MUTH 10101 Fundamentals of Music Theory

Study of rhythm and meter, pitch, intervals, tonality, scales, key signatures and relationships, triads, notation, and terms and symbols. (F-B)
Attributes: FA
1 Credit

MUTH 11100 Introduction to Music Studies (LA)

An introduction to aural, notated, cultural, analytical, and technological approaches to music, setting the stage for a wide range of future music studies at the college level. Students learn about the elements of music and apply this knowledge to aurally analyze music representing diverse styles, contextualized within cultural traditions. Students develop fluency in reading, recognizing, and writing elements of Western staff notation. Students explore how technology can manipulate, analyze, notate, compose, and record music. Students cultivate productive and responsible study habits that are essential for success in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Intended for first-year students. (F,Y)
4 Credits

MUTH 11200 Strategies for Success in Music Studies (LA)

Designed for students who attempted and did not successfully complete Introduction to Music Studies. In addition to building essential musical skills necessary for success in Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Music in Context classes, helps students identify their barriers to success and supports growth in skills such as time management, organization, and resilience. Intended for first-year students. Permission of instructor required. (S,Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 12300 Music Theory I (LA)

In this course, we will examine how tonal music expresses opening, development, and closure. To this end we will analyze musical excerpts and complete pieces, communicate analytical interpretations through prose, compose voice-leading paradigms in two and four parts, and aurally identify theme types, harmonic progressions, and formal sections. Prerequisites: MUTH 11100 or MUTH 11200. (F,S,Y)
3 Credits

MUTH 12600 Aural Skills I (LA)

Development of musical skills through vocalizing prepared and unprepared material, melodic and rhythmic dictation, corrective listening, and vocal/keyboard exercises. Uses moveable DO solfège syllables in the major and minor modes in treble, alto, and bass clefs. Uses Takadimi beat-level rhythm syllables in simple, compound, and changing meters, including first and second divisions of the beat, fundamental rhythm patterns, and complementary rhythm. A minimum grade of C-minus must be earned to advance on to Aural Skills II. (F,S,Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 12601 Aural Skills I - Honors (LA)

A more in-depth study of the material covered in MUTH 12600. Registration is based on placement testing. Development of musical skills through vocalizing prepared and unprepared material, melodic and rhythmic dictation, corrective listening, and vocal/keyboard exercises. Uses moveable DO solfège syllables in the major and minor modes in treble, alto, and bass clefs. Uses Takadimi beat-level rhythm syllables in simple, compound, and changing meters, including first and second divisions of the beat, fundamental rhythm patterns, and complementary rhythm. A minimum grade of C-minus must be earned to advance on to Aural Skills II. Registration is based on placement testing. (F,S,Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 14100-14200 First-Year Composition (NLA)

Practical study of the techniques necessary for coherent expression in a creative work. Students examine established works and are assigned original musical excerpts and original compositions, exploring aspects of formal structure and style. Prerequisites: First-year Composition majors only. (F)
3 Credits

MUTH 22200 Music Theory III (LA)

Study of mode mixture, chromatic tonicization and modulation, the Neapolitan sixth chord, augmented sixth chords, extended tertian chords, and more advanced harmonic topics. Written application of all subject material, demonstrating the principles of good voice leading. Keyboard and vocal demonstration of harmonic concepts. Harmonic, structural, and aural analysis of selected works in binary and ternary form. Aural recognition of sonority types, harmonic progressions, textures, and form. Prerequisites: MUTH 22100 or MUTH 22101; MUTH 12100. (F,S)
2 Credits

MUTH 22400 Music Theory II (LA)

In this course we will examine the harmonic function and stylistic conventions of chromatic harmony in common-practice tonality. We will explore how chromatic harmony is used in musical forms from the phrase level to complete pieces in binary and ternary form. We will refine and continue study of music analysis begun in Music Theory I, including relationships between harmony, formal design, and texture to create areas of stability and instability. Prerequisites: MUTH 12300. (F,S,Y)
3 Credits

MUTH 22500 Aural Skills II (LA)

