Music
Website: music.sewanee.edu
The Department of Music offers a variety of courses in music history and music theory in addition to performance instruction in selected areas. Courses of study are designed to meet the needs of both a) the student who wants to study music as a discipline of the humanities within the context of a general liberal arts education, and b) the student who wants to pursue graduate studies in musicology, music theory, church music, or one of the performance areas in which the department offers instruction.
Prospective majors should consult with the department as early as possible in their undergraduate careers to discuss their goals in music and determine the most profitable course of study.
Professor: S. Miller (Chair)
Associate Professor: K. Wright
Assistant Professors: Dow Ward, Leal, Lo, K. Miller, Povey, G. Ward
Requirements for the Major in Music
The major requires successful completion of the following:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| MUSC 101 | Music of Western Civilization | 4 |
| or MUSC 151 | Song, Symphony, Stage: Music in Western Civilization | |
| MUSC 260 | Introduction to Part Writing | 4 |
| MUSC 301 | Topics in Early Music | 4 |
| Select one of the following to demonstrate proficiency at the keyboard: | 1-4 | |
| Music Fundamentals: Keyboard Skills | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Organ | ||
| Applied Piano | ||
| Applied Organ | ||
| Select one of the following tracks: | 26 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 39-42 | |
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Requirements | ||
| A comprehensive examination 1 | ||
| 1 | All majors must pass a comprehensive examination on the history and theory of music. There are also performance, ensemble, and elective requirements tailored to each track. |
Music Performance Track
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 212 | From Court Dances to Sacrificial Dances: Cultural Transformations in Music | 4 |
| or MUSC 213 | From Ragtime to Radiohead: Music in the Era of Recordings | |
| Select one elective in either theory and composition or music history and culture | 4 | |
| Select twelve hours of applied lessons (including MUSC 470) | 12 | |
| Select six hours in ensemble and/or chamber music | 6 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 26 | |
Music Theory and Composition Track
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 212 | From Court Dances to Sacrificial Dances: Cultural Transformations in Music | 4 |
| MUSC 213 | From Ragtime to Radiohead: Music in the Era of Recordings | 4 |
| MUSC 360 | Advanced Chromatic Harmony | 4 |
| Select two electives in theory and composition | 8 | |
| Select two hours of applied lessons | 2 | |
| Select four hours in ensemble and/or chamber music | 4 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 26 | |
Music History and Culture Track
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 212 | From Court Dances to Sacrificial Dances: Cultural Transformations in Music | 4 |
| MUSC 213 | From Ragtime to Radiohead: Music in the Era of Recordings | 4 |
| MUSC 360 | Advanced Chromatic Harmony | 4 |
| Select two electives in music history and culture | 8 | |
| Select two hours of applied lessons | 2 | |
| Select four hours in ensemble and/or chamber music | 4 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 26 | |
Honors
Students seeking departmental honors must achieve at least a 3.25 average in music courses, contribute to the musical life of Sewanee, and complete a project or thesis deemed worthy of honors by the music faculty.
Requirements for the Minor in Music
The minor requires successful completion of the following:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements 1 | ||
| MUSC 101 | Music of Western Civilization | 4 |
| or MUSC 151 | Song, Symphony, Stage: Music in Western Civilization | |
| MUSC 260 | Introduction to Part Writing | 4 |
| Select one course in ensemble participation and/or applied study of an instrument or voice 2 | 4 | |
| Select three additional courses in music (MUSC) | 12 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 24 | |
| 1 | Minors must have earned the equivalent of six course credits in music. |
| 2 | Membership in the University’s choir, orchestra, and other performance ensembles is open to all qualified students. Ensemble participation earns one half-course credit for two consecutive semesters of participation. Applied instruction is presently offered in piano, organ, voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, and the orchestral woodwinds. |
Music Courses
MUSC 101 Music of Western Civilization (4)
An introduction to the great music of Western civilization from the Middle Ages to the present. The course begins with a discussion of the elements of music and proceeds with a chronological overview of music history. Musical masterworks from all style periods are studied. May not be taken for credit by students who have taken MUSC 151.
