Music Theory (MUTC)

MUTC 101. Introduction to Music: Reading, Writing, and Analysis. (2 Credits)

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts such as notation, rhythm, meter, timbre, pitch, scales, keys, intervals, and chords. This is achieved through the formal study of music theory; critical listening (including non-Western, popular, folk, and Western classical genres); engaging reading about faith, culture and race as it relates to music; and music composition. In this course, the student will learn listening strategies, methods of musical criticism, the nature and significance of personal creativity, the various roles that music can play in the life of the individual Christian, the church and culture. NOTE: This course does not fulfill the entire VPA theme and covers only the domain of VPAM.

Tags: VPAM

MUTC 104. Introduction to Music: Latin American Music. (2 Credits)

This course is an introduction to the different traditions of Latin American music. It will cover historical aspects that gave birth to these traditions and will discuss in detail the different stylistic features of genres such as Tango, Bossa Nova, Merengue, Salsa, Samba, and Danzón. At the same time, with readings about God and creativity, it will develop a coherent, Christ-centered theology of the Arts and its relationship to Latin America. In this course, the student will learn listening strategies, methods of musical criticism, the nature of personal creativity, and the various roles that music can play in the life of the Christian, the church and culture. Offered occasionally. NOTE: This course does not fulfill the entire VPA theme and covers only the domain of VPAM.

Tags: VPAM

MUTC 122. Introduction to Composition. (2 Credits)

Examination of fundamental practical, spiritual, and philosophical issues relating to music composition. Participants study the basic elements of compositional craftsmanship, including pitch and rhythmic organization, melodic construction, harmonic progression, texture, developmental techniques, formal organization, instrumentation, and notation. Additional topics include the nature and significance of personal creativity, the functions of music in society and the church, measures of artistic quality, musical meaning, musical style, the creative process, and composition as a career. Participants will complete a number of short composition exercises, followed by a complete composition of moderate length. Offered spring semester only. (lin)

MUTC 151. Music Theory I. (3 Credits)

Diatonic harmony in repertoire from the Common Practice Period. Topics include intervals, species counterpoint, diatonic triads, diatonic seventh chords, harmonic analysis, voice leading, and non-chord tones. Prerequisite: Passing grade on music fundamentals exam, grade of C or higher in MUTC 101, or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester only. (lin)

MUTC 152. Aural Skills I. (1 Credit)

Development of analytical listening abilities and practical musicianship skills. Emphases include treble- and bass-clef sight-singing, rhythm recitation, basic conducting, meter identification, scale identification, instrument identification, rhythmic dictation, and melodic dictation using diatonic excerpts in conventional meters. Prerequisite: Passing grade on music fundamentals exam, grade of C or higher in MUTC 101, or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester only. (lin)

MUTC 171. Music Theory II. (3 Credits)

Chromatic harmony in repertoire from the Common Practice Period. Topics include secondary-function chords, tonicizations, modulations, modal mixture, Neapolitan chords, augmented sixth chords, and enharmonicism. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUTC 151 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester only. (lin)

MUTC 172. Aural Skills II. (1 Credit)

Continued development of analytical listening abilities and practical musicianship skills. Emphases include treble-, bass-, and alto-clef sight-singing, rhythm recitation, rhythmic dictation, and melodic dictation using diatonic excerpts in conventional meters. Offered spring semester only. (lin) Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUTC 152 or consent of instructor.

