Summer 2026 Courses

MUSI 2570 Music Cultures: Intro Early 20th-Century Black Music & MUSI 3570 Music Cultures: Early 20th-Century Black Music (Combined Sections)

In the early 20th century, African American music was a rich, varied range of practices, including many kinds of gospel music and blues. Fortunately, the development of recording technology left a splendid legacy of this music. At the time, recordings of Black musicians were called “race records.” This course will explore the most important artists of the era, their impact on the development of the music, and the significance of their music.

Corey Harris
3.0 credits
Lecture: MTWRF / 1:00-3:15pm / Online Synchronous
Class Number: 12167 / 12168 

MUSI 5810 Music Studies and Composition

Matthew Burtner
3.0 credits
Lecture: MTWRF / 10:00am-3:30pm / Morven Farms Barn
Class Number: 12609

MUSI 2120 History of Jazz Music & MUSI 3120 Jazz Studies (Combined Sections)

History of Jazz is a music class that offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and emotional connection to U.S. history through gaining awareness of a trajectory of 20th and 21st century developments of jazz music. Students will also learn how jazz music has historically represented a vehicle for freedom and resilience for those of numerous cultural backgrounds throughout the globe by offering a space for artistic innovation and the development of aesthetics and individuality. Students will be introduced to a vast array of musical styles within the jazz genre, and gain familiarity with some of the great innovators who have led to new approaches to the jazz legacy. Most importantly, students will also develop critical thinking skills while discerning the contrasting perspectives of critics and musicians who work on this exciting artform. The class will be primarily taught in an interactive lecture format, with listening examples, videos and guest presentations to enrich the learning environment. Participation is key. Students will collaborate in building knowledge for the class through asking questions and contributing positively to group discussions. 

Nicole Mitchell Gantt
3.0 credits
Lecture: MTWRF / 1:00-3:15pm / Online Synchronous
Class Number: 12174 / 12175

MUSI 2390 Introduction to Music and Computers & MUSI 3390 Music and Computers (Combined Sections)

MUSI 2390/3390 will introduce you to the dynamic field of computer music. You will learn about topics including acoustics; digital sound, editing, and processing; recording and multi-track mixing; and MIDI. You will also learn about the historical evolution of electronic and computer music and will study selected examples of both. We will cover elements of compositional design and hear them applied in a range of styles. You will have ample hands-on experience, and the opportunity to create original music. This course counts for the composition component of the Music Major. Programs to be used include Bias Peak, Frequency, Digital performer and Sound Hack. We will be working on the Mac platform, though the concepts you learn will be broadly applicable.

Matthew Burtner
3.0 credits
Lecture: MTWRF / 1:00-3:15pm / Online Synchronous
Class Number: 12163 / 12164

MUSI 2570 Music Cultures: Intro Gospel Music Secular World & MUSI 3570 Music Cultures: Gospel Music Secular World (Combined Sections)

The course will explore the influence of Black gospel music on today’s popular music.  Gospel music has provided a core framework for contemporary music-making practices and aesthetics. The course focuses on the period from the post-Civil Rights Movement to the present, employing chronological and comparative perspectives, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches from History, Black Studies, Music Studies, and Urban Studies.

Carlehr Swanson
3.0 credits
Lecture: MTWRF / 10:30am - 12:45pm / Online Synchronous
Class Number: 12176 / 12177

3310 Theory I

Studies the pitch and rhythmic aspects of several musical styles, including European art music, blues, African drumming, and popular music. Focuses on concepts and notation related to scales and modes, harmony, meter, form, counterpoint, and style. Prerequisite: Ability to read music, and familiarity with basic concepts of pitch intervals and scales.

Fred Maus
3.0 credits
Lecture: Online Asynchronous
Class Number: 12173