Accompanists: *Patricia Hadfield, *Patricia Keyes, *Starr Norman
The Department of Music offers courses in five areas of musical study:
musicology/ethnomusicology, music theory, music technology, individual
musical performance, and ensemble performance. These courses meet the
needs of music majors and minors and students whose concentrations lie
in other disciplines.
THE MUSIC MAJOR: Students majoring in music receive a bachelor of arts
degree. Students contemplating a major should consult as early as
possible with the department chair and with an instructor in the
musical area of greatest interest to formulate a course of study.
Students majoring in music are required to complete the following:
MU241,
242, and
243,
normally to be completed by the end of the sophomore year;
One 300-level topics seminar/survey in the Western classical tradition
(MU314,
315,
316,
317,
or an appropriate topics seminar);
One 300-level topics seminar/survey in a non-Western or popular music tradition
(MU304,
306,
307,
309,
320,
or an appropriate topics seminar);
Three semesters of private musical instruction in one area of performance; and
Three semesters of ensemble performance selected from course offerings under
Skidmore Ensembles.
To enroll in
MU241, students must pass a diagnostic exam administered
during the first week of the fall semester. The department strongly
urges majors to acquire keyboard skills as early as possible in their
musical studies. Before enrolling in
MU242, students must demonstrate keyboard proficiency
by passing a departmental exam or by successfully completing
MP197. Students lacking the required proficiency
must enroll in MP197 concurrently with MU242.
HONORS: Departmental honors for senior music majors are recommended on
the basis of a distinguished academic career documented by department
GPA (3.5 or higher for all work in MP courses; 3.5 or higher for all
work in MU courses), faculty recommendation, and a high level of
accomplishment on a department approved senior project (recital,
thesis, composition, or music-technology project).
THE MUSIC MINOR: Students must complete the following:
three semesters of private musical instruction in one area of performance; and
three semesters of ensemble selected from course offerings listed under
Skidmore Ensembles.
PRIVATE MUSICAL INSTRUCTION
(MP281,
MP281X):
Private instruction in instrumental or vocal performance is available to all students on an
audition/interview basis and as studio space permits. The fee for
private instruction is $450 per semester for forty five-minute lessons,
$600 per semester for one-hour lessons. Students majoring in music are
exempt from these fees during four semesters of private
instruction. Scholarship aid is available for all students; see the
department chair for details.
MUSICOLOGY
MU 100. INTRODUCTION
TO MUSIC 3
An introduction to concepts of musical style and structure in compositions representative of
different historical periods with an aim to deepen the musical
listening experience. Examination of the relationship of music
to the humanities. Primarily for nonmajors. (Fulfills humanities
requirement.) The Department
MU 101. RUDIMENTS
OF MUSIC 3
An introduction to musical notation, sight singing and ear training,
and rudimentary concepts of music theory. Students learn material that
can be applied to further study in music theory, some areas of
performance, and other courses. Open to students with no prior musical
experience. Students successfully mastering the material in MU101 must
also pass the department's diagnostic exam to enroll in
MU241.
(Fulfills humanities requirement.) The Department
MU 103. THE
SYMPHONY 3
Major symphonic works from Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven to Brahms, Mahler, and composers of the
twentieth century. (Fulfills humanities requirement.) The Department
MU 106. GREAT
COMPOSERS† 3
A course focused on the music of one or two great composers. Recent offerings have included
Mozart, Bach, Debussy and Ravel, and Schubert. (Fulfills humanities
requirement.) T. Denny
MU 205. SPECIAL STUDIES IN MUSIC
LITERATURE† 3, 4
The Department
MU 208. MUSIC AND CULTURE 4
An intercultural introduction to music as culture. Topics include voice types, instrument
categorizations, pitch and time systems, musical structure,
transcription/notation, and ethnography. Prerequisite:MU241 (or current enrollment in MU241) or permission of instructor.
(Fulfills humanities requirement.) The Department
MU 208W. MUSIC AND CULTURE 4
An intercultural introduction to music as culture. Topics include voice types, instrument
categorizations, pitch and time systems, musical structure,
transcription/notation, and ethnography. Prerequisite:MU241 (or current enrollment in MU241) or permission of instructor.
