101x Fundamentals of Music Theory (2, FaSp) An introductory course in music theory required for those majors in need of remedial training, and available to the general student who wishes to develop music writing skills. Music majors assigned to MUTC 101x must enroll concurrently in the Aural Skills program (MUTC 132ab sequence). Not available for credit for music majors. Recommended preparation: ability to read music.
132ab Aural Skills I (a: 1, Fa; b: 1, Sp) Sight-singing, dictation, related keyboard application.
133ab Theory I (a: 3, Fa; b: 3, Sp) a: Notation, scales, intervals; introduction to counterpoint; harmonic principles of the common practice period; analysis, written work. b: Continuation of MUTC 133a; elements of form; application of analysis to performance. Concurrent registration in Aural Skills required.
137ab Introduction to Composition (2-2, FaSp) Beginning exercises in composition, study and class discussion of assigned scores and recordings.
200ab Jazz Styles Analysis (2-2) Theoretical skills and analytical techniques related to jazz styles from Dixieland to the present. a: Styles through Progressive Swing. b: Bebop to the present.
220 Composition Forum I (1, max 2, FaSp) Performance and discussion of student compositions; guest composers and lecturers; special events. Required for all first and second year Theory-Composition majors. Graded CR/NC.
221abx Composition for Non-Majors (2-2, FaSp) Introduction to the composition of concert music, involving set exercises as well as free composition, and the study and discussion of assigned scores and recordings. Intended for interested, qualified students not majoring in composition. Not available for credit to theory and composition majors. Prerequisite: MUTC 133b or departmental approval.
232ab Aural Skills II (a: 1, Fa; b: 1, Sp) Continuation of MUTC 132ab.
233ab Theory II (a: 3, Fa; b: 3, Sp) a: Analysis of representative pieces from the classic and romantic periods; exercises in composition. b: Survey of 20th century developments; composition utilizing 20th century techniques. Prerequisite: MUTC 133b.
235ab Counterpoint I (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) a: Two and three-voice counterpoint in 16th and 17th century styles. b: Two, three, and four-part counterpoint in 18th century style; polyphonic variations, inventions.
237ab Composition I (4-4, FaSp) Composition in shorter forms, continuation of score analysis and listening assignments. Prerequisite: MUTC 137b or departmental approval.
250 Songwriting I (2, FaSp) Development of musical and lyrical skills, composing, listening, analysis, and critiques of popular original music.
252 Songwriting II: Arranging and Performing (2, FaSp) Continuation of Songwriting I with emphasis on development of arrangements and performance of original popular music in preparation for songwriting showcases. Prerequisite: MUTC 250 or departmental approval.
254 Songwriting III: Demo Production (2, FaSp) Music arranging and recording of original songs for demonstration purposes including mixing, editing, functions of midi and production techniques. Prerequisite: MUTC 252 or departmental approval.
300 Theory Review (1, FaSpSm) Review of materials covered in Theory I and II. For students whose entrance examination in music theory indicates the need for further study.
320 Composition Forum II (1, max 2, FaSp) Continuation of MUTC 220. Required of all third year composition majors.
332ab Aural Skills III (a: 1, Fa; b: 1, Sp) Continuation of MUTC 232ab.
333 Aural Skills Review (1, FaSp) Review of the materials covered in Aural Skills I, II, and III. For students whose entrance examination in aural skills indicates the need for further study.
334ab Analytical Techniques (2-2, FaSp) Selected analytical topics. Prerequisite: MUTC 232b and MUTC 233b.
336ab Orchestration I (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) Range, techniques, timbre, transposition of orchestral and band instruments; exercises in orchestration. Prerequisite: MUTC 233b.
337ab Composition II (2-2, FaSp) continuation of MUTC 237; composition in larger forms. Prerequisite: MUTC 237b.
338x Elementary Orchestration (2, Fa) Range, techniques, timbre, transposition of orchestral instruments; exercises in orchestration. Not available for credit to Theory and Composition majors. Prerequisite: MUTC 232b and MUTC 233b.
339 Orchestration Review (1, FaSm) Review of materials covered in elementary orchestration; for students whose entrance examination in orchestration indicates a need for further study.
340x Tonal Counterpoint (2, Sp) Contrapuntal techniques in a variety of forms and styles; emphasis on 18th century models. Not available for credit to Theory and Composition majors. Prerequisite: MUTC 232b and MUTC 233b.
341 Counterpoint Review (1, SpSm) Review of materials covered in tonal counterpoint. For students whose entrance examination in counterpoint indicates the need for further study. For graduate students only.
342ab Aural Skills for Improvisors (1-1) Sight-singing and dictation applied to jazz repertoire. Vocalization of modal and synthetic jazz scales and chordal qualities. Prerequisite: MUTC 132ab, MUPF 250 or departmental approval.
347 Jazz Composition (2, max 4) Composing in the jazz medium.
360 Music Notation and Copying (1) Development of skills in music calligraphy.
370ab Arranging for the Recording Media (2-2) Arranging and composing for studio recording ensembles. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
390 Special Problems (1-4) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
391ab Special Projects in Music Theory (2-2) Individual projects, including preparation of a paper involving use of critical and analytical techniques.
