MUS: Music
MUS 101: Introduction to Music
The basic concepts of music such as melody, harmony, rhythm, counterpoint, and form are studied through investigation of the historical and contemporary masterpieces of the Western classical tradition, of various non-Western musics, and of various "popular" traditions. The different styles and types of music are considered not only in light of the cultural values they embody, but also in relation to present-day cultural and musical values. No previous musical training is assumed. Not for credit after MUS 130.
DEC: DSBC: ARTS
3 credits
MUS 105: Music Cultures of the World
An introduction to selected musical genres and styles from around the world with an emphasis on music making in relation to the social and cultural practices of various peoples. Not for music major credit.
DEC: GSBC: ARTS, HUM
3 credits
MUS 109: Rock Music
A study of rock music, including an investigation of its musical constituents--rhythm, form, pitch structure, instrumental texture, and vocal style--and an historical survey beginning with the roots of rock in earlier folk and popular styles and tracing its development from the end of World War II to the present. Special attention is paid to various syntheses of African and European traditions.
DEC: DSBC: ARTS
3 credits
MUS 119: The Elements of Music
Beginning with the rudiments of music, such as meter, tempo, rhythm, and how to read notes in several clefs, this "hands on" course goes on to examine how music is organized, covering scales, keys, intervals, chords, form, and style in classical music. Students also compose throughout the semester and sharpen their listening skills through attendance at concerts. Serves as prerequisite to many music department courses.
DEC: DSBC: ARTS
3 credits
MUS 120: Elementary Musicianship
Beginning ear-training, including harmonic, rhythmic and melodic dictation, interval and chord recognition, and sight-singing of diatonic melodies. Intended for students who are not prepared to enter MUS 121 but who aspire to be music majors. May be repeated, but credit counts toward graduation only once. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 391 or MUS 388 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 121: Musicianship I
Sight-singing, dictation, and transcription of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic material.
Prerequisite: Placement by undergraduate musicianship examination (consult department concerning dates)
Corequisites: MUS 122 and 321
2 credits
MUS 122: Beginning Keyboard
Basic keyboard skills, including reading in clefs and rudimentary technical competence. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Placement by undergraduate keyboard examination
Corerequisites for Music majors: MUS 121 and MUS 321
1 credit
MUS 130: Sound Structures
Development of strategies for informed listening, analysis, and writing about music. Topics include timbre and sonority, meter and rhythm, melodic design, form, organization of pitch and harmony, and interactions between music and language. Repertory is drawn from a wide range of historical periods and cultural contexts. Considerable emphasis on writing and on acquiring concepts and vocabulary appropriate to diverse types of music.
Prerequisite: MUS 119 or equivalent. Primarily intended for prospective music majors and others with sufficient musical background as demonstrated by the Theory Placement Exam or by permission of instructor
DEC: DSBC: ARTS
3 credits
MUS 141: Keyboard Harmony A
Practical studies in music theory through basic keyboard exercises. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: MUS 122
Corequisites: MUS 220 and 321
1 credit
MUS 142: Keyboard Harmony B
Practical studies in music theory through basic keyboard exercises. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: MUS 141
Corequisites: MUS 221 and 323
1 credit
MUS 161: Piano
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 391 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 163: Harpsichord
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 391
2 credits
MUS 165: Violin
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262
2 credits
MUS 166: Viola
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262
2 credits
MUS 167: Cello
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262
2 credits
MUS 168: String Bass
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 169: Classical Guitar
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 391 or MUS 266
2 credits
MUS 170: Flute
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 171: Oboe
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263
2 credits
MUS 172: Clarinet
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263
2 credits
MUS 173: Bassoon
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263
2 credits
MUS 175: Horn
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264
2 credits
MUS 176: Trumpet
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 177: Trombone
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 180: Percussion
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 182: Voice
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 261
2 credits
MUS 187: Other Instruments
A forty-five-minute individual lesson each week, with five hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
2 credits
MUS 189: Beginning Jazz Improvisation
Beginning study of jazz theory, nomenclature, and chord-scale relationships as they relate to the playing of improvised jazz solos. In-class performances and transcription analysis are an integral part of the course. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
1 credit
MUS 220: Musicianship II
Sight-singing, dictation, and transcription of more complex melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic material, including diatonic chord progressions.
