Music

Department of Music
College of Arts and Sciences
222 Baird Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4700
Office of the Chair
(716) 645-2764
Office of Student Programs
(716) 645-2758
Fax: (716) 645-3824
Web: Music
Stephen Manes, Chair
Jeffrey Stadelman, Associate Chair
Michael Burke, Director of Student Programs

The Program
The Department of Music offers two degree programs. The bachelor of music degree in performance provides a comprehensive program of study, including music theory, music history, and instrumental and vocal performance. The bachelor of arts degree, combined with other areas of study, prepares students for graduate programs in music and other music related careers. A special major in music theatre is available through the Departments of Music, and Theatre and Dance.

Music majors and minors receive private instruction in standard orchestral instruments, as well as piano, organ, harpsichord, classical guitar, electric bass and voice. Instructors include faculty artists and members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

New music plays an important role in the activity of the department, allowing music students a unique opportunity to start their careers on music's leading edge. The department offers more than 150 public performances each year as an extension of the academic program. A wide range of performance opportunities is available to students. These include participation in UB Symphony Orchestra, Opera Workshop,University Chorus, University Choir, UB Symphony Band, UB Jazz Ensemble, UB Marching Band, UB Pep Band, Student Noon Recitals, Contemporary Ensemble, and numerous other small ensembles.

The Office of Student Programs personnel and faculty provide sources of information about many career options in music. For further information regarding preprofessional preparation, contact the Academic Advising Center, 109 Norton Hall, North Campus, (716) 645-2450.

Acceptance Procedure
Application for admission must be made both to the university and separately to the Department of Music. Students may be accepted into the major as freshmen. For music department applications, contact the Office of Student Programs, 226 Baird Hall, North Campus, (716) 645-2758, ext. 1249. All applicants to the Department of Music must take a theory placement exam at the time of audition or during university orientation for B.A. applicants. Applicants requesting the Mus.B. degree in music performance must perform an evaluation audition. A passing audition on an instrument or in voice and acceptance into MUS105, as determined by examination, are required for acceptance into the performance degree program.

Students wishing to enter the B.A. major in music must be acceptable for MUS105 as determined by examination. Registration and completion of MUS105 constitutes conditional acceptance into the B.A. degree. Formal application is made after three semesters of full-time study. Minimum requirements are: an overall GPA of 2.5, and completion of MUS105, MUS106, and MUS213 with no grades lower than "C-." To apply, students must submit a B.A. degree card to the music department student programs office. The advisor's signature shall certify that minimal admission standards have been met and that the student is officially considered a B.A. music major.

Applications must be submitted and auditions completed by the published audition date in March to be considered for departmental scholarship aid. Applicants for the B.A. degree in music are not required to perform an audition.

Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship Program
Each academic year the Department of Music nominates a select number of new students for honors scholarships. These awards carry a stipend of $2,500 a year for four years of undergraduate study. Students are chosen for their high academic achievement and outstanding musical talent. Separate application must be made for this award. Prospective students should request application materials from the University Honors Program or the Student Programs Office. See page 265 in this catalog for further information.

Scholarships
The Department of Music offers scholarships to qualified students. These departmental awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. Scholarship decisions are based on talent, recommendations, support material, and data compiled at the time of audition. A special scholarship audition is held each spring semester for enrolled students newly requesting scholarship aid and current students wishing to renew their scholarships.

Departmental scholarships are made possible by endowments from the Cameron Baird Fund, the John Lund Memorial Fund, and the Elizabeth Remington Olmstead Fund. These awards carry stipends of up to $1,500 per academic year. The D. Bernard and Jill L. Simon Music Scholarship carries a stipend of $750 per year in addition to any regular departmental or university award. Additionally, the Department of Music receives special funding from the Garahee Foundation to aid talented musicians.

Scholarship applications must accompany the application to the department and must be received no later than the last published March audition date.

Transfer Policy
Transfer students must apply to the department as well as to the university. The Office of Student Programs will evaluate the transfer credits in music. Up to one-half of the departmental requirements in the areas of music history, theory (determined by examination), performance (determined by audition), and ensemble can be accepted. Grades of "D" do not fulfill departmental requirements. Performance credits will be transferred for degree fulfillment only if the candidate has been accepted as a performance major at the initial audition for admission. Theory credits will transfer into the program based on the results of the transfer theory placement exam. Sample transfer exams are available upon request. Music history credits will transfer into the program upon the approval of the coordinator of history.

