2023-2024 Course Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Orientation to the School of Performing Arts philosophy and the resources of the School, the College, and the University. Cultivate a common intellectual, analytical, and creative conversation among first-year students. Enhance student participation in the creative and scholarly life of the Schools programs. Foster a sense of community and understanding across disciplines.
Fundamental elements of music theory. 1005: Introduction to elements of music theory. Musical notation, scales of various global traditions, foundations of tonality; intervals, triads, dominant seventh chords, rhythm, meter, cadences, harmonic analysis. Composition with species counterpoint and the twelve-bar blues progression. Aural recognition of musical sounds through ear training. 1006: More complex harmonic and rhythmic processes. Increase complexity of intervals, chords, rhythms, progressions and score reading. Introduce transposition and vocabulary for timbre and textural discussion. Aural recognition of more advanced musical sounds through ear training. Fluency in terms and conventions for western art music, rock, hip-hop. Composition of original music.
Fundamental elements of music theory. 1005: Introduction to elements of music theory. Musical notation, scales of various global traditions, foundations of tonality; intervals, triads, dominant seventh chords, rhythm, meter, cadences, harmonic analysis. Composition with species counterpoint and the twelve-bar blues progression. Aural recognition of musical sounds through ear training. 1006: More complex harmonic and rhythmic processes. Increase complexity of intervals, chords, rhythms, progressions and score reading. Introduce transposition and vocabulary for timbre and textural discussion. Aural recognition of more advanced musical sounds through ear training. Fluency in terms and conventions for western art music, rock, hip-hop. Composition of original music.
Survey of the art of music encompassing a variety of music styles and historical eras in both the western and non- western world. Students will develop strategies to contextualize music, via listening, from the perspective of the listener, composer, and performer.
An introduction to musical access and listening in the digital age. Introduces basic elements of music and the creative process together with important musicians and their works. Explores historical, social, and cultural forces and trends that influence the creation and interpretation of various musical styles, including classical, blues, jazz, popular, and world music.
Embrace a wide variety of music and ways to make music. Learn about the health benefits of lifelong music-making. Units include regional, national, and international traditions in historical, political, and cultural contexts. No prior musical training required.
Fundamental elements of music and conventions of genre and style in a global context. 2025: pitch & harmony, rhythm & meter, timbre, texture, and movement. Emphasis on rote learning of pitch notation, intervals, key signatures, chords vs non-chord tones, and pitch collections. Methods to analyze harmony, phrase structure, and meter. Develop vocabulary for timbre and texture. Basic skills of score reading and transposition. 2026: form, as well as more complex harmonic and rhythmic processes, such as harmonic rhythm, syntax and metric dissonance. Increase complexity of score reading to include larger ensembles. In-depth study of genre, considering elements of harmony, rhythm & meter, and form in European and North-American classical, jazz, and popular musics.
Fundamental elements of music and conventions of genre and style in a global context. 2025: pitch & harmony, rhythm & meter, timbre, texture, and movement. Emphasis on rote learning of pitch notation, intervals, key signatures, chords vs non-chord tones, and pitch collections. Methods to analyze harmony, phrase structure, and meter. Develop vocabulary for timbre and texture. Basic skills of score reading and transposition. 2026: form, as well as more complex harmonic and rhythmic processes, such as harmonic rhythm, syntax and metric dissonance. Increase complexity of score reading to include larger ensembles. In-depth study of genre, considering elements of harmony, rhythm & meter, and form in European and North-American classical, jazz, and popular musics.
Study and practice of techniques involved in the sight reading and sightsinging of printed music. Majors and minors only.
Study and practice of techniques involved in the sight reading and sightsinging of printed music. Majors and minors only.
History, theory, and applications of music technology. Techniques for notating music and for recording and editing audio, using computer software and digital audio equipment. Consent Required. Design lab.
Develops basic understanding of audio technology for musical applications, focusing on todays digital audio recording and editing technologies including microphone use, live recording, and studio session recording. Develops critical listening skills through lab experimentation and recording. Pre: 2054 and permission of instructor required.
Develops basic understanding of audio technology for musical applications, focusing on todays digital audio recording and editing technologies including microphone use, live recording, and studio session recording. Develops critical listening skills through lab experimentation and recording. Pre: 2054 and permission of instructor required.
