University of Vermont

2013-2014 Catalogue

Courses in Music

MU 001 - Intro to Classical Music
to the present. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.
Credits: 3.
MU 004 - Sound, Sense, and Ideas
A writing-intensive course, exploring topics in Western, non-Western, folk, art, or popular repertories. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Usually offered as a TAP course. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.
Credits: 3.
MU 005 - D1: Intro to Jazz History
Survey of jazz from its roots in ragtime and blues of the late nineteenth century to contemporary styles. May not be counted toward the major.
Credits: 3.
MU 006 - American Music
Survey of American music from the Pilgrims to the present. Folk, popular, and classical music. Vernacular and cultivated traditions. No prerequisites. May not be counted toward the major.
Credits: 3.
MU 007 - D2: Intro World Music Cultures
Survey of selected traditional, popular, and classical music cultures from around the globe (Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Latin America, etc.) through readings, recordings, demonstrations. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.
Credits: 3.
MU 009 - Music Theory Fundamentals
Fundamentals of music notation, rhythm, melody, scales, and harmony. A course for non-majors or for students preparing to enter MU 109. Pre/co-requisite: May not be counted toward the major or minor.
Credits: 3.
MU 010 - Blues and Related Traditions
Traces the development of blues from African origins to modern blues, its rural and urban social contexts, and relation to African-American history and culture.
Credits: 3.
MU 011 - D1: Chasing the Blues
Exploration of blues history and culture and its relationship to African American history through travel, speakers, live music, museums, discussion, reading and media.
Credits: 3.
MU 012 - D1:Music & Culture:New Orleans
Examines the interrelationships between styles of music in New Orleans and the cultures that support them;
Credits: 3.
MU 015 - History of Rock and Roll
Examines rock music as a succession of related musical styles and as a social movement reflecting and influencing the changing American political and social landscape.
Credits: 3.
MU 016 - Musical Theatre Performance
(classical, Broadway legit, belt voice, belt mix). May not Singing technique and vocal development with acting/song interpretation. Includes posture, breathing, phonation, registration, resonation, articulation, and voice qualities be used as credit by Music majors/minors; may be counted toward Theatre major/minor with prior approval. Cross-listed with: THE 016.
Credits: 3.
MU 019 - D1: Latin Jazz Immersion
Explore the culture and music of Latin Jazz from its roots in Caribbean and Latin American traditions to its "combinacion perfecta" with jazz.
Credits: 3.
MU 021 - Beginning Group Lessons
Group lessons at the beginning level in voice and various instruments. May not be counted toward the major or minor. May be repeated up to three times for credit. No prerequisites.
Credits: 1.
MU 024 - Group Jazz Piano I
041, MU/MUSE majors, minors, or Instructor permission Introduction to jazz piano techniques, including rootless voicings, soloing, and comping, and covering basic chord progressions, blues, and standard tunes. Prerequisites: MU
Credits: 1.
MU 025 - Group Jazz Piano II
permission. Some review of concepts from MU 024. Exploration of topics including stride, modal comping, and chord substitution. Prerequisites: MU 024; MU/MUSE majors, minors; or Instructor
Credits: 1.
MU 033 - Applied Lessons
Private instruction in an instrument or voice for non-majors and non-minors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit. Not open for credit to music majors/minors. Prerequisite: successful completion of Level I Examination; contact department office for placement.
Credits: 1 or 2.
MU 034 - Required Secondary Lessons
Private instruction for music majors involving a required secondary instrument/area. Subject to staff availability. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit.
Credits: 1 or 2.
MU 041 - Piano Proficiency 1
Basic piano technique and grand staff reading. For students preparing to enter MU 024 or MU 042. Placement Test. Music majors or Instructor permission. Prerequisites: Rudimentary keyboard skills and reading ability.
Credits: 1.
MU 042 - Piano Proficiency 2
Functional piano skills for musicians. Scales, technique, harmonizing, sight reading, repertory. Prerequisites: MU 041 or equivalent determined by placement test.