Continued development of basic musical skills learned in MUTH 12600 or MUTH 12601. Additional work with minor mode. Introduction of chromatic passing and neighbor tones, tonicization of the relative major and the dominant, tenor clef, and changing clefs. Rhythmic materials include anacrusic phrasing, syncopation, and changing meter. A minimum grade of C-minus must be earned to advance on to Aural Skills III. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or above in MUTH 12600 or MUTH 12601. (F,S)
2 Credits

MUTH 22501 Aural Skills II - Honors (LA)

A more in-depth study of the material covered in MUTH 22500. Continued development of basic musical skills learned in MUTH 12600 or MUTH 12601. Additional work with minor mode. Introduction of chromatic passing and neighbor tones, tonicization of the relative major and the dominant, tenor clef, and changing clefs. Rhythmic materials include anacrusic phrasing, syncopation, and changing meter. A minimum grade of C-minus must be earned to advance on to Aural Skills III. Permission of instructor required. (F,S,Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 22600 Aural Skills III (LA)

Development of advanced musical skills, building on skills from MUTH 22500 or MUTH 22501. Continued exploration of chromaticism through secondary dominant chords and modulation (both closely and distantly related). Introduction to 20th-century materials including modal melodies, whole tone and octatonic collections, and pitch-centric post-tonal melodies. Rhythmic materials include irregular division of the beat, asymmetric meters, common tuplets, polyrhythms, and advanced tempo/meter modulation. A minimum grade of C-minus must be earned to successfully complete a music major. Prerequisites: Grade of C– or above in MUTH 22500 or MUTH 22501. (F,S,Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 22601 Aural Skills III -- Honors (LA)

A more in-depth study of the material covered in MUTH 22500 or MUTH22501. Continued exploration of chromaticism through secondary dominant chords and modulation (both closely and distantly related). Introduction to 20th-century materials including modal melodies, whole tone and octatonic collections, and pitch-centric post-tonal melodies. Rhythmic materials include irregular division of the beat, asymmetric meters, common tuplets, polyrhythms, and advanced tempo/meter modulation. A minimum grade of C-minus must be earned to successfully complete a music major. Permission of the instructor required. Prerequisites: MUTH 22501 or MUTH 22500. (F,S,Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 23400 Aural Skills IV (LA)

Continued development of advanced musical skills learned in MUTH 23300 or MUTH 23301. Presentation of transient modulations, and modal melodies. Introduction to 20th-century music through impressionist, post-tonal and atonal melodies, trichord patterns, and complex rhythmic and metric combinations. Prerequisites: Grade of C- or above in MUTH 23300 or MUTH 23301. (F-S)
1 Credit

MUTH 23401 Aural Skills IV - Honors (LA)

A more in-depth study of the material covered in MUTH 23400. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or above in MUTH 23301 or excellent achievement in MUTH 23300 and departmental approval. (S)
1 Credit

MUTH 24100-24200 Composition (NLA)

Study and application of the techniques necessary for coherent expression in creative musical work. Students are assigned original compositions to explore motivic, harmonic, and formal design, as well as style, idiom, and orchestration, in order to create effective and meaningful works. Registration is based on previous written work and the permission of the instructor. Private tutorial instruction and one class meeting per week. Prerequisites: MUTH 14200. (F,S)
3 Credits

MUTH 24400 Composing in the Schools (NLA)

Composing in the Schools is a collaborative program between the Ithaca College composition department, and local and regional-area schools. The IC composition student receives hands-on experience working with children in a creative capacity by co-creating a musical work with and for K-12 children. Instrumentation varies from band and string ensembles to vocal groups. The IC student attends rehearsals and the premiere performance of the work and speaks. The student also speaks to the audience prior to the performance. The partnership provides real-life experiences for the IC student while providing a valuable service to the greater Ithaca community. Prerequisite: MUTH 14200. (F,Y)
1 Credit

MUTH 25200 Songwriting (LA)

Students creatively and critically develop modern songwriting skills, moving beyond the basics of mere musical self-expression. Songwriting is a learnable craft involving musical and textual clarity, thrift, and depth. Across genres, certain compositional and thematic qualities consistently underlie songs that are artistically and/or popularly successful, independent of their production and performance. This class focuses on these qualities. Activities include discussion, listening, creative exploration, collaboration, peer evaluation, and analysis of popular songs past and present. Students from all musical backgrounds are welcome, but the course presupposes a familiarity with keys, scales, chords, and rhythms. (S,Y)
3 Credits

