New Courses for Spring 2008

The American Piano: From Rachmaninoff to Rock and Roll (A Mus 398, class 8521)

A study of the piano in American society: as a vehicle for different musical styles and idioms, as a career path, as a tool for teaching and learning, as a status symbol, and as entertainment. The course will explore different styles of piano music: composed and improvisatory, classical, jazz, pop, and rock. Members of the class will participate in compiling profiles of piano composers and performers. 3 Credits.

Analysis and Synthesis: The Performer’s World (A Mus 398, class 8518)

This course is designed for students who are performance majors or have considerable experience performing on their major instrument. We will dive into the world of preparing for a performance: repertoire selection and programming skills; practice habits and theoretical analysis; memorizing and performance anxiety; and lastly, program note writing and lecture/recitals. Music will be analyzed in detail and put into its historical context before the synthesis of performance can take place. The class will attend concerts en masse and discuss them, and everyone will give a presentation at the end of the term which will consist of a performance, written document, and lecture to the class. 3 Credits.

Live Electronic Performance (A Mus 429, class 8524)

A survey of the history, techniques, and aesthetics of live electronic music and sound installation art, beginning in the 1960s. The course will include instruction in interactive and other forms of performance practice, as well as techniques for live sound production. Students will perform and tech original works and re-creations of historical works. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits. Prerequisite(s): A Mus 426 or equivalent. Cross-listed with A Art 429 and A Thr 429. 3 Credits.