Member of the Division of Humanities
John Rommereim, Chair, Jennifer Williams Brown, Jee-Weon Cha, Eugene Gaub, Eric McIntyre, Damani Phillips, Roger Vetter
Highly integrative by nature, music studies offer students experience in bringing sociocultural, historical, religious, aesthetic, literary, scientific, and theoretical perspectives to bear on the development of skills in listening, analysis, criticism, composition, and performance. Department coursework falls into three general areas: historical and cultural studies; theoretical, compositional, and technological studies; and individual and group performance studies. Two introductory courses explore the relationships between various musics and their shaping contexts: Music 110 focuses on western classical traditions; Music 116 compares diverse traditions. These courses lead to in-depth studies in music history and culture. Introductory theory courses (Music 109 and 112) develop basic notational, analytical, aural, and creative skills in western musical styles. Music 109 is particularly valuable as an adjunct to private instruction for students who wish to improve music-reading and aural skills. Music 112 leads to further studies in music theory, analysis, composition, and electronic music. Prospective majors and other students with musical backgrounds should begin their music theory courses with Music 112. Students are encouraged to pursue their musical interests beyond the introductory level, and all upper-level courses welcome appropriately qualified nonmajors.
The 200-level courses in historical and cultural studies (Music 201, 202, 203, and 204) focus more narrowly on a specific topic, such as gender and music; on a specific musical tradition, such as jazz music; or on a particular area of the world, such as Africa. The topics of Music 201 - 3 vary each year, and they therefore can be repeated for credit. Many of these topics have an interdisciplinary character, and they are likely to be of value both to majors and nonmajors. The history sequence (261 - 262) also deals substantially with music's historical and cultural context, but the overarching goal of these courses is to offer students a survey of European music. Topics offered under Music 321 explore domains of music theory and composition at a detailed level. Music 322 offers students a more focused study of a genre, composer, or period.
Performance studies apply listening and critical thinking skills to the physical process of playing an instrument or singing. So that Grinnell students may develop new vocal and instrumental skills and sharpen skills learned previously, the department offers an exceptional range of ensemble and studio instruction options listed as Music 101, 120, 122, 220, 221, and 420. Most of these performance courses are open to all students, regardless of musical backgrounds, although several ensembles require auditions. Because music lessons are a required part of the major, music majors in their junior and senior years are eligible for one free half-hour of music instruction per semester. This may be taken either as a free half-hour lesson (Music 120 or 220) or as a reduced-rate hour-long lesson (Music 221 or 420).
Music majors should participate in a department ensemble for at least two semesters. Students anticipating graduate studies in music should take Music 213. It is also recommended that music majors take foreign language courses and participate in a semester of off-campus study.
The Major
A minimum of 36 credits. Required are Music 112, 261, 262, one 200-level course in theory or composition (Music 213, 215, or 219), one 200-level course in historical and cultural studies (Music 201, 202, 203, or 204), four credits of private instruction (Music 120, 220, 221, or 420), and at least four credits at the 300 level or above (Music 321, 322, or 495).
To be considered for honors in music, graduating seniors, in addition to meeting the College's general requirements for honors, must complete Music 420, 495, or another official Mentored Advanced Project, with results presented in a public forum.
101 Practicum: Performance Ensembles § (Fall and Spring) 1 credit
The study of musical literature through regular ensemble rehearsals and public performances. One credit awarded for each participation in a musical organization directed by the department, e.g., Orchestra, Community Chorus, Singers, Symphonic Concert Band, Collegium Musicum (early music consorts), Young, Gifted, and Black Gospel Choir, Percussion, Marimba and Steel Pan Ensemble, Latin American Performance Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Javanese Gamelan and Dance. (A maximum of eight practicum credits may count toward graduation.) Does not count toward music major. S/D/F only. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Practicum may be repeated for credit. STAFF.
109 Musicianship (Fall) 2 credits
Establishes an understanding of musical concepts and develops complementary practical skills. Includes aural and written exercises and creative projects in performance and composition. Prerequisite: none. PHILLIPS.