(Fulfills humanities requirement; meets expository writing requirement
for students who placed at EN105 level or who have completed EN103.) G. Thompson
MU 220. BRITISH
ROCK AND POPULAR MUSIC IN THE 1960S 3
An introduction to the musicians
and musical styles of British rock and roll and pop music in
the 1960s. Subjects will include the antecedents of British
rock, the social contexts in which it flourished, and the evolution
of the musical styles and forms in this milieu. (Fulfills humanities
requirement.) G. Thompson
MU 304. AMERICAN MUSIC 3
A survey of American music from its beginnings to its contemporary developments; includes study
of the influence of folk music, jazz, and rock upon the mainstream
of American musical life.
(Fulfills humanities requirement.) C. Joseph
MU 306. HISTORY OF JAZZ
IN AMERICA 3
A study of the evolution of jazz in America from its roots in various types of black folk music
to its eventual emergence as an eclectic, contemporary art form.
Special emphasis will be placed on the sociological implications
of jazz as a genre of serious black music. Some consideration
may be given to gospel, soul, and rock music, all of which are
close relatives of jazz. Prerequisite:MU101, equivalent knowledge of music notation and theory,
or permission instructor. T. Denny
MU 307. MUSIC AND SOCIETY 3
An introduction to interdisciplinary approaches to the study of music including the sociology, anthropology,
and psychology of music. These approaches will be applied in
selected areas such as education, religion, non-Western music,
and popular music. (Fulfills humanities
requirement.) G. Thompson
MU 309. MUSIC
IN SOUTH ASIA 3
An examination of the major musical phenomena of the Indian subcontinent and their historical and
cultural background. Topics include Hindustani and Karnatak
classical musical styles, religious music, popular music, and
selected regional genres. Prerequisite:MU101 or permission of instructor.
(Designated a non-Western culture course.) G. Thompson
MU 314. MUSIC
IN THE MIDDLE AGES AND RENAISSANCE 3
Major compositional genres and
stylistic trends in Western music from its beginnings through
the sixteenth century. Prerequisite:MU242 or consent of
instructor. T. Denny, D. Rohr
MU 315. MUSIC
IN THE BAROQUE AND PRE-CLASSICAL ERAS 3
A survey of major compositional genres and stylistic trends in Western music from about 1600
to 1750. Prerequisite:MU242 or consent of
instructor. T. Denny, C. Joseph
MU 316. MUSIC
IN THE CLASSICAL AND ROMANTIC ERAS 3
A survey of the major compositional
genres and stylistic trends in Western music from 1750 to 1900. Prerequisite:MU242 or consent of instructor. T. Denny
MU 317. MUSIC
IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 3
Beginning with the major composers of the turn of the century, such as Debussy, Mahler, and Ives,
the course examines the important trends before 1950: impressionism,
neoclassicism, and twelve-tone technique; also more recent developments
in electronic, serial and "theater" music. Prerequisite:MU242 or consent of instructor. C. Joseph
MU 319. TOPICS
IN MUSICOLOGY† 3
Selected topics and issues in musicology, to be announced when offered. Prerequisite:
Consent of instructor. The Department
MU 320. POPULAR
MUSIC IN THE AGE OF ROCK AND ROLL 3
A selective survey and analysis of the musical forms, styles, and figures associated with rock
and roll in the 1950s and 1960s. Included is a discussion of
the musical antetypes of rock and the impact and import of sociocultural
and technological change on the popular music of this era. Class
involves extensive listening assignments, musical analyses,
and essays. Prerequisite:MU101, equivalent knowledge of
music notation and theory, or permission of instructor. G. Thompson
THEORY-COMPOSITION
MU 101. RUDIMENTS OF MUSIC 3
An introduction to musical notation, sightsinging and ear training, and rudimentary concepts of music
theory. Mastery of this material is a prerequisite to further
study in music theory
MU241), some areas of performance,
and other courses. Open to students with no prior musical experience.
(Fulfills humanities requirement.) The Department
MU 107. AURAL
SKILLS† 1
Development of ear-training skills by means of exercises in singing (prepared and at sight) and
aural analysis (including dictation). Will require extensive
practice outside of class and performance in class. Prerequisite:
MU101; or completion or current enrollment in
MU241 or permission of the instructor.
Non-liberal arts. A. Turner
MU 241. MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES I 4
Following a brief review of the rudiments of pitch, rhythm, and meter,
students will study the principles of species counterpoint and then proceed
to write and analyze diatonic tonal harmony, with reference to musical
literature, style, form, and compositional process. Diatonic tonal syntax is
the foundation of Western art music from the 17th through the 19th centuries,
as well as some jazz and popular musics up to the present time. Examples will
be chosen from a wide range of historical periods, musical styles, and
traditions. (Fulfills humanities requirement.)
