MUCA - Music Composition & Arranging
MUCA 100
Fundamentals of Composition
An introduction to the craft of music composition open to students with some background in music. Taught as a small class, the course will introduce basic compositional techniques to students with limited background in composition. Individualized compositional projects will be complemented by group listening and analysis. Does not satisfy any requirement for the theory/composition major. Units: 3.
MUCA 110
Introduction to Electronic Music
Through hands-on composition-based projects, the course explores electronic and computer music in the context of the contemporary art music tradition as well as various popular idioms. Topics include digital audio sampling and editing, digital signal processing, sound synthesis, MIDI sequencing, and multi-track sound mixing. Discussions engage the integral role of technology in shaping our musical culture as well as the history of electronic music. Units: 6.
MUCA 191
Directed Study in Music Composition and Arranging
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
MUCA 195
Intership in Music Composition and Arranging
An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. Units: Variable.
MUCA 200
Exploration in Composition
An intermediate-level composition class intended for music majors not pursuing the theory/composition degree. Units: 3.
MUCA 210
Improvisation
An introduction to improvisation for students in all music disciplines. Exploration of the concepts of improvisation in the varied settings of ethnic/world music, jazz, and contemporary classical music. Units: 3.
MUCA 220
Jazz Improvisation I
An introduction to the fundamentals of jazz improvisation. Exploration of jazz repertoire through scale/chord/mode associations, rhythmic and linear development, and solo transcription/analysis. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUTH 240
MUCA 221
Jazz Improvisation II
Continued exploration of jazz repertoire using more complex forms and progressions, intermediate linear concepts, and solo transcription/analysis. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUCA 220
MUCA 250
Introductory Composition
Composition of small forms in various media such as trios and quartets for strings, brass, or winds; art songs; and piano music. Theory/composition majors must complete a minimum of two terms. May be repeated for credit. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUTH 251
MUCA 300
Techniques of the Contemporary Composer
Development of the craft of the contemporary composer through selected topics in pitch, rhythm, and form. The course comprises analysis of major compositional techniques of contemporary music in tandem with directed assignments in composition. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Two terms of MUCA 250 or consent of instructor
MUCA 331
Jazz Composition and Arranging I
Essentials of composing jazz music and writing for the jazz small group. Fundamentals of notation, orchestration, rhythmic embellishment, melodic development, jazz harmony, vertical sonorities, basic forms, 2-5 part densities. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUTH 240
MUCA 332
Jazz Composition and Arranging II
Intermediate composition and arranging concepts for expanded jazz ensembles. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUCA 331 or consent of instructor
MUCA 333
Jazz Composition and Arranging III
Advanced jazz writing projects. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUCA 332
MUCA 350
Intermediate Composition
A continuation of MUCA 250, with emphasis on larger forms. Theory/composition majors must complete a minimum of two terms. May be repeated for credit. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUTH 301 and at least two terms of MUCA 250
MUCA 390
Tutorial Studies in Music Composition and Arranging
Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
MUCA 391
Directed Study in Music Composition and Arranging
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
MUCA 395
Internship in Music Composition and Arranging
An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. Units: Variable.
MUCA 399
Independent Study in Music Composition and Arranging
Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms. Units: Variable.
MUCA 400
Topic for Fall 2009: Electronic Music - Advanced Techniques
Prerequisite: MUCA 400 Topic: Electronic Music or permission of instructor.
Topics in Music Composition
Selected topics in contemporary music, intended for theory/composition majors and other students interested in music composition.
Prerequisite: MUTH 301
MUCA 530
Advanced Jazz Writing Skills
A continuation of MUCA 331, 332, 333 through private instruction. May be repeated for credit. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: MUCA 333 and admission to an emphasis in jazz studies, or consent of instructor
MUCA 550
Advanced Composition
Composition in various forms and for various media, culminating in at least one work for large ensemble. Theory/composition majors must complete a minimum of two terms. May be repeated for credit. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: Two terms minimum of MUCA 350
MUCA 590
Tutorial Studies in Music Composition and Arranging
Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
MUCA 591
Directed Study in Music Composition and Arranging
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
MUCA 595
Internship in Music Composition and Arranging
An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
MUCA 599
Independent Study in Music Composition and Arranging
Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
MUCA 690
Tutorial Studies in Music Composition and Arranging
Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
MUCA 691
Directed Study in Composition and Arranging
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
MUCA 695
Internship in Music Composition and Arranging
An experience-based project in music developed in consultation with a designated supervisor and a conservatory faculty member, comprising a work component and an academic component. The academic component of the internship, carried out under the supervision of the faculty member, may include readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty member, and a written report or other culminating project appropriate to the discipline. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
MUCA 699
Independent Study in Music Composition and Arranging
Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.