Prerequisite: MUS 121 and MUS 321
Corequisite for Music majors: MUS 141 and MUS 322
2 credits
MUS 221: Musicianship III
Advanced sight-singing and dictation, including modal, modulating, and chromatic melodies; chord progressions and diatonic and modulating chorales; and complex rhythms.
Prerequisite: MUS 141 and 220
Corequisite: MUS 142 and 323
2 credits
MUS 235: Introduction to African Drumming
Students will learn to perform selections of dance-drumming repertoire from southern Ghana, Togo and Benin. Students will play on authentic instruments (bells, rattles and drums), sing, and dance. No musical experience or ability to read musical notation is required; students will learn pieces by ear through vugbe, 'drum language', which refers to the naming of specific sounds made on the drum in a kind of indigenous solf�ge. Song lyrics with translations will be made available. Readings, video screenings, and class visits by African artists will inform discussion of the sociocultural context of the music and its performance. The course will culminate in a mandatory performance, featuring African guest performers.
1 credit
MUS 261: Stony Brook Chorale
Study and performance of a repertory from the Middle Ages to the present. Grading is based upon attendance. Ability to read music is required; advanced sight-reading is not. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: Audition, held at first class meeting; ability to read music
1 credit
MUS 262: University Orchestra
Study and performance of works from the repertory of the concert orchestra. Grading is based upon attendance. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
1 credit
MUS 263: University Wind Ensemble
Study and performance of works for ensembles of woodwinds, brass, and percussion in various combinations. Grading is based upon attendance. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
1 credit
MUS 264: Big Band Jazz Ensemble
Study and performance of works for jazz ensemble. Grading is based on attendance. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
1 credit
MUS 265: Workshop in Performance
Practice in performance skills in a small group workshop setting under the guidance of a performance instructor. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
1 credit
MUS 266: Guitar Workshop
An overview of guitar technique and fingerboard harmony, featuring in-class performance, transcription of tablature systems, and arranging for solo guitar. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
1 credit
MUS 267: Jazz Combo
Arranging and extended improvising skills for the small jazz ensemble. Emphasis on in-class performances, transcription assignments, and learning standard jazz compositions. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
1 credit
MUS 268: Stony Brook Seawolves Marching Band
The study and performance of music from the marching band repertoire. The course requires attendance at a marching band camp prior to the beginning of the Fall term. Attendance at home games and one away game is also required. Grading is based on attendance. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: must be able to read music
1 credit
MUS 271: Camerata Singers
Camerata Singers performs accompanied and a cappella works from many eras and cultures. Music reading proficiency and an audition is required for this course. Course may be repeated to a maximum of 10 credits.
Prerequisite: MUS 261; Audition required
1 credit
MUS 290: Vocal Repertory
Performance and analysis of works from the vocal repertory. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Corequisite: MUS 182 or 382
1 credit
MUS 300: Music, Technology, and Digital Culture
Study of the interactions between music, technology, and culture in popular and concert music since World War I. Issues of production, distribution, and reception, involving such topics as the impact of radio on composition in the 1920s and 1930s, early synthesizers, and the rise of electronic music, digital sampling and DJs, the MP3 phenomenon, cross-cultural borrowings, gender and technology, the internet, interactivity, and new models of consumption. Not for major credit.
