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Music

Faculty

  • Professor Hubbs; Associate Professor Abrahams (Chair); Assistant Professor Davis; Instructors Ashby, M. Favero, Langdon, Oehler, Rice.

  • The Music Department offers two distinct majors: a B.A. in Music and a B.A. in Music Technology. Additionally, students can complete minors in music or music technology. The department also offers ensembles and private lessons that students may take for credit.

    Music Major (B.A.)

    Music major offerings are designed to provide an understanding of music through a study of music history, culture, theory, technology, and creation, as well as performance opportunities. The curriculum integrates musicology, music theory, music technology, and music creation across a range of musical genres and styles, while providing ensemble and applied music instruction as a basis for connecting practical and analytical aspects of the discipline. Students who complete a music major can pursue graduate study but can also apply their knowledge of music to performing arts administration, music therapy, and music business applications.

    Requirements for Majors

    All students majoring in music will:

    • Take core coursework in music theory, history, culture, technology, and composition.
    • Take additional coursework in the area of their interest to deepen their understanding and skills.
    • Complete their degree with a capstone project.
    • Participate in four semesters of either ensemble performance or applied lesson study.

    A major in Music consists of 44 credits in both academic (40 hours) and applied/ensemble (4 hours) music courses.

    • Three semesters (12 semester hours) of Music Theory & Cognition courses: MUS-120 and 220, and one 300-level elective chosen from MUS-326W or 328.
    • Three semesters (12 semester hours) of Music History & Culture courses: MUS-205, 206, 207, 208, 305W, 306W, 307, and 311W where at least one must be either MUS-205 or 206.
    • One semester (4 semester hour) of Music Technology: MUS-226.
    • One semester (4 semester hours) of Composition: MUS-309 or 321W.
    • One elective course (4 semester hours) at the 200- or 300-level.
    • Either MUS-401 or 491 (4 semester hours). MUS-401 is the major capstone. MUS-491 is reserved for Honors Research and may be substituted for MUS-401 with permission of department chair.
    • Four semesters (4 semester hours) of music ensemble and/or applied music chosen from the following: MUS-00X, MUS-01X, MUS-02X, 03X, 04X, 05X, 06X, or 07X. Students may only count one credit per semester towards this requirement for a total of two years of ensemble participation.

    * MUS-305W, 306W, 311W, 321W, or MUS-326W will fulfill the writing-intensive (W) requirement.

    *MUS-401 will fulfill the oral presentation requirement as all students enrolled will present their research at an end-of-semester symposium.

    Requirements for Minor

    A minor concentration in music consists of a minimum of five courses in music.

    Requirements include:

    • MUS-120
    • MUS-226
    • One Music History & Culture course from: MUS-205, 206, 207, 208, 305W, 306W, 307, or 311W.
    • Two additional music courses. Ensembles, lessons, internships, and research coursework are encouraged but do not count towards the minor.

    Note: One course in the minor MUST be chosen from the 300-level.

    Music Technology Major (B.A.)

    The Music Technology major is designed to provide an understanding of music and sound through the study of recording technology, music production, music theory, music history, and creative practice. The curriculum integrates these approaches across a range of genres and styles with an emphasis on recording, sound design, synthesis, production, and how they are applied in contemporary professional technological ecosystems. Coursework provides opportunities to connect technical, creative, analytical, and collaborative aspects of the discipline. Students who complete a music technology major are prepared for careers in areas such as audio engineering, sound design, music production, and other fields in the music industry, as well as graduate study.

    Requirements for Majors

    All students majoring in music technology will:

    • Take core coursework in music technology and general music studies.
    • Take additional music technology coursework in the area of their interest to deepen their understanding and skills.
    • Take additional breadth elective courses in departments outside of music.
    • Complete their degree with a capstone project.
    • Complete an internship or teaching assistantship in music technology.

    A major in Music Technology consists of a minimum of 49 credit hours.

