Class Schedules

Formerly "Music Appreciation". This course will explore Western Art Music (a.k.a. "Classical Music") in order to better understand how music is constructed, what music means, what social history brought it about, what instruments are used in performance and what this music has in common with other art forms. No previous musical instruction is required. Fundamentals of music will be addressed in class to establish the ability to grasp musical forms, various styles and music history. Music from J. S. Bach to the present day will be heard, compared and, to a limited degree, analyzed.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

In this course, students will learn the basics of Western staff notation and explore melody, harmony, texture, and rhythm & meter in European classical music, as well as some other tonal genres, including pop, rock, and folk. Students will apply knowledge in written and online exercises, analysis activities, and music composition. In addition, students will learn how to convert sound into notation and notation into sound through ear training activities, including aural exercises, dictation, and sight singing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

The word "Passion" refers to the arrest, trial, and death of Jesus as narrated in the Christian gospels. This course will examine the rich tradition of vocal music inspired by this story, which includes secular works composed for concert performance. We'll begin with the two exemplar settings by Johann Sebastian Bach, his St. John Passion of 1724 and his St. Matthew Passion of 1727. Then, we'll discuss how Bach's models became a rich template for modern composers, who adapted the Passion story to address contemporary topics: class, race, gender, queerness, and more. Along the way, we'll read works of theology, music scholarship, concert reviews, and of course: we'll listen to lots of incredible music. The history of anti-Judaism looms large in relation to the Passion story; we will address this at length throughout the course. Assignments will consist mostly of short written responses with one longer paper. Class meetings will be a mix of lecture, listening/viewing sessions, and discussion.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

In this course, we explore recorded music since the 1950s, through the lens of musical borrowing, specifically cover song recordings. To this end, students will (1) examine cover versions of previously recorded songs and how the intersection of gender, sexuality, race, class, and genre through changing socio-historical and cultural contexts can shape different meanings listeners ascribe to the songs, (2) explore how artists covering other people's songs can emulate, pay homage to, comment upon, subvert meanings of, and create parodies of previously recorded works, (3) investigate and interrogate meanings around the concept of authenticity and its role in music criticism, and (4) apply basic musical analysis and transcription skills to aid the understanding of musical processes at play in various cover song recordings.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

This course will provide students with an enhanced knowledge of academic and public-sector activities related to music and well-being. Course topics include representing illness through performance, music and healing, music in health education, individual and social well-being, and arts activism. Through lectures, discussions, the close study of performance, and practice-based activities, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical know-how. While music will be a primary focus of the course, the role of theatre, dance, visual and other arts will also be considered. Course readings come from a variety of disciplinary approaches, including ethnomusicology, medical and health humanities, music therapy, and communications.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

The Uyghur are Central Asian Turkic Muslims residing in a minority autonomous region called Xinjiang in northwest China, which many of its natives prefer to call East Turkestan. Conflicts between the Uyghur and the Chinese state have turned into suppression and resistance over the past few decades, calling into question issues of sovereignty, human rights, minoritized identity, and social justice. This course introduces Uyghur culture, history, language, and art with an interdisciplinary focus. It addresses topics such as indigenous nationalism, representation, Islamophobia, racism, and mass incarceration, while also taking a critical look at discourses of pluralism, terrorism, and the “Silk Road.” We will listen closely to major genres of traditional and modern Uyghur music, and may be involved in a small-scale performance of an early modern Uyghur drama. There is no prerequisite; no prior knowledge of music, Uyghur or Turkic languages, or Chinese is assumed.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The release of jazz pianist Cecil Taylor's 1956 debut album, "Jazz Advance", established yet another artistic benchmark – experimental, virtuosic, individually and collectively expressive – that subsequent jazz musicians would need to reach, and surpass. Jazz history is full of such threshold moments, as each generation continued to elevate jazz – and thus the entire diaspora of Black America – to new artistic and socially progressive heights. This course will trace the advancement of jazz from a regional articulation of African-American culture (New Orleans at the turn of the twentieth century), to a diverse international phenomenon, one whose fundamental thrust has served as a foil to prevailing white hegemony. There are three basic aims: (1) a general historical survey of jazz's development, through primary source and scholarly readings, (2) an analysis of the stylistic evolution of jazz through the study of repertoire and recordings, and (3) critical analysis of race, gender, and cultural conflict throughout the ongoing legacy of what has been called one of America's great musical art forms. The course will be mildly technical, with some use of printed music, but mainly designed to be accessible to students of all musical backgrounds. A particular emphasis is placed on listening; students will become familiar by ear with a wide variety of jazz repertoire, artists, and styles.

