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Music Course Descriptions

110 MUSIC APPRECIATION

Focuses on listening to music and making sense of what we hear. Explores diverse musical styles and cultures with an emphasis on concert music of the western world, placing the music within cultural-historical frameworks. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

111 WORLD MUSIC

A study of musical cultures from around the world. The place of music within the larger context of world cultures. Fall semester (4 credits)

 

112 BASIC MUSICIANSHIP

Basic elements of music including scales, intervals, basic music reading and writing skills, ear training and some keyboard. The course is especially designed for the general student and will operate at a slower pace than Theory I. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

113 THEORY I

Pitch, meters, scales, modes, keys, intervals, triads and seventh chords, elementary diatonic harmony, composition of melody and bass lines; melodic and rhythmic dictation and solfeggio; elementary keyboard skills. Students should already be proficient at reading music. Three lectures and one ear training/keyboard lab per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

114 THEORY II

Continuation of written harmony through extended alteration of tertian harmony and modulation; analysis and composition of simple musical forms; continuation of dictation and solfeggio; keyboard harmony. Prerequisite: Music 113 or permission of the instructor. Three lectures and one ear training/keyboard lab per week. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

131 AFRICAN MUSIC

Study of music in various African traditions within a social and historical context. Interrelationships between music and society (function, context, structure, gender roles, political considerations). Instruments, life-cycle rites, genres, musical organizations, traditional musicians, contemporary popular music. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

153 ELECTRONIC MUSIC

History and development of electronic music. Investigation of the psychology of sound perception and principles of musical form. Incorporates techniques of composition, individual and group projects in the electronic music studio, weekly composition assignments, self-assessment techniques and development of criteria for evaluation. Studio techniques will include tape manipulation, analog and digital synthesis, sampling, computer control, and sound processing. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. (4 credits)

 

155 THE MUSIC OF BLACK AMERICANS

A survey of historical root and present synthesis music in African American culture. Extensive reading, aural/oral experience is a part of the course. Music literacy is helpful, but not required. Not offered 2007–2008. (4 credits)

 

213 THEORY III, FORM AND ANALYSIS

Analysis of musical forms and musical development techniques with emphasis on music of the common practice period; advanced harmonic ear training. Prerequisite: Music 114 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

257 JAZZ AND SOCIAL ISSUES

This course studies the history and development of Jazz music in America within the socio-economic and political context of the society. Models for analysis address the meaning and significance of Jazz music in American society. Students will think and write about music in a cross-cultural perspective. Class sessions will include guest lectures, live musical demonstrations, group projects; students will complete listening assignments and papers. Alternate years; next offered Spring 2009. (4 credits)

 

314 THEORY IV, CONTEMPORARY THEORY AND LITERATURE

Survey of contemporary music and modern compositional techniques with emphasis on analytical skills. Prerequisite: Music 213 or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

342 WESTERN MUSIC OF THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES

Study and analysis of music written during the baroque and classical eras, including stylistic developments and representative works. Questions of performance practice and the relationship between music and culture will also be addressed. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

343 WESTERN MUSIC OF THE 19TH CENTURY

Study and analysis of music written from the late 18th to the 20th century focusing on the stylistic shift from classicism to romanticism to modernism, including music from Beethoven to Mahler. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

344 MUSIC LITERATURE SINCE 1900

Study and analysis, focusing on the western concert tradition and including experimental works. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Not offered 2007–2008. (4 credits)

 

361 COMPOSITION

Instruction in composition starting with exercises in motific and harmonic manipulation of materials, and leading to directed composition for available performers. Meetings will be as a group and as individuals. Composers will have at least two works performed on scheduled evening concerts. Prerequisite: Music 213 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

370 CONDUCTING

Emphasizes basic techniques, including beat patterns, baton techniques, score preparation and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

488 SENIOR PROJECT

Intensive guided preparation for the presentation of a project involving recital performance, composition and/or music research. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Fall or spring semester. (1–4 credits)

 

604 TUTORIAL

Tutorials are available for advanced study. Typical areas include counterpoint, composition, advanced choral or instrumental conducting, orchestration, and research. Arrangements for tutorials must be made with the faculty supervisors concerned. See the Independent Study section of this catalog. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT

See the independent study section of this catalog. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

624 INTERNSHIP

See the independent study section of this catalog. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

634 PRECEPTORSHIP

See the independent study section of this catalog. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

Performance Studies; Ensemble participation and studio instruction.

 

1) Students can receive credit for successful completion of a sequence of studio instruction and/or ensemble participation. Studio instruction includes a brief performance review at the end of each semester. Credit is given in the following manner:

* Credit will be applied after completion of 2 consecutive semesters of the same studio instruction and/or ensemble participation. Consecutive semesters are usually fall-spring, but may be spring-fall.

* Credit for a single semester of studio instruction or ensemble participation is not awarded.

* Interruption of a sequence due to participation in an approved study abroad program is not considered a discontinuity.

 

2) Performance studies will be graded as follows:

* Students with music major/minor concentrations, those receiving fee waivers, and those in ensemble studies, will receive letter grades A/B/C/D/NC.

* General students without fee waivers have the option of letter grade A/B/C/D/NC or S/NC in studio instruction.

* A student must earn a grade of A,B,C,D, or S for each term to receive credit for the course.

 

Students receiving fee waivers or assistance for studio instruction must receive a grade of A, B, or C, or they will be required to pay the entire fee for the instruction.

