Information For:

Courses for Spring 2020

  • History of Jazz

    The development of jazz from its roots to the present. Focuses on the study of style types (including New Orleans style, early piano jazz, swing, bebop, and cool jazz) and their major instrumental and vocal exponents. Jazz as a social phenomenon is studied in relation to contextual aspects of folk, popular, and art music traditions in the U.S.
    MUSC 0030 S01
    Primary Instructor
    McGarrell

  • From the Blues to Beyoncé: Popular Music in America

    This course seeks to view American cultural and social history of the last century through the lens of popular music. We will investigate the history popular music from its roots in the early twentieth-century to the present. We will examine the social, cultural and political contexts that gave birth to various genres of popular music by exploring the music through the lenses of race, class, gender, advances in technology, and developments in the music business. No musical background is required. There are conference sections for this course that meet every week.
    MUSC 0033 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Nathan
    MUSC 0033 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Nathan
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    MUSC 0033 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Nathan
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference
    MUSC 0033 C03
    Primary Instructor
    Nathan
    Schedule Code
    C: Conference

  • Music in China Since 1900

    From the early 20th century until now, war, political movements, ideological and cultural shifts, and later economic booms have dramatically impacted music and musical life in China. This course examines various genres of music in China, both native and imported, including traditional instrumental music, propaganda songs, opera, ballet, standard and contemporary classical music, pop music, and communal activities like amateur choruses and calisthenics. This course will exercise critical listening and thinking and comparative analysis skills, with a mix of source readings, recordings, and historical background. No background in music or Chinese history is required.
    MUSC 0068 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Wang

  • MEME Ensemble: Anti-Fascist Drum Machines

    Anti-Fascist Drum Machines is a group improvisation course that evolves around the idea of the “drum machine:” machines that make beats and which exist in complex relationships with their human users. We will use political metaphors, such as conforming to versus resisting a dominant force, to critically develop schemes for musical improvisation with rhythm. Machines of all sorts will serve as our instruments: analog synthesizers and drum modules, objects like old metronomes, megaphones, and our phones, and we will also build our own drum modules using software such as Max, PureData, and Phython3. Interested students must come to first class.
    MUSC 0221 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Sagesser

  • Introduction to Music Theory

    An introduction to musical terms, elements, and techniques. Topics include notation, rhythm and meter, intervals, scales, chords, melody writing, harmonization, and form. Students will develop their musicianship skills, including sight-singing and keyboard, in labs which meet twice weekly. No prior musical experience is necessary. MUSC 0400A or 0400B may fulfill part of the theory requirement for the music concentration. Enrollment limited to 40. Permission granted based on questionnaire given in first class. Preference given to lower-level students.
    MUSC 0400A S01
    Primary Instructor
    Jiorle-Nagy
    MUSC 0400A L01
    Primary Instructor
    Jiorle-Nagy
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    MUSC 0400A L02
    Primary Instructor
    Jiorle-Nagy
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    MUSC 0400A L03
    Primary Instructor
    Jiorle-Nagy
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab

  • Introduction to Popular Music Theory and Songwriting

    An introduction to musical terms, elements, and techniques, with an emphasis on how they apply to Western popular music. Topics include notation, rhythm and meter, intervals, scales, chords, melody writing, harmonization, and form. Students will develop their musicianship skills, including sight-singing and keyboard, in labs which meet twice weekly. No prior musical experience is necessary. MUSC 0400A or MUSC 0400B may fulfill part of the theory requirement for the music concentration. Enrollment limited to 40. Permission granted based on questionnaire given in first class. Preference given to lower-level students.
    MUSC 0400B S01
    Primary Instructor
    Tan
    MUSC 0400B L01
    Primary Instructor
    Tan
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    MUSC 0400B L02
    Primary Instructor
    Tan
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    MUSC 0400B L03
    Primary Instructor
    Tan
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab

  • Theory of Tonal Music

    See Theory Of Tonal Music (MUSC 0550) for course description. Prerequisite: MUSC 0550 or permission of the instructor.
    MUSC 0560 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Wang
    MUSC 0560 L01
    Primary Instructor
    Cole
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    MUSC 0560 L02
    Primary Instructor
    Cole
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab

  • Jazz and Pop Harmony

    For students with knowledge of rudiments of music, including scales, intervals, key signatures, rhythm and meter. Keyboard skills strongly recommended. Intensive study of chord scales, chord progressions, modulation, voice leading, melody writing, harmonization, reharmonization, chord symbols, and lead sheet construction. Lab sessions will focus on ear training, keyboard exercises, and sight singing. Emphasis will be on the vocabulary of jazz theory and the repertoire will be American popular song.
    MUSC 0570 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Tomassi
    MUSC 0570 L01
    Primary Instructor
    Sanfilippo
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab

  • Chorus

    See Chorus (MUSC 0600) for course description.
    MUSC 0601 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Jodry

  • Orchestra

    See Orchestra (MUSC 0610) for course description.
    MUSC 0611 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Seto

  • Wind Symphony

    See Wind Symphony (MUSC 0620) for course description.
    MUSC 0621 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Plouffe

  • Jazz Band

    See Jazz Band (MUSC 0630) for course description.
    MUSC 0631 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Tomassi
    MUSC 0631 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Tomassi
    MUSC 0631 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Tomassi
    MUSC 0631 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Tomassi
    MUSC 0631 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Tomassi
    MUSC 0631 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Tomassi

  • Ghanaian Drumming and Dancing Ensemble

    A dynamic introductory course on drumming, dancing, and singing of Ghana and the diaspora. Students learn to perform diverse types of African music, including Ewe, Akan, Ga, and Dagomba pieces on drums, bells, and shakers. No prerequisites. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment limited to 15. Instructor permission required.
    MUSC 0641 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Obeng

  • World Music Ensemble

    This ensemble focuses on global percussive and song traditions, especially those of the African diaspora (based on instructor's vast musical experiences). Here western instrumentalists fuse with traditional musicians from every culture: bongo, gyil, ukulele, tabla, etc. Students will grow and develop their musical skills by learning new techniques on their own instrument, exploring a range of repertoire representing genres such as highlife, reggae, salsa, afrobeat, Afro-jazz, and global fusions. There will be unique opportunities to work on improvisation taking influence from Steve Reich, Tito Puente, Randy Weston, Hugh Masekela, Paul Simon, Miriam Makeba, Ghanaba, and Milton Nasimiento.
    MUSC 0642 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Obeng

  • Javanese Gamelan

    See Javanese Gamelan, MUSC0650, for course description. Enrollment limited to 18 students.
    MUSC 0651 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Perlman

  • Old-Time String Band

    See Old-Time String Band (MUSC 0670) for course description. Enrollment limited to 20 students.
    MUSC 0671 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Astrausky

  • Chamber Music Performance

    See Chamber Music Performance (MUSC 0680) for course description.
    MUSC 0681 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Finkel

  • Applied Music Program: Instruction in Vocal or Instrumental Music - Voice

    Half credit each semester. Restricted to skilled musicians. Openings are limited. Enrollment and re-enrollment is by audition and jury. Lessons are given by consultants to the Applied Music Program. A fee is charged for enrollment. Copies of the Applied Music Program Guidelines giving detailed information are available online at www.brown.edu/music. May be repeated up to four times for credit.
    MUSC 0810 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Jodry
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 0810 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Cole
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 0810 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Finkel
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 0810 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Plouffe
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 0810 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Tucker
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 0810 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Rovan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Haydn and Mozart

    This course explores the music of Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) and Wolfgang Amadé Mozart (1756-1791): two remarkable composers, who led powerfully contrasting but intertwined lives. Our focus will be Mozart’s three operas that he produced with the librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte—Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte, Haydn’s twelve London Symphonies, and his grand oratorio, The Creation. Through these works we can access a wealth of issues and themes of the late Enlightenment style: questions of voice, affect, register, eighteenth-century listening, comedy, form, dance, naturalness, mimesis, the sublime, orchestral effect, and musical modernity.
    MUSC 0900 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Dolan

  • Medieval and Renaissance Music

    Western Music 1000-1700 Topics addressed - among many others! How was music notated before the staff was invented? What repertoire developed when Notre Dame was built- 1099? What did the Crusaders sing? What is Polyphony? What was sung for the dedication of the Florence Duomo in 1440? How did the rise of printing change music? What music drove the Pilgrims to distraction? What did Bach hear as a child? Why did Opera develop, and what sort of music was written for its first 100 years? A few of the composers studied: Hildegard, Machaut, Dufay, Josquin, Palestrina, Byrd, Gesualdo, Schütz, Purcell, and Monteverdi.
    MUSC 0910 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Jodry

  • Introduction to Generative Animation

    Interactive graphics are used in a variety of artistic pursuits from audiovisual performance to interactive installation. Students in this production course learn to program real-time animations and video processing in the Max/MSP/Jitter environment and apply these skills through the creation of video and multimedia work. Topics include video synthesis, audio-reactive visuals, OpenGL programming and generative art. This course does not have any prerequisites, though class size is limited and admission is determined by an entrance questionnaire completed at the first class meeting.
    MUSC 1001 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Dupuis

