|
Course Descriptions
MUS 100. INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC LITERATURE (3) (GEN. ED. #9)
Designed to provide information for the basic understanding and enjoyment of music. This course is intended for students who have had no formal instruction in music.
MUS 101. FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC THEORY (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Designed for music students who need to study the basics ofWestern music to pursue other musical study, or those who desire basic musical knowledge for their own pursuits. Topics include: scales, intervals, keys, key signatures, rhythm, meter, music notation, triads, and basic tonal function.
MUS 104. INTRODUCTION TO WORLD MUSIC (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
An exploration of the field of ethnomusicology, the study of musical cultures outside the Western art tradition. Examination of the many ways that music functions in diverse cultures and discussion of what to listen for in the music of selected cultures, for example, music of the Indian subcontinent; selected areas of Africa, Bali, Java; and regional and native American music. Discussion of biases that listeners may bring to the experience of music outside their own cultural experience.
MUS 105. MUSIC THEORY I: INTRODUCTION TO TONAL PRACTICE (3) (GEN. ED. #8)
An exploration of the materials of tonal music through analysis and composition of two-, three-, and four-part writing. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or placement through testing.
MUS 106. MUSIC THEORY II: HOMOPHONIC PRACTICE OF THE 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Continues the exploration of tonal materials begun in Music Theory I. Students study styles of the Late Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic eras and compose in those styles. Prerequisite: MUS 105.
MUS 108. INTRODUCTION TO THE OPERA (3) (GEN. ED. #4 AND #9)
A survey of the masterpieces of musical theatre since 1600.
MUS 109. THE HISTORY OF JAZZ (3) (ARTS) (GEN. ED. #4 AND #10)
A historical and practical study of jazz, including consideration of the different styles of improvisation, arranging, and various concepts of jazz. Live demonstrations and opportunities for student participation.
MUS 113. COMPUTER PROFICIENCY FOR MUSICIANS (3)
Designed for music students with little or no prior computer experience.We will look at what computers are, how they work, what they can do for us as musicians, and how they affect many other aspects of our lives. Focus is on the humanistic rather than the technical side of computing, but enough technical information will be included to make practical use of computers .Required for all music majors. Prerequisite: music major or minor; open to others with permission of the instructor.
MUS 115. THE ERAS OF BACH AND BEETHOVEN: THE MONUMENTAL BAROQUE AND THE CLASSICAL REVOLUTION (3) (GEN. ED. #4 AND #9)
Music from 1600 to the beginning of the 19th century; designed to provide a listener’s knowledge of Baroque and Classical styles through study of composers such as Monteverdi, Lully, Vivaldi, Couperin, Bach, Handel, Purcell, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Includes listening and visual analysis of specific works representative of the principal styles of the periods, as well as study of music in cultural and historical context.
MUS 117. MUSIC AND THE ROMANTIC TEMPERAMENT (3) (GEN. ED. #4 AND #9)
Music in the 19th century; designed to provide a listener’s knowledge of Romantic music through the study of composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Berlioz, Liszt, Brahms,Wagner, and Tchaikovsky. Attention is also given to Romanticism as an artistic attitude and the interaction of musical Romanticism with literature, the visual arts, and philosophy. Includes listening and visual analysis of works representative of the principal styles of the period.
MUS 121. BASIC MUSICIANSHIP (3) (GEN. ED. #8)
Ear training as a creative experience. Aural recognition of the language and grammar of music. Kinesthetic, experiential, and practical applications of materials introduced in MUS 105. Includes rudimentary melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation; sight-singing; and basic keyboard orientation. Prerequisite: MUS 101 or placement through testing.
MUS 124. ADVANCED MUSICIANSHIP (3)
Ear training as an aid to understanding various composers, styles, and forms covered in upper level theory and history courses. Includes two- to four-part dictation, chorale and motet sight singing, score reading, and keyboard experience. Prerequisites: MUS 105 and 121. Suggested corequisite: MUS 106.
