Course Catalog 2008-2009
Associate Professor Ching-chu Hu, Chair
Associate Professors Andrew Carlson, Ching-chu Hu; Assistant Professors Christopher Bruhn, Wei Cheng, HyeKyung Lee; Instructors (part-time) Belinda Andrews-Smith, Tom Carroll, Nelson Harper, Raymond Wise; Affiliated Studio Instructors Robin Brown, Casey Cook, Linda Habig, Stephanie Henkle, Jed Hudson, Maryfrances Kirsh, Cora Kuyvenhoven, Leslie Maaser, Jacqueline McCarroll, Russel Mikkelson, Peter Mills, Kaitlin Moore, David Nesmith, Caryl Palmer, Deborah Price, Sarah Ramsey, Paul Richards, Seth Rogers, Douglas Richeson, Steven Rosenberg, Stephen Sims, James Van Reeth, Mark Wade, Kevin Wines; Academic Secretary Pam Hughes
The music curriculum is intended to meet the general needs of liberal arts students while providing students interested in a music major or minor with the skills needed to excel in their area of concentration (performance, education, history, composition). In keeping with a liberal arts philosophy, the department encourages interested students campus-wide to participate in its varied ensembles. Individual ensembles are designed to meet the students' musical needs while providing a positive educational experience. Private instruction (instrumental,vocal and composition) is intended for those students desiring to raise their musical skills to a higher level. Acknowledging the need to examine the contributions of various cultures, the curriculum exposes students to a broad spectrum of musical influences (western European, jazz, world music, American folk, African- American, computer music). The department also generates or sponsors concerts throughout the academic year to make music an important aspect of life at Denison.
A major in music requires the completion of the requirements of the music core, the selected area of emphasis, performance requirements and the music portfolio.
Core: 6 courses (20 hours). 104 Music Theory I (4), 105 Music Theory II (4),204 Music Theory III (4), 201 Music History I (4), 202 Music History II (4).
Performance Requirements. Majors in music are required to complete the private lesson and recital or project requirements as specified in the area of emphasis. In addition to course requirements students must pass the appropriate Keyboard Proficiency and Performance Skills Examinations. All majors and minors taking private lessons are required to perform a Performance Jury each semester unless they are registered for the junior or senior recital. Declared music majors must participate in at least one ensemble each term with the exception of music education majors taking the professional semester. Students should take a mixture of large and small ensembles chosen in consultation with their private teacher.
Private Lessons. One (1) credit hour is given for one half hour (1/2) lesson per week and two (2) credit hours are given for one (1) hour lesson per week. A one (1) credit hour student is expected to practice 1 hour daily and a two (2) credit hour student is expected to practice 2 hours daily. Prerequisite: audition required. In the case of Voice, Guitar, and Piano: Audition required or Class Piano/Class/Class Voice/Class Guitar II. Students enrolled in Private Lessons should also be concurrently enrolled in an ensemble. (For costs, see Dept. of Music Fees under College Costs in Catalog.) Staff.1
Concert Attendance Journal. All music majors and minors are required to submit a concert attendance journal each term. The journal is reviewed by the appropriate area coordinator and filed in the music office. Music students are notified at the beginning of each semester regarding the specific attendance requirements. Guidelines for the journal are available in the Music Office.
Composition (22 credits). 206 Conducting and Orchestration (4), 329 20th Century Music (4), 217 Computer Music (4), one music elective (4), Private Lessons (6) and 402 Senior Project or 401 Senior Recital
In addition, composition majors must enroll in 129 Composition Seminar each term, which satisfies the requirement for ensemble participation.
Music (22 credits). Three music electives (12), Private Lessons each term (8), Ensembles each term, two semesters of 129 Composition Seminar (2), and 401 Senior Recital or 402 Senior Project.
Music Education (22 credits). 206 Conducting and Orchestration (4), 319 World Music (4), 157 Class Brass (1), 146 Class Woodwinds (1), 145 Class Strings (1), 148 Class Percussion (1), 144 Class Voice (1), seven semesters of private lessons (7), two semesters of 129 Composition Seminar (2), and 401 Senior Recital. Please see the Department of Music for details.
Music Education students must complete additional requirements in the Education Department.
Music History (22 credits). Four Music History electives (16), four semesters Private Lessons (4), two semesters of Composition Seminar (2), and 402 Senior Project.
History electives are determined in consultation with the Musicology coordinator.
