be Palestrina, Lassus and Victoria. Some listening and singing assignments are required.

PR: MUS 1108

3108

Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint

is a study of form and polyphony in eighteenth-century music, including the fugue and the Baroque suite. Assignments include analysis, composition, and written exercises in counterpoint.

CR: the former MUS 310A, the former MUS 3113

PR: MUS 2107

3109

Jazz Theory and Arranging I

is an introduction to jazz theory and the basic principles of arranging for jazz ensembles with an emphasis on theory.

PR: MUS 1108

3110

Jazz Theory and Arranging II

is a continuation of MUS 3109, and examines the technique of orchestration as it relates to the big band and other large ensembles.

PR: MUS 3109

3112

Orchestration I

is an introduction to the principles of orchestration with an emphasis on instrumentation.

CR: the former MUS 3102

PR: MUS 2108 or permission of the instructor

3118

Advanced Form

is a course combining the advanced study of form and harmony with an emphasis on the development of analytical and compositional skills. Form-functional theory will be used in order to examine, analyze and emulate the music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. The following forms will be covered: Binary, Ternary, Rondo, Sonata-Rondo, and Sonata form.

PR: MUS 2108

3140

Composition Seminar

provides intensive composition study for students whose Major or Minor is Composition.

PR: MUS 2108, 2118, and admission to the Composition Major or Minor

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 6 credit hours

4104

Electronic Music Studio Techniques II

is a continuation of MUS 3104.

PR: MUS 3104

4105

Special Topics in Music Theory

will have topics to be studied announced by the School of Music.

CH: 1

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 3 credit hours

4106

Special Topics in Music Theory

will have topics to be studied announced by the School of Music.

CH: 2

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 4 credit hours

4107

Special Topics in Music Theory

will have topics to be studied announced by the School of Music.

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 6 credit hours

4112

Orchestration II

is a continuation of MUS 3112, and examines the technique of orchestration as it relates to the symphonic orchestra and other large ensembles.

CR: the former MUS 4102

PR: MUS 3112, or the former MUS 3102, or permission of the instructor.

4115

Advanced Post-Tonal Techniques

is a course combining the advanced study of post-tonal music-theoretical models and concepts with an emphasis on the development of demonstrating learned concepts through composition assignments. Students will study, analyze, and write compositions based upon—but not limited to—the following: neo-Riemannian transformations, hexatonic systems, serial transformations, and minimalist structures.

PR: MUS 3105

4140

Advanced Composition Seminar

provides advanced composition study for students whose Major or Minor is Composition. Students will prepare a recital of original works and/or a portfolio of their compositions.

PR: 6 credit hours of MUS 3140, and admission to the Composition Major

UL: may only obtain a maximum of 6 credit hours

AR = Attendance requirement; CH = Credit hours are 3 unless otherwise noted; CO = Co-requisite(s); CR = Credit can be retained for only one course from the set(s) consisting of the course being described and the course(s) listed; LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted; LH = Laboratory hours per week; OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars; PR = Prerequisite(s); UL = Usage limitation(s).