Specialized Supplementary Courses
Elements of Conducting
CND 451; 3 s.h./term
Introduction to the technique of leading larger ensembles, basic beat patterns, techniques of expression, and baton and score-reading skills. One semester required of all Bachelor of Music students.
Advanced Conducting
CND 453; 2 s.h./term
Further study of conducting technique, score reading, including analysis of past and present conductors.
Performer as Teacher
CRS 401-402; 3 s.h./term
Today’s professional musician must go above and beyond the specialization of playing his or her instrument. Much more is required in a modern musician’s career beyond performing. This course introduces and develops the necessary skills to teach music one-on-one, in a classroom, and in an ensemble, and to communicate musical ideas to students of all levels.
Improvisation Workshop
THY 405; 2 s.h./term
Open to advanced instrumentalists with instructor's permission. The Improvisation Workshop concentrates on mastering one of the most essential skills for the performing musician. The ability to improvise develops confidence, freedom of expression, and the use of imagination in music making. Includes solo and chamber improvisations in various styles from the 18th to the 21st centuries while incorporating a composer’s point of view. Topics include cadenzas, ornaments, creating variations, free improvisation, and more.
Cadenza Writing*
Open to advanced instrumentalists with instructor’s permission. This class will be devoted to developing skills for writing period cadenzas for 18th and 19th century sonatas and concertos. The art of the improvisatory cadenza, so prominent in the Common-Practice era, warrants special emphasis due to the growing movement in period performing practices. In-depth analysis will provide insight into which elements contribute to a cadenza’s strength or weakness and uncover the relationship of each cadenza to the thematic and harmonic language of the given work. Students will compose cadenzas of various lengths to be performed and discussed in class, culminating in an end-of-semester recital.
Interpretive Analysis and Musicianship: Tonal Music*
Open to advanced instrumentalists with instructor’s permission. This course employs music theory and analysis in tonal music to develop practical principles of interpretation for the performer and listener. Listening assignments, discussions and written exercises will help students connect intuitive impressions of music with an objective understanding of the music's construction and design as found in common practice.
Supplementary Composition
CMP 011–012; 1 s.h./term
Fundamentals of music composition focusing on students’ own composed music. Students with experience as composers are welcome, though no experience is necessary for instruction. This course also includes form, analysis, and modern techniques; readings of student works; and possible performance opportunities.
Orchestration and Arranging for Non-Majors
THY 323*; 3 s.h.
This class examines the ranges, characteristics and uses of the orchestral instruments. Students will write original pieces or transcriptions for standard chamber ensembles including Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet, String Quintet and Percussion Duo. These assignments will be read and recorded. Students will also discuss problems of notation for each instrument and the correct methods of setting up a score and extracting parts.
Applied Orchestration
THY 321*; 4 s.h.
A study of orchestral instruments – their ranges, capabilities, and uses in small ensembles – within historical, traditional, and contemporary contexts. Special attention is paid to score preparation and parts extraction. This course also explores traditional scoring practices and contemporary techniques.
Score-Reading
KBD 411–412*; 1 s.h./term
Reading at the keyboard of selected movements, representing important styles and composers from 1750 to 1950, chosen from orchestral, chamber, choral, and operatic repertoire.
The Violin: Its History, Preservation, and Use
MHS 311–312*; 1 s.h.
A study of the history and development of the violin focusing on the major violinmakers from Italy, France, Germany, and England.
Independent Study
KBD 315–316; 1 s.h./term
Individual instruction in selected topics of musical studies or analysis.
KEY TO THE COURSE LIST
Odd-numbered courses generally meet in the fall and even-numbered courses meet in the spring.
The designations "s.h." (semester hours) and "g.c." (graduate credits) indicate credit-hours given per term for undergraduate and graduate courses, respectively.
Yearlong, two-semester courses are designated by hyphenated course numbers. Students must successfully complete both semesters of required yearlong courses to satisfy the graduation requirement.
The symbol * indicates a course that is not offered every year.
