Music Course Offerings
Read about music classes at Bucknell.
121. Introduction to Music Fundamentals (I; 3, 2)
The study of the fundamentals of music, including standard notation, simple and compound meter, spelling triads, and simple harmonic progressions. The skills in this course are required for MUSC 200. Not open to music majors.
122. Introduction to Music (I or II; 3, 0)
An examination of various types of music in cultural and historical context; topics range from classical to jazz and the avant-garde. Students may not take both MUSC 122 and MUSC 123. Not open to music majors.
123. Introduction to Music (I or II; 3, 0)
An introduction to the fundamentals of music from around the world. Explores music's basic characteristics (pitch, rhythm, timbre, etc.) and processes (form, improvisation, technology, etc.). Students may not take both MUSC 122 and MUSC 123. Not open to music majors.
124. Introduction to Classic Jazz (I; 3, 0)
The history of jazz emphasizing the actual recordings and film footage of its most important artists, from Scott Joplin to Keith Jarrett and beyond.
125. Introduction to Modern Jazz (II; 3, 0)
The course will first examine the music and influence of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Anthony Braxton as a foundation of presenting current jazz artistry.
126. Introduction to Popular Music in the U.S. (I or II; 3, 0)
A survey of principal style periods in American popular music from ca. 1840 to the present.
135. Introduction to Music Education-Pre-K/Elementary Methods (AI; 3, 0)
This course provides music education majors with basic foundations in the discipline of music education as well as techniques and materials for engaging music learners from birth through grade five.
136. Music for Classroom Teachers (I or II; 3, 0)
This course provides education majors with basic musical foundations as well as techniques and materials for incorporating music into the general education classroom.
142. String Methods (AII; 2, 0) Quarter course.
Intended for music education majors. An introductory course in string instruments.
143. Woodwind Methods (AI; 2, 0) Quarter course.
Intended for music education majors. An introductory course in woodwind instruments.
144. Brass Methods (AI; 2, 0) Quarter course.
Intended for music education majors. An introductory course in brass and percussion instruments.
145. Percussion Methods (AI; 2, 0) Quarter course.
Intended for music education majors. An introductory course in percussion instruments.
146. Voice Methods (AI; 2, 0) Quarter course.
Intended for instrumental music education majors. An introductory course in voice.
147. Voice Methods (AI; 2, 0) Quarter course.
Intended for voice and piano music education majors. An introductory course in vocal pedagogy.
152. Functional Keyboard (I and II; R; 0, 3) No credit course.
A requirement for all, and open only to, Bachelor of Music majors. Functional keyboard skills including harmonization, transposition, and improvisation. Students will register for the course each semester until it is completed successfully. Failure to complete the requirements will prevent a student from continuing in the degree program.
200. Diatonic Theory (II; 3, 2)
The study of diatonic triads and dominant seventh chords (with inversions), labeling triads, harmonic progressions, cadences, secondary dominants, diatonic modulation, binary and ternary forms, strophic forms, rondo forms, sonata form, instruments of the orchestra (with ranges and transpositions), and how to read an orchestral score.
201. Chromatic Theory (I; 3, 1)
Chromatic harmony, modulations, a study of basic classical and romantic forms. Includes ear training, keyboard harmony, and sight singing. Prerequisite: MUSC 102 or MUSC 200.
202. Advanced Theory (II; 3, 1)
A thorough knowledge of major compositional techniques from approximately 1910 to the present. Class requires advanced knowledge of the Sibelius notation program. Prerequisite: MUSC 201.
203. Jazz Theory and Arranging (II; 3, 0)
Study of the language of improvisation and analysis of techniques used by composers and arrangers throughout jazz history. Emphasis placed on original creative work and music in the style of historically important figures. Prerequisites: MUSC 101 and MUSC 102 or MUSC 200.
204. History and Literature of Music (I; 3, 0)
Introduction to the study of music history through stylistic developments in music of the Romantic through the Contemporary periods. Composers, masterworks, and musical style.
205. History and Literature of Music (I; 3, 0)
The history of music and development of musical forms and styles during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Composers and masterworks.
206. History and Literature of Music (II; 3, 0)
Historical developments in music and musical style during the Baroque and Classic periods. Composers and masterworks.
209. 210. Composition I and II (I and II; R; 2, 0)
Analytical and creative study of contemporary musical composition. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
230. Adaptations and Accommodations for Music Educators (AI; 3, 0)
This course prepares prospective teachers for teaching students with diverse needs through the exploration of the ways in which curriculum, instruction, and assessment may be adapted.
231. English Language Learners for Music Educators (AI; 3, 0)
This course prepares prospective teachers to effectively engage English Language Learners through the exploration of various concepts, tools, and methods for modifying content for successful student learning.