Organizing the basic elements of music: pitch, rhythm, timbre, articulation, and dynamics. Composing pieces for solo instruments and duos. Preparing scores and parts, for performances and recordings of the compositions. Knowledge of basic music theory required. Consent Required.
Composing for specific instruments and combinations of instruments. Exploring traditional and extended technique. Organizing the structure of a piece based on recurrence, development, variation, priority, and perspective of musical material, for trio adn quartet or a larger ensemble. A grade of C or better in prerequisite.
Survey and study of the historical evolution of Western art music. MUS 2115: classical music from Antiquity into the Classical era. MUS 2116: classical and other music from the Romantic era through the 20th century to music of today. Investigation of the materials of music. Exploration of music as it both reflects and impacts history, including historical considerations of gender, race, culture, and other extramusical factors. Relevance of historical and contemporary music to our society today.
Survey and study of the historical evolution of Western art music. MUS 2115: classical music from Antiquity into the Classical era. MUS 2116: classical and other music from the Romantic era through the 20th century to music of today. Investigation of the materials of music. Exploration of music as it both reflects and impacts history, including historical considerations of gender, race, culture, and other extramusical factors. Relevance of historical and contemporary music to our society today.
Survey and study of music traditions in Appalachia. Investigation of the formal elements of this music, including instruments and musical terms and forms. Exploration of style as a reflection of many cultural influences. Study of the impact and development of these traditions in contemporary musical practices.
Disability as an identity, community, and culture through a study of music and the arts. Overview of the disability rights and disability justice movements in the United States, as told through music, film, literature, and performance art. Analyze creative works, confront obstacles to inclusion, and discover disability cultural values. No previous musical training required.
Group piano lessons for beginners or for students at an early stage of keyboard development. May be repeated for 1 credit. Consent required.
Group voice lessons for beginners or for students at an early stage of vocal development. May be repeated for 1 credit. Consent required.
Group string lessons for beginners or for students at an early stage of string development. May be repeated for 1 credit. Consent required.
Group woodwind lessons for beginners or for students at an early stage of woodwind development. May be repeated for 1 credit. Consent required.
Group brass lessons for beginners or for students at an early stage of brass development. May be repeated for 1 credit. Consent required.
Group percussion lessons for beginners or for students at an early stage of development. May be repeated for 1 credit. Consent required.
Music education laboratory ensemble. Performance techniques, teaching methods, management procedures, materials and literature for school music ensembles. May be repeated for credit.
Examine and practice the skills necessary for successful piano accompanying. Develop keyboard skills such as sightreading, transposition, choral score reading, and harmonization. Learn principles of accompanying vocal repertoire, instrumental repertoire, including large ensemble repertoire; adapt orchestral reductions for piano. Instructor consent required.
Instruction in basic performing skills and practices for woodwind instruments (flute, clarinets, saxophone). Study of pedagogy for woodwind instruction in K-12 music education settings. Survey of repertoire, resources, and materials for use in woodwind instruction.
Instruction in basic performing skills and practices for woodwind instruments (oboe, bassoon). Study of pedagogy for woodwind instruction in K-12 music education settings. Survey of repertoire, resources, and materials for use in woodwind instruction.
Instruction in basic performing skills and practices for high brass instruments (trumpet and horn). Study of pedagogy for teaching brass in K-12 music education settings. Survey of repertoire, resources, and materials for use in brass instruction.
Instruction in basic performing skills and practices for low brass instruments (trombone, euphonium, and tuba). Study of pedagogy for teaching brass in K-12 music education settings. Survey of repertoire, resources, and materials for use in brass instruction.
Principles and practices fundamental to music learning and teaching. Philosophical bases for teaching music. Major educational learning theories (e.g., behaviorism, cognitivism, social constructivism, multiple intelligences, spiral learning theory, Bloom’s taxonomy, etc.). Pedagogical approaches, culturally responsive teaching, and technology integration in the music classroom. Field observation for real world public-school music instruction.
Individual instruction in voice. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
An introduction to principles of vocal diction for singing using the International Phonetic Alphabet and standard foreign-language pronunciation techniques.
An introduction to principles of vocal diction for singing using the International Phonetic Alphabet and standard foreign-language pronunciation techniques.
Individual instruction in keyboard. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in violin. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in viola. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in cello. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in bass. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in flute. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in oboe. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in clarinet. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
An introduction to the theories and practice of marketing and building community engagement as applied to arts activities and professional not-for-profit arts organizations, through a survey of standard marketing approaches, examination of current practices in the field and direct hands-on experience.
