Whether you want to try something for the first time, or dive deep into your area of study, our courses offer you the opportunity to shine a light on what interests you. 

Please note: The Course Catalog should be used for all official planning. 

MUCA - Music Composition & Arranging

MUCA 100: Fundamentals of Composition

An introduction to the craft of contemporary classical composition. Intended for composition majors, theory majors, and other students interested in music composition. Weekly compositions are supplemented by listening, analysis, and writing assignments. PREREQUISITES: MUTH 201 or MUTH 100
Units: 6
Prerequisite: MUTH 201 or MUTH 100

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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MUCA 195: 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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MUCA 210: Improvisation

This course introduces improvisational concepts and ideas in popular, jazz and experimental styles. Musicians with classical backgrounds will expand their skill sets and marketability; songwriters and pop musicians will expand their spontaneous arranging abilities. This is an experiential course, practicing the art of solos, fills, backgrounds, and how to create music with others.
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. PREREQUISITES: MUTH 240
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. PREREQUISITES: MUCA 220
Units: 3
Prerequisite: MUCA 220

MUCA 230: Small Group Jazz Composition and Arranging

Fundamentals of notation, orchestration, rhythmic embellishment, melodic development, jazz harmony, vertical sonorities, basic forms, and 2-5 part densities for jazz small groups. PREREQUISITES: MUJI 350 or MUTH 301
Units: 3
Prerequisite: MUJI 350 or MUTH 301

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. PREREQUISITES: Two terms of MUCA 345 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Two terms of MUCA 345 or consent of instructor

MUCA 330: Large Ensemble Jazz Composition and Arranging

Scoring techniques for the jazz big band and expanded chamber jazz ensembles. Focus upon melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textual, and formal variation in the large jazz ensemble format. PREREQUISITES: MUCA 230 or consent of instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: MUCA 230 or consent of instructor

MUCA 345: Composition

Private instruction in music composition. PREREQUISITES: MUCA 100 and MUTH 251 or consent of instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: MUCA 100 and MUTH 251 or consent of instructor

MUCA 390: Tutorial Studies in Music Composition and Arranging

Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

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: 1 TO 98

MUCA 400: Topics in Music Composition

Selected topics in contemporary music, intended for composition majors and other students interested in music composition.
Units: 6
Prerequisite: MUTH 301 or consent of instructor

MUCA 411: Orchestration I

Capabilities and uses of strings, woodwinds and horn; notational practices; scoring for chamber orchestra. PREREQUISITES: MUTH 301 and two terms of MUCA 345 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: MUTH 301 and two terms of MUCA 345 or consent of instructor

MUCA 412: Orchestration II

Capabilities and uses of brass, percussion and harp; advanced orchestration techniques; scoring for wind ensemble and full symphony orchestra. PREREQUISITES: MUCA 411
Units: 6
Prerequisite: MUCA 411

MUCA 530: Advanced Jazz Writing Skills

A continuation of MUCA 230 and MUCA 330 that focuses upon special recital, concert, recording, and honors projects in jazz composition. May be repeated for credit. PREREQUISITES: MUCA 330 and admission to the emphasis in jazz, or consent of instructor
Units: 3
Prerequisite: MUCA 330 and admission to the emphasis in jazz, or consent of instructor

MUCA 590: Tutorial Studies in Music Composition and Arranging

Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MUCA 599: Independent Study in Music Composition and Arranging

Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

MUCA 690: Tutorial Studies in Music Composition and Arranging

Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

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. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

MUCA 699: Independent Study in Music Composition and Arranging

Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
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