MUTH 25300 Music in Context: The Academy, the Temple, and the Palace (LA)

An investigation of music in social and historical contexts. Using a case study approach, we will study institutional structures that encourage, support, inspire, require, regulate, or control music, and the musical practices that have taken place within these structures. Focuses on music in places of learning and study, in religious contexts, and in political or governmental contexts. Invites inquiry into how performers, audiences, impresarios, financiers, inventors, composers, and technologies shape musical practices, and how these musical practices shape our identities. Prerequisites: MUTH 11100 or MUTH 11200. (F,Y)
3 Credits

MUTH 25400 Music in Context: The Stage, the Home, and the Marketplace (LA)

An investigation of music in social-historical contexts. Using a case study approach, we will study institutional structures that encourage, support, inspire, require, regulate, or control music, and the musical practices that have taken place within these structures. Focuses on music for the public stage, the domestic sphere, and in the marketplace. Invites inquiry into how performers, audiences, impresarios, financiers, inventors, composers, and technologies shape musical practices, and how these musical practices shape our identities. Prerequisites: MUTH 11100 or MUTH 11200. (S,Y)
3 Credits

MUTH 32100 Form and Analysis (LA)

Examination of the traditional techniques of musical form and structure and their application to compositions primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries. Prerequisites: MUTH 22200 or MUTH 22201. (F)
2 Credits

MUTH 32200 Analysis of Music since 1900 (LA)

Study of harmonic, rhythmic, melodic, and formal techniques from about 1900 to the present. Introduction of various analytical systems. Prerequisites: MUTH 22200 or MUTH 22201. (S)
2 Credits

MUTH 34100-34200 Composition (NLA)

Study and application of the techniques necessary for coherent expression in creative musical work. Students are assigned original compositions to explore motivic, harmonic, and formal design, as well as style, idiom, and orchestration, in order to create effective and meaningful works. Registration is based on previous written work and the permission of the instructor. Private tutorial instruction and one class meeting per week. Prerequisites: MUTH 24200. (F,S)
3 Credits

MUTH 34500 Orchestration for Composers I (LA)

This course is an intensive study of orchestration techniques from the early Classical period to the 21st Century from a compositional perspective. Students will analyze instrumental/orchestral works and transcribe piano/small chamber scores. Prerequisites: MUTH 24100. (S,E)
2 Credits

MUTH 35300-35312 Selected Topics in Music Studies (LA)

Selected Topics in Music Studies provides students with the opportunity for in-depth academic study in any area of music including but not limited to music history, music theory, composition, ethnomusicology, or some combination thereof, and will build on material discussed in Music Theory I and II; Music in Context: The Academy, the Temple, and the Palace; Music in Context: The Stage, the Home, and the Marketplace; and Aural Skills I – III.  Possible topics include The American Avant-Garde: Analysis of Contemporary Opera; Stylistic Composition. Prerequisites: MUTH 22400 and MUTH 25300 or MUTH 25400. (F,S,Y)
3 Credits

MUTH 35400-35412 Selected Topics in Music Studies (WI) (LA)

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth academic study in any area of music including but not limited to music history, music theory, composition, ethnomusicology, or some combination thereof, and will build on material discussed in Music Theory I and II, Music in Context I and II, and Aural Skills I – III.  Students compose one or more documents totaling at least 3000 words through multiple stages of writing, including brainstorming, drafting, integrating sources, and revising comprehensively after receiving substantial, formative feedback on drafts. Possible topics include The American Avant-Garde: Analysis of Contemporary Opera; Stylistic Composition. Prerequisites: MUTH 22400 and MUTH 25300 or MUTH 25400 and WRTG 10600 or ICSM 10800 or ICSM 11800. (IRR)
Attributes: WI
3 Credits

MUTH 35500 History and Literature of Music III (LA)

Examination of musical practices, styles, social institutions, and cultural events from approximately 1900 to today. Using a case method pedagogy, this class studies narratives about specific moments in time in order to develop critical musicological skills. Students will be actively participating in the creation of knowledge through inquiry and research related to each case study. Prerequisites: MUTH 25600. (F)
Attributes: 3B, G, H, HU
3 Credits