Credits: 1.
MU 043 - Piano Proficiency 3
Preparation for Piano Proficiency Exam. Scales, repertory, sight reading, chordal accompaniment styles, score reading, transposing. Prerequisites: MU 042 or equivalent determined by placement test.
Credits: 1.
MU 044 - Elective Secondary Lessons
Private instruction for music majors involving an elective, non-required secondary instrument/area. Subject to staff availability. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit.
Credits: 1 or 2.
MU 054 - Harmony and Form Lab I
and music reading facility, determined by placement test.
Credits: 1.
MU 056 - Harmony and Form Lab II
Intensive study of solfege (music reading), intermediate keyboard harmony, dictation. Prerequisites: MU 054, or Instructor permission. Piano skill equivalent to MU 021 (Group Piano).
Credits: 1.
MU 060 - Intro to Music Technology
Survey of MIDI and digital audio sequencing, notation, accompaniment, and multimedia software for music composition/arranging, performance, and pedagogy, including survey of pedagogical music software. Prerequisite: MU 009, and permission of the Instructor.
Credits: 3.
MU 061 - Creating Music for Video
Prerequisites: MU 009 or basic knowledge of music Students will score short films using digital audio software. Emphasis is on 4-5 scoring projects, with additional background reading and written critiques. notation.
Credits: 3.
MU 075 - Exploring Songwriting
Students develop and refine the ability to express themselves through songwriting as they study current songs, compose and perform original songs, and mentor classmates. No prerequisite. May not be counted toward the major.
Credits: 3.
MU 076 - Brass Techniques
Class instruction on trumpet, trombone, and horn including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in elementary and secondary schools.
Credits: 2.
MU 077 - String Techniques
Develop basic technical proficiency on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Emphasis on beginning pedagogy, and teaching string instruments in a classroom setting.
Credits: 2.
MU 078 - Woodwind Techniques
Class instruction on flute, clarinet, saxophone and oboe/bassoon including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in elementary and secondary schools.
Credits: 2.
MU 079 - Percussion Techniques
unpitched percussive instruments including materials and procedures for teaching these instruments in the elementary and secondary schools.
Credits: 2.
MU 080 - Vocal Techniques
Foundation course in applied singing, and in teaching singing. Intended for students in music education, and students intending to teach private singing lessons or lead choirs.
Credits: 2.
MU 085 - Intro to Music Education
Introduction to the opportunities, challenges, issues, roles, and duties of Pre-K-12 music educators.
Credits: 3.
MU 095 - Introductory Special Topics
Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. No prerequisite. May be counted toward the major/minor with Instructor permission.
Credits: 1-18.
MU 096 - Introductory Special Topics
Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. No prerequisite. May be counted toward the major/minor with Instructor permission.
Credits: 1-18.
MU 105 - History of Jazz
An in-depth survey of jazz from early New Orleans to contemporary styles. Work includes close listening, study of transcriptions, and stylistic analysis. Final projects. Pre/co-requisite: MU 109.
Credits: 3.
MU 106 - American Music
Survey of American music from the Pilgrims to the present. Folk, popular, and classical music. Vernacular and cultivated traditions. Includes research projects.
Credits: 3.
MU 107 - D2: World Music Cultures
Through readings, close listening, and hands-on study of percussion instruments, students explore how music communicates in culturally specific contexts from around the globe. Research projects. Prerequisites: Music majors/minors or Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 109 - Harmony and Form I
music theory fundamentals, determined by placement test; Study through writing and analysis, diatonic melody and harmony, phrase structure, and elaborative techniques. With accompanying lab. Prerequisites: MU 009 or equivalent basic piano facility.
Credits: 3.