MUS 140. GOUCHER CHORUS (1.5)
Performance of the major works of the choral literature. Students with sufficient vocal training may also audition for participation in the Chamber Singers ensemble, a group open to members of the Goucher Chorus. Prerequisite: audition and acceptance by the conductor. May be repeated for credit.
MUS 141. GOUCHER COLLEGE ORCHESTRA (1.5)
Performance of the orchestral repertoire of the Western musical tradition, including works taken from the Baroque through contemporary periods. Prerequisite: audition and acceptance by the conductor. May be repeated for credit.
MUS 143. GOUCHER CHAMBER SINGERS (1.5)
Performance of works selected from the repertoire for small vocal ensemble; includes a cappella singing, as well as works accompanied by piano and instrumental ensemble. Prerequisite: audition and acceptance by the conductor. May be repeated for credit.
MUS 144. GOUCHER CHAMBER MUSIC GROUP (1.5)
Performance of chamber music repertoire. Course structure includes master classes, individual coaching sessions, and formal concerts. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
MUS 145. WIND ENSEMBLE (1.5)
A large ensemble for brass, winds, and percussion to supplement the Goucher Chamber Symphony. Repertoire to include standard and contemporary band music. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of Goucher Chamber Symphony director.
MUS 146. GOUCHER AFRICAN DRUM AND DANCE ENSEMBLE (1.5) (DAN 146)
Practical performance of selected percussive instruments from West Africa (Ghana, in particular), and the interpretation of the rhythms through body movement and gestures; explores the historical and cultural contexts of specificWest African music and dance forms relative to the African diaspora. Students will be required to know the basic techniques ofWest African traditional music and dance expressions; includes master classes and formal concert. Repeatable.
MUS 147. GOUCHER MUSIC AND THEATRE WORKSHOP (1.5)
MUS 147.001 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
MUS 147.002 OPERA WORKSHOP
Performance of works for the stage from operatic and musical theatre repertoires. Attention to solo and ensemble singing and the study of acting techniques in music drama. Includes both class and coaching. Course concludes with a staged public performance. As needed sections for opera and theatre may be offered, students may take one, the other, or both. Prerequisites: audition or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
MUS 149. GOUCHER JAZZ ENSEMBLE (1.5)
Group performance designed to provide experience in reading charts and improvising in jazz qualified students. By audition or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
MUS 152. JAZZ THEORY I (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
A study of the elements of jazz theory and harmony through analysis, written exercises, and improvisation. Incorporates study of jazz within the broadest framework of musical comprehension, including aspects of sound, melody, rhythm structure, and expression. Different styles of jazz from different periods will be examined using listening examples in class. Prerequisite: ability to read music or permission of the instructor.
MUS 153. JAZZ THEORY II (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Building on the general foundation of Jazz Theory I, this course examines the specifics of styles such as bebop, cool, modal, and Latin jazz, with an emphasis on rhythmic analysis in addition to harmonic and melodic analysis. The course includes a jazz ear-training component. Students will compose and orchestrate tunes for a jazz band. Prerequisite: MUS 152 or permission of the instructor.
Beginning instruction in voice intended for those who have had little or no instruction in vocal technique; designed to prepare students to begin private instruction in voice. Breathing technique as well as techniques required to learn the bel canto method of singing will be explored. Vocal repertoire in languages other than English will also be presented. Performance will be encouraged. Cannot be repeated for credit.
MUS 160-188. PRIVATE INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL LESSONS (1.5)
A one-semester course of individual instruction given to students at any level. For those who do not read music, instruction in score reading is given as well. There is no fee for one course of private instruction for declared majors or minors. All others must pay a $500 fee per semester without a corequisite, or a discounted fee of $75 per semester with a corequisite. A grade of C must be achieved in one of the corequisites listed below. The corequisite must be completed no later than the semester following the private instruction. Lessons may be repeated for credit as long as the student achieves a minimum grade of B in the previous semester's lessons. After every three credits of private lessons, an additional corequisite is required. All students taking individual instruction, including majors and minors, regardless of whether they are taking the corequisite, must also attend four music department public events each semester they register for instruction. Students who do not attend the four music department public events will receive a failing grade for their private instruction course. Ordinarily, there is a limit of one course of private lessons per semester. A fee must be paid for taking a second set of lessons within one semester ($500), exception may be made for guitar and percussion majors at the discretion of the department chair; for taking lessons on an audit basis ($750); for continuing lessons after receiving less than a B in a previous semester's lessons ($500); or for taking lessons without 213, 260, 305, 306, 313, 349. Prerequisite: permission of the chair of the department.
