Dara Greenwald--artist, curator, activist, writer, member of
the Just Seeds Collective, and Rensselaer doctoral candidate in the Arts Department--died
on January 9, 2012 from cancer. Memorial Weekend
Music Minor
- OPTION A:
- Music Theory I or equivalent
- 3 music courses
- OPTION B:
- Music Theory I or equivalent
- Up to 8 credits of performance ensemble*
- Remainder of credits in course work
*Performance ensembles include orchestra and chorale, among others.
CONTACT: Professor Michael Century, century@rpi.edu or 276-2302
Students have the option to participate in certain ensembles as club members through the Student Union. Club membership or participation in these ensembles alone will not count towards the earned academic credits for the minor. Please visit the Rensselaer Music Association website for more information.
Music Course Descriptions
ARTS-2020,
Computer Music
Music composition taught in the context of modern computerized production methods. Technical topics include basic principles of computer sound generation, digital sound sampling, and the use of small computers for musical control of electronic instruments. Musical topics include a study of important musical works and compositional techniques of the 20th century. Student projects involve hands-on work on a variety of computer instruments and software. This course is a prerequisite for further creative work with Rensselaer’s computer music facilities.
ARTS-2300,
Rensselaer Orchestra
Readings, rehearsals, and performances of works from the standard repertoire for orchestra from the Baroque through the 20th century.
ARTS-2310,
Rensselaer Concert Choir
Readings, rehearsals, and performances of works from the standard choral repertoire, from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Attendance is mandatory and preparation expected.
ARTS-2320,
Percussion Ensemble
Readings, rehearsals, and performances of works from the repertoire for percussion ensemble as well as special arrangements and original compositions, spanning the diverse styles of the genre from ragtime music and popular traditions to the classical, standard, and avant-garde. Regular attendance at rehearsals is required and preparation of music expected.
ARTS-2330,
Jazz Ensemble
Readings, rehearsals, and performances of jazz compositions ranging from the traditional jazz canon to pieces from contemporary composers/arrangers. Preparation and attendance at rehearsals and all performances expected.
ARTS-2340,
Introduction to Afro
This course is an introduction to Afro-Cuban folkloric music traditions through lecture demonstration and class participation. The emphasis is on learning to play Afro-Cuban rhythms and percussion instruments (clave, conga, cowbell, shekere).
ARTS-2350,
Chamber Music Ensemble
An instrumental class that will be coached and rehearsed and will perform regularly. The larger ensemble will break up into smaller ensembles such as string quartets, woodwind quintets, trios, etc., depending on the make-up of the group, as well as into more unusual combinations that might be required to prepare 20th century repertoire. For intermediate and advanced players, entrance into the course is by authorization form/permission of instructor.
ARTS-2400,
Music Theory I
A course that explores the fundamental concepts of music theory, for the students with at least some musical background. Rhythm, scales, keys, intervals, chords, and elementary harmony will be covered as well as an introduction to counterpoint and analysis. Correlative studies in ear-training and keyboard skills.
ARTS-2500,
History of Western Music
The objective of this course is for students to be able to recognize and appreciate the stylistic elements of the major periods and composers from the earliest known music to the present. The influences on music by broad cultural and historical forces will also be explored. Beginning with the Greeks, the course will progress chronologically from the polyphonic religious music of the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and modern periods.
ARTS-2510,
History of Jazz
Using rare film and video footage as well as records, CDs, texts, and live musicians, this course traces the development of jazz over its century of existence. This is a communication-intensive course.
ARTS-2520,
World Music
From “raves” to symphony hall, Indian film music to Tibetan chant, monster truck rallies to a mother’s lullaby, musical soundscapes surround us through all aspects of our daily lives. This course focuses on the study of music in or as culture. The exploration of music in human life will be comparative, using case studies from diverse world traditions and examining topics such as: ritual, media and technology, ethnicity/identity, music and dance, and musical transmission.
ARTS-2560,
The American Musical
This course surveys the American Musical, introducing students to its basic components and concepts. Since the musical integrates different media, it is studied through the contribution of major artists as well as in historical, social, and cultural contexts. The course also analyzes music and musical theater genres, which influenced the musical, including European opera and operetta; American blues, ragtime, and jazz; and Latin-American rhythms.
ARTS-4400,
Music Theory II
A continuation of studies in harmony, analysis, and ear-training. With an introduction to orchestration and 20th century techniques, the course will culminate with an original composition.
ARTS-4410,
Deep Listening
Deep Listening is a practice created by the instructor to enhance and expand listening abilities and to encourage creative work. The class will explore different forms of listening including field recording. Each class time will involve experiential exercises, sound pieces, readings, and discussion. Musical training is not prerequisite.
This is not an official course listing. The official Institute course catalog can be found here.
Jonathan Chen, "Solo Concert"
February 9, 2012 7:00 PM
EMPAC, Theater
Composer Jonathan Chen will perform three of his new works for electronics, violin, and viola.