Individual instruction in saxophone. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in bassoon. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in horn. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in trumpet. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in trombone. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in baritone. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in tuba. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in percussion. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction in composition. May be repeated. Consent and audition required.
Individual instruction through directed experiential learning of music recording and production. Integration of critical listening, acoustics, audio recording, and signal processing with music theory and performance. An emphasis on hands-on exploratory research in the use of instruments, acoustics, and microphone techniques combined with traditional methods and emerging technologies to capture and produce recordings of musical performances and works in a natural and effective manner. Permission required. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 hours.
Fundamental principles of jazz improvisation. Topics include interval relationships, chord identification, modes and modality, blues and ii-V-I chord progressions. Pre: Permission of instructor required.
Fundamental principles of jazz improvisation. Topics include interval relationships, chord identification, modes and modality, blues and ii-V-I chord progressions. Pre: Permission of instructor required.
Study of the development and aesthetics of contrapuntal techniques throughout the common practice period.
Extended compositional techniques in late-nineteenth and twentieth-century music, and analysis of larger works. 3025: chromatic harmony, twentieth-century techniques of pitch organization (e.g., set theory), grouping and displacement dissonance, large-scale musical forms. Analysis complemented by model composition and performance to demonstrate mastery of theoretical concepts and stylistic competency. 3026: synthesis of analytical techniques while navigating musical ambiguity in complete works of various sizes (miniatures to multi-part). Analytical observations connected to expressive or narrative meaning in musics from various styles and genres. Refine ability to write about music through research project.
Extended compositional techniques in late-nineteenth and twentieth-century music, and analysis of larger works. 3025: chromatic harmony, twentieth-century techniques of pitch organization (e.g., set theory), grouping and displacement dissonance, large-scale musical forms. Analysis complemented by model composition and performance to demonstrate mastery of theoretical concepts and stylistic competency. 3026: synthesis of analytical techniques while navigating musical ambiguity in complete works of various sizes (miniatures to multi-part). Analytical observations connected to expressive or narrative meaning in musics from various styles and genres. Refine ability to write about music through research project.
Domains of rhythm and meter, harmony, and cadence as related to musical form. Score-based and aural analysis of formal functions of common theme-types and large-scale forms in selected works from the mid-eighteenth through nineteenth centuries using William Caplin’s theory. Identification of deviations from stylistic norms. Analysis complemented by model composition to demonstrate mastery of theoretical concepts and stylistic competency.
Develop keyboard skills such as sightreading, harmonization, transposition, learn all scales/arpeggios and important keyboard progressions. A grade of C or better required in prerequisite.
Continued development of keyboard skills. Advanced transposition, harmonization, and sightreading, open score reading, and real-world application of skills acquired throughout keyboard study. A grade of C or better required in prerequisite.
An introduction to the craft of scoring and arranging of music for full orchestra. Analysis of scores, small projects and a full orchestration project.
3045: Hearing chromatic chord function in melodic and harmonic contexts. Sight-singing chromatic melodies and performing chromatic progressions. Aurally recognizing musical form (binary, ternary, strophic). Discovering markedness in common practice era music and recognizing commonalities with and differences from other music cultures A grade of C or better required in prerequisite. 3046: Hearing chord function in advanced chromatic melodic and harmonic contexts. Sight-singing advanced chromatic melodies and performing highly chromatic progressions. Aurally recognizing musical form (sonata, rondo, other forms). Hypothesizing about evolution of style and articulating intertextual experience. A grade of C or better required in prerequisite.
Techniques of arranging music for vocal/choral ensembles. Emphasis on transcription from recordings to develop rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation skills. Discussion, transcription, listening, small writing exercises, final project.
Develops advanced knowledge of music production through practical application of music recording and production technologies, including advanced microphone techniques, critical listening, and critical artistic evaluation skills. Individual and group production projects. Hands-on experience with a variety of expressive media technologies including CD and DVD production in a collaborative, inter- disciplinary team approach.
Develops advanced knowledge of music production through practical application of music recording and production technologies, including advanced microphone techniques, critical listening, and critical artistic evaluation skills. Individual and group production projects. Hands-on experience with a variety if expressive media technologies including CD and DVD production in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team approach.