MUSC 103 Music Fundamentals II: Composing for the Keyboard (2)
This course assumes knowledge of basic musical notation, intervals, key signatures, major and natural minor scales, and compound meters. Topics studied include harmonic progressions in major and minor keys, harmonic and melodic minor scales, basic Roman numeral analysis and the harmonization of melodies using I, IV, and V chords. The course culminates in a simple composition assignment for piano. Keyboard skills are developed in a weekly laboratory (one half hour per week) and includes simple chord progression and a short piece. Students with some proficiency in these areas are urged to seek placement in MUSC 260. Note: This course cannot be taken for credit by students who have already earned a full course credit for MUSC 102. Prerequisite: MUSC 102 or placement.
MUSC 104 Music Fundamentals: Keyboard Skills (4)
A general introduction to the language of music, using the keyboard as tool kit. Students with little or no experience in keyboard practice and acquire the ability to play basic piano compositions. They also learn the essentials of accompanying melodies with harmonies. Along with keyboard skills, the student learns fundamental theoretical concepts (melodic and rhythmic notation, intervals, major and minor key signatures, major and natural minor scales, and simple and compound meters) while gaining fluency in reading conventional musical notation. Includes an additional studio practicum session. Not open for credit to students who have previously taken MUSC 102 or MUSC 103.
MUSC 141 "Ramblin' Blues": The Back Roads of Southern Music (4)
The "roots" music of the Southeastern United States has been one of the region's chief exports. Musicians wander back roads, crowd front porches and church pews, and sometimes make their way to music centers like Nashville, New Orleans, and Memphis. This course focuses on musicians in the Southern tradition and addresses diverse idioms, especially the blues (folk, country, electric) and Sacred Harp singing. Students become knowledgeable in interpreting lyrics and in deploying terminology for music analysis, including mode, meter, harmony, and form (e.g., 12-bar blues).
MUSC 143 Move on up a Little Higher: The History of Gospel Music (4)
African American Gospel music represents a unique and powerful tradition of American music and culture. This course begins with the foundations of Gospel music as represented in African American spirituals and blues along with its religious roots in the Great Awakenings and the later Pentecostal movement. Subsequent topics include the post-Civil War Jubilee choral style, Gospel's "golden age" of 1945-55, the advent of black-run radio programs, record companies, and a performance circuit for Gospel singers. Gospel music from 1960 to the present is examined bio-chronologically, discussing important songwriters, singers, and the music's significant stylistic changes. As a useful overture to study students may pursue in upper-level music courses, this course also introduces terminology required for musical analysis, including mode, meter, and form.
MUSC 151 Song, Symphony, Stage: Music in Western Civilization (4)
An accelerated version of MUSC 101 intended for performing musicians or other students with fair experience as listeners. After a quick review of the history of Western music, the course proceeds to consider topics such as the many manifestations of songs through the centuries, music and dance, music and politics, and musical exoticism/globalization. In addition to songs, other genres under consideration include symphonies, concertos, sonatas, operas, and musicals. Students take an active role in selecting music for discussion. May not be taken for credit by students who have taken MUSC 101.
MUSC 212 From Court Dances to Sacrificial Dances: Cultural Transformations in Music (4)
An examination of representative canonic works composed between the mid-eighteenth century and the beginning of World War I. During this period music traces the socio-political changes seen more broadly in the West, from aristocracy to democracy, with musicians pursuing ever greater freedom of individual expression. Large-scale and chamber works by composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky are addressed from an analytical, historical, and critical perspective. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or MUSC 151.
MUSC 213 From Ragtime to Radiohead: Music in the Era of Recordings (4)
Recording technologies, which date back to the late nineteenth century, have affected music more profoundly than any other musical change since the adoption of music notation. This course traces the development of those technologies, with particular attention to the performers, composers, and repertories that have exploited them. Many important figures and movements in twentieth and twenty-first century music are addressed: ragtime, blues, jazz, and rock; Copland, Varèse, Reich; the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Radiohead. Different recording formats - from piano rolls to mp3s - receive particular attention. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or MUSC 105 or MUSC 141 or MUSC 151.
