School of Music: Applied Lessons & Ensembles

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  • CFA MP 644: String Literature 4: Chamber
    Study through score study, lecture, listening, and other modes of presentation of string chamber music literature from the Baroque to the present. 2 cr.
  • CFA MP 645: String Pedagogy and Practicum 1
    Teaching methods and materials for use in private and group instruction; literature concerned with leading pedagogues' approaches to teaching musical skills and understanding. 2 cr. When taken with CFA MP 646, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Individual in Community, Ethical Reasoning, Creativity/Innovation.
    • Part of a Hub sequence
  • CFA MP 646: String Pedagogy and Practicum 2
    Teaching methods and materials for use in private instruction; literature concerned with leading pedagogues' approaches to teaching musical skills and understanding. 2 cr. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Ethical Reasoning, Creativity/Innovation.
    • The Individual in Community
    • Ethical Reasoning
    • Creativity/Innovation
  • CFA MP 649: Harp Pedagogy, Literature, and Ensembles
    Teaching methods and materials for use in harp instruction; study of harp solo literature from the Baroque to the present; study of harp ensemble literature.
  • CFA MP 650: Orchestral Techniques: Woodwinds
    For advanced performers on orchestral instruments. Problems for various instruments in standard orchestral literature. Graduate students only. 1 cr.
  • CFA MP 660: Orchestral Techniques: Brass
    For advanced performers on orchestral instruments. Problems for various instruments in standard orchestral literature. Graduate students only. 1 cr..
  • CFA MP 663: Trombone Literature
    Students will meet one hour a week with a specialist trombone instructor. Students will do a comprehensive study of trombone literature. Listening assignments will be assigned. Students will compile from these discussions a comprehensive annotated music literature list, of their designated instrument for future use. 1.0 credit.
  • CFA MP 670: Percussion Ensemble
    For advanced performers on orchestral instruments. Study and preparation of standard orchestral excerpts, critique and mock-auditions. 1.0 credit.
  • CFA MP 671: Percussion Ensemble
    Study and performance of chamber music for combinations of percussion instruments. May be repeated for credit. 1 cr
  • CFA MP 681: Introduction to the Organ
    Introduction to the Organ, a companion course to MP682 Introduction to the Harpsichord, will cover organ technique, repertoire, registration, history, and design. Basic techniques of touch, pedaling and coordination, and hymn playing will be addressed, as well as a survey of the literature written for the organ as related to developments in organ design and technology. Visits to local organs on and off campus will be included as well as classes regularly held in Room 426 where there is a seven-stop Noack mechanical studio organ. 1 cr.
  • CFA MP 682: Harpsichord for Keyboard Majors
    Study and performance of the harpsichord and its literature. Students instructed in the various aspects of harpsichord playing, including technique, registration, basso continuo realization, performance practice, national styles, and the major composers for the instrument. 2.0 credits.
  • CFA MP 685: Organ Seminar
    Organ Seminar. Contact the School of Music for more information regarding this course.
  • CFA MP 690: Orchestral Conducting Seminar
    Students enrolled in Orchestral Conducting Seminar study orchestral repertoire in detail, including the role of the conductor as collaborator and accompanist in both vocal and concerto repertoire. Attention is given to the conductor's role in tuning an orchestra, development of orchestral sound, and study of string, wind, bass and percussion techniques. (3cr; may be repeated for credit; required for all MM and DMA orchestral conducting majors; open to non-conducting majors only by permission of instructor)
  • CFA MP 705: Writing for the DMA Recital Track
    Prerequisite: successful completion of MH711. Research, development, and guided preparation of elements of the DMA Recital Track Lecture Recital including: project proposal, literature review, outline, bibliography, powerpoint presentation, and research paper from which the Lecture Recital will be extracted.
  • CFA MP 720: Accompaniment Practicum
    Advanced collaborative accompaniment experience and instruction in instrumental sonata repertoire. Required for piano majors in the Performance Diploma curriculum; elective course for all other graduate piano majors; not open to enrollment by undergraduates. Enrolled pianists are assigned to accompany one School of Music instrumental major.
