University of Maine at Farmington 2021-2022 Catalog

 
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Music
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  MUS 100A - The Creative Habit: Project 1

An interdisciplinary arts course considering historical, theoretical, and performative issues in the arts through exploration of a specific topic for the semester. Topics vary and can include such things as performance of an existing work or one written by the class, a series of exhibitions, study of a particular period, or exploration of a concept. This is the gateway course into the Performing Arts degree program, and is a gateway course to the program.  No prerequisites. Every spring.



Credit: 4

  MUS 101A - Fundamentals of Music

Presuming no previous musical knowledge, this course is an introduction to reading and writing music. Students will analyze examples from a wide range of cultural traditions and historical periods as they learn the basics of music theory, engage in meaningful discourse about music, and write their own musical compositions. Prerequisites: None. Every year.



Credit: 4

  MUS 110A - Chorus

Singing ensemble open to all college students. Rehearsal and performance of a wide range of choral music. Students may not enroll in Chorus (MUS 110A) and Chamber Choir (MUS 210A) in the same semester. May be repeated for up to a total of eight credits. (Pass/Fail only) Every semester.



Credit: 1

  MUS 113A - Instrumental Ensembles

This course is for students interested in playing in an ensemble (band, orchestra, jazz, other ensemble configurations). The conductor will contact students in advance of the semester with details about the ensembles and performances. No audition required.  May be repeated up to a total of eight credits. Every semester.



Credit: 1

  MUS 120A - Beginning Applied Music

Beginning level private lessons in voice or on an instrument. One credit given for 12 half-hour lessons per semester, or two credits for 12 one-hour lessons per semester; may be repeated up to a total of four credits. Additional fee charged for lessons. Prerequisite: Students must register through the office of the Division of the Arts. (Pass/Fail option) Every semester.



Credit: 1-2

  MUS 121A - Piano Class I

Piano lessons in a group setting using electronic keyboards. Students will develop the ability to read music and play simple pieces with proper technique, as well as learn basic music theory. A course fee will be charged in addition to tuition. Prerequisites: None. Every semester.



Credit: 2

  MUS 122A - Piano Class II

Piano lessons in a group setting using electronic keyboards. This course is a continuation of MUS 121A. A course fee will be charged in addition to tuition. Prerequisite: MUS 121A or permission of instructor. Every semester.



Credit: 2

  MUS 123A - Group Instrumental Lessons

Students study an instrument in twelve one-hour lessons over the semester. The group class usually consists of three to five students with the instructor. May be taken up to a total of four credits. Additional fee charged for lessons. Prerequisite: Students must register through the office of the Division of the Arts. Every semester.



Credit: 2

  MUS 124A - Group Voice Lessons

Students study voice in twelve one-hour lessons over the semester. The group class usually consists of three to five students with the instructor. May be taken up to a total of four credits. Additional fee charged for the lessons. Prerequisite: Students must register through the office of the Division of the Arts. Every semester.



Credit: 2

  MUS 149A - Composing Music I

Introduction to the basic skills of music by learning how to compose music. Course teaches music reading, basic theory, and listening for the beginning musician and writer. Students will use topics covered in class to write music using standard notation, lead sheets, or other methods. Musical styles and genres touched on in the course will range from the Classical tradition to avant-garde practices, from Bebop to Pop, and much more. Every semester.



Credit: 4

  MUS 160A - Global Perspectives in Music

This course explores why and how humans make music meaningful and useful in their lives through close examination of specific case studies representing musical traditions from around the world. Discussion will focus on shared cultural concepts about music, physical and verbal behavior in relation to music, aesthetics and the interrelationship of the arts, the process of composition, and music as symbolic behavior, with an emphasis on listening, analysis, and hands-on music making. No previous knowledge or experience with music is required. Prerequisites:  None. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  MUS 177 - Topics in Music

This course allows for the inclusion of electives in other areas of music interest not covered by other courses. (i.e. single artist or topic). Specific topics to be covered and course availability are variable. Prerequisites: none. Varies.



Credit: 4

  MUS 201A - Theory and Aural Skills I

Introduction to scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, rhythm, form, principles of melodic construction, harmony, and voice-leading, using primarily diatonic materials. While the emphasis is on traditional Western classical music, there will also be some study of popular music styles. Students will write music as well as analyze it. The study of theory will be supplemented regularly with training and drills in sight singing and ear training. Prerequisite: Previous musical experience. Every fall.



Credit: 4

  MUS 202 - Theory and Aural Skills II

A continuation of Theory and Aural Skills I, with the emphasis now on chromatic harmony. Topics will include secondary functions and modulation and a more in-depth study of formal structural principles. Work on sight singing and ear training will continue. Prerequisite: MUS 201 or permission of instructor. Every spring.



Credit: 4

  MUS 209A - Alternative Tunings

An examination of selected non-Western musical systems, including a study of their scales and tunings, instruments, principles of musical form, conceptions of rhythm, melody, and texture, and the social and cultural contexts in which the music is created, learned, played, and heard. The focus will be on the gamelan music of Java and Bali, but we will also touch on several other musical traditions. In considering alternative tunings, we may also look at microtonal or justly-tuned music by such American composers as Charles Ives, Harry Partch, Ben Johnston, and Lou Harrison. There will be excursions to attend rehearsals or concerts of gamelan ensembles in Boston or Lewiston. Prerequisites: None. Every other year.



