Department of Performing Arts (Music, Theatre and Dance)
Courses — Musics
MUSIC G103
Music as Experience
MUSIC G105
Music of the World
MUSIC G205
Introduction to Ethnomusicology
MUSIC G253
Black American Music
For a complete description of these General Education courses, see the “First-year and Intermediate Seminars” section of this publication.
MUSIC 101
Chorus
The study and performance of music for chorus from the medieval period through the twentieth century. This course may be repeated for credit.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
MUSIC 102
Chamber Singers
The study and performance of music for the small vocal ensemble. Repertoire ranges from Renaissance madrigals to contemporary music. Limited enrollment. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: By audition.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
MUSIC 104
Jazz Band
Analysis, improvisation and performance of jazz. Work in small ensembles. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: By audition.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
MUSIC 106
Orchestra
The study and performance of music for chamber orchestra. Repertoire ranges from Renaissance to contemporary music. (Often this is available for credit as MUSIC 479, section 1.) This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: By audition.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 110
Listening Experience
A study of the creative processes which shape the musical artwork, emphasizing a broad range of intensive, analytical listening experiences.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
MUSIC 111
An Introduction to Music
Basic music materials, principles of design, and the cultural significance of representative works in historical sequence. Designed primarily for non-music majors.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
MUSIC 115
World Music
An introduction to the musical traditions of countries throughout the world, embracing the role of music in society, ritual, and culture. Traditional vocal and instrumental styles of folk and traditional music are illustrated through audio and visual materials.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area:The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
MUSIC 121
Theory I
An introduction to the fundamentals of tonal harmony: scales, intervals, keys, and triads. Analysis and application of melodic and harmonic structures. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Corequisite: MUSIC 123.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area:The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 122
Theory II
A continuation of MUSIC 121: realization of bass lines in four-part harmony. Basic counterpoint. Principles of voice-leading. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Corequisite: MUSIC 124.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 121.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area:The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 123
Ear Training and Sight Singing I
Interval recognition, rhythmic exercises, and performance of simple melodies from score. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Corequisite: MUSIC 121.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 124
Ear Training and Sight Singing II
A continuation of MUSIC 123. Further score reading and rhythmic exercises. Dictation of moderately simple melodies and introduction to part-singing. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Corequisite: MUSIC 122.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 123.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 131
Elements: Keyboard I
Introduction to the keyboard; hand position, fingering, and reading from score. Major scales, harmonization of melodies; simple pieces. Designed primarily for music majors. (Course offered in the fall only.)
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
MUSIC 132
Elements: Keyboard II
A continuation of major scales, introduction to minor scales, harmonization of melodies with expanded chord vocabulary. Further study of piano technique, including coordination of hands in more complex rhythmic patterns. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Prerequisite: MUSIC 131.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
MUSIC 185
Applied Music
Private, individualized study of voice and all instruments covering both performing techniques and musicianship. Open to all students upon payment of an additional fee. Twelve hour or half-hour lessons per semester. May be repeated for credit. Students may register for this course through Continuing Education.
Hrs to be arranged, 1 Credit
Please note: One of the following three required major courses in music history is offered each semester.
MUSIC 221
Theory III
A continuation of MUSIC 122: further practice in four-part writing, using dominant, non-dominant, and diminished seventh chords. Realization of figured basses and harmonization of melodies. Analysis of binary and ternary forms.
Corequisite: MUSIC 223.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 122.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area:The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 222
Theory IV
A continuation of MUSIC 221: advanced four-part writing and the introduction of short tonal compositions in imitation of classic models. Further analysis of complex harmonic and melodic structures.
Corequisite: MUSIC 224.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 221.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area:The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 223
Ear Training and Sight Singing III
A continuation of MUSIC 124: more advanced score reading and exercises in complex rhythms. Dictation of chord sequences and melodies.
Corequisite: MUSIC 221.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 124.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 224
Ear Training and Sight Singing IV
A continuation of MUSIC 223: emphasis on dictation of harmonic progressions and extended melodies.
