XII. Course Descriptions

Music

School of Fine Art and Music

Ensembles

Chamber Ensembles

Choir (Symphonic Choir, Chamber Choir, Siren-Women's Choir)

Concert Winds

Contemporary Music Ensemble

Early Music Ensemble

Jazz Band

Note: All ensembles are not necessarily offered every semester.

Solo Performance (Applied Music): Private instruction is offered in piano, voice, orchestral instruments, and various jazz and early instruments. In order to register in Applied Music (MUSC*1500), students must arrange an audition with the School of Fine Art and Music at the time of course selection. Applied Music is restricted to students registered in a Music program (general, area of concentration; honours, major or minor), in Semesters 1-4 (with the exception of Honours Majors in Music, who may audition to register in MUSC*1500 at any time in their studies).

Applied Music courses are designed to be taken in successive semesters. Registration in this sequence following an interruption of more than one semester requires permission of the Director of the School. Students may be required to re-apply before registering to continue in Applied Music. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 70% in Applied Music courses in order to proceed to the next level.

MUSC*1060 Amadeus to Zeppelin: Music and Culture I F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the place classical music holds in contemporary society, drawing upon texts from popular and cyber culture. Focusing on examples that engage with Western art music from 1100 – 1791 C.E., this course teaches students the skills necessary for media and information literacy while also developing music-historical knowledge and providing foundational training in university-level writing about music. No prior musical training is necessary.
Restriction(s): MUSC*2280, MUSC*2600, MUSC*2610, MUSC*2620
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*1090 Physics of Music F (3-0) [0.50]
This course is designed for arts and social science students with an interest or background in music. The fundamentals of vibrations and waves will be introduced and applied to a study of archetypal instruments. The psychoacoustic basis of pitch and loudness will be discussed.
Offering(s): Offered in even-numbered years.
Equate(s): PHYS*1810
Restriction(s): Students who have standing in any 1000 level physics course, except PHYS*1300 or PHYS*1600, may enrol in this course only if they are completing an honours or general B.A. program in Music. In this case, permission of the instructor is required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*1130 Introduction to Musicianship S,F,W (0-8) [0.50]
Fundamentals of ear training, sight-singing, keyboard, and written skills (rudiments such as scales, intervals and basic chord identification) are introduced. Proficiency on an instrument is not required, but previous experience with note-reading is expected. MUSC*1130 cannot be counted toward a specialization in music.
Offering(s): Offered through Distance Education format only.
Equate(s): MUSC*1120
Restriction(s): MUSC*1180
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*1180 Musicianship I F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the inner workings of music--its harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic building blocks. Through intense exercises that hone skills in ear training, dictation, keyboard, improvisation, and harmonization, students gain a deep understanding of how music works, and acquire practical musical skills that contribute to future work in composition, music theory, (ethno)musicology, pedagogy, and performance. A solid base in rudiments is required for this course, and will be assessed upon registration.
Restriction(s): This is a Priority Access Course. Some restrictions may apply during some time periods.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*1500 Applied Music I F,W (1-6) [0.50]
This course provides individual instruction in the technical and stylistic aspects of artistic solo instrumental or vocal performance. In order to register for this course, students must arrange an audition with the School of Fine Art and Music at the time of course selection.
Restriction(s): Successful completion of an audition. Registration in semesters 1 to 4 (with the exception of BA Honours Music Majors, who may apply at any time). Registration in a Music Specialization.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*1510 Applied Music II S,F,W (1-6) [0.50]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*1500.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*1500.
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Specialization.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2010 The Musical Avant-Garde F (3-0) [0.50]
This course offers an introduction to the avant-garde musical life of the 20th century and beyond including the works of Debussy, Stravinsky, Satie, Schoenberg, Cage, Cowell, and others.
Offering(s): Offered in odd-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 2.00 credits
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2030 Music in Canada F (3-0) [0.50]
The background and development of musical life in Canada. Cultivation of understanding of Canadian music using recorded examples with emphasis on 20th-century compositions.
Offering(s): Offered in even-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 2.00 credits
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2100 Creating Music on the Computer F,W (3-0) [0.50]
An introduction to computer technologies as they apply to the creation and manipulation of music. Topics will be drawn from the areas of sound synthesis and processing, recording, encoding, and transcription. The course will include a classroom and an applied component.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*1180
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2140 History of Jazz F,W (3-0) [0.50]
A survey of the major styles, personalities, and performances of the jazz tradition in terms of its social and cultural contexts through the examination of jazz texts and commentary, autobiographies of musicians, and recorded examples of important performances.
Offering(s): Also offered through Distance Education format.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2150 Music and Popular Culture F,W (3-0) [0.50]
