School of the Arts Courses

These courses, offered by the Conservatory of Music, are open to students in all disciplines (excluding music majors, unless otherwise noted). Additional courses may be added each semester.

Hand Drumming Workshop
SOA 1500 / 1 credit / Every semester
An exploration of the ancient musical tradition of hand drumming found in many cultures. Hand drumming techniques from Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, and Asia are learned and practiced in an ensemble setting to energize, build unity, and heighten creativity. Students gain experience with djembe, guiro, conga, shakers, and clavés, as well as other percussive and rhythmic instruments. No prior musical experience is required. Offered as MPE 1232 for music majors.

Soul Voices Ensemble
SOA 1520 / 2 credits / Every semester
A mixed vocal ensemble that explores the music of the African-American experience, including spirituals, gospel, soul, rhythm and blues, funk, and jazz. The semester culminates with a public concert on campus. Open to students in all disciplines, including music majors.

Jazz Ensemble: All Majors
SOA 1550 / 2 credits / Every year
Provides students from other disciplines an opportunity to participate in a small jazz combo. Emphasis is on standard jazz repertoire, understanding of the jazz vernacular, and jazz improvisation. A background in performing in similar ensembles in high school is beneficial. Taught by a faculty member of the Jazz Studies Program.

All-College Chorus
SOA 1600 / 2 credits / Every semester
A mixed ensemble of vocal performance with students from all areas of the campus. The chorus performs a varied repertoire of music and presents concerts on campus and in touring venues with orchestra and professional soloists.
Prerequisite: Prior choral experience

Introduction to Studio Recording
SOA 1630 / 2 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An introduction to the recording studio, designed especially for students with no background in music. Students will gain an overall understanding of the principles of studio recording and multitrack mixing.

Songwriting I
SOA 1700 / 2 credits / Every semester
Introductory study of the craft of songwriting: analysis of lyrics, rhyme, emotional projection, melodic contour, and formal verse-chorus practice. Writing members regularly present work; nonwriting members critique. Offered as MUS 1320 for music majors.

Songwriting II
SOA 1710 / 2 credits / Every semester
A continuation of SOA 1700. Further study of the craft of songwriting. Writing members present work on a frequent basis; nonwriting members critique, based on criteria beyond personal taste. Offered as MUS 1330 for music majors.
Prerequisite: SOA 1700

World Music and Jazz Traditions
SOA 2580 / 2 credits / Fall
An overview of world music and an introduction to the indigenous American art form of jazz. Students explore music from many cultures, including Africa, the Caribbean, India, China, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The course also surveys traditional jazz styles and their roots, including the blues, Dixieland, swing, and bebop. These varied musical traditions are presented within both their unique cultural contexts and a modern global context. Offered as MTH 2230 for music majors.

Introduction to Classical Music
SOA 2600 / 4 credits / Every semester
In this course, students gain a deeper appreciation of popular music by addressing its origins, from Greek music to Middle Eastern folk traditions, the birth of notation, and the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods of Western music.

Lyric Writing
SOA 3500 / 2 credits / Spring
A practical study of the craft of writing contemporary lyrics. Analytical and creative focus on effective musical structures, plus rhyme forms and schemes, line and unit densities, text and subtexts. Studies may include Langston Hughes, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Chuck D, Tupac Shakur, and others. Prior musical accomplishment as a lyricist and a desire to collaborate are required. Offered as MCO 3420 for music majors.

Private Study
SOA 4500 / 3 credits / Every semester
Please contact the Conservatory of Music for information.

History of Recorded Music I: Blues to Bebop
SOA 4600 / 2 credits / Fall
American popular music and its recording techniques (to 1950): ragtime, gospel, blues, vaudeville, New Orleans brass band, swing, Tin Pan Alley, bebop, and early rhythm and blues. Analysis and performance. Offered as MTH 4120 for music majors.

History of Recorded Music II: Bebop to Hip-Hop
SOA 4610 / 2 credits / Spring
A continuation of SOA 4600. Cool, mainstream, progressive/free jazz, rhythm and blues, country and western, Broadway, rock ’n’ roll, reggae, soul and Motown, fusion, disco, punk, metal, and hip-hop. Analysis and performance. Offered as MTH 4130 for music majors.

Updated June 9, 2008