Note: Courses in music theory include 50:700:125, 161, 162, 205, 206, 225, 226, 321, 325, and 421.
50:700:125 Introduction to Music Theory (3)
An introduction to the elements of tonal music. Provides students with an understanding of rhythm, pitch, keyboard, scales, key signatures, intervals, and triads. Intended primarily for non-majors and minors.
50:700:161 Basic Musicianship I (2)
Provides intensive work in sight singing; dictation of melody, rhythm, and harmony; score reading; and keyboard harmony. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or permission of instructor.
50:700:162 Basic Musicianship II (2)
A continuation of material learned in Basic Musicianship I. Prerequisite: 50:700:161 or permission of instructor.
50:700:201 Facing the Music (G) (3)
Surveying music as a reflection of society, this course introduces and traces the main elements of Western music, and how they develop and change throughout history. Students will examine various aspects of music that define style, genre, and period and develop the vocabulary to discuss them. No prior musical knowledge is required, but an enthusiasm for all kinds of music will be helpful.
50:700:202 Introduction to Music (G) (3)
An approach toward music appreciation that emphasizes the cultural influences that have determined the varied musical languages throughout the world. No previous musical experience necessary.
50:700:205 Basic Musicianship III (2)
A continuation of material learned in Basic Musicianship II.
Prerequisite: 50:700:162 or permission of instructor.
50:700:206 Basic Musicianship IV (2)
A continuation of material learned in Basic Musicianship III.
Prerequisite: 50:700:205.
50:700:225 Music Theory I (3)
Examines the elements of 18th- and 19th-century harmonic practices, including part writing in three and four parts, and harmonic analysis of works. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or passing grade on placement examination, or permission of instructor.
50:700:226 Music Theory II (3)
A continuation of Music Theory I with emphasis on secondary functions, modulation, linear chords, harmonic analysis, form, and creative writing.
Prerequisite: 50:700:225.
50:700:237 Moving Parts: Considering the Art of Music (3)
This seminar style course focuses on uncovering the relationship of western music to movements in art, politics, and society in modern history. The course looks at the changing roles of music in society and how it functions in differing contexts, while addressing contemporary issues such as diversity, appropriation, musical colonialism, and institutional racism. No prior musical knowledge is required, but an enthusiasm for all kinds of music will be helpful!
50:700:271 Music Technology I (3)
Introduction to the creative use of computers and synthesizers. Provides an understanding of MIDI applications, including sequencing, editing, sampling, effects, and notational software. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or 161, or permission of instructor.
50:700:272 Music Technology II(3)
A continuation of Music Technology I, Music Technology II is the second part of a two semester course that provides a well-rounded foundation for more advanced study of music technology and electroacoustic music. Besides proficency with the material for Music Technology I, a practical working knowledge of personal computers, a basic understanding of musical elements, and experience making music is recommended.
Prerequisite: 50:700:271
50:700:291 History of Music I (G) (3)
Historical survey of styles, forms, genres, and composers of Western music from antiquity to the 16th century. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or 225 or permission of instructor. Intended for music majors and minors.
50:700:292 History of Music II (G) (3)
Historical survey of styles, forms, genres, and composers from the 17th to the 18th centuries. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or 225 or permission of instructor. Intended for music majors and minors.
50:700:293 History of Music III (G) (3)
Historical survey of styles, forms, genres, and composers from the late 18th to the late 19th centuries. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or 225 or permission of instructor. Intended for music majors and minors.
50:700:294 History of Music IV (G) (3)
Historical survey of musical styles and genres from the 20th century to the present. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or 225 or permission of instructor. Intended for music majors and minors.
50:700:301 Sound Thinking: Music in the Digital Era (G) (3)
An introduction to the history, theory, practice and politics of digital music and sound art. Focusing on the impact of technology and its aesthetic and social implications, students will be introduced to tools and techniques from a wide spectrum of musical forms and aesthetic practices. The course also addresses music and sound within the context of emerging trends in new technologies, including computer games, the internet, and mobile media. In addition to regular creative work and reading, students are required to complete a significant final project that engages creative music or sound art, practical experimentation, or contextual research.
