Courses

Analysis of progressive rock music from 1967—present. The influence of compositional and orchestral techniques and use of acoustic instrumentation. The fusion of standard rock styles and classical music forms, including opera (Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wings of Man). Analysis of rhythmic and harmonic devices. Groups to be discussed will include Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Kansas, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

This course will delve into a history and analysis of the life and work of Pauline Oliveros investigating her major contributions to the field of contemporary composition. The curriculum will cover her electronic and acoustic compositions, writings, inventive philosophies on listening, improvisation, and legacy and impact on 20th and 21st century music. The approach to learning about Oliveros will be greatly informed by the radical pedagogy that she sets forth in her Deep Listening practice, which will be fully examined.

A course tracing the development of the music of Miles Davis. Examination and discussion of the evolution of his playing and writing styles. Concentration on the listening and analysis of improvised solos, tunes, forms, harmonic practice, and his influence on other performers.

A chronological investigation of the music of Duke Ellington and the development of the Ellington Orchestra. Through listening and score analysis, students become familiar with various techniques associated with Ellington's unique approach to composition, arranging, and orchestration.

An investigation of the basic stylistic elements found in the compositions and arrangements of Charles Mingus. Categorization and analysis of various works.

Comparative study and analysis of the principal Beethoven quartets. Relationship of the quartets to his work as a whole. Examination of the outstanding compositional characteristics of this important body of literature.

Score analysis, discussion, and study of Bartók's principal chamber works. Comparison of formal characteristics, scoring, and compositional practices.

An in-depth examination of representative works spanning Stravinsky's total creative output. Concentration on listening and analysis of representative works.

An in-depth examination of composers whose work has proven of lasting importance, not only in and of itself, but also because of its influence on contemporary compositional styles. A different composer will be covered each semester; the current selection will be posted on student bulletin boards and in the Composition Department during registration and check-in periods. Composers covered include Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Paul Hindemith, Aaron Copland, Charles Ives, and music theater crossovers including George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein.

Students will study orchestral compositions by the most recognized 21st-century concert music composers. Each week a recent major orchestral work will be discussed and analyzed aurally using a systematic descriptive approach analyzing: medium, meter, tempo, rhythm, melody, harmony, tonality, texture, form, orchestration, dynamics, text, and programmatic considerations. Composers included will be 21st-century winners of composition prizes such as the Pulitzer Prize and the Grawemeyer Prize. Other recognized composers establishing the current trends of orchestral music will also be included. The list of composers and pieces analyzed will change in future as current trends in composition evolve and become established.