Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular term. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the MyBU Student Portal for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

  • CFA MP 608: Chamber Music
    Study and performance of chamber music in various combinations. Chamber ensembles receive one hour of coaching each week with a member of the faculty. (May be repeated for credit.) 1 cr Registration for MP608 is restricted to MM, PD, and DMA candidates. BM candidates should register for MP408/409 in order to fulfill the Teamwork/Collaboration area of the BU Hub.
    • Part of a Hub sequence
  • CFA MP 609: Baroque Chamber Music
    Study and performance of Baroque chamber music for winds, strings, and continuo. Ensembles receive one hour of coaching each week with a member of the applied music faculty in the Historical Performance Department. (May be repeated for credit.) 1 cr.
    • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • CFA MP 610: Ensemble for Pianists
    Admission by audition. Four-hand and ensemble work for piano; works using piano with small combinations of instruments. (May be repeated for credit.) 1 cr.
  • CFA MP 611: Piano Literature 1
    A study of keyboard literature from the early 17th through the pre-Classical period. Students will explore and discuss the main forms and genres in keyboard music of this time period, notable composers and their styles, the development of keyboard instruments, difference in editions, and performance practices. [3 units]
  • CFA MP 612: Piano Literature 2
    A study of keyboard literature of the Classical period. Students will explore and discuss the main forms and genres in keyboard music, notable and lesser-known composers and their styles, the development of the piano and its impact on the compositional output, difference in editions, and performance practices. [3 units]
  • CFA MP 613: Piano Literature 3
    A study of keyboard literature of the Romantic period. Students will explore and discuss main forms and genres in keyboard music of this time, notable and lesser-known composers and their styles, the development of the piano and its impact on the compositional output, and the relation between music and other arts..
  • CFA MP 615: Piano Pedagogy 1
    Through written assignments, class discussions, and oral presentations, students will explore the following areas: historical study of major piano pedagogues from 1600 to the early 1900s and critical analysis of their philosophies and methods; understanding learning styles and personality types of students; examination of approaches in teaching piano technique, rhythm, reading, and musicality for elementary to early intermediate students across various ages; critical analysis and evaluation of piano method books and group piano textbooks; observation and evaluation of teaching videos and websites; practical aspects of building a private studio. [2 units] Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Writing-Intensive Course, Historical Consciousness.
    • Part of a Hub sequence
  • CFA MP 616: Piano Pedagogy 2
    Undergraduate Prerequisites: Piano Pedagogy 1 (MP 415) and First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) Advanced piano pedagogy, continued from MP 415. This course explores topics in piano pedagogy specific to intermediate to early advanced students. Through class discussions, written assignments, projects, teaching observations, and oral presentations, students will explore the following areas: selecting appropriate repertoire; teaching piano technique, rhythm, and interpretation across varied repertoire; introducing practice strategies, performance psychology, and techniques for leading masterclasses. [2 units] Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Writing-Intensive Course, Historical Consciousness.
    • Historical Consciousness
    • Oral and/or Signed Communication
    • Writing-Intensive Course
  • CFA MP 621: Accompaniment Skills
    Practical training in ensemble techniques for piano majors, featuring in-class partnerships with vocalists, instrumentalists, and fellow pianists. May be repeated for credit. 1 cr. Either semester.
  • CFA MP 622: Duo Sonata Repertoire for Strings and Piano
    Focused study of a specific body of string duo sonata repertoire through in-class performance, analysis, and critique. Additional duo rehearsal required. Topic varies by semester.
  • CFA MP 635: Opera Performance Workshop, for Singers and Conductors
    An active, performance-based class that focuses on a particular corner of the operatic repertoire (TBD). Open to all graduate music majors.
  • CFA MP 636: Performance Techniques for the Singing Actor 2
    Continuation of CFA MP635. Students will deepen character study, collaborating with other class members for research, rehearsal, and scenes (or one act operas) for a culminating performance. Each student practices performance skills and serves as stage director as well as performer.
  • CFA MP 640: Orchestral Techniques: Strings
    For advanced performers on orchestral instruments. Focused study of standard orchestral excerpts in preparation for professional orchestra auditions. Graduate students only. 1 cr.
  • CFA MP 641: String Literature 1: Solo
    Study through score study, lecture, listening, and other modes of presentation of solo string literature from the Baroque to the present. 2 cr.
  • CFA MP 642: String Literature 2: Solo
    Study through score study, lecture, listening, and other modes of presentation of solo string literature from the Baroque to the present. 2 cr.
  • CFA MP 643: String Literature 3: 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 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.
    • Creativity/Innovation
    • Ethical Reasoning
    • The Individual in Community
  • 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.