Music

 

Professors:  Althouse, Anthony, Kreiger; Assistant Professor:  Wilson; Adjunct Professor:  Harper; Adjunct Associate Professors:  McNeish, Skernick, Van Cleve; Adjunct Assistant Professors:  Buttery, Donath, Duckles, Dygert, Ivanov, Jarvis, Johnson, Kreston, Labadorf, Noreen, Ogano; Adjunct Instructors:  Aizawa, Brown, Doughty, McCormick, Newman, Viszmeg, Waller; Visiting Assistant Professor:  Clark; Visiting Instructors:  W. Thomas, Torrenti, Vigil; Associate Professor M. Thomas, chair

 

The Major in Music

 

The major in music consists of the following courses:  131, 132, 223, 229, 247, 248, 321 or 324, 323, and 493, as well as four semester hours of ensemble.

Students may elect to complete a concentration in one area of music (applied, composition, history, theory, or music education) by fulfilling the requirements for the major, as well as the following coursework for their particular area of concentration:

 

Applied:  Students must take Course 343.  In addition, they must complete a minimum of sixteen semester hours of Instrumental and Vocal Study in a single instrument or in voice; this must include either one or two semesters of study for four credits or 497-498, taken in consultation with the department, culminating in a senior recital.

 

Composition:  Students must take Courses 203, 331, 332, 343, and 431.  In addition, they must complete one of the following, culminating in a senior project:  304, 432, or 497-498.

 

History:  Students must take Course 343.  In addition, they must complete one of the following, culminating in a senior project:  491, 492, or 497-498.

 

Theory:  Students must take Course 343.  In addition, they must complete one of the following, culminating in a senior project:  491, 492, or 497-498.

 

Music Education:  Students must take Courses 308, 325 (two credits), and three of the following two-credit courses:  305A, 305B, 305C, 305D.  In addition, they must complete the state certification requirements as listed by the Education Department.

 

Students majoring in music must pass a keyboard proficiency examination by the end of the junior year.  In order to acquire this proficiency, non-keyboardists may take Basic Keyboard Skills.
                The music department strongly recommends that all music majors study French, German, or Italian for the equivalent of two years at the college level.

Advisers:  P. Althouse, J. Anthony, A. Kreiger, M. Thomas, J. D. Wilson

 

The Minor in Music

 

The minor in music is offered with four areas of concentration:  applied, composition, history, and theory.  Students are required to take four semester hours of ensemble, as well as the following courses from their particular area of concentration:

 

Applied:  Courses 131, 132; two of the following:  223, 247, or 248; and twelve semester hours of Instrumental and Vocal Study in a single instrument or in voice, including at least four credits taken during the senior year.

 

Composition:  Courses 131, 132, 223, 247 or 248, 323, 331, and 203 or 332.

 

History:  Courses 131, 132, 223, 247, 248, and 229 or 493.

 

Theory:  Courses 131, 132, 223, 323, 247 or 248, and one of the following:  321, 324, 343, or 493.

 

The Major in Music and Technology

 

The major in music and technology consists of fifteen courses, twelve core courses and three electives.  An integrative individual study project is also required during the senior year.  Students considering this major should consult the Department of Music no later than the beginning of their sophomore year.

Core courses:  Courses 106, 131, 132, 203, 223, 248, 304, 331, 491, 493; one of the following:  Course 321, 323, or 324; and Computer Science 110 (or 212).

Electives:  Art 103, 210; Art History 232; Computer Science 212, 215 (Physics 225), 218, 312; Dance 238; Film Studies 222, 362; Linguistics 110; Mathematics 111, 112, 113, 114, 212; Philosophy 103; Physics 107, 108, 109, 110, 213, 225 (Computer Science 215); Psychology 307; Theater 231.

               

Adviser:  A. Kreiger

 

The Minor in Music and Technology

 

The minor in music and technology consists of Courses 106, 131, 132, 203, 223, 248, and 304.  In addition, students must complete one of the following:  Computer Science 110, 212, 218; Physics 107, 109, 213.

