Summer 2018 Courses

Summer 2018 Courses

Session I - May 21-June 16

MUSI 2559/Section 1 Introduction to Ecoacoustics
MUSI 3400 Ecoacoustics

Matthew Burtner
3.0 credits
MTWRF / 10:30am-12:45pm / OCH 107 and B011

Ecoacoustics explores the intersection between ecology and music. In the class we examine the acoustic characteristics of the environment and analyze human-environmental interaction using measurements and observations of the sounding world. Students in this class will create their own ecoacoustic sound works as we study seminal works from the musical and artistic fields of acoustic ecology, sonology, soundscape composition, sonification, earthwork art, and deep listening. We will analyze music by composers who responded to natural phenomena, as well as those practicing ecoacoustic composition.            

Special focus: performing and composing with natural materials. This summer course will focus in depth on indigenous arts and interactive media for ecoacoustics. We will study examples of ancient instruments such as the Yidaki (didjeridoo) and Maori percussion as examples of human/nature interaction.  We will study this in parallel with new interfaces for musical expression. By juxtaposing indigenous musical knowledge with interactive computer systems, we will explore how interactive technology can contribute to the creation of nature-based instruments.

MUSI 2559A has no prerequisites and is appropriate for non-majors. MUSI 3400 is appropriate for music majors and others who can work at an advanced level.

MUSI 2559/Section 2 Introduction to Performance in Africa
MUSI 3090 Performance in Africa

Michelle Kisliuk
3.0 credits
MTWRF / 1:00-3:15 / OCH 107

This course explores performance in Africa through reading, discussion, audio and video examples, and hands-on practice.  The integration of academic work with the learning of songs, rhythms, and dances is crucial to your overall work in the course.
We will explore African music/dance styles, their sociomusical circumstances and processes, as well as performed resistances and responses to the colonial and post/neo-colonial encounter. In addition, we will address the politics and processes involved in translating performance practices from one cultural context to another. Each student's personal relationship to the material/experience will be integrated into study.
Readings, discussions, and written work will focus heavily on topics and issues related to the main music/dance traditions that we are learning to perform this semester, though we may venture beyond those areas from time to time. The course will explore both "traditional" and "popular" styles, leading us to question those categories.

MUSI 2559/Section 2 has no prerequisites and is appropriate for non-majors. MUSI 3090 is appropriate for music majors and others who can work at an advanced level.

Session II - June 18-July 14

MUSI 2120 History of Jazz Music
MUSI 3120 Jazz Studies

John D'earth
3.0 credits
MTWRF / 10:30am-12:45pm / OCH B012

“Hearing as Jazz Musicians Hear.” An in-depth look at the way jazz musicians listen to music. What do they listen for? How do they use recordings of great jazz perfomances to grow as musicians and improvising artists? What skills are required to develop timing, phrasing, and musical creativity? The course will examine the recorded work of major jazz artists, exploring the “inner hearing” of musicians with participatory exercises in rhythm, melody and movement. It will demonstrate the processes by which jazz musicians master theory, musical structure, their instruments, and the jazz language itself. For musicians and non-musicians; no previous jazz experience necessary. MUSI 2120 has no prerequisites and is appropriate for non-majors. MUSI 3120 is appropriate for music majors and others who can work at an advanced level.

 

MUSI 2340 Learn to Groove

Robert Jospe
2.0 credits
MTWRF / 1:00-2:30 / OCH B018

This is a hand drumming class open to all students including music majors. The course requires that students have a hand drum of their own as well as the course book Learn To Groove. Congas, djembes, doumbeks are appropriate. The class will focus on simple hand drumming technique and time keeping along with understanding and playing syncopated patterns. The history, geography and artists associated with the rhythms presented in the course will be included. The course is designed to help students achieve fluency with syncopated patterns that are associated with dance rhythms from West Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, and the United States.

Session III - July 16-August 10

MUSI 1010 Introduction to Music

Justin Mueller
3.0 credits
MTWRF / 10:30am-12:45pm / OCH 107

What is music? How does it work? Why do we listen to it? We will study numerous examples, focusing on Western "classical" music, opera, religious music, musical theatre, and film music. We will discuss all the activities that make up the experience of music, including but not limited to composing, improvising, dancing, performing, recording, marketing, selling, listening, and watching. We will ask how music shapes identities, our own and those of many different communities from the 18th century to the present. The goal is to help you form your own informed opinions about music, not just the examples on the syllabus but any music you may encounter. No musical experience necessary.

MUSI 2390/3390 Introduction to Music and Computers

Ryan Maguire
3.0 credits
MTWRF / 1:00-3:15 / OCH B011

Creating new music and sound art with computers. Students work together designing original music and sound art projects. We workshop, listen to, and discuss digital music and sound art. An emphasis is placed on creativity, collaboration, and expressiveness through sound using free and open source software. Technical topics include acoustics, digital audio, signal processing, and synthesis. Upon completion of the course, students will be conversant in cultural, technical, and aesthetic dimensions of computer music and sound, and will be able to realize creative projects using sound as a primary medium of expression. No prior experience is necessary.

MUSI 2390 has no prerequisites and is appropriate for non-majors. MUSI 3390 is appropriate for music majors and others who can work at an advanced level.

MUSI 2559/Section 3 Play Guitar!

Mike Rosensky
2.0 credits
MTWRF / 1:00-2:30 / OCH B012

Fundamentals of playing the guitar: left and right hands, chords, strumming, and scales. We'll also incorporate rhythmic training, music theory, song form, pop/rock styles and accompanimental textures. A new course designed to improve guitar performance, open to beginners and more experienced players.

Address

UVA Department of Music
112 Old Cabell Hall
P.O. Box 400176 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4176

Email: music@virginia.edu