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100 Level Courses 200 Level Courses 300 Level Courses 400 Level Courses

Music Major Core Requirements

100 Level Courses

MUSC 100 Introduction to Music (AH). [3]
A study of what music is, with special reference to the relationship between music and listener. For students with little or no formal training in music, this course explores in a non-technical way the elements of music (e.g. rhythm, melody, harmony, texture and form) and discusses the various cultural contexts in which music is found and how these affect the nature of the music and the listener's perception.

MUSC 101 Fundamentals of Music Theory (AH). [3]
A study of the fundamentals of music theory, including notation, scale construction, intervals, chords, meter, etc., with emphasis on learning and developing music reading skills.

MUSC 110 Musicianship Laboratory I. [1]
Elementary development of basic musical skills, including sightsinging, notation and dictation.
Note: Students must be able to read standard musical notation.
MUSC 111 Musicianship Laboratory II. [1]
Intermediate development of basic musical skills, including sightsinging, notation, dictation and transposition.
Prerequisite: MUSC 110 with a grade of "B" or better, or placement examination.

MUSC 115 Jazz Improvisation and Theory Workshop I. [3]
A course to help the student develop Jazz improvisational skills in a performance/workshop setting.
The course also provides the student with the theoretical underpinnings of jazz. Some of the topics and styles covered: chord scales, blues, bebop, swing, modal improvisation, "The New Thing," block chord harmonization, song forms, reharmonization, etc.

MUSC 116 Jazz Improvisation and Theory Workshop II. [3]

A continuation of MUSC 115.

MUSC 125 Theory I: Basics of Music. [3]
A study of the fundamentals of music with intensive consideration of underlying principles of music, such as melodic design, tonality, harmonic organization and elements of formal design. Note: Students must already know standard musical notation on the grand staff, all major and minor scales and their key signatures, simple and compound meters and rhythms, intervals and primary chords.

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MUSC 126 Theory II: Form and Analysis. [3]

A continuation of MUSC 125. Prerequisite: MUSC 125 or consent of instructor.

MUSC 160 Fundamentals of Music for Elementary Teachers. [2]

The fundamentals of music theory and development of skills related to elementary classroom teaching.

MUSC 170 Beginning Voice Class. [1]

Beginning instruction in vocal techniques.

MUSC 171 Intermediate Voice Class. [1]

Intermediate instruction in vocal techniques.
Prerequisite: MUSC 170 or consent of the instructor.

MUSIC 172 Diction. [1]

A course designed to introduce singers to pronunciation and usage of the languages most often encountered in vocal repertoire, while providing an overview of representative repertoire and its development. One of three languages is offered either A) International Phonetic Alphabet/English/Italian (offered each fall semester), B) German or C) French (offered alternating spring semesters). Note: Required for all voice majors. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUSC 172(A) or consent of instructor for MUSC 172(B) and 172(C).

MUSC 178 Beginning Keyboard Skills Class. [1]

Development of basic keyboard skills to complement the student's studies in music theory. Areas covered include harmonization, technique, solo performing, transposition, improvisation and functional harmony at the keyboard. Some knowledge of music theory needed.
Note: Course is designed to enable students to achieve the level of proficiency in keyboard skills required for the major. Students may either complete two consecutive semesters or test out if the instructor considers their level sufficiently advanced. May be repeated for a maximum of two credits. For music majors only.

MUSC 179 Intermediate Keyboard Skills Class. [1]

Continued development of keyboard skills. Basic keyboard experience and good knowledge of music theory required.
Note: Course is designed to enable students to achieve the level of proficiency in keyboard skills required for the major. Students may either complete two consecutive semesters or test out if the instructor considers their level sufficiently advanced. May be repeated for a maximum of two credits. For music majors only.
Prerequisite: MUSC 178 or demonstrated equivalent skill level.

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MUSC 180 Beginning Piano Class. [1]

Geared to the non-music major, this course provides the basics of piano playing, along with basic music theory, harmonization, transposition and sightreading. No experience needed.

MUSC 181 Intermediate Piano Class. [1]

The emphasis of this course is placed on improving one's keyboard skills through solos and technical exercises. Additional areas include improvisation, composition and ensemble work. Some experience needed.

MUSC 182 Beginning String Class. [1]

Instruction in the methods of teaching basic string techniques. Open to students who wish to teach string techniques, as well as those who wish to learn basic playing techniques.

MUSC 183 Intermediate String Class. [1]

Intermediate instruction in the techniques of teaching string instrument performance.

MUSC 184 Beginning Woodwind Class. [1]

Instruction in the methods of teaching basic woodwind techniques. Open to students who wish to teach woodwind techniques, as well as those who wish to learn basic playing techniques.