400 Arranging for Jazz Ensemble (2) Scoring for jazz ensemble with emphasis on writing for sections of like and mixed instruments as well as full ensemble.
406ab Contemporary Notation (2-2) Notating new music; study and comparison of representative scores.
420 Composition Forum III (1, max 2, FaSp) Continuation of MUTC 320. Required for all fourth year composition majors.
421abx Composition for Non-Majors II (2-2, FaSp) Continuation of MUTC 221abx. Not available for credit to theory and composition majors. Prerequisite: MUTC 221bx or departmental approval.
425 Instrumental Music of Debussy and Ravel (2) Critical examination of the piano, chamber, and orchestral scores; comparison of styles, techniques and aesthetics of these ÒImpressionistÓ composers. Prerequisite: MUTC 336a or MUTC 338x; MUHL 280b.
432ab Advanced Theory (1 or 2; 1 or 2) Special problems in music theory.
434ab Advanced Analytical Techniques I (2-2) Analysis of extended works in the larger forms. Prerequisite: MUTC 237b.
435 Counterpoint II (2, Sp) Canon and fugue; 19th and 20th century developments. Offered in spring semester only.
436ab Orchestration II (2-2, FaSp) a: Scoring for chamber ensembles and orchestra, required of all composition majors. b: Continuation of MUTC 436a, taken as an elective. Prerequisite: MUTC 336b.
437ab Composition III (2-2, FaSp) Individual instruction in composition; preparation for senior recital. Not intended for SMPTV students. Prerequisite: MUTC 337b.
438 Arranging for Marching Band (2) Fundamental concepts; instrumental capabilities; notation; color and scoring; modulation; percussion writing. Prerequisite: MUTC 336b or MUTC 338x.
439 Band Arranging (2, max 4) Characteristics and use of individual instruments; writing for separate choirs; chamber and solo writing; scoring piano, organ, and orchestral music for band. Prerequisite: MUTC 237b, MUTC 336b or MUTC 338x.
440ab Composition for Films and Television (2-2) Planning, timing, composing, and orchestrating music for dramatic and documentary films and television programs. Prerequisite: MUTC 336b or MUTC 338x, MUTC 337b.
441 Choral Arranging (1 or 2, max 4) Practice in arranging and composing for chorus. Prerequisite: MUTC 340x or MUTC 237b.
442ab Film Music Production (2-2) This course encompasses the entire preparation and recording of music for a motion picture. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
443ab Film Score Analysis (2-2) A chronological and analytical study of motion picture score literature. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
470 Electroacoustic Composition (2) Electronic music for the composer: history of means and styles, aesthetic issues and practical problems, computer usages, bibliography and repertoire. Recommended preparation: MUEA 474a.
490x Directed Research (2-8, max 8) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Selected topics of current interest.
520 Composition Forum IV (1, max 2, FaSp) Continuation of MUTC 420. Graded CR/NC.
522ab Film Orchestration (2-2, FaSp) Scoring for chamber ensembles and orchestra, with an emphasis on unusual musical combinations used in films and television.
523ab Electronic Music for Film (2-2, FaSp) The use of synthesizers in full electronic scores as well as in conjunction with the acoustic orchestra; incorporates keyboard, EW1, EB1, and electronic guitar synthesizers.
532ab Musical Analysis (2-2) a: Survey of approaches to analysis. Emphasis on major forms and procedures of the tonal period. b: 20th century approaches to organization of pitch, rhythm, texture, form, etc.
533ab Analysis of Tonal Music (2-2) Survey of systematic approaches to musical analysis and their application to selected tonal works. Prerequisite: MUTC 434b or the equivalent.
534ab Analysis of Post-Tonal Music (2-2) Analytic methods and applications to selected 20th century works. Prerequisite: MUTC 434b.
536 Advanced Orchestration (1 or 2, max 4) Continuation of Orchestration II with emphasis on contemporary techniques. Prerequisite: MUTC 436b.
537 Advanced Composition I (1 or 2, max 8) For graduates with evidence of preparation for advanced work. Prerequisite: MUTC 437b.
540 Readings in the Theory of Music (2) Survey of major theoretical writings throughout history, focusing on recurrent questions and major lines of development. Prerequisite: MUTC 434b, MUHL 280b, MUHL 385b.
545ab Advanced Film Composition (2-2, FaSp) The technique of fragmented development of musical themes necessary in film composition.
547 Jazz Composition (2, max 4) Application of theoretical and compositional techniques used in jazz to written music. Analysis and performance of historical and contemporary examples will be included.
550 Teaching Music Theory (2) Comparative study of curricula, text materials, and teaching strategies in music theory.
590 Directed Research (1-12) Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
594abz Master's Thesis (2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Seminars in selected areas of study.
633ab Advanced Analysis of Tonal Music (2-2) Continuation of MUTC 533ab.
634ab Advanced Analysis of Post-Tonal Music (2-2) Continuation of MUTC 534ab.
637 Advanced Composition II (1 or 2, max 4) Continuation of MUTC 537. For students holding the M.M. degree in composition. Prerequisite: MUTC 537.
737 Advanced Composition III (1 or 2, max 8) Continuation of MUTC 637. Prerequisite: MUTC 536, MUTC 637.
790 Research (1-12) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation (2-2-2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995