The history of U.S. popular music from the 1880s to the 1990s. Music ranging from late minstrelsy and Tin Pan Alley to Gangsta Rap and Alternative Rock will be discussed with respect to cultural developments, technology, the music industry, and the political climate in which such music was produced.
3 hr./wk.
Concepts underlying the understanding and enjoyment of music. Examples from around the world highlight matters of form and content. Attendance at concerts, both on and off campus, as well as guided classroom listening aid in the development of listening and communication skills.
3 hr./wk.
An exploration of music from around the world and its relation to cultural forces. Investigates music related to religion, ritual, politics, work, and social function in terms of musical form, style, and literary content. Does not serve as a prerequisite for courses in the music major.
3 hr./wk.
A survey of music theory fundamentals: notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, key signatures, triads, and inversions. This course also serves as preparation for the music major entrance exam.
3 hr./wk.
An introduction to the important figures and diverse styles of jazz. Emphasis will be on listening to jazz and its unique characteristics including identifying various instruments and their roles in jazz ensembles. Attendance at concerts both on and off campus as well as guided classroom listening will aid in the development of listening and communication skills. The influence of folk and popular music from all related cultures will be discussed as well as social issues that affected the music's growth and popularity. Does not serve as a prerequisite for courses in the Music major.
None.
3 hr./wk.
An introduction to music notation, rhythm, scales, key signatures, and beginner pieces on the piano. This course also serves as preparation for the music major entrance exam.
2 hr./wk.
3 hr./wk.
A mid-to-large jazz ensemble focusing on sight-reading proficiency, improvisation and ensemble skills.
BFA jazz majors only or permission of instructor. Requires audition.
2 hr./wk.
An introduction to singing and dictation skills: matching pitch, singing scales and rudimentary diatonic melodies, sight-singing, and the fundamentals of melodic dictation. This courses also serves as preparation for the music major entrance exam.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to keyboard basics corresponding to the concepts covered in the required harmony sequence. Common chords, scales, progressions, and accompaniment patterns.
Permission of the department: only students who pass or exempt MUS 13100 may enroll in MUS 16400.
3 hr./wk.
Fundamentals of vocal production, breathing exercises, vocal exercises, diction, phrasing, and in-class performance of songs.
3 hr./wk.
The history of hip hop from the 1970s to the current moment. Four primary areas of focus: the music, its business and promotion, technology, and the cultural/political impact of hip hop on representations of Blackness and constructions of gender, race, and authenticity.
3 hr./wk.
Intended to help music majors and others interested in exploring the different strategies and styles pertaining to reading, thinking, and writing about music. This course satisfies the requirement of the second level writing course.
FIQWS or ENGL 11000 and MUS 10100 and MUS 13100.
3 hr./wk.
Overview of contemporary music production, recording, sound design techniques, and notation software, including a hands-on lab component.
MUS 13200, or permission of the department.
2 hr./wk.
Introduction to the recording studio. Studio layout, signal flow, gain staging, patch bays, headphone mixes and talk back. Digital audio recording practices. Intro to microphones. Intro to signal processors. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Permission of the department
Spring only
$25
3 hr./wk.
Conceptual and practical exploration of Digital Audio Workstations/DAWs. MIDI specification, recording, programming, editing and refining. Audio editing and arranging. Fundamental mixing practices. Digital audio concepts, formats and practices. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Permission of the department.
Spring only
$25
3 hr./wk.
A study of contemporary tonal harmony, melody, and voice leading. Concepts include pentatonic and blues-based tonalities, diatonic modes, and an introduction to functional harmony. Work includes song analysis and composition.
3 hr./wk.
Continuing study of contemporary tonal harmony, melody, and voice leading. Concepts include diatonic modes, functional harmony, and mode mixture. Work includes analysis and composition.
3 hr./wk.
A survey of the integration of music and sound with the art of cinema.
3 hr./wk.
History of popular music from 1880 to the 1950s. Music ranging from late minstrelsy and Tin Pan Alley to the beginnings of Rock ‘n’ Roll and modern Country explored in terms of cultural developments, technology, economics, and politics.