Performance (22 credits). Performance audition, 206 Conducting and Orchestration (4), Private Lessons (2.0 hours each term) (16), 2 semesters of 129 Composition Seminar (2), 301 Junior Recital and 401 Senior Recital.
Performance Minor (20 credits). Performance Audition, Private Lessons (2.0 hours each term) (16), 201 Music History I (4) or 202 Music History II (4), Ensembles (each term), 401 Senior Recital, 104 Music Theory I (4), Keyboard Proficiency and Performance Skills Exams, Performance Juries each term.
Admission by audition should be prior to enrollment in Denison. However, entry into the program will be possible up to the end of freshman year. The Performance Minor would count toward graduation as an academic minor.
The applied lesson fee will be waived for students in the Performance Minor program.
Music Minor (20 credits). 104 Musical Materials (4), 201 Music History I (4) or 202 Music History II (4), 4 semesters of Private Lessons (4), 2 Music Electives (8), 4 semesters of Ensembles, Piano Proficiency Exam, Performance Juries each term.
Composition Minor (20 hours). 104 Music Theory I (4), 105 Music Theory II (4), 217 Computer Music (4) 329 20th Century Music (4), four semesters of Composition Lessons (4), 129 Composition Seminar each term, 402 Senior Project.
Music Electives
- 206 Conducting and Orchestration
- 216 Sound Editing and Recording
- 217 Computer Music
- 224 Advanced Computer Music
- 319 World Music
- 320 Women in Music
- 325 Music of the Baroque
- 326 Classical Era
- 328 19th Century Music
- 329 20th Century Music
- 330 The History of American Folk and Country
- 334 History of African American Gospel Music
Introduction to Music: Classical (MUS-101). This course is an overview of western "art" music from the Middle Ages to present day. Emphasis is placed on the forms and styles of music categorized by historical periods and the composers' social environment. Extensive music listening is incorporated into the curriculum both in class and as assignments. The ability to read musical notation is not required. 4
Introduction to Music: Jazz (MUS-102). This course will introduce students to the uniquely American art from Jazz, through a study of the musical contributions of its major figures. The course of study will include all styles of jazz, from early jazz (Dixieland) to the music of today. 4
Introduction to Music: World Music (MUS-103). This course explores different approaches to music-making through the world by examining the ritual and social contexts, compositional techniques, performance styles, instruments, and learning traditions of different musical cultures. The course begins with an overview of musical terminology and ethnomusicological methodoligies that can be applied to various types of global music. Subsequently, the course builds on this foundational knowledge by examining various case studies from around the world and comparing them to Western classical and popular traditions. 4
Music Theory I - Musical Materials (MUS-104). Fundamentals of written musical materials including terminology, tuning systems, notation, intervals, scales, chords, basic diatonic harmony, rhythm, simple forms, aural skills and computer music applications. (Offered fall semester) 4
Music Theory II - Harmonic Systems (MUS-105). A survey of approaches to musical harmony including linear systems (counterpoint), vertical systems (common practice tonality, polytonality), mathematical systems (serialism) and jazz systems. Prerequisite: 104. (Offered spring semester) 4
General Topics in Music (MUS-199). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Music History I (MUS-201). An introduction to the study of music history from the medieval to the classical periods through a selected survey of music with an emphasis on methods of analysis, approaches and schools of music history and research skills. (Offered fall semester) 4
Music History II (MUS-202). A historical survey of the evolution of musical style in Western Europe from Beethoven to the present. Prerequisite: 104. (Offered spring semester) 4
Music Theory III - Methods of Analysis (MUS-204). A survey of approaches to the formal analysis of music including the approaches of Rameau, Schenker, Forte and others. Prerequisite: 105. (Offered fall semester) 4
Conducting and Orchestration (MUS-206). An introduction to conducting and orchestration. Students will compose, orchestrate and conduct original works of music. Prerequisite: 105. (Offered spring semester) 4
Music in America (MUS-214). A survey of music-making in America from the Psalm tunes to the Puritans to the 18th century Yankee tunesmiths, the minstrel shows, the development of jazz, John Knowles-Paine, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland and John Cage and beyond. 4
Popular Musical Theater in America (MUS-215). This course studies both the antecedents to the American musical (18th century comic opera, blackface minstrels, the revue and vaudeville, and operetta) and the Broadway musical of this century, from Jerome Kern to Stephen Sondheim. 4