    • Three courses (12 semester hours) of Music Technology core courses: MUS-226, 227, and 228.
    • Two courses (8 semester hours) of Music Technology electives chosen from the following options: MUS-308, 309, 321W, 323, MUS/CS-310, MUS/CS-372, or MUS/TD/ART-233.
    • Three courses (12 semester hours) of general music core courses:
         a. Two music theory courses: MUS-120, 220
         b. One course in music history & culture chosen from the following: MUS-205, 206, 207, 208, 305W, 306W, 307, or 311W.
    • One course (3 or 4 credit hours) of applied music technology chosen from the following: MUS-381, 382, or both 390 and 391.
    • One course (4 semester hours) from either MUS-402 or 491. MUS-402 is the major capstone. MUS-491 is reserved for Honors Research and may be substituted for MUS-402 with permission of department chair.
    • Two semesters (2 semester hours) of music ensemble and/or applied music chosen from the following: MUS-00X, MUS-01X, MUS-02X, 03X, 04X, 05X, or 06X, or 07X. Students may only count one credit per semester towards this requirement for a total of one year of ensemble/lessons participation.
    • Two courses (8 semester hours) chosen from the following breadth electives: CS-173, 174; MATH-111, 112; MCS-220, 327; PHYS-111Q, 112, 121Q, 122Q.

    * MUS-305W, 306W, 311W, or 321W will fulfill the writing-intensive (W) requirement.

    *MUS-402 will fulfill the oral presentation (O) requirement as all students enrolled will present their research at an end-of-semester symposium.

    Requirements for Minor

    A minor concentration in Music Technology consists of a minimum of five courses:

    • MUS-120
    • MUS-226
    • MUS-227
    • MUS-228
    • One additional 300-level course in music technology

Courses

  • MUS-120. Music Theory and Aural Skills I
    The first semester of an integrated two-semester theory sequence that examines the melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, and formal organization of music while developing critical listening skills. The course consists of a study of foundational musical elements, terminology, and five-line staff notation, including clefs, notes, meter, timbre, intervals, scales, modes, chords, keys, and key signatures. Students will also apply their knowledge of musical concepts in aural musicianship activities. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    Note:Students who have completed MUS-121 or 220 cannot enroll in MUS-120.

    MUS-200. Topics in Music

    A study of a specific musical topic that is interdisciplinary in nature. The course will place emphasis on independent research as well as required listening. No Prerequisite. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-203. The Expense of Musical Appropriation and the Dividends of Collaboration

    There is a rich history of people from different nations, ethnicities, and races exchanging ideas and sharing cultures. For African peoples and their descendants in the diaspora, such exchanges became tools that helped them survive oppression and overcome marginalized positionalities, even as they made contributions to the global pop industry. This course studies local musical cultures in Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States, and their global circulation, to question the appropriation, adaptation, and commercialization of music. It asks what the term “appropriation” means and how one may distinguish borrowing and collaboration from theft and exploitation. We will learn basic music theory and use introductory digital music production tools to translate what we learn into audio projects and civic engagement workshops. We strongly encourage the participation of those with no music experience. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, H.)

    MUS-205. Music History and Culture I

    An examination of the history of music, beginning with pre-human natural soundscapes and continuing through approximately the 18th century. This course will examine the music of Western cultural elites, as well as music of previously suppressed outsiders and rebels who created music revolutions. This course focuses on the subversive as a catalyst for change in music and society. Topics may include music’s relationship to sexuality, violence, social control, generational conflict, and political unrest. Intensive listening assignments and research projects are required for the course. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

    MUS-206. Music History and Culture II

    An examination of the history of music, beginning in the mid-18th century through the 21st-century. This course will examine music intended as a catalyst for change, music that challenged conventions and conveyed coded messages. Topics may include an exploration of how music will evolve in the future and creating musical soundscapes in the digital age. Intensive listening assignments and a research project are required for the course. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

    MUS-207. History of Jazz

    A survey of the development of jazz from its African origins through the present. Includes a detailed investigation of how various socio-political factors affected the development of this American music. The course will include intensive listening and research assignments, video presentations, and a final research paper. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, DN, H.) (LINQ when offered with DANC-330.)