A survey of the major genres, styles, personalities and performance of popular music primarily in the 20th-century through lectures, listening, discussion and reading. Issues such as the relationships between popular music and race, class, technology, and art will be examined. Technical knowledge of music is not required.
Offering(s): Also offered through Distance Education format.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2180 Musicianship II F,W (3-0) [0.50]
A continuation of MUSC*1180.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*1180
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2220 Electronica: Music in the Digital Age W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will provide an introduction to digital music, from the initial "cybernetic" experiments of the 1950s to the evolution of software tools for synthesizing, processing, and analyzing sound to the development of music/audio-related hardware such as digital synthesizers, samplers, recorders, mixers, and workstations. An overview of musical genres utilizing digital technology will be presented (experimental, techno, dance, rap, ambient, etc.). Digital technology, including the revolutionary MIDI protocol, will be set into historical context, looking at musical and social developments and milestones, as well as related non-digital technology such as analog synthesizers and multi-track recorders.
Offering(s): Offered in odd-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 2.00 credits
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2270 World Music W (3-0) [0.50]
This course offers an ethnomusicological introduction to the musical life of Sub-Saharan Africa, India, South America, the Middle East, Indonesia, and the Far East.
Restriction(s): MUSC*2200, MUSC*2110
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2330 Beethoven to Broadway: Music and Culture II W (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores the connections between contemporary culture and the history of Western Art Music. Focusing on material from 1750 to 1890, this course considers how cyber and popular culture engage with and often distort the historical origins of “classical” music. Students will further develop media and research literacy skills and will continue to hone their command of writers’ craft. The ability to read music is required for this course.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*1060
Restriction(s): MUSC*2600, MUSC*2610, MUSC*2620
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2380 Classical Music from Concert Hall to Cinema S (3-0) [0.50]
This is a music appreciation course intended for non-music majors. This course explores the sonic codes of western art music (“Classical” music) as they developed in their original contexts, as well as their use and meaning in today’s film soundtracks. The works chosen for study are those likely to be encountered in modern concert and opera halls and are selected primarily from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras.
Offering(s): Offered through Distance Education format only.
Prerequisite(s): 2.00 credits
Restriction(s): MUSC*1060, Not available to students registered in a Music specialization.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2410 Applied Composition I F (3-0) [0.50]
This course offers class instruction in the technical and aesthetic aspects of music composition.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2180
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Program (Honours major or minor, General).
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2420 Applied Composition II W (3-0) [0.50]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*2410.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*2410.
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Program (Honours major or minor, General).
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2500 Applied Music III S,F,W (1-6) [0.50]
A continuation of MUSC*1510.
Prerequisite(s): (MUSC*1180 or MUSC*2180), a minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*1510. (MUSC*1180 or MUSC*2180 may be taken as corequisite)
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music specialization.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2510 Applied Music IV S,F,W (1-6) [0.50]
A continuation of MUSC*2500.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*2500
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music specialization.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2530 Instrumental Ensembles I F,W (0-2) [0.25]
The study and performance of selected instrumental music through participation in one of the School's ensembles: Chamber Ensemble, Concert Winds, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble. In order to register for an ensemble, the student must arrange for an audition with the School of Fine Art and Music. Auditions will be held prior to the first day of classes each Fall and Winter semester. Students must check with the School of Fine Art and Music office for audition dates. Students are encouraged to audition for an ensemble in the Fall semester and to participate in it for both Fall and Winter semesters. Not all ensembles will be able to accept new members in Winter. Consult the School of Fine Art and Music for further information.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Successful completion of an audition.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2540 Instrumental Ensembles II F,W (0-2) [0.25]
A continuation of MUSC*2530.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2530
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2550 Choral Ensembles I F,W (0-2) [0.25]
The study and performance of selected choral literature through participation in one of the School's ensembles; the University of Guelph Symphonic Choir, the Gryphon Singers. In order to register for an ensemble, the student must arrange for an audition with the School of Fine Art and Music. Auditions will be held prior to the first day of classes each Fall and Winter semester. Students must check with the School of Fine Art and Music office for audition dates. Students are encouraged to audition for an ensemble in the Fall semester and to participate in it for both Fall and Winter semesters. Not all ensembles will be able to accept new members in Winter. Consult the School of Fine Art and Music for further information.
