Courses
Music Courses |
Music Ensemble Courses |
Individual Instruction CoursesMusic Courses
MUS
095 Repertoire Class
Attendance and performance at weekly repertoire class. May be repeated. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisite(s): Music major or minor.
Unit(s): 0
MUS
101 Music in Sound and Score: Introduction to Music Repertoires
Introduces students to a wide variety of musical works through scores and recordings-and thus through listening, score reading, and discussion. Students will encounter unique repertoires based largely on the areas of specialty of the music faculty. Learn to distinguish between different performances, to read a score in some detail, to utilize a distinct vocabulary for discussion, and to engage in sight singing and rhythmic exercises that will bring the scores to life.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
107 Music Fundamentals
For students with little or no previous training in theory or piano. Practical understanding of intervals, scales, keys, chord structures, and rhythm, using keyboard and sight-singing as vehicles of instruction. Does not count toward music major.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
109 Elementary Musicianship
Proficiency-based study of sight-singing, ear-training, rhythm-reading and other essential musicianship skills for majors, minors and advanced non-majors. A prerequisite for all theory study. May be satisfied by examination.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
110 Tonal Harmony I: Common Practice Period
Entry-level music theory course. Study and application of harmonic practice in Western music of 17th and 18th centuries by means of original compositions and analysis of selected literature. Continuation of musicianship exercises from Music 109.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 and permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
112 Topics in Music Literature
Special topics for general study. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
115 The Jazz Tradition
For general student. Survey of cultural history of jazz; jazz styles from 1917 to present; and evolution of jazz from African music, music of slavery, ragtime, and blues. Includes concert attendance and performance project.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
116 Music Scenes
Sections are designed each semester around on- and off-campus concerts. Students consider historical, social and cultural issues particular to each concert and interact with visiting artists and University of Richmond's ensemble in residence, eighth blackbird.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
117 Salsa Meets Jazz
For general student. Traces influx of Latin-American music into North American jazz. Connects music and dances of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Brazil to their subsequent synthesis in jazz.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
118 The Life and Music of Duke Ellington
For general student. Musician and bandleader Edward Kennedy Ellington was one of the most prolific American composers of the 20th century. Examines his life and considers aspects of his unique contribution to jazz history.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
119 Broadway Musical Theatre
(See Theatre Arts 119.)
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
120 The Music and Poetry of Jazz
For general student. Exploration of form, rhythm, and sound of jazz and its impact upon poets who respond to jazz in all its musical and cultural overtones. Music includes range of jazz from early blues to free jazz and experimental music.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
121 Music in Film
For general student. Study of interaction of music and visual image in Hollywood film; emphasis on nature of musical meaning, music and association, and music as a cultural code.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
122 America's Music
Topically-based survey of America's music from that of Native Americans and European colonists to the diversity of the contemporary music scene.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
123 Meaning and Music
For general student. Explores aspects of meaning as it pertains to the musical arts. Considers such issues of emotion and music, expectations of the listener, music and representation, and composer/performer intentions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
124 Asian Music and Globalization
Uses the social and cultural history of select Asian regions, as well as diasporic Asian communities in America, as a lens through which contemporary processes of globalization (and regionalization, localization, and globalization) can be investigated.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
125 Indonesian Theater and Music
This course will be a highly interdisciplinary introduction into the rich and complexly interconnected traditions of theater and music from the island nation of Indonesia. Students will study the history and form of various traditions and partake in numerous hands-on workshops involving traditional shadow theater, comedy, dance and gamelan orchestral music.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
126 Side by Side with Sondheim
For general student. Focuses on Broadway musicals of Stephen Sondheim. Provides basic background in music theory and listening skills and culminates with performances of scenes from Sondheim's works by class members.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
130 Class Guitar
Introduction to guitar through folk music.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
131 Class Piano
For beginning piano student. Introduction to elements of music via the keyboard.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
132 Class Voice
For the beginning voice student. Introduction to the basic elements of vocal technique through the study of body and breath control, vocal exercises, beginning repertoire, and performance experience.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
201 Documents of Music History
Introduction to primary sources (manuscript and printed scores, composers' writings, and concert reviews) used in music study and research. By focusing on the recurring themes of creation, dissemination, and consumption of musical works, students will learn to apply these resources to fundamental questions about music in a variety of historical periods.