General Education Requirements:
U.S. Identities and Differences

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

An introductory course in techniques of music composition.  Students will compose a portfolio of several short works for a variety of instruments and voices.  Topics of study include instrumentation, thematic expansion and development, enlargement of harmonic vocabulary, analysis, study of contemporary music repertoire, frequent listening, and score study.  A class concert will be organized for works to receive their world premiere by visiting guest artists. Prerequisite(s): MUSI 113 or permission of the instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

The Macalester Wind Ensemble performs music in a wide variety of styles, from as early as the 17th century to the classics of band literature, to music composed within the last few years. It is open without audition to wind and percussion students with at least high-school level performance skills.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Study of traditional African music through performance modes of drumming, singing, flutes, marimba, gyil, and dancing. Instrumental and vocal pieces will be selected from a variety of musical styles such as unaccompanied vocal chants, songs, music from life cycle events, royal music and music for social and other festive occasions. The repertoire includes music from Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Concert Choir is the advanced, select vocal ensemble of Macalester College, directed by Michael McGaghie. Members are held to an exceptional standard of musicianship and commitment. The choir draws its repertoire from music of the last six centuries and tours annually through the United States or abroad. The ensemble commissions and premieres at least one new work every year. Membership is open to all Macalester students by audition. Three 90-minute rehearsals per week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Chorale is the large choral ensemble of Macalester College, directed by Michael McGaghie. The choir's repertoire includes a cappella and accompanied music from various Western and non-Western vocal traditions. The Chorale and Concert Choir combine annually to perform a major work with orchestra. Membership is open to all Macalester students by audition. Two 90-minute rehearsals per week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Macalester Asian Music Ensemble performs chamber genres and repertoires from across Asia. Students may choose to specialize in one or more of the music traditions represented by the department's instrument collections and faculty expertise. These include, but are not limited to, Javanese gamelan, East and Southeast Asian chamber instrumental music, as well as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian traditions. We perform two major concerts (fall and spring) every academic year, and take part in a number of College and outside events and performances.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Jazz and Popular Music Combos are open to all who wish to concentrate on repertoire, improvisation and original music. Students will focus on developing their composition and performance skills while exploring many different styles of contemporary music. The combos present two concerts each year.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Bagpipe and highland drum lessons are available free of charge to all students. Beginners and musicians of any experience level are encouraged to participate in lessons and/or ensemble.  We perform traditional and modern music at concert and competitions.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Chamber Music program offers an opportunity for students to explore and perform repertoire for small ensembles. All instrumentalists and vocalists are eligible to participate and entrance is by audition or by arrangement with Mr. Mandarano. Students who are accepted into Chamber Music are placed in various ensembles and over the course of the semester immerse themselves in learning a challenging and varied repertoire. Rehearsal times are arranged based on schedule availability and individual practice is required. Ensembles receive periodic coaching from department faculty or professional studio instructors and there is least one performance required per semester. Examples of chamber ensemble include: string quartet, piano trio, woodwind quintet, brass sextet, piano trio, flute and clarinet choirs.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Macalester Symphony Orchestra prepares and performs a wide range of repertoire for symphony orchestra from the time of Bach to the present day, including the music of living composers. Playing in the orchestra blends individual and group achievement to build toward several challenging, rewarding performances each semester. Social interaction among the members of the orchestra is facilitated by various events, including orchestra dinners and a brief tour. In the spring semester, there is a concerto competition concert, featuring student soloists. Auditions for orchestra are held at the start of the fall semester. Space permitting, a limited number of students may be able to join at the start of the spring semester.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Historical performance has changed the aesthetic and musical experiences of audiences all over the world. The new ways to interpret music before 1750 has changed the way the audiences listen to this kind of music. Macalester Early Music Ensemble approaches instrumental and vocal music from Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque period. No audition needed.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Development of keyboard (piano) technique and performance/analytical skills complementary both to the music theory curriculum and the general study of music. Technical foundations and repertoire study. 1 credit awarded upon successful completion of the semester. May be repeated for credit.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Development of keyboard (piano) technique and performance/analytical skills complementary both to the music theory curriculum and the general study of music. Technical foundations and repertoire study. 1 credit awarded upon successful completion of the semester. May be repeated for credit.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Development of keyboard (piano) technique and performance/analytical skills complementary both to the music theory curriculum and the general study of music. Technical foundations and repertoire study. 1 credit awarded upon successful completion of the semester. May be repeated for credit.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