Music (MUS)

105 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint I (4/1) (F)
Develops skills and techniques necessary for aural and written comprehension of linear, melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, formal aspects of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century music. LEC/LAB

106 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint II (4/1) (Sp)
Continuation of MUS105. LEC/LAB

109 Master Composer (3)
Studies the life and times of a single composer or a group of composers. A course designed for the nonmajor and having no requirement of a background in music. LEC

110 Seminar in Music History (3)
Studies a specific area of the history of music. Topics change with each offering of this course. The course is specifically designed for nonmajors. LEC

111-112 Music in Western Civilization (3-3) (F; Sp)
A chronological panorama of Western music from medieval times to the present day for nonmajors; underlying social and cultural conditions with resultant parallels between music and other arts explored and defined. LEC

113 Music and Society (3)
Studies the relationship between music and twentieth-century American society. Art, folk, and commercial music is examined in an attempt to uncover musical meaning, both as a reflection of and stimulus for social change. No prior experience or training is required. LEC

114 Genres of Music (3)
Studies one of the historically established musical forms, such as opera, concerto, symphony, quartet, computer music, film music, etc.; lectures and listening assignments. Nonmajors; no prerequisites. LEC

115 Understanding Music (3) (F; Sp)
The history of musical style from the Renaissance to the present day with examination of selected masterpieces of Western music as well as such recent phenomena as serialism, minimalism, electronic, and computer music; no previous formal training in music required. LEC

116 Theory of Music for Nonmajors (3) (F; Sp)
Elements of writing music, melody, rhythm, intervals, chords, harmony, tone color, styles of musical expression. Music signs and symbols; traditional language of "tonal" music, with examples drawn from popular and classical music. No prerequisites. LEC

117 Pop Music-Ragtime to Rock
Lectures, recorded musical examples, and handouts both explain and describe the roots of American popular music as found in Early American, European, African, Latin American, and African American cultures. LEC

118 Pop Song in America (3)
Designed to foster sensitivity to and familiarity with American popular song of this century. Popular song as an indicator of the mores and sentiments of America is studied, listened to, and discussed. The combined efforts of composer, lyricist, vocalist, instrumentalist, and arranger is highlighted. LEC

121 University Chorus (2) (F; Sp)
Open to all members of the university community without audition; often performs major works with orchestra. LAB

130 UB Marching Band (2) (F)
Open to all members of the university community without audition; performs in support of athletic events and other campus activities. LAB

131 UB Concert Band (2) (F; Sp)
Traditional and nontraditional band literature rehearsed and performed; membership drawn from all schools and departments of the university; open by audition. LAB

138 UB Symphony Orchestra (2) (F; Sp)
Campus-wide and community-wide membership; performers concentrating in other disciplines welcome; two or three public concerts given each semester; auditions at the beginning of each semester. LAB

143 UB Percussion Ensemble (2) (F; Sp)
Study and performance of works from the vast repertoire for percussion ensemble. LAB

151 University Choir (2) (F; Sp)
A select vocal ensemble that performs a variety of choral literature; open to all students of the university by audition. LAB

155 Basic Keyboard (2) (F; Sp)
Functional piano, harmonization of melodies, scales, sight reading, accompanying, and preparation of pieces at various levels of difficulty. Music majors only. LAB

156 Jazz Ensemble: Big Band (2) (F; Sp)
Big band jazz; scores from a wide range of composers and arrangers; open by audition to all undergraduate students in the university. LAB

157 Jazz Ensemble: Combo (2) (F; Sp)
Small-group jazz, with emphasis on improvising; open by audition to all undergraduate students in the university. Special section on jazz drumming. LAB

159-160 Piano (2-4) (F; Sp)
Private piano study. Audition required. LAB

163-164 Organ (2-4) (F; Sp)
Private organ study. Audition required. LAB

169-170 Voice (var) (F; Sp)
Private voice study. Audition required. LAB

205 Jazz Theory (3)
Prerequisite: MUS105-106, or permission of instructor
Various approaches to the analysis of jazz; variation techniques and the improvised line. LEC