Equate(s): MUSC*2520
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required. Successful completion of an audition.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2560 Choral Ensembles II F,W (0-2) [0.25]
A continuation of MUSC*2550.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2550
Equate(s): MUSC*2520
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2570 Keyboard Accompaniment I F,W (0-2) [0.25]
Development of sight-reading and accompaniment skills for pianists in close coordination with vocal and instrumental applied music students.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2510 on piano.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2580 Keyboard Accompaniment II F,W (0-2) [0.25]
A continuation of MUSC*2570.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2570
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*2660 Materials of Music I F (3-0) [0.50]
This course is a study of music theory and analysis. It builds on rudiments and musicianship skills developed in MUSC*1180 and introduces students to materials of music including melodic construction, phrase structure, linear counterpoint, rhythmic organization, and diatonic harmony. Students will work on both applied and analytical assignments.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*1180
Co-requisite(s): MUSC*2180
Restriction(s): MUSC*1250, MUSC*2360
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3010 Materials of Music II W (3-0) [0.50]
This course continues the study of music theory and analysis. Students move on to learn about and work with more advanced concepts of tonal harmony and music analysis. The second half of the course introduces students to post-tonal music (20th-century). Students will work on both applied and analytical assignments.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2180, MUSC*2660
Restriction(s): MUSC*2360, MUSC*2370, MUSC*2670
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3150 Music in London F (3-0) [0.50]
A lecture/seminar course that will examine in depth choral and instrumental music of major composers from representative periods and media, performed at London, England. Compositions will be analyzed in relation to their stylistic technique, formal structure, and historical place in the repertoire of music. A professor of music will present weekly seminars, arrange assignments, and give personal supervision in London.
Restriction(s): Admission to the London Semester.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3210 Instrumental Ensembles III F,W (0-2) [0.25]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*2540.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2540
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3220 Instrumental Ensembles IV F,W (0-2) [0.25]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*3210.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*3210
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3230 Choral Ensembles III F,W (0-2) [0.25]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*2560.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2560
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3240 Choral Ensembles IV F,W (0-2) [0.25]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*3230.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*3230
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3410 Applied Composition III F,W (1-6) [0.50]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*2420.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*2420 and (2 of MUSC*2530, MUSC*2540, MUSC*2550, MUSC*2560).
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Program (Honours major or minor, General).
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3420 Applied Composition IV F,W (1-6) [0.50]
This course is a continuation of MUSC*3410.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*3410.
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Program (Honours major or minor, General).
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3500 Applied Music V S,F,W (1-6) [0.50]
A continuation of MUSC*2510.
Prerequisite(s): 3.00 credits in music courses including a minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*2510, (MUSC*2540 or MUSC*2560).
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Program (Honours major or minor, General, Area of Concentration).
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3510 Applied Music VI S,F,W (1-6) [0.50]
A continuation of MUSC*3500 including preparation and performance of a juried recital; restricted to students in a Music program (honours major or minor or general, area of concentration).
Prerequisite(s): 4.00 credits in music courses including a minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*3500
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Program (Honours major or minor, General, Area of Concentration).
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3550 Collaborative Performance Project I F,W (0-3) [0.25]
The study and performance of selected instrumental or vocal chamber music through participation in a small ensemble under the guidance of a supervising instructor. Students will organize the ensemble, which normally consists of two to six vocalists and/or instrumentalists, design a project with the instructor, and submit the proposal to the Music Faculty Committee for approval by the last day of course selection in Fall (for Winter) or Winter (for the following Fall). A form is available from the School office for this purpose.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2500, (2 of MUSC*2530, MUSC*2540, MUSC*2550, MUSC*2560)
Restriction(s): Registration in a Music Program (Honours major or minor, General, Area of Concentration). Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3560 Collaborative Performance Project II F,W (0-3) [0.25]
A continuation of MUSC*3550.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*3550
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3630 Tragedy, Technology, and Torture: Music Post 1900 F (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines music from the late 19th century (Debussy and post-romantic composers) to the present from both historical and theoretical perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): MUSC*2660, (MUSC*2330 or MUSC*2620)
Co-requisite(s): MUSC*3010
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music

