MUSC - Music (MUSC)
MUSC 102 Fundamentals of Music
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(MUSI 1303) Fundamentals of Music. Introduction to the basic elements of music (pitch, rhythm, scales, intervals and triads) and how these elements interrelate to form musical compositions; the application of musical understanding to particular instruments such as the guitar, keyboard, recorder and voice.
MUSC 115 Fundamentals of Music Technology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
1 Lab Hour.
Introduction to technology used for professional music performance; discussion of recording technology and procedures, live settings, technology of musical instruments, and sound reinforcement.
MUSC 130 Introduction to Music Performance
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction to music performance practices; consideration of artistic development, collaborative process, marketing, cross-cultural influence, and creative process; performance in individual, small ensemble, and large ensemble settings.
MUSC 140 Introduction to InterArts Performance
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction of musical performance practices or styles that intersect with other art forms or mediums, such as dance, visual art, theatre, film, or video games; consideration of artistic, aesthetic, collaborative and creative development.
MUSC 200 Topics in Music
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of a particular musical topic in its sociohistorical context; emphasis on the aesthetic, historical, social, and cultural aspects of a musical style or genre rather than on technical analysis. May be repeated for credit.
MUSC 201 Music and the Human Experience
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(MUSI 1306) Music and the Human Experience. An introduction to music and related issues; designed to enhance the student's knowledge and perception of music; selected works in various styles within historical, psychological and aesthetic contexts; also taught at Qatar campus.
MUSC 203 Sonic Design
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Exploration of definitions, methodologies, and applications of sonic design; discussion and analysis of sound creation and its uses or meanings; individual and collaborative sonic design projects.
MUSC 204 Music Theory I
Credits 2.
2 Lecture Hours.
0 Lab Hours.
(MUSI 1311) Music Theory I. Principles of music of western and global traditions including harmonic, rhythmic, melodic and phrase or period structures; written analysis of short musical excerpts; composition or transcription of musical examples in common practice; period, global and popular styles. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MUSC 208, or concurrent enrollment; major or minor in Music or Performance Studies, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 205 Music Theory II
Credits 2.
2 Lecture Hours.
(MUSI 1312) Music Theory II. Study of notation and transmission methods of musics in western and global traditions; examination of structural principles of tonal harmony and voice leading including chromaticism, modulation and secondary functions; analysis of large musical forms including 12-bar blues, binary, ternary, rondo and sonata-allegro. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MUSC 210 or concurrent enrollment; grade of C or better in MUSC 204 and MUSC 208; major or minor in Music, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 206 Music Theory III
Credits 2.
2 Lecture Hours.
Study of notation and transmission methods in musics of western and global traditions including extended harmonic, rhythmic and melodic and post-tonal principles; examination of structural principles of tonal and post-tonal harmony; includes mode mixture, enharmonicism, and extended chromaticism; analysis of chromatic and contemporary music from classical, popular, and global music genres. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MUSC 205 and MUSC 210; grade of C or better in MUSC 212 or concurrent enrollment; major or minor in Music; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 208 Musicianship I
Credit 1.
3 Lab Hours.
Application of principles of western and global music theory studied in MUSC 204; focus on embodiment, improvisation, memorization, aural identification, analysis, sight-singing, rhythm, and keyboard skills; application of skills to performance, composition and pedagogical literature; case studies in global and non-traditional music practices. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MUSC 204 or concurrent enrollment; major or minor in Music or Performance Studies, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 210 Musicianship II
Credit 1.
3 Lab Hours.
Application of principles of western and global music theory traditions studied in MUSC 205; focus on continued development of embodiment, improvisation, memorization, aural identification and analysis, sight-singing, rhythm, and keyboard skills; application of skills to performance, composition and pedagogical literature; case studies in global and non-traditional music practices. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MUSC 204 and MUSC 208; concurrent enrollment in MUSC 205; major or minor in Music; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 211 Collaborative Musicianship
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Project-based approach to Western music traditions; critical reflection on aesthetics and performance of Western music; cross-cultural influences; notation and ear training; knowledge applied to the creative process. Prerequisites: Major or minor in PERF, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 212 Musicianship III
Credit 1.
3 Lab Hours.
0 Other Hours.
Application of advanced principles of western and global music theory traditions explored in MUSC 206; focus on expanded development of embodiment, improvisation, memorization, aural identification and analysis, sight-singing, rhythm, and keyboard skills in chromatic and post-tonal music; application of skills to performance literature, composition, and analysis; case studies in global and non-traditional music practices. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MUSC 205 and MUSC 210; concurrent enrollment in MUSC 206; major or minor in Music; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 220 Music History Survey
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of historical developments in music from antiquity to the contemporary era; exploration of musical characteristics, significant composers or performers, and cultural-social context; selected works from within historical, psychological, societal, and aesthetic contexts.