206 Music in the Movies (3) (Sp)
Examines film music, considered within its chronological, thematic, and cultural contexts. Class time is devoted to the presentation of classic or representative films in the history of film scoring, relevant musical material and concepts, and the basic vocabulary of music and film criticism. No prerequisites; no previous musical experience required. LEC

211-212 Intermediate Harmony and Counterpoint I-II (5-5) (F; Sp)
Builds on the foundation of first-year theory (MUS105-106), systematically incorporates chromatic harmony with an intensive study of music styles; integrates chordal vocabulary with larger formal processes. LEC/LAB

213 Music History Survey I (3) (F)
Prerequisite: one year of theory
Chronological survey of music from ancient to baroque period. LEC

214 Music History Survey II (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: MUS213
Chronological survey of music, continuing from the late baroque to twentieth century. LEC

221 Vocal Diction (2) (F; Sp)
Principles of pronunciation, enunciation, and articulation of Italian, French, and German texts, as related to solo vocal literature. Required of all voice students enrolled in primary study; open to pianists and, by permission of instructor, to nonmajors. LEC

264 World Music (3)
Introduces the student to music from all over the world, and expands concepts of music in the process. Learn about different instruments from other cultures and how they influence the music they produce. Common features of Asian, European, African, American, and Oceanic music is explored. Learn different ways of listening. Designed for nonmajors. No musical background required. LEC

265 Rock Music (3)
Examines the varied musical repertoires that are known collectively as rock, and considers those musical forms that influenced the early history of rock (blues, rhythm and blues, country) and those that have had an influence throughout its development (experimental electronics, classical jazz). Rock music is analyzed as both a musical and a sociological phenomenon. Topics include rock aesthetics, musical sub-cultures, music and film, music and politics, the business or rock, and the impact of American/British rock on world musical cultures. No previous experience or training in music is required. LEC

300 Music Pluralism Since 1900 (3)
Survey of principal composers and compositional issues native to the U.S., focused through study and discussion of the music and words of such figures as Charles Ives, George Gershwin, Elliott Carter, Morton Feldman, and Steve Reich. Listening and reading assignments. No prior musical training required. LEC

301 Introduction to Musical Theatre (3)
An historical view of the interrelationship of music in the theatre; liturgical drama; the masque; opera; operetta; musical comedy; and music for drama, dance, films, and other forms of mixed media. LEC

305 Counterpoint 16th Century (3)
Sixteenth-century vocal style through analysis and composition of music in two and three parts; music of Palestrina. LEC

311 Master Composer (3)
Study of the life and works of a single master composer or group of composers. LEC

313 American Music (3)
Prerequisite: MUS115
Survey of American music from Colonial times to the present with special emphasis on twentieth-century music. LEC

314 Chamber Music Literature (2)
The study of a segment of the vast catalog of chamber music literature. Content may change each semester covering a specific school, composer, style, or ensemble instrumentation. Final paper and/or a final exam on repertoire is required. LEC

321 University Chorus (2) (F; Sp)
Open to all members of the university community without audition; often performs major works with orchestra. LAB

322 Organ Literature (2) (F; Sp)
Literature of the organ covering works of one composer, several composers, a specific school, or style of organ repertoire. A final paper and/or final exam on repertoire covered is required. Nonmajors may enroll with permission of instructor. LEC

324 Piano Literature (3) (F; Sp)
Literature of the piano covering works of one composer, several composers, a particular form or period. Final paper and/or a final exam on repertoire is/are required. Required of piano majors; nonmajors may take the course by permission of instructor. LEC

330 UB Pep Band (2) (Sp)
Same as MUS130. LAB

331 UB Symphony Band (2) (F; Sp)
Same as MUS131. LAB

333 Opera History (3)
A survey of the principal opera composers and their works. LEC

334 UB Percussion Ensemble (2) (F; Sp)
Same as MUS143. LAB

338 UB Symphony Orchestra (2) (F; Sp)
Same as MUS138. LAB

340 Chamber Music (2) (F; Sp)
Music majors and interested performers may participate in the study and performance of chamber music repertoire. This can include such combinations as piano duo, string quartet, wind quintet, vocal duets, etc. Admission by audition. TUT

