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BACHELOR OF MUSIC (B.Mus.)

Cornell offers two majors leading to the degree of Bachelor of Music: a major in Performance and a major in Music Education. The first is designed to emphasize the study of music performance within the framework of the liberal arts and is the first step in the extensive professional preparation in performance that leads to a concert career or to teaching applied music in a college, university, conservatory, or private studio. The second generally leads to the profession of pre-collegiate school music teaching. For students interested in fields such as music therapy, music ministry, or community music, a major in Music Education is strongly recommended by some graduate schools and required by others.

General Requirements for the B.Mus. Degree

  1. A minimum of 32 course credits. No more than two 100-level courses may be taken in the senior year without the permission of the Academic Standing Committee. No more than four All-College Independent Study course credits (280/380, 289/389, 290/390, 299/399) may be counted toward satisfying the minimum credit requirement for this degree.

  2. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above.

  3. A minimum of nine courses numbered in the 300s or 400s. No more than two All-College Independent Study course credits (380, 389, 390, 399) may be counted toward satisfying this requirement. After a student has earned more than one course credit in the continuing study of the same instrument, he or she may count the additional credits toward the fulfillment of this requirement.

  4. A minimum of 10 courses, including ENG 111, selected from outside the Department of Music, of which at least three must be selected from those courses in this Catalogue or its supplements whose descriptions end with a parenthesis containing the word ``Humanities.''

  5. Music Theory: MUS 110, 210, 310, 343, 346.

  6. Music History: MUS 321, 322, 323.

  7. One elective course credit in music history or theory, selected from MUS 213-275, 315, 348-366.

  8. FAA 701 in all semesters of residence.

  9. A grade of ``Pass'' on all parts of the Piano Proficiency Requirement .

  10. At least one music ensemble each semester for eight semesters, as arranged by the student, the faculty advisor, and the ensemble conductor (see ``Ensemble Participation'').

  11. Satisfaction of the requirement for attendance at music events (see ``Music Performance Seminar'').

  12. Completion of a senior project .

  13. One of the following programs of concentration:



    Major in Music Performance (separate three-letter code for each instrument)

    1. Six course credits in a primary performance medium, either voice or a keyboard, string, or wind instrument (one course credit in both the first and sophomore years and two course credits in each succeeding year).

    2. One course credit in a secondary performance medium.

    3. MUS 306.

    4. MUS 302 or 304.

    5. MUS 107 and 308 for voice majors; MUS 303 for organ majors; or MUS 307 for piano majors.

    6. FAA 798 (junior year) and 799 (senior year).

    7. FRE, GER, GRE, JPN, LAT, RUS, SPA 205 or equivalent.

    8. Entering students who intend to major in performance must audition before the Department of Music during their first semester in residence.



    Major in Music Education (MUE)

    1. Four course credits in a primary performance medium, either voice or a keyboard, string, or wind instrument (one course credit per year).

    2. The following courses, according to emphasis within the degree:
      1. General Music Education: MUS 107 and 308; and one and one-half course credits in secondary performance media, to include FAA 703, 704, 705, 706, and 774.

      2. Instrumental Music Education: one and one-half course credits in secondary performance media, to include FAA 703, 704, 705, 706, and 774; and either FAA 722 or at least one semester of FAA 712.

      3. Vocal Music Education: MUS 107 and 308; and one and one-half course credits in secondary performance media, to include FAA 708 or 774, and 707.

    3. Demonstrate the ability to accompany a singer or instrumentalist (part of the Piano Proficiency Requirement).

    4. MUS 306.

    5. MUS 331 and 431.

    6. Admission to the Teacher Education Program not later than February 1 of the sophomore year and satisfaction of all its requirements by the time of graduation (see Education for complete prerequisite information).

Piano Proficiency Requirement: All Music majors, regardless of degree or program, must pass the Piano Proficiency Requirement by the end of the sophomore year. If this requirement is not passed, the student must take applied piano (FAA 761 or 762) until the requirement has been passed. The requirement consists of six components: performance of three prepared works; scales; arpeggios; sight reading; and melody harmonization. Also, as part of the requirement, Music Education majors must demonstrate their ability to perform an accompaniment with a singer or instrumentalist. A student may pass the requirement in segments.

Ensemble Participation: Participation in music ensembles (FAA 711-720) is required of all Music majors, regardless of degree or program. Requirements vary, depending on the degree program, and are detailed in the preceding curricular information. Regulations governing adding and dropping ensembles are the same as for Music Lessons, with the exception of FAA 718.