MUTH 36000 Chord Symbol Realization at the Keyboard (LA)

Decode and perform the two most common keyboard notation shorthands used in Western music—figured bass and lead-sheet symbols. Explore useful voicing techniques in various contexts. Prerequisites: MUTH 22200 or MUTH 22400. (S,E)
1 Credit

MUTH 42100 Topics in Music Theory and Analysis (LA)

Changing topics in music theory and analysis. Prerequisites: MUTH 32200 or MUTH 32201. (Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 42900 Advanced Aural Skills (LA)

Extends aural skills developed in lower-level courses in the aural skills, music theory, and music history core, including emphases on formal analysis and music since 1900. Prerequisites: MUTH 23400 or MUTH 23401; MUTH 32100 or MUTH 32101; MUTH 35500; and prior or concurrent registration in MUTH 32200 or MUTH 32201. (S,B,O)
1 Credit

MUTH 43100 Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint (LA)

Study of polyphonic techniques based on the stylistic principles of the 16th-century sacred literature. Composition of canons, motets, and movements from the mass. Prerequisites: MUTH 22600 or MUTH 22601 and MUTH 22400. (F,O)
2 Credits

MUTH 43200 Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint (LA)

Study of polyphonic techniques based on the stylistic principles of the 18th-century keyboard literature. Invention (two- and three-voice), chorale prelude, canon, and fugue are studied. Analysis and written projects. Prerequisites: MUTH 22600 or MUTH 22601 and MUTH 22400. (F,E)
2 Credits

MUTH 43500 Choral Arranging (LA)

Arranging for elementary through high school choruses and special choirs. Analysis and study of choral part-writing, encompassing unison, simple two-, three-, and four-part, and multi-voice units. Prerequisites: MUTH 22200 or MUTH 22201. (Y)
2 Credits

MUTH 43700 Instrumentation and Orchestration (LA)

Study of orchestral and band instruments in terms of range, transposition, and individual characteristics. Scoring of works for both standardized and less common ensembles of various sizes. Prerequisites: MUTH 32200 or MUTH 32201. (F,S)
2 Credits

MUTH 44100-44200 Composition (NLA)

Study and application of the techniques necessary for coherent expression in creative musical work. Students are assigned original compositions to explore motivic, harmonic, and formal design, as well as style, idiom, and orchestration, in order to create effective and meaningful works. Registration is based on previous written work and the permission of the instructor. Private tutorial instruction and one class meeting per week. Prerequisites: MUTH 34200. (F,S)
3 Credits

MUTH 44300 Pedagogy of Music Theory (NLA)

A survey of the pedagogical aspects of teaching music theory and aural skills on the high school and college levels. Focus on current approaches, presentation, and implementation of materials suitable for the study of theory, harmony, and aural skills. Prerequisites: MUTH 32100 or MUTH 32101. (S, O)
3 Credits

MUTH 44500 Orchestration for Composers II (LA)

This course is a continuation of MUTH 34500. The course is an intensive study of orchestration techniques from the early Classical period to the 21st Century from a compositional perspective. Students will learn to transcribe piano/small chamber scores, works for orchestra, and will learn to reduce orchestral works to scores for one or two pianos. Students will also write original, short compositions for orchestra. Prerequisites: MUTH 34500. (F,O)
2 Credits

MUTH 45100 Instrumental Chamber Music Literature (LA)

A historical survey of instrumental chamber music from the Renaissance to the present. Prerequisites: MUTH 35500. (S,E)
3 Credits

MUTH 45200 The History and Literature of the Art Song (LA)

A broad historical survey of the secular art song from the Middle Ages to the present, with greatest emphasis placed on the German, French, Italian, and English song repertory of the 18th and 19th centuries. Prerequisites: MUTH 35500. (IRR)
Attributes: GERM
3 Credits

MUTH 45700 History and Literature of Opera (LA)