Prerequisite: One of the following: MUS 101, 105, 106, 119, or 130
DEC: HSBC: STAS
3 credits
MUS 301: Music of the Baroque
The development during the late Renaissance of a new style in Italy and elsewhere is traced through opera and oratorio, cantata and chorale, concerto, suite, and trio sonata, to its ultimate expression in the works of Handel, Bach, and their contemporaries. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: ISBC: GLO, HFA+
3 credits
MUS 302: The Music of J.S. Bach
Study of the vocal and instrumental works of Johann Sebastian Bach, considering the cultural and musical traditions in which they were grounded and their continuing impact on musical developments from the Bach revival of the 19th century to the "authentic" performance practice movement of the 20th century. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: ISBC: GLO, HFA+
3 credits
MUS 303: The Music of Beethoven
Study of the symphonic, vocal, and chamber music of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the pivotal composers of the Western world, through consideration of the cultural and musical context of late 18th- and early 19th-century Europe and of the heroic image of Beethoven in the 20th century. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: ISBC: GLO, HFA+
3 credits
MUS 304: Contemporary Traditions in American Music: 1900 to the Present
Study of the development of diverse 20th-century musical traditions in the U.S. from the perspectives of the musical structures and social contexts that define an "American music." The traditions of jazz, blues, musical theatre, folk music, and popular music are considered, for instance, with respect to such issues as how historical events, race, and gender affect the production and reception of music, how philosophical beliefs shape musical composition, and how technological changes resulted in the music "consumer." Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or MUS 119 or MUS 130
DEC: KSBC: HFA+, USA
3 credits
MUS 305: Music in the Romantic Era
The expressive art of the century between the birth of Schubert and the death of Brahms is examined in selected works of these and other figures such as Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Wagner, and Verdi. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: GSBC: GLO, HFA+
3 credits
MUS 306: The Symphony
Study of important symphonic works from the 18th century to the present. The course will concentrate on the development of styles from Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven through the Romantics, Brahms, and Mahler, concluding with the transformation of the symphonic idea in works of Stravinsky and Webern. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: GSBC: GLO, HFA+
3 credits
MUS 307: Imaginative Worlds of Opera
Considering opera's blend of drama, music, spectacle and stage action, the course examines diverse European operatic traditions from a variety of angles, ranging from expressive roles for music to social and cultural values embodied in individual works. Study focuses on outstanding repertory pieces such as Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, Verdi's Otello, and Berg's Wozzeck. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: ISBC: GLO, HFA+
3 credits
MUS 308: History of Jazz
Historical survey of jazz styles from their antecedents in the late 19th century and early ragtime and blues, through New Orleans jazz, swing, bebop, "cool" jazz, "free" jazz, fusion, and Latin styles. Guidance in the appreciation of jazz and related musics, musical analysis of representative works, and demonstrations of improvisation. Jazz as an expression of cultural pluralism. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or MUS 109 or MUS 119 or MUS 130
DEC: KSBC: HFA+, USA
3 credits
MUS 309: Music Since 1900
An introduction to the variegated and rapidly changing trends of the last and current centuries, including impressionism, expressionism, neoclassicism, twelve-tone and other serialism, chance and texture music, electronic and computer music, as well as styles derived from folk music, jazz, and other forms of popular music. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: GSBC: GLO, HFA+
3 credits
MUS 310: Music and Culture in the 1960's
The music of Bob Dylan, John Cage, the Beatles, Pauline Oliveros, Ornette Coleman, Elliot Carter, John Coltrane, Laura Nyro, and others is studied in conjunction with texts from or criticism of the 1960s. Music and texts are correlated through the topics of chaos, protest, Black culture, technology, the women's movement, youth culture, and others. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: KSBC: HFA+, USA
3 credits
MUS 311: Topics in Non-Western Music
A survey of 20th-century musical styles within a selected non-Western area. Individual genres are examined in terms of their musical features and in their relationship to aspects of life such as religious observance, social relations, issues of ethnic and national identity, migration, and transnational cultural exchange. Semester supplements to this Bulletin contain specific description when course is offered. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: One of the following: MUS 101, 105, 106, 119, or 130
DEC: JSBC: GLO, SBS+
3 credits
MUS 314: Women Making Music
