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University at Albany Undergraduate Bulletin - 2004-2005

Department of Music

  • Faculty
  • General Information
  • Degree Requirements for the Major in Music
  • Departmental Programs in Composition, Music Technology, History, Theory, Conducting, Performance
  • Courses for Nonmajors
  • Courses for Majors and Minors — Composition & Music Technology
  • Music History and Literature
  • Music Theory
  • Performance Classes
  • Performance Study
  • Performing Ensembles
  • Additional Course Areas

    Faculty

    Professor Emeritus

    Joel A. Chadabe, M.M.
    Yale University

    James R. Morris, D.M.A.
    University of Southern California


    Professor

    David M. Janower, D.M.
    Indiana University

    Max Lifchitz, M.M.
    Harvard University


    Associate Professor Emeritus

    Irvin E. Gilman, M.M.
    Manhattan School of Music


    Associate Professors

    R. Findlay Cockrell, M.S. (Collins Fellow)
    Juilliard School of Music

    K. Drew Hartzell, Jr., Ph.D.
    University of Rochester

    Reed J. Hoyt, Ph.D.
    University of Pennsylvania


    Associate Professors

    Robert J. Gluck, M.F.A.
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute


    Adjuncts (estimated): 12


    The major undergraduate programs offered by the Music Department provide students with the fundamental knowledge and technical capabilities necessary for the pursuit of graduate studies or professional activities. These programs, as well as the minor and the many possibilities for a double major, are also components of a liberal arts education and in that context provide preparation for a variety of careers.

    Course offerings include a variety of introductory and advanced lectures and lab courses in composition, history and literature, theory, and performance. Seminars, independent study, and internships are also available for majors. Students intending to pursue graduate study in musicology or theory are urged to enroll in foreign language study.

    Opportunities for participation in various performance ensembles are provided for majors and nonmajors. The department sponsors concerts by its ensembles, faculty, students, and guest artists each semester.

    The facilities include housing for musical instruments, practice rooms, a department library and listening room, an electronic music studio and three concert halls.


    Degree Requirements for the Major in Music

    All majors take the following core courses (24 credits): 16 credits in the theory sequence (A Mus 140, 141, 142, 143, 240, 242); 6 credits in music history (A Mus 230L & 231L) and 2 credits (2 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, 287, or 289 [as appropriate]). All students registered for A Mus 140 and 141 must: 1) be able to read music and 2) satisfactorily pass a departmental aptitude examination which will be administered during the first scheduled class in the fall semester. In addition a noncredit competency exam in piano is given at that time. Those deficient in this area will be required to enroll in an appropriate level of A Mus 165/A Mus 166 (Functional Piano). A grade of C- or higher in A Mus 166 will be needed to satisfy this requirement. Credit for A Mus 165 and/or A Mus 166 will not apply toward major or minor requirements.

    Each major program also contains electives, allowing students to emphasize individual interests. A balance of study in historical and technical areas is encouraged.

    General Program

    B.A.: 36 credits:

    1. Core:  24 credits to include: A Mus 140, 141, 142, 143, 240, 242; 6 credits in music history (A Mus 230L & 231L) and 2 credits (2 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, 287, or 289 [as appropriate]).
    2. Electives:  12 credits at the 300-level or above in courses intended for music majors and minors (except A Mus 378, 478, and 479) to include at least 3 credits from A Mus 432Z, 433Z, or 435Z and at least 3 credits from A Mus 320, 350, 352, or 360.


    Departmental Programs in Composition, Music Technology, History, Theory, Conducting, Performance

    Admission to these programs requires permission of the appropriate departmental committee.

    Departmental Program,
    B.A.: 54 credits minimum:

    1. Core:  24 credits to include: A Mus 140, 141, 142, 143, 240, 242; 6 credits in music history (A Mus 230L & 231L) and; 2 credits (2 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, 287, or 289 [as appropriate]).

    2. Concentration:

      Composition, History or Theory:  12 credits in the concentration from 300- and 400-level courses intended for music majors and minors as advised and approved by the department chair. (Students with concentrations in composition are required to take A Mus 320 or A Mus 321 and A Mus 325 as part of their concentration.)

      Conducting:  15 credits in one of the following specializations: Choral Conducting: 6 credits of A Mus 270V; A Mus 360, 361, and 461. Instrumental Conducting: 6 credits of A Mus 270 (as appropriate); A Mus 360, 362, and 462.

      Music Technology:  12 credits to include A Mus 193, 295, 325, and 327.

      Performance:  12-18 credits (4-6 semesters) A Mus 178 (or proficiency), 278 (or proficiency), 378, 379, 478, 479.

    3. Electives: 12 credits at the 300-level or above in courses intended for music majors and minors (except A Mus 378, 478, and 479) to include at least 3 credits from A Mus 432Z, 433Z, or 435Z and at least 6 credits from A Mus 320, (neither A Mus 320 nor 321 will count as electives in the Composition Program), 350, 352, or 360.
    4. Ensemble/Performance:

      Composition, Music Technology, History or Theory: 6 credits (6 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 185, 186, 187, or 287) or performance (except A Mus 165 and 166) in addition to the core requirements. Those in the Music Technology Program may substitute 2 credits (2 semesters) of A Mus 289 for 2 credits (2 semesters) or A Mus 185, 186, 187, or 287.

      Conducting: 3 credits (3 semesters) in ensemble appropriate to the concentration or A Mus 170Q or 270Q as advised.

      Performance: 6 credits (6 semesters) for instrumentalists and vocalists from A Mus 180, 182, 184, 185, 186, 187, or 287 (as appropriate to their specialization); 2 credits (2 semesters) for pianists/guitarists from A Mus 180, 182, 184, 185, 186, 187, or 287; and 4 credits as advised.

    5. Additional Requirements:

      Composition:  Compositions performed in an approved graduation recital or the equivalent.

      Performance: Admission to the program by audition. Performance examinations held at the end of each semester but the first, or unless the student is presenting a graduation recital that semester. Participation in an approved graduation recital.

      Music Technology, History, Theory, Conducting:  An approved senior research project.


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