Traces the history, development, and repertory of opera from the beginning of the Baroque period to the present. The primary focus of the course, however, is on the standard performing repertory from Handel through Britten. Live performance in class and video excerpts of great performances provide stimuli for class discussion. Prerequisites: MUTH 35500. (Y)
Attributes: FA
3 Credits

MUTH 45800 The Symphony (LA)

The study of orchestral music, tracing its development from the baroque era to the present. Representative examples of the concerto and symphonic poem are included. Prerequisites: MUTH 35500. (S,O)
3 Credits

MUTH 46400 Introduction to Composition (LA)

The study and practice of compositional procedures used in traditional and contemporary concert music, leading to composing brief works for solo instruments and small chamber ensembles. Prerequisites: MUTH 22600 or MUTH 22601 and MUTH 22400. (IRR)
2 Credits

MUTH 49100 Advanced Music Theory Seminar I (LA)

Introduction to Schenkerian notation and thought; discussion of interdisciplinary approaches to music theory and current trends in music theory, overview of discipline of music theory, exploration of relationships between liberal arts studies and studies in music theory. Prerequisites: MUTH 32200 or 32201. (F)
Attributes: CP
1 Credit

MUTH 49200 Advanced Music Theory Seminar II (LA)

Current trends in music theory, overview of discipline of music theory, mathematically-based research in music theory, application of relationships between liberal arts studies and studies in music theory. Prerequisites: MUTH 49100. (S)
Attributes: CP
1 Credit

MUTH 49800 Composition Recital (NLA)

Performance of representative compositions. The program should include approximately 45 minutes of music. (F,S)
Attributes: CP
2 Credits

MUTH 50100 Intensive Part-Writing and Analysis

A study of tonal harmony and syntax. Students will assimilate the voice-leading and functional conventions of music, from the common-practice period through part-writing, model composition, and analysis.
2 Credits

MUTH 52100 Topics in Music Theory and Analysis

Changing topics in music theory and analysis.
2 Credits

MUTH 52900 Advanced Aural Skills

Advanced course in dictation and aural skills with an emphasis placed on music since 1900. Graduate students must meet additional standards as set forth by the professor.
1 Credit

MUTH 53100 Sixteenth-Century Counterpoint

Study of polyphonic techniques based on the stylistic principles of 16th-century sacred literature. Composition of canons, motets, and movements from the mass.
2 Credits

MUTH 53200 Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint

Study of polyphonic techniques based on the stylistic principles of 18th-century keyboard literature. Invention (two- and three-voice), choral prelude, canon, and fugue are studied. Analysis and written projects.
2 Credits

MUTH 53500 Choral Arranging

Functional and theoretical writing for elementary and junior high school choruses, special choirs, and mixed choral groups. Analysis and study of choral part-writing encompassing unison, simple two-, three-, and four-part, and multi-voice units.
2 Credits

MUTH 53700 Instrumentation and Orchestration (LA)

Study of orchestral and band instruments in terms of range, transposition, and individual characteristics. Scoring of works for both standardized and less common ensembles of various sizes.
2 Credits

MUTH 54100 Music from 1600 to 1800

Examination of musical styles and repertoire from the beginnings of functional harmony to the end of the classical era. Focus will be on figures such as Monteverdi, Schutz, Lully, Purcell, Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven. Overviews of musical contexts in which these composers worked will provide opportunities for discussion of culture and associated musical figures.
3 Credits

MUTH 54200 Music since 1800

Examination of musical styles and repertoire from early 19th century to the present. Focus will be on figures such as Schubert, Brahms, Verdi, Wagner, Debussy, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and Messiaen. Overviews of musical contexts in which these composers worked will provide opportunities for discussion of culture and associated musical figures. Study of topics from approximately 1900 on will frequently extend to concert music traditions beyond Western Europe.
Attributes: GERM
3 Credits

MUTH 54301 Pedagogy of Music Theory

A survey of the pedagogical aspects of teaching music theory and aural skills on the high school and college level. Focus on current approaches, presentation, and implementation of materials suitable for the study of theory, harmony, and aural skills.
3 Credits

MUTH 55100 Instrumental Chamber Music Literature

A historical survey of instrumental chamber music from the Renaissance to the present day.
3 Credits

