University at Albany, State University of New York
Contact UAlbany Directories Calendars & Schedules Visitors Site Index Search
Admissions Academics Research IT Services Libraries Athletics
Bulletin Homepage
General Information
Academic Information
Honors College
College of Arts & Sciences
School of Business
College of Computing & Information
School of Criminal Justice
School of Education
EOP
International Perspectives
College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
Project Renaissance
School of Public Health
Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy
ROTC
School of Social Welfare
University Wide Programs
Faculty Awards
Search/Downloads
Courses




Undergraduate Bulletin 2007-2008
 
Bulletin Homepage |College of Arts & Sciences | Bulletin Information

Department of Music


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

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

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

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

Associate Professors

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

Albin J. Zak III, Ph.D. (Department Chair)
City University of New York

Assistant Professors

Victoria von Arx, Ph.D.
City University of New York

Duncan Cumming, D.M.A.
Boston University

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

Nancy Newman, Ph.D.
Brown University


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 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. A Mus 110 may serve as preparation for the major. 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/A Mus 166 and/or A Mus 166 will not apply toward major or minor requirements.

General Program
B.A.: 36 credits:

1. Core: 27 credits to include: A Mus 100, 245, 247, 345, 347; 6 credits in music history (A Mus 230 & 231) and 2 credits (2 semesters) in ensemble (A Mus 184, 185, 186, 187, 287, or 289 [as appropriate]).

2. Electives: 9 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 300- or 400-level musicology course; and at least 3 credits from a 300- or 400-level composition, electronic music and media, or theory course (except A Mus 345 and 347).

 Departmental Programs in Composition, Electronic Music and Media, Musicology, Theory, Conducting, Performance
Admission to these programs requires permission of the appropriate departmental committee.

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

1. Core: Same as General Program.

2. Concentration:
Composition, Musicology or Theory: 15 credits at the 300- and 400-levels in courses appropriate to the concentration and approved by the department chair; 3 semesters in ensemble beyond the Core (5 altogether).

Conducting: 6 credits of A Mus 270; A Mus 360, 361, and 461 (15 altogether); 3 semesters in ensemble beyond the Core (5 altogether).

Electronic Music and Media: 12 credits to include A Mus 295, 325, 393, 426, 427, 430.

Performance: 12-18 credits (4-6 semesters) A Mus 178 (or proficiency), 278 (or proficiency), 378, 379, 478, 479. For orchestral instruments and voice, 6 semesters in ensemble (A Mus 180, 182, 184, 185, 186, 187, 287, 289) beyond the Core (8 altogether). For pianists and guitarists, 3 semesters in ensemble beyond the Core (5 altogether) and 3 credits as advised.

3. Electives: Same as General Program, except elected courses may not duplicate those required for the concentration.

4. Additional Requirements:
Composition: Compositions performed in approved recitals 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 approved recitals.

Honors Program

The honors program in Music is designed for students showing exceptional dedication to the study and practice of the art and discipline of music. Successful completion of the program is excellent preparation for graduate studies in music and related fields.

Applicants to the program must be Departmental Majors concentrating in Composition, Conducting, Electronic Music and Media, Musicology, Performance, or Theory, with an overall grade point average of at least 3.25 and at least 3.5 in music curriculum courses. Students in Performance will be admitted by audition. Normally, application will be made in the semester prior to the junior year, but later applications will be accepted. Decisions of the Honors Committee are final and not subject to review or appeal. If rejected, however, a student may reapply in a subsequent semester.

In the senior year students in the program will be required to complete a major project in close consultation with faculty. Acceptable projects include recital, composition, thesis paper, or other undertaking appropriate to the student�s concentration and approved by the Honors Committee.