Music < University of Chicago Catalog

Department Website: http://music.uchicago.edu

Program of Study

The Department of Music aims to broaden the exposure to and enrich the understanding of the various musical traditions of the world. Courses address the materials of tonal music in the Western tradition, the analysis of individual works, the study of composers and genres, non-Western and vernacular repertories, musical composition, critical approaches to music, and the role of music in society. The BA program in music provides a background both for graduate work in music and for study in other fields. The department also sponsors a number of performance organizations and concert series.

Courses for Nonmajors: General Education

Students seeking to meet the general education requirement in dramatic, musical, and visual arts with music courses must choose from among the following:

MUSI 10100	Introduction to Western Art Music	100
MUSI 10200	Introduction to World Music	100
MUSI 10300	Introduction to Music: Materials and Design	100
MUSI 10400	Introduction to Music: Analysis and Criticism	100

Students seeking to meet the general education requirement in civilization studies may select the following two-quarter sequence. These courses are open to all students, regardless of previous musical background.

MUSI 12100-12200 Music in Western Civilization I-II 200

Other Courses for Nonmajors

In addition to the general education courses, the department offers MUSI 14300 Music Theory Fundamentals for students who have had little or no exposure to reading music. Students who can read music comfortably can take the three-quarter sequence MUSI 15100-15200-15300 Harmony and Voice Leading; a placement examination for this series of courses is given during the first week of Autumn Quarter. Courses numbered from 20000 to 24900 are open to students who have passed a course at the 10000 level or who have equivalent musical background. In addition, courses designed for the major (MUSI 25000 to 29900), as well as certain graduate courses, are open to qualified College students who are not majoring in music, with consent of the instructor.

Students in other programs of study may also complete a minor in music. Information follows the description of the major.

Program Requirements

BA Program

The program for the bachelor's degree in music offers a balance of practical, historical, and conceptual approaches to music.

Students are required to take at least twelve music courses and register in one of the Music Department's major ensembles for at least three quarters with consent of the director of undergraduate studies.

Students should begin the major by taking the three-quarter sequence MUSI 15100-15200-15300 Harmony and Voice Leading. Students follow this introductory course with the following: (1) a yearlong sequence that takes up topics in the history of Western art music, MUSI 27100-27200-27300 Topics in the History of Western Music, (2) MUSI 23300 Introduction to the Social and Cultural Study of Music, and (3) four additional courses numbered MUSI 20000 or above. MUSI 27100-27200-27300 Topics in the History of Western Music is offered in alternate years. It typically takes three years to complete the introductory and advanced courses. It is thus highly advisable for students to take MUSI 15100-15200-15300 Harmony and Voice Leading during their first or second year.

The required course in musicianship skills is offered each quarter of every year and should be taken after the MUSI 15100-15200-15300 Harmony and Voice Leading sequence. MUSI 28500 Musicianship Skills is a yearlong course. One quarter's credit (100 units) is granted in the final quarter after successful completion of all three quarters. To meet requirements for full-time student status, students must carry at least three additional courses each quarter.

Students must arrange a formal consultation with the director of undergraduate studies before declaring music as their major.

Summary of Requirements

MUSI 15100-15200-15300	Harmony and Voice Leading	300
MUSI 23300	Introduction to the Social and Cultural Study of Music	100
MUSI 27100-27200-27300	Topics in the History of Western Music	300
4 additional courses numbered MUSI 20000 or above		400
MUSI 28500	Musicianship Skills	100
Participation for at least three quarters in one of the Music Department's major ensembles
Total Units		1200

Composition

Students whose interest lies in composition are advised to take MUSI 26100 Introduction to Composition, which is designed for students wishing to learn composition or to improve their compositional technique. Students pursuing composition, particularly those intending to apply to graduate school in music composition, are also advised to take such courses as:

MUSI 25300	Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music	100
MUSI 26100	Introduction to Composition	100
MUSI 26300-26400	Introduction to Computer Music	200
MUSI 26800	Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint	100
MUSI 26900	Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint	100

By making special arrangements with a composition instructor, students may also register for composition lessons by using MUSI 29700 Independent Study in Music as an elective.

Ethnomusicology

Students wishing to specialize in ethnomusicology in the context of a music major are advised to take MUSI 10200 Introduction to World Music in addition to MUSI 23300 Introduction to the Social and Cultural Study of Music; these will provide grounding in musical styles and repertoires, as well as the techniques and methods of study central to ethnomusicology. Other classes can be selected at the 23000 level, allowing students to build up specific areas of expertise in fields such as jazz, popular music, Middle Eastern music, and South Asian music. Students considering graduate studies in ethnomusicology are strongly advised to take the MUSI 29500 Undergraduate Honors Seminar and write an honors thesis with a focus on an ethnomusicological topic.

Grading

Courses used to meet the general education requirement in the dramatic, musical, and visual arts must be taken for a quality grade. Courses taken to meet requirements in the major also must be taken for a quality grade.

