Music
Department of Music
Gene Anderson, Chair
Professors Anderson, Davison
Associate Professors Becker, Broening, Cable, Riehl
Assistant Professors Longobardi, McGraw
Artist-in-Residence eighth blackbird
Director of Accompaniment Kong
Director of the Modlin Center for the Arts Panoff
Music Librarian Fairtile
Piano Technician Breakall
Over 30 adjunct music faculty members teach applied music lessons. Adjuncts are professional musicians including principals of the Richmond Symphony.
Information for prospective majors: All prospective music majors must audition on voice or their primary instrument before beginning private lessons and pass a full-faculty expanded jury after four semesters of applied study.
The Music Major
Note: A grade of C- (1.7) or better is required in all coursework comprising the music major.
12 units, including
MUS 095 each semester of enrollment (0 units)
Music Theory, three units including
- MUS 110 Tonal Harmony I: Common Practice Period
- MUS 211 Tonal Harmony II: Chromaticism
- MUS 212 Analytical Approaches to Contemporary Music
Critical Studies, three units including
- MUS 227 Critical Studies in Music History I
- MUS 228 Critical Studies in Music History II
- MUS 229 Critical Studies in Ethnomusicology
One unit of contemporary or non-western music
Two units of electives at the 200-level or above, excluding MUS 338
Two units (four semesters) of applied music study
One unit (four semesters) of ensemble participation
Note: At least one semester of ensemble must be in a non-Western ensemble and no more than two semesters may be in the same ensemble.
The Music Minor
Note: A grade of C- (1.7) or better is required in all coursework comprising of the minor.
6.5 units, including
MUS 095 each semester of enrollment (0 units)
Music Theory, two units including
- MUS 110 Tonal Harmony I: Common Practice Period
- One additional theory course
Critical Studies, two units including
- MUS 227 Critical Studies in Music History I
- MUS 228 Critical Studies in Music History II
- Or another 200-level course or above in place of 227 or 228
One unit (2 semesters) of applied music study
.5 units (2 semesters) of ensemble participation
One elective at the 200 level or above, excluding ensembles, applied courses, or MUS 388
Honors Program
The music honors program recognizes the most distinguished majors, who complete an advanced course of study, culminating in an honors thesis. Successful applicants will be assigned an advisor to guide their work and monitor their progress. Students should declare their intention to seek honors and meet with the honors coordinator in their sophomore year. Students must have completed 18 or more units of course work and at least four or more units in music (excluding prerequisites) with an overall grade point of at least 3.3 or above. Honors candidates must be recommended by at least one full-time member of the Department of Music. Application for departmental honors must include (1) a one-page letter from the student describing how the program requirements will be met, (2) a letter of recommendation from a full-time faculty member of the music department, (3) the student's transcript, and (4) a writing sample consisting of a paper written in a music course. Applications must be submitted to the department chair by November 1 (March 1 for the spring term applicant) of the junior year, approved by the music faculty and submitted to the arts and sciences honors committee by November 15 (March 15 for the spring term applicant). To earn departmental honors, students must complete 3.5 units of honors course work, including MUS 400, MUS 401/402, and two honors independent study courses or two standard elective courses with special work above and beyond the norm. Units earned from MUS 400, 401, and 402 are in addition to the 12 units required for the music major. Honors students are to maintain a grade point average of at least 3.3 while participating in the program.
Related Concentrations
Interdisciplinary concentration in arts management for studio art, art history, music, theatre, and dance majors or minors
CURRICULUM
Critical Studies Courses
- MUS 101 Introduction to Music Literature
- MUS 112 Topics in Music Literature
- MUS 116 The Music Scene
- MUS 122 America's Music
- MUS 124 Asian Music and Globalization
- MUS 201 Documents of Music History
- MUS 203 Global Hip Hop
- MUS 204 Choral Music and Creed
- MUS 209 Music and Society
- MUS 227 Critical Studies in Music History I
- MUS 228 Critical Studies in Music History II
- MUS 229 Critical Studies in Ethnomusicology
- MUS 230 Music and Culture: Introduction to World Music
- MUS 233 Creating Original Opera
- MUS 301 Music Research Methods
- MUS 338 Special Topics in Music History
- MUS 339 Passion and Pleasure: Study of Secular Voice Music, 1600 to Present
- MUS 342 Musical Ethnography
- MUS 343 The Mass from Plainchant to Pärt
- MUS 344 Opera Studies
Music Theory Courses
- MUS 107 Music Fundamentals
- MUS 109 Elementary Musicianship
- MUS 110 Tonal Harmony I: Common Practice Period
- MUS 211 Tonal Harmony II: Chromaticism
- MUS 212 Analytic Approaches to Contemporary Music
- MUS 213 ANy Sound You Can Imagine: Recording, Transforming, and Organizing Sound
- MUS 214 Jazz Arranging
- MUS 215 Jazz Theory and Harmony
- MUS 216 Jazz Performance and Analysis
- MUS 306 Introduction to Composition
- MUS 307 Composition
- MUS 308 Tonal Counterpoint
- MUS 309 Orchestration
- MUS 311 Form and Analysis
- MUS 338 Special Topics
Performance Study Courses
- MUS 130 Class Guitar
- MUS 131 Class Piano
- MUS 132 Class Voice
- MUS 205 English and Italian Diction for Singers and Accompanists
- MUS 206 German and French Diction for Singers and Accompanists
- MUS 207 Musical Theatre and Opera Scene Workshop
- MUS 231 Conducting Fundamentals
- MUS 232 Conducting Techniques
- MUS 350 Student Recital
Courses
MUS
095 Repertoire Class
Attendance and performance at weekly repertoire class. May be repeated. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisite(s): Music major or minor.