The following topics courses normally focus on current areas of faculty research. It is expected that students will have completed at least 7.50 credits before taking these upper-level courses.

MUSC*3730 Topics in Jazz and Improvised Music F (3-0) [1.00]
This course provides a seminar experience in focussed topics related to jazz and improvised music. Topics will normally include some combination of the following: jazz/improvisation history and theory, critical studies in jazz/ improvised music. Subject matter will vary according to the instructor.
Offering(s): Offered in even-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including MUSC*2140
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3740 Topics in Popular Music Studies F (3-0) [1.00]
This course examines the rise and impact of the cultural industries on production and consumption of music, the development of transnational popular music, and the role popular music plays in the politics of social identity.
Offering(s): Offered in even-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including (MUSC*1180 or MUSC*2180), MUSC*2150
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3800 Topics in Music History/Analysis W (3-0) [1.00]
This course examines selected topics in music history, performance practice, analysis, and music within its cultural context.
Offering(s): Offered in even-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including (MUSC*2670 or MUSC*3010), MUSC*3630
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3820 Topics in Ethnomusicology F (3-0) [1.00]
Topics for this course will normally include some combination of the following: a specific world music tradition, ethnomusicological issues, theories, or methods. Subject matter will vary according to the instructor.
Offering(s): Offered in odd-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including (MUSC*1180 or MUSC*2180), MUSC*2270
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3860 Topics in Digital Music F (3-0) [1.00]
This is a course which focuses on a specific area of digital music production. Topics may include advanced audio production, advanced MIDI sequencing, advanced music notation/instrumentation, synthesis and signal processing, music-oriented computer programming, or interactive computer music. Normally, a major creative project will be completed and presented as an outcome of the course.
Offering(s): Offered in odd-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including MUSC*2100, MUSC*2220
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*3880 Topics in Music Pedagogy W (3-0) [1.00]
This course examines current philosophical trends in music education, and the application of various theories of music learning. Students will be asked to process conflicting ideas as presented through readings, class discussion, and their own experience as learners. There is also a practical component, in which each student will conduct an ensemble or give a series of private lessons, as well as present a collaborative teaching assignment. The course is designed to prepare music students to teach privately or in a classroom.
Offering(s): Offered in odd-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): 7.50 credits including MUSC*2180, MUSC*2660
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*4200 Independent Project in Music S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This is an independent learning option in music for qualified students working in consultation with a faculty advisor. The project may take the form of a course of readings and assignments, enabling the student to investigate a topic in music not otherwise available in the curriculum. It may also include a creative component (such as composition) or an experiential learning component (such as a professional performance opportunity, or a community outreach opportunity). A written proposal, signed by the faculty advisor, must be submitted to the Director of the School for approval by the last day of course selection in the previous semester.
Prerequisite(s): 3.00 credits in Music, including (1 of MUSC*3730, MUSC*3740, MUSC*3800, MUSC*3820, MUSC*3860, MUSC*3880)
Restriction(s): Registration in an honours major or minor in music or an area of concentration (General Program) in Music. Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*4450 Honours Seminar in Music W (3-0) [1.00]
The Honours Seminar in Music teaches advanced research methods common to a range of musical investigations: musicology (including ethnomusicology, popular music and jazz), music theory, music pedagogy, and musical creation. In addition, the Honours Seminar in Music allows students to engage in individual research with concentrated energy through a one semester/one credit course in a supportive peer environment. Students will develop a research project proposal for approval by the instructor in the semester prior to enrolling in this course.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the music core.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*4460 Honours Music Recital Preparation S,F,W (1-6) [0.50]
First part of a two-semester performance project culminating in a music recital at the end of the second semester. Students will present a preparatory performance at the end of the first semester. Qualified instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers who have completed the applied music or applied composition course sequences are eligible to present a full-length recital. In the case of composers it is the responsibility of the student to organize performers to present the music. Recital proposals must be submitted to the Director of the School, on the provided form, by the last day of course selection in the previous semester. MUSC*4460 and MUSC*4470 are normally taken over consecutive semesters.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the music core, a minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*3510
Equate(s): MUSC*4401
Restriction(s): Permission of the School and registration in an honours major in music.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
MUSC*4470 Honours Music Recital S,F,W (1-6) [0.50]
Second part of a two-semester performance project culminating in a music recital at the end of the second semester. MUSC*4460 and MUSC*4470 are normally taken over consecutive semesters.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of 70% in MUSC*4460
Equate(s): MUSC*4402
Restriction(s): Registration in an honours major in music.
Department(s): School of Fine Art and Music
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120