Honors

Students may be recommended for honors if they (1) have a GPA of at least 3.0 overall and at least 3.5 in the major, and (2) present an outstanding senior thesis or composition under the approved supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Music. Registration in MUSI 29900 Senior Essay or Composition may be devoted to the preparation of the senior thesis or composition. This research paper or project may not be used to meet the BA paper or project requirement in another major. The optional MUSI 29500 Undergraduate Honors Seminar, typically offered each Spring Quarter, is designed to prepare students to write an honors essay. Students seeking honors should speak with the director of undergraduate studies no later than Spring Quarter of their third year.

Minor Program in Music

The minor program in music requires the completion of seven courses and the student's registration for at least three quarters in one of the Music Department's major ensembles with the consent of the director of undergraduate studies. Students who elect the minor program in music must meet with the director of undergraduate studies before the end of Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete the minor. The director's approval for the minor program should be submitted to a student's College adviser by this deadline on a form obtained from the adviser.

No courses in the minor can be double counted with the student's major(s) or with other minors; nor can they be counted toward general education requirements. They must be taken for quality grades and more than half of the requirements for the minor must be met by registering for courses bearing University of Chicago course numbers.

Summary of Requirements: Minor Program in Music

MUSI 15100-15200-15300	Harmony and Voice Leading	300
4 additional music courses numbered as MUSI 20000 or above		400
Participation for at least three quarters in one of the Music Department's major ensembles
Total Units		700

Performance Organizations

Membership in the Department of Music performance organizations is open to qualified students from all areas of the University through competitive auditions held at the beginning of Autumn Quarter. Most organizations rehearse weekly. For further information, students should see the brochure Performance Opportunities at the University of Chicago or contact Barbara Schubert, director of performing programs.

Symphony Orchestra

The 100-member University Symphony Orchestra presents six concerts per season. Familiar and unusual repertoire from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries is featured, often relating to a particular theme. A major performance with the University Chorus every season, the biennial University Concerto Competition, and regular performances with professional soloists are highlights of the symphony's activities. Wednesday evening rehearsals. B. Schubert. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Chamber Orchestra

The University Chamber Orchestra is a string ensemble that specializes in baroque, early classical, and twentieth-century repertoire. Supplemented by wind players for particular pieces, the group presents one concert per quarter and serves as the core orchestra in the annual opera production. Monday evening rehearsals. T. Semanik. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Wind Ensemble

The University Wind Ensemble performs both symphonic wind ensemble literature and transcriptions of major orchestral repertoire. The group presents one concert per quarter and occasionally performs at informal activities and social events on campus. Monday evening rehearsals. C. De Stefano. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Chorus

The 100-plus-member University Chorus performs choral literature of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, accompanied by keyboard, small instrumental ensembles, or the University Symphony. One major concert per quarter plus supplemental performances on campus and elsewhere in the city make up the season. Monday evening rehearsals. J. Kallembach. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Motet Choir

The 40-member University Motet Choir is a select group that specializes in a cappella choral literature of all periods, plus Renaissance and baroque works accompanied by period instruments. The ensemble presents one major concert per quarter on campus, has frequent performances elsewhere in Chicago, and goes on an annual tour. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday noontime rehearsals. J. Kallembach. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Jazz X-tet

The Jazz X-tet is an eight- to ten-piece group dedicated to the exploration of small-group improvisation and ensemble performance in traditional jazz styles. The ensemble's repertoire ranges from standards to new compositions written for the group to collaborative works, often inviting noted professional soloists. The group presents one major concert per quarter on campus, as well as supplemental performances on campus and elsewhere in the city. Wednesday evening rehearsals. M. Bowden. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Middle East Music Ensemble

The Middle East Music Ensemble (MEME) explores a variety of classical, neo-classical, and popular forms originating throughout the Middle East. Participants develop knowledge of Middle Eastern compositional and improvisational techniques through performance, often with accomplished guest artists. The ensemble performs one major concert per quarter and is open to all students and to community members with appropriate musical experience. Thursday evening rehearsals. W. Zarour. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

South Asian Vocal Ensemble

The South Asian Vocal Ensemble explores a variety of classical, vernacular, and popular song repertories from the Indian Subcontinent, with membership open to beginners as well as to more experienced performers with a background in South Asian music. The ensemble will focus on teaching vocal techniques, stylistic features, compositional forms, improvisational practices, and performance conventions specific to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and South Asian diasporas. Membership is open to students, faculty, and staff of the University, as well as community members interested in South Asian vocal music. Monday late afternoon–evening rehearsals. M. Pasupathi. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

Other Performance Activities

These activities do not satisfy the ensemble requirement for the music major or minor. Many other musical activities are available at the University, including chamber music, the Javanese Gamelan Ensemble, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, noontime concert series, several residence hall recital series, and several student-run theater groups.

Music Courses

MUSI 10100. Introduction to Western Art Music. 100 Units.

This one-quarter course is designed to enrich the listening experience of students, particularly with respect to the art music of the Western European and American concert tradition. Students are introduced to the basic elements of music and the ways that they are integrated to create works in various styles. Particular emphasis is placed on musical form and on the potential for music to refer to and interact with aspects of the world outside.