  • Advanced Musicianship II

    Continuation of MUSC 1010. Prerequisite: MUSC 1010 or permission of the instructor.
    MUSC 1011 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Cole

  • Analysis of Romantic Musics

    This is an analysis course focusing on music of 19th -century Western concert tradition. The primary goal is to improve and introduce new analysis skills related to chromatic harmony and form. The course proceeds by distinctive genres, including examples of solo piano works, lieder, string quartets and other chamber works, symphonies, tone poems, and opera. Though the emphasis is primarily on analyzing purely musical elements, we will also touch on broader issues of Romantic aesthetics and cultural contexts, such as fragmentation, virtuosity, nostalgia, and the debate over absolute and programmatic music.
    MUSC 1040 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Tan

  • Seminar in Composition

    This is a seminar-based course with a creative component focusing on specific compositional techniques such as writing transitions and motivic development, and writing for specific kinds of ensembles. These techniques are applicable to all kinds of music, from concert music to popular genres. The course will also address aesthetic issues, trends and influences and how they affect living composers’ individual voices. Besides studying notated repertoire from the concert tradition, we will also examine approaches to film scoring, improvisation, and environmental sound worlds outside of the traditional concert hall.
    MUSC 1110 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Nathan

  • Seminar in Electronic Music: Recording Studio as Compositional Tool

    A study of advanced studio techniques taught in parallel with topics in psychoacoustics. Students will create original studio work while developing listening and technical skills for audio production. Technical topics include recording, signal processing and mixing software, microphone technique, and live sound engineering. Class size is limited. Preference will be given to students who have completed MUSC 0200. Students will be evaluated for potential future work in the MEME program (Multimedia and Electronic Music Experiments) and past participation in MEME. Admission is determined by an entrance questionnaire completed at the first class meeting. Prerequisite: MUSC 0200
    MUSC 1200 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Moses

  • Composing with Ableton

    In Composing with Ableton, we will study and use the well known music-making software Ableton Live and its subsidiary Max for Live (M4L). We will consider sound in Live and M4L from a variety of perspectives, from popular music vocabularies to experimental sound practices. This project-based class teaches production techniques in tandem with critical investigation of genre and development of personal style. Topics include: DAW-style production, control information, interactivity, and digital signal processing. Override codes required; interested students must attend first day and complete questionnaire, only after which will override codes be distributed.
    MUSC 1240M S01
    Primary Instructor
    Warren

  • Analog Practice

    Analog sound is uniquely tactile, expressive, and flexible. Through a series of solo, collaborative, recorded, and live-performed projects, this class explores the practice of creating analog sound. We will use a wide array of modular and semi-modular analog synthesizers, including the rare ARP 2500. Beginning with broad concepts of voltage flow and modulation, we will expand into considering the unique affordances of various synths, addressing questions such as tone color, ease of sound production and variation, and conduciveness to combination with other sound sources. Interested students strongly recommended to attend first day; final class list determined by questionnaire.
    MUSC 1240N S01
    Primary Instructor
    Warren

  • History and Theory of Listening

    This upper-level seminar will explore the phenomenon of listening as related to musical works and musical experience. How do we listen to music, how do we understand musical works to be listening, and how do we listen to musical works as they seem to us to be listening to themselves, their pasts and their futures? We will examine spaces for music (architecture and acoustics) as well as cultures of listening including religious, psychological, and political contexts.
    MUSC 1641 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Steinberg

  • Musical Performance: Theatricality, Body, and Spectacle

    Explores the visual and theatrical dimensions of music performance--both recent and historical--through the analysis of live performances, video clips, and historical documents. Using the critical methods of performance studies, we seek to uncover those aspects of musical experience that have become transparent or normalized by their familiarity, and which are eluded by a traditional focus on music as "sound alone." We concentrate on five genres--rock, classical, pop, jazz, and experimental--and consider figures such as Arturo Toscanini, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Pauline Oliveros, John Zorn, Diamanda Galás, Madonna and Michael Jackson. Enrollment limited to 24. First year students require instructor permission.
    MUSC 1680 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Gooley

  • Miles Davis: An Evolution in Jazz

    This seminar examines the life, music, and iconic status of Miles Davis, the most complex and varied figure in the history of jazz. From the mid-40s, when he emerged as a sideman to bebop virtuoso Charlie Parker, to his death in 1991, Davis was often on the cutting edge of jazz's evolution, spurring on the development of cool jazz, hard bop, progressive jazz, modal jazz, post-bop, and various forms of fusion. He was at the same a powerful though elusive personality who continues to inspire critical controversy. We will examine his creative evolution in the context of the history of popular music taste, race relations, gender roles, and social class in America. Readings include biographies, studies of his music, and collections of critical essays. There will be extensive listening assignments and occasional required video screenings.
    MUSC 1690A S01
    Primary Instructor
    Gooley

