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College of Arts and Sciences


Music

Concentration in Music (1005)
Minor in Music
Courses
Courses for Nonconcentrators
Courses for Music Concentrators

Chairman Victor Coelho

Professors Antoniou, Coelho, de Quadros, Sheveloff, Wates

Associate Professors Amlin, Cornell, Heimarck, Kopp, Weale, Yudkin

Assistant Professors Headrick, Peattie, Shenton

The concentration in music prepares the student for graduate work in musicology, theory, and composition, and for careers in composition and theory, musicology and research, music teaching, music criticism, music librarianship, music publishing, music therapy, arts management, and other broad areas of the music and arts industry. Music concentrators at the College of Arts and Sciences may participate in the activities of the School of Music at the College of Fine Arts; admission to all School of Music ensembles is by audition. Required music courses are taught by the faculty of the School of Music. (Students who are primarily interested in the MusB degree in instrumental or vocal performance, composition, or music history should apply directly to the School of Music at the College of Fine Arts.)

Concentration in Music (1005)

All music concentration courses are offered by the faculty of the School of Music at the College of Fine Arts. The minimum total of prerequisite and principal courses required for the concentration is the equivalent of eight semester courses in the College of Arts and Sciences. All of the College of Fine Arts courses listed below may be taken for transfer credit in the College of Arts and Sciences. However, any 3-credit College of Fine Arts course must be supplemented by an additional project if a student wishes to receive 4 credits for the course in the College of Arts and Sciences. No credit toward the completion of the music concentration will be given for the following courses: CFA MU 111, 112, 119, 120, 211, 212, 225, 229, 231, 238, 240 and 242; and CAS MU 117, 118, 225, 229, 230, and 242. Students electing the music concentration may take up to eight credits of applied music toward the degree. Eligibility is determined by audition and faculty availability. All music concentrators must complete CAS LF 212, CAS LG 212, or the equivalent in another language, or demonstrate equivalent proficiency.

Students who intend to go on to graduate school in music are urged to prepare themselves in a second foreign language. Prior consultation with advisors is recommended.

Prerequisites CFA MU 101, 102, 107, and 108.

Principal Courses Required courses in music history are CFA MU 223, 224, 323, and 324. Required courses in music theory are CFA MU 201, 202, 207, 208, 301, and 302.

Related Courses Five courses are required from the following: art history, history (as approved by the advisor), philosophy; French and German above CAS LF 212 or CAS LG 212, or the equivalent in another language.

Minor in Music

A minor in music consists of 20 credits. Required courses: CFA MU 101, 102, 107, 108 (8 credits in music theory; these courses may be waived by passing a proficiency test and replaced with other courses in music). An additional 12 credits in music are selected with the approval of the advisor for music minors. Registration for applied music and composition courses requires an audition and departmental approval.

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Courses

Listed below are courses for nonconcentrators followed by music courses for concentrators. For additional information about courses, including descriptions of those listed here only by title, see College of Fine Arts on this site and the College of Fine Arts Bulletin.

Courses for Nonconcentrators

Courses marked with a (†) satisfy divisional studies requirements.

††CAS MU 117, 118 Music Appreciation I, II

Introduction to music through study of representative styles and forms in the history of Western music. Music as a changing language of human communication. No prior musical experience required. Lectures, performances. CAS MU 118 continues but does not presuppose CAS MU 117. Wates. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem. (HU)

††CAS MU 229 Masterpieces of Opera

History of opera from late-Renaissance experiment through Handel, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Puccini, Berg, Stravinsky, Britten, and Harbison. Emphasis on opera as a complex, multimedia genre continually redefining itself, its (often) noble aims conflicting with financial realities, inflated egos, and a fickle public. Wates. 4 cr, 2nd sem. (HU)

CAS MU 230 Mozart

Study of Mozart's work in major genres—sonata, symphony, quartet, concerto, opera—viewed in the context of rapidly changing eighteenth-century political and intellectual currents: equality vs. absolutism, free-market economy vs. aristocratic patronage, freemasonry vs. the church. Origins of the "Amadeus" myths. Wates. 4 cr, 1st sem.

