Courses

MU 201.    FOUNDATIONS OF THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP    3
Students will develop musical literacy and obtain a foundation for advanced work in music theory, performance, and other areas of study in the music department. Students learn to understand, hear, sing, and perform the basic pitch and rhythmic materials of music. Students will learn these skills through exercises in sight-singing, part-singing, “play and sing”, dictation (rhythm, melody), improvisation (geared to aural skills pedagogy), and aural analysis (rudiments in musical contexts). Prerequisite: MU101 or diagnostic exam.    The Department

MU 241.    MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES I    4
Following a brief review of the rudiments of pitch, rhythm, and meter, students will study the principles of species counterpoint and then proceed to write and analyze diatonic tonal harmony, with reference to musical literature, style, form, and compositional process. Diatonic tonal syntax is the foundation of Western art music from the 17th through the 19th centuries, as well as some jazz and popular musics up to the present time. Examples will be chosen from a wide range of historical periods, musical styles, and traditions. (Fulfills humanities requirement.) Prerequisite: Diagnostic exam or MU201.    B. Givan, D. Rohr

MU 242.    MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES II    4
The second semester of theory will continue with the addition of chromatic harmony and the literature, style, forms, and compositional procedures associated with these expanded harmonic techniques, which appear in Western art music from the 18th to at least the early 20th centuries, and jazz. Topics will include chromatic chords, the resurgence of linear contrapuntal processes, modulation, and techniques that pushed to and beyond the limits of tonal harmony, such as expanded tertian chords, linear chromaticism, and finally the symmetrical scales and interval patterns associated with the dissolution of functional tonality. Prerequisite: MU241, plus keyboard proficiency or concurrent enrollment in MP197.    B. Givan, D. Rohr

MU 243.    MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES III    4
This semester will introduce students to the compositional and analytical procedures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Topics will include the set-theoretical experiments of the atonal period, the 12-tone serialism of the mid-20th century, and the wide variety of influences (folk music, non-Western musics, jazz, and popular musics, as well as ongoing points of influence and connection from the harmony and counterpoint of Western art music) adopted by composers during these years. Students will develop systematic, critical approaches to the range of contemporary musical styles and possibilities as they choose their own musical pathways. Prerequisite: MU242.    B. Givan, D. Rohr

MU 255.    MUSIC TECHNOLOGY I: INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC MUSIC, COMPOSITION, AND RECORDING STUDIO TECHNIQUES    3
Introduction to basic music technology, electronic music, and professional recording studio techniques and equipment. Study of elementary acoustics, MIDI, synthesizers, microphones, analog and digital multitrack recording, sound mixing, and processing. Introduction to works in various styles by established electronic composers. Weekly studio/lab work. Prerequisites: ability to read music and QR1. (Fulfills QR2 requirement.) Studio fee: $50.    A. Holland

MU 353.    MUSIC TECHNOLOGY II: ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MUSIC, COMPOSITION, AND RECORDING STUDIO TECHNIQUES    3
Development of original compositions using advanced studio techniques. Areas of study include advanced MIDI projects, computer algorithms for composition and sound synthesis, synthesizer programming, audio (SMPTE)and video (VITC) time code synchronization, digital sampling, digital multitrack recording, automated digital mixing, digital mastering for compact disk, and audio for video. Study of works in various styles by established electronic composers. Weekly studio/lab work. Prerequisite: MU255 or permission of instructor. Studio fee: $50.    A. Holland

MU 354.    ANALYSIS OF TONAL MUSIC    3
Development of analytical techniques relevant to music of the tonal era. Prerequisite: MU242 or consent of instructor.    C. Joseph, D. Rohr

MU 355.    ORCHESTRATION    3
Study of the capabilities of orchestral instruments and ways they may be combined. Detailed examination of scores. Orchestration projects. Prerequisite: MU242 or consent of instructor.    A. Holland

MU 356.    TONAL COUNTERPOINT    3
Study of the contrapuntal style of J.S. Bach and his contemporaries. Analysis and writing of inventions, chorale preludes, and fugues. Prerequisite: MU243 or MU242 or consent of instructor.    C. Joseph, D. Rohr

MU 357, 358.    COMPOSITION    3, 3
Writing in smaller forms for various media. Prerequisite: MU243 or 242 or consent of instructor.    A. Holland

MU 359, 360.    ADVANCED COMPOSITION    3, 3
Continuation of MU357, 358 including writing in larger forms. Prerequisite: MU357, 358 or consent of instructor.    A. Holland

