Drawing on examples from many different places and times, we will develop an analytic language to address the power of musical performance. We will study various methods of musical enculturation; the connections between politics and musical aesthetics; the ways in which music reinforces and challenges scaffoldings of race, nation, and ethnicity; and the power of music to form ethical subjects. Prereq: Registration for this course is open until the first day of class, at which point instructor consent will be required.

Musical practice/meaning around the world and in our backyard. World music styles/perspectives in cultural context. Lectures, in-class music making, guest artists, videos, listening. prereq: Registration for this course is open until the first day of class, at which point instructor consent will be required.

Musical, cultural, historical, social, and political evolution of rock music, from its traceable antecedents in mid-19th century America through the early 1970s. Emphazes manner in which African, European, and other ethnic traditions combined in a uniquely American manner.

Musical, cultural, and historical evolution of rock music and related pop forms. Progressive rock, punk, disco, new wave, MTV, heavy metal, hip-hop, grunge, turntable-based styles, women in rock.

This course begins the core sequence of theory and musicianship courses required of the undergraduate music majors and music minors. In this course, you will develop basic skills in music fundamentals and apply these to counterpoint and analytical exercises. These studies will then also be applied as concrete skills in your musicianship class (MUS 1511 Ear-Training/Sight-Singing I) through identification of musical materials, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation, and sight-singing. Repertoire for study includes Western Art Music from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as popular musics from the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will hone writing skills in stylistic musical composition and analytical prose. prereq: course must be taken concurrently w/ MUS 1511.

Introduction to foundations of musicianship. Activities include sight singing in solo and group formats; dictation and/or transcription of melody, rhythm, and harmony, and contextual listening. Students will apply concepts from music theory (MUS1501 Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music I) to the development of their musical skills. Introduction to keyboard skills. prereq: students must concurrently enroll in MUS 1501 Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music I

Focuses on single topic, specified in Class Schedule.

This is the first course in the undergraduate music history sequence. We will study music composed over a very broad time span, ca. 800 to 1700, looking at the works' musical structures within the larger contexts of musical style, social/political significance, and broad aesthetic and philosophical movements. In addition, as a writing intensive course, students will hone their writing skills, focusing in particular on listening to and analyzing early music. Pre-reqs: MUS 1501 and MUS 1511

Critical consideration of the mutual impact and cross-influences of jazz practices and modernist aesthetics. Contextualizes the emergence of styles including ragtime, swing, bebop, cool, third-stream, modal, and avant-garde jazz within the broader aesthetic currents of 20th-century art and popular music cultures. prereq: Graduate student in music or instr consent

This course will explore traditions of improvisation from a variety of world cultures -- such as African, African-American, European, Middle Eastern, South Asian -- to gain insight into processes of composition in performance, from ethnomusicological, music-theoretical, and applied vocal/instrumental perspectives.

Gospel Choir is a non-auditioned choral ensemble open to all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Throughout the semester, students will perform in choral department concerts, observe and critique musical performances, and demonstrate improved musicianship. The music performed will cover a wide range of musical styles and will help students develop improved vocal skills. Students explore history of gospel music through experiential/participatory songs, field songs, songs of struggle, Southern, traditional, and contemporary songs. Pre-req: Although no audition is required, all students will be heard privately by the instructor during the first week of class for voice placement in the choir. Additionally, a survey will be taken at the beginning of the semester to assess students' prior musical experiences.

Afro-Brazilian/Afro-Caribbean popular repertories. Samba, bossa nova, salsa, merengue, mambo. Planned master classes/clinics with local artists to complement regularly scheduled rehearsals/performances. No audition required.

Hands-on experience in learning to play Javanese gamelan music, one of the great non-western musical traditions that is readily accessible to beginners. Related insights into the role of this tradition in Javanese culture. Open to all students - no musical background needed!

Hands-on experience in learning to play West African music, one of the great non-western musical traditions that is readily accessible to beginners. Also, insights into function, context, structure, gender roles, politics, instruments, life-cycle rites, genres, musical organizations, traditional musicians, and contemporary popular music. Open to all students - no musical background needed!

Practice and performance of standard and contemporary compositions for percussion instruments in various combinations. prereq: instr consent