MUSC 214 Electronic Music: Synthesis Digital Recording (4)
This course covers the fundamentals of electronic music and studio recording. Using Reason software, students learn about MIDI, sound synthesis, sampling, drum machines, loop players and sound processing. The second half of the semester focuses on Pro Tools, a digital recording program. Students learn recording techniques, sound editing, use of plug-in MIDI instruments, and how to produce recordings of their own music. Prerequisite: MUSC 103 or MUSC 104 or MUSC 260.
MUSC 224 Musics of Latin America (4)
This class explores different musical traditions of Latin America such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, porro, bolero, danzon, and samba as manifestations of cross-cultural interaction and/or religious syncretism. Through a theoretical and practical approach, students also consider elements related to construction of Latino cultural identities (e.g., music, language, social dancing) vis-à-vis migration and diaspora. The course also interrogates stereotypes and other misrepresentations of Latino culture in the U.S. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or MUSC 151.
MUSC 227 Survey of Keyboard Literature (4)
A study of music composed for keyboard instruments from the time a distinct keyboard idiom appeared in the late Renaissance to the present day. Selected works by composers such as Bach, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, and Messiaen will be closely examined. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or HUMN 202.
MUSC 231 Music in the Anglican Church (4)
A survey of music in the English church from the Reformation to the present day. The evolving role of music in the Anglican liturgy will be considered against the backdrop of the history of the English church and the evolution of European musical style. Works by Byrd, Gibbons, Purcell, Handel, Vaughan Williams and others will be closely examined. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or MUSC 151.
MUSC 233 Toward the Great War: Impressionism and Modernism (4)
The turn of the twentieth century was a turbulent time for music, literature, and the visual arts, with challenges to the artistic status quo emanating especially from Paris and Vienna. Impressionism and Modernism both reflect attempts to come to terms with a changing world, and the Great War forever altered the cultural and artistic landscape. Works by Debussy, Mahler, Strauss, Schoenberg, and Stravinsky are examined from analytical, cultural, and historical perspectives, with parallel developments in the literary and visual arts also taken into consideration. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or MUSC 151.
MUSC 235 The Liturgical Music of Johann Sebastian Bach (4)
This course explores the musical, poetic, and theological contexts of the works Johann Sebastian Bach composed for the Lutheran liturgy from his early career (the cantata Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106) through his final years (Mass in B Minor, BWV 232). Consideration is given not only to the texts Bach sets but also, and more importantly, to the ways in which the music itself comments on and interprets those texts. A working knowledge of basic music notation is helpful for class discussion.
MUSC 241 Jazz Language I: Beginning Improvisation (2)
In this course students learn to identify common elements of the jazz vocabulary, demonstrate how this vocabulary is used characteristically in jazz solos, and develop an approach to mastering the vocabulary through practice, transcription, and performance on any instrument. Students apply this approach each week on the designated tune, culminating with a final playing evaluation on any two of the tunes learned that semester. The list of selected tunes for the semester is provided at the first class meeting along with suggested recordings. Selected tunes include works from jazz masters such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Henderson. Prerequisite: MUSC 260. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 257.
MUSC 243 If It Ain't Got That Swing: The History of Jazz (4)
Jazz has been called "America's Classical Music" and the United States' greatest musical export. Jazz is at once an improvisatory yet timeless art. This course presents a chronological survey of its major styles and artists, from African acculturation in the New World to the present. Topics include the roots of jazz, the New Orleans masters, jazz in the 20's, Big Band, Bebop, Post-Bop styles, Avant-garde, Fusion, recent developments, and jazz vocalists. Through listening assignments and attendance at live performances, students learn to identify jazz styles and instrumentation. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or MUSC 141 or MUSC 143 or MUSC 257.
MUSC 245 Arranging Music for Ensembles (2)
This course introduces the principles of music arranging for students who have mastered the fundamentals of music theory. In an interactive environment, students learn to prepare music for choirs, children's ensembles, bands, and other instrumental groups. The course addresses instrumentation, scoring, and part-making, and culminates in projects undertaken in collaboration with ensembles and musicians on campus and within the greater Sewanee community. Prerequisite: MUSC 103 or MUSC 104 or MUSC 260.
