New Course Offerings for Spring 2011
Z320 Essentials of Songwriting
Dr. Robert Stright | (section number TBA. MWF 11:15-12:05) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Z111 (Introduction to Music Theory) or consent of the instructor. In this course, you will study examples of great songs spanning the last hundred years, and apply principles of both musical and lyrical construction to your own songwriting. This course will be structured around carefully defined songwriting assignments. While students will be allowed to write within their favorite genre, the parameters of these assignments will push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to explore new musical and lyrical territory. Class participation, which means performing for each other and discussing your work, will account for most of your grade.
Z320 Music & Law: Copyright
Eden Davis, DJ | (28451 MW 4:00-5:15p) 3 credits
Designed for the creative artist, this course provides a basic background for understanding copyright law, and offers practical applications for protecting and profiting from your original work. Learn about registration, rights, infringement, fair use, and other copyright issues.
Z103 Music of the Silk Road
Dr. Aida Huseynova | (28713 MWF 10:10-11:00a) 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the history and current developments of the music of the Silk Road, which was a large network of trade routes that connected East Asia to the Mediterranean for almost two thousand years, until around 1500 C.E. It was the source of much technological, scientific, and cultural—including music—exchange between the Eastern World and Western Civilization. Students will be exposed to the authentic musical traditions of the Silk Road region, and explore the ways in which Western music, including symphonic, operatic, and jazz, has incorporated elements of Eastern music. Of particular interest are the ways in which traditional Eastern musical instruments have been used by contemporary composers in the West. Historical contexts such as gender issues, religion, and politics, and their relation to music are also an important component of this course.
Z103 The Guitar and its Music
Scott Greib| (28714 MWF 11:15a-12:05p) 3 credits
Students taking this course will explore popular, jazz, and classical traditions of the guitar, focusing on the Americas and Europe, by studying the instrument’s music, history, composers, and players. No musical instrument has richer or more varied traditions than the guitar! It is the indispensable backbone of most popular music, used to supply simple chords for singer-songwriters, and thrill audiences with virtuosic improvised solos. The jazz guitar tradition is a source of some of the most engaging music in jazz, and rewards close study. Students will learn about the classical guitar and will also examine music from the virtuosic and emotionally intense Flamenco tradition, as well as South American guitar music styles. There are no prerequisites other than enthusiasm for the guitar (you do not have to be a player).
Z320 Music in Culture
Dr. Cary Boyce | (31055 TR 1:00-2:15p) 3 credits
Music traverses culture and human pursuits including, but not limited to, sex, race, art, film, politics, religion, philosophy, and psychology. This interdisciplinary course examines these areas of congruence. Requirements are an inquiring mind, willingness to consider other viewpoints, and openness to discussion. Musical abilities are helpful, but not essential.