50:700:302 Sound and Image (G) (3)
An exploration of the relationships between sound and image through the the student’s own creative multimedia work. The course introduces basic audio and video techniques with the goal of understanding the principles behind multimedia composition and production with computers. Two general areas of study will be addressed: the first looks at digital audio and video theory, and using the computer as a “virtual” studio to conceptualize and produce audio-visual compositions. This creative work will provide a platform to enable the second objective, which is to investigate various critical issues relevant to a digitally-centered cultural medium.
50:700:305 Gender in Music (G) (3)
Provides an overview of the interactions between women and their musical environment in Europe from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Among the composers studied are Hildegard von Bingen, Francesca Caccini, Barbara Strozzi, Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Constanze Mozart, Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Ellen Taaffe Zwillich, and Joan Tower. May require off-campus concerts and operas. This course may be taken as part of a minor in women’s studies.
50:700:306 Rock and Roll (D) (3)
This course will examine the history of rock and roll and the artists that greatly influenced American culture. Focus will be on the impact rock and roll has had on popular music as it shifted from R & B, folk, and blues and away from Broadway and the Tin Pan Alley spheres. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or permission of instructor.
50:700:309 American Music (D) (3)
Survey of music in the United States from the time of the earliest settlers to the present, including Shaker hymns, Civil War tunes, the establishment of a distinctive American style, the beginnings of jazz, and current experimental styles.
50:700:310 American Music in the 1960s (D) (3)
This course will examine the musical response to a society in political and cultural unrest. The music of artists such as Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, and Janis Joplin will be explored. We will also examine the split between rock and roll and rock itself and the subgenres of rock which include hard rock, soft rock, folk rock, progressive rock, heavy metal, jazz rock, and acid rock. In addition to oral presentations and class assignments, the final project will include a major research paper due at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or permission of instructor.
50:700:312 Latin American Music (3)
Explore the many styles and traditions of Latin music especially from the perspective of the U.S., expanding greatly on the Cuban and Brazilian traditions that have influenced American music.
50:700:321 Counterpoint (3)
A detailed study of basic voice-leading principles that includes extensive writing in two- and three-part species counterpoint. Prerequisite: 50:700:125 or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
50:700:325 Music Theory III (3)
A continuation of 50:700:226 with an introduction to post-tonal music. Provides the student with a basic analytic technique for the study of 20th-century practices, including atonal and 12-tone works. Prerequisite: 50:700:226.
50:700:329 Introduction to Conducting (2)
A course designed to introduce the fundamentals of conducting school choruses and orchestras. Prerequisite: 50:700:225. Intended primarily for majors in the Teacher Preparation Program.
50:700:373 Introduction to Composition (3)
Independent work in contemporary techniques of composition. Intended primarily for music majors. Prerequisites: 50:700:325 or permission of instructor.
50:700:391 Music And Computers (3)
Introduction to direct-digital software synthesis systems through flowcharting, programming, and instrument design focusing on the use of environments such as CSound, Max/MSP/Jitter, and SuperCollider. Prerequisite: 50:700:271 or 50:700:301, or permission of instructor. Intended for Music Technology or Composition students only.
50:700:392 Songwriting
50:700:412 History of Jazz (3)
The History of Jazz concentrates on jazz music from its origins to present day developments. The musical style traits of different periods will be discussed from a non-technical point of view, making the material understandable to non-musicians. Historical and sociological factors will also be considered. The objectives will be accomplished through class discussion, selected listening and videos.
50:700:413 World Music (G) (3)
An extensive multicultural survey that examines the elements, forms, and styles of non-Western music. Prerequisite: 50:700:125. Intended primarily for majors and minors.