341 History of Jazz I (3)
Prerequisite: MUS115-116, MUS213 or permission of instructor
1917 to the present; basic issues of musical structure that interest different genres and periods (form, improvised variation, blues, the vocal); elementary analysis and basic understanding of music notation assumed. LEC

343-344 Elements of Conducting I-II (4-2) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: one year of music theory, one year of music history
Fundamental conducting and rehearsal techniques. Participation in performing ensembles expected. LEC

350 Opera Workshop (2) (F; Sp)
Performance class devoted to noncommercial music for singers, actors, dancers, and instrumentalists of all levels. Opera is one example of the union of these various talents with special attention given to works from the baroque and contemporary periods. Introduces aspects of production; repertoire, acting, staging, scenery, costumes, lighting; culminates in a series of public performances; open by audition. TUT

351 University Choir (2) (F; Sp)
Same as MUS151. LAB

356 Jazz Ensemble: Big Band (2) (F; Sp)
Same as MUS156. LAB

357 Jazz Ensemble: Combo (2) (F; Sp)
Same as MUS157. LAB

401-402 Introduction to Electronic Music I-II (3-3)
A two-semester course for students interested in music produced by electronic means. The history and practice of electronic music, synthesizer music, and computer music. Experimental, rock, and other popular forms is examined. Learn basic studio techniques, synthesis/sound manipulation techniques, and psychoacoustic principles. LEC

407 Composition Seminar (2-4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: MUS106
Introduces issues of free composition within the twentieth-century art-music tradition. Investigates relevant literatures and musical techniques. Students receive critical feedback on individual composition projects, working toward the goal of a concert of student works. Related issues, such as notation, instrumentation, orchestration, and aesthetics, are explored. Open to music majors only. SEM

407 Composition (4) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: MUS407 Composition Seminar
Writing and analysis under professional guidance in private consultations and class discussions. Students must present examples of their work and are accepted by permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. TUT

408 Genres of Music (3)
Prerequisites: MUS213-214
Study of one of the historically established musical forms, such as opera, concerto, symphony, quartet; lectures and listening assignments. Music majors only or by permission of instructor. LEC

409 Music of the Middle Ages (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: MUS213-214
Western music from Gregorian chant to the fourteenth century. LEC

410 Music of the Renaissance (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: MUS213-214
Music from Dunstable and the Burgundian School to the end of the sixteenth century. LEC

411 Music of the Baroque Era (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: MUS213-214
Music from Monteverdi to J. S. Bach. LEC

412 Music of the Classical Period (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: MUS213-214
Music of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, contemporaries. LEC

413 Music of the Romantic Period (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: MUS213-214
Nineteenth-century music from Schubert to Mahler. LEC

414 Music of the Twentieth Century (3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisites: MUS213-214
Music from Debussy to the present. LEC

416 Counterpoint Eighteenth Century (3)
Eighteenth-century counterpoint practice; writing compositions in the style required. LEC

421 Vocal Literature (2) (Sp)
Prerequisite: voice study at 400 level
Solo vocal literature from 1600 to the present; recommended for all voice students enrolled in primary study; open by permission of instructor to nonmajors. LEC

437 Analysis of Tonal Music (3)
Prerequisites: MUS211-212
Masterworks of all periods; technical means employed in composition. LEC

438 Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music (3)
Analytical studies covering a variety of twentieth-century Western musical styles. LEC

439 Seminar in Music History (3)
SEM

447 Contemporary Ensemble (2) (F; Sp)
A select group of performers (instrumental and vocal) who study and perform new music of the twentieth century. LAB

450 Senior Thesis Seminar (4) (F; Sp)
SEM

450 Senior Thesis (2) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: MUS450 Seminar
TUT

459-498 Instrumental and Vocal Instruction (2-4) (F; Sp)
Students are accepted through audition for private study on all standard instruments and voice. Course may be repeated for credit; registration processed through the Student Programs office, 226 Baird Hall. LAB

499 Independent Study (1-4) (F; Sp)
Open to music majors engaged in special study or research in areas not covered by regular courses; permission of the supervising faculty member. TUT

Music - B.A.

Acceptance Criteria
Passing the freshman theory exam and successful completion of MUS 105 constitutes conditional departmental acceptance.
Successful completion of MUS105, MUS106, and MUS213 with a minimum GPA of 2.5 followed by formal application to the B.A. degree program constitutes official departmental acceptance.