Cross-disciplinary study of recording technology and its effects on music. Aesthetics of electronic music. Recording and editing digital sound. Visual programming for live sound synthesis and processing. Acoustic compilers for programmatic sound processing and synthesis. Individual creative applications of tools learned in class. Team-based work on creative projects. Emphasis on intercultural and global use of creative music technologies.
A two-semester study of interactive multimedia composition and performance software as a foundation for creative work and research endeavors. Also provides an in-depth study of digital sound synthesis, algorithmic creation of multimedia content, and the design of audio-visual interactive systems using latest technologies. Must meet pre-requisite or have permission of the instructor
A two-semester study of interactive multimedia composition and performance software as a foundation for creative work and research endeavors. Also provides an in-depth study of digital sound synthesis, algorithmic creation of multimedia content, and the design of audio-visual interactive systems using latest technologies. Must meet pre-requisite or have permission of the instructor
Contemporary methods of music analysis. Readings from landmark music theory texts and top music theory journals. Analysis of complementary music. Formulating unique research projects to demonstrate mastery of theoretical frameworks. May be repeated 2 times with different content for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
Study of representative works of symphonic music from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, with corollary readings in the history of musical ideas. Consent required.
An introduction to music in Europe and America since 1945; supplementary study in the aesthetics of contemporary music. Consent required.
Covers vocal music of Europe and America, especially music composed the eighteenth century. Examines differences in style and forms of choral and solo-vocal expression characteristic of the Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and Modern eras. Discusses issues of vocal performance practice. Ability to read music required.
The history of Western music from 1100 to the present as an evolution of musical styles. Extensive analysis of the music, stylistic attributes, normative forms, and representative literature of each period. Historical and philosophical background of each period. The study of analytical techniques to improve comprehension and performance.
The history of Western music from 1100 to the present as an evolution of musical styles. Extensive analysis of the music, stylistic attributes, normative forms, and representative literature of each period. Historical and philosophical background of each period. The study of analytical techniques to improve comprehension and performance.
Covers vocal and instrumental music from the Middle Ages to the eighteenth century. Examines differences in style and forms of expression characteristic especially of Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque music. Discusses issues of performance practice. Ability to read music required.
Aural study of Western music from 1100 to the present as an evolution of musical styles. Extensive listening to the music of each stylistic period. Supervised as well as self-paced study using HyperMedia technology. Automated examinations.
Aural study of Western music from 1100 to the present as an evolution of musical styles. Extensive listening to the music of each stylistic period. Supervised as well as self-paced study using HyperMedia technology. Automated examinations.
Study of representative works of keyboard repertoire from the 17th century to the works of contemporary composers. Extensive stylistic analysis and discussion of performance practice. Pre: consent required.
Seminal electronic music works in historical context. Electronic music practices of the 20th and 21st centuries. The technologies of electronic music. Analysis of electronic music. Historical origins and trends in electronic music. Connections between experimental and popular electronic music forms.
Seminal electronic music works in historical context. Electronic music practices of the 20th and 21st centuries. The technologies of electronic music. Analysis of electronic music. Historical origins and trends in electronic music. Connections between experimental and popular electronic music forms.
Musical traditions from around the globe as both artistic production and cultural practice. Expose students to music from both non-Western and Western traditions. Connect cultural context to musical meaning. Critical engagement with different musics and their histories.
Examination of the development of different musical genres in Europe and the Americas from approximately 1600 to 1918. Consideration of historical and sociocultural context. Introduction of a diverse array of styles and genres. Critical engagement with social, cultural, and historical issues and their relation to music. Development of historical research skills, facility with writing about music, and practical applications.
Musical traditions and developments in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with emphasis on music (voice, acoustic, and electronic) in the United States and increasing globalization. Introduction of students to music from both non-Western and Western traditions. Critical engagement with formalized and vernacular musics through sociopolitical concepts (race, gender, etc.). Research into music in the twenty-first century United States. Development of both historical and ethnographic research skills. Writing about music.
Methods of teaching elementary school music. Emphasis on Kodaly, Orff, and traditional music textbook series approaches to teaching music in elementary schools. Pre: Instructor permission and successful completion of sophomore music continuation exam.
An introduction to the practice and theory of ensemble conducting and leadership. 3225: Basic conducting skills, and choral conducting. 3226: Intermediate conducting skills, and instrumental conducting. Consent required.