  • Applied Music Program: Instruction in Vocal or Instrumental Music - Voice

    Half credit each semester. Restricted to skilled musicians. Restricted to skilled musicians demonstrating mastery of an advanced repertory in their fields. Openings are limited. Enrollment and re-enrollment is by audition and jury. Lessons are given by consultants to the Applied Music Program. MUSC 0830, 0840 is prerequisite to this course. A fee is charged for enrollment. Copies of the Applied Music Program Guidelines giving detailed information are available online at www.brown.edu/music. Prerequisite: MUSC 0400, or MUSC 0550, MUSC 0560. Written permission required. May be repeated up to four times for credit.
    MUSC 1810 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Jodry
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1810 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Cole
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1810 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Finkel
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1810 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Plouffe
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1810 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Tucker
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1810 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Rovan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Governing Culture: Music and the Arts in Political Life (HMAN 1974K)

    MUSC 1905K S01

  • American Roots Music

    This seminar offers a critical and comparative exploration of American roots music, a category comprising folk, traditional, and popular genres that have been labeled "heritage music" or "ethnic music" in the context of American multiculturalism. Major case studies include African American, Mexican American, and Anglo American traditions/repertoires, with geographical emphases in Appalachia, the city of Chicago, and the state of California. Readings draw on both historical and ethnographic scholarship. Some background coursework in ethnomusicology, cultural anthropology, American Studies, and/or ethnic studies is required. Prerequisite: MUSC 1900 or ETHN 1000 (formerly ETHN 0500) or instructor permission. Registration permission granted based on questionnaire distributed at first class meeting.
    MUSC 1932 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Miller

  • Advanced Ghanaian Drumming and Dancing Ensemble

    Students with experience in African and related musical traditions perform drumming, dancing, and singing of Ghana and the diaspora. Focus on a more challenging repertoire with emphasis on multi-part, lead, and improvisational playing. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeatable for credit. Instructor permission required. Enrollment limited to 15 students.
    MUSC 1961 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Obeng

  • Individual Independent Study

    Directed undergraduate research for advanced students. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.
    MUSC 1970 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Warren
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Jaeger
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Cole
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Momeni
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S05
    Primary Instructor
    McGarrell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Obeng
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Perlman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S08
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S09
    Primary Instructor
    Rovan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Nathan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S11
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S12
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Winkler
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S14
    Primary Instructor
    Moses
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S15
    Primary Instructor
    Miller
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Tucker
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S17
    Primary Instructor
    Steinbach
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Jodry
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Osborn
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Gooley
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S21
    Primary Instructor
    Wang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 1970 S22
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Popular Music Studies (AMST 2220R)

    MUSC 2085B S01

  • Seminar In Sonic Practice

    This studio and seminar course provides an exploration of contemporary sonic practice, facilitates the development of sound-based creative work, and encourages a critical approach to producing work in the field. Through discussion, reading, listening exercises, independent research, creative production and critiques, we will examine a number of intersecting areas of sonic practice including sound as a cultural, environmental, and artistic medium, phonography, sound installation, mobile audio, noise as strategy and material, linguistic and other sonic narrative structures. Students will develop sound-based pieces individually and in groups which function as creative research into the subjects areas of the course.
    MUSC 2290 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Osborn

  • Preliminary Examination Preparation

    For graduate students who have met the tuition requirement and are paying the registration fee to continue active enrollment while preparing for a preliminary examination.
    MUSC 2970 S01
    Schedule Code
    E: Grad Enrollment Fee/Dist Prep

  • Reading and Research

    Directed graduate research. Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course.
    MUSC 2980 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Nathan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Wang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Cole
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Osborn
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S05
    Primary Instructor
    McGarrell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Obeng
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Perlman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S08
    Primary Instructor
    DeLuca
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S09
    Primary Instructor
    Rovan
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Warren
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S11
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S12
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Winkler
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S14
    Primary Instructor
    Moses
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S15
    Primary Instructor
    Miller
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Tucker
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Jodry
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Gooley
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    MUSC 2980 S21
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Thesis Preparation

    For graduate students who have met the residency requirement and are continuing research on a full time basis.
    MUSC 2990 S01
    Schedule Code
    E: Grad Enrollment Fee/Dist Prep

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