Music-Music Theory (MUS_THRY)

MUS_THRY 1210: Introduction to Computer Technology and Music

Introduces Finale, music engraving and playback software, and introduces sequencing and other software applications that may impact students while they are in school and as professional musicians.

Credit Hours: 2

MUS_THRY 1213: Introduction to Music Theory

Introduction to music notation and to rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and structural elements of music. Emphasis on written skills, but ear training, sight singing, and keyboard components included as well. Graded on A/F basis only.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: consent required. Placement by exam

MUS_THRY 1220: Tonal Music Theory I

Review of fundamentals. Study of rhythm, melody, harmonic, structure and stylistic characteristics of various periods. Application through original composition projects. Prerequisites: none for Music majors; others: instructor's consent.

Credit Hours: 2

MUS_THRY 1221: Tonal Music Theory II

Continuation of MUS_THRY 1220. Study of smaller forms and introduction to chromatic harmony.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 1220

MUS_THRY 1230: Aural Training and Sight Singing I

Development of aural and sight singing skills.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Instructor consent

MUS_THRY 1231: Aural Training and Sight Singing II

Continuation of MUS_THRY 1230.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 1220 and MUS_THRY 1230

MUS_THRY 2215: Composition I

Fundamentals of composition and writing in small forms.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: grade of B- or better in MUS_THRY 1220, MUS_THRY 1221, MUS_THRY 1230, MUS_THRY 1231, and instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 2216: Composition II

Continuation of MUS_THRY 2215.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2215

MUS_THRY 2220: Tonal Music Theory III

Chromatic harmony, variation techniques and contrapuntal genres. Study of traditional forms in instrumental, vocal and choral compositions. Applications through original composition projects.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 1221

MUS_THRY 2221: Tonal Music Theory IV

Continued study of chromatic harmony and compositions in larger forms. Application through original composition projects.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2220

MUS_THRY 2221H: Tonal Music Theory IV - Honors

MUS_THRY 2230: Aural Training and Sight Singing III

Continuation of MUS_THRY 1231. Further development of aural and sight singing skills with an emphasis on chromatic harmony and decorative pitches. Introduction of structural perception.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 1221 and MUS_THRY 1231

MUS_THRY 2231: Aural Training and Sight Singing IV

Continuation MUS_THRY 2230.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2220 and MUS_THRY 2230

MUS_THRY 3214: Commercial Music Creation and Production

Creation and production of music in commercial styles. Editing and mixing audio recordings and MIDI data in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This course is intended for music majors, minors, and non-music majors who meet the course prerequisites. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: MUS_NM 1211, or MUS_THRY 1220, or instructor consent

MUS_THRY 3215: Composition III

Further development of creative writing in traditional forms.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2216

MUS_THRY 3216: Composition IV

Continuation of MUS_THRY 3215.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 3215

MUS_THRY 4210: Jazz Harmony and Arranging I

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7210). Study of basic melodic and harmonic materials commonly used in jazz. Application through arranging projects for small jazz groups.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: MUSIC_NM 1211 or MUS_THRY 1220; instructor's consent required

MUS_THRY 4211: Jazz Harmony and Arranging II

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7211). Continuation of MUS_THRY 4210. Study of advanced melodic and harmonic materials commonly used in jazz. Application through arranging projects for small and large jazz groups.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: MUS_THRY 4210; instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4212: Jazz Theory I

Comprehensive study of the grammar and syntax of jazz harmony.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUSIC_NM 1211 or MUS_THRY 1220

MUS_THRY 4215: Composition V

Writing of works in larger forms for a solo instrument or chamber ensemble.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 3216

MUS_THRY 4216: Composition VI

Continuation of MUS_THRY 4215. May be repeated for additional credit.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 4215

MUS_THRY 4220: Post-Tonal Music Theory

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7220). The study and application of analytical procedures in post-tonal music.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4221: Analysis and Interpretation of Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7221). An analytical study of rhythmic, melodic, harmonic and structural aspects of 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century music.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221 or equivalent

MUS_THRY 4223: Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7223). Study of contrapuntal procedures and representative works of the eighteenth century. Emphasis on compositions and style of Johann Sebastian Bach. Original composition projects: canon, invention, and fugue.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4223W: Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint - Writing Intensive

MUS_THRY 4224: Counterpoint

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7224). Study of approaches to counterpoint in Western musical cultures from the sixteenth century to today. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4224W: Counterpoint - Writing Intenive

MUS_THRY 4225: Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7225). Analysis of contrapuntal procedures and representative compositions of 16th century. Emphasis on styles of Palestrina, Lassus and Victoria. Stylistic writing in two, three or more voices.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4225W: Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint - Writing Intensive