MUTH 55200 History and Literature of the Art Song

A broad historical survey of the secular art song from the Middle Ages to the present with greatest emphasis on the German, French, Italian, and English song repertory of the 18th and 19th centuries.
3 Credits

MUTH 55400-55412 Selected Topics in Music Studies (LA)

Provides students with the opportunity for in-depth academic study in any area of music including but not limited to music history, music theory, composition, ethnomusicology, or some combination thereof. Requires students to compose one or more documents totaling at least 3000 words through multiple stages of writing, including brainstorming, drafting, integrating sources, and revising comprehensively after receiving substantial, formative feedback on drafts. (IRR)
3 Credits

MUTH 55700 History and Literature of Opera

Traces the history, development, and repertory of opera from the beginning of the baroque period to the present. The primary focus of the course, however, is on the standard performing repertory from Handel through Britten. Live performance in class and video excerpts of great performances provide stimuli for class discussion. (F, B)
3 Credits

MUTH 55800 The Symphony

The study of orchestral music, tracing its development from the baroque era to the 20th century. Representative examples of the concerto and symphonic poem are included.
3 Credits

MUTH 56400 Introduction to Composition

The study and practice of compositional procedures used in traditional and contemporary concert music, leading to composing brief works for solo instruments and small chamber ensembles. (F)
2 Credits

MUTH 56500 Composition for Non-Composition Majors (LA)

Study and apply advanced compositional techniques for coherent expression in creative musical work. Explore a large selection of key works from the repertoire through attending weekly composition seminars and develop, under the guidance and supervision of the instructor, an individual plan of study. Compose original compositions of a substantial duration for a variety of instrumental and vocal combinations and/or electronics and gain practical experience by having a work presented at a Composition Premieres Concert. Prerequisites: MUTH 56400. (IRR)
1 Credit

MUTH 57400 Stylistic Analysis of Tonal Music

Detailed analysis of stylistic characteristics and compositional techniques found in works by composers from the classical and romantic eras. A variety of analytical approaches is employed, based on their suitability to particular works.
2 Credits

MUTH 57500 Stylistic Analysis of Post-Tonal Music

Detailed analysis of stylistic characteristics and compositional techniques found in music written from 1900 to present.
2 Credits

MUTH 65200 Bibliography and Research in Music (NLA)

Surveys the basic bibliographical materials and references in the various fields of music. Considers methods of research, as well as the establishment and efficient use of bibliographical data. Attends to special bibliographical problems, practical research, and writing of the research paper. This course should be taken in the first semester of degree study. (Y)
4 Credits

MUTH 65400-65501 Independent Research

Research projects in the areas of music history, literature, theory, or pedagogy under the advisement of a faculty member from the appropriate field. May be taken for 1 credit by students who are preparing for a lecture-recital to be given during the following semester. The project normally culminates in a paper or formal report. Prerequisites: MUTH 65200 and permission of the graduate adviser and the faculty member involved.
1-3 Credits

MUTH 65600 Independent Research in Analysis of Music Since 1945

An independent research project required of composition majors. The student analyzes selected compositions from the repertoire of music since 1945 and writes a major paper comparing and contrasting the compositional techniques utilized. The project is directed by a faculty member of the Theory, History, and Composition Department, selected in consultation with the graduate chair. Prerequisites: MUTH 65200, MUTH 66400.
2 Credits

MUTH 66000 Thesis (NLA)

Creation of a formal thesis, which must be a composition of large proportion for chamber ensemble (quartet or larger), orchestra, wind ensemble, or chorus with instrumental ensemble. Recommends performance of the thesis. (S)
2 Credits

MUTH 66100-66300 Composition (NLA)

Stimulates the inventive capacity and realization of the musical concept in tones (and the symbols representing them). Provides the opportunity for the student to practice self-expression in a variety of the smaller and in some of the larger forms, and so helps the student become familiar with the skills required for composition. Knowledge of theory, harmony, and musical form is a prerequisite. Repeatable up to sixteen credits. Open only by permission of the instructor. (F)
4 Credits

MUTH 66400 Analytical Techniques (LA)

Detailed study of methodologies used when analyzing tonal music, including Schenkerian and motivic approaches and theories of rhythm and meter. (IRR)
4 Credits