Unit(s): 0
MUS
101 Music in Sound and Score: Introduction to Music Repertoires
Introduces students to a wide variety of musical works through scores and recordings--and thus through listening, score reading, and discussion. Students will encounter unique repertoires based largely on the areas of specialty of the music faculty. Learn to distinguish between different performances, to read a score in some detail, to utilize a distinct vocabulary for discussion, and to engage in sight singing and rhythmic exercises that will bring the scores to life. This course is a prerequisite for upper-level music study.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of department
Unit(s): .5
MUS
107 Music Fundamentals
For students with little or no previous training in theory or piano. Practical understanding of intervals, scales, keys, chord structures, and rhythm, using keyboard and sight-singing as vehicles of instruction. Does not count toward music major.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
109 Elementary Musicianship
Proficiency-based study of sight singing, ear training, rhythm reading, and other essential musicianship skills for majors, minors, and advanced non majors. A prerequisite for all theory study. May be satisfied by examination.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
110 Tonal Harmony I: Common Practice Period
Entry-level music theory course. Study and application of harmonic practice in Western music of 17th and 18th centuries by means of original compositions and analysis of selected literature. Continuation of musicianship exercises from Music 109.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 and permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
112 Topics in Music Literature
Special topics for general study. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
114 Popular Music of the 1970s and 1980s
Discusses the historical developments in popular music of the 70s and 80s, and the musics' cultural and social impact and overarching discourses. Through a series of papers, students will investigate how the music of these eras influenced and was influenced by the politics and issues of the day. Students will argue for how these issues affected musical styles and presentations. Students will be able to identify at least some of the ways the musics of the 70s and 80s have impacted the music and bands that came after it.
General Education Requirement: FSVP
Unit(s): 1
MUS
115 The Jazz Tradition
For general student. Survey of cultural history of jazz; jazz styles from 1917 to present; and evolution of jazz from African music, music of slavery, ragtime, and blues. Includes concert attendance and performance project.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
116 Music Scenes
Sections are designed each semester around on- and off-campus concerts. Students consider historical, social, and cultural issues particular to each concert and interact with visiting artists and University of Richmond's ensemble in residence, eighth blackbird.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
117 Salsa Meets Jazz
For general student. Traces influx of Latin-American music into North American jazz. Connects music and dances of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Brazil to their subsequent synthesis in jazz.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
118 The Life and Music of Duke Ellington
For general student. Musician and bandleader Edward Kennedy Ellington was one of the most prolific American composers of the 20th century. Examines his life and considers aspects of his unique contribution to jazz history.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
119 Broadway Musical Theatre
(See Theatre Arts 119.)
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
120 The Music and Poetry of Jazz
For general student. Exploration of form, rhythm, and sound of jazz and its impact upon poets who respond to jazz in all its musical and cultural overtones. Music includes range of jazz from early blues to free jazz and experimental music.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
121 Music in Film
For general student. Study of interaction of music and visual image in Hollywood film; emphasis on nature of musical meaning, music and association, and music as a cultural code.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
122 America's Music
Topically-based survey of America's music from that of Native Americans and European colonists to the diversity of the contemporary music scene.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
123 Meaning and Music
For general student. Explores aspects of meaning as it pertains to the musical arts. Considers such issues of emotion and music, expectations of the listener, music and representation, and composer/performer intentions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
124 Asian Music and Globalization
Uses the social and cultural history of select Asian regions, as well as diasporic Asian communities in America, as a lens through which contemporary processes of globalization (and regionalization, localization, and globalization) can be investigated.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
125 Indonesian Theater and Music
This course will be a highly interdisciplinary introduction into the rich and complexly interconnected traditions of theater and music from the island nation of Indonesia. Students will study the history and form of various traditions and partake in numerous hands-on workshops involving traditional shadow theater, comedy, dance, and gamelan orchestral music.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
126 Side by Side with Sondheim
For general student. Focuses on Broadway musicals of Stephen Sondheim. Provides basic background in music theory and listening skills and culminates with performances of scenes from Sondheim's works by class members.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
130 Class Guitar
Introduction to guitar through folk music.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
131 Class Piano
For beginning piano student. Introduction to elements of music via the keyboard.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
132 Class Voice
For the beginning voice student. Introduction to the basic elements of vocal technique through the study of body and breath control, vocal exercises, beginning repertoire, and performance experience.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
201 Documents of Music History
Introduction to primary sources (manuscript and printed scores, composers' writings, and concert reviews) used in music study and research. By focusing on the recurring themes of creation, dissemination, and consumption of musical works, students will learn to apply these resources to fundamental questions about music in a variety of historical periods.