Advising Notes
Four music major free electives are chosen by advisement.
All undergraduate music majors are required to attend six concerts each semester.

Required Courses
MUS105 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint I
MUS106 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint II
MUS211 Intermediate Harmony and Counterpoint I
MUS212 Intermediate Harmony and Counterpoint II
MUS213 Music History Survey I
MUS214 Music History Survey II
MUS450 Senior Thesis Seminar
MUS450 Senior Thesis
Two ensemble courses
Two upper-level music history electives
Four music major free electives
Foreign language courses, as necessary*

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements

First Year
Fall-MUS105, ensemble, one foreign language course*
Spring-MUS106, ensemble, one foreign language course*

Second Year
Fall-MUS211, MUS213, one foreign language course*
Spring-MUS212, MUS214, one foreign language course*

Third Year
Fall-One upper-level music history elective, one music major free elective
Spring-One upper-level music history elective, one music major free elective

Fourth Year
Fall-One music major free elective, MUS450
Spring-One music major free elective, MUS450

Summary
*Foreign language requirement - 0-16
Proficiency in a foreign language through the second semester of the second year or its equivalent, to be demonstrated through classroom courses or through alternatives outlined on page 255. (S/U grading may not be selected for courses taken to fulfill this faculty requirement.)
Total required credit hours in music - 54-58

Music Performance - Mus.B.

Acceptance Criteria
Pass an audition on an instrument or in voice
Pass freshman theory exam and register for MUS105

Advising Notes
Transfer students are required to have a minimum of six semesters of major instrument or voice.
Performance majors receive hour lessons weekly (4 credit hours per semester).
Minimum of six semesters of ensemble (chosen by advisement)
Piano major requirement: MUS324 Piano Literature
Voice major requirement: MUS221 Vocal Diction
All performance majors must pass a keyboard proficiency examination.
A pre-recital jury and senior recital are to be completed in the senior year.
All undergraduate music majors are required to attend six concerts each semester.

Required Courses
MUS105 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint I
MUS106 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint II
MUS211 Intermediate Harmony and Counterpoint I
MUS212 Intermediate Harmony and Counterpoint II
MUS213 Music History Survey I
MUS214 Music History Survey II
MUS221 Vocal Diction (voice majors)
MUS324 Piano Literature (if available; otherwise, students take individual instruction)
Eight 400-level applied instrument or voice courses
Six ensemble courses
Four upper-level music history electives
Foreign language courses, as necessary*

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements

First Year
Fall-MUS105, one 400-level applied instrument or voice course, MUS221(voice majors), ensemble, one foreign language course*
Spring-MUS106, one 400-level applied instrument or voice course, ensemble, one foreign language course*

Second Year
Fall-MUS211, MUS213, one 400-level applied instrument or voice course, ensemble, one foreign language course*
Spring-MUS212, MUS214, one 400-level applied instrument or voice course, ensemble, one foreign language course*

Third Year
Fall-One upper-level music history elective, one upper-level music theory elective, one 400-level applied instrument or voice course, ensemble
Spring-One upper-level music history elective, one 400-level applied instrument or voice course, ensemble

Fourth Year
Fall-One upper-level music history elective, one 400-level applied instrument or voice course, ensemble (optional)
Spring-One 400-level applied instrument or voice course, ensemble (optional)

Summary
*Foreign language requirement - 0-16
Proficiency in a foreign language through the second semester of the second year or its equivalent, to be demonstrated through classroom courses or through alternatives outlined on page 255. (S/U grading may not be selected for courses taken to fulfill this faculty requirement.)
Total required credit hours in music - 83-88

Music - Minors

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum grade of "B" in MUS105
Submit a written application (obtain forms from the music programs office)
Performance minors must pass an audition on an instrument or in voice.

Required Courses
Performance Minor
Music theory: MUS105-106 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint I-II
Music history: MUS213-214 Music History Survey I-II
Two semesters in any ensemble
Four semesters of applied music (two credits per semester)

Academic Minor
Music theory: MUS105-106 Elementary Harmony and Counterpoint I-II
Music history: MUS213-214 Music History Survey I-II
Four music major free electives
Total required credit hours in music - 28

Academic Affairs

Phone: (716) 645-6003

Fax: (716) 645-2549

Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:19 EST