††CAS MU 242 Music and Society

A survey of the complex and fascinating relationship between music and the society which it mirrors. From Plato to punk. Focuses on several crucial crossroads in the history of Western culture: antiquity and musical ethos; medieval plainsong; feudalism and courtly love; the secular courts of the Renaissance; Bach and craftsmanship; Mozart and the Enlightenment; angst, anger, and romanticism; and the modern ferment. Yudkin. 4 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 246 Popular Music

A series of popular music courses ranging from rock to jazz to funk, pop, and the blues. In each case, a serious historical survey of the music is accompanied by thorough and accessible musical analyses of selected representative works in the genre. No prior musical experience required. 3 cr, either sem.

CFA MU 325 Musical Cultures of the World: Ethnomusicological Perspectives on Music

The study of music and musical cultures from around the world. Introduction to the music and context of Black America, Africa, India, Japan, Indonesia, and the North American Native Indian traditions. Discussion of issues such as orientalism (i.e., Western representations of the Orient) and the need to develop cultural identities in once-colonized countries. 3 cr, either sem.

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Courses for Music Concentrators

Composition and Theory The Music Theory Placement Examination, offered prior to September and January registrations, is required for all students enrolling in CFA MU 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, and 302. (Details are available at Current Music Students.) Students should enroll in CFA MU 101 X1 and MU 107 X1. Students who have had very little experience with music study should enroll in CFA MU 111.

CFA MU 101 Music Theory I

Basic music vocabulary. Elements of tonal music approached through hearing, writing, analytical work, and keyboard. Species counterpoint. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 107 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I. 3 cr.

CFA MU 102 Music Theory II

Understanding of chord grammar through study of voice-leading, figured bass, and harmonization of melodies. Keyboard harmony and coordination exercises. Introduction to the systematic study of form. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 108 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing II. 3 cr.

CFA MU 103 Honors Theory I

Prereq: departmental approval. Basic music vocabulary. Elements of tonal music approached through hearing, writing, analytical work, and keyboard. Species counterpoint. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 107 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I. 3 cr.

CFA MU 104 Honors Theory II

Prereq: departmental approval. Understanding of chord grammar through the study of voice-leading, counterpoint, figured bass, and harmonization of melodies. Formal and compositional idioms of the late baroque. Introduction to the systematic study of form. Keyboard harmony and coordination exercises. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 108 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing II. 3 cr.

CFA MU 106 Introduction to Musicianship

(Credit not applicable to music concentration.) Elementary reading in treble and bass clefs, with emphasis on basic scale and arpeggio patterns, intervals, rhythm, spelling of scale and chords. Beginning skills in musical dictation. 1 cr.

CFA MU 107 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I

Prereq: CFA MU 106 or placement by examination. Sight-singing and dictation of diatonic materials in all clefs and intervals. Exercises in rhythmic reading, conducting, prepared singing, and intonation. 1 cr.

CFA MU 108 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing II

Prereq: CFA MU 107 or placement by examination. Continuation of CFA MU 107. Introduction of chromaticism and modulation within a tonal context. Triplets and compound rhythms. Melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation. 1 cr.

CFA MU 201 Music Theory III

More advanced study of tonal harmony and voice leading. Tonal counterpoint. Formal and compositional idioms of the late baroque. Keyboard harmony, figured bass, introduction to score reading. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 207 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing III. 3 cr.

CFA MU 202 Music Theory IV

Continued study of tonal and chromatic harmony and voice leading. Composition of small forms. Introduction to instrumentation and scoring. Formal and compositional idioms of the classical period. Keyboard harmony and score reading. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 208 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing IV. 3 cr.

CFA MU 203 Honors Theory III

Prereq: departmental approval. Continued study of tonal and chromatic harmony and voice leading. Composition of small forms. Instrumentation and scoring. Formal and compositional idioms of the classical period. Keyboard harmony, figured bass realization, introduction to score reading. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 207 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing III. 3 cr.

CFA MU 204 Honors Theory IV

Prereq: departmental approval. Advanced tonal and chromatic harmony, instrumentation, and scoring. Formal and compositional idioms of the romantic period. Keyboard harmony and score reading. All students must also enroll in CFA MU 208 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing IV. 3 cr.