MUSC 221 Guitar Heroes
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of social, cultural and aesthetic transformations of music history centered on important classical guitarists; exploration of their performance and compositional/musical styles; analysis of how their contributions gave rise to and revived the guitar’s popularity as a concert-level instrument in both the classical and folk idioms.
MUSC 222 Music of the Americas
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Evolution of music of the Americas and the Caribbean; influence of natives, people of forced relocation and people from European communities; the syncretic process of music making.
MUSC 224 History of Country and Western Music
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of the development of country music; emphasis on how the sounds and meaning of music reflect culture, ideology, and history.
MUSC 225 History of Jazz
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(MUSC 1310) History of Jazz. Non-technical survey of jazz as America’s classical music, from the earliest recorded blues through the most recent trends; examination of how jazz has broadly expressed issues of modern life.
MUSC 226 History of Rock
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of the development of rock music; emphasis on how the sounds and meaning of music reflects culture, ideology and history; also taught at Galveston campus.
MUSC 230 Topics in Music Analysis
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Analysis of a particular musical style, genre, or period; focus on aesthetic characteristics, compositional aspects, and repertoire; analysis of written compositions, aural examples, and/or live performance. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Major or minor in Music; grade of C or better in MUSC 204 and MUSC 208; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 235 Introduction to Composition
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Significant styles and techniques in contemporary music including classical, jazz and popular trends; contemporary sonic design achieved through written exercises, reading and critical listening.
MUSC 241 Music and Video Games
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
1 Lab Hour.
Examination of the development of music in video games; exploration of theoretical issues and subjects within ludomusicology; emphasis on how the sounds and meaning of video game music reflect culture, ideology and history; creative music composition/sonic design for a video game.
MUSC 242 Music and Dance
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of dance-music relations in various sociocultural contexts; emphasis on the aesthetic, historical, social, and cultural aspects of music and dance rather than on technical analysis.
MUSC 243 Music and Visual Art
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of the relationship between music and the visual arts, including painting, animation, and live concerts.
MUSC 244 Music and Film
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of film music history and analysis.
MUSC 245 Individual Instruction - Composition I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in composition; the writing of small-form musical compositions; techniques for composing for instrumental, vocal, electronic, and mixed-media settings; emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular compositional practices and techniques. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites Grade of C or better in MUSC 235; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 246 Music and Theatre
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of music in theatrical productions; explorations of aesthetic, historical, social, and cultural aspects of performances that combine music and theatre; focus on diegetic and incidental use of music in theatre.
MUSC 253 Individual Instruction - Guitar Performance I
Credit 1.
0 Lecture Hours.
0 Lab Hours.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in guitar performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio meeting. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 254 Individual Instruction - Vocal Performance I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in vocal performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio meeting. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 255 Individual Instruction - Piano Performance I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in piano performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 256 Individual Instruction - String Performance I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in string performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 270 Individual Instruction: Woodwind Performance I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in woodwind performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 271 Individual Instruction - Brass Performance I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in brass performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 272 Individual Instruction - Percussion Performance I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in percussion performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 273 Individual Instruction - Electronic Music Performance I
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Instruction in electronic music performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; exploration of new technologies; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.
MUSC 277 Marching Band
Credit 1.
4 Lab Hours.
Auditioned playing and marching band; serves as the official university band for Texas A&M University; perform for football games, Corps of Cadets events, and mandated university functions; performance-based course designed to improve marching and playing skills. Prerequisites: Previous high school marching and playing experience.
MUSC 280 Ensemble Performance-University Concert Bands
Credit 1.
3 Lab Hours.
Four select musical performing ensembles (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band) composed of 65 to 100 members each and devoted to learning the extensive literature written for wind band; activities include at least two concerts per semester; occasional national and international tours each spring. Students may register in up to but no more than two different sections of this course. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Satisfactory audition.
MUSC 282 Ensemble Performance--Jazz Ensemble
Credit 1.
3 Lab Hours.
A select musical performing ensemble of 18 to 25 members devoted to performing all styles and periods of jazz music from big band to modern jazz; activities include at least 2 performances each semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Satisfactory audition.
MUSC 283 Ensemble Performance-University Orchestras
Credit 1.
3 Lab Hours.
Two select orchestral performing ensembles (Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra) devoted to the rehearsal and performance of orchestral literature of various historical backgrounds; activities include full ensemble rehearsal, individual practice and public performances with the development of knowledge, understanding and appreciation for aspects of music ranging from the Renaissance to the Modern Era. Prerequisites: Previous orchestral experience; successful audition.
MUSC 290 Ensemble Performance--Choir
Credit 1.
1 Other Hour.
A select musical performing ensemble composed of 40 to 70 members devoted to learning and performing works from the vast repertory of choral music from all historical periods and styles; several performances, occasionally with orchestra, each semester on and off campus. Students may register in up to but no more than two different sections of this course. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Satisfactory audition.