MU 110 - Harmony and Form II
Study of chromatic harmony (applied chords, modulation), and small forms (binary, ternary, variation). With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 109 or Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 111 - Music History & Literature I
Survey of musical styles through the Baroque. Prerequisites: MU 109 and MU 110; MU 001 is strongly recommended; Majors/minors, or Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 112 - Music History & Literature II
Survey of musical styles from 1750 to the present. Prerequisites: MU 109 and MU 110; MU 001 is strongly recommended; Majors/minors; or Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 113 - Seminar in Ethnomusicology
See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Prerequisite: MU 007 or MU 107; Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 117 - Swing Band
A big band specializing in dance band styles (Latin as well as swing). Occasional performances for dancers. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 118 - Latin Jazz Ensemble
A medium-size group (rhythm section and percussionists with horns and sometimes vocalists) where students learn fundamentals of Latin music in a jazz context. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 119 - Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Nine to sixteen vocalists (SATB), a cappella or accompanied by piano or rhythm section, perform arrangements of standard songs and jazz tunes. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 120 - Catamount Pep Band
This ensemble performs at several home winter athletic events. Open to all students; an opportunity for those with previous band experience to continue playing. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: .5.
MU 121 - Concert Band
Prerequisite: Audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 122 - University Concert Choir
Mixed SATB choir. Performing choral masterworks from the baroque period to the present. Open to all students.
Credits: 1.
MU 123 - Orchestra
Full orchestra comprising strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. All university students may audition. Several performances each year.
Credits: 1.
MU 124 - University Jazz Ensemble
Exploration of classic big band repertory and works of contemporary composers and arrangers. Performance in one major concert every semester and occasional appearances off campus. Prerequisite: Audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 125 - Vermont Wind Ensemble
Vermont Wind Ensemble is a select group, open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MU 121; audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 126 - Accompanying
Lessons in piano accompanying for soloists, taught by piano and instrumental/vocal faculty. Juried performance expected.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 127 - University Catamount Singers
Mixed, select SATB chamber choir. Performing vocal music from the medieval period to the present. Open to all students. Prerequisite: Audition.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 128 - Opera Workshop
Study and performance of scenes from the operatic and musical theater repertory for the stage actor/actress.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 129 - Percussion Ensemble
Percussion ensemble is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as improvisatory traditions of percussion music.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 130 - Chamber Music
Study and performance of masterworks for small groups. Attendance at all rehearsals and public performances required. Outside practice required.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 131 - A & B Jazz Combos
Small groups (a rhythm section and three to five solo instruments) in which students improve their improvisational skills while learning jazz repertory.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 132 - Post Bop Ensemble
A small jazz group (rhythm section plus two to four horns) specializing in post-1950's repertoire (Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, etc.) as well as original compositions. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 133 - Applied Lessons
Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music minors. Subject to availability of staff. Lab fee required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level I Examination.
Credits: 1 or 2.
MU 134 - Applied Lessons
Private instruction in an instrument or voice for music majors. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level II Examination.
Credits: 1 or 2.
MU 149 - Soph Recital/Performance Sem
B.M. Candidates only.
Credits: 1.
MU 150 - Junior Recital
B.M. Candidates only.
Credits: 1.
MU 154 - Harmony and Form Lab III
Intensive study of solfege (music reading), chromatic harmony at the keyboard, dictation and open-score reading. Prerequisites: MU 056; Instructor permission.
Credits: 1.
MU 156 - Harmony and Form Lab IV
Intensive study of solfege (music reading), extended tonality and atonality at the keyboard, dictation, and open-score reading. Prerequisites: MU 154, or Instructor permission.
Credits: 1.
MU 157 - Composition
Preliminary studies in free composition and the mechanics of score preparation; composition of an extended work for one to five instruments or voices. Prerequisites: MU 109 and MU 110, or Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 159 - Theory/Prac Jazz Improv I
Basic repertory, idiomatic usage, aural skills, theoretical constructs, and strategies for the jazz improvisor. Prerequisite: intermediate instrumental skill, ability to read music, previous study of traditional music theory.
Credits: 3.