- MUS 160. Voice
- MUS 161. Mandolin
- MUS 162. Violin
- MUS 163. Viola
- MUS 164. Cello
- MUS 165. Double bass
- MUS 166. Harp
- MUS 167. Flute
- MUS 168. Clarinet
- MUS 169. Saxophone
- MUS 170. Oboe
- MUS 171. Bassoon
- MUS 172. Irish flute
- MUS 173. Trumpet
- MUS 174. French horn
- MUS 175. Trombone
- MUS 176. Tuba
- MUS 178. Percussion
- MUS 179. African drums
- MUS 182. Piano
- MUS 183. Organ
- MUS 184. Harpsichord
- MUS 186. Guitar
- MUS 187. Accordion
- MUS 236. Vocal conducting
- MUS 237. Instrumental conducting
MUS 203. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC (3) (GEN. ED. #9)
In-depth examination of a specific musical topic. The choice of topic will remain flexible. Examples include American Music from Colonial Times to the Present; First Nights–Notable Premieres of GreatWorks; History of Rock and Roll; American Musical Theatre; Music Criticism and Esthetics; Nationalism in Music; Diction for Singers; and composer-/genre-specific topics such as the Beethoven symphonies, the string quartet, piano literature, and the Second Viennesse school. Prerequisite: any three-credit, 100-level music course.
Offered as needed. Department.
MUS 205. MUSIC THEORY III: 16TH-CENTURY COUNTERPOINT (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Students develop contrapuntal skills through immersion in the sacred vocal works of Giovanni Pierluigi di Palestrina (1524-94) and others of the era, and composition in that style. Prerequisite: MUS 106.
MUS 206. MUSIC THEORY IV: 18TH-CENTURY COUNTERPOINT (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Study of the instrumental contrapuntal style of J.S. Bach (1685-1750), and composition of suite movements, inventions, and fugues in that style. Prerequisite: MUS 205.
MUS 210. COMPUTER MUSIC (3) (ARTS) (GEN. ED. #7 AND #8)
An introduction to the aesthetics, history, literature, and theory of electronic and computer music. Individual composition or research projects are undertaken in the Goucher Computer Music Studio. Opportunity for participation in a public concert of computer music.
MUS 213. MULTIMEDIA: COMPUTER MUSIC AND DIGITAL VIDEO (3)
A continuation of MUS 210 for those wishing to pursue intermediate-level computer music combined with digital video to create multimedia works for a public concert. Current digital audio techniques in sampling, MIDI programming, and digital signal processing will be combined with MTC and SMPTE video synchronization to develop multimedia works for theWeb and the concert hall. Prerequisite: MUS 210 or permission of the instructor.
MUS 223. IMPROVISATION (1.5)
Designed to facilitate the experience and understanding of improvisation as a procedure for music-making and its application to several idioms, including classical and jazz styles. Aspects including sound, harmony, melody, rhythm, structure, and expression are addressed, and attention is given to techniques used in both solo and ensemble situations. Prerequisite: intermediate level fluency on any instrument or voice. May be repeated for credit as needed, at the discretion of course instructor and chair of the department.
MUS 229/329. COMPOSITION SEMINAR (3)
A seminar in composition meant to encourage a community of creative musicians, intended for students of varied background from beginners to those with several semesters in private study in composition. The course will enable students to view and be influenced by one another’s works, hear performances of their compositions, and receive instruction from a diverse, rotating group of established composers from within and without the Goucher community. Students will regularly compose pieces for assigned performing media. Can be taken one time at each level for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 106 or permission of the instructor.