 

3) A student may count no more than 8 credits for performance studies toward graduation, but no limit is placed on continued participation. Continued participation will appear on a student's transcript, but will not fulfill Macalester graduation requirements.

 

4) Credit for performance studies satisfies the general distribution requirement if four consecutive semesters of a single ensemble or performance medium are completed.

 

The grade a student receives for credit-bearing performance studies is computed in the student's cumulative GPA when the block of 2 consecutive semesters is completed.

 

Music Ensembles

 

Ensembles are open to all Macalester students. Selection of members is usually made on the basis of auditions in the fall. Students joining an ensemble are expected to remain active in it throughout both fall and spring terms. However, it is possible to audition to join an ensemble in the second term.

 

"Large" ensembles are Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Mac Jazz Band, Macalester Choir, MAC Singers, and African Music Ensemble.

Students with a major concentration in music are expected to participate in ensembles during their tenure at Macalester (generally eight semesters). Four of these semesters of ensemble participation must be in "large" ensembles. The department believes that music students should have the experience of performance in an ensemble conducted in the western tradition as part of their training. For this reason, majors are required to participate for at least 2 of the required 4 semesters in Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Macalester Choir, or MAC Singers.

 

NOTE: For students majoring in music, the Jazz Band and African Ensemble may fulfill only two of the necessary four semesters of participation in "large" ensembles.

 

Students with a minor in music should participate in ensembles for four semesters and in "large" ensembles for two semesters. They are also expected to take studio instruction for a minimum of four semesters.

 

72, 73 AFRICAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE

The Macalester African Music Ensemble performs traditional African music using voices and authentic instruments including drums, xylophones, flutes, bells and rattles, mbiras and gourds. The ensemble performs music reflecting a variety of African musical occasions and situations. (1 credit)

 

74, 75 MACALESTER CHOIR

A select group of singers. Presentation of choral music with and without accompaniment; performances on campus, in the community and on domestic and international tours. (1 credit)

 

76, 77 MAC SINGERS/MEN'S CHORUS/WOMEN'S CHOIR

Preparation and performance of choral works chosen to build good technique as to increase skills in reading and singing. (1 credit)

 

80, 81 MAC JAZZ BAND

An ensemble of the standard big band instrumentation. Preparation and performance of classical and contemporary big band jazz. Performances in concert and club situations, at festivals and on tour. (1 credit)

 

84, 85 HIGHLAND PIPE BAND

Instruction in the pipes and drums. Performances in events and competitions at Macalester, in the community, and nationally. There is no charge for Highland Pipe or Drumming lessons. (1 credit)

 

86, 87 WIND ENSEMBLE

Readings, preparation and performance of concert band literature, on campus and in the community. (1 credit)

 

88, 89 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Readings, preparation and performance of orchestral literature, on campus, in the community and on tour. (1 credit)

 

90, 91 OTHER ENSEMBLES

Including but not limited to:

 

Collegium Musicum: Collegium Musicum Macalestri specializes in instrumental and vocal music from the Medieval period through the Baroque. The Collegium players perform on college and personal collections of viols, recorders, crumhorns, kortholts, harpsichord, psaltry, harp, rebec, cornetto, sacbut, and a variety of percussion instruments. (1 credit)

 

Mac Jazz Workshop: The jazz workshop concentrates on creating combo arrangements with plenty of space for student soloists. Ensemble members are encouraged to write their own material. (1 credit)

 

Several well-established student-led ensembles deserve mention even though participants do not receive credit: The Sirens (female), the Traditions (male) and Scotch Tape (mixed) specialize in the performance of a cappella vocal music in a variety of popular styles. The Flying Fingers is a student-led ensemble performing folk music. The Voices of Tamani performs gospel music.

 

92, 93 CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES

A variety of chamber ensembles will be formed, each with a faculty coach. Rehearsal and performance schedules vary. These ensembles differ in size and kind, depending on the performers available. Students interested in forming a chamber ensemble should contact a faculty member. (1 credit)

 

Performance Instruction (Studio and Class)

Studio instruction may be taken by any Macalester student in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, guitar, recorder, bagpipes, standard orchestral instruments and some non-western instruments. The department houses a 56-rank Aeolian Skinner pipe organ, 26 Steinway pianos and two harpsichords; there is also a limited collection of orchestral instruments which may be used by students.

 

Students with major concentrations in music are also expected to take studio instruction in their performance area during each semester of residence as a major.

 

Studio instruction fees are currently $340 for 12 half-hour lessons per semester (fee subject to change). Macalester will pay 90% of instruction fees on the major instrument or voice for students with major or minor concentrations in music. A bulletin describing the studio instruction program in detail may be obtained from the music department coordinator (Room MU105).

 

70, 71 CLASS VOICE

This is an introductory singing class. Students prepare and perform songs on a regular basis. Special emphasis is given to performance practice and vocal technique. Class Voice is offered each semester. (1 credit)

 

94, 95 PRIVATE STUDIO INSTRUCTION

Studio instruction in instrument or voice. (1 credit)

 

96, 97 PIANO FOR PROFICIENCY

Intended for students with little or no prior experience at the piano, and for those students needing to develop sufficient piano skills in order to pass the departmental piano proficiency test. (1 credit)

 

99 PIANO FOR PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION (Passing grade of "S" only)

This is a non-credit course number used to document a music major/core/minor as having passed the required piano for proficiency examination.

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