MUSC 251 University Choir (1)
The University Choir plays an important role in the musical life of the University and All Saints' Chapel. At All Saints', the choir's activities include singing at all Sunday Eucharist services during the semester as well a monthly Choral Evensong. In addition to its liturgical duties, the choir offers several concert performances throughout the year, often with orchestral accompaniment. Membership in the choir is open to any undergraduate student.
MUSC 253 University Orchestra (1)
The University Orchestra presents the full range of the symphonic repertory and collaborates frequently with other organizations to present choral-orchestral and musico-theatrical works. Participation in the University Orchestra is open to all qualified undergraduate students as well as students from the School of Theology, faculty, and members of the Sewanee community.
MUSC 254 Class Fasola: Singing the Sacred Harp (1)
Singing from the Sacred Harp hymnal represents an old but still rewarding Southern musical practice, suitable for all amateurs willing to sing loudly. In twice-a-week practices, we cover the fundamentals of shape-note singing and learn to sing in parts. Approximately once a month we travel to Alabama to participate in one of the traditional Sacred Harp singings.
MUSC 255 Workshop for the Singing Actor (4)
Training in performance as a singing actor in a workshop setting, providing opportunities for the integration of singing and movement. The course will cover a variety of musical styles with emphasis on Broadway and opera scenes.
MUSC 256 Live Music Sound Nation: Music and Multimedia Performance (1)
An exploration of contemporary instrumental multimedia performance, focusing on the creation, production, performance, and commercial aspects of modern rock and film score shows. Using a highly collaborative approach, students rehearse music and prepare visual displays for an arena-style rock and movie concert, working with scores by Hans Zimmer and other film-score composers. Open to most instrumentalists, including orchestra, keyboard, guitar, drum kit, and percussion, as well as to students with experience in sound/lighting design, videography, and film editing.
MUSC 257 University Jazz Ensemble (1)
Jazz Ensemble provides experiences in performance of all types of jazz literature from early swing (Duke Ellington, Count Basie) and Latin forms (Antonio Carlos Jobim) to contemporary fusion (Pat Metheny, Brecker Brothers, Yellow jackets). The group focuses on the developing jazz student, providing an opportunity for a challenging ensemble experience while encouraging the performer to explore improvisation. In addition, members have the opportunity to compose and arrange music for the ensemble. Membership is open to all students regardless of major. The group consists of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, guitar, bass, drum set and keyboard. In addition, the group involves male and female vocalists as well as string players with an interest in learning to sing or play jazz. The jazz ensemble offers one or more performances each semester.
MUSC 258 University Gospel Choir (1)
The University gospel choir, which performs under the name "Sewanee Praise," offers a campus performance medium for gospel music. The group's repertory includes spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel, praise and worship, and contemporary Christian. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 259 Chamber Ensemble (1)
Chamber ensemble is designed to provide students with a performance opportunity in small ensemble repertoire. Ensembles will be formed using the available personnel of woodwind, brass, string, and piano students. These ensembles may include: woodwind quintet, clarinet quartet, flute quartet, brass quintets, string quartets, and other various ensembles based on the repertoire and available players. Pianists may participate based upon the availability of other instrumentalists to form piano-based ensembles.
MUSC 260 Introduction to Part Writing (4)
The sequence of MUSC 260, MUSC 261, and MUSC 360 comprise a systematic view of the theoretical concepts and applied skills requisite to good musicianship. Required of music majors, the sequence is also appropriate for non-majors who are serious students of music performance or composition. An introduction to the harmonic theory of the common practice period, the course begins with a review of music fundamentals and then examines the nature of triads and seventh chords, basic principles of voice-leading and harmonic progression, chord inversion, and non-chord tones. Skills such as ear-training and keyboard harmony are simultaneously cultivated. Prerequisite: MUSC 103 or MUSC 104 or placement.
MUSC 267 Applied Guitar (Group) (1)
Applied instruction in guitar in a group setting.
