Courses
Post Bebop Harmonic Innovations
Survey and analysis of music growing out of the bebop jazz era. Extensive study of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, and Thelonious Monk.
Directed Study in Small Forms 1
Students will take a half-hour private lesson with a composition teacher each week.
Directed Study in Small Forms 2
Individualized instruction in composing small forms (i.e., short instrumental pieces, themes and variations, art songs, single movements of larger works, etc.).
Serial Techniques as Applied to Jazz Composition
Utilization of 12-tone methodology in creating a one-movement concert jazz piece.
Scoring for Full Orchestra
Orchestration techniques for full symphony orchestra.
Composition Internship
Monitored and evaluated professional work experience in an environment related to the composition major.
Directed Study in Sonata Composition
Sonata form. The composition of an extended three-movement sonata for piano or for solo instrument and piano.
Directed Study in Orchestral Composition
The composition of an extended work for full contemporary orchestra. Intended to demonstrate the ability to handle large orchestral groups in a characteristic and coherent manner.
Directed Study in Jazz Composition
Individualized instruction designed to guide students majoring in jazz composition in the preparation of their graduation projects.
Guitar Composition Techniques for Performers/Composers
Intermediate and advanced approach to guitar composition techniques.
Digital Score Preparation for Composers
The course will focus on the acquisition of skills with technological tools for the creation of professional composition portfolios.
Introduction to Contemporary Composition
Introduction to compositional concepts from the late 20th century with emphasis on students writing original compositions.
Conducting 1
Techniques of conducting vocal and instrumental music. Fundamental beat patterns. Discussion and study of terminology, problems of tempo, phrasing, and articulation.
Conducting 2
The course assumes basic beat pattern knowledge and covers three areas: (1) symphonic conducting with an instrumental soloist (concerto), (2) symphonic conducting with a vocal soloist (operatic ari
Conducting 1 with Live Keyboard Ensemble
This course emphasizes in-depth score study and elements involved with the formulation of musical ideas, the role of the conductor, and the proper kind of relationship between the conductor and the
Conducting 2 with Live Keyboard Ensemble
A conducting class class where students conduct other students playing MIDI keyboards that create the sounds of the instruments of an orchestral ensemble.
Choral Conducting for Music Education Majors
Fundamental beat patterns, basic conducting technique, phrasing and articulation, problems of tempo. Discussion and study of terminology. Lab sessions for choral application of classroom skills.
Instrumental Conducting for Music Education Majors
Fundamental beat patterns, basic conducting technique, phrasing and articulation, problems of tempo. Discussion and study of score analysis.