Music (MU and MP)
Courses in music theory, musicology (ethnomusicology as well as Western music history and literature), performance, music technology, composition, and ensemble participation comprise the wide array of offerings open to all interested students (whether Major or non-Major).
Students considering a Music Major or Minor should start with MU 200 Thinking About Music and/or a music theory course appropriate to the student’s level of experience (see below). All of these courses are offered every semester and can be taken flexibly: MU 200 may be taken before, after, or concurrently with music theory.
Entry-level theory courses include: MU 101 Rudiments of Music for students with little or no training in musical notation; MU 141 Foundations of Theory and Musicianship for students with experience reading only one clef; or MU 241 Materials and Structures, for students with experience reading bass and treble clefs and/or with some background in written theory. (A diagnostic test given during the first class session of MU 141 and MU 241 will help to determine student placement; the respective teachers of MU 141 and MU 241 may also be consulted with questions about placement prior to the start of classes.)
Private instruction is available on most instruments, voice, and jazz improvisation and carries an additional course fee that can be partially subsidized through scholarships. In addition, class study of piano, voice, jazz piano, and guitar are available without a fee to beginning students.
Ensembles (available for academic credit) include Chorus, Orchestra, Concert Band, Vocal Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Big Band, Small Jazz Ensembles, Chamber Music Groups (brass, winds and strings), and non-Western Ensembles. Contact the individual ensemble director for information about enrollment and possible audition/interview. All-College requirements in Humanities and in Arts may be fulfilled in various ways in the Music Department through designated classes, lessons, and ensembles.
If you plan to take private lessons or participate in an ensemble, you should proceed to enroll yourself in these courses alongside the rest of your fall schedule while you await a response to your Music Interest Questionnaire.
Contact Vicki Tremper in the department office for information regarding enrollment, fees, and scholarships:
Vicki Tremper
Administrative Assistant, Dept. of Music
vtremper@skidmore.edu
518-580-5320
111 Zankel Music Center
Interested students should fill out the Music Interest Questionnaire before the fall term begins.
Music Interest Questionnaire
Recommended courses for a prospective major
Fall 2023
Music Theory based on placement (see note above): MU 101, MU 141, or MU 241
and/or
MU 200 Thinking About Music
Spring 2024
Music Theory based on placement (see note above): MU 101, MU 141, or MU 241
and/or
MU 200 Thinking About Music