School of Music


It is possible for LS&A students to elect a concentration program in music, and this program is described in the LS&A Bulletin. In addition, music courses are frequently elected by LS&A students not concentrating in Music. Courses in Music History/Musicology, Composition, and Music Theory are elected for LS&A credit. Some of these courses can be used as part of the humanities requirement in a PATTERN I area distribution plan. LS&A students may elect music PERFORMANCE courses for degree credit, but this credit counts toward the maximum twelve non-LS&A credit hours that can be applied toward an A.B./B.S. degree or twenty non-LS&A credit hours that can be applied toward a B.G.S. degree.

Music History and Musicology (Division 678)


341. Introduction to the Art of Music. For non-School of Music students only. (3). (HU).
The course is designed for those who wish to sharpen their appreciation of music, whether they have any musical background or not. It begins with the fundamentals of melody, rhythm, harmony, and texture, then presents a survey of the artistic and cultural heritage of Western art music, from the Baroque era to the present. We examine representative examples of opera and concerto, symphony and song, solo and chamber music; but the listening skills developed in class are meant to be applied to virtually any kind of music. Such skills involve understanding conventions of musical expression and form, so that students learn to listen with appropriate expectations. Students attend three lectures and one discussion section per week. Tapes of assigned works are available for private study. Grades are based upon three examinations, concert reports, and participation in discussion sections. This is the first course suggested for the LS&A concentration in music. (Whiting)

342. Introduction to World Music. For non-School of Music students only. (3). (HU).
This course will introduce students to the musical cultures of a few, select musical areas of the world (such as the Caribbean, West Africa, India, and Eastern Europe). Three lectures a week will be supplemented by listening tapes available at the School of Music and the Listening Lab in MLB. Students will be evaluated on the basis of listening quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam. The department regards this course as a companion to MHM 341, Introduction to Music, a course for non-music concentrators that stresses European concert music. Cost:2 WL:1 (McDaniel)

345. The History of Music. For non-School of Music students only. (3). (HU).
A survey of music history for students with interests in music, the humanities, or cultural history. It begins with chant and early secular songs of chivalry. The course traces the development of Western attitudes toward polyphony, notation, performance, and compositional techniques. Cultural history is an important subtheme, and we sample works associated with medieval castles and churches as well as Renaissance courts and controversies involving religions. Studies conclude with Baroque repertoire, culminating in the music of Handel and Bach. No musical background necessary. Lecture format. Assignments consist of readings and listening to prepared cassettes. Rudiments of music will be presented so that students will be able to follow the notation of musical examples. The grade will be determined by two hour exams and a final exam. This course is a logical election for students who want to go on to Music History 346, an historical survey of music from 1750 to the present. It can serve as a two-course cognate requirement with MHM 341, MHM 346, or any of the 300-level MHM courses. Cost:3 WL:4 (D.Crawford)

Composition (Division 665)

221. Introduction to Elementary Composition. For non-School of Music students only. (3). (Excl).
Designed for students with limited musical background who wish to gain an understanding of the creative process and acquire a greater appreciation for contemporary music by composing. The course investigates traditional compositional crafts, as well as more current or experimental tendencies, including pop, ethnic and jazz idioms. Directed student creative projects receive individual attention. The prerequisite is the ability to read music.

Music Theory (Division 696)

137. Introduction to the Theory of Music. While this course requires no previous formal training in music theory, it is essential that students have a basic understanding of musical notation. (3). (HU).
The course covers basics of music theory and musical notation: scales, keys, intervals, triads, clefs, meter, rhythm, and some basic harmony. The course objectives are development of fluency in reading and writing musical notation, improvement of the musical ear, and the provision of a foundation for music analysis skills. Ideally students should have some basic music reading ability, but students without it can catch up with some extra effort. The course is a prerequisite to Music Theory 238, Introduction to Music Analysis. There are two lectures and one lab per week, devoted to aural skills development. Student evaluation is by assignments and exams.

Performing Arts Technology (Division 691)

201. Microcomputers and Music. Permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
Students receive basic instruction in the use of microcomputers, synthesizers, and computer music software for composition, recording, and musical notation. Requires the ability to read music and some musical keyboard proficiency.

Courses in Theatre and Drama (Division 695)

101. Introduction to Acting 1. Permission of instructor. Open to non-concentrators. (3). (Excl).
This course is designed as a general introduction to the fundamental skills of acting in the theatre. It involves discussion and practical work, including theatre games, warm-up, monologue, and scene work. Some papers and selected reading. Brief, informal interviews are required for admission to all sections. Sign up for an interview with the instructor (interview times are posted about the time the Time Schedules come out). Further details at Theatre Office, Room 2550, Frieze Building. Cost:1 (Gwillim, Woods)

211/RC Hums. 280/English 245. Introduction to Drama and Theatre. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in RC Hums. 281. (4). (HU).
The course aims to introduce students to the power and variety of theatre, and to help them understand the processes which go toward making a production. Five plays will be subjects for special study, chosen to cover a wide range of style and content, but interest will not be confined to these. Each student will attend two lectures weekly, plus a two-hour meeting in sections each week; the latter will be used for questions, discussions, exploration of texts, and other exercises. Students will be required to attend three or more theatre performances, chosen from those available in Ann Arbor. Cost:2 WL:2 (Brown)

233/CAAS 342. Acting and the Black Experience. Permission of instructor (brief interview). (3). (HU).
This course is designed as an introduction to the fundamental skills of acting in the theatre, with special emphasis on the presentation of drama from a Black perspective. Course content involves discussion and practical work, including theater games, improvisation, development of warm-up exercises, monologue, and scene work. All dramatic texts used for monologues and scene study will come from the works of representative Black playwrights. Some papers and selected reading, a midterm and final examination are required. Further details at Theatre Office, Room 2550, Frieze Building. Cost:1 WL:2,4 (Simmons)

250. Introduction to Technical Theatre Practices. (3). (Excl).
Theatre 250 is a survey of theatrical production techniques. The design and craft of scenery, lighting, properties, paint and costumes for the stage will be investigated. The course consists of two parts; a lecture portion that is evaluated by written examination and a production laboratory. Production faculty conduct labs in costumes, lighting, paint, properties, and scenery for Theatre 250 students. Students learn basic theatre craft skills while working on School of Music theatre, opera, and musical theatre productions.

251. Production Practicum 1. (1). (Excl).
Theatre Practicum. Students enrolled in this class perform duties as stage scenery, lighting, sound, wardrobe, or stage properties crews for School of Music Theatre, Dance, Opera, and Musical Theatre Productions. No previous experience required. No Text. WL:4, Assignment meeting 5:00 PM Sept. 13 in Room 2518 Frieze. (Decker)