    MUS-208. Survey of Global Musics

    This course traces the development of global musics by examining the cultural and political milieu in which they are composed. Students will develop an understanding of musical terminology and will develop skills needed to listen to and better understand music of varying cultures. Students will participate in a variety of activities including singing, playing instruments, and dancing. This course will include intensive listening assignments. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, GN, H.)

    MUS-220. Music Theory and Aural Skills II
    The second semester of an integrated two-semester theory sequence that examines the melodic, rhythmic, harmonic, and formal organization of music while developing critical listening skills. Students will develop skills in analysis of small and large forms, composition, and aural musicianship. The course includes an introduction to chromatic harmony and places emphasis on classical and popular music repertoires. Prerequisite: MUS-120 or permission of instructor through diagnostic placement test. Four hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    Note:Students who have completed MUS-222W cannot enroll in MUS-220.

    MUS-226. Introduction to Music Technology 

    An introductory course in computer-based music technology focusing on music technology software and hardware, which serves as a prerequisite for advanced coursework in music technology. Students will learn the concepts of sequencing, mixing, production, audio effects, software instruments, and loop-based composition, and sampler and synth programming through composition creative projects. Emphasis on the physics of sound, Digital Audio Workstation workflow, song analysis, and songwriting. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.) 

    MUS-227. Studio Recording
    A continuation of Introduction to Music Technology that further explores the hardware and digital practices of music production with a strong emphasis on audio recording. Students will develop skills in microphone technique, recording hardware, audio interfaces and mixing boards, and acoustics, as well as advanced skills in mixing and production through music projects and analysis. Additional concepts may include live sound reinforcement and recording, physics of audio technology, and audio mastering. Prerequisite: MUS-226 or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-228. Sound Synthesis & Music Production
    A continuation of Introduction to Music Technology that further explores the hardware and digital practices of music production with a strong emphasis on synthesis, audio processing, and contemporary production techniques. Students will develop skills in sample manipulation, sound design, and MIDI programming through composition projects and analysis of existing works. Additional concepts may include modular synthesis and genre-specific electronic music production. Prerequisite: MUS-226 or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS/TD/ART-233. Sound Design

    This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sound design. The class focuses on creating an environment with sound through the use of Foley, pre-recorded media, and music. Additionally, students explore basic sound technology and tools to create a theatrical sound design. This course is made up of a combination of lectures, class discussions, and projects. Class participation is essential to the success of this course. Students are asked to think critically and express ideas about their work as well as the work of others. Four hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-301. What is Music?

    What components make sounds into music? What makes us identify sound events as not music? How does our background or education shape our ideas about what can be considered music? How does the way we define music give us power in social, cultural, aesthetic, and even legal spheres? This course explores what “music” is from aesthetic, philosophical, cultural, and analytical standpoints. In this course, students will examine different ways of defining and understanding music as a social, artistic, aesthetic, scientific, and personal phenomenon. The course will also consider the ethical and personal ramifications of such musical definitions. Readings from philosophy, music theory, history, and ethnomusicology, music psychology, sound studies, and music copyright law will be included. Students will build their critical reading, writing, and speaking skills through discussion, writing and reading assignments, and research projects. There are no prerequisites to enroll in this course. Four semester hours. (A, CCAP, H.)

    MUS/GWSS-305W. Women in Music

    This course will examine the contributions of women as composers, performers, patrons and conductors of music from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century. The course will focus largely on the roles of women in the sphere of Western classical music, global musics, and popular music. The course requires a variety of listening assignments and research projects. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, DN, H.)

    MUS-306W. History of American Music

    This course will examine various types of music that have evolved in North America, from indigenous peoples, the colonial era, mid-century Rock ‘n’ Roll culture to modern-day pop genres. Students will learn the history of North America’s musical evolution and revolutions, focusing largely on the contributions of West African peoples to America’s musical culture. This course requires weekly listening and written responses to many different styles of music. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

    MUS-307. Topics in Music History and Culture

    A study of a specific period or genre of music, and an examination of the music through cultural, political, and societal contexts. The course will place emphasis on independent research as well as required listening. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, H.)

