Courses for the Non-Music Major

555-10300 Campus Band   LA

A wind and percussion ensemble open to any student at Ithaca College who has previously played a wind or percussion instrument. There are no auditions for this ensemble. Campus Band is intended primarily for the non-music major who would like to continue to play an instrument in a large ensemble. One concert is scheduled each semester. Class meeting: 2 hours per week. 0-1 credit. (F-S)

555-10700-555-10800 Class Voice for the Non-Music Student   LA

Small classes in voice to develop an understanding of the vocal mechanism and the application of sound principles of breath control and vowel placement. Course content is designed for the non-music student. 1 credit. (F-S)

555-12000 Language and Experience in Art and Music   FA LA

An introductory course in the visual arts and music, combining experiences in learning to see and to listen. Basic terminology is stressed, with an emphasis on an integrated understanding. Requires outside listening. 3 credits. (S)

555-13000 Music in Society   FA LA 3b, g

An exploration of the social roles and implications of music in various cultures, leading to its role in contemporary America. The music is analyzed in terms of its elements --- melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and form --- as a means of identifying its aesthetic, cultural, and social functions. This course may be used as a liberal arts elective for the bachelor of arts (music) degree. This course may be used as a music elective for the bachelor of music degree. 3 credits. (F-S)

555-15000 Music Theory for the Non-Music Student   FA LA

An introductory course in music theory for the non-music student with previous musical experience. A study of the fundamentals of notation, chord structure and progression (diatonic and simple chromatic harmony), and melodic organization as it relates to harmony. Assignments include analysis of literature from a wide variety of styles, written exercises in four parts (SATB), and original projects for various combinations of voices and instruments. This course does not serve as a prerequisite to 551-13200 Music Theory II. Prerequisites: Previous musical experience in performance or composition; ability to read treble and/or bass clef fluently. 3 credits. (F)

555-15900 Introduction to the Language of Music: Survey of Styles   FA LA

Open to all students not majoring in music who desire a fuller understanding of music as a language of human expression. The basic elements of music --- rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, and form --- are explored through selected styles and composers from a broad spectrum of music literature. Live classroom performances and required outside listening are included. 3 credits. (F-S)

555-16000 Introduction to Listening: The Concert Experience   FA LA

The syllabus and outside assignments have as point of origin a selected group of School of Music rehearsals and performances that take place in the given semester. Students are guided toward a rational perception of the musical language through prior and subsequent study of the compositions and media involved in these performances (approximately one weekly). For non-music majors only. 3 credits. (F)

555-16200 Pop 'n' Rock   FA LA 3b

For non-music and music majors. A historical overview of rock 'n' roll and popular music, based on listening and analysis of selected musical examples representing stylistic evolution from 1950 to the present. The first few classes are devoted to developing listening techniques (i.e., aural perception of melody, harmony, rhythm, meter, timbre, texture, form, tempo, and dynamics). Course grades are based on exams and a final research paper. This course may be used as a music elective for the bachelor of music degree. 2 credits. (S)

555-16300 Music in London   FA LA

A course for non-music majors focusing on London concerts. The performances are preceded by appropriate historical and theoretical preparation and followed by written and oral critiques. A variety of performances are scheduled, including large ensembles, opera, chamber music, jazz, piano, organ, and voice. Offered through the London Center. 3 credits. (F-S)

555-17100 Keyboard Musicianship I for Musical Theater Majors   NLA

An introduction to the fundamentals of keyboard musicianship. Skill emphasis on technique, repertoire, reading, rhythm, harmonization, transposition, playing by ear, and improvisation. Material drawn from popular and classical repertoire. Prerequisites: 555-25300. Placement by audition only. 1 credit. (S)

555-17200 Keyboard Musicianship II for Musical Theater Majors   NLA

A continuation of keyboard skills developed in 555-17100. Additional emphasis on accompanimental styles, reading, lead line notation, and development of arrangements from lead lines. Course material drawn largely from popular music sources. Prerequisites: 555-17100. 1 credit. (F)