In this course, students will learn the basics of Western staff notation and explore melody, harmony, texture, and rhythm & meter in European classical music, as well as some other tonal genres, including pop, rock, and folk. Students will apply knowledge in written and online exercises, analysis activities, and music composition. In addition, students will learn how to convert sound into notation and notation into sound through ear training activities, including aural exercises, dictation, and sight singing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

Electronic music composition explores the art of creating experimental sound compositions using analog and digital technology. Although we will survey the historical development of electronic music, the emphasis of the class is on composition, including multi-media and experimental work. The class format includes listening, discussion, lab sessions and a final concert showcasing works created throughout the semester.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

This course in elementary Hindustani (North Indian) vocal music exposes the student to the foundational concepts of raga and tala with historical and cultural context through hands-on vocal lessons and exercises, audio/video material, concert experience, classroom discussions, and writing assignments. My effort will be geared toward teaching the fundamentals of Indian Classical Music using voice as the principal instrument. Through this course, I will attempt to try and convey the wonder of one of the most ancient and complex systems of the world. This course aims at tuning the learners’ eyes and ears to the source of true enjoyment and understanding of the fantastic heritage of North Indian Raga Music.The course is designed to: broaden your musical and cultural horizons; gain a greater appreciation and understanding of various genres and instruments of Indian music; develop the ability to sing (or play) basic Hindustani music.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

In this course, students will study chromatic harmony based in European classical and romantic music and some popular musical genres and learn about some common large-scale form designs, such as binary, ternary, song form, and forms associated with pop & rock music. Students will apply knowledge in written and online exercises, analysis activities, and music composition. In addition, students will develop skills in converting sound into notation and notation into sound through ear training activities, including aural exercises, dictation, and sight singing. Prerequisite(s): MUSI 113

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Language and music are two uniquely human enterprises with a number of parallels: both rely on sound and convention, display hierarchical organization and culturally-specific practices, and can convey both communicative and social meaning. This course examines the intersection of language and music from a linguistic perspective. We will engage with questions such as: How can syntax, phonology, and morphology change between spoken and sung language? How do speakers of tone languages understand lyrics in sung melodies? Is hip hop different in different languages? What does it mean to study melody and rhythm in speech? Can music help people learn languages? How do drum- and whistle-languages work? How does music contribute to language revitalization? No musical ability is required.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WC

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Calling all weirdos! Artists, dancers, musicians, actors — writers. This is a class for anyone who wants to learn to transmute artistic experiences into words. We will look at visual art, listen to music, and watch theatrical and dance performances, and in response, we’ll practice different modes of incorporating our reactions into our creative and critical writing. We’ll read fiction, poetry, personal essays, reviews, etc. and we’ll try our hands at each form, gaining a sense of what is involved in describing the color of a cello’s sound, the gestures of a dancing body, or the intangible emotions we feel when we stand in front of a painting. In a final project, students will choose an artistic form and a mode of response and develop a larger-scale piece of writing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The contemporary period (20th-21st centuries) in music history is a complex epoch characterized by progressive growth across multiple domains:  harmony, rhythm, texture, style.  This course investigates the ideologies behind the many new ways of thinking about and creating modern music, and surveys the major music-makers of the period (Debussy to Miles Davis and beyond) and their works. Prerequisite(s): MUSI 113

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

In this course, students will explore how gender is constructed in a variety of American and European musical styles and contexts, with an emphasis on popular genres. Learning objectives include for students to: (1) better understand the intersectional ways in which gender relates to and is informed by other aspects of identity formation, including class, race, and sexuality, (2) investigate issues that have affected women's participation in musical life, such as musical canons, gendered musical discourse, and gender stereotypes, (3) explore contributions of trans and non-binary musicians, as well as issues that affect their musical lives, (4) interrogate constructions of gender, masculinity, and femininity as they relate to music, and (5) to develop reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and argumentative writing skills.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
U.S. Identities and Differences

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

Emphasizes basic techniques, including beat patterns, baton techniques, score preparation and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

