13.3 Music Theory and Composition Courses

MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 1118 Aural Skills II

is a continuation of MUS 1117.

CH:
1
LC:
2
PR:
MUS 1107, 1117
MUS 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.
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 2118 Aural Skills IV

is a continuation of MUS 2117.

CH:
1
LC:
2
PR:
MUS 2107, 2117
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 4104 Electronic Music Studio Techniques II

is a continuation of MUS 3104.

PR:
MUS 3104
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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
MUS 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.
MUS 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
MUS 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 as noted.

CH = Credit hours: unless otherwise noted, a course normally has a credit value of 3 credit hours.

CO = Co-requisite(s): course(s) listed must be taken concurrently with or successfully completed prior to the course being described.

CR = Credit restricted: The course being described and the course(s) listed are closely related but not equivalent.  Credit is limited to one of these courses.  Normally, these courses cannot be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.

EQ = Equivalent: the course being described and the course(s) listed are equal for credit determination.  Credit is limited to one of these courses.  These courses can be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.

LC = Lecture hours per week: lecture hours are 3 per week unless otherwise noted.

LH = Laboratory hours per week.

OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars.

PR = Prerequisite(s): course(s) listed must be successfully completed prior to commencing the course being described.

UL = Usage limitation(s) as noted.