Prerequisite(s): Music 101.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
203 Global Hip Hop
Uses the music of hip hop as a foundation upon which we will ask the theoretical and historical questions regarding the political, social, and sonic dimensions of global popular culture.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
204 Choral Music and Creed
Major religious and cultural trends in the history of the West approached through selected choral masterworks by considering the sources and cultural functions of the texts, the philosophical outlook of the composer, and the ways the available musical resources of the period were used. (Same as Religion 204.)
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
205 English and Italian Diction for Singers and Accompanists
Study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) with application to the English and Italian languages. Preparation and performance of works in each language using IPA.
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied study in voice or piano.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
206 German and French Diction for Singers and Accompanists
Study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) with application to the German and French languages. Preparation and performance of works in each language using IPA..
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied study in voice or piano.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
207 Musical Theatre and Opera Scene Workshop
Study of stage techniques for the singer applied to various scenes from operatic and musical theater repertoire resulting in staged performance by class members. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied voice instruction or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
209 Music and Society
Explores effects of social, economic, and political structures on composition, performance, and listening of music. Topics include autonomous music and aesthetic ideology, the role of the composer in several historical periods, and new modes of listening developed in response to electronic dissemination of music.
Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level music course, experience in music ensemble or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
211 Tonal Harmony II: Chromaticism
Continuation of MUS 110. Study and application of harmonic practice in Western music of the 18th and 19th centuries by means of original compositions and analysis of selected literature. Continuation of musicianship exercises from Music 109.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
212 Analytic Approaches to Contemporary Music
Study and application of harmonic practice in Western music of the 20th and 21st centuries by means of original compositions and analysis of selected literature. Continuation of musicianship exercises from Music 211.
Prerequisite(s): Music 211.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
213 Any Sound You Can Imagine: Recording, Transforming and Organizing Sound
Introduces students to the techniques, tools, aesthetic ideas and traditions of organizing sound in meaningful ways using computers. Students will learn recording techniques, principles of digital audio, and techniques of audio transformation and organization in the service of producing several original brief compositions. In addition, students will study relevant readings and pieces drawn from the electronica, electroacoustic, and experimental repertoires.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
214 Jazz Arranging
Comprehensive study of evolution of jazz arranging and composition from 1920s to present. Score analysis of representative works by Sammy Nestico, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer and others. Extensive listening. Students will arrange for small and large jazz ensembles.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
215 Jazz Theory and Harmony
Development of theoretical and harmonic skills which bridge tonal and chromatic approaches. Students will work to develop ability to assess and modify harmonic schemes with the goal of systematic growth and increased individuality in their jazz compositions. Extensive listening.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
216 Jazz Performance and Analysis
Performance and analysis of original jazz works and transcriptions. Discussion, demonstration and performance of advanced jazz improvisational techniques. Transcribe and study transcriptions of jazz masters and engage in critical analysis of great printed and recorded improvised jazz solos.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110 and permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
227 Critical Studies in Music History I
First in a series of three courses devoted to exploration of significant topics, issues, methodologies, and theories applicable to historical and ethnographic music studies. Taught principally through examination of the core repertoire of Western art music.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
228 Critical Studies in Music History II
Second in series of three courses devoted to exploration of significant topics, issues, methodologies, and theories applicable to historical and ethnographic music studies. Taught principally through the examination of the core repertoire of Western art music.
Prerequisite(s): Music 227 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
229 Critical Studies of Ethnomusicology
Third in series of courses devoted to the exploration of significant topics and issues, methodologies and theories applicable to historical and ethnographic music studies. Taught through examination of a broad cross selection of musical styles, genres and traditions.