 

Courses

 

MUSIC  102  MUSIC THROUGH TIME AND SOCIETY  A study of the significant works in music history from the Middle Ages to the present with an emphasis on developing skills for the art of listening.  Guest lectures and musical performances presented by members of the music staff.  For the student with limited or no background in music.  This course does not count toward the major in music. 

Offered every semester.  Enrollment limited to 40 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 7.  Staff

 

MUSIC  103  AMERICAN MUSIC  An overview of folk, popular and art music of the United States.  Topics include various musical genres and styles (e.g. ballads, ragtime, country-western, operas), the traditions of various groups (e.g. African American, British American, Native American), and contributions of such individuals as Bessie Smith, Charles Ives, George Gershwin, Amy Beach.  This is the same course as American Studies 103. 

Enrollment limited to 40 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 4.  Staff

 

MUSIC  104  THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC  Designed to acquaint the student having limited or no background in performing music with the rudiments of the art.  Pitch and rhythmic notation, scales, intervals, basic chord patterns and musical forms are studied.  Ear training and basic keyboard exercises provide a practical supplement to the study.

                Enrollment limited to 25 students per section.  This course does not count toward the major or minor in music.  Students may not receive credit for both Music 104 and Music 122.  This course satisfies General Education Area 5.  Staff

 

MUSIC  106  MUSICAL ACOUSTICS  An introduction to musical acoustics using basic physical and mathematical concepts.  Topics include sound waves and propagation, vibrations, the human ear and its response, musical instruments, the human voice, and room acoustics.  Students are expected to have a knowledge of basic algebra and some familiarity with a musical instrument.

Enrollment limited to 40 students.  J. McNeish

 

MUSIC  108  MUSIC OF THE WORLD  Music as cultural expression in different regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.  Melodic, rhythmic, and formal characteristics of music studied in various performance contexts.  Introduction to research methodologies for studying music and meaning.  No prior musical training required.  This is the same course as Anthropology 108.

                Enrollment limited to 40 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 4.  J. D. Wilson

 

MUSIC  117  HISTORY OF JAZZ  A survey of the major movements in jazz tracing its origin and progressing from Dixieland through Bop, including the avant-garde movement of the late '60s and early '70s.  Focus on major jazz artists:  Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.  A consideration of the social and psychological implication of jazz with emphasis on listening skills.  Lectures, recordings, readings and performances when possible.  This is the same course as American Studies 117.

Enrollment limited to 40 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 4.  Staff

 

MUSIC  122  MAKING MUSIC AT THE KEYBOARD  Scales, intervals, chords at the keyboard.  Introduction to melodic construction and harmonic progressions through exercises and selected piano pieces.  Exercises in ear training and rhythmic skills.  No previous keyboard experience required.

                Enrollment limited to 16 students.  Students may not receive credit for both Music 104 and Music 122.  This course satisfies General Education Area 5.  J. Anthony

 

MUSIC  131  FOUNDATIONAL THEORY FOR MUSICIANS  An intensive study of the rudiments of music theory, including clefs, notation, meter, key signatures, scales, intervals, triads, and seventh chords, with emphasis on the development of musicianship skills.  An overview of the primary musical forms, elementary compositional issues, the tools of the music library, and music notation software.

                This course is intended for students with some musical background who are able to read music fluently in at least one clef.  Prospective music majors should take this course in the freshman year.  Enrollment limited to 25 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 5.  Staff

 

MUSIC  132  TONAL THEORY I  Introduction to the harmonic practices of the 18th and 19th centuries.  Emphasis on writing skills, including figured-bass exercises and melodic harmonization, as well as on the analysis of representative works and the development of aural skills.

                Two lectures and two ear-training sessions per week.  Tonal Theory I is normally taken by prospective majors in the second semester of the freshman year and Tonal Theory II in the first semester of the sophomore year.  Prerequisite:  Course 131 or permission of the instructor.  Tonal Theory I is a prerequisite for Tonal Theory II.  Enrollment limited to 20 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 5.  Staff

 

MUSIC  203  ELECTROACOUSTIC MUSIC I/SOUND DESIGN  Introduction to composing with the materials of electronic music.  Topics include:  digital sound recording, editing, mixing, analog and digital sound production, Pro Tools, voltage control synthesis and basic acoustics.  An historical overview of the literature of electronic/computer music with discussions probing aesthetic issues raised by individual compositions.