  • CFA MP 723: Opera Arias for Pianists 1
    Study and performance of standard opera aria repertoire for collaborative pianists. Topics include study of recitative, operas of Mozart, and the Bel Canto operas of Bellini, Rossini, Donizetti and Verdi.
  • CFA MP 724: Opera Arias for Pianists 2
    Study and performance of standard opera aria repertoire for collaborative pianists. Topics include operas by Puccini, Wagner, Strauss, Britten, Russian and 20th century American composers.
  • CFA MP 730: Opera Institute
    Performance-based curriculum taught by full-time and adjunct faculty members, along with guest professionals who are currently in the business or have had significant operatic careers. Includes voice lessons, repertoire coaching, Italian Conversation, Acting, Movement (Stage Combat, Ballet, Period Styles, Commedia, Alexander Technique), Business Strategies, Social Protocols for the Artist, Auditions, and Networking. Singers have the opportunity to participate in two large-scale productions with a full orchestra per year, a Fringe Festival of significant one-act operas, and outreach programs.
  • CFA MP 731: Selected Topics in Song Literature
    Focused study on a specific body of song literature through historical criticism, analysis of poetry, and performance. Topic varies by semester. 2 cr.
  • CFA MP 735: Vocal Pedagogy 1
    Introduction to the fundamentals of vocal tract physiology, acoustics, and technique. Open to all graduate students.
  • CFA MP 781: Special Topics in Performance Practice 1
    Consideration of major performance issues in the music of Monteverdi, Handel, Bach, et al. Covers topics such as ornamentation, tempo, articulation, tuning and temperament, baroque instruments and their playing techniques, baroque dance, and various national styles of playing. Students perform on their instruments, discuss performance issues, read primary sources and other material about 17th and 18th century performance, compose ornamentation, and listen to and discuss recorded performances. occasional guest lecturers. Required of all historical performance majors. Open to other music graduate students with permission of the instructor.
  • CFA MP 782: Special Topics in Performance Practice 2
    Continuation of CFA MP781.
  • CFA MP 792: Choral Repertory and Performance Style 2
    Continuation of CFA MP791, but with literature selected from cantata, passion, and oratorio through twentieth century and contemporary works. 2 cr.
  • CFA MP 894: Choral Repertoire of Twentieth Century and Contemporary Composers
    Seminar in repertoire and performance practice of choral music from the 20th Century. Required for DMA candidates in Choral Conducting. 2 cr.
  • CFA MP 899: Independent Project/Directed Study
    Specialized, individually tailored and guided work on projects not connected with a thesis, dissertation or other terminal document, but of particular interest to the graduate student. Variable credit.
  • CFA MP 929: Research, Directed Study, and Performance in Conducting
    Preparation of project in the field of conducting. Credit amount varies.
  • CFA MU 090: Chamber Music
  • CFA MU 091: Marching Band
    The Boston University Marching Band is a campus-wide ensemble that is open to all students. The ensemble performs each fall at college band shows, university and civic events, and regional high school band shows as a featured collegiate band in exhibition. The Marching Band schedule is built to fit within the busy BU student's schedule. There are no auditions required for entry to the BU Marching Band. The ensemble meets 3 times per week, and rehearses less than most high school bands. The marching season ends in early November, five-to-six weeks before final exams begin. In addition to registering for Marching Band, students must also complete the ensemble Join Form: http://www.bu.edu/bands/join/
  • CFA MU 092: Concert Band
    The Boston University Concert Band is a large concert ensemble comprising approximately 55 members from a multitude of majors throughout the University. The ensemble is open to all students wishing to continue making music throughout their collegiate years. The Concert Band performs a diverse section of the wind band repertoire ranging from traditional works to premieres and recent compositions by leading composers. For more information please visit www.bu.edu/bands 0 credits.