Corequisite: MUSIC 222.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 223.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Patterson and Staff
MUSIC 241
American Music
The growth and development of American music in both its rural-folk and urban aspects.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 248
Universe of Music
An introduction to the infinite universe of music from its origins to the present, this course investigates the role of instruments, culture, myth and science in the evolution of music. Illustrations through the medium of the World Wide Web present the concept of music as both communication of ideas and expression of feelings in diverse musical traditions of the world.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
MUSIC 251
The History and Development of Jazz in America
The development of jazz from its origin to the present.
Distribution Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
MUSIC 252
African and African-American Music
An examination of African-American music (black music) from its African origins to contemporary black musical expression, including work songs, spirituals, minstrelsy, blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Walters
MUSIC Z255
Jazz Harmony and Arranging
An introduction to the fundamentals of jazz theory: scales, modes, chord progressions and voicing. Analysis and application of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures through improvisation, composition and arranging in small forms.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 122 or permission of instructor.
MUSIC 258
American Music in Wartime
The history of the United States goes back only 255 years, yet in that relatively short amount of time the country has been involved in no fewer than ten wars. This course is a survey course examining American wartime composers, their lives, their works, and the events surrounding the composition of patriotic works.
Distribution I Area: The Arts.
Distribution Area II: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
MUSIC 294
Chamber Ensemble
The study and performance of chamber music including woodwind quintets, string trios, and piano quartets from the baroque to the present. Focus is on analysis of form and style. Enrollment in MUSIC Z294 does not count toward fulfillment of the Ensemble Performance requirement.
Prerequisite: By audition.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 301
Music History I
A survey of important stylistic and formal developments from the Middle Ages to the early baroque. Liturgical chant, the rise of polyphony, the motet, monophonic and polyphonic secular song, monody, opera and major works of composers from Machete to Monteverdi. (Course offered every third semester.)
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 302
Music History II
A survey of important stylistic and formal developments from the middle Baroque to the dawn of the Romantic period and the transition to independent genres of instrumental music (sonata, symphony, concerto). Composers whose works are studied include Purcell, Bach, Händel, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. (Course offered every third semester.)
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 303
Music History III
A survey of important trends in music of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries against a background of social, economic, and political change. The art song, piano music, program music, opera, and choral music. Changes in musical language and concepts in the works of Wagner, Debussy, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Bartok, Ives, and contemporary composers. (Course offered every third semester.)
Distribution II Area: The Arts.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 381
Counterpoint
The principles of melodic lines and their combination. Imitation, canon, and fugue in two and three voices.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Patterson
MUSIC 382
Form and Analysis
Analysis of simple and complex structures in traditional and experimental music.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Patterson
MUSIC 393
An Introduction to Composition
Original composition. Studies in the nature of melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Patterson
MUSIC 400
Master Composers
A survey of the life, works, and influence of eminent composers. Topics vary each semester, and are listed in the department’s announcement of current course offerings.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 301, 302, or 303.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 401
String Methods
Intensive class instruction in the fundamentals of string technique. This course offers preparation for teaching instrumental music at the secondary level.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 222.
2 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 402
Woodwind Methods
Intensive class instruction in the fundamentals of woodwind technique. This course offers preparation for teaching instrumental music at the secondary level.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 222.
2 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 403
Brass Methods
Intensive class instruction in the fundamentals of brass technique. This course offers preparation for teaching instrumental music at the secondary level.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 222.
2 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 404
Percussion Methods
Intensive class instruction in the fundamentals of percussion technique. This course offers preparation for teaching instrumental music at the secondary level.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 222.