MUS 249. MUSIC OF THE 20TH AND 21ST CENTURIES (3) (GEN. ED. #4 AND #9)
Designed to provide a listener’s knowledge of principal trends in contemporary art music. Among the topics to be considered in this century of “isms” are neoclassicism, serialism, indeterminism, primitivism, maximalism, and nationalism, as well as the influence of folk and jazz elements. Composers to be considered include Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Bartok, Copland, Ravel, and Prokofiev. Prerequisites: MUS 115 and 117, or permission of the instructor.
MUS 272G. INTENSIVE COURSE ABROAD (3) (GEN. ED. #3)
Course includes a three-week intensive course abroad in the winter or summer.
Variable. Department.
MUS 272Y. INTENSIVE COURSE ABROAD (8) (IT 272Y) (GEN. ED. #3)
Courses include a pre-departure or post-departure discussion (or both) in the fall or spring term and a three-week intensive course abroad in the winter intersession or summer.
Variable. Department.
MUS 290. INTERNSHIP IN MUSIC (3-4)
As an aid to career development, students are placed in various musical organizations (e.g., Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center) to gain experience in the various areas of arts administration in music. Internships are also available accompanying singers and/or instrumentalists under faculty supervision. Experiences may include performing in or arranging music for small ensembles or jazz groups and apprenticeships in various aspects of the composing professions, computer music, and music recording technology. Internships may be chosen in music libraries in Baltimore and adjacent cities for experience in bibliography and technical services relating to music and music criticism. The internship in music is graded pass/no pass. Prerequisite: permission of the chair.
Department.
MUS 291. JUNIOR RECITAL (1.5)
In preparation for the senior recital (MUS 391), students in their junior year may perform a formal solo recital, the repertoire of which is to be selected in collaboration with the chair and the student’s private lesson instructor(s). Prerequisites: junior music major or minor and approval of the chair and private lesson instructor(s).
MUS 299/399. INDEPENDENT WORK IN MUSIC (1.5, 3, OR 4)
Special topics of study based on previous coursework in the department and selected in conference with the instructor.
MUS 305. MUSIC THEORY V: LATE ROMANTIC AND EARLY 20TH-CENTURY PRACTICE (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Study of the increasingly chromatic music of the late 19th century and the new materials introduced at the turn of the century through analysis and composition. Music studied will include works ofWagner, Brahms, Debussy, and Stravinsky. Prerequisites: MUS 205 or simultaneous enrollment in MUS 205.
MUS 306. MUSIC THEORY VI: 20TH- AND 21ST-CENTURY PRACTICE AND ADVANCED ANALYSIS (3) (GEN. ED. #8)
Study, through analysis and composition, of the greatly varied music of the 20th and 21st centuries. Advanced analytical study will include atonal analysis, set theory, and serial procedures. Prerequisite: MUS 205.
MUS 313. COMPUTER MUSIC AND MULTIMEDIA SEMINAR (1.5 OR 3)
Intensive work on individual projects in computer music and multimedia, with class discussion of these and of current developments in the field. May be repeated for credit with permission of the chair. Specifically for computer music majors, but open to others with permission of the instructor. Multimedia works will be created for theWeb and the concert hall. No more than nine credits without department approval. Prerequisite: MUS 213 or permission of the instructor.
MUS 360. SEMINAR IN MUSIC HISTORY (3) (GEN. ED. #4 AND #9)
A seminar focused on the research tools required of a music historian (musicologist) such as those encountered in biographical research, studies of stylistic developments, work with primary sources (both text and music), and studies that place musical practice in its historical and societal contexts. The seminar will primarily, but not exclusively, focus on topics from the Medieval and Renaissance periods. The course will end with an integrated, capstone project, which will combine historical research skills with a subject relevant to each student’s concentration in the music major. Prerequisites: MUS 115 and 117, or permission of the instructor.
