COMPOSITION
139, 140 Introductory Composition (3 credit hours each)
Freshman composition majors; 139 is prerequisite to 140. An introduction to the basic
craft of musical composition.
239, 240 Intermediate Composition (3 credit hours each)
Sophomore composition majors; 239 is prerequisite to 240. Requires concurrent
election of 450 when offered ; department to determine course election. Continuation of
the study of the basic craft of musical composition with emphasis on contrapuntal
writing, harmonic structure, instrumentation and notational techniques.
339, 340 Advanced Composition (4 credit hours each)
Junior composition majors; 339 is prerequisite to 340. Requires concurrent election of
450 when offered; department to determine course election. The study and writing of
larger musical forms.
439, 440 Advanced Composition (4 credit hours each)
Senior composition majors; 439 is prerequisite to 440. Requires concurrent election of
450 when offered; department to determine course election. Focuses on multilinear,
extended-form writing for the mixed consort.
450 Undergraduate Seminar (1 credit hour)
To be elected concurrently with 239, 240, 339, 340, 439, 440, 423, 424, 425, and 426.
Study of music and examination of issues of particular interest to composers; 20th-
century art music is a primary focus.
Secondary Courses
221 Introduction to Elementary Composition (3 credit hours)
For non-music majors. For students with limited musical background who wish to gain
understanding of the creative process and contemporary art music by composing. The
course investigates
traditional compositional crafts, as well as more current or experimental tendencies,
including pop, ethnic, and jazz idioms. Student creative projects receive individual
attention. No prerequisites, but the ability to read music is strongly recommended.
222 Composition (3 credit hours)
For non-music majors. Prerequisite: 221. A continuation of 221, this course serves as an
introduction to instrumental music and a study of musical structure through individual
creative effort.
415 Introduction to Electronic Music (2 credit hours)
An elementary study of the scientific and technological basis for the electronic music
medium, with emphasis on studio procedures and techniques, including recording and
tape manipulation, “classic” and voltage-controlled synthesis.
416 Seminar in Electronic Music (2 credit hours)
Prerequisite: 415. A continuation of Composition 415 with an introduction to computer
technology and its electronic music applications
421, 422 Creative Composition (3 credit hours each)
421 is prerequisite to 422. An introduction to composition for students interested in
concentrating on original creative work in contemporary idioms. Individual instruction is
provided for student projects. Also includes biweekly lectures on appropriate aspects of
musical language and composition craft.
423, 424 Advanced Composition (2 or 4 credit hours each)
Prerequisite: 422; 423 is prerequisite to 424. Requires concurrent election of 450 when
offered. For students capable of original creative work. Consists of individual instruction
and participation in a weekly seminar devoted to a broad range of 20th-century
literature.
425, 426 Advanced Composition (2 or 4 credit hours each)
Prerequisite: 424; 425 is prerequisite to 426. Requires concurrent election of 450 when
offered. Focuses on composing for the mixed consort and examines differing approaches
to musical notation.
504 Words and Music (3 credit hours)
Permission of instructor.
506 Special Courses (1–3 credit hours)
May be repeated for credit.
515 Introduction to Electronic Music (2 credit hours)
An elementary study of the scientific and technological basis for the electronic music
medium, with emphasis on studio procedures and techniques, including recording and
tape manipulation, “classic” and voltage-controlled synthesis.
516 Seminar in Electronic Music (2 credit hours)
Prerequisite: 515. Continuation of 515 with an introduction to computer technology and
its electronic music applications.
521, 522 Graduate Composition (2–4 credit hours each)
Prerequisite: 426. 521 is a prerequisite to 522. Requires concurrent election of 550.
Addresses the problems of composing for large instrumental forces, including orchestra.
Special attention is given to craft, instrumentation techniques, and personal statement.
Stresses score preparation and performance material extraction, manuscript
reproduction methods and presentation. Participation in a seminar concerned with the
detailed study of recent compositions, techniques, and aesthetics is required.
526 Advanced Studies in Electronic Music (2–4 credit hours)
Prerequisite: 516 or equivalent with permission of instructor. Includes the study of
digital synthesis techniques. Special attention is given to the relationship between
technology, the creative process, and individual statement.
539, 540 Graduate Studies in Composition (4 credit hours each)
Prerequisite: 440. 539 is a prerequisite to 540. Requires concurrent election of 550. May
be repeated for credit.
550 Seminar in Composition (2 credit hours)
Study of music and examination of issues with particular interest to composers; 20th-
century art music is a primary focus. Each term’s overall topic is determined by the
instructor of record. In addition to lectures by the instructor, extensive student
participation with assigned oral presentations is expected.
601 Independent Study (2–4 credit hours)
850 Advanced Seminar in Composition (2 credit hours)
To be elected concurrently with composition 891, 892, 990. Study of music and
examination of issues with particular interest to composers; 20th-century art music is a
primary focus. Each term’s overall topic is determined by the instructor of record.
Students preparing for preliminary oral examinations have an opportunity to discuss
their score selections in a setting similar to the actual examination.
891, 892 Doctoral Studies in Composition (4–6 credit hours each)
Prerequisite: 540. For doctoral students. Requires concurrent election of 850. May be
repeated for a total of 12 credit hours.
900 Preliminary Examinations (1 credit hour)
For students not otherwise enrolled. May be repeated for credit.
990 Dissertation/Precandidate
Fall, Winter, Spring-Summer Term (1–8 credit hours) Spring-Summer Half Term
(1–4 credit hours)
Requires concurrent election of 850. Election for dissertation work by a doctoral student
not yet admitted to status as a candidate.
995 Dissertation/Candidate
Fall, Winter, Spring-Summer Term (8 credit hours only) Spring-Half, Summer-Half Term
(4 credit hours only)
Prerequisite: Graduate school authorization for admission as a doctoral candidate. Only
full-term enrollment is permitted for the term(s) in which the candidate takes a final
examination on his or her dissertation.