Sound Editing and Recording (MUS-216). A study of audio recording focusing on acoustics, microphone techniques, live and studio recording techniques, editing, signal processing and production. 4
Computer Music (MUS-217). An introduction to creating music with a computer, focusing on sequencing, sampling and direct synthesis. 4
World Music (MUS-219). This course includes in-depth studies of several representative genres of music from around the world, including their social or political contexts. Traditional and popular musics of the world can play important roles in religion, identity formation (gender, race, sexuality), tradition, education, agriculture, history preservation, political resistance and domination, protest, symbolism and entertainment. Students will learn to identify, classify, and describe musical examples from several cultures by discerning musical styles, instrumental or vocal timbre, form and texture. 4
Women in Music (MUS-220). Historically, women have played an integral role in musical traditions around the world, although the extent of their contributions has only recently been recognized and studied in an academic context. This course will trace the development and current state of women's roles in music, including Western art music composers, performers, critics, and teachers: performers of popular American genres such as jazz, country, and rock; and performers of popular "World Beat" and traditional world musics. 4
Advanced Computer Music (MUS-224). An exploration of advanced topics in computer music including interactive systems, algorithmic composition, granular synthesis, and others. 4
Music of the Baroque (MUS-225). In this course, we will look at the development of Western Art music from the end of the Renaissance period through the careers of J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel, covering an approximate period of 1600-1750. Understanding of musical notation is required. 4
Classical Era: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven (MUS-226). This course will be devoted to a study of the work of the three principal composers of the classical era: Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven (early works). We will study the style characteristics, as well as the musical genres and forms employed. 4
19th Century Music (MUS-228). Also known as Standard Repertoire, this rigorous course will cover concerti and symphonies, opera and ballet of the romantic era. Using late Mozart to introduce classical formats, we sample through the romantic period from Beethoven through Rachmaninoff. The music will be considered in the historical and national context. Attendance at designated live performances (primarily on-campus) is required and is comparable to a "lab" for a 4-credit course. 4
20th Century Music (MUS-229). In this course, we will look at the development of 20th century music idioms and compositional techniques with their larger political and cultural contexts. We will study individual works by composers as well as overall compositional trends. Understanding of musical notation is required. 4
The History of American Folk and Country Music (MUS-230). "The History of American Folk and Country Music" is designed to broaden the students' knowledge of America's musical heritage through aural analysis of recorded and live music, as well as study of printed materials. In order to increase the knowledge of America's diverse musical heritage, students will be exposed to the contribution of European immigrants, African Americans, Hispanics, Franco-Americans and Native Americans. 4
History of Gospel Music (MUS-234). This course will explore the historical development of African-American gospel music in the 20th Century. The course will begin an examination of the pre-gospel era (pre-1900s-ca. 1920), move on to gospel music's beginnings (ca. 1920s), and continue unto the present. The course will explore the musical, sociological, political, and religious influences that contributed to the development of the various gospel music eras and styles. Through class lectures, demonstrations, music listening, reading and writing assignments, students will learn about the significant musical and non-musical contributions of African American gospel artists and the historical development of African American gospel music. Students will also strive to gain an understanding of the African American musical aesthetic and to determine how it is retained and expressed with African American gospel music and other musical genres. The class is open to students, staff, and faculty of all levels. 4
Intermediate Topics in Music (MUS-299). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Junior Recital (MUS-301). The Junior Recital is a 30 to 40 minute solo performance of appropriate concert literature selected in consultation with the private lesson instructor. Must be taken concurrently with Private Lessons. 0
Music in America (Majors) (MUS-314). A survey of music-making in America from the Psalm tunes of the Puritans to the 18th century Yankee tunesmiths, the minstrel shows, the development of jazz, John Knowles-Paine, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, John Cage and beyond. 4