                Two lectures and one laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  Course 132 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 15 students.  A. Kreiger

 

MUSIC  217, 218  SERVICE-LEARNING PRACTICUM IN MUSIC  Service in an area school or after-school program to enhance understanding of instrumental pedagogy, by tutoring on the recorder, or band or orchestral instrument (minimum two hours per week).  Readings and discussion of issues of pedagogy.  Specific tutoring assignment developed in consultation with instructor.  May be repeated for credit.  Two credit hours.  Staff

 

MUSIC  223  TONAL THEORY II  A continuation of Tonal Theory I, with a focus on chromatic harmony and the analysis of more extended works.  Further refinement of writing skills in four-part harmony, and aural skills.  Final creative project.

                Two lectures and two ear-training sessions per week.  Tonal Theory I is normally taken by prospective majors in the second semester of the freshman year and Tonal Theory II in the first semester of the sophomore year.  Prerequisite:  Course 132.  Enrollment limited to 20 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 5.  M. Thomas

 

MUSIC  225  ELEMENTARY COMPOSITION I  Introduction to composition concentrating on historical models and the development of melodic writing skills, including two-part writing and instrumentation.  Two credit hours.  Staff

                Prerequisite:  Course 131.

 

MUSIC  226  ELEMENTARY COMPOSITION II  Continuation of Course 225 concentrating on three- and four-part writing and the use of small ensembles.  Analysis of representative literature.  Two credit hours.

                Prerequisite:  Course 132.  Staff

 

MUSIC  229  ETHNOMUSICOLOGY:  THE SOCIAL SCIENCE OF MUSIC  An introduction to the discipline of ethnomusicology:  its history, methodologies, and its relationship to anthropology.  Techniques of fieldwork, readings of musical ethnographies ranging from Hip Hop to Cantonese opera.  Designed particularly for students of Music, Anthropology, Sociology, and East Asian Studies.  This is the same course as Anthropology 229.

                Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  Enrollment limited to 40 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 3.  J. D. Wilson

 

MUSIC  247  HISTORY OF WESTERN MUSIC I  The first of a two-part survey of musical styles in Western civilization.  Focus on the music of the ancient Greeks through the Baroque period.

                Prerequisite:  Course 131 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 30 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 7.  Staff

 

MUSIC  248  HISTORY OF WESTERN MUSIC II  A study of developments in Western music from the Classical period to the present.

                Prerequisite:  Course 131 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 30 students.  This course satisfies General Education Area 7.  Staff

 

MUSIC  304  ELECTROACOUSTIC MUSIC II  A continuation of Course 203.  Further exposure to composing with the materials of electronic music.  Topics include:  refinement of techniques presented in course 203 plus computer score notation, MIDI, digital synthesizers, and MAX/MSP.  Continued exploration of composers and compositions in the historical survey of electronic/computer music.

                Two lectures and one laboratory per week.  Prerequisite:  Courses 203 and 223 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 15 students.  A. Kreiger

 

MUSIC  305  INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL METHODS  A String; B Woodwind; C Brass; D Vocal

 

Instruments:  Basic techniques of tuning, playing and teaching the standard instruments.  Discussion of current method books and aspects of pedagogy.  Some proficiency is expected on at least one instrument.  One class weekly.  Two credit hours.

 

Vocal:  Basic techniques of vocal production and singing.  Aspects of solo and choral singing.  Discussion of standard method books and aspects of vocal pedagogy.  Some proficiency is expected in singing by the individual student by the end of the semester.  One class weekly.  Two credit hours.

                Open to students preparing for certification in music education.  Staff

 

MUSIC  308  METHODS IN MUSIC EDUCATION  Music pedagogy in elementary and secondary schools.  Music as a means of communication by emphasizing the teaching of composing, performing, and listening in the classroom.  Faculty supervised observations in schools, with follow-up discussions.  J. Torrenti

 

MUSIC  320  ORCHESTRATION  Analytical and practical skills in the history and practice of compositional methods in writing for the orchestra.  Students learn about all orchestral instruments and have the opportunity to write for specific ensembles and the symphony orchestra.

