Music Composition Course Descriptions

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Continued exploration of jazz repertoire using more complex forms and progressions, intermediate linear concepts, and solo transcription/analysis. PREREQUISITES: MUCA 220

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Students considering an honors project should register for independent study for one or more terms.

Selected topics in contemporary music, intended for composition majors and other students interested in music composition.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.