    MUS-308. Evolution of Video Game Audio
    This course examines the history, technology, and cultural context of sound and music in video games. Beginning with penny arcades, moving through the console generations, and ultimately winding up at modern day titles, students will learn about the expressive possibilities, limitations, and considerations for the medium, including topics such as sound design, adaptive music, and system-driven audio. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-309 Composition & Digital Notation
    An introductory course in music composition that teaches foundational concepts in a stylistically open way. Students learn to analyze and create musical scores for a variety of instrumentations. The course explores concepts related to harmony, melody, form, counterpoint, and orchestration. Students will develop original works over the course of the semester and have their work performed and workshopped. Prerequisite: MUS-120 or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS/CS-310. Computer Music
    Computers are now integral to modern music creation and production. In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of creating and processing sound using computers. Students will work with the programming language Max/MSP to explore concepts on digital audio and representation, audio effects, sound synthesis, sequencing, and algorithmic composition. Prerequisite: MUS-226 or CS-173, or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A, R.)

    MUS-311W. History of Electronic Music
    This course surveys the historical, cultural, and technological development of electronic music from the late 19th century to the present. Beginning with early experiments in electricity and sound synthesis, the course traces major movements including musique concrète, German elektronische Musik, modular synthesis, tape music, analog and digital synthesis, disco, techno, house, hip-hop production, ambient, IDM, and contemporary electronic dance music (EDM). Students will examine how technological innovation, social movements, race, gender, and global exchange have shaped electronic sound practices. Listening, reading, and discussion will be central. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-321W. Songwriting

    This course will examine elements of songs including lyrics, melody, harmony, and form. Students will be expected to listen critically and analyze a variety of songs and to create and collaborate on different song projects. The class is heavily project-based. Students will work to build a catalog of original songs. Students need not be experienced singers but must be willing to record themselves singing. Additionally, students should have facility with an instrument or familiarity with production technology. Prerequisite: MUS-120, 226, or permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-323. Topics in Music Technology and Creation

    A study of music composition or songwriting techniques focusing on pitch, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and form that may include study of technological practices or specific styles through analysis and model composition. This course will place emphasis on project-based compositions using production or notation. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-326W. Music Cognition

    This course surveys the field of music cognition: an intersection of music theory, music psychology, and neuroscience. Topics covered will include music and emotion, embodied music cognition, music and evolution, pitch, meter, and form perception, music and language, and music learning and performance. A significant research project culminating in a literature review of a sub-area of music cognition will be required. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-328. Topics in Music Theory and Cognition

    A study of a specific area of music theory or cognition research, method of music analysis, or focused analysis in a particular musical style or genre. The course will place emphasis on independent research as well as required listening. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS/CS-372. Digital Musical Audio Processing
    This hands-on course will take a broad overview of how to represent, analyze, and morph/transform digital musical audio with a computer. Topics include time-domain audio processing, digital instrument synthesis (including FM synthesis), frequency domain audio processing and Fourier analysis, vocoders and cross-synthesis, audio novelty for tempo estimation / beat-tracking, pitch and timbre features, content-based music audio retrieval (e.g., version identification and the “Shazam algorithm”), automatic source separation, and audio mosaicing. Prerequisite: MATH-106 or MATH-111 or higher and CS-174 (or CS-173 with permission of the instructor). Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    MUS-380. Music Cognition Readings and Research

    Reading and research under the direction of a faculty member designed to introduce students to research procedures and data manipulation in the context of an original research project. This course can be taken more than once. Prerequisite: permission of a participating faculty member to serve as an advisor. Three hours of reading, research design, data collection, and/or analysis work per week. Graded S/U. One semester hour.

    MUS-381 Internship

    An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Contact music faculty for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: approval of an internship adviser and three courses in music. Three semester hours (XLP.)

    MUS-382 Internship

    An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. Contact music faculty for further details. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: approval of an internship adviser and three courses in music. Four semester hours (XLP.)