Music Performance Seminar: The Music Performance Seminar (FAA 701) is a semester-long program that consists entirely of attendance at music events. The purpose of this Seminar is to help nurture an understanding of diverse musical styles and musical ensembles and to provide opportunities for student performances. Attendance at recitals and concerts is required of all Music majors as well as of all students who are not majors but who are enrolled in music lessons. A student who has not declared a Music major, but who is considering doing so, is strongly encouraged to participate. Music majors are required to attend approximately 10 scheduled music events per semester, depending upon the total number of music events scheduled during the semester. Three of the required events must be Music Performance Seminar Student Recitals, which occur on Friday afternoons at 3:15. Music majors must receive a passing grade in Music Performance Seminar each semester in order to complete the major. Students who are not Music majors but are enrolled in music lessons for credit are required to attend two of the Friday afternoon Student Recitals and two other musical events each semester. Failure to meet this attendance requirement will result in the student's receiving an F for Music Performance Seminar. No course credit is given for this Seminar. It is offered on a Pass/Fail basis.


101. Fundamentals of Music
Basic music reading skills for all interested students, while learning to listen to and recognize the structural and aesthetic elements of music. Preparation for MUS 110. This course satisfies the music requirement for Elementary Education majors to teach music in the elementary schools. (Fine Arts)


107. Vocal Diction (1/2)
Italian, French, German, and English diction as related to the art song and to choral music. Required of all students whose major performance medium is voice; also required of General Music Education majors. Alternate years. L. HEARNE


110. Music Theory I
Fundamentals of music: harmony, melody, rhythm, scales, and forms; with a concentration on the common-practice period, 1600-1900 (with some twentieth century music). Application of these topics to analysis, writing, listening, sight-singing, and an introduction to music literature. (Fine Arts) MARTIN


210. Music Theory II
Continuation of MUS 110, with the addition of keyboard techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 110. (Fine Arts) MARTIN


212. Music Listening and Understanding
Learning to understand Western art music through historical study and perceptive listening. Not open to Music majors. (Humanities)


213. American Music
Music in the American colonies and the United States from the seventeenth century Bay Psalm Book to the twentieth century. Open to all students. Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Humanities)


214. Arts in New York
Ten days in New York City, the center of cultural activities in America, preceded by a week on campus studying the plays, operas, musicals, and other events to be seen and heard in New York. Open to all students. Registration entails additional costs. Offered subject to availability of faculty.

215. Jazz Improvisation
Improvisation in American jazz, including daily performing experiences in these styles. Prerequisite: MUS 310. Offered every third year. (Fine Arts)CHAMBERLAIN

217. Opera
An introduction to opera as a genre and a study of selected masterpieces. The course will involve both traditional investigations and newer scholarly approaches from areas such as ``queer studies'' and feminist scholarship. Themes of the course will be those of the operas studied: politics, gender, class, love, death, sexuality, the individual within society, religion, and, of course, the union of music and drama. Ability to read music not required. Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Humanities) MARTIN

218. Rock Music
Rock music from its origins in African-American blues to the present. The music's interaction with racism, capitalism, sexism, and politics. Open to all students. Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Humanities) MARTIN

219. Revolutionary Music of the Twentieth Century
Avant-garde music of the twentieth century and the ways it has challenged previously held musical and aesthetic values. Ives, Satie, Futurism, Dadaism, Duchamp, Varèse, Cage, and beyond. Experimental works and ideas in arts other than music. Open to all students. Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Humanities) MARTIN

220. Jazz History
Jazz in America from its roots in Africa and Western Europe to present-day styles and practices. Open to all students. Offered every third year. (Humanities) CHAMBERLAIN

225. World Music
Study of the relationship between music and culture with emphasis on music of the non-Western world. Open to all students. Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Humanities)

263. Women and Music
The roles of women in the history of Western music with special emphasis on the music of women composers. Exploration of issues surrounding gender and musical style. Prerequisite: ENG 111. (Humanities)

270 through 275. Topics in Music
Study of a selected topic. May be repeated for credit if content is different.

280/380. Internship: see Courses 280/380.

290/390. Individual Project: see Courses 290/390.

301. Elementary School Music
Children's vocal development. Learning skills of rhythmic response, reading, and listening. Study of basic texts and materials. Recommended prerequisite: MUS 101. M. HEARNE

302. Song Literature
Investigation of the solo repertoire for the voice. Required of all majors in voice performance. Open to others with permission of instructor. Offered upon request. L. HEARNE

303. Service Playing and Arranging
Selecting music for the church service, the playing of the service, and the study of chanting. Required of all students majoring in performance in organ. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered upon request.


304. Literature of the Major Instrument
Study of the repertoire available for the primary instrument. Required of all majors in instrumental performance. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.