Prerequisite: Diagnostic exam. B. Givan, D. Rohr
MU 242. MATERIALS
AND STRUCTURES II 4
The second semester of theory will continue with the addition of chromatic
harmony and the literature, style, forms, and compositional procedures
associated with these expanded harmonic techniques, which appear in Western
art music from the 18th to at least the early 20th centuries, and jazz.
Topics will include chromatic chords, the resurgence of linear contrapuntal
processes, modulation, and techniques that pushed to and beyond the limits
of tonal harmony, such as expanded tertian chords, linear chromaticism, and
finally the symmetrical scales and interval patterns associated with the
dissolution of functional tonality.
Prerequisite:MU241, plus keyboard proficiency or concurrent enrollment in
MP197. B. Givan, D. Rohr
MU 243. MATERIALS
AND STRUCTURES III 4
This semester will introduce students to the compositional and analytical
procedures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Topics will include the
set-theoretical experiments of the atonal period, the 12-tone serialism of
the mid-20th century, and the wide variety of influences (folk music,
non-Western musics, jazz, and popular musics, as well as ongoing points of
influence and connection from the harmony and counterpoint of Western art
music) adopted by composers during these years. Students will develop
systematic, critical approaches to the range of contemporary musical styles
and possibilities as they choose their own musical pathways.
Prerequisite:MU242. B. Givan, D. Rohr
MU 255. MUSIC
TECHNOLOGY I: INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC MUSIC, COMPOSITION,
AND RECORDING STUDIO TECHNIQUES 3
Introduction to basic music technology, electronic music, and professional recording studio techniques
and equipment. Study of elementary acoustics, MIDI, synthesizers,
microphones, analog and digital multitrack recording, sound
mixing, and processing. Introduction to works in various styles
by established electronic composers. Weekly studio/lab work.
Prerequisites: ability to read music and QR1. (Fulfills
QR2 requirement.) Studio fee: $50. A. Holland
MU 353. MUSIC
TECHNOLOGY II: ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MUSIC, COMPOSITION, AND RECORDING
STUDIO TECHNIQUES 3
Development of original compositions using advanced studio techniques. Areas of study include advanced
MIDI projects, computer algorithms for composition and sound
synthesis, synthesizer programming, audio (SMPTE)and video (VITC)
time code synchronization, digital sampling, digital multitrack
recording, automated digital mixing, digital mastering for compact
disk, and audio for video. Study of works in various styles
by established electronic composers. Weekly studio/lab work. Prerequisite:MU255 or permission of instructor.
Studio fee: $50. A. Holland
MU 354. ANALYSIS
OF TONAL MUSIC 3
Development of analytical techniques relevant to music of the tonal era. Prerequisite:MU242
or consent of instructor. C. Joseph, D. Rohr
MU 355. ORCHESTRATION 3
Study of the capabilities of orchestral instruments and ways they may be combined. Detailed
examination of scores. Orchestration projects. Prerequisite:MU242 or consent of instructor. A. Holland
MU 356. TONAL COUNTERPOINT 3
Study of the contrapuntal style of J.S. Bach and his contemporaries. Analysis and writing of
inventions, chorale preludes, and fugues. Prerequisite:MU243 or
MU242 or consent of instructor. C. Joseph, D. Rohr
MU 357, 358. COMPOSITION 3, 3
Writing in smaller forms for various media. Prerequisite:MU243 or
242 or consent of instructor. A. Holland
MU 359, 360. ADVANCED COMPOSITION 3, 3
Continuation of MU357, 358 including writing in larger forms. Prerequisite:MU357,
358 or consent of instructor. A. Holland
MU 361. TOPICS IN RECORDING ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER MUSIC
TECHNOLOGY† 3
The study and practical application of advanced music technology topics chosen at the discretion
of the instructor. Topics may include advanced MIDI applications;
recording engineering, production, and marketing; digital synthesis,
recording, and editing; intelligent synchronization; programming
languages for synthesis and studies in psychoacoustics. Course
may be repeated for credit with the permission of the department. Prerequisites:MU255,
353.
Studio fee: $50. Non-liberal arts. A. Holland
MU 362. JAZZ THEORY 4
Surveys major theoretical models in jazz theory since the field
emerged in the 1950s. Students will learn the terms and concepts used
in jazz theory, become acquainted with the academic literature on jazz
theory, and analyze musical recordings and transcriptions through both
oral presentations and written assignments. Prerequisite:MU242. B. Givan
SEMINARS AND INDEPENDENT PROJECTS
MU 299. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN MUSIC† 3
Internship opportunity for students whose curricular foundations and cocurricular experience have
prepared them for professional work related to the major field.