MU 176 - Music for Elem Teachers
Development of musical skills, understandings, and attitudes for teaching music in the elementary classroom. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing in elementary education, and early childhood majors only; or acceptance into licensure program.
Credits: 3.
MU 181 - Conducting
Baton technique, score reading, and laboratory practice. Preparation and performance of selected scores, including rehearsal procedures. Prerequisites: MU 154 and MU 209.
Credits: 3.
MU 195 - Intermediate Special Topics
Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See schedule of courses for specific titles. Prerequisites: MU 109 and MU 110; Majors/minors or Instructor permission.
Credits: 1-18.
MU 196 - Intermediate Special Topics
Courses on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See schedule of courses for specific titles. Prerequisites: MU 109 and MU 110; Majors/minors, or Instructor permission.
Credits: 1-18.
MU 197 - Readings and Research
Supervised independent study in music. Inter-disciplinary topics are encouraged. Pre/co-requisites: Department permission.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 198 - Readings and Research
topics are encouraged.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 201 - Composer Seminar
Context, history, legacy. Past offerings have included Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Ellington. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics.
Credits: 3.
MU 203 - Genre Seminar
Survey of the musical style within a genre. Context, history, legacy. Past offerings have included piano literature, choral literature, and bebop. See Schedule of Courses for specific topics. Prerequisite: MU 109 and MU 110, and either MU 111 or MU 112.
Credits: 3.
MU 205 - Period Seminar
Survey of music from a particular historical era. Context, composers, legacy. Past offerings have included music of the twentieth century, Baroque music, and twentieth century blues traditions. Prerequisites: MU 109, MU 110, and either MU 111 or MU 112.
Credits: 3.
MU 209 - Harmony and Form III
With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 110 or permission Advanced chromatic harmony (altered predominant and dominant functions, modulation to distant keys), large forms (sonata, rondo), art song, and free forms. of the Instructor.
Credits: 3.
MU 210 - Harmony and Form IV
Writing and analysis: extended tonality, atonality, and 12-tone techniques. Examples drawn from 20th and 21st century literature. With accompanying lab. Prerequisite: MU 209 or permission of the Instructor.
Credits: 3.
MU 211 - Senior Music History Project
Directed readings and research. Research project. Prerequisites: Senior standing as a Music History major; permission of the Instructor.
Credits: 1.
MU 217 - Swing Band
A big band specializing in dance band styles (Latin as well as swing). Occasional performances for dancers. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 218 - Latin Jazz Ensemble
A medium-size group (rhythm section and percussionists with horns and sometimes vocalists) where students learn fundamentals of Latin music in a jazz context. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 219 - Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Nine to sixteen vocalists (SATB), a cappella or accompanied by piano or rhythm section, perform arrangements of standard songs and jazz tunes. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 220 - Catamount Pep Band
This ensemble performs at several home winter athletic events. Open to all students; an opportunity for those with previous band experience to continue playing. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: .5.
MU 221 - Concert Band
Concert Band is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music.
Credits: 1.
MU 222 - University Concert Choir
Mixed SATB choir. Performing choral masterworks from the baroque period to the present. Open to all students.
Credits: 1.
MU 223 - Orchestra
Full orchestra comprising strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. All university students may audition. Several perforrmances each year.
Credits: 1.
MU 224 - University Jazz Ensemble
Exploration of classic big band repertory and works of contemporary composers and arrangers. Performance in one major concert every semester and occasional appearances off campus. Prerequisites: Audition and Instructor permission.
Credits: 1.
MU 225 - Vermont Wind Ensemble
Vermont Wind Ensemble is a select group, open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as contemporary music. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MU 121.
Credits: 1.