Prerequisite(s): Music 101.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
203 Global Hip Hop
Uses the music of hip hop as a foundation upon which we will ask the theoretical and historical questions regarding the political, social, and sonic dimensions of global popular culture.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
204 Choral Music and Creed
Major religious and cultural trends in the history of the West approached through selected choral masterworks by considering the sources and cultural functions of the texts, the philosophical outlook of the composer, and the ways the available musical resources of the period were used. (Same as Religion 204.)
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
205 English and Italian Diction for Singers and Accompanists
Study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) with application to the English and Italian languages. Preparation and performance of works in each language using IPA.
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied study in voice or piano.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
206 German and French Diction for Singers and Accompanists
Study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) with application to the German and French languages. Preparation and performance of works in each language using IPA.
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied study in voice or piano.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
207 Musical Theatre and Opera Scene Workshop
Study of stage techniques for the singer applied to various scenes from operatic and musical theater repertoire resulting in staged performance by class members. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied voice instruction or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
209 Music and Society
Explores effects of social, economic, and political structures on composition, performance, and listening of music. Topics include autonomous music and aesthetic ideology, the role of the composer in several historical periods, and new modes of listening developed in response to electronic dissemination of music.
Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level music course, experience in music ensemble or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirement: FSVP
Unit(s): 1
MUS
211 Tonal Harmony II: Chromaticism
Continuation of MUS 110. Study and application of harmonic practice in Western music of the 18th and 19th centuries by means of original compositions and analysis of selected literature. Continuation of musicianship exercises from Music 109.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
212 Analytic Approaches to Contemporary Music
Study and application of harmonic practice in Western music of the 20th and 21st centuries by means of original compositions and analysis of selected literature. Continuation of musicianship exercises from Music 211.
Prerequisite(s): Music 211.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
213 Any Sound You Can Imagine: Recording, Transforming and Organizing Sound
Introduces students to the techniques, tools, aesthetic ideas, and traditions of organizing sound in meaningful ways using computers. Students will learn recording techniques, principles of digital audio, and techniques of audio transformation and organization in the service of producing several original brief compositions. In addition, students will study relevant readings and pieces drawn from the electronica, electroacoustic, and experimental repertoires.
General Education Requirement: FSVP
Unit(s): 1
MUS
214 Jazz Arranging
Comprehensive study of evolution of jazz arranging and composition from 1920s to present. Score analysis of representative works by Sammy Nestico, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, and others. Extensive listening. Students will arrange for small and large jazz ensembles.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
215 Jazz Theory and Harmony
Development of theoretical and harmonic skills which bridge tonal and chromatic approaches. Students will work to develop ability to assess and modify harmonic schemes with the goal of systematic growth and increased individuality in their jazz compositions. Extensive listening.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
216 Jazz Performance and Analysis
Performance and analysis of original jazz works and transcriptions. Discussion, demonstration, and performance of advanced jazz improvisational techniques. Transcribe and study transcriptions of jazz masters and engage in critical analysis of great printed and recorded improvised jazz solos.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110 and permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
227 Critical Studies in Music History I
First in a series of three courses devoted to exploration of significant topics, issues, methodologies, and theories applicable to historical and ethnographic music studies. Taught principally through examination of the core repertoire of Western art music.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
228 Critical Studies in Music History II
Second in series of three courses devoted to exploration of significant topics, issues, methodologies, and theories applicable to historical and ethnographic music studies. Taught principally through the examination of the core repertoire of Western art music.
Prerequisite(s): Music 227 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
229 Critical Studies of Ethnomusicology
Third in series of courses devoted to the exploration of significant topics and issues, methodologies, and theories applicable to historical and ethnographic music studies. Taught through examination of a broad cross selection of musical styles, genres, and traditions.