    MUS-390. Music Technology Assistant I
    The first semester of a practical applications course of music technology intended for junior and senior music technology majors. Students perform a variety of tasks such as serving as teaching assistants for music technology courses, recording music department concerts, providing sound reinforcement for music department and college events, post-producing concert recordings, serving as a sound engineer in the MxD Recording Studio, and/or other music technology tasks as determined by the instructor. Prerequisites: MUS-226, MUS-227, and permission of the instructor. Two semester hours. Graded S/U.

    MUS-391. Music Technology Assistant II
    The second semester of a practical applications course of music technology intended for junior and senior music technology majors. Students perform a variety of tasks such as serving as teaching assistants for music technology courses, recording music department concerts, providing sound reinforcement for music department and college events, post-producing concert recordings, serving as a sound engineer in the MxD Recording Studio, and/or other music technology tasks as determined by the instructor. Prerequisites: MUS-390 and permission of the instructor. Two semester hours. Graded S/U. (XLP)

    MUS-401. Capstone Seminar in Music Research
    Advanced research seminar designed for junior or senior majors in music. Students will work on self-devised research projects in a cohort context and develop their professional writing and presentation skills. A final public presentation of work is required. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-402. Capstone Seminar in Music Technology and Creation
    Advanced seminar designed for junior or senior majors in music technology. Students will work on self-devised creative projects in a cohort context and develop their composition, production, and lyrical skills. A final public presentation of work is required. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (A.)

    MUS-491 Research/Independent Work

    This course is open to candidates for departmental honors and to other students with the permission of the department chair. Prerequisites: Permission of the department. Four semester hours. (A, XLP.)

    MUS-492 Research/Independent Work

    A continuation of MUS-491. Open only to candidates for honors. Prerequisites: MUS-491 and permission of the department. Four semester hours. (A, XLP.)

    Ensembles and Lessons

    MUS-011-018. Voices of Ursinus

    A choral ensemble of mixed voices open without audition. The choir performs repertoire representing diverse styles and cultures. The Voices of Ursinus will present one campus concert per semester and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Three to four hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

    MUS-021-028. Wind Ensemble

    A large instrumental ensemble open without audition. Members perform ensemble works, and may be placed in a smaller chamber group and/or perform solo repertoire. The Wind Ensemble will present one campus concert per semester and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Two to three hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

    MUS-031-038. Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble

    A big band open by audition to all students. The ensemble performs arrangements and original compositions in a variety of jazz styles. The Jazz Ensemble will present one campus concert per semester and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Two to three hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

    MUS-041-048 and 04SA. - Guitar

    MUS 041-048 and 04SB. - Piano

    MUS-041-048 and 04SC. - Voice

    MUS-041-048 and 04SD. - Other

    Applied Lessons

    This course provides private music instruction for one hour each week, focusing on technique and performance practice. The course will give students the opportunity to continue their growth as musicians. One hour per week. During the summer there would be a total of 14 hours of lessons. Students can sign up for MUS-04S more than once. Music lessons fee. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

    MUS-051-058. Ursinus Strings

    A chamber strings ensemble open without audition. Members will present one campus concert per semester and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Two to three hours per week. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)

    MUS-061-068. Ursinus College Singers

    Ursinus College Singers is an auditioned choral ensemble of soprano and alto voices. The choir performs treble repertoire representing varied backgrounds and languages. The Ursinus College Singers will present one campus concert per semester and may appear at campus functions. Graded S/U. Three to four hours per week. One semester hour. (A. if four semester hours are completed.)

    MUS-071–078. UC Tonight Modern Band

    UC Tonight Modern Band performs music from rock and pop and their subcategories including indie, funk, soul, rhythm and blues, folk, country, punk, and more. The ensemble features modern band instrumentation, including drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals, and horns, among others. Students gain experience in musical arrangement, collaboration, and live performance. The UC Tonight Modern Band will present one campus concert per semester and may appear at on and off campus functions. Two to three hours per week.  Graded S/U. One semester hour. (A, if four semester hours are completed.)