Revised March 2008

Music

Dr. Blair, Dean
Dr. Burton, Coordinator of Graduate Studies
610-436-2222 or 436-2739

Faculty

Program Description

Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

Return to Music.

Music Theory/Composition

Dr. Maggio, Chairperson

PROFESSORS

Robert Maggio, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Larry A. Nelson, Ph.D., Michigan State University

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Mark T. Rimple, D.M.A., Temple University
Alexander Rozin, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

Van Stiefel, Ph.D., Princeton University

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to degree programs in music, theory/composition applicants must (1) schedule an interview with a faculty committee appointed by the chairperson of the Department of Music Theory/Composition; and (2) demonstrate sufficient pianistic ability, sight singing, and aural perception to meet the demands of the program. In addition, composition applicants must submit original works showing technical facility in composition.

MASTER OF MUSIC IN THEORY/COMPOSITION (30 semester hours)

I. Requirements (3 semester hours)
Music History (3)

II. Area of Concentration (21 semester hours)

A. Requirements (15 semester hours)
MTC 512, 517, 542, 544, 579
Note: On the basis of student preparation, and under advisement, a course from concentration electives may be substituted.

B. Concentration Electives (6 semester hours)
Any two selected from the following:
MTC 513, 514, 516, 541, 545, 546, 552, 554

III. Free Elective (3 semester hours)

IV. Research Component (3 semester hours)
MTC 697 or 699

V. Comprehensive Examination (Thesis Defense)
The thesis defense serves as the comprehensive exit examination.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION

Symbol: MTC (unless otherwise indicated)

512-14 Advanced Composition I, II, and III (3) Free composition in larger forms for ensembles, solo voice and chorus, chamber groups, and orchestra. PREREQ: MTC 213 (Theory of Music IV) or equivalent.

517 Electronic Music (3) Materials and techniques of electronic music and their use in composition. Laboratory experience in the composition of electronic music. PREREQ: Permission of the instructor.

MWJ 536-39 Jazz Studies Workshop (1-3) A workshop for the study and performance of jazz. Arranging and ensemble performance opportunities. A separate brochure describes summer workshops.

541 Advanced Orchestration (3) Original composition or arrangement for orchestra. PREREQ: A knowledge of the instruments of the orchestra and experience in their use.

542 Advanced Musical Form (3) A detailed study of musical form, with emphasis on modifications of sonata form, vocal and instrumental forms of Baroque music, and forms that are unique.

544 Advanced Counterpoint I (3) Contrapuntal techniques of the 18th century. Chorale prelude and invention.

545 Advanced Counterpoint II (3) Continuation of MTC 544. Includes the canon, invertible counterpoint, and fugue. PREREQ: MTC 544 or permission of the instructor.

546 Techniques of Early 20th-Century Music (3) A study of compositional techniques in representative vocal and instrumental works of the first two decades of this century.

550 Acoustics of Music (3) The study of sound: its production, transmission, and reception. Musical instruments, the acoustics of rooms, and the physical basis of scales.

561 Jazz Harmony and Arranging (3)

562 Advanced Jazz Harmony and Arranging (3) A study of improvisation and arranging, literature, and other aspects of an important phase of popular styles.

564 Performance Practices in Contemporary Music (3) This course will provide the following opportunities: (1) the participants will study technical problems of understanding new notation (e.g., graphic scores, proportional scores, multiphonics, microtones, metric modulation, asymmetrical rhythm groupings, prose scores, etc.), and will develop a reasonable facility in performing scores that include these techniques; (2) an ensemble, for which composition students may compose; and (3) the establishment of an ensemble, which may publicly perform new music.

579 Seminar in Music Theory (1-3) Special topics seminar designed to meet specific needs of music majors in the area of theory research.

591 Advanced Chromatic Harmony (3)

592 Advanced Ear Training (2)

679 Special Subjects Seminar (1-3) Significant topics presented by faculty members or visiting lecturers. Designed to meet specific needs of the seminar group.

681-83 Independent Study in Music (1-3) Individual research under the guidance of a faculty member. PREREQ: Permission of instructor.

691-92 Research Seminar in Music (1-2) A research proposal with supporting procedures is developed. Guidance in individual research topics with tutorial assistance in form and style of research writing.

697 Theory Thesis (3) For graduate majors in theory only.

698 Research Report (1)

699 Musical Composition Thesis (3) For graduate majors in composition only.

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