235. Principles of Teaching Music (AI; 3, 0)
In this course, music education majors develop knowledge and skills necessary for successful K-12 music teaching including curricular design, philosophical foundations, assessment strategies, and various methodologies. Prerequisite: MUSC 135.
239. Choral Methods and Literature (AI; 3, 2)
Intended for music education majors. Elementary- and secondary-school choral methods and materials. Program pedagogy and administration.
241. Instrumental Methods and Literature (AI; 3, 2)
Intended for music education majors. Orchestral, concert, marching, and jazz band repertoire. Elementary- and secondary-school methods and materials. Program administration.
249. Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Music (I or II; 3, 0)
An introduction to the study of music in cross-cultural perspective. Examines various musics' sounds, contexts, and meanings through several intersecting themes: identity, ritual, dance, etc.
252. Music and Culture: Chant to Beethoven (I; 3, 0)
A survey of western European art music from Gregorian chant to Beethoven.
253. Music and Culture: Beethoven to Virtual Music (AII; 3, 0)
A survey of western European art music from the early 19th century to the present. Prerequisite: MUSC 252.
254. Music and Culture: Africa and The Diaspora (AI or AII; 3, 0)
Explores music-making practices in selected parts of Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and North America. Examines relationship between musical styles, creative processes, and cultural contexts.
255. Music and Culture: The Silk Road and Beyond (AI or AII; 3, 0)
Investigates various musical cultures along and around the historical Silk Road; includes selected contexts in the Middle East and South, East, and Southeast Asia.
256. Music and Culture: Popular Music (I or II; 3, 0)
A study of popular music in selected national and historical settings.
257. Music and Culture: Jazz, Rock, and Race (I or II; 3, 0)
A thorough examination of historically important musicians and movements within the context of race and culture.
258. Music and Culture: Music in American Life (I or II; 3, 0)
An examination of music and identity formation among various cultural and religious groups in selected periods of United States history.
259. Conducting I (AI; 3, 0)
Standard beat patterns, basic conducting problems, analysis of instrumental and choral scores. Prerequisite: MUSC 200.
260. Ensemble (I and II; R; 0, 3) Quarter course.
Students who are not music majors may receive one-quarter credit for participation in each ensemble, with a maximum of one-half credit per semester and a limit of two full course credits in all. Note that music majors audit ensembles rather than take them for credit because the credits do not count toward fulfilling the minimum degree requirements. All ensembles require an audition or permission of the instructor for first-time members. Ensemble sections are as follows: 260-01 Symphonic Band, 260-02 Orchestra, 260-03 Chorale, 260-04 Chapel Choir, 260-05 Opera Company, 260-06 Handbell Choir, 260-07 Jazz Band, 260-08 Gamelan.
262. Orchestration (AI; 2, 0) Half course.
Arrangements for instrumental groups in schools where instrumentation may be very limited; also for full orchestra and concert band. Prerequisite: MUSC 202.
280. Jazz Improvisation (AI or AII; 3, 0)
An exploration of improvised jazz including the elements of harmony, form and styles. Students will perform in class. No prior jazz experience necessary.
335. Student Teacher Seminar (II; 3, 0)
This course provides student teachers in music with the opportunity to refine their teaching practices through guided reflection, discussion, reading, writing, and various other activities. Corequisite: EDUC 439. Prerequisite: MUSC 235.
340. 341. Performance Seminar I and II (I; R) Half course.
Covers performance-related issues including collaboration, memorization, performance anxiety, wellness, and music cognition. Students will be able to perform in master classes with visiting artists. Open to music majors only; others by permission.
350. Studies in Music (I or II; R) Half or full course.
Special projects to be undertaken on the approval of a faculty member and the department chair. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
351. Topics in Music History: pre-ca. 1800 (I or II; 3, 0)
Advanced critical study of repertoires, performance practices, performers, composers, and patrons from selected musical cultures and style periods prior to ca. 1800. May be repeated for credit when topics differ.
352. Topics in Music: ca. 1800-1900 (I or II; 3, 0)
Advanced studies in topics pertaining to performance and literature, theory and analysis, or forms and genres of the 19th century. May be repeated for credit when topics differ.
353. Topics in Music: ca. 1900 to present (I or II; 3, 0)
Advanced studies in topics pertaining to performance and literature, theory and analysis, composition and technology, or forms and genres of the 20th or 21st centuries. May be repeated for credit when topics differ.
362. Music Projects: Selected Topics (AI or AII; 3, 0)
A W2 course designed to facilitate intensive research and writing on a music topic of the student's choice. Prerequisites: one MUSC course and topic for research project and permission of the instructor.
369. Conducting II (AI; 3, 0)
Advanced baton technique, rehearsal methods, and score analysis. Prerequisites: MUSC 259 or permission of the instructor.
Courses offered occasionally
215 Philosophy of Music, 237 Piano Pedagogy, 244 Chamber Music, 266 Popular Music in the USA