CFA MU 207 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing III

Prereq: CFA MU 108 or placement by examination. Continuation of CFA MU 108. More challenging exercises in sight-singing and preparation of increasingly chromatic or disjunct materials. Melodic, harmonic, two-part, and rhythmic dictation. Two-part rhythmic exercises and conducting. 1 cr.

CFA MU 208 Ear-Training and Sight-Singing IV

Prereq: CFA MU 207 or placement by examination. Continuation of CFA MU 207. Greater emphasis on nondiatonic material, more difficult exercises in prepared singing, sight-singing, dictation, and rhythm. 1 cr.

CFA MU 301 Music Theory V

Individual musicianship problems developed according to the area of music concentration. Formal and compositional idioms of the romantic period of music. Individual study or compositional projects. 2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 302 Music Theory VI

Individual musicianship problems developed according to the area of music concentration. Formal and compositional idioms of the twentieth century. Individual study or compositional projects. 2 cr, 2nd sem.

CFA MU 303 Instrumentation

2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 304 Honors Theory V

2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 405 Modal Counterpoint

2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 406 Tonal Counterpoint

2 cr, 2nd sem.

CFA MU 411/611 Electronic Music I

2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 412/612 Electronic Music II

2 cr, 2nd sem.

CFA MU 413/613 Electronic Music III

2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 414/614 Electronic Music IV

2 cr, 2nd sem.

CFA MU 415 Acoustics

1 cr, either sem.

CFA MU 561, 562 Composition I, II

2 cr, each sem.

CFA MU 563, 564 Composition III, IV

2 cr, each sem.

CFA MU 565, 566 Composition V, VI

3 cr, each sem.

CFA MU 601 Analytical Techniques 1

2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 602 Analytical Techniques II

2 cr, 2nd sem.

CFA MU 603 Instrumentation II

2 cr, 2nd sem.

CFA MU 605 Canon and Fugue

2 cr, 1st sem.

CFA MU 609, 610 Theory Practicum

2 cr, each sem.

CFA MU 615, 616 Contemporary Techniques I, II

2 cr, each sem.

CFA MU 705 Advanced Fugue

2 cr, 2nd sem.

History and Literature of Music CFA MU 223, 224, 323, and 324 are prerequisites for all music history courses above the 300 level with the exception of CFA MU 325.

CFA MU 324 History and Literature of Music IV

Prereq: CFA MU 202. Music from Wagner to the present. 3 cr.

CFA MU 325 Musical Cultures of the World: Ethnomusicological Perspectives in Music

3 cr.

CFA MU 621 History and Literature of the Symphony Orchestra I

3 cr.

CFA MU 622 History and Literature of the Symphony Orchestra II

3 cr.

CFA MU 624 History and Literature of the Keyboard I

3 cr.

CFA MU 625 History and Literature of the Keyboard II

3 cr.

CFA MU 626 History and Literature of the Concerto

3 cr.

CFA MU 629 History and Literature of the Opera I

3 cr.

CFA MU 630 History and Literature of the Opera II

3 cr.

CFA MU 631 History and Literature of the Opera III

3 cr.

CFA MU 633 History and Literature of Chamber Music I

3 cr.

CFA MU 634 History and Literature of Chamber Music II

3 cr.

CFA MU 635 Music of Claudio Monteverdi

CFA MU 636 Music of J. S. Bach

3 cr.

CFA MU 637 Music of George Frideric Handel

3 cr.

CFA MU 638 Music of Franz Joseph Haydn

3 cr.

CFA MU 639 Music of Wolfgang Amadè Mozart

3 cr.

CFA MU 640 Music of Ludwig van Beethoven

3 cr.

CFA MU 641 Music of Franz Peter Schubert

3 cr.

CFA MU 642 Music of Johannes Brahms

3 cr.

CFA MU 643 Music of Richard Wagner

3 cr.

CFA MU 644 Music of Arnold Schoenberg

3 cr.

CFA MU 645 Music of Igor Stravinsky

3 cr.

CFA MU 647 History and Literature of the Art Song

3 cr.

CFA MU 648 History and Literature of Large Choral Forms

3 cr.

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22 October 2007
Boston University
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