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.
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CFA MT 632: Orchestration 2
Prereq: CFA MT 631. Contemporary orchestral techniques. Advanced study in scoring for modern orchestras, ensembles, choruses, and bands. -
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. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Digital/Multimedia Expression. -
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. -
CFA MT 642: Tonal Counterpoint
The study of the early eighteenth-century styles of J.S. Bach and his contemporaries, with an emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice. Special attention will be paid to composing and analyzing invertible counterpoint, canon, two-part inventions and fugue. This is a graduate course, cross-listed with the undergraduate course MT 342. 2 cr. -
CFA MT 681: Music of Our Time: Composers and Repertoire
Overview of a cross-section of contemporary composers, and trends in music. Focus on composers and places that have become major hubs of compositional activity and ideas. Composers of many different nationalities and aesthetic orientations will be studied. 3 cr. -
CFA MT 701: Doctoral Proseminar-Skills
Preparation for doctoral qualifying examination in general music theory skills and chorale harmonization. Course may not be taken by MM students or undergraduates. 3 cr. -
CFA MT 702: Doctoral Proseminar-Analysis
Preparation for doctoral qualifying examination in tonal and post-tonal analysis. Course may not be taken by MM students or undergraduates. 3 cr. -
CFA MT 762: Advanced Contemporary Analysis
In-depth review of analytical techniques and terminology developed for diverse musical styles from the 20th and 21st centuries. Analysis of representative works from the literature. 3 cr. -
CFA MT 772: Music Perception and Cognition
This course is designed to introduce students to scientific literature on music preparation, music performance, and related topics. It is designed as a readings course in selected topics with an introduction to statistical methods and methods of experimental design, flexible in response to the background of students and subjects of interest to them. Previous offerings have enrolled only music students from a variety of degree programs (Performance DMAs, Composition DMAs, Theory MMs, and undergraduates). This version of the course may be cross-listed with the new undergraduate HUB course in Music Perception and Cognition, MT472, and therefore will only enroll graduate students and remains a three-credit course to best fit into current graduate programs. 3cr Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning II, Research and Information Literacy. -
CFA MT 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 MU 090: CHAMBER MUSIC
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 095: Jazz Combo
The Honors Combo is dedicated to playing small group jazz, consisting mainly of a rhythm section (bass, drums, piano or guitar) and one to four other instruments, depending on balance and ability level. This ensemble is open by audition only. The Honors Combo performs several times throughout the semester. Auditions take place during the first week of classes in the fall. For more information please visit www.bu.edu/bands 0 cr. -
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 185: Marching Band
Boston University Athletic Bands are designed to bring together students of all majors, backgrounds, experience levels, and interests from across the University. The ensembles are campus-wide. Fall ensembles include Marching Band and Pep Band, and Spring ensembles include Winter Drumline, Winter Guard, and Pep Band. These ensembles can be taken individually or simultaneously. Effective Fall 2020, this course, when taken in sequence (Fall and Spring) fulfills a single unit in the BU Hub area of Teamwork/Collaboration.