Prerequisite(s): Music 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
230 Music in Culture: Introduction to World Music
Introduction to ethnomusicology and the study of music as a human activity. Explores ways different people create music, communicate about music, consume and transmit music, and use music to create meaning. Topics may include traditional (folk), popular, and cultivated musics around the world, including North America. Includes participation in and observation of music events.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
231 Conducting Fundamentals
Essentials of instrumental and choral conducting. Rehearsal techniques and practical experience in directing musical groups.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
232 Conducting Techniques
Study and practical application of advanced conducting techniques such as score study and analysis, choral and instrumental rehearsal procedures and recitative and performance practice issues.
Prerequisite(s): Music 231 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
233 Creating Original Opera
A forum in which students of varied interests and majors come together to produce an original opera in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera. Students will apply for one of 12 jobs that parallel the division of labor in a real opera company- production manager, stage manager, historian, carpenter, electrician, set designer, costume designer, make-up artist, librettist, composer, performer or public relations - and will work together to create a signed integrated production.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
305 Introduction to Music Education
Basic principles, purposes, and philosophies of music education. Overview of each level (elementary, middle school, senior high) including directed observations. Participation in weekly seminars, reviewing current music education methods and materials.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
306 Introduction to Composition
Introduction of materials and techniques of acoustic composition through readings, listening assignments, composition exercises and performances.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
307 Composition
Directed projects in various styles for traditional and/or electronic media. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Music 306 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
308 Tonal Counterpoint
Study and application of tonal counterpoint. Written musical exercises include original compositions and written commentary on excerpts from tonal literature.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
309 Orchestration
Study of orchestration, instrumentation and arranging for classical and contemporary groups.
Prerequisite(s): Music 211 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
310 Managing Performing Arts Organizations
Review of topics essential for successful management of performing arts organizations. Includes organizational structure, budget development and management, strategic planning, marketing, audience development, box-office management, and related topics. (Same as Theatre 310.)
Prerequisite(s): Major or minor in music, theatre or dance or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
311 Form and Analysis
Study of principles of organization in music with emphasis on European music since the Renaissance. Reading and analysis of scores exemplifying various musical forms.
Prerequisite(s): Music 211 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
313 Advanced Computer Music
Continuation of Music 213. Exploration of audio computer systems, including
digital recording and mixing devices. Creation and transcription of music for computer-controlled performance.
Prerequisite(s): Music 213 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
338 Special Topics in Music History, Theory or Music Education
Selected topics such as musical genre, works of specific composers, or techniques of teaching and learning music. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 and 227 or 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
339 Passion and Pleasure: Study of Secular Vocal Music, 1600 to present
Study of use of text in popular secular vocal music, beginning in 1600 and ending with the popular music of our time. Areas of concentration include solo song, solo cantata, opera, blues, funk, and rock.
Prerequisite(s): Music 227 or 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
342 Musical Ethnography: Politics and Practices
Intended for music and anthropology students who have an interest in developing a critical understanding of the ethnographic process as it relates to the study of musical performance.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or Anthropology 101 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
343 The Mass from Plainchant to Part
Study of representative musical settings of the Mass from Middle Ages to present day; emphasis on tensions between artistic expression and liturgical function.
Prerequisite(s): Music 227 or 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
344 Opera Studies
Explores significant topics and issues in the study of opera through variety of approaches and methodologies; opera's connections to other disciplines, histories and contexts will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
345 Philanthropy in the Arts
Survey of strategies, tools and techniques involved in generating contributed income for arts organizations from private individuals, foundations, corporations, business, and government agencies. Central issues include underlying psychological and practical bases of fundraising in the arts and exposure to research and methods involved in developing donor prospects. Fundraising techniques, including direct mail, telemarketing, grant writing, personal appeals, major gift solicitation, special events, capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, sponsorships, and planned giving. (Same as Art 345 and Theatre 345.)
Prerequisite(s): Music 310, Art 322, or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
350 Student Recital
Preparation and performance of a solo recital by students in applied study or composition.
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied study or composition or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
388 Individual Internship
No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .5-1
MUS
395 Independent Study
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
400 Honors Seminar
Seminar on topics in critical studies, music performance, music theory, or composition for honors students selected by the instructor and those enrolled.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in department honors program.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
401-402 Honors Thesis/Project
Guided research and preparation for honors thesis or project in critical studies, music performance, music theory, or composition.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in department honors program.