110 Introduction to Western Music* 4 credits
A survey of Western art music from Gregorian chant to postmodernism, intended to enrich and inform listening experience. Examination of musical elements including rhythm, melody, and texture; and consideration of stylistic eras, representative composers, major genres, and forms. Emphasis on developing critical listening skills. Prerequisite: none. E. GAUB.
111 Aural Skills I (Fall or Spring) 1 credit
Development of aural understanding through singing, dictation, conducting, and improvisation. Topics include identification and singing of diatonic intervals and triads, singing of diatonic melodies using "moveable do" solfege, notation of diatonic melodies and chord progressions by dictation, improvisation of short melodic patterns, and basic conducting patterns. Prerequisite: none. Normally taken in conjunction with Music 112, this course may also be taken separately. STAFF.
112 Harmony (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
The study of how individual chords are combined to create a piece of tonal music. Focuses on developing the ear and analytical/creative skills to enhance appreciation, performance, and compositional imitation of Western music of the 18th and 19th centuries. Required keyboard lab meets outside regular class time. Prerequisite: concurrent registration in Music 111 or placement by Aural Skills Test II. CHA.
116 Music, Culture, Context (Spring) 4 credits
This course explores our globalized musical present and the major forces (social, political, economic, technological) that have shaped it over the last few centuries. Attention is focused on music-making as a form of human activity within and between cultures. Course content ranges over musics of diverse times and places. No prior experience in music is needed. Prerequisite: none. VETTER.
120 Performance: Private Instruction § ‡ (Fall and Spring) 1 credit
Private lessons in instrumental or vocal music, intended for beginning to intermediate students. Weekly 30-minute private lessons totaling seven hours of instruction per semester. Practice expectation: minimum of 30 minutes per day. One credit for each area studied, e.g., voice, piano, flute, etc. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: none. STAFF.
122 Performance: Group Instruction § ‡ (Fall and Spring) 1 credit
Group lessons in instrumental, vocal music, world hand drumming, flute, etc. intended for beginning to intermediate students. Weekly 60-minute small-group lessons totaling 14 hours of instruction per semester. Practice expectation: minimum of 30 minutes per day. One credit for each area studied, e.g., world hand drumming, flute, etc. May be repeated for credit. Does not count toward the music major. Prerequisite: none. STAFF.
201 Topics in Music and Culture* (Fall or Spring) 4 credits+
Detailed study of the relationship between music and a particular aspect of culture. Possible areas to be covered include music and technology, music and politics, gender and music, and mythology and music. May be repeated for credit if content changes. Consult registration materials for prerequisites. STAFF.
202 Topics in American Music* (Fall or Spring) 4 credits+
Detailed study of a particular musical tradition in the United States. Possible areas to be covered include Latino music, music of black Americans, and American popular music. May be repeated for credit if content changes. Consult registration materials for prerequisites. STAFF.
203 Regional Studies in World Music (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
An exploration of music and its linkages to other facets of life in a particular geographic/cultural region of the world. Possible regional foci include Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. May be repeated for credit if content changes. Prerequisites will vary depending on topic. Consult registration materials for prerequiste. VETTER.
204 The Jazz Tradition in America (Spring) 4 credits+
The history of jazz traces the development of jazz from its African and European roots to contemporary style. Through reading and listening assignments, major styles and prominent musicians will be discussed. Primarily examines jazz from a sociocultural perspective. Prerequisite: none. PHILLIPS.
212 Aural Skills II (Spring) 1 credit
Development of aural understanding through singing, dictation, conducting, and improvisation. Topics include identification and singing of chromatic intervals and harmonies, singing of chromatic melodies using "moveable do" solfege, notation of chromatic and modulating melodies and chord progressions by dictation, improvisation of phrase and period structures, conducting patterns, and aural analysis of binary and ternary forms. Normally taken in conjunction with Music 213, this course may also be taken separately. Prerequisite: Music 111 or placement test. PHILLIPS.
213 Form and Analysis (Spring) 4 credits+
Examines the structure of 18th- and 19th-century music and completes the study of harmony begun in Music 112. Includes critical analysis of entire movements and composition based on tonal models. Prerequisite: Music 112 and concurrent registration in Music 212, or placement by Aural Skills Test III. E. GAUB.