305. Orchestration (1/2)
Scoring for wind ensemble, orchestra, and chamber groups. Characteristics of modern instruments. Prerequisite: MUS 310. Offered upon request. CHAMBERLAIN


306. Conducting I (1/2)
Basic conducting skills for both vocal and instrumental ensembles. Baton technique, musical styles and interpretations, rehearsal techniques, and score reading. Prerequisite: MUS 310. M. HEARNE


307. Piano Pedagogy (1/2)
Examination and discussion of current ideas and methods of teaching piano to children and adults, including lectures, observation of individual and class piano lessons, and supervised practice teaching. Required of all piano performance majors. Open to other pianists with the permission of instructor. Not open to first year students. Offered upon request, subject to availability of faculty. MARTIN


308. Vocal Pedagogy (1/2)
Historical and pedagogical development of the art of singing and a study of the physiology of the singing process. Emphasis on teaching techniques and care of the voice. Required of all students majoring in voice. Open to other vocalists with the permission of instructor. Prerequisite: junior standing. Alternate years.


310. Music Theory III
Continuation of MUS 210. Prerequisite: MUS 210. MARTIN


315. Jazz Arranging
Scoring for the jazz ensemble. Study of contemporary practices for writing and arranging in the jazz idiom. Projects include arrangements for the conventional big band as well as for small jazz ensembles. Prerequisite: MUS 346. Offered upon request, subject to availability of faculty. CHAMBERLAIN


321. History of Western Music I
Chronological development of Western music from ancient times through the late Renaissance. Emphasis on critical, aesthetic, historical, and structural examination of musical examples. Prerequisites: ENG 111 and the ability to read music. (Humanities)


322. History of Western Music II
Continuation of MUS 321. Chronological development of Western music from the Baroque and Classic. Emphasis on critical, aesthetic, historical, and structural examination of musical examples. Prerequisites: ENG 111 and MUS 110. (Humanities)

323. History of Western Music III
Continuation of MUS 322. Chronological development of Western music from the Romantics through the contemporary period. Emphasis on critical, aesthetic, historical, and structural examination of musical examples. Prerequisites: ENG 111 and MUS 110. (Humanities)

331. Music Education Seminar (1/2)
Introduction to the music teaching profession, with an emphasis on student evaluation, planning, classroom management, teaching strategies, and audiovisual and computer applications. Twenty-five hours of observation/practicum in music in the schools. Prerequisite: MUS 310. M. HEARNE

343-346. Music Theory IV and V
Continuation of MUS 310, with emphasis on aural skills, structural analysis, and formal designs of music from the common-practice period. Prerequisite: MUS 310. CHAMBERLAIN

348. Counterpoint
Fundamental contrapuntal principles that occur in polyphonic music. Prerequisite: MUS 346. Offered upon request. CHAMBERLAIN

349. Form and Analysis
Overview of the standard forms and genres found in the common-practice and twentieth century periods. Study of techniques for uncovering the structure of a specific work. Prerequisite: MUS 346. Offered upon request. CHAMBERLAIN

350. Mozart and Beethoven
Historical and analytical study of selected works. Relationships, structures, and meanings within the works selected. Prerequisites: ENG 111 and the ability to read music (treble and bass clefs). Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Humanities) MARTIN

352. The Ring Cycle of Wagner
Wagner's four-opera epic cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen, consisting of Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung. Viewing of a videotape of the Ring. Wagner's use of leitmotif, his operatic ideals, and his influence on others. Other areas include Marxist and Jungian interpretations, mythology, and philosophical background. Prerequisite: ENG 111. Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Humanities) MARTIN

361 through 366. Topics in Music History and Theory
Topics vary from year to year according to the interests of the instructor or students. Prerequisites: two courses in music theory and one course in music history.

406. Conducting II: Band (1/2)
407. Conducting II: Choral (1/2)
408. Conducting II: Orchestral (1/2)
Continuation of MUS 306. Advanced score analysis, advanced rehearsal and performance techniques. Course requirements include attendance at all rehearsals and performances of the ensemble involved and private instruction in analysis and conducting techniques. Taught by the regular conductors of the College ensembles. Prerequisite: MUS 306. Offered upon request, subject to availability of faculty.