MUS_THRY 4226: Instrumentation

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7226). This course will provide students with the background to successfully write for all instruments of the orchestra and wind ensemble. Topics will include ranges, tessitura, and basic techniques. Central to the course will be writing projects for ensembles. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4227: Orchestration

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7227). Study of orchestral instruments and the process of scoring for various orchestral combinations.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 4226

MUS_THRY 4229: Band Arranging

Transcription, scoring of solo and ensemble literature for band instrument combinations of varying sizes up to and including concert band.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4230: Choral Arranging

Transcription and arrangement of music suitable for performance by various vocal ensembles.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4231: Schenkerian Analysis

Techniques of musical analysis developed by Heinrich Schenker.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4232: Rhythmic Analysis of Tonal Music

Introduction to rhythmic analysis, including context of current thinking, basic concepts, various approaches, selected topics, performance issues, and particular problems.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4241: Advanced Schenkerian Analysis

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7241). Continuation of MUS_THRY 4231, with a focus on the analysis of complete works, including larger forms.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C-minus or better in MUS_THRY 4231, or equivalent at another institution

MUS_THRY 4245: Introduction to Electronic Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7245). Techniques used in the creation of music with tape recorders, voltage-controlled synthesizers and electronics.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 4220

MUS_THRY 4247: Introduction to Digital Synthesis

Introduction to the techniques of digital synthesis, including the study of programming, and Musical Instrument Digital Interfacing.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4248: Intermedia

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7248). This course is open to students across campus from all disciplines interested in collaborating with others in creating a new intermedia work. The class will be designed to provide both: a theoretical and historical background on multimedia and intermedia in the 20th and 21st Century and space and resources to work in a group with classmates on conceptualizing, designing, and realizing a short intermedia work. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4250: Analysis of Musical Styles

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7250). Analytical study of specific rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and structural factors which constitute the stylistic practices of a specific period or composer. May be repeated for credit with departmental consent.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4252: Keyboard Harmony and Score Reading

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7252). Study of idiomatic chord progressions and harmonization strategies at the keyboard, including figured bass, score reading, and score playing. Skills are reinforce by analysis, both at sight and prepared.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221; instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4271: Pedagogy of Music Theory I

Techniques and materials for teaching basic music theory courses for high schools and colleges.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4280: Analysis of Popular Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7280). Different analytic approaches used to analyze vernacular music from primarily Western-European cultures will be studied. These approaches will be adapted and applied to popular songs in course assignments. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: C-range grade in MUS_THRY 2221 and instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4281: Analysis of Video Game Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7281). Different analytic approaches used to analyze video game music will be studied. These approaches will be adapted and applied to video games in course assignments.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: C-range grade in MUS_THRY 2221 and instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4284: Analytic Approaches to Contemporary Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7284). Study and application of various analytical systems for 20th century compositions. Analysis of music employing contemporary theories.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: Grade of C- or better in MUS_THRY 2221

MUS_THRY 4290: Music Composition Seminar

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 7290). A venue for student, faculty, and guest composers to actively exchange thoughts and ideas about the music of today. Through lectures, presentations, attendance of New Music Initiative events, and reading assignments pertaining to topics in new music, this course will give students a greater understanding of what it means to be a composer writing in our time by discussing issues raised from their experiences inside and outside of class. Graded on S/U basis only. Corequisites: Students enrolled in one of the following: MUS_THRY 2215, MUS_THRY 2216, MUS_THRY 3215, MUS_THRY 3216, MUS_THRY 4215, MUS_THRY 4216 or consent.

Credit Hour: 1

MUS_THRY 4299: Graduate Theory Review

Review of music theory for graduate students in music. Does not fulfill graduate degree requirements. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4886: Creative Activity in Composition

Creative activity in composition under the mentorship of a faculty member. Course appears on transcript for zero credit and does not count toward full-time enrollment. No tuition or fees are charged. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 0
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 4888: Research in Music Theory

Research conducted in music theory under the mentorship of a faculty member. Course appears on transcript for zero credit and does not count toward full-time enrollment. No tuition or fees are charged. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 0
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7210: Advanced Jazz Harmony and Arranging I

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4210). Study of basic melodic and harmonic materials commonly used in jazz. Application through arranging projects for small jazz groups.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7211: Advanced Jazz Harmony and Arranging II

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4211). Continuation of MUS_THRY 7210. Study of advanced melodic and harmonic materials commonly used in jazz. Application through arranging projects for small and large groups.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7215: Composition I

Fundamentals of Composition: Writing in small forms. For non-composition graduate students in music.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7216: Composition II

Continuation of MUS_THRY 7215.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: MUS_THRY 7215