World Music (Majors) (MUS-319). This course includes in-depth studies of several representative genres of music from around the world, including their social or political contexts. Traditional and popular musics of the world can play important roles in religion, identity formation (gender, race, sexuality), tradition, education, agriculture, history preservation, political resistance and domination, protest, symbolism and entertainment. Students will learn to identify, classify and describe musical examples from several cultures by discerning musical styles, instrumental or vocal timbre, form and texture. 4
Women in Music (Majors) (MUS-320). Historically, women have played an integral role in musical traditions around the world, although the extent of their contributions has only recently been recognized and studied in an academic context. This course will trace the development and current state of women's roles in music, including Western art music composers, performers, critics, and teachers: performers of popular American genres such as jazz, country, and rock; and performers of popular "World Beat" and traditional world musics. 4
Classical Era: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven (Majors) (MUS-326). This course will be devoted to a study of the work of the three principal composers of the classical era: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven (early works). We will study the style characteristics, as well as the musical genres and forms employed. 4
19th Century Music (Majors) (MUS-328). Also known as Standard Repertoire, this rigorous course will cover concerti and symphonies, opera and ballet of the romantic era. Using late Mozart to introduce classical formats, we sample through the romantic period from Beethoven through Rachmaninoff. The music will be considered in the historical and national context. Attendance at designated live performances (primarily on-campus) is required and is comparable to a ?lab? for a 4-credit course. 4
20th Century Music (Majors) (MUS-329). In this course, we will look at the development of 20th century music idioms and compositional techniques with their larger political and cultural contexts. We will study individual works by composers as well as overall composition trends. Understand of musical notation is required. 4
The History of American Folk and Country Music (Majors) (MUS-330). "The History of American Folk and Country Music" is designed to broaden the students' knowledge of America's musical heritage through aural analysis of recorded and live music, as well as study of printed materials. In order to increase the knowledge of America's diverse musical heritage, students will be exposed to the contribution of European immigrants. African Americans, Hispanics, Franco-American and Native Americans. 4
History of African American Gospel Music (Majors) (MUS-334). This course will explore the historical development of African-American gospel music in the 20th Century. The course will began an examination of the pre-gospel era (pre-1900s-ca 1920), move on to gospel music's beginnings (ca. 1920s), and continue onto the present. The course will explore the musical sociological, political and religious influences that contributed to the development of the various gospel music eras and styles. Through class lectures, demonstrations, music listening, reading and writing assignments, students will learn about the significant musical and non-musical contributions of African American gospel artists and the historical development of African American gospel music. Students will also strive to gain an understanding of the African American musical aesthetic and to determine how it is retained and expressed with African American gospel music and other musical genres. The class is open to students, staff and faculty of all levels. 4
Independent Study (MUS-363). 1-4
Independent Study (MUS-364). 1-4
Advanced Topics in Music (MUS-399). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Senior Recital (MUS-401). The Senior Recital is a 50 to 60 minute solo performance of appropriate concert literature selected in consultation with the private lesson instructor. Must be taken concurrently with Private Lessons. 0
Senior Project (MUS-402). The Senior Project is a composition or research project in the emphasis of the music major (composition, computer music or music history) to be selected and completed in consultation with the appropriate area instructor. 1-4
Piano Class I (MUSP-111). Offered for beginning piano students, the piano class will focus on fundamental piano technique and score reading, as well as the playing of lead sheets. Students will work on individual electronic pianos, both solo and in groups. 2
Guitar Class I (MUSP-112). Recommended for beginners in guitar. Stresses fundamentals of picking, strumming and note reading. 1