MU 361.    TOPICS IN RECORDING ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER MUSIC TECHNOLOGY†    3
The study and practical application of advanced music technology topics chosen at the discretion of the instructor. Topics may include advanced MIDI applications; recording engineering, production, and marketing; digital synthesis, recording, and editing; intelligent synchronization; programming languages for synthesis and studies in psychoacoustics. Course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the department. Prerequisites: MU255, 353. Studio fee: $50. Not for liberal arts credit.    A. Holland

MU 362.    JAZZ THEORY    4
Surveys major theoretical models in jazz theory since the field emerged in the 1950s. Students will learn the terms and concepts used in jazz theory, become acquainted with the academic literature on jazz theory, and analyze musical recordings and transcriptions through both oral presentations and written assignments. Prerequisite: MU242.    B. Givan


SEMINARS AND INDEPENDENT PROJECTS

MU 299.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN MUSIC†    3
Internship opportunity for students whose curricular foundations and cocurricular experience have prepared them for professional work related to the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as arts administration, recording, and archival work. Prerequisite: Permission of the supervising faculty member and approval by the department. Not for liberal arts credit.

MU 344, 345.    TOPICS SEMINAR†    3–4
Specialized studies in topics to be announced each semester. Primarily for juniors and qualified sophomores. Prerequisite: MU242 or permission of instructor. (MU345N is designated a non-Western course.)    The Department

MU 363.    SENIOR SEMINAR    4
Offered in the fall semester. Advanced group study of a topic with individuals progressing through the stages of writing a research paper. Common discussion of individual projects emphasizes research as a process of shared inquiry. Students practice research methods, present work in progress, and complete a substantial paper, which may serve as the foundation for a senior project or thesis.

MU 371, 372.    INDEPENDENT STUDY†    3, 3
An opportunity for qualified students to pursue independent study, under the supervision of a member of the department, in any field of music. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and approval of the department.    The Department

MU 373.    SENIOR THESIS    3
Independent study and research culminating in an extensive paper and an oral symposium presentation. Thesis proposal must be submitted for departmental approval by November 15 of the senior year. Prerequisite: MU363.    The Department

MU 374.    SENIOR COMPOSITION PROJECT    3
Independent creative project culminating in one or more compositions and an oral symposium presentation (with performance, if possible). Project proposal must be submitted for departmental approval by November 15 of the senior year. Prerequisite: MU363. Not for liberal arts credit.    The Department

MP 375.    SENIOR RECITAL    3
Independent study and musical preparation culminating in a public recital, a written discussion of the repertoire performed, and an oral symposium presentation regarding some aspect of the recital. Includes weekly one-hour lessons. Approval for presenting senior recitals is determined by audition, normally held in the semester preceding the recital before the department faculty. Students may not enroll concurrently for MP Private Instruction. Prerequisite: MU363, may be taken concurrently Lesson fee: $600. Not for liberal arts credit.

MU 376.    SENIOR PROJECT IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY    3
Independent project culminating in a substantial product in an appropriate medium and format, and an oral symposium presentation. Project proposal must be submitted to the chair for departmental approval by November 15 of the senior year. Prerequisite: MU363. Not for liberal arts credit.    The Department

MU 399.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN MUSIC    3, 6, 9
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as arts administration, recording, and archival work. Prerequisite: Previous study related to the area of the internship experience. Permission of the supervising faculty member and approval by the department. Non-liberal arts.


PERFORMANCE

MP 179.    WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING I    2
This class study of instrumental performance covers hand drumming techniques, bell and shaker patterns, development of specific Ghanaian polyrhythms, and the cultural context from which this music arises. Limited to fifteen students. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Fee: $55.    Y. Addy

MP 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188. CLASS STUDY OF VOICE    1, 1
Use of the singing voice. Study and application of the principles and techniques of singing: breathing, tone production, resonance and diction, pronunciation, articulation, intonation, attack of tone, legato and sostenuto, flexibility, dynamics, and phrasing. Repertory chosen to illustrate different stylistic periods. Students participate in a recital at the end of the semester. (MP181 and 182 fulfill arts requirement.)    N. Davidsen

MP 191.    CLASS STUDY OF PIANO I    2
For students with no special background in music or piano. Emphasis is on reading skills and development of keyboard technique. Fundamental concepts of music theory (rhythm, intervals, scales, chords, keys) will be included. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Non-liberal arts.    C. A. Elze

MP 192.    CLASS STUDY OF PIANO II    2
For students with some basic training in piano (audition required) or who have completed MP 191. Further development of music reading ability and technical skills, and development of a basic beginning repertoire. Prerequisite: MP191 or permission of the instructor. Non-liberal arts.    