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
History of popular music from the 1960s to the current music scene. Music ranging from the emergence of Rock and Motown to Punk and Reggae to Gangsta Rap and Alternative Rock explored in terms of cultural developments, technology, economics, and politics.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
2 hr./wk.
A performance
ensemble and workshop focusing on traditional styles of African music and
developing performance skills on a variety of African percussion instruments.
Music major status or permission of instructor.
2 hr./wk.
Skill-based performance study of small jazz ensemble by difficulty, era (such as hard-bop and contemporary), repertoire/composer (such as Horace Silver and Wayne Shorter) and “school” (such as Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis Quintet). Students rehearse supplemental to class meetings. Will also allow for work-shopping and rehearsal/performance of student compositions. May take 7 times.
3 hr./wk.
A performance
ensemble focusing on repertory representing traditional and popular forms of
Afro-Cuban and Caribbean music, including son, rumba, bolero, danzon, and
mambo.
Music major status or permission of instructor.
2 hr./wk.
A performance ensemble focusing on specific repertory representing traditional and popular forms of Brazilian music and the influence this music has had in jazz and other forms of American music. Traditional rhythms such as samba, biao, and maxixe will be examined in addition to traditional forms such as choro and chorino. Classic popular styles such as bossa nova and jazz-samba will be included in the repertoire as well as contemporary styles such as partido alto and funk-samba.
Music major status or permission of instructor.
2 hr./wk.
A performance ensemble focusing on repertory and compositional/improvisational approaches outside of mainstream and traditional jazz idioms. Emphasis will be placed on free improvisation and nontonal improvisational methods. Music by artists who represent these approaches, such as Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy, Charles Mingus, members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Music, John Coltrane, Anthony Braxton, Cecil Taylor and Sun Ra, will be studied and performed.
BFA jazz majors only, audition by instructor.
2 hr./wk.
A performance ensemble focusing on repertory and stylistic practices that combine elements of jazz with traditional, folk, pop and art music of various cultures to encourage a global perspective jazz arts. Since the 1960s, many prominent jazz artists have been inspired and influenced by the music of various cultures. The ensemble will examine these trends through performance of the music.
BFA jazz majors only, audition by instructor.
2 hr./wk.
A performance ensemble focusing on specific jazz repertory represented by a composer, improviser, period or genre.
BFA jazz majors only, audition by instructor.
2 hr./wk.
Performance of multi-voice arrangements in the jazz idiom, concluding with a final concert. In addition to the large ensemble, trios and quartets will be formed to give students the opportunity to sing one-on-a-part. Individual soloing and group improvisation will be explored.
Permission of the department
Spring only
3
Permission of the Department and/or audition.
2 hr./wk.
Permission of the Department and/or audition.
2 hr./wk.
Rhythm, sight-singing, and dictation skills corresponding to the concepts covered in Harmony I. Pentatonic and diatonic melodies, melodic and harmonic dictation. Work includes song analysis and simple improvisation.
Permission of the department: only students who pass the music theory placement exam (offered at the beginning of each term) may enroll in 26100.
3 hr./wk.
Rhythm, sight-singing, and dictation skills corresponding to the concepts covered in Harmony II. Diatonic and chromatic melodies, melodic and harmonic dictation. Work includes song analysis and improvisation.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to guitar basics corresponding to the concepts covered in Harmony I. Common chords, scales, and progressions. Work includes simple composition and improvisation.
Permission of the department: only students who pass or exempt MUS 13100 may enroll in MUS 26800.
3 hr./wk.
A group of courses dealing with the history and literature of popular music.
3 hr./wk.
Elementary techniques for playing piano in jazz style. Chord identifications, extended chords, techniques for accompanying with or without melody, standards and jazz tunes will be covered.
MUS 16300 or departmental permission.
Fall only
2 hr./wk.
A continuation of Music 27500. Blues, altered dominant chords, stride style, harmonic complexities, standards and jazz tunes will be covered.
Spring only
2 hr./wk.
