Music: Composition & Theory

  • CFA MT 400: Graduate Theory Review
    This course is dependent on a student's theory proficiency exam results. Review of fundamental music theory and analysis through the study of chord grammar, voice leading principles, figured bass, four-part chorale harmonizations and form. Materials are approached through listening, writing, and analytical work. Pre-requisite for MT600, unless placed out via theory proficiency exam.
  • CFA MT 401: Graduate Theory Review
    This course is dependent on a student's theory proficiency exam results. Review of fundamental music theory and analysis through the study of chord grammar, voice leading principles, figured bass, four-part chorale harmonizations and form. Materials are approached through listening, writing and analytical work. Pre-requisite for MT601 and/or MT602 unless placed out via theory proficiency exam.
  • CFA MT 421: Senior Composition 7
    Prereq: CFA MT 322. More advanced original work in contemporary musical composition. Undergraduate. 3 cr.
  • CFA MT 422: Senior Composition 8
    Prereq: CFA MT 421. More advanced original work in contemporary musical composition. Undergraduate. 3 cr.
  • CFA MT 431: Orchestration 1
    Basic techniques in scoring for chorus, orchestra, band, and ensembles. Ranges and transpositions of voices and instruments; idiomatic writing, score reading, and clef transposition. 2 cr.
  • CFA MT 432: Orchestration 2
    Basic techniques in scoring for chorus, orchestra, band, and ensembles. Ranges and transpositions of voices and instruments; idiomatic writing, score reading, and clef transposition. 2 cr.
  • CFA MT 435: Composing with Electronic Sounds & Computers 1
    Aesthetic and technical knowledge needed to complete individual, creative work using electronic media alone or with acoustic instruments. Use of computers, recording equipment, digital editing software, and sound analysis software: developing basic skills in synthesis, sampling, digital recording and live performance techniques. Listening assignments provide an introduction to existing literature and relevant aspects of acoustic and electronic theory. May not be taken concurrently with CFA MT436. 2 cr.
  • CFA MT 436: Composing with Electronic Sounds and Computers 2
    Prereq: CFA MT 435 or equivalent experience and permission from instructor. Expansion of aesthetic and technical knowledge in the domains of computer music, sound manipulation and sound recording. Introduction to computer-assisted composition environments and real-time interaction between electronics and instruments.
  • CFA MT 499: Independent Study: Undergraduates
    Individual projects arranged between undergraduate students and faculty, often in areas outside of the regular curriculum. Plans must be submitted in advance of registration. Variable credit.
  • CFA MT 520: Composers' Forum
    Required seminar for all composers. Visiting composers present and discuss their music. Students also present their own music and lead topics for discussion.
  • CFA MT 600: Analytical Techniques
    Systematic and empirical investigations into formal and compositional procedures of selected masterworks from the tonal repetoire. Lectures leading to individual analytical projects.
  • CFA MT 601: Analytical Techniques 1
    Systematic and empirical investigations into formal and compositional procedures of selected masterworks from the tonal repertoire. Lectures leading to individual analytical projects. Credits not applicable to MusAD in Composition. 3 cr.
  • CFA MT 602: Analytical Techniques 2
    Analysis of contemporary music. Investigation into compositional methods and procedures used in twentieth-century music. Lectures leading to individual analytical projects. Credits not applicable to MusAD in Composition. 3 cr.
  • CFA MT 621: Graduate Composition
    Prereq: Two years of composition. Original work in advanced musical composition. May be repeated for credit. 3 cr.
  • CFA MT 630: Orchestration
    Orchestration I Contemporary orchestral techniques, focusing on scoring for modern winds, brass, strings and mixed ensembles, including full orchestra. Concepts include chord spacing, melodic projection, layering and delineation of material, and extended instrumental techniques. Materials are approached through readings, listening, writing and analytical work.
  • CFA MT 631: Orchestration 1
    Basic techniques in scoring for chorus, orchestra, band, and ensembles. Ranges and transpositions of voices and instruments; idiomatic writing, score reading, and clef transposition. 3 cr.
  • CFA MT 632: Orchestration 2
    Prereq: CFA MT 631. Contemporary orchestral techniques. Advanced study in scoring for modern orchestras, ensembles, choruses, and bands. 3 cr.
  • CFA MT 635: Composing with Electronic Sounds and Computers 1
    Aesthetic and technical knowledge needed to complete individual, creative work using electronic media alone or with acoustic instruments. Use of computers, recording equipment, digital editing software, and sound analysis software: developing basic skills in synthesis, sampling, digital recording and live performance techniques. Listening assignments provide an introduction to existing literature and relevant aspects of acoustic and electronic theory. May not be taken concurrently with CFA MT436. 2 cr.
  • CFA MT 636: Composing with Electronic Sounds and Computers 2
    Prereq: CFA MT 635 or equivalent experience and permission from instructor. Expansion of aesthetic and technical knowledge in the domains of computer music, sound manipulation and sound recording. Introduction to computer-assisted composition environments and real-time interaction between electronics and instruments. 2 cr.
  • CFA MT 641: Modal Counterpoint
    Analysis and writing of sixteenth-century vocal styles based on the practices of Palestrina, Lassus, and others. 2 cr.

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