MUTC 231. Composition I. (2 Credits)

Continued emphasis on the basic elements of compositional craftsmanship, including pitch and rhythmic organization, melodic construction, harmonic progression, texture, developmental techniques, formal organization, instrumentation, and notation. Participants will complete a number of short composition exercises, followed by a complete composition of moderate length. Prerequisite: MUTC 122 or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester only. (lin)

MUTC 232. Composition II. (2 Credits)

Continued emphasis on the basic elements of compositional craftsmanship, including pitch and rhythmic organization, melodic construction, harmonic progression, texture, developmental techniques, formal organization, instrumentation, and notation. Assignments are related to the interests and needs of the individual student. Prerequisite: MUTC 231 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester only. (lin)

MUTC 233. Digital Music Technology I. (2 Credits)

Exploration of the Digital Audio Workstation, including MIDI sequencing, audio recording, sampling, and sound design. Emphasis is placed on using technology in a musical way. Offered fall semester only. (lin)

MUTC 241. Music Theory III. (2 Credits)

Large-scale form in repertoire from the Common Practice Period. Topics include phrase structure, binary forms, ternary forms, variation forms, rondo forms, sonata forms, vocal forms, and fugues. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester only. (lin)

MUTC 252. Aural Skills III. (1 Credit)

Continued development of analytical listening abilities and practical musicianship skills. Emphases include treble-, bass-, alto-, and tenor-clef sight-singing, rhythm recitation, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, and formal analysis using lightly chromatic excerpts in conventional meters. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUTC 172 or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester only. (lin)

MUTC 261. Music Theory IV. (3 Credits)

Analysis of twentieth-century and contemporary music. Topics include impressionism, atonality, pitch-class set theory, serialism, and indeterminacy, as well as various developments in rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, texture, form, and notation. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester only. (lin)

MUTC 272. Aural Skills IV. (1 Credit)

Continued development of analytical listening abilities and practical musicianship skills. Emphases include treble-, bass-, alto-, and tenor-clef sight-singing, rhythm recitation, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, and formal analysis using highly chromatic and modulating excerpts in conventional meters. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUTC 252 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester only. (lin)

MUTC 331. Intermediate Composition. (2 Credits)

Private 60-minute composition lessons. Assignments are related to the interests and needs of the individual student, and students are expected to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week on composition. Prerequisite: MUTC 232 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (lin)

MUTC 333. Digital Music Technology II. (2 Credits)

Continued exploration of the Digital Audio Workstation with a focus on ways of creatively using technology for original electro-acoustic composition. Prerequisite: MUTC 233 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester only. (lin)

MUTC 343. Jazz Theory. (2 Credits)

Practical studies of extended chords, voicings, progressions, melodic and rhythmic development, and formal structures, with application to composition and improvisation in jazz styles. Prerequisite: MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. Alternate years, offered spring in odd years.

MUTC 351. Counterpoint. (2 Credits)

Analysis and composition in the sixteenth- and eighteenth-century contrapuntal styles. (lin). Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MUTC 241 or consent of instructor. Additional course fee required: CRED.

MUTC 355. Orchestration. (2 Credits)

A study of instrumentation, orchestration, and score analysis, including scoring and transcribing for various large and small ensembles. Prerequisite: MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. Offered fall semester only. (lin)

MUTC 356. Arranging. (2 Credits)

Melodic and textural variation, harmonic substitution, and modulatory techniques, with exercises in a variety of styles and genres. Alternate years; offered spring in odd years. Prerequisite: MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. (lin)

MUTC 364. The Improvising Musician. (2 Credits)

A practical introduction to improvisational techniques in a variety of styles and genres, including an exploration of the theological, psychological, and musical foundations of improvisation. Prerequisite: MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester only. (lin)

MUTC 389. Special Topics in Music Theory. (2 Credits)

Exploration of an advanced music theory or analysis topic. Subjects change on a yearly basis. Prerequisite: MUTC 171 or consent of instructor. Offered spring semester only.

MUTC 451. Advanced Composition. (3 Credits)

Private 60-minute composition lessons. Assignments are related to the interests and needs of the individual student, and students are expected to spend a minimum of 9 hours per week on composition. Prerequisite: Two semesters of MUTC 331 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (lin)

MUTC 495. Directed Study. (1 to 4 Credits)

Independent study in music theory, aural skills, composition, or a related field. (Fees vary) (lin)