This course will train jazz performance majors to develop the aural foundation needed to successfully navigate and process common melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements. Utilizing numerous exercises including dictation and transcription this training will focus on identifying intervals, chord quality, scales, extensions and alterations, along with common rhythms and meters. Chord progression recognition training will focus on song-based function to be tied into the repertory and ensemble classes.
Departmental Permission
Fall only
2 hr./wk.
This course will train jazz performance majors to develop the aural foundation needed to successfully navigate and process common melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements. Utilizing numerous exercises including dictation and transcription this training will focus on identifying intervals, chord quality, scales, extensions and alterations, along with common rhythms and meters. Chord progression recognition training will focus on song-based function to be tied into the repertory and ensemble classes.
Spring only
2 hr./wk.
Developing your music business acumen. An exploration of all aspects of music business, marketing, social networking, rights management, and law that is required to successfully manage an artist's career in the 21st century.
2 hr./wk.
Individual scholarly or creative work under supervision of a full-time faculty mentor. May be taken up to a total of 12 credits.
Permission of the department.
A changing series of innovative and experimental courses on topics not generally covered in regular courses. Course announcements will be made the preceding semester.
Credits
Hours and credits to be arranged.
Synthesizers in music production and audio sound design. Advanced MIDI techniques. Acoustics review. Voltage and digital control. Oscillators. Modulation and secondary modulation. Envelopes and Low-Frequency Oscillators. Synth filters. Audio-rate modulation, hard sync, width and symmetry modulation. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Fall only
$25
3 hr./wk.
Sampler instrument creation and operation. Commercial music and orchestral sample libraries. Articulation switching and expression. Basic techniques in sound design and underscore for picture and games. Advanced synthesis techniques including additive, granular, analysis/resynthesis, wavetable, waveshaping, etc. Vocoding and other sidechain effects processing. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
$25
3 hr./wk.
A skills-based performance course devoted to learning important tunes from the standard and jazz repertory. The course includes in-class performance, lead sheet preparation, transposition, interpretation, phrasing, second-chorus improvisation, scat singing, arranging, and the development of skills in leading and interacting with a rhythm section. Repeatable 4 times.
Departmental Permission
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
Expert use of production tools and functions in audio and MIDI recording, editing, arranging and collaborating. Thorough examination of signal processing concepts and techniques. Lead sheet creation. Mixing practices, including preproduction, groups, subgroups, sidechain, filtering, levels, headroom and metering. Vocal and acoustic guitar recording. Mixing vocals and small recordings. Flex/elastic time. Pitch correction. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Fall only
$25
3 hr./wk.
Advanced music production tools, expert use of automation, and advanced MIDI manipulation. Drum and percussion software. Intro to recording electric guitar and bass. Intro to recording drums. Mixing more complex projects. Basic underscore and post-production practices. Intro to game audio middleware. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
$25
3 hr./wk.
Review of microphone technology. Microphone positioning. Matching microphones to microphone preamps. Recording session procedures and documentation. Recording techniques for electric and acoustic guitar, piano, electric and acoustic bass, and drums. Advanced concepts in Compression and Equalization. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Fall only
$25
3 hr./wk.
Production Analysis. Song preproduction considerations. Arrangement as a production tool. Developing a production point of view. The Producer and the artist. Individual and group song production projects. Assigned studio time.
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
Basic tracking and overdubs with various music ensembles. Multitrack editing techniques. Stereo and surround sound microphone techniques. Advanced Music Mixing. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Spring only
$25
3 hr./wk.
In depth look at the principles and practices of music underscore. Underscore function, style, mood, and themes. Diegetic and non-diegetic music. Analysis of various scores. Voice over recording. ADR (automated dialog replacement) setup, recording, and producing. Matching ADR to production audio. ADR alignment. Individual creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
Functional chromatic harmony and voice leading. Topics include: applied dominants, modulation, mode mixture, and form.
MUS 13200
3 hr./wk.
Composition and analysis of standard song forms as well as other standard compositional practices and forms idiomatic to jazz.
3 hr./wk.
Evolution of musical thought from medieval plainchant to the complex baroque polyphony of JS Bach. Sacred, secular, vocal, and instrumental genres: Mass, motet, chanson, madrigal, cantata, opera, suite, sonata, concerto.