MUSC 185 Intermediate Woodwind Class. [1]

Intermediate instruction in the techniques of teaching woodwind instrument performance.

MUSC 186 Beginning Brass Class. [1]

Instruction in the methods of teaching basic brass techniques. Open to students who wish to teach brass techniques, as well as those who wish to learn basic playing techniques.

MUSC 187 Intermediate Brass Class. [1]

Intermediate instruction in the techniques of teaching brass instrument performance. Prerequisite: MUSC 186 or consent of instructor.

MUSC 188 Percussion Class. [1]

Instruction in the methods of teaching basic percussion techniques. Open to students who wish to teach percussion techniques, as well as those who wish to learn basic playing techniques.

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MUSC 189 Guitar Class. [1]

Development of basic guitar skills, including sight-reading, accompanying, improvisation and transposition.

MUSC 190 Performance Studios: Western Art Instruments. [2-4]

Private music lessons; instruction is offered in most Western instruments and voice. The studies direct the student toward attaining a competent technique, a diverse performing repertoire and stylistic interpretive sensitivity.
Note: Special fee $150 per semester for one half-hour lesson weekly; $300 per semester for one hour lesson weekly. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 195 Performance Studies: Traditional European/American. [2-4]

Private music lessons; instruction is offered in most traditional European/American instruments and voice. The studies direct the student toward attaining a competent technique, a diverse performing repertoire and stylistic interpretive sensitivity.
Note: Special fee $150 per semester for one half-hour lesson weekly; $300 per semester for one hour lesson weekly. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 196 Performance Studies: Asia. [2-4]

Private music lessons; instruction is offered in most Asian instruments. The studies direct the student toward attaining a competent technique, a diverse performing repertoire and stylistic interpretive sensitivity.
Note: Special fee $150 per semester for one half-hour lesson weekly; $300 per semester for one hour lesson weekly. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 197 Performance Studies: Africa. [2-4]

Private music lessons; instruction is offered in most African instruments. The studies direct the student toward attaining a competent technique, a diverse performing repertoire and stylistic interpretive sensitivity.
Note: Special fee $150 per semester for one half-hour lesson weekly; $300 per semester for one hour lesson weekly. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 198 Performance Studies: Australia/Oceania. [2-4]

Private music lessons; instruction is offered in most Australian/Oceanian instruments. The studies direct the student toward attaining a competent technique, a diverse performing repertoire and stylistic interpretive sensitivity.
Note; Special fee $150 per semester for one half-hour lesson weekly; $300 per semester for one hour lesson weekly. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite; Consent of instructor.

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200 Level Courses

MUSC 210 Musicianship Laboratory III. [1]

Advanced development of basic musical skills, including sight-singing, notation, dictation and transposition. Prerequisite: MUSC 111 with a grade of "B" or better or placement examination.

MUSC 211 Musicianship Laboratory IV. [1]

Advanced studies in sight-singing, notation, dictation and transposition.
Prerequisite: MUSC 210 with a grade of "B" or better or placement examination.

MUSC 212 Introduction to Recording Studio Techniques. [2]

A hands-on approach to learning the basics of multi-track recording, utilizing the Music Department's fully equipped 16-track studio. This introductory course covers all aspects of sound recording, including microphone placement, signal processing, editing, digital recording, mixing and mastering. Students will work directly with professional musicians, as in a typical recording studio.

MUSC 214 The History of Jazz (AH). [3]

This course explores the evolution of jazz from its origins to the present day, focusing in particular on principal genres and representative musicians/ensembles: blues, ragtime, early New Orleans and Chicago schools, swing, big band, bop, cool jazz, hard bop, avant-garde and free jazz, jazz-rock fusion within the context of musical, cultural, social and political developments. For students with little or no formal training in music, this course explores jazz in a non-technical way.

MUSC 215 Introduction to Black Music (AH). [3]

A survey of the form and function of music in African and diasporan cultures. General areas to be explored will be music in ritual and ceremony; as transmitter of history and culture; as social and political tool. Note: Also listed as AFST 245.

MUSC 216 Introduction to Musical Cultures of East Asia (AH). [3]

Introduction to the music of East Asia, with special focus on China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. The principal musical genres are discussed in the context of related cultural phenomena. The mutual relationship between specific cultural areas are explored in historical perspective.
Note: No music background required.

MUSC 217 Rock and Related Music: 1950-Present (AH). [3]

This course explores the evolution of rock 'n roll from its origins to the present day, focusing on soul, folk rock, British rock, psychedelic, heavy metal, disco, punk and rap styles within the context of cultural, social and political developments. For students with little or no formal training in music, this course's emphasis will be on the styles and evolution of the music, which will be discussed in a non-technical way that centers on music fundamentals, such as melody, harmony, texture, rhythm and form.