With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may
extend their educational experience into such areas as arts
administration, recording, and archival work. Prerequisite:
Permission of the supervising faculty member and approval
by the department. Non-liberal arts.
MU 344, 345. TOPICS
SEMINAR† 3–4
Specialized studies in topics to be announced each semester. Primarily for juniors and qualified
sophomores. Prerequisite:MU242 or permission of instructor.
(MU345N is designated a non-Western course.) The Department
MU 363. SENIOR SEMINAR 4
Offered in the fall semester. Advanced group study of a topic
with individuals progressing through the stages of writing a
research paper. Common discussion of individual projects
emphasizes research as a process of shared inquiry. Students
practice research methods, present work in progress, and
complete a substantial paper, which may serve as the
foundation for a senior project or thesis.
MU 371, 372. INDEPENDENT
STUDY† 3, 3
An opportunity for qualified students to pursue independent study, under the supervision
of a member of the department, in any field of music. Prerequisite:
Consent of the instructor and approval of the
department. The Department
MU 373. SENIOR THESIS 3
Independent study and research culminating in an extensive paper and an oral symposium presentation.
Thesis proposal must be submitted for departmental approval
by November 15 of the senior year. Prerequisite:MU363. The Department
MU 374. SENIOR COMPOSITION PROJECT 3
Independent creative project culminating in one or more compositions and an oral symposium
presentation (with performance, if possible). Project proposal
must be submitted for departmental approval by November 15 of the senior year.
Prerequisite:MU363.
Non-liberal arts. The Department
MP 375. SENIOR RECITAL 3
Independent study and musical preparation culminating in a public recital, a written discussion
of the repertoire performed, and an oral symposium presentation
regarding some aspect of the recital. Includes weekly one-hour
lessons. Approval for presenting senior recitals is determined
by audition, normally held in the semester preceding the recital
before the department faculty. Students may not enroll concurrently
for MP Private Instruction. Prerequisite:MU363,
may be taken concurrently Lesson fee: $600. Non-liberal arts.
MU 376. SENIOR
PROJECT IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 3
Independent project culminating in a substantial product in an appropriate medium and format,
and an oral symposium presentation. Project proposal must be
submitted to the chair for departmental approval by November
15 of the senior year. Prerequisite:MU363.
Non-liberal arts. The Department
MU 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN MUSIC 3, 6, 9
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic
and cocurricular experience in the major field. With faculty
sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their
educational experience into such areas as arts administration,
recording, and archival work. Prerequisite: Previous
study related to the area of the internship experience. Permission
of the supervising faculty member and approval by the department.
Non-liberal arts.
PERFORMANCE
MP 179. BEGINNING
WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING I 2
This class study of instrumental
performance covers hand drumming techniques, bell and shaker
patterns, development of specific Ghanaian polyrhythms, and
the cultural context from which this music arises. Limited to
twenty-fivefifteen students. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Fee: $55. Y.
Addy
MP 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188. CLASS STUDY OF VOICE 1, 1
Use of the singing voice. Study and application of the principles and techniques of singing:
breathing, tone production, resonance and diction, pronunciation,
articulation, intonation, attack of tone, legato and sostenuto,
flexibility, dynamics, and phrasing. Repertory chosen to illustrate
different stylistic periods. Students participate in a recital
at the end of the semester. (MP181 and 182 fulfill arts requirement.) N. Davidsen
MP 191. CLASS STUDY OF PIANO 2
For students with no special background in music or piano. Emphasis is on reading skills
and development of keyboard technique. Fundamental concepts
of music theory (rhythm, intervals, scales, chords, keys) will
be included. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
Non-liberal arts. C. A. Elze
MP 193. CLASS STUDY OF GUITAR 2
For those with little or no guitar
experience, this course is designed to prepare the student for
private lessons. The course covers all aspects of guitar technique
including scales, arpeggios, chords, and right hand styles.
Musicianship skills including note and rhythm reading will be
stressed. Each student must provide her or his own acoustic
guitar.(Fulfills arts requirement.) Non-liberal arts. J. Brown
MP 195. CLASS
STUDY OF JAZZ PIANO 2
Study of jazz piano voicings, scales, and modes for improvisation. Left-hand chording patterns,
harmonic structures, and accompanying scales will be emphasized.