MUSC 268 Applied Guitar (1)
This course is designed for the non-major. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 269 Music of the Birds and Bees: Music and Nature (4)
A survey of three related topics within the general area of music and nature: a) various theories on the origin of music, many of which recognize the sounds of nature as important mimetic sources for music, b) the connections with love and sex that nature imagery in music often suggests, and c) the study of specific pieces inspired by nature. Composers and pieces to be considered include the Western classical tradition (e.g., Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony) and other traditions, such as Anglo-American folk and popular songs and non-Western musics (e.g., native American songs, Chinese koto music). Discussion of these works helps to develop a vocabulary of music style terms and focuses attention on how the music- nature conjunction has changed through history. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or MUSC 105 or MUSC 141 or MUSC 143 or MUSC 151.
MUSC 271 Applied Piano (1)
This course is designed for the non-major. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: MUSC 104.
MUSC 273 Applied Organ (1)
This course is designed for the non-major. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 274 Class Voice (1)
An introductory singing course that provides group lessons with daily practice expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 275 Applied Voice (1)
An intermediate singing course that provides individual lessons on a weekly basis with daily practice expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: MUSC 274.
MUSC 276 Applied Voice: Contemporary Vocal Styles (1)
Focusing on musical theater and commercial vocal styles, this intermediate singing course provides individual lessons on a weekly basis with daily practice expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: MUSC 274.
MUSC 277 Applied Strings (1)
This course is designed for the non-major. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 278 Applied Fiddle (1)
This course is designed for the non-major. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 279 Applied Winds (1)
This course is designed for the non-major. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 281 Applied Carillon (1)
This course is designed for the non-major with some prior keyboard experience. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. Prerequisite: MUSC 104.
MUSC 285 Applied Percussion (1)
This course is designed for the non-major. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 287 Applied Harp (1)
MUSC 301 Topics in Early Music (4)
An introduction to musicology that considers music of the medieval, Renaissance, and baroque periods. While the course surveys the music of these periods and its historical contexts, the primary focus is on the theoretical and critical approaches of recent scholarship. The course assumes substantial previous contact with music history on the part of the student. Prerequisite: (MUSC 101 or MUSC 151) and MUSC 260.
MUSC 345 Advanced Arranging for Ensembles (4)
This course in music arranging is geared for students with more advanced understanding of music theory. In an interactive environment, students learn how to arrange music for a wide variety of musical groups, including orchestras, bands, choirs, and children's ensembles. The course includes units on instrumentation, scoring, part-making, and developmental and formal musical techniques. It culminates in projects undertaken in collaboration with ensembles and musicians on campus and within the greater Sewanee community. Prerequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 360 Advanced Chromatic Harmony (4)
Advanced chromatic sonorities, chromatic modulation, and extended tertian harmonies are studied. Aspects of twentieth-century and pre-Baroque music theory and analytic vocabulary are introduced. Exercises in free composition are undertaken. Prerequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 368 Applied Guitar (2)
Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 370 Recital (1)
The student musician works with a faculty instructor to make a significant musical contribution of at least 15 minutes to a recital, concert, or other performance. The work(s) may be solo, but chamber performance is also permissible if the musician plays a prominent role within the accompanying ensemble. Concurrent enrollment in a one hour applied music lesson required.
MUSC 371 Applied Piano (2)
Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 373 Applied Organ (2)
Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 375 Applied Voice (2)
An advanced singing course that provides individual lessons on a weekly basis with daily practice expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 376 Applied Voice: Contemporary Vocal Styles (2)
Focusing on musical theater and commercial vocal styles, this advanced singing course provides individual lessons on a weekly basis with daily practice expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 377 Applied Strings (2)
Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 379 Applied Winds (2)
Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 383 Applied Conducting (2)
This performance course may only be taken by students who are enrolled in--or have already completed--MUSC 260, MUSC 261, and MUSC 360. Consent of the instructor is required. Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. Music majors may earn a full course credit during the semester in which a senior recital is given. This course may be repeated more than once for credit.
MUSC 385 Applied Percussion (2)
Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. Music majors may earn a full course credit during the semester in which a senior recital is given. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 387 Applied Harp (2)
Weekly lessons with the instructor and daily practice are expected. Music majors may earn a full course credit during the semester in which a senior recital is given. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: MUSC 260.
MUSC 444 Independent Study (2 or 4)
To meet the needs and particular interests of selected students. This course may be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor prerequisite override required.
MUSC 470 Recital (2)
Open only to students pursuing majors in music. Prerequisite: MUSC 370.