MU 226 - Accompanying
Lessons in piano accompanying for soloists, taught by piano and instrumental/vocal faculty. Juried performance expected.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 227 - University Catamount Singers
Mixed, select SATB chamber choir. Performing vocal music from the medieval period to the present. Open to all students.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 228 - Opera Workshop
Study and performance of scenes from the operatic and musical theater repertory for the stage actor/actress.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 229 - Percussion Ensemble
Percussion ensemble is open to all students. Repertory is chosen from the standard literature as well as improvisatory traditions of percussion music.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 230 - Chamber Music
Study and performance of masterworks for small groups. Attendance at all rehearsals and public performances required. Outside practice required.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 231 - A & B Jazz Combos
Small groups (a rhythm section and three to five solo instruments) in which students improve their improvisational skills while learning jazz repertory.
Credits: 1-6.
MU 232 - Post Bop Ensemble
A small jazz group (rhythm section plus two to four horns) specializing in post-1950's repertoire (Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, etc.) as well as original compositions. Prerequisite: audition.
Credits: 1.
MU 234 - Applied Lessons
Private instruction in an instrument or voice for majors. Lab fee required. Juried examinations generally every semester of study. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: MU 134 and successful completion of Level III Examination.
Credits: 1 or 2.
MU 250 - Senior Recital
Credits: 1.
MU 251 - Advanced Theory:Counterpoint
Contrapuntal forms and procedures: analysis and writing. Examples from 17th through 20th centuries. Prerequisite: MU 209 or permission of the Instructor.
Credits: 3.
MU 253 - Orchestration
Characteristics of instruments; study of instrumental scores; arranging and transcribing for ensembles. Prerequisite: MU 209 or permission of the Instructor.
Credits: 3.
MU 256 - Advanced Composition
Creative work in free composition leading, when possible, to public performance of the completed work on a departmental concert. Prerequisites: MU 157 or equivalent with Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 257 - Jazz Composition and Arranging
Introduction to concepts and techniques used in jazz arranging and composition through study of historic works. Final project is an arrangement for big band. Prerequisite: MU 054, MU 056, MU 109, and MU 110.
Credits: 3.
MU 258 - Advanced Jazz Comp and Arr
A workshop course in composing and arranging for small jazz ensembles. This advanced seminar features student-led analysis, discussion, projects, and performances. Prerequisite: MU 257 or Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 259 - Thry & Prac of Jazz Improv II
Chord substitution, re-harmonization, scale alteration, "free" improvisation, and other techniques in written assignments and classroom performance of modern jazz repertory. Prerequisites: MU 159, or Instructor permission.
Credits: 3.
MU 260 - Sr Theory/Composition Project
Research paper or composition/analysis; Topic chosen under direction of staff member. Prerequisite: Senior standing as theory major.
Credits: 1.
MU 270 - General Music Methods
Methodologies, lesson planning, assessment, and standards-based curriculum development for general music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 271.
Credits: 3.
MU 271 - General Music Practicum
Supervised field experience in general music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 270.
Credits: 1.
MU 272 - Choral Music Methods
Standards-based curriculum development, lesson planning, repertoire selection, rehearsal techniques, and assessment strategies for teaching choral music at the elementary and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisite: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 273.
Credits: 2.
MU 273 - Choral Music Practicum
Supervised field experience in choral music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 272.
Credits: 1.
MU 274 - Instrumental Music Methods
Standards-based curriculum development, lesson planning, repertoire selection, rehearsal techniques, and assessment and secondary school levels. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Education; concurrent enrollment in MU 275.
Credits: 2.
MU 275 - Instrumental Music Practicum
Supervised field experience in instrumental music. Pre/co-requisites: MU 085; acceptance into licensure program in Music Ed; concurrent enrollment in MU 274.
Credits: 1.
MU 281 - Advanced Conducting
Focus on advanced conducting techniques and score preparation. Exploration of instrumental and vocal conducting techniques. Prerequisite: MU 181.
Credits: 3.
MU 290 - Teaching Internship
Supervised field work designed to give students experience in specialized areas for their professional development. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
Credits: 12.
MU 295 - Advanced Special Topics
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
Credits: 1-18.
MU 296 - Advanced Special Topics
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
Credits: 1-18.

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