MUS 391. SENIOR RECITAL (1.5)
Upon approval of the department, a student may give a full-length juried public recital. If the department judges that a performer has insufficient background for a public recital, he/she will give a closed recital (juried but not open to the public). Required for music majors whose concentration is performance and music education. Prerequisites: senior music major or minor and approval of the department.
MUS 392. SENIOR INTEGRATIVE PROJECT IN MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION (3)
Independent work required of those concentrating in theory and composition, this project may consist of several options, for example, investigation of an aspect of the history of theory, the presentation of a new theoretical position, a large musical analysis, a composition, etc. Prerequisite: senior music major in theory and composition.
MUS 393. SENIOR INTEGRATIVE PROJECT IN MUSIC HISTORY (3)
Independent work required of those concentrating in music history, this project will consist ordinarily of a paper in music history. Prerequisites: senior music major in music history.
MUS 394. SENIOR INTEGRATIVE PROJECT IN COMPUTER MUSIC (4)
Independent work required of those concentrating in computer music, this project may consist of several options. Three tracks dividing computer music study include composition, performance, and research. The student may choose one of these tracks to pursue the project. Prerequisite: senior music major in computer music.
MUS 396. SENIOR INTEGRATIVE PROJECT IN JAZZ STUDIES (3)
Independent work required of those concentrating in jazz studies, this project will consist ordinarily of a paper on a jazz topic or a musical composition in a jazz idiom. Prerequisite: senior music major in jazz studies.
MUSIC COURSES (OFFERED AS NEEDED)
The following courses are not offered on a rotating basis, but are available to meet the interests and needs of students in their course of study. The semester in which a course is offered will be published in the schedule of classes for that semester. Students are invited to consult with the department about the scheduling of any particular course.
MUS 203. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC (3) (GEN. ED. #9)
A semester-long, in-depth examination of a specific musical topic. The choice of topic will remain flexible. Possible courses include American Music from Colonial Times to the Present; First Nights–Notable Premieres of GreatWorks; The History of Rock and Roll; American Musical Theater; Music Criticism and Aesthetics; Nationalism in Music; Diction for Singers; and composer/genre-specific topics such as the Beethoven symphonies, the String Quartet, piano literature, chamber music masterworks, Mozart operas, Lieder in the 19th century, Stravinsky’s Russian ballets, and the Second Viennese school. Prerequisite: any three-credit, 100-level music course.
At the discretion of the department. Department.
MUS 285. ORCHESTRAL MANAGEMENT (3)
Examination of the principles of the management of arts and cultural organizations. Detailed consideration of programming, planning, budgeting, fundraising, staffing, and community relations. Field trips and case studies are integral parts of the course. Prerequisite: permission of the chair of the department.
Department.
MUS 238. JAZZ COMPOSITION
MUS 236. THE TECHNIQUE OF VOCAL CONDUCTING (1.5)
Individual instruction in vocal conducting skills, score reading, and rehearsal techniques. By arrangement, practice in conducting within the Goucher vocal ensemble programs. Fee associated; see MUS 160-188. Private Instrumental and Vocal Lessons. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: MUS 106 and permission of the instructor.
MUS 237. THE TECHNIQUE OF INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING (1.5)
Individual instruction in instrumental conducting skills, score reading, and rehearsal techniques. By special arrangement, practice in conducting within the Goucher instrumental ensemble programs. Fee associated; see MUS 160-188. Private Instrumental and Vocal Lessons. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: MUS 106 and permission of the instructor.
MUS 238. JAZZ COMPOSITION (1.5)
Private instruction in jazz composition. Creative work for instrumental and vocal media using contemporary musical materials; analysis of selected scores. Opportunities for reading performance by musical organizations of the college. Fee associated; see MUS 160-188, Private Instrumental and Vocal Lessons. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor. May be repeated up to four times for credit.
Recital experience for music minors and majors in any concentration. The recital may be solo or shared, and the selection of repertoire will be made in collaboration with the chair and the appropriate private lesson instructor(s). Prerequisites: music major or minor and approval of the chair and private lesson instructor(s).
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Kennison.