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MUSC 218 Recording Technology Lab. [3]

Takes the student through the basics of acoustics, microphone design and usage, consoles, signal processors, digital recording technology, mixdown, monitoring and automation. Weekly quizzes keep students on track as they work with hands-on methods in Studio 503-504, producing (usually) high-quality recordings by the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: Passage of Aptitude Test or consent of instructor.

MUSC 219 Studio Recording. [3]

Focuses on organizing (booking and running) recording sessions, dealing with clients (musicians), producers and fellow engineers. Students will recoJrd demo tapes, voiceovers, radio spots, jingles and singles. Techniques such as punching and digital editing are introduced.
Prerequisite: MUSC 218 or consent of instructor.

MUSC 225 Theory III-Expanded Harmony. [3]

An analytical study of musical styles and structure, with emphasis on chromatic harmony and 19^th-century technique. The course is designed to develop the student's analytical abilities by examining scores. Some of the topics covered include rhythmic, textural and thematic analysis and the expansion of the orchestra.
Prerequisite: MUSC 126 or consent of instructor.

MUSC 226 Theory IV-Music Writing. [3]

The study and application of the various technical aspects of music writing/composition as expressed through tonal and expanded harmonic idioms, contrapuntal procedures and various formal constructions.
Prerequisite: MUSC 225 or consent of the instructor.

MUSC 227 Theory V-20^th Century Analysis. [3]

An analytical study of musical styles and structure, with emphasis on 20^th-century technique. Some of the topics covered include pantonality, serial technique, intermedia forms and chance music.
Prerequisite: MUSC 226 OR consent of instructor.

MUSC 230 Musics of the World (AH). [3]

A survey of selected musical cultures of the world, with emphasis on the musical forms, instruments, tonal material, the role of music in society and its relationship to other arts.

MUSC 225 Music History, An Overview (AH). [3]

A survey of the principal periods in the history of Western music, including the principal forms, styles, genres and composers.
Prerequisite: Ability to read music.

MUSC 263 Popular Music and National Identity in German-Speaking Countries (C). [3]

An overview of popular music in the German-speaking countries, focusing on the post-WWII period. Examines the historical impact of U.S. and British rock music on domestic traditions, subsequent institutional changes, state cultural policies and audience responses in constructing increasingly globalized ethnic, national and cultural identities and traditions.
Note: Also listed as MLL 263 and ANTH 263.

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300 Level Courses

MUSC 300 Performance Studies Workshop. [1-3]

Designed for students with performance abilities in various areas of music. Topics will vary to include opera, musical theatre, mixed-media, Indonesian puppet theatre, medieval and Renaissance music, etc. Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 302 UMBC Concert Choir. [2]

The UMBC Concert Choir is a select ensemble of singers coming from all academic areas. A diverse program of choral literature is performed throughout the year, including larger cantatas and oratorios. Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

MUSC 303 UMBC Camerata-Chamber Choir. [2]

The UMBC Camerata is a small, select ensemble of singers coming from all academic areas. A diverse program of vocal literature is performed throughout the year including madrigals and works for small choruses.
Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

MUSC 305 UMBC Symphony Orchestra. [2]

The UMBC Community Symphony is also a full-size symphonic ensemble consisting of students, faculty and community members. The orchestra meets once a week in the evening and performs regularly in public throughout the year.
Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 307 Ensembles: African drumming, Chinese/Korean, collegium musicum, flute, gospel choir, guitar, jazz, percussion. [2]

Student performance of works from the literature for small ensembles. May include vocal accompaniment. Note: May be repeated for credit, except Chinese/Korean, which may be repeated twice for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 308 UMBC Concert Band. [2]

The UMBC Concert Band is an instrumental ensemble consisting of students, faculty and community members. The Concert Band meets once a week in the evening. A diverse program of wind ensemble literature is performed through the year.
Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

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MUSC 309 UMBC New Music Ensemble. [2]

The repertory of the UMBC New Music Ensemble centers around the latest developments in the sonic art. The ensemble explores, performs and studies new concepts in notation, extended performing techniques, group improvisation and group composition.

MUSC 310 Gamelan. [2]

Performance of the repertory for the Balinese/Javanese Gamelan Ensemble. Note: May be repeated twice for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 312 Composition. [3]

Advanced studies in musical composition. Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 318 Recording Practicum I. [3]

An acoustics course, applied to hands-on research projects and music recordings throughout the semester. Sonic analysis is done on the Pro Tools systems. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the Recital Hall Studio's big sound for their projects.
Prerequisite: MUSIC 219.