50:700:449 Audio Postproduction (3)
Explores audio postproduction techniques for three-dimensional animation, film, and video including digital recording, editing, sound synthesis and composition, and music to animation/video/film synchronization. Prerequisites: 50:700:271, 50:080:448, 488, or permission of instructor.
50:700:490 Music Internship (BA)
An internship in some area of music, which may involve working with a
performing arts organization, or in some other activity that advances the student’s knowledge of music (40 hours of internship per credit). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
50:700:495-496 Honors in Music I, II (3,3)
Requires independent research on an approved topic in music history or theory leading to an honors thesis written under the supervision of a professor in music. Candidates for honors in music must at the end of their junior year have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better and an average of 3.5 or better in the major. Both semesters must be completed to receive credit.
50:700:497 Special Topics in Music (3)
A variety of topics, such as Music in Film, American Popular Song, American Hip Hop, etc. offered on a rotating basis. Visit the Online Schedule of Classes for current offerings.
50:700:498 Special Topics in Music (3)
A variety of topics, such as Music in Film, American Popular Song, American Hip Hop, etc. offered on a rotating basis. Visit the Online Schedule of Classes for current offerings.
50:700:499 Individual Study in Music (BA)
Independent study, guided by a member of the faculty, intended to provide an opportunity to investigate areas not covered in regular courses of instruction.
Applied Music Courses (701)
50:701:340 Repertory Singers (R) (3)
A small performing group of select singers who study and perform smaller masterpieces from the Renaissance to the present.May be repeated for credit.
50:701:140 Rutgers Choir (R) (3)
Study and performance of choral masterworks. May be repeated for credit.
50:701:321 Jazz Ensemble I (2)
A performance course that concentrates on a variety of jazz works. By audition or permission of instructor.
50:701:322 Jazz Ensemble II (2)
By audition or permission of instructor. A performance course that concentrates on a variety of jazz works. May be repeated for credit.
50:701:347 Madrigal Ensemble (3)
The Madrigal Ensemble is a performance course that concentrates on choral music from the Medieval era through the early 17th century. May be repeated for credit. By audition or permission of instructor.
50:701:348 Performance Ensemble (2)
A performance course that concentrates on chamber works from a variety of different musical periods. May be repeated for credit. By audition or permission of instructor.
50:701:471 Instrumental Methods: Percussion (3)
Introduces the fundamentals of playing and teaching percussion instruments. Intended primarily for majors in the Teacher Preparation Program.
50:701:478 Instrumental Methods: Strings (3)
Introduce the fundamentals of playing and teaching string instruments. Intended primarily for majors in the Teacher Preparation Program.
50:701:488 Instrumental Methods: Woodwinds (3)
Introduces the fundamentals of playing and teaching woodwind instruments. Intended primarily for majors in the Teacher Preparation Program.
50:701:494 Instrumental Methods: Brass (3)
Introduces the fundamentals of playing and teaching brass instruments. Intended primarily for majors in the Teacher Preparation Program.
Applied Lessons
- 50:701:109,110,209,210,309,310,409,410 Saxophone (one each)
- 50:701:161,162,261,262,361,362,461,462 Piano (one each)
- 50:701:169,170,269,270,369,370,469,470 Voice (one each)
- 50:701:171,172,271,272,371,372, 471,472 Percussion (one each)
- 50:701:173,174,273,274,373,374,473,474 Violin (one each)
- 50:701:175,176,275,276,375,376,475,476 Guitar (one each)
- 50:701:177,178,277,278,377,378,477 Viola (one each)
- 50:701:181,182,281,282,381,382,481,482 Violoncello (one each)
- 50:701:183,184,283,284,383,384,483,484 Double Bass (one each)
- 50:701:185,186,285,286,385,386,485,486 Flute (one each)
- 50:701:195,196,295,299 Trumpet (one each)
- 50:701:197,198 Trombone or Tuba (one each)