431. Methods and Materials for Music Education
Preparation for teaching music in the elementary and secondary schools. Educational philosophies, conducting and arranging skills, the teaching of vocal and instrumental music, and teaching strategies for various ages. Prerequisites: MUS 331 and fulfillment of the Piano Proficiency Requirement. M. HEARNE

432. Marching Band Techniques
Charting, arranging for, organizing, and directing a marching band, with particular emphasis on high school marching bands. Prerequisite: MUS 346. Offered upon request, subject to availability of faculty. M. HEARNE

485. Independent Study in Music (1/2-1)
A project in an area of performance practices or some phase of music history, theory, or education. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

Note: All Music courses numbered in the 700s are listed in the annual Term Table as FAA courses, except 728.

701. Music Performance Seminar (Zero Course Credit)
Opportunity for students to perform in recital and studio workshop situations. A forum for guest artists to perform and for lectures and discussions by students, faculty, and visiting musicians. (See ``Music Performance Seminar'' .)

702. Composition (1/2-1)
Original composition for various media, beginning with smaller forms. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (Fine Arts)

703-706; 708 Instrumental Techniques (1/4)
Development of basic performing techniques. Study and evaluation of procedures and materials for elementary and intermediate instrumental teaching.

703. Brass  706. Woodwinds
704. Percussion  708. Guitar
705. Strings   
    

707. Instrumental Techniques for Singers (1/4)
Basic techniques of woodwind, string, and percussion instruments. Required of vocal music education majors.

709 (1/4); 710 (1/2). Advanced Jazz Improvisation
A continuation of MUS 215 Jazz Improvisation. Study and discussion of the various approaches to jazz improvisation. Focus will be on chord/scale relationships, advanced harmonic substitutions, stylistic considerations, solo analysis, and relationships between harmony, melody, and structure. Students will also begin learning important pieces in the basic jazz repertoire. CHAMBERLAIN

Ensemble and Solo Performance Courses

Music courses numbered 711-793 are open to all qualified students upon audition, may be repeated for credit, and may be counted toward the fulfillment of the Fine Arts Participation Requirement. Any combination of these courses that totals a full course credit will satisfy this requirement. These courses normally encompass four terms and are taken along with principal and concurrent courses. MUS 728 (Cornell Lyric Theatre) is an exception.

The regulations governing the adding and dropping of Solo Performance (music lessons) and Ensemble courses are given under ``Music Lessons at Cornell'' and ``Ensemble Participation.'' These regulations apply to all students taking these courses whether or not they are Music majors. To enroll, students register directly and in advance with the Department secretary in Term One or Term Six.

Only juniors and seniors who are candidates for the B.Mus. degree with a major in Performance are permitted to register for a full course credit in a Solo Performance course. Performance majors must register each semester of their first and sophomore years for a half-credit lesson in their primary performance medium and for a full course credit each semester during their last two years. Other music students take lessons for a quarter-course credit each semester or, with the permission of the Department, for a half-course credit.

All students enrolled in a Solo Performance course must also enroll concurrently in MUS 701.

Ensemble Courses

711 (1/4) Chamber Ensembles
712 (1/4) Choir
713 (1/4) Jazz Ensemble
714 (1/4) College Chorale
715 (1/4) Orchestra
716 (1/4) Concert Band
717 (1/4) Chamber Singers
718 (1/4) or 728 (1) Cornell Lyric Theatre
719 (1/4) Accompanying
720 (1/4) Steel Drum Ensemble

722. Class Voice (1/4)
Group instruction in the fundamentals of voice production. Emphasis on various aspects of vocal technique such as posture, breath management, diction, and ease of production. Repertoire includes folk and classical songs in English. Open to all students except Voice majors. Required of Instrumental Music Education majors who do not participate in Choir (FAA 712) for at least one semester. May not be used by Music majors to satisfy the Ensemble requirement. Offered Terms One through Four only.

Solo Performance Courses

At the end of each solo performance course, every student taking the course for credit must pass an examination before a jury of the faculty of the Department. The fees for music lessons are given in the section on Financial Information.

  731 (1/4), 732 (1/2), 733 (1) Brass Instruments
  741 (1/4), 742 (1/2), 743 (1) Organ
  751 (1/4), 752 (1/2), 753 (1) Percussion Instruments
  761 (1/4), 762 (1/2), 763 (1) Piano
  771 (1/4), 772 (1/2), 773 (1) String Instruments
  774 (1/4), 775 (1/2), 776 (1) Guitar
  777 (1/4), 778 (1/2), 779 (1) Harp
  781 (1/4), 782 (1/2), 783 (1) Voice
  791 (1/4), 792 (1/2), 793 (1) Woodwind Instruments

798. Half Recital (1/2)
Usually performed in the junior year. Required of Music Performance majors. Available to any student with approval of the Department.

799. Full Recital
Usually performed in the senior year. Required of Music Performance majors. Available to any student with approval of the Department.

964. Chicago Semester in the Arts

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