214 Advanced Aural Skills (Spring) 1 credit
Development of aural understanding through singing, dictation, conducting, and improvisation, according to the needs of students as established through a diagnostic exam. Topics may include chromaticism, modes, atonality, and score reading, as well as topics from Music 111 and 212 on which students need additional work. Prerequisite: Music 111, or 212, or placement test. May be repeated once for credit. STAFF.
215 Introduction to Composition (Fall) 4 credits+
Students learn and apply recent techniques of composition. Expands on the compositional experiences of harmony class by opening students to the exploration of contemporary tonal, serial, and experimental musical styles and dealing with matters of orchestration and music form. Prerequisite: Music 112. STAFF.
219 Electronic Music (Spring) 4 credits+
History and techniques of electronic and computer music. Topics include compositional aesthetics, recording technology, digital and analog synthesis, sampling, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), and computer-assisted composition. Focuses on the creation of finished works to be presented in public concert. Prerequisite: Music 112. CHENETTE.
220 Performance: Advanced Private Instruction § ‡ (Fall and Spring) 2 credits
Private lessons in instrumental or vocal music, intended for intermediate to advanced students. The study of performance combined with considerations of history, analysis, and style. Weekly 30-minute lessons totaling seven hours of instruction per semester. Practice expectation: minimum of one hour per day. Performance requirement: at least one performance in a department-sponsored recital or repertoire class per semester. Two credits for each area studied. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. STAFF.
221 Performance: Advanced Private Instruction § ‡ (Fall and Spring) 2 credits
Private lessons in instrumental or vocal music, intended for intermediate to advanced students. The study of performance combined with considerations of history, analysis, and style. Weekly 60-minute lessons totaling 14 hours of instruction per semester. Practice expectation: minimum of one hour per day. Performance requirement: at least one performance in a department-sponsored recital or repertoire class per semester. Two credits for each area studied. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. STAFF.
261 Western Music to 1750 (Fall) 4 credits+
General survey of Western European music from ancient times through the Baroque era. Stylistic developments considered in their social and cultural contexts and as influenced by artistic and intellectual movements. Prerequisite: Music 112 and 213. BROWN.
262 Western Music From 1750 to the Present (Spring) 4 credits+
Music in the Western world from the time of Mozart to the present. Stylistic developments considered in their social and cultural contexts and as influenced by artistic and intellectual movements. Prerequisite: Music 112 and 213. BROWN.
321 Advanced Musical Studies 4 credits
Detailed study of a particular area of music theory and practice. Possible topics include orchestration, conducting, counterpoint, computer music, transmedia arts, and interpretive analysis. May be repeated for credit if content changes. Prerequisite: will vary depending on topic. STAFF.
322 Advanced Studies in Music History and Literature* (Fall) 4 credits+
In-depth study of a particular area of music history and literature. Possible topics include the Renaissance Mass, Mozart's operas, Shostakovich, and the music of Fin-de-Siecle Paris. May be repeated for credit if content changes. Prerequisite: Music 112, and Music 261 or Music 262. STAFF.
420 Performance: Recital§ ‡ (Fall or Spring) 2 credits
An advanced and intensive study of music literature through private tutorial instruction in a single area of instrumental or vocal music. The study of performance related to advanced studies in criticism, history, analysis, and style. Weekly 60-minute lessons totaling 14 hours of instruction per semester. Practice expectation: minimum of 60 minutes per day. Performance requirement: a full recital. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: third-year or senior standing, instructor's consent, and signature of department chair. STAFF.
495 Senior Project (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
The senior project will consist of a recital, original composition(s), or presentation of original musical research. All projects will incorporate significant research and writing, integrating studies in theory, culture, and performance. Seniors must obtain approval from the department prior to preregistration for the final semester. Students are expected to participate as responders at other senior project presentations. Prerequisite: music major and senior standing. STAFF.
§ : A maximum of 16 credits in Music 120, 122, 220, 221, and 420 will count toward graduation. Credits in Music 101, 120, 122, 220, 221, and 420 may not exceed a total of six in any one semester. Students should note that Music 101, 120, 122, 220, 221, and 420 are included in the 48-credit maximum in the department.
‡ : For fees, see Financial Regulations
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