Guitar Class II (MUSP-113). For intermediate guitar students with basic skills. Emphasis on guitar styles and improvisation. Prerequisite: 112 or consent. (Offered spring semester) 1
Guitar Class III (MUSP-114). The third course in the guitar sequence. Prerequisite: 113 or consent. 1
Class Voice (MUSP-117). An introduction to voal techniques and pedagogy. 1
Jazz Improvisation (MUSP-120). 1
Alexander Technique Workshop (MUSP-124). The Alexander Technique is a widely recognized educational method for improving balance, alignment, ease, flexibility and energy. The Technique offers us insight into the underlying principles that govern human movement. When applied, these principles guide us to a dynamic kinesthetic lightness, wherein thinking becomes clearer, feeling accessible, sensations livelier, and movement more pleasurable. Within this fluid, more conscious condition, we find our actions and interactions strengthened and refined, our sense of time expanded, and our rapport with the environment restored. The workshop addresses structural problems treated by performing arts medicine and in addition, neuroscience research which supports evidence of misuse resulting in pain/injury by our own mental process and perceptions of our body's structure. We explore gentle movement and relaxation exercise as well as the application of Body Mapping to gain clear and accurate information about our anatomical structure for optimal movement. 1
Private Lesson (Alexander Technique) (MUSP-125). 1
Keyboard Skills I (MUSP-127). A sequence for the music major, minor, and performance certificate student to fulfill the keyboard proficiency in the Department of Music. Other students may enroll with the permission of the instructor. (Offered fall semester) 2
Keyboard Skills II (MUSP-128). (Offered spring semester) 2
Composition Seminar (MUSP-129). A seminar approach to musical composition focusing on individual composition projects, compositional processes, forms, aesthetics and criticism. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 105. 1
Orchestra (Ensemble) (MUSP-130). 1
Concert Choir(Ensemble) (MUSP-131). 1
Singers' Theatre Workshop (Ensemble) (MUSP-132). 1
Gospel Choir (Ensemble) (MUSP-133). 1
Bluegrass Ensemble (MUSP-135). 1
Chamber Singers (Ensemble) (MUSP-136). 1
Women's Choir (Ensemble) (MUSP-137). 1
Gamelan Ensemble (MUSP-138). 1
Woodwind Ensemble (MUSP-141). A method course designed to meet the professional needs for teaching woodwind instruments. Pedagogical and performance skills will be developed through laboratory and observational experiences. 1
Latin Jazz Percussion (Ensemble) (MUSP-143). 1
Piano Chamber Music (MUSP-144). 1
Class Strings Ensemble (MUSP-145). An introduction to string techniques and pedagogy. 1
String Chamber Music (MUSP-147). 1
Class Percussion Ensemble (MUSP-148). An introduction to percussion techniques and pedagogy. 1
Composition Seminar (MUSP-149). A seminar approach to musical composition focusing on individual composition projects, compositional processes, forms, aesthetics and criticism. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 105. 1
Private Lesson (Violin) (MUSP-151). 1
Private Lesson (Viola) (MUSP-152). 1
Private Lesson (Cello) (MUSP-153). 1
Private Lesson (Guitar) (MUSP-154). 1
Private Lesson (String Bass) (MUSP-155). 1
Private Lesson (Electric Bass) (MUSP-156). 1
Private Lesson (Harp) (MUSP-157). 1
Private Lesson (Bluegrass Guitar) (MUSP-158). 1
Jazz Improvisation (MUSP-160). This class covers the basics of jazz improvisation and will include the study of modal forms and chord/scale applications, ii-VII-I progression (in the framework of standard jazz compositions) and a transcription project. 2
Private Lesson (Clarinet) (MUSP-161). 1
Private Lesson (Flute) (MUSP-162). 1
Private Lesson (Oboe) (MUSP-163). 1
Private Lesson (Bassoon) (MUSP-164). 1
Private Lesson (Saxophone) (MUSP-165). 1
Private Lesson (Trombone) (MUSP-171). 1
Private Lesson (French Horn) (MUSP-172). 1
Private Lesson (Trumpet) (MUSP-173). 1
Private Lesson (Euphonium) (MUSP-174). 1
Private Lesson (Tuba) (MUSP-175). 1
Private Lesson (Piano) (MUSP-181). 1
Private Lesson (Jazz Piano) (MUSP-182). 1
Private Lesson (Percussion) (MUSP-190). 1
Private Lesson (Voice) (MUSP-195). 1
Private Lesson (Composition) (MUSP-197). 1
Private Lesson (Alexander Technique) (MUSP-225). 2
Private Lesson (Violin) (MUSP-251). 2
Private Lesson (Viola) (MUSP-252). 2
Private Lesson (Cello) (MUSP-253). 2
Private Lesson (Guitar) (MUSP-254). 2
Private Lesson (String Bass) (MUSP-255). 2
Private Lesson (Electric Bass) (MUSP-256). 2
Private Lesson (Harp) (MUSP-257). 2
Private Lesson (Bluegrass Guitar) (MUSP-258). 2
Private Lesson (Clarinet) (MUSP-261). 2
Private Lesson (Flute) (MUSP-262). 2
Private Lesson (Oboe) (MUSP-263). 2
Private Lesson (Bassoon) (MUSP-264). 2
Private Lesson (Saxophone) (MUSP-265). 2
Private Lesson (Trombone) (MUSP-271). 2
Private Lesson (French Horn) (MUSP-272). 2
Private Lesson (Trumpet) (MUSP-273). 2
Private Lesson (Euphonium) (MUSP-274). 2
Private Lesson (Tuba) (MUSP-275). 2
Private Lesson (Piano) (MUSP-281). 2
Private Lesson (Jazz Piano) (MUSP-282). 2
Private Lesson (Percussion) (MUSP-290). 2