FIQWS or ENG 11000
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
Changing instrumental and vocal styles. Influences from literature and visual art. Virtuosity, nationalism, and exoticism. Breakdown and reinterpretation of tonality. Innovations of genre and form. Non-Western influences. Impressionism, Expressionism, Serialism, Minimalism.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
An examination of the roots of jazz and its stylistic evolution and major contributors up to 1950. Emphasis will be placed on detailed listening assignments, a 3500 word writing requirement and readings.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
An examination of the trends in jazz and its major contributors since 1950. Emphasis will be placed on detailed listening assignments, a 3500 word writing requirement and readings.
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
Exploration and application of non-jazz vocal styles; the art of background vocals; application of musicianship skills; studio and recording skills; and basic knowledge of sound systems for live performances. Includes lectures, application of musical concepts, performances, videotaping with self-critique, and a vocal session in a recording studio. May be taken twice.
Permission of the department.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
Basic principles of chord voicing; voicing extended chords. Ranges, transpositions, and instrumental characteristics of the instruments of the standard jazz big band. Chord substitution. Arranging for the small jazz ensemble, from two to five horns with rhythm section. Arranging standard songs.
3 hr./wk.
This course introduces students to the basic tools used in functional harmony in major and minor keys. Roman numeral analysis is used to establish a thorough understanding of tonal centers. After an examination of diatonic chords and their functions, we will investigate basic chromaticism in the form of secondary dominants and tritone substitution, as well as intermediate concepts like diminished harmony. Chord-scale relationships and simple voicings enable students to further their understanding of extended harmony.
Departmental Permission
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
This course provides students with fundamental concepts and language needed to improvise over chord progressions using the piano as our reference. Over three semesters we will: learn linear shapes that can be transposed to 12 keys and sung in tunes to connect the 7-3 of the ii-V-I in major and minor; embellish the basic linear shapes with chromatic approach language; transcribe and assimilate melodic ideas from recorded solos; and write and sing solos over standard and jazz tunes. Repeatable 3 times.
Departmental Permission
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
This course introduces students to intermediate, harmonic techniques used in the jazz repertory. The concept of modal interchange establishes a connection to previous topics and expands the harmonic palette. A focus will also be placed on modulation types and their analysis in song forms commonly found in practical contexts. Rhythm changes and blues harmony complete the survey of frequently used principles in tonal harmony; extended dominants and constant structure progressions are introduced to generate even greater levels of chromaticism.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
Idioms from jazz, folk, pop and rock singing; musical theater, avant-garde techniques; recording studio techniques. May be taken up to eight times.
Permission of the Department.
3 hr./wk.
Fall only
A study of the range, tone quality, transposition, expressive qualities, and arrangements for horns, strings, rhythm sections, and guitars. Introduces the rudiments of commercial music arranging.
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
The study of audio recording on location including dialog, room tone, and sound effects. The course exposes students to the hardware, software, protocols, and work flows of the professional environment. Subjects include boom, plant, and wireless microphones and hops. Location mixer/recorders, timecode sync, slates, sound reports, and power distribution.
2 hr./wk.
An introduction to the software, hardware, practices, and procedures for sound reinforcement. Subjects include: wireless microphones and in-ear monitors. Speaker and amplifier design, construction, and interconnections. Front of house (FOH) and Monitor mixing. “Ringing out” and tuning a system. Concert sound reinforcement, recording, and broadcast.
2 hr./wk.
Performance seminar for advanced jazz rhythm section instrumentalists (bass, guitar, piano and drums). May be taken twice.
2 hr./wk.
A practical study of rhythmic techniques in jazz for non-drummers. Emphasis on swing rhythm, rhythmic independence, polyrhythms, rhythmic phrase construction and rhythmic practices for accompanying. Students will explore the role of the drummer in the jazz ensemble and the characteristics of the drum kit through listening and practice.
2 hr./wk.
The fundamentals of executing improvisation in the jazz idiom. Focus will be on chord/scale relationships, motivic and linear construction in 12-bar major and minor blues forms, I Got Rhythm, the American songbook, and repertoire of the jazz canon.