A study of the contributions made by women to music-making in various contemporary and historical cultures of the world, with emphasis on Western traditions. Topics include women as composers, performers, and listeners; genres designed for women; women's roles in relation to men's; gender implications in musical style; and depictions of women in musical dramas. All types of music are considered: "classical," rock, pop, folk, jazz, various "fusions," and non-Western musics such as those from India, China, Indonesia, and the Middle East. This course is offered as both MUS 314 and WST 314.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or 119 or 130
DEC: GSBC: SBS+
3 credits
MUS 315: The Structural Principles of Music I
An introduction to the language and basic structural concepts of the art of tonal music through the study of such elements as melody, rhythm, harmony, counterpoint, and form; analysis, written exercises, and discussion of theoretical principles. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 119
3 credits
MUS 316: The Structural Principles of Music II
An introduction to the language and basic structural concepts of the art of 20th-century music through the study of such elements as melody, rhythm, harmony, counterpoint, and form; analysis, written exercises, and discussion of theoretical principles. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: MUS 315
3 credits
MUS 320: U.S. Popular Music
The study of popular music in the United States. Topics may include popular music in the U.S. since 1945; American popular music of colonial times; and American musical theatre. The course explores such aspects as musical structure and form, the nature of the commercial music industry, and how issues of gender, race, geography, economics, and technology affect the creation, performance, and reception of popular music. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: One of the following: MUS 101, 105, 106, 119, or 130
DEC: GSBC: HFA+, USA
3 credits
MUS 321: Tonal Harmony I
Tonal harmony taught through practice in homophonic writing, including the harmonization of chorales. Students study excerpts from the musical repertoire as it pertains to questions of musical construction.
Corequisites: MUS 121 and 122
3 credits
MUS 322: Tonal Harmony II
Practice in homophonic writing, including the harmonization of chorales, including diatonic harmonies, altered chords, and modulation. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: MUS 121, 122, and 321
Corequisites: MUS 141 and 220
3 credits
MUS 323: Techniques of Music, 1880 to the Present
Study and practice in the techniques used in the late 19th and 20th centuries to organize pitch, rhythm, tone color, and dynamics.
Prerequisites: MUS141, 220, and 322
Corequisites: MUS 142 and 221
3 credits
MUS 324: Jazz and American Culture
An exploration of African American jazz and its importance and representation in American history and culture. We will consider novels, poems, stories, paintings, and photographs with jazz content as well as films by both Hollywood and documentary filmmakers. Special emphasis will be given to the myths that have dominated representations of jazz artists as well as the ways in which jazz artists have inspired artists and writers. This course is offered as both CCS 324 and MUS 324.
Prerequisite: MUS 308 or one course in CCS, CLT, or HUM
DEC: K & 4SBC: HFA+
3 credits
MUS 325: Broadway and the American Musical
The study of the American musical theatre tradition in New York City, 1920s to Present. The course explores such aspects as dramatic structure, musical form, the nature of the commercial Broadway theatre, and how issues of gender, class, race, economics, and technology affect the creation, performance, and reception of musical theatre. Not for music major credit.
Prerequisite: one D.E.C. D or ARTS course
DEC: GSBC: HFA+
3 credits
MUS 326: Mostly Mozart!
Study of the music (instrumental and operatic) of Wolfgang Amad� Mozart through an examination of its debt to Italian, French, German, and Ottoman musical traditions, its cultural context of late-Enlightenment Europe, and its pervasive influence on western art music from the nineteenth century to today. This course will take advantage of the annual 'Mostly Mozart Festival' at Lincoln Center in New York City every summer.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 or MUS 119 or MUS 130 or permission of the instructor
DEC: GSBC: HFA+
3 credits
MUS 331: Musicianship IV
Sight-singing and dictation of complex tonal, modal, and atonal material. Special emphasis on melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic idioms characteristic of 20th-century music.
Prerequisite: MUS 221, 142, and 322
2 credits
MUS 335: Advanced African Drumming
Students will learn to perform selections of dance-drumming repertoire from southern Ghana, Togo and Benin. Students will play on authentic instruments (bells, rattles and drums), sing, and dance. No musical experience or ability to read musical notation is required; students will learn pieces by ear through vugbe, �drum language�, which refers to the naming of specific sounds made on the drum in a kind of indigenous solf�ge. Song lyrics with translations will be made available. Readings, video screenings, and class visits by African artists will inform discussion of the sociocultural context of the music and its performance. The course will culminate in a mandatory performance, featuring African guest performers. Repeatable to a maximum of 8 credits.