MP 193.    CLASS STUDY OF GUITAR    2
For those with little or no guitar experience, this course is designed to prepare the student for private lessons. The course covers all aspects of guitar technique including scales, arpeggios, chords, and right hand styles. Musicianship skills including note and rhythm reading will be stressed. Each student must provide her or his own acoustic guitar.(Fulfills arts requirement.) Not for liberal arts credit.    J. Brown

MP 195.    CLASS STUDY OF JAZZ PIANO    2
Study of jazz piano voicings, scales, and modes for improvisation. Left-hand chording patterns, harmonic structures, and accompanying scales will be emphasized. Other areas of study will include diatonic and chromatic voice leading, phrasing and solo development, functional harmony, bass lines, and solo jazz piano technique. Class will read selected jazz charts and listen to and analyze contemporary and historical jazz pianists. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Not for liberal arts credit.    J. Nazarenko

MP 197.    KEYBOARD SKILLS    1
Application of fundamental theoretical concepts at the keyboard. Functional skills to include control of simple diatonic and chromatic chordal harmony, independent voicing, modal and scalar patterns, elementary transposition, and sight-reading. Course materials are keyed to concepts covered in MU241 and 242. Successful completion of MP197 will satisfy the department's keyboard proficiency requirement for all music majors. Prerequisite: MU241 or permission of instructor.    P. Baytelman

MP 198.    CLASS STUDY OF INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE    1
Group instruction in instrumental performance areas, including jazz improvisation, not covered by MP181–188 or 191–197. To be announced when offered. Permission of instructor required. (Fulfills arts requirement.)

MP 199.    WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING II    2
This class study of instrumental performance builds on the skills and cultural knowledge acquired in MP 179 and covers more advanced hand drumming techniques, bell and shaker patterns, Ghanaian polyrhythms, and the cultural context from which this music arises. Limited to fifteen students. Prerequisite: MP179 and permission of the instructor. Fee: $55.

MP 281, 381.    PRIVATE MUSICAL INSTRUCTION    2, 2
Individual forty-five-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano, guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation. Prospective students accepted by audition/interview. (Fulfills arts requirement.) The fee for 45-minute private instruction is $600 per course.

MP 281X, 381X.    PRIVATE MUSICAL INSTRUCTION    2, 2
Individual sixty-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano, guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation. At least one semester of sixty-minute lessons is required for any student preparing a full recital. Prospective students accepted by audition/interview. (Fulfills arts requirement.) The fee for 60-minute private instruction is $800 per course.

MU 385.    CONDUCTING    3
Basic techniques of orchestral and choral conducting, score study and analysis. Prerequisite: MU242.    A. Holland


SKIDMORE ENSEMBLES

MP 273.    OPERA/MUSICAL WORKSHOP†    1
A course/performing ensemble designed to equip singers with acting and movement skills for the stage. Classes and rehearsals will culminate in public performance of scenes or complete works from the opera/musical theater repertoire. Open by audition and interview only. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Not for liberal arts credit.    A. Turner

MP 275, 276.    SMALL JAZZ ENSEMBLE†    1,1
Jazz improvisation and performance in a small combo setting. Open by audition. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Not for liberal arts credit.    J. Nazarenko

MP 277, 278.    VOCAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLE†    1,1
A select ensemble, drawn from members of the Skidmore College Chorus, performing a wide range of repertoire from all periods, including madrigals, part-songs, choral works, and operatic ensembles. Limited to twenty singers; open by audition only.

MP 279, 280.    WEST AFRICAN DRUM ENSEMBLE†    1,1
An ensemble devoted to the performance of traditional drum music from Ghana. Prerequisites: MP179 and MP199. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Fee: $50. Not for liberal arts credit.    Y. Addy

MP 285, 286.    SKIDMORE GUITAR ENSEMBLE†    1, 1
An ensemble devoted to the performance of classical guitar music in combination with other instruments and voice. Open by audition only. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Not for liberal arts credit.    J. Brown

MP 287, 288.    SKIDMORE CHORUS†    1, 1
A large ensemble open to men and women singers. Annual tours and invitational concerts provide opportunities to sing major choral works with other colleges and universities. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Not for liberal arts credit.

MP 289, 290.    SKIDMORE ORCHESTRA†    1, 1
One three-hour rehearsal per week. Open by audition. (Fulfills arts requirement.)    A. Holland

MP 293, 294.    SKIDMORE JAZZ ENSEMBLE†    1, 1
One two-hour rehearsal per week. Open by audition. (Fulfills arts requirement.)    M. Vinci

MP 297, 298.    CHAMBER MUSIC†    1, 1
Qualified students in piano, harpsichord, strings and woodwinds may participate in smaller ensembles: trios, quartets, quintets, etc. Open by audition. (Fulfills arts requirement.)    M. Emery, G.M. Green, J. Vinci

†This course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the department.