  • CFA MU 093: Pep Band
    The BU Pep Band is the most flexible music ensemble to join. We form two bands that rotate through performances, and students can miss a performance if they get a sub from the other band. The BU Pep Band is the driving force of the game day experience at all home Hockey and Basketball games. With a song list of over 100 classic and current tunes, the Pep Band is a high-energy, powerful ensemble beloved by our teams and fans alike. The Pep Band is also an integral part of the "Dog Pound" student fan section. Since our teams are perennial contenders for post-season play, the ensemble has many opportunities for paid travel to conference and NCAA tournaments around the country. There are even opportunities to get paid for playing at games that occur over breaks. Come be a part of this vibrant, energetic ensemble! There are no auditions required for entry to the BU Pep Band. In addition to registering for Pep Band, students must also complete the ensemble Join Form: http://www.bu.edu/bands/join/
  • CFA MU 094: Jazz Ensemble
    Auditions are required for entry (visit http://www.bu.edu/bands/bands-and-ensembles/jazz-ensembles/ for information). The BU Big Band performs a variety of jazz including contemporary, classic, popular, and rare, from across the decades. Musicians often have the opportunity to work with guest artists and clinicians. The Big Band uses standard instrumentation: 4-5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones, 5 saxes, and a rhythm section (guitar, vibes, piano, bass, optional aux. percussion, and drum set). Performances consist of several concerts per semester including BU Jazz Fest and occasional high-level university functions around campus. In addition to registering for Jazz Ensemble, students must also complete the ensemble Join Form: http://www.bu.edu/bands/join/
  • CFA MU 097: All Campus Orchestra
    The All-Campus Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra open by audition to the Boston University Community. The orchestra rehearses twice a week and performs two public concerts each semester. Participation in the ACO gives student and BU community musicians the tools, experience, and understanding to appreciate music for the rest of their lives, either as discerning listeners or as participants in the vibrant world of amateur music-making. Auditions for all orchestral instruments are held in the fall with auditions at mid-year for any open positions. All qualified string players are accepted, but the normal composition of an orchestra dictates limited positions for winds, brass, and percussion. For more information, please visit http://www.bu.edu/cfa/ensembles/university- ensembles/all-campus-orchestra/.
  • CFA MU 099: Symphonic Chorus
    Symphonic Chorus
  • CFA MU 190: All-Campus Chamber Music
    This course would provide an opportunity for accomplished musicians from the greater Boston University community to develop their playing in a small-ensemble setting in addition to their participation in the larger All-Campus Ensembles. Open to Non-majors. Majors seeking elective credit may also register with permission. Group placement will be determined based on the results of All-Campus auditions. Credit hours: 1 Meetings: twelve 1-hour coachings per semester and independently scheduled rehearsals; times TBD depending on the mutual availability of coach and chamber ensemble members
  • CFA MU 191: Marching Band
    The Boston University Marching Band is a campus-wide ensemble that is open to all students. The ensemble performs each fall at college band shows, university and civic events, and regional high school band shows as a featured collegiate band in exhibition. The Marching Band schedule is built to fit within the busy BU student's schedule. There are no auditions required for entry to the BU Marching Band. The ensemble meets 3 times per week, and rehearses less than most high school bands. The marching season ends in early November, five-to-six weeks before final exams begin. In addition to registering for Marching Band, students must also complete the ensemble Join Form: http://www.bu.edu/bands/join/
  • CFA MU 192: Concert Band
    The Boston University Concert Band is a large concert ensemble comprising approximately 55 members from a multitude of majors throughout the University. The ensemble is open to all students wishing to continue making music throughout their collegiate years. The Concert Band performs a diverse section of the wind band repertoire ranging from traditional works to premieres and recent compositions by leading composers. For more information please visit www.bu.edu/bands 1 cr.