MUS_THRY 7220: Post-Tonal Music Theory

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4220). Graduate review in the study and application of analytical procedures to 20th century music literature. Special readings; individual projects. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7221: Analysis and Interpretation of Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4221). An analytical study of rhythmic, melodic, harmonic and structural aspects of 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century music. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7223: Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4223). Advanced study of contrapuntal procedures and representative works of the eighteenth century. Emphasis on compositions and style of Johann Sebastian Bach. Original composition projects: canon, invention, and fugue. Prerequisites: instructor's consent

Credit Hours: 3

MUS_THRY 7224: Counterpoint

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4224). Study of approaches to counterpoint in Western musical cultures from the sixteenth century to today. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor

MUS_THRY 7225: Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4225). Advanced analysis of contrapuntal procedures and representative compositions of 16th century. Emphasis on styles of Palestrina, Lassus and Victoria. Stylistic writing in two, three or more voices.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7226: Instrumentation

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4226). This course will provide students with the background to successfully write for all instruments of the orchestra and wind ensemble. Topics will include ranges, tessitura, and basic techniques. Central to the course will be writing projects for ensembles. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: MUS_THRY 2230 or the equivalent

MUS_THRY 7227: Advanced Orchestration

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4227). Study of orchestral instruments and the process of scoring for various orchestral combinations.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7229: Band Arranging

Advanced transcription, scoring of solo and ensemble literature for band instrument combinations of varying sizes up to and including concert band.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7230: Choral Arranging

Advanced transcription and arrangement of music suitable for performance by various vocal ensembles.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7231: Schenkerian Analysis

Advanced techniques of musical analysis developed by Heinrich Schenker.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7232: Rhythmic Analysis of Tonal Music

Advanced study of rhythmic analysis, including context of current thinking, basic concepts, various approaches, selected topics, performance issues, and particular problems.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7241: Advanced Schenkerian Analysis

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4241). Continuation of MUS_THRY 7231, with a focus on the analysis of complete works, including larger forms.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Grade of C-minus or better in MUS_THRY 4231 or MUS_THRY 7231, or equivalent at another institution

MUS_THRY 7245: Introduction to Electronic Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4245). Advanced techniques used in the creation of music with tape recorders, voltage-controlled synthesizers and electronics.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7247: Introduction to Digital Synthesis

Graduate-level introduction to the techniques of digital synthesis, including the study of programming, and Musical Instrument Digital Interfacing.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7248: Intermedia

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4248). This course is open to students across campus from all disciplines interested in collaborating with others in creating a new intermedia work. The class will be designed to provide both: a theoretical and historical background on multimedia and intermedia in the 20th and 21st Century and space and resources to work in a group with classmates on conceptualizing, designing, and realizing a short intermedia work. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor's consent
Recommended: Recommended for Music Composition majors, open to graduate and upper-level undergraduate students from across campus

MUS_THRY 7250: Analysis of Musical Styles

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4250). Advanced analytical study of specific rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and structural factors which constitute the stylistic practices of a specific period or composer. May be repeated for credit with departmental consent. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7252: Keyboard Harmony and Score Reading

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4252), Study of idiomatic chord progressions and harmonization strategies at the keyboard, including figured bass, score reading, and score playing. Skills are reinforce by analysis, both at sight and prepared.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: demonstrable keyboard proficiency at level of Bach invention; instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7271: Pedagogy of Music Theory I

Advanced techniques and materials for teaching basic music theory courses for high schools and colleges.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

MUS_THRY 7280: Analysis of Popular Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4280). Different analytic approaches used to analyze vernacular music from primarily Western-European cultures will be studied. These approaches will be adapted and applied to popular songs in course assignments. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in music

MUS_THRY 7281: Analysis of Video Game Music

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4281). Different analytic approaches used to analyze video game music will be studied. These approaches will be adapted and applied to video games in course assignments. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Music

MUS_THRY 7290: Music Composition Seminar

(cross-leveled with MUS_THRY 4290). A venue for student, faculty, and guest composers to actively exchange thoughts and ideas about the music of today. Through lectures, presentations, attendance of New Music Initiative events, and reading assignments pertaining to topics in new music, this course will give students a greater understanding of what it means to be a composer writing in our time by discussing issues raised from their experiences inside and outside of class. Graded on S/U basis only. Corequisites: Enrollment in one of the following: MUS_THRY 7215, MUS_THRY 7216, MUS_THRY 8215, MUS_GENL 8090 or consent.

Credit Hour: 1

MUS_THRY 8215: Composition VII

Intensive work in larger forms. Seminar, private lessons. May be repeated for credit with departmental consent.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: instructor's consent

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2024-25 Catalogs

Music-Music Theory (MUS_THRY)

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