Credit: 4

  MUS 220A - Intermediate Applied Music

Intermediate-level private lessons in voice or on an instrument. Two credits for 12 one-hour lessons per semester; may be repeated up to a total of eight credits. Prerequisites: Successful completion of audition and permission of the music faculty. Students must register through the office of the Division of the Arts. Every semester.



Credit: 1-2

  MUS 241A - Improvising Music

This course will approach improvisation from three perspectives: practicing ways of improvising, listening to relevant music (jazz, jam bands, experimental, etc.), and reading/discussing texts about improvisation. Students do not need proficiency on an instrument (there are plenty of digital options for first-time performers), but should have an interest in exploring the ideas and practice of improvisation. Class includes an additional lab time determined by individual schedule. Prerequisites: None. Odd fall.



Credit: 4

  MUS 249 - Composing Music II

Using composition, this course explores intermediate levels of musical structures, theories, and technologies in classical, popular, and world music. Prerequisite: MUS 149 Composing Music I. Students with basic knowledge of music theory (i.e. scales and intervals) should seek permission of instructor.



Credit: 4

  MUS 265A - Sound as Art

This course will explore the history, theory, and practice behind myriad approaches to the use of sound as an artistic material. Topics will include field recording, audio processing, and synthesis, with a focus on the creation of student works. A musical background is not required, but an openness to experimentation is critical.  Prerequisite(s): None. Every year.



Credit: 4

  MUS 277 - Topics in Music

Intensive study of a specific musical topic not covered in another music course. Prerequisite(s): None. Varies.



Credit: 1-4

  MUS 300A - Creative Arts Management: Project 2

In this course, students will investigate the numerous aesthetic and practical components of arts management from the perspective of independent artists as well as non-profit arts organizations.  We will examine differing approaches to duties such as publicity, marketing, grant writing, pitching, etc.,from a theoretical standpoint, and then further investigate them through hands-on practice.No prerequisites. Every year.



Credit: 4

  MUS 305 - Advanced Composition

The study and creation of extended compositions for instruments, with or without voice. Students will have several assigned projects for solo, duet, and trio, and will also have the opportunity to develop compositional projects of their own. All compositions will be performed in class, and possibly in a public recital at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: MUS 202 or permission of instructor. Odd spring. 



Credit: 4

  MUS 320 - Advanced Applied Music

Advanced-level private lessons in voice or on an instrument. Two credits for 12 one-hour lessons per semester; may be repeated up to a total of eight credits. Additional fee charged for the lessons. Prerequisites: At least three credits of MUS 220, successful completion of audition, and permission of the music faculty. Students must register through the office of the Division of the Arts.  Every semester.



Credit: 2

  MUS 349 - Composing Music III

Using composition, this course explores intermediate to advanced levels of musical structures, theories, and technologies in classical, popular, and world musics. Prerequisite: MUS 249 Composing Music II or permission of instruction for students with a knowledge of music theory. Once every 3 semesters.



Credit: 4

  MUS 377 - Topics in Music

Intensive study of a specific musical topic not covered in another course.  Prerequisite(s): None. Varies.



Credit: 1-4

  MUS 396 - Performing Arts Internship or Field Work Experience

This course is an internship or field work project that is in an arts related field. The course is intended to be used for students who are already engaged in an arts related degree and who could benefit from exposure to practical problems relating to the student's academic major. The experience may include work for a social or governmental agency, an individual, a campus arts facility, or for business or industry. Proposals, as well as confirmation from the potential internship supervisor should be developed in consultation with a faculty member and submitted to the department chair prior to registration. Credits will be allowed on the basis of 32 work hours for each credit. (Pass/Fail only) Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission. (Pass/Fail option). Varies.



Credit: 1-4

  MUS 397 - Independent Study in Music

Independent work on a special project of the student's choice under the supervision of a member of the music faculty. Acceptance of the proposal by the faculty member must precede registration. Prerequisites: Sixteen credits of music courses and permission of instructor. Completed Independent Study form. Varies.



Credit: 2-4

  MUS 400A - The Creative Project: Project 3

The senior capstone, The Creative Project: Project 3is designed to culminate a student’s work in the Performing Arts major. The Project can be interdisciplinary where student incorporate work learned in a minor in a field outside the Performing Arts major. Although students usually work individually, collaborations are an option. Prerequisites: MUS/THE 200, MUS/THE 300, or permission. Every year.



Credit: 4

  MUS 477 - Topics in Music

The study of a specialized topic not offered in the usual curriculum. Varies. 



Credit: 2-4

  MUS 497 - Independent Study in Music

Independent work on a special project of the student's choice under the supervision of a member of the music faculty. Acceptance of the proposal by the faculty member must precede registration. Prerequisites: Sixteen credits of music courses and permission of instructor. Completed Independent Study form. Varies.



Credit: 2-4

  MUS 499 - Senior Project in Composition or Theory

The culminating experience for students in the composition or theory concentration. Composers will write an extended composition and have it performed; theorists will produce a significant paper on a topic chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. Prerequisite: MUS 305 or MUS 377. Every year.



Credit: 4

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