  • CFA MU 193: Pep Band
    The BU Pep Band is the most flexible music ensemble to join. We form two bands that rotate through performances, and students can miss a performance if they get a sub from the other band. The BU Pep Band is the driving force of the game day experience at all home Hockey and Basketball games. With a song list of over 100 classic and current tunes, the Pep Band is a high-energy, powerful ensemble beloved by our teams and fans alike. The Pep Band is also an integral part of the "Dog Pound" student fan section. Since our teams are perennial contenders for post-season play, the ensemble has many opportunities for paid travel to conference and NCAA tournaments around the country. There are even opportunities to get paid for playing at games that occur over breaks. There are no auditions required for entry to the BU Pep Band. Come be a part of this vibrant, energetic ensemble! In addition to registering for Pep Band, students must also complete the ensemble Join Form: http://www.bu.edu/bands/join/
  • CFA MU 194: Jazz Ensemble
    Auditions are required for entry (visit http://www.bu.edu/bands/bands-and-ensembles/jazz-ensembles/ for information). The BU Big Band performs a variety of jazz including contemporary, classic, popular, and rare, from across the decades. Musicians often have the opportunity to work with guest artists and clinicians. The Big Band uses standard instrumentation: 4-5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones, 5 saxes, and a rhythm section (guitar, vibes, piano, bass, optional aux. percussion, and drum set). Performances consist of several concerts per semester including BU Jazz Fest and occasional high-level university functions around campus. In addition to registering for Jazz Ensemble, students must also complete the ensemble Join Form: http://www.bu.edu/bands/join/
  • CFA MU 197: All-Campus Orchestra
    The All-Campus Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra open by audition to the Boston University Community. The orchestra rehearses twice a week and performs two public concerts each semester. Participation in the ACO gives student and BU community musicians the tools, experience, and understanding to appreciate music for the rest of their lives, either as discerning listeners or as participants in the vibrant world of amateur music-making. Auditions for all orchestral instruments are held in the fall with auditions at mid-year for any open positions. All qualified string players are accepted, but the normal composition of an orchestra dictates limited positions for winds, brass, and percussion. For more information, please visit http://www.bu.edu/cfa/ensembles/university- ensembles/all-campus-orchestra/.
  • CFA MU 199: Symphonic Chorus
  • CFA MU 479: Song Literature 1
    The development of the Lied genre will be traced from the 18th through 20th centuries, focusing on the poetry and musical setting. Study and performance of Lieder, including songs of Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wolf and Schoenberg. 2 cr.
  • CFA MU 488: Advanced Performance Seminar
    Performance for singers: emphasis on style, interpretation, and perfection of diction in Italian, English, German, French, and other vocal literature. 1 cr.
  • CFA MU 507: Voice
  • CFA MU 509: Violin
  • CFA MU 535: Sp. Tps: Music
    This course description is currently under construction.
  • CFA MU 650: Musical Organizations-Instrumental
    Various groups including symphony orchestra, jazz lab band, repertory orchestra, wind ensemble, brass ensemble, Collegium Musicum, Time's Arrow, and other conducted organizations. (May be repeated for credit.) 1 cr.
  • CFA MU 795: Master's Thesis
    Ongoing work toward completion of master's thesis.
  • CFA MU 855: SP Tps: Music
  • CFA MU 888: Continuing Study
    Continuing Study: For DMA Dissertation track students whose coursework is completed but the dissertation proposal is not yet approved.
  • CFA MU 995: DMA Dissertation
    DMA Dissertation: This course is for DMA students who have had their dissertation proposals approved and are in their first semester of dissertation research. In subsequent semesters, students must register for CFA MU996.
  • CFA MU 996: DMA Diss Cont
    DMA Dissertation Continuing Study: Ongoing work toward completion of the DMA dissertation, for students who have completed their first semester of dissertation work (CFA MU995) and are continuing to work toward completion of the degree. Students must register for CFA MU996 every fall/spring semester through graduation.
  • CFA MU 999: RT Cont Study
    DMA Continuing Study for Recital Track: Ongoing work by degree candidates toward completion of the DMA recital track requirements. Offers certification of full-time status to those students registered for lessons only (in preparation for a degree recital).

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