Prerequisite: MUS 235
1 credit
MUS 339: Beginning Composition
Individual projects in composition discussed and criticized in class. Enrollment limited to eight. May be repeated once.
Pre- or Corequisite: MUS 323
3 credits
MUS 340: Introduction to Music Technologies
An introduction to the computer-based technologies that are changing the art of music. Hands-on experience with hard-disk recording and sound manipulation, MIDI, sequencing, notation programs, sound module programming, and using the Web. Exploration of the impact of these technologies on aesthetic choices. Significant time in the computer lab required. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: MUS 130 and 322
3 credits
MUS 344: Audio Engineering
A theoretical examination of the principals of operation of the essential components of the sound recording and reinforcement chain from acoustic venue, through transduction, electronic manipulation and storage, and the reproduction of the acoustic field in various listening environments.
Prerequisite: One ARS, CSE, ISE, MUS, or THR course
Advisory Prerequisite: ARS/MUS/THR 208
SBC: TECH3 credits
MUS 350: Western Music Before 1600
The vibrant traditions of Western music from Gregorian chant and the beginnings of polyphony to the suave motets of Palestrina and the expressive madrigals of Monteverdi. Emphasis is on learning to think historically, on development of writing skills, and on cultivation of listening skills.
Prerequisite: MUS 130, 141, 220, and 321
DEC: GSBC: ESI, GLO, HFA+
4 credits
MUS 351: Western Music 1600-1830
Musical traditions in early modern Europe from Monteverdi through Beethoven. Study of diverse genres such as opera, cantata, symphony, and string quartet within their cultural contexts. Focus is on the understanding of historical processes, on academic prose writing, and on comprehension of complex musical structures.
Prerequisites: MUS 321 and 350
DEC: ISBC: ESI, GLO, HFA+
4 credits
MUS 352: Western Music from 1830 to the Present
Western musical traditions from Schubert through David Lang, John Zorn, and Laurie Anderson. Consideration of the central genres of orchestral, vocal, and chamber music and their transformations by various cultural and technological forces. Focus on music stylistic change and proliferation, and on academic writing about music.
Prerequisite: MUS 322 and 351
DEC: GSBC: ESI, GLO, HFA+
4 credits
MUS 361: Piano
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 391 or MUS 267 or MUS 388
4 credits
MUS 363: Harpsichord
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 391
4 credits
MUS 365: Violin
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262
4 credits
MUS 366: Viola
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262
4 credits
MUS 367: Cello
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262
4 credits
MUS 368: String Bass
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
4 credits
MUS 369: Classical Guitar
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 391 or MUS 266
4 credits
MUS 370: Flute
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
4 credits
MUS 371: Oboe
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263
4 credits
MUS 372: Clarinet
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263
4 credits
MUS 373: Bassoon
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263
4 credits
MUS 375: Horn
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264
4 credits
MUS 376: Trumpet
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
4 credits
MUS 377: Trombone
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
4 credits
MUS 380: Percussion
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
4 credits
MUS 382: Voice
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisites: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 261
4 credits
MUS 387: Other Instruments
A sixty minute individual lesson each week, with fifteen hours of practice required. Students are required to play for a jury at the end of each term. Open to music majors and, enrollment permitting, to other qualified students. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Corequisite: MUS 262 or MUS 263 or MUS 264 or MUS 267
4 credits
MUS 388: Fundamentals of Accompanying
Development of skills required of an accompanist, including sight-reading and instrumental and vocal accompaniment. Specific accompanying assignments are made throughout the semester. May be repeated once. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: MUS 161 or 361
2 credits
MUS 391: Chamber Music
Ensembles formed by students enrolled in MUS 161 to 187 or MUS 361 to 387 Performance Study. Two hours of rehearsal per week under the supervision of a faculty member or graduate assistant. May be repeated. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Corequisite: Enrollment in private lessons, MUS 161 through 187, as appropriate
1 credit
MUS 421: Analysis of Tonal Music
An examination, through the study of selected works, of the action and interaction of harmonic progression, rhythm, meter, motive, texture, and line in defining and articulating tonal structures.