Prerequisite(s): Music 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
230 Music in Culture: Introduction to World Music
Introduction to ethnomusicology and the study of music as a human activity. Explores ways different people create music, communicate about music, consume and transmit music, and use music to create meaning. Topics may include traditional (folk), popular, and cultivated musics around the world, including North America. Includes participation in and observation of music events.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
231 Conducting Fundamentals
Essentials of instrumental and choral conducting. Rehearsal techniques and practical experience in directing musical groups.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
232 Conducting Techniques
Study and practical application of advanced conducting techniques such as score study and analysis, choral and instrumental rehearsal procedures and recitative and performance practice issues.
Prerequisite(s): Music 231 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
233 Creating Original Opera
A forum in which students of varied interests and majors come together to produce an original opera in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera. Students will apply for one of 12 jobs that parallel the division of labor in a real opera company -- production manager, stage manager, historian, carpenter, electrician, set designer, costume designer, make-up artist, librettist, composer, performer, or public relations -- and will work together to create a signed integrated production.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
MUS
305 Introduction to Music Education
Basic principles, purposes, and philosophies of music education. Overview of each level (elementary, middle school, senior high) including directed observations. Participation in weekly seminars, reviewing current music education methods and materials.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
306 Introduction to Composition
Introduction of materials and techniques of acoustic composition through readings, listening assignments, composition exercises, and performances.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
307 Composition
Directed projects in various styles for traditional and/or electronic media. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Music 306 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
308 Tonal Counterpoint
Study and application of tonal counterpoint. Written musical exercises include original compositions and written commentary on excerpts from tonal literature.
Prerequisite(s): Music 110 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
309 Orchestration
Study of orchestration, instrumentation, and arranging for classical and contemporary groups.
Prerequisite(s): Music 211 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
310 Managing Performing Arts Organizations
Review of topics essential for successful management of performing arts organizations. Includes organizational structure, budget development and management, strategic planning, marketing, audience development, box-office management, and related topics. (Same as Theatre 310.)
Prerequisite(s): Major or minor in music, theatre or dance or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
311 Form and Analysis
Study of principles of organization in music with emphasis on European music since the Renaissance. Reading and analysis of scores exemplifying various musical forms.
Prerequisite(s): Music 211 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
313 Advanced Computer Music
Continuation of Music 213. Exploration of audio computer systems, including
digital recording and mixing devices. Creation and transcription of music for computer-controlled performance.
Prerequisite(s): Music 213 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
338 Special Topics in Music History, Theory or Music Education
Selected topics such as musical genre, works of specific composers, or techniques of teaching and learning music. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 and 227 or 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
339 Passion and Pleasure: Study of Secular Vocal Music, 1600 to present
Study of use of text in popular secular vocal music, beginning in 1600 and ending with the popular music of our time. Areas of concentration include solo song, solo cantata, opera, blues, funk, and rock.
Prerequisite(s): Music 227 or 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
342 Musical Ethnography: Politics and Practices
Intended for music and anthropology students who have an interest in developing a critical understanding of the ethnographic process as it relates to the study of musical performance.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or Anthropology 101 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
343 The Mass from Plainchant to Part
Study of representative musical settings of the Mass from Middle Ages to present day; emphasis on tensions between artistic expression and liturgical function.
Prerequisite(s): Music 227 or 228 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
344 Opera Studies
Explores significant topics and issues in the study of opera through variety of approaches and methodologies; opera's connections to other disciplines, histories, and contexts will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): Music 109 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
345 Philanthropy in the Arts
Survey of strategies, tools and techniques involved in generating contributed income for arts organizations from private individuals, foundations, corporations, business, and government agencies. Central issues include underlying psychological and practical bases of fundraising in the arts and exposure to research and methods involved in developing donor prospects. Fundraising techniques, including direct mail, telemarketing, grant writing, personal appeals, major gift solicitation, special events, capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, sponsorships, and planned giving. (Same as Art 345 and Theatre 345.)
Prerequisite(s): Music 310, Art 322, or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
MUS
350 Student Recital
Preparation and performance of a solo recital by students in applied study or composition.
Prerequisite(s): Current enrollment in applied study or composition or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
388 Individual Internship
No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .5-1
MUS
395 Independent Study
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
400 Honors Seminar
Seminar on topics in critical studies, music performance, music theory, or composition for honors students selected by the instructor and those enrolled.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in department honors program.
Unit(s): .5
MUS
401-402 Honors Thesis/Project
Guided research and preparation for honors thesis or project in critical studies, music performance, music theory, or composition.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in department honors program.
Unit(s): .5-.5
MUS
413 Special Topics in Computer Music
Special topics in computer music such as interactive computer music and computer music programming with emphasis on using technology to realize compositional objectives. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisite(s): Music 213 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
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