                Prerequisite:  Course 223.

 

MUSIC  321  COUNTERPOINT  Studies in contrapuntal style from the 16th to the 20th centuries.  Projects in modal, tonal and modern styles.

                Prerequisite:  Course 223.  M. Thomas

 

MUSIC  323  POST-TONAL THEORY  A theoretical and analytical study of 20th- and 21st-century music, focusing on issues of pitch, rhythm, texture, and form.  Analytical and creative projects.

                Two lectures and two ear-training sections per week.  Prerequisite:  Course 223.  Enrollment limited to 30 students.  M. Thomas

 

MUSIC  324  JAZZ HARMONY  This is an introduction to jazz harmony and its nomenclature.  Students will study jazz chord construction, harmonic progressions, melodic construction, and musical forms.  Special emphasis will be placed on mastering harmonic exercises at the keyboard and on ear training exercises.  The course culminates in a final jazz composition/arranging project.

                Prerequisite:  Course 223 or permission of the instructor.  J.D. Wilson

 

MUSIC  325, 326  CONDUCTING I, II  Basic techniques of instrumental and vocal conducting.  Training includes conducting one or more of the Music Department ensembles.  Two credit hours.  One class weekly.

Prerequisite:  Open to juniors and seniors who have taken Course 223.  Staff

 

MUSIC  331, 332  COMPOSITION I, II  Vocal and instrumental composition in small and large forms.  Instruction is available in electronic music for interested students.

                Prerequisite:  Course 323.  Offered every semester.  Staff

 

MUSIC  343  MUSICAL ANALYSIS  The analysis of complete tonal movements, from both a music-theoretic and musicological perspective.  Topics include form, style, motivic/thematic design, linear organization, and connections between analysis and performance.  Projects will employ both prose and graphic techniques.

                Prerequisite:  Course 223.  Enrollment limited to 30 students.  M. Thomas

 

MUSIC  425, 426  CONDUCTING III, IV  Continuation of Course 325 and 326.  Two credit hours.  One class weekly.

                Prerequisite:  Course 326.  Staff

 

MUSIC  431, 432  COMPOSITION III, IV  A continuation of Courses 331 and 332.

                Prerequisite:  Course 332.  Offered every semester.  Staff

 

MUSIC  435  ADVANCED PROJECTS IN INSTRUMENTAL, VOCAL AND ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC COMPOSITION  A continuation of Courses 431, 432.  Students will concentrate on composition in the larger forms with an emphasis on new and innovative ensemble combinations.

                Prerequisite:  Course 432 or permission of the instructor.  This course may be repeated for credit.  Offered every semester.  Staff

 

MUSIC  493  ADVANCED STUDY SEMINAR IN MUSIC  An in-depth study of a specific topic selected by the instructor covering theoretical and historical insights and a literature survey on the topic.  Topics subject to change annually.

                Open to junior and senior majors and minors, and to others with permission of the instructor.  Staff

 

MUSIC  291, 292  INDIVIDUAL STUDY

 

MUSIC  391, 392  INDIVIDUAL STUDY

 

MUSIC  491, 492  INDIVIDUAL STUDY

 

MUSIC  497-498  HONORS STUDY

 

Instrumental and Vocal Instruction

 

Instrumental and vocal lessons concentrate on classical technique and repertoire; instruction in jazz and/or popular styles may also be offered at the discretion of particular instructors.

                Admission to instrumental study is determined by an audition to be given at an announced time just prior to the opening of each term.  Students having had instrumental study in a previous year may, at the discretion of the instructor, be asked to re-audition in the fall.