Other areas of study will include diatonic and chromatic voice
leading, phrasing and solo development, functional harmony,
bass lines, and solo jazz piano technique. Class will read selected
jazz charts and listen to and analyze contemporary and historical
jazz pianists. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
Non-liberal arts. J. Nazarenko
MP 197. KEYBOARD SKILLS 1
Application of fundamental theoretical concepts at the keyboard. Functional skills to include control
of simple diatonic and chromatic chordal harmony, independent
voicing, modal and scalar patterns, elementary transposition,
and sight-reading. Course materials are keyed to concepts covered in
MU241 and 242. Successful completion of MP197 will satisfy
the department's keyboard proficiency requirement for all music
majors. Prerequisite:MU241 or permission of instructor. P. Baytelman
MP 198. CLASS
STUDY OF INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE 1
Group instruction in instrumental performance areas, including jazz improvisation, not covered
by MP181–188 or 191–197. To be announced when offered. Permission
of instructor required. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
MP 199. WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING II 2
This class study of instrumental performance builds on the skills and
cultural knowledge acquired in MP 179 and covers more advanced hand
drumming techniques, bell and shaker patterns, Ghanaian polyrhythms,
and the cultural context from which this music arises. Limited to
fifteen students. Prerequisite:MP179 and permission of the
instructor. Fee: $55.
MP 281, 381. PRIVATE MUSICAL INSTRUCTION 2, 2
Individual forty-five-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano,
guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation.
Prospective students accepted by audition/interview. (Fulfills
arts requirement.) The fee for forty-five-minute private instruction
is $450 per course.
MP 281X, 381X. PRIVATE MUSICAL INSTRUCTION 2, 2
Individual sixty-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano,
guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation.
At least one semester of sixty-minute lessons is required for
any student preparing a full recital. Prospective students accepted
by audition/interview. (Fulfills arts requirement.) The fee
for sixty-minute private instruction is $600 per course.
MU 385. CONDUCTING 3
Basic techniques of orchestral and choral conducting, score study and analysis. Prerequisite:MU242. A. Holland
SKIDMORE ENSEMBLES
MP 273. OPERA/MUSICAL
WORKSHOP† 1
A course/performing ensemble designed to equip singers with acting and movement skills for
the stage. Classes and rehearsals will culminate in public performance
of scenes or complete works from the opera/musical theater repertoire.
Open by audition and interview only. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
Non-liberal arts. A. Turner
MP 275, 276. SMALL JAZZ
ENSEMBLE† 1,1
Jazz improvisation and performance in a small combo setting. Open by audition. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
Non-liberal arts. J. Nazarenko
MP 277, 278. VOCAL CHAMBER
ENSEMBLE† 1,1
A select ensemble, drawn from members of the Skidmore College Chorus, performing a wide range
of repertoire from all periods, including madrigals, part-songs,
choral works, and operatic ensembles. Limited to twenty singers;
open by audition only.
MP 279, 280. WEST AFRICAN DRUM
ENSEMBLE† 1,1
An ensemble devoted to the performance
of traditional drum music from Ghana. Prerequisites:MP179 and MP199. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
Fee: $50. Non-liberal arts. Y. Addy
MP 285, 286. SKIDMORE GUITAR
ENSEMBLE† 1, 1
An ensemble devoted to the performance
of classical guitar music in combination with other instruments
and voice. Open by audition only. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
Non-liberal arts. J. Brown
MP 287, 288. SKIDMORE
CHORUS† 1, 1
A large ensemble open to men and women singers. Annual tours and invitational concerts provide
opportunities to sing major choral works with other colleges
and universities. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Non-liberal arts.
MP 289, 290. SKIDMORE
ORCHESTRA† 1, 1
One three-hour rehearsal per week. Open by audition.
(Fulfills arts requirement.) A. Holland
MP 293, 294. SKIDMORE JAZZ
ENSEMBLE† 1, 1
One two-hour rehearsal per week. Open by audition.
(Fulfills arts requirement.) M. Vinci
MP 297, 298. CHAMBER
MUSIC† 1, 1
Qualified students in piano, harpsichord, strings and woodwinds may participate in smaller
ensembles: trios, quartets, quintets, etc. Open by audition.
(Fulfills arts requirement.) M. Emery, G.M. Green, J. Vinci
†This
course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the department.