Prerequisite: MUS 322
Corequisite: MUS 331 Advisory Prerequisite: MUS 351 Advisory Corequisite: MUS 352
3 credits
MUS 422: Analysis of Post-Tonal Music
Music to be studied is selected from representative works by Debussy, Bartok, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Webern, and other composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Prerequisite: MUS 421
Advisory Prerequisite: MUS 352
3 credits
MUS 434: Orchestration
The possibilities and limitations of the commonly used instruments, conventions of notation, and practice in scoring for various ensembles. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: MUS 322
Advisory Prerequisite: MUS 323, MUS 350-352
3 credits
MUS 437: Electronic Music
Historical background, musical works, aesthetic concepts and creative approaches to electronic music. Basic acoustics and sound engineering skills; electronic/live sound production, recording, modification, and editing; critical listening, improvisation, timbral design; musique concrete and live performance will be included. Studio work includes technical practice and creative assignments. Technical background is not required. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: MUS 321; permission of instructor
SBC: TECH3 credits
MUS 439: Composition
Open only to students demonstrating sufficient aptitude and capacity for original work. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and submission of portfolio to Director of Undergraduate Studies
Advisory Prerequisite: MUS 339
3 credits
MUS 444: Experiential Learning
This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.
Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor and approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)
SBC: EXP+S/U grading
MUS 450: Seminar in the History of Music
Advanced study of a topic in music history for music majors. Topics may include study of major composers, major genres, dramatic music, the relation of music and poetry in song, or an historically or geographically defined musical style. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Advisory Prerequisite: MUS 350-352; MUS 322 or 323, depending on topic
SBC: ESI3 credits
MUS 459: Write Effectively in Music
The WRTD requirement for music majors will be fulfilled by submission of two approved papers: one from an advanced music history course, either MUS 351, MUS 352, or MUS 450, and one from an advanced music analysis course, either MUS 421 or MUS 422. Students will submit papers with an approval form, signed by the instructor of the course for which the paper was written, to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Music, who will assign the grade.
Pre- or co-requisites: one of the following: MUS 351 or 352 or 450; one of the following: MUS 421 or 422
SBC: WRTDS/U grading
MUS 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I
Each student receives regularly scheduled supervision from the instructor of the course specified as the forum for the practicum. Responsibilities may include conducting recitation sections of lower-division courses, preparing material for practice or discussion, and helping students with course problems.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; music major; permission of instructor and department
SBC: EXP+3 credits, S/U grading
MUS 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II
Each student receives regularly scheduled supervision from the instructor of the course specified as the forum for the practicum. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that have already been graded. Students may not serve as teaching assistants in the same course twice.
Prerequisites: MUS 475; permission of instructor and department
SBC: EXP+3 credits, S/U grading
MUS 487: Independent Project
Individual study (may be an honor's project) under the guidance of a faculty member leading to a significant essay, lecture-recital, or recital with researched program notes. Independent Projects used to fulfill the upper division elective requirement should be approved by the Undergraduate Studies Committee in the semester prior to the semester in which MUS 487 is undertaken.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; approval of department's undergraduate studies committee
0-6 credits
MUS 488: Internship
Internship projects arranged in consultation with a faculty member and an outside agency.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; 15 credits in music department courses; permission of department
SBC: EXP+0-6 credits, S/U grading
MUS 491: Conducting
Manual technique and the analysis and preparation of scores for performance. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: MUS 322; permission of instructor
Corequisite: MUS 261 or 262 or 263
3 credits
MUS 495: Senior Honors Project in Music
A one-semester project for music who are candidates for the degree with departmental honors. Projects must have a public speaking component, for example a lecture-recital, a pre-concert talk about a composition, or a colloquium presentation of musicological research. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department
3 credits