Unit(s): .5-.5
MUS
413 Special Topics in Computer Music
Special topics in computer music such as interactive computer music and computer music programming with emphasis on using technology to realize compositional objectives. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisite(s): Music 213 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
Music Ensemble Courses
Large Performing Ensembles (MSEN)
MSEN
190 Women's Chorale
Women's chorus; study and perform choral literature appropriate to the group from a variety of style periods and origins. Regular performances on and off campus. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
191 University Orchestra
Study and performance of works for symphony orchestra. One three-hour rehearsal weekly, plus additional sectionals. Regular performances on and off campus. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
192 Jazz Ensemble
Study and performance of Big Band repertoire from swing era to present. Two 1 1/2-half hour rehearsals weekly, with two or more concerts each year. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
193 University Band
Study and performance of wind band literature. Wind Ensemble of 50-60 members and Pep Band of selected players. Two on-campus concerts and a brief tour by the Wind Ensemble and performances at home football and basketball games by Pep Band. Two 1 1/2-half hour rehearsals weekly. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
194 University Choir
Mixed chorus. Study and perform a cappella and accompanied choral literature appropriate to the group from variety of style periods and origins. Regular performances on and off campus; biannual tour. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
Small Performing Ensembles (MSEN)
MSEN
195 Jazz Combo
Small jazz ensemble. Regular performances on and off campus. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
196 Schola Cantorum
Small mixed chorus; study and perform choral literature appropriate to the group from variety of style periods and origins; emphasis on a cappella repertoire. Regular performances on and off campus; biannual tour. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
197 Woodwind Ensemble
Study and performance of woodwind trio, quartet, quintet, or woodwind choir literature. Two rehearsals weekly. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
198 Brass Ensemble
Study and performance of brass trio, quartet, quintet, or brass choir literature. Two rehearsals weekly. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
199 Percussion Ensemble
Study and performance of percussion literature. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
200 String Ensemble
Study and performance of string ensemble literature. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
201 Chamber Music
Study and performance of chamber music. Coaching by various members of the Department of Music. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
202 Guitar Ensemble
Study and performance of guitar ensemble literature. May be repeated.
Unit(s): .25
MSEN
203 Global Music Ensemble
Hands-on exploration of traditional musical repertoires from around the world. Students will perform on hand-made instruments from Asia and Africa and join with expert native musicians and dancers in an end-of-semester concert. Focuses primarily on Balinese gamelan (percussion orchestra) music and Ghanaian Ewe drumming ensemble music. Occasional workshops on Javanese and Brazilian musics. No previous musical experience is necessary. Traditions learned aurally/orally; no prior experience with notation is necessary.
Unit(s): .25
Individual Instruction Courses
Students have the option of taking private lessons either for credit (MSAP 160 - 182) or for no credit (MSAP 060 - 082). Taking a lesson for no credit carries a $450 studio fee. Registration procedures vary.
MSAP
060 Voice
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
061 Piano
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
062 Organ
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
063 Guitar
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
064 Flute
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
065 Oboe
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
066 Clarinet
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
067 Saxophone
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
068 Bassoon
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
069 French Horn
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
070 Trumpet
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
071 Trombone/Baritone
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
072 Tuba
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
073 Percussion
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
074 Violin
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
075 Viola
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
076 Cello
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
077 String Bass/Electric Bass
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
078 Harp
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
079 Banjo
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
080 Mandolin
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
081 Harpsichord
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
082 Miscellaneous Instruments
Unit(s): 0
MSAP
160 Voice
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
161 Piano
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
162 Organ
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
163 Guitar
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
164 Flute
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
165 Oboe
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
166 Clarinet
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
167 Saxophone
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
168 Bassoon
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
169 French Horn
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
170 Trumpet
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
171 Trombone/Baritone
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
172 Tuba
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
173 Percussion
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
174 Violin
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
175 Viola
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
176 Cello
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
177 String Bass/Electric Bass
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
178 Harp
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
179 Banjo
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
180 Mandolin
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
181 Harpsichord
Unit(s): .5
MSAP
182 Miscellaneous Instruments
Unit(s): .5