 

INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL STUDY I-VIII

 

MUSIC  109, 110  first year; 205, 208 second year; 209, 210 third year; 309, 310 fourth year

Prerequisite or parallel:  Normally, a student takes Course 131 parallel to the first semester of applied study; otherwise Course 131 must be completed by the end of the second semester of study.  In certain cases Music 104 or 122 may substitute for 131.  In addition to Course 131 students must enroll in an ensemble for at least their first four semesters of study.  During the senior year students preparing senior recitals generally study for 4 credits in one or both semesters; all 4-credit study requires departmental approval.  Those studying for 2 credits receive one private lesson weekly; those electing 4-credit study receive two private lessons weekly.  All courses in the series are offered every semester.

                Starting with the 2004-2005 academic year, the $300.00 per semester student fee for music lessons is paid by the generous gift of the Jack Niblack ?98 Music Lessons Fund.  Students will audition for lessons with the music department.  The department will register eligible students and provide a list to the Office of Records and Registration by the end of the add/delete period each semester.

 

A.  Piano:  P. Newman, K. Ogano

B.  Voice:  M. Ivanov, J. Waller

C.  Organ:  J. Anthony

D.  Harpsichord:  L. Skernick

E.  String Instruments:  Bass, M. McCormick; Classical Guitar, J. McNeish; Violin and Viola, A. Kreston; Violoncello, J. Duckles; Harp, A. Donath

F.  Woodwind and Brass Instruments:  Bassoon, R. Noreen; Clarinet, T. Labadorf; Flute, P. Harper; Saxophone, J. Dygert; French Horn, H. Doughty; Oboe, L. Van Cleve; Trombone, V. Johnson; Trumpet, T. Brown; Tuba, G. Buttery

L.  Percussion:  P. Jarvis

 

ENSEMBLE GROUPS

 

MUSIC  113, 114  first year; 211, 212 second year; 213, 214 third year; 313, 314 fourth year

 

One semester-hour credit per semester (pass/not passed).  For restrictions on the number of one-semester-hour courses that may be counted toward the degree, see page 332.

                The department offers opportunities in vocal and instrumental ensemble performance, and training in basic skills for singers and keyboardists.  Ensembles include regular rehearsals and performances to improve students' abilities in sight-reading and ear training, and to broaden their awareness of music from different historical periods and cultures.  Basic skills courses help to build technique for singers or keyboardists.  Open by audition.

 

A.       CHAMBER CHOIR

The Connecticut College Chamber Choir studies and performs choral works from various historical periods.  Three rehearsals weekly.  P. Althouse

 

B.       ORCHESTRA

The Connecticut College Orchestra rehearses and performs orchestral repertoire from the standard literature.  Two rehearsals weekly.  J. Duckles, A. Kreston

 

C.      CHAMBER MUSIC

Chamber music ensembles perform classical repertoire.  Enrollment according to ensemble openings and level of players' experience.  One coaching session and/or two rehearsals weekly are required.  Staff

 

D.      BASIC KEYBOARD SKILLS

Introduction to keyboard study; designed for students with minimal background. 

Prerequisite or parallel:  Course 104, 131 and 132 or permission of the instructor.  May not be counted toward the major.  J. Anthony, L. Skernick

 

E.       JAZZ ENSEMBLE

The Connecticut College Jazz Ensemble performs jazz repertoire covering a variety of styles and periods.  One coaching session and two rehearsals weekly are required.

      Prerequisite:  Ability to read musical notation (including jazz chord symbols) and ability to improvise.  Audition required.  G. Buttery

 

F.       MUSICAL THEATER ENSEMBLE

Rehearses and performs fully staged works from the musical theater repertoire, or scenes from the repertoire.  Weekly rehearsal.  Staff

 

G.      CONCERT BAND

Rehearses and performs concert band repertoire from the standard literature.  Two rehearsals weekly.  G. Buttery

 

H.      PERCUSSION AND NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE

Rehearses and performs percussion ensemble repertoire from the standard and contemporary literature, along with contemporary music written for various chamber ensembles.  Both percussionists and other performers welcome, by audition.  Weekly rehearsal.  P. Jarvis

 

I.      BASIC VOCAL SKILLS

Introduction to vocal techniques; designed for students with minimal background. 

      Prerequisite or parallel:  Course 104, 122, or 131.  Students must enroll concurrently in Chamber Choir.  May not be counted toward the major.  M. Ivanov, J. Waller