MUSC 300 Music Research and Writing
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Techniques and methodologies for researching and writing about music; major writing component. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; major or minor in Music, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 305 Music Entrepreneurship
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Exploration of career paths, best practices, and practicalities of life in the music business; professional development and preparation for careers in the music industry; mentorship; opportunities for collaborative creativity. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; major or minor in music, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 311 Music History I
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of various musical expressions around the world between Classical Greco-Roman Antiquity and 1750. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
MUSC 312 Music History II
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of various musical expressions around the world between 1750 and 1900. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
MUSC 315 Music History III
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of various musical expressions around the world since 1900. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
MUSC 323 Global Hip Hop
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of global and diasporic networks of hip hop music and culture; emphasis on the musical, visual, embodied, and intellectual artistic expressions of hip hop; discussion of hip hop’s engagement with youth culture, politics, activism, media and industry, identity, and historical contexts. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
MUSC 324/ANTH 324 Music in World Cultures
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of music from an ethnomusicological perspective focusing on musical performance and the complex interrelationship of music to culture, society and daily life; examination of music from a variety of cultures through a series of case studies. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: ANTH 324/MUSC 324.
MUSC 327/AFST 327 Popular Musics in the African Diaspora
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of a range of popular musics from the twentieth century that have emerged in conjunction with the historical global spread of peoples and cultures from the African continent; technical knowledge about music is not required; focus on social and cultural contexts for popular music. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: AFST 327/MUSC 327.
MUSC 330 Music Performance Project
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
1 Lab Hour.
Investigation of a particular musical practice through discussion, analysis, and embodied performance; participation in a public performance; techniques and methods of performance project design, development, and production; emphasis on collaboration. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Major or minor in Music; grade of C or better in MUSC 130; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 335 Sonic Improvisation
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Exploration of sonic improvisation in cultural, social, and performative settings; discussion and analysis of role and meaning of global improvisational performance practices; project-based study of improvisational techniques in sound and music; collaborative creation and performance of improvised sound and music. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
MUSC 345 Advanced Composition
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Advanced instruction in composition; the writing of large-form musical compositions employing contemporary styles; techniques in writing for instrumental, vocal, electronic and mixed-media resources. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MUSC 235, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 353 Individual Instruction - Guitar Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in guitar performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio meeting. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 253, and approval of instructor.
MUSC 354 Individual Instruction - Vocal Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in vocal performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio meeting. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 254 or approval of instructor.
MUSC 355 Individual Instruction - Piano Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in piano performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 255; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 356 Individual Instruction - String Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in string performance; broad range of literature with special emphasis on the historical and theoretical aspects that reveal the performance practices of specific periods; individual and group laboratory instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 256; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 370 Individual Instruction - Woodwind Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in woodwind performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 270; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 371 Individual Instruction - Brass Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in brass performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 271; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 372 Individual Instruction - Percussion Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in percussion performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 272; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 373 Individual Instruction - Electronic Music Performance II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in electronic music performance; study of a broad range of literature; special emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular performance practices and techniques; exploration of new technologies; individual lesson and group studio instruction. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 273; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 375 Individual Instruction - Composition II
Credit 1.
2 Other Hours.
Advanced instruction in composition; the writing of small-form musical compositions; techniques for composing for instrumental, vocal, electronic, and mixed-media settings; emphasis on historical and theoretical aspects that relate to particular compositional practices and techniques. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; MUSC 245; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 381 Small Ensembles
Credits 1 to 3.
1 to 3 Lecture Hours.
Performance and research in ensemble settings covering a wide variety of genres from world cultures, including contemporary, historical, popular, folk and classical genres. Prerequisites: Performance Studies major or minor, junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
MUSC 386/THEA 386 Evolution of the American Musical
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of the American musical from its heterogeneous origins to a thriving and diverse expression of the human condition; analysis and critical discourse on the development of the American musical through text, audio and visual recordings. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: THEA 386/MUSC 386.
MUSC 424 Topics in Ethnomusicology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study and application of ethnomusicological theory, method, and literature in a variety of historical and geographical contexts. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
MUSC 430 Music Performance Studio
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
3 Lab Hours.
Practice of conceiving, designing, researching, developing, rehearsing, and staging musical performance in small groups; application of best practices and strategies for collaborative creation; advanced techniques and skills for musical performance; discussion and critical analysis of musical performance. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Major or minor in Music; grade of C or better in MUSC 130 and MUSC 330; or approval of instructor.
MUSC 441 Music Performance Capstone
Credits 3.
1 Lecture Hour.
5 Lab Hours.
Design, development, and presentation of an individually-chosen performance-based project; major writing and oral communication components. Prerequisites: Music major; MUSC 430 or MUSC 440; junior or senior classification.
MUSC 479 Advanced Topics in Music Technology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theory, aesthetics, and application of advanced concepts and skills relating to music technology. May be taken 4 times for credit. Prerequisites: MUSC 316 or approval of instructor.