2 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 420
The History of Song
A study of song style and literature from the medieval period to today.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 302.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
MUSIC 430
The Music of Court and Chapel
A selective repertoire of music from the Middle Ages through the late eighteenth century with particular emphasis on the court and ecclesiastical milieu which frequently determined its development. Emphasis on the social status of composers, the audience for which they wrote, and the influence of patronage on the repertoire.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 301, 302, 303, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 434
The History of Musical Instruments
The art and technology of musical construction from the Middle Ages to the present. Representative repertoire is used to illustrate particular instruments in solo and ensemble contexts.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 301, 302, or 303; or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 435
Opera
The musical, literary and scenic components of opera from 1600 to the present with special attention to the works of Monteverdi, Händel, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner and Puccini.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 301, 302, or 303; or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 440
Instrumental Methods and Literature in the Teaching of Music
This course deals with running band and orchestra programs in grades 4-12 in the schools. Topics include: history and literature, psychology of music, teaching methods, organization, administration, literature, adjudication, program evaluation, and the instrumental music teaching profession.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to the music education program.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 441
Choral and General Music Methods and Literature
Choral and general music in public and parochial schools. This course deals with all aspects of running choral and general programs in grades N-12. Topics include history and philosophy, psychology, teaching methods, foreign approaches, (Orff, Kodály, Dalcroze, Suzuki), lesson planning, literature, and joining the profession.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to the music education program or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 442
Conducting
An introduction to the fundamentals of conducting: the baton, beat patterns, posture, gestures, score study, and rehearsal techniques.
Prerequisite: Junior standing, MUSIC 122.
3 Lect Hrs, 2 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 453
The History of Performance
A study of music literature through the conventions that govern its performance. Notation, musical instruments and ensembles, the role of improvisation, and changing musical tastes are examined in relation to historic repertoires from the Middle Ages to the present. Topics also include the development of the public concert and of the art of the conductor.
Prerequisites: MUSIC 201, 202, 203.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 454
The Symphony
A survey of the symphony and symphonic poem from the first half of the eighteenth century to the present. Analysis of representative trends and major works with attention to the evolution of the orchestra and the public concert.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 202 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Oleskiewicz
MUSIC 479
Independent Study
Open to advanced students who wish to do intensive work on a particular topic. A written outline of the project must be submitted to the prospective instructor well in advance of the beginning of the semester in which the project is to be done. An extended written paper is the normal outcome of such a project. While enrollment in Independent Study is encouraged for advanced students, all students enrolling in MUSIC 479 (other than the Chamber Orchestra section) that involves any aspect of performance do so with the understanding that they will continue to perform in the performing ensemble idiomatic to their instrument, whether officially enrolled for credit or not.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
MUSIC 483
Orchestration
A study of the range and timbre of instruments. Practical ways of combining instruments. Discussion of mass, texture, and sound.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and MUSIC 223.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Mitchell
MUSIC 490
Honors in Music
The honors project is an important creative effort that culminates in a recital of original compositions, a senior recital, or a document embodying scholarly research. The project must be approved, during the semester before the project is to begin, by the student’s faculty supervisor and by the departmental honors committee. While enrollment in Honors in Music is encouraged for advanced students, all students enrolling in MUSIC 490 that involves any aspect of performance do so with the understanding that they will continue to perform in the performing ensemble idiomatic to their instrument, whether officially enrolled for credit or not.
Prerequisites: 3.0 overall GPA; 3.25 in Music courses; senior standing; approval of the department.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
MUSIC 498
Senior Honors
An opportunity for seniors to work with a faculty advisor on an individualized, advanced project. The senior honors project may be either a major creative effort leading to a recital/portfolio of original compositions, a senior recital, or a written research project in music theory or history. While enrollment in Senior Honors is encouraged for advanced students, all students enrolling in MUSIC 498 that involves any aspect of performance do so with the understanding that they will continue to perform in the performing ensemble idiomatic to their instrument, whether officially enrolled for credit or not.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and permission of the departmental honors committee.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
MUSIC 499
Pre-Practicum in Music
Field experience consisting of observation and limited assistance in selected public school music programs. This, coupled with the pre-practicum experience taken with required courses of the Provisional Teacher Certification Program, fulfills the pre-practicum requirement established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This course is offered every semester.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Music Education Program.
3 Lect Hrs, 1 Credit
Mr Mitchell, Mr Walter