555-17300 Keyboard Musicianship I for the Non-Music Major   LA

An introduction to the fundamentals of music at the piano. Emphasis on music notation, technique, rhythm, intervals, major and minor triads, tetrachords, improvisation, creating accompaniments, reading, and playing by ear. Material drawn from popular and classical repertoire. Designed for the beginning pianist. 1 credit. (F-S)

555-17400 Keyboard Musicianship II for the Non-Music Major   LA

A continuation of keyboard skills developed in 555-17300. Additional emphasis on major and minor keys and scales, modes, transposition, non-harmonic tones, and creating accompaniments using tonic and dominant harmonies. Solo and ensemble repertoire drawn from classical and popular styles. Prerequisites: 555-17300 or by audition. 1 credit. (S)

555-25100 Music and the Media   FA LA 3b

A study and comparison of the forms and styles of music commonly used by the media, including radio, television, and film. Analysis of a variety of musical styles, especially music created expressly for media use, focuses on musical and media intent and function, methods of presentation, emotional response, and judgmental listening. No previous experience in music is required. This course may be used as a liberal arts elective for the bachelor of arts (music) degree. This course may be used as a music elective for the bachelor of music degree. 3 credits. (F)

555-25300 Involvement with Music   FA LA

An exploration of practical music theory and structure designed for students with little or no music training. Skills are developed in the areas of aural perception (sight-singing, dictation, and listening), fundamentals, harmony, composition, conducting, and music analysis. For non-music majors only. 3 credits. (F-S)

555-25400 The Composer: Life and Music   FA LA

An introductory musical experience in which the biography and compositional output of one major composer of Western music is studied for the semester (e.g., Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Wagner, Stravinsky). Major works are studied, as well as historical, sociological, cultural, and economic influences. Live classroom performances and outside listening are included. For non-music majors only. 3 credits. (F-S)

555-25500 Women in Music   FA LA 3b, h

An examination of the music and lives of women in various musical settings, beginning with classical music in medieval Europe and shifting, in the 20th century, to popular music in the United States. The class examines women's roles and contributions as singers, instrumentalists, composers, and conductors, as well as the challenges facing women as professional musicians. These are viewed within the context of society's perception of women at the time. Listening and analytical skills are developed through studying the music itself. The class is designed for non-music majors, with no musical background necessary, and issues raised are relevant to both men and women. This course may be used as a music elective for the bachelor of music degree. 3 credits. (F)

555-25600 Women in Popular Music: From Bessie Smith to MTV   FA LA 3b, h

An examination of the lives and contributions of women in popular American music of the 20th century, focusing on their role in society as well as the challenges they have faced in developing their professional and personal lives, raising issues relevant to both men and women. The development of American popular culture is viewed in the context of its political climate and in terms of its roots in African American music, country and western music, and the music of American musical theater. The course focuses on the women practitioners in the genres of blues, jazz, gospel, country, and folk music, musical theater, rock, and contemporary pop music. The music is examined in detail, and listening and analytical skills are developed. This course is designed for non-music majors, with no musical background necessary, and issues raised are relevant both to men and women. This course may be used as a music elective for the bachelor of music degree. 3 credits. (S)

555-25700 History of American Popular Song   FA LA 3b, h

A survey of popular song in America from the pilgrims to the present, in which the history of America is brought to life through the study of our continuing rich heritage of popular song. Discussion of the songs focuses on musical content, lyric meaning and message, performance practice and parameters, social and cultural functions, and the historical conditions and events that fostered the development and growth of the various popular styles. This course is designed for non-music majors, with no musical background necessary. This course may be used as a music elective for the bachelor of music degree. 3 credits. (F)

555-35100 American Musical Theater: History and Analysis   FA LA 3b, h

A historical study of the American musical theater from its origins to the present, including analysis of its musical and dramatic components, with special emphasis on the content, role, and function of the music. The course utilizes live performances in and outside class, focusing study on area productions. This course may be used as a liberal arts elective for the bachelor of arts (music) degree. It may not be used as a music elective for any music degree. Prerequisites: Sufficient knowledge of musical notation to follow a written melody and lyrics while listening to a recording. 3 credits. (S, IRR)