Terms Offered: Autumn, Winter, Spring
Note(s): Background in music not required. Students must confirm enrollment by attending one of the first two sessions of class. This course meets the general education requirement in the dramatic, musical, and visual arts.

MUSI 10200. Introduction to World Music. 100 Units.

This course is a selected survey of classical, popular, and folk music traditions from around the world. The goals are not only to expand our skills as listeners but also to redefine what we consider music to be and, in the process, stimulate a fresh approach to our own diverse musical traditions. In addition, the role of music as ritual, aesthetic experience, mode of communication, and artistic expression is explored.

Instructor(s): M. King Terms Offered: Autumn, Winter, Spring
Note(s): Background in music not required. Students must confirm enrollment by attending one of the first two sessions of class. This course meets the general education requirement in the dramatic, musical, and visual arts.
Equivalent Course(s): CRES 10200

MUSI 10300. Introduction to Music: Materials and Design. 100 Units.

This introductory course in music is intended for students who are interested in exploring the language, interpretation, and meaning of music through coordinated listening, analysis, and creative work. By listening to and comprehending the structural and aesthetic considerations behind significant written and improvised works, from the earliest examples of notated Western music to the music of living composers and performers, students will be prepared to undertake analytical and ultimately creative projects. The relationship between cultural and historical practices and the creation and reception of music will also be considered. The course is taught by a practicing composer, whose experience will guide and inform the works studied. No prior background in music is required.

MUSI 10400. Introduction to Music: Analysis and Criticism. 100 Units.

This course aims to develop students' analytical and critical tools by focusing on a select group of works drawn from the Western European and American concert tradition. The texts for the course are recordings. Through listening, written assignments, and class discussion, we explore topics such as compositional strategy, conditions of musical performance, interactions between music and text, and the relationship between music and ideology as they are manifested in complete compositions.

MUSI 12100-12200. Music in Western Civilization I-II.

Prior music course or ability to read music not required. Students must confirm enrollment by attending one of the first two sessions of class. This two-quarter sequence meets the general education requirement in civilization studies; it does not meet the general education requirement in the dramatic, musical, and visual arts. This two-quarter sequence explores musical works of broad cultural significance in Western civilization. We study pieces not only from the standpoint of musical style but also through the lenses of politics, intellectual history, economics, gender, cultural studies, and so on. Readings are taken both from our music textbook and from the writings of a number of figures such as St. Benedict of Nursia and Martin Luther. In addition to lectures, students discuss important issues in the readings and participate in music listening exercises in smaller sections.

MUSI 12100. Music in Western Civilization I: To 1750. 100 Units.

Instructor(s): A. Robertson Terms Offered: Winter
Equivalent Course(s): HIST 12700,SOSC 21100

MUSI 12200. Music in Western Civilization II: 1750 to the Present. 100 Units.

Terms Offered: Spring
Equivalent Course(s): HIST 12800,SOSC 21200

MUSI 14300. Music Theory Fundamentals. 100 Units.

Instructor(s): Various Terms Offered: Various
Note(s): This single course covers the basic elements of music theory, including music reading, intervals, chords, meter, and rhythm.

MUSI 15100-15200-15300. Harmony and Voice Leading.

This three-quarter sequence serves as an introduction to the materials and structure of Western tonal music. The first quarter focuses on fundamentals: scale types, keys, basic harmonic structures, voice-leading and two-voice counterpoint. The second quarter explores extensions of harmonic syntax, the basics of classical form, further work with counterpoint, and nondiatonic seventh chords. The third quarter undertakes the study of modulation, sequences, and additional analysis of classical forms. Musicianship labs in ear training and keyboard skills required.

MUSI 15100. Harmony and Voice Leading. 100 Units.

Instructor(s): Various Terms Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Ability to read music.

MUSI 15200. Harmony and Voice Leading. 100 Units.

Instructor(s): Various Terms Offered: Winter
Prerequisite(s): Ability to read music.

MUSI 15300. Harmony and Voice Leading. 100 Units.

Instructor(s): Various Terms Offered: Spring
Prerequisite(s): Ability to read music.

MUSI 20900. Issues in Film Music. 100 Units.

This course explores the role of film music in the history of cinema. What role does music play as part of the narrative (source music) and as nondiegetic music (underscoring)? How does music of different styles and provenance contribute to the semiotic universe of film? And how did film music assume a central voice in twentieth-century culture? We study music composed for films (original scores) as well as pre-existent music (such as popular and classical music). The twenty films covered in the course may include classical Hollywood cinema, documentaries, foreign (including non-Western) films, experimental films, musicals, and cartoons.

Instructor(s): B. Hoeckner Terms Offered: Autumn
Note(s): This course typically is offered in alternate years.

MUSI 21814. Introduction to Conducting. 100 Units.

Instructor(s): James Kallembach Terms Offered: Various
Prerequisite(s): 100-level music course or consent of instructor.

MUSI 22300. Introduction to Opera. 100 Units.