3 hr./wk.
Intermediate to advanced concepts in jazz improvisation. Harmonic devices ranging from the be-bop era up to the present; functional and non-functional; key modulations; modal improvisation; Coltrane cycles; repertoire from the American songbook and from the jazz canon.
3 hr./wk.
This seminar critically explores rock analytical literature by academic music theorists, with an emphasis on post-1965 music and post-1990 essays. Students will examine representative examples of analytical readings of specific rock songs as well as more ambitious attempts to define the style through broad theoretical generalizations. The work will culminate with original analyses modeled on, and ideally expanding, the existing literature.
3 hr./wk.
In-depth examination of the music of a specific jazz artist, ensemble, style or genre from the perspective of historical, analytical and performance studies. Topics vary on a rotating basis as determined by the jazz faculty.
Spring only
3 hr./wk.
Intensive work in composition of complete pieces, in imitative or free style, according to student's abilities and interests. May be taken twice.
Permission of the Department.
3 hr./wk.
Intensive work in composition of complete pieces, in imitative or free style, according to student's abilities and interests. May be taken twice.
3 hr./wk.
A course in the analysis and interpretation of selected moments in popular music history. The music will be examined through specific analytical and philosophical lenses. There will be six units: two on pre-WWII music, one rock, one hip-hop, one on a less prominent genre, and one on pop of the 2000s.
3 hr./wk.
Supervised internships at professional music and audio technology facilities. Students observe and interact with production and business practices in the professional marketplace. Requires a minimal commitment of eight hours per week. Must be taken twice.
Permission of the department.
2 hr./wk.
Synchronization of audio to moving images. Introduction to video and film technologies. Video and audio compression codecs. Introduction to video editing software. FX, Foley, narration, dialog, music underscore, and sound design. Post production mixing. Audio restoration. Broadcast television and film audio standards. Individual and group creative projects. Assigned studio time.
Spring only
$25
3 hr./wk.
Students will explore audio techniques presented in previous courses in greater depth and detail. A capstone project is required for each student in this course. These projects are presented to the students and staff of the Center and guest professionals at the end of the semester. An in-depth study of mastering. Also presented will be various production techniques, as well as people, organizational and business skills that will be useful in real world recording and production situations. Individual capstone project. Assigned studio time.
Fall only
$25
3 hr./wk.
Arranging for the standard jazz big band. Analysis of form and content of traditional swing and bebop band arrangements. Thickened line, basic chorale, and combination voicings. Line writing and sectional counterpoint. Dynamic shape of the arrangement; thematic exposition and motivic development; repetition and variation. Treatment of texture and climaxes; "shout chorus" and saxophone solo. Preparation of the score and parts. Contemporary and experimental techniques.
3 hr./wk.
This course introduces students to modal harmony in jazz. An examination of character chords and modal cadences connects topics from Jazz Harmony I and II to non-functional harmony. Furthermore, poly-chords, hybrid chords, and quartal voicings are investigated in the context of functional and non-functional harmony. A big portion of the course will examine several advanced reharmonization techniques in order to introduce a new perspective on topics discussed in jazz harmony.
Fall only
3 hr./wk.
An in-depth study of advanced concepts in audio post production. Subjects will include the Avid Eucon protocol and Avid control surfaces. Mixing for cinema including the 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos formats. Mixing for broadcast and streaming including the 5.1 and 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos formats. Providing deliverables including the creation of a DCP, Blu-ray encoding, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital+ encoding. An audio post production capstone project is required.
3 hr./wk.
A one-hour recital of repertoire or original compositions performed at the university in the final semester. The program will be chosen in consultation with the jazz faculty and private instructor and represents the culmination of the student’s undergraduate work. Recital coaching and mentoring sessions held weekly throughout the semester.
Departmental Permission
2 hr./wk.
Students study privately on their instrument/voice with a full-time faculty member or an accomplished artist/teacher from the New York jazz community, selected by agreement of the student and advisor. May be taken 8 times for up to 8 credits total
1 hour/week; 1 credit.