An introduction to the practice and theory of ensemble conducting and leadership. 3225: Basic conducting skills, and choral conducting. 3226: Intermediate conducting skills, and instrumental conducting. Consent required.
Examination of principles and practice of piano pedagogy. Covers teaching methods, materials and literature for the independent studio teacher. Pre: consent required.
Exploration of historical and modern treatises. Implementation of technical methods to build vocal technique. Experimentation with biofeedback in pedagogical context. Practical application of pedagogical methods. Pre: Successful completion of continuation exam.
Instruction and participation in instrumental music performance ensembles under direction of members of the music faculty. Attention to technical proficiency, stylistic elements, musical design and interpretation in the works to be performed. Addresses ethical obligations and practice in a music ensemble setting. May be repeated for a combined maximum of 8 hours. Consent and audition required.
Instruction and participation in choral music performance ensembles under direction of members of the music faculty. Attention to technical proficiency, stylistic elements, musical design and interpretation in the works to be performed. Addresses ethical obligations and practice in a music ensemble setting. May be repeated for a combined maximum of 8 hours. Consent and audition required.
A survey and analysis of jazz music, including traditional jazz, big band, bebop, rhythm and blues, free jazz/avant garde, fusion, and hip-hop. Exploration of historical, social, and cultural forces and trends that influence the creation and interpretation of jazz music.
Topics will include in-depth analysis of the great improvisers in multiple genres with a focus on developing professional-level skills.
Rotating advanced research topics in electroacoustic music. Sonification, spatialization, algorithmic music, electronic music instrument design, digital performance ensembles, and advanced computer music composition. Repeatable with different content up to a maximum of 12 credit hours.
Rotating advanced research topics in electroacoustic music. Sonification, spatialization, algorithmic music, electronic music instrument design, digital performance ensembles, and advanced computer music composition. Repeatable with different content up to a maximum of 12 credit hours.
Weekly seminars in music technology with group discussion of progress in current student projects, the current state of artistic and business practices in the recording industry, and guest lecturers drawn from the professional world.
Weekly seminars in music technology with group discussion of progress in current student projects, the current state of artistic and business practices in the recording industry, and guest lecturers drawn from the professional world.
Specific, in depth study of one of several topics in music history and or literature.
Examine topics in historical musicology and their interdisciplinary resonance. Examination of primary sources, top musicology journals, and monographs as appropriate. Historical and technical analysis of music. Investigation of historical and sociocultural context of music. May be repeated 2 times with different content for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
This course examines philosophical, planning, administrative, organizational, instructional methods, assessment of student learning and cultural performances necessary to manage and teach secondary general and choral music programs.
Develop skills and practices to direct an elementary instrumental music program in a school setting. Learn practices, procedures, and strategies for leading rehearsals and lessons, developing curriculum, assessing student learning, and administering a school instrumental program.
Develop skills and practices to direct an instrumental music program in a middle or high school setting. Learn practices, procedures, and strategies for leading rehearsals and lessons, developing curriculum, assessing student learning, and administering a school instrumental music program.
Study of specialized areas of pedagogy, instruction, administration, and classroom management in music education. Prepares students to lead specialized ensembles and courses in school music contexts. Course can only be taken one time for credit toward degree requirements.
Individual instruction in voice at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in keyboard at an advanced level. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in violin at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in viola at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in cello at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in bass at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in flute at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in oboe at an advanced level. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in clarinet at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in saxophone at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in bassoon at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in horn at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in trumpet at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in trombone at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in baritone at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in tuba at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in percussion at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in composition at an advanced level. Majors only. May be repeated. Performance continuation exam required.
Individual instruction in conducting at an advanced level. May be repeated. Consent required.
Individual instruction through directed experiential learning in music recording and production at an advanced level. Integration of critical listening, acoustics, audio recording, signal processing, audio mixing, and audio mastering with music theory and performance. An emphasis in hands-on exploratory research in the use of instruments, acoustics, microphones, recording, and production techniques combined with traditional methods and emerging technologies to capture and produce recordings in an artistic manner suitable for use in a senior portfolio. Permission required. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours.
Individual instruction and completion of a major project in electroacoustic composition, performance, or research, at an advanced level. Repeatable up to three times for a maximum of 3 credit hours.
Print this page.
The PDF will include all information unique to this page.