MUSC 319 Recording Practicum II. [3]

Offers a thorough treatment of mixing techniques. Pre-recorded multi-track tapes, covering various musical styles, are shared by the students for large-scale, mix-down projects, done on Pro Tools. The work of professional mix engineers will be examined at length. Student works in progress will be constructively criticized.
Prerequisite: MUSC 318.

MUSC 321 Music History I. [3]

An analytic study of Western music history and literature from medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods with an emphasis on styles, genres and significant composers.
Prerequisite: MUSC 126.

MUSC 322 Music History II. [3]

An analytic study of Western music history and literature from the Classic and Romantic eras and the early 20^th century, with an emphasis on styles, genres, and significant composers.
Prerequisite: MUSC 126.

MUSC 332 A History of American Music. [3]

A survey of the various types of music that have existed in roughly the geographical United States from the time of the early European settlers to the present, of the various trends that have shaped American musical thoughts, the cultural environment in which this music was created and the importance of music in American life. Prerequisite: MUSC 100, 101, 110 or consent of instructor.

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MUSC 337 American Popular Song. [3]

A study of the poetical, musical, contextual and social aspects of American song from the 19^th century to the present day.

MUSC 338 Survey of Jazz. [3]

A study of the literature, performance practices, stylistic diversifications and cultural foundations of jazz as a distinctive American art form.

MUSC 339 Black American Music (AH). [3]

An in-depth study of the development of the music of blacks in the United States from early colonial period to the present. Particular attention will be devoted to the slave songs, the evolution of the blues and jazz, and the Africanisms evident in these idioms. Prerequisite: AFST 245. Note: Also listed as AFST 345.

MUSC 380 Choral Conducting. [3]

Comprehensive study of the techniques of choral conducting.

MUSC 385 Instrumental Conducting. [3]

Basic techniques for conducting instrumental music.

MUSC 390 Advanced Performance Studies: Western Art Instruments. [2-4]

Advanced students are selected through audition to receive private music lessons; instruction is offered in most Western art instruments and voice. The studies direct the student toward refining technique, broadening performing repertoire and stylistic interpretive sensitivity.
Note: Special fee $150 per semester for one half-hour lesson weekly; $300 per semester for one hour lesson weekly. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 393 Advanced Performance Studies-Honors. [2-4]

See MUSC 390. Limited to honors students.

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400 Level Courses

MUSC 400 Special Projects. [1-4]

Individual projects in music.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may earn no more than eight credit hours total in MUSC 400.
Prerequisite: Approval of project proposal by the instructor who will supervise it.

MUSC 421 Topics in Music Literature: Instrumental. [3]

An historical survey of the principal types of instrumental music, including orchestral, chamber and solo. One area will be selected for particular study each time the course is offered.
Note: May be repeated for credit with permission.

MUSC 422 Topics in Music Literature: Vocal. [3]

An historical survey of the principal types of vocal music, including opera, song and choral literature. One or more areas will be selected for particular study each time the course is offered.
Note: May be repeated for credit with permission.

MUSC 427 Electronic Music I. [3]

A detailed study of the many aspects of electronic music composition. Areas covered include MIDI applications, sampling, hard-disk recording, digital mixing and signal processing.
Note: Course is open to all students, but it requires a taped electronic music composition as a final project.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MUSC 428 Electronic Music. II. [3]

An advanced course involving synthesizer programming, extension of MIDI techniques from MUSC 427 and mixed-media design/performance. Additional topics may include advanced sequencing, software-based modular design, and advanced signal processing/analysis.
Note: A taped composition including synthesizer and traditional instruments, a live performance or a mixed-media presentation is required as a final project.
Prerequisite: MUSC 427 or consent of instructor.

MUSC 429 Production of Music by Computer. [3]

An overview of major programs in the computer generation of electronic music. Projects include creating a musical composition in the digital studio.
Note: A musical composition is required as a final project.
Prerequisite: MUSC 427 or consent of instructor.

MUSC 480 Topics in Music, Art and Society. [3]

Special topics course. Intensive study and discussion of the history, theory and social function of the various musical traditions of a particular culture, and their relationship to other forms of art. Topic will be announced in advance by the instructor.
Note: Open to junior/senior music majors; others by permission of the instructor
Prerequisite: MUSC 230.

MUSC 485 Selected Topics in Music History. [3]

Special topics course. Intensive study and discussion of a particular period, style or aspect of music. Topic will be announced in advance by instructor.
Note: Open to junior and senior music majors"others by special permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: MUSC 321 or 322.

MUSC 492 Senior Project. [2]

MUSC 497 Senior Seminar. [2]

Examination of special topics concerning musical compositions being performed, composed or written about by participants.

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