This course provides a critical and historical introduction to opera from the early eighteenth century to the present. No background in music is required: the course is meant to serve students wanting a first experience with the art form as well as those who come with some experience and wish to deepen their engagement. If you've ever been curious about what all the fuss is about opera, this course is for you! We will occasionally look at musical scores, but students without skills in reading Western musical notation may succeed in the course by focusing on other aspects of opera (e.g. the text of the opera and its source material, performance and staging, critical reception history) in their written work. Along with the close study of individual operas on a variety of subjects--myth and legend, politics and religion, the bourgeois center and its margins--we will read critical commentary that contextualizes these artworks within the history of ideas. We will be interested above all in the ways in which opera tells us what it sounds like, and feels like, to be human.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts

Course Materials

The Macalester Wind Ensemble performs music in a wide variety of styles, from as early as the 17th century to the classics of band literature, to music composed within the last few years. It is open without audition to wind and percussion students with at least high-school level performance skills.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Study of traditional African music through performance modes of drumming, singing, flutes, marimba, gyil, and dancing. Instrumental and vocal pieces will be selected from a variety of musical styles such as unaccompanied vocal chants, songs, music from life cycle events, royal music and music for social and other festive occasions. The repertoire includes music from Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Concert Choir is the advanced, select vocal ensemble of Macalester College, directed by Michael McGaghie. Members are held to an exceptional standard of musicianship and commitment. The choir draws its repertoire from music of the last six centuries and tours annually through the United States or abroad. The ensemble commissions and premieres at least one new work every year. Membership is open to all Macalester students by audition. Three 90-minute rehearsals per week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Chorale is the large choral ensemble of Macalester College, directed by Michael McGaghie. The choir's repertoire includes a cappella and accompanied music from various Western and non-Western vocal traditions. The Chorale and Concert Choir combine annually to perform a major work with orchestra. Membership is open to all Macalester students by audition. Two 90-minute rehearsals per week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Jazz and Popular Music Combos are open to all who wish to concentrate on repertoire, improvisation and original music. Students will focus on developing their composition and performance skills while exploring many different styles of contemporary music. The combos present two concerts each year.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Bagpipe and highland drum lessons are available free of charge to all students. Beginners and musicians of any experience level are encouraged to participate in lessons and/or ensemble.  We perform traditional and modern music at concert and competitions.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Chamber Music program offers an opportunity for students to explore and perform repertoire for small ensembles. All instrumentalists and vocalists are eligible to participate and entrance is by audition or by arrangement with Mr. Mandarano. Students who are accepted into Chamber Music are placed in various ensembles and over the course of the semester immerse themselves in learning a challenging and varied repertoire. Rehearsal times are arranged based on schedule availability and individual practice is required. Ensembles receive periodic coaching from department faculty or professional studio instructors and there is least one performance required per semester. Examples of chamber ensemble include: string quartet, piano trio, woodwind quintet, brass sextet, piano trio, flute and clarinet choirs.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The Macalester Symphony Orchestra prepares and performs a wide range of repertoire for symphony orchestra from the time of Bach to the present day, including the music of living composers. Playing in the orchestra blends individual and group achievement to build toward several challenging, rewarding performances each semester. Social interaction among the members of the orchestra is facilitated by various events, including orchestra dinners and a brief tour. In the spring semester, there is a concerto competition concert, featuring student soloists. Auditions for orchestra are held at the start of the fall semester. Space permitting, a limited number of students may be able to join at the start of the spring semester.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Historical performance has changed the aesthetic and musical experiences of audiences all over the world. The new ways to interpret music before 1750 has changed the way the audiences listen to this kind of music. Macalester Early Music Ensemble approaches instrumental and vocal music from Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque period. No audition needed.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Development of keyboard (piano) technique and performance/analytical skills complementary both to the music theory curriculum and the general study of music. Technical foundations and repertoire study. 1 credit awarded upon successful completion of the semester. May be repeated for credit.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Development of keyboard (piano) technique and performance/analytical skills complementary both to the music theory curriculum and the general study of music. Technical foundations and repertoire study. 1 credit awarded upon successful completion of the semester. May be repeated for credit.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Development of keyboard (piano) technique and performance/analytical skills complementary both to the music theory curriculum and the general study of music. Technical foundations and repertoire study. 1 credit awarded upon successful completion of the semester. May be repeated for credit.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials