Music Theory and Composition (MTC)

MTC 101. Composition I. 2 Credit Hours.

Course covers elementary principles of composition; class performance of composition projects is also included. Required of theory-composition majors.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 102. Composition II. 2 Credit Hours.

Continuation of MTC 101.
Prerequisite: MTC 101.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 107. Skills Lab I. 1 Credit Hour.

Chamber-music ensemble (vocal or instrumental) for intensive work on aural skil ls (transcription, sight-singing, etc.), analysis of literature in and through performance, and improvisation, with focus on music of the Baroque and Classica l periods.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 108. Skills Lab II. 1 Credit Hour.

Chamber-music ensemble (vocal or instrumental) for intensive work on aural skil ls (transcription, sight-singing, etc.), analysis of literature in and through performance, and improvisation, with focus on music of the Baroque and Classica l periods.
Pre or Corequisite: MTC 141.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 109. Music Theory Skills I. 3 Credit Hours.

A first course in music theory and musicianship for non-music majors; covers basic literacy, fundamentals, tonal harmony, and elements of musical form in a wide variety of traditional and contemporary styles and genres. Includes intensive training in aural and singing skills.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 110. Music Theory Skills II. 3 Credit Hours.

Course is designed for students deficient in the knowledge of the basic fundamentals of music. Includes the study of notation, keys, scales, and chord construction. Credits do not count toward music degree requirements.
Prerequisite: MTC 109.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 12. Composition Forum. 1 Credit Hour.

A weekly forum for all undergraduate Music Theory/Composition majors. Course involves guest lectures by visiting composers and performers, presentations of faculty compositions, and group discussions of important compositional and theoretical issues.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: FOR.
Grading: CNC.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 140. Experiential Musicianship I. 3 Credit Hours.

Study of tonal harmony, voice leading, and elements of musical form, covering d iatonic procedures and basic modulation, using the chorales of J.S. Bach, with other repertoire, as models for composition.
Corequisite: Must Pass MTC 107 with a C or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 141. Experiential Musicianship II. 3 Credit Hours.

Continuation of MTC 140, enlarging the study of tonal harmony and voice leading, covering harmony of the Classical period and sectional musical forms through small rondo and compound ternary, culminating in a large independent model-composition project for each student.
Corequisite: MTC 108.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 148. Electronic Music Ensemble. 1 Credit Hour.

An in-depth study and performance of electroacoustic music compositions.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 182. Composition Workshop. 1 Credit Hour.

Variety of composition concepts and problems are dealt with through assignments and projects with special emphasis on practical considerations.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 197. Studio Rhythm Section. 1 Credit Hour.

A performing ensemble of student-generated contemporary musical repertoire.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 199. Ensemble Ibis for New Music. 1 Credit Hour.

Ensemble Ibis is the new music ensemble at the Frost School of Music which performs music of the late 20th and 21st centuries and performs 3 to 4 concerts per year.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 201. Composition III. 2 Credit Hours.

Principles of composition with special emphasis on stylistic considerations.
Prerequisite: MTC 102.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 202. Composition IV. 2 Credit Hours.

Continuation of MTC 201.
Prerequisite: MTC 201.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 207. Skills Lab III. 1 Credit Hour.

Chamber-music ensemble for intensive work on aural skills (trascription, sight- singing, sight-reading, etc.), analysis of literature excerpts in performance, and improvisation, with focus on tonal music of the Classical period and the nineteenth century.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 208. Skills Lab IV. 1 Credit Hour.

Chamber-music ensemble for intensive work on aural skills (transcription, sight -singing, sight-reading, etc.), analysis of literature excerpts in performance, and improvisation, with focus on selected music of the twentieth century.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 240. Experiential Musicianship III. 3 Credit Hours.

Continuation of MTC 141; study of advanced tonal harmony, voice leading, and larger musical forms, based primarily on music of the Classical period and the nineteenth century.
Pre or Corequisite: MTC 141.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 241. Experiential Musicianship IV. 3 Credit Hours.

Continuation of MTC 240; study of materials and techniques in composition of music from the early and middle twentieth century, based on works by Debussy, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Bartok, and other models.
Prerequisite: MTC 240.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 301. Composition V. 2 Credit Hours.

Individual compositional projects with an emphasis on smaller formal structure.
Prerequisite: MTC 202.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 302. Composition VI. 2 Credit Hours.

Individual compositional projects including all media with an emphasis on extended formal structures.
Prerequisite: MTC 301.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 311. Analysis and Experience. 3 Credit Hours.

Musical analysis and its relationship to listening and performance. An introduction to musical aesthetics is also included.
Prerequisite: MTC 241.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 312. 20th and 21st Century Techniques. 3 Credit Hours.

Analysis of twentieth century compositional resources. Topics include Impressionism, expanded tonal resources, Neo-classicism, serialism, post-serialism, aleatoric procedures, minimalism, and other recent trends.
Prerequisite: MTC 241.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 313. 18th Century Counterpoint. 3 Credit Hours.

Two-part keyboard counterpoint in the style of J. S. Bach, beginning with a modified species approach and including composition of dance-suite movements and inventions. Introduction to three-part writing is also included.
Prerequisite: MTC 240 Or MSJ 240.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 401. Composition VII. 2 Credit Hours.

Individual compositional projects including all media with an emphasis on advanced problems in composition.
Prerequisite: MTC 302.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 402. Composition VIII. 1 Credit Hour.

Advanced Composition. Continuation of MTC 401.
Prerequisite: MTC 302.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 416. Orchestration. 3 Credit Hours.

The uses and possibilities of orchestral instruments as well as scoring for various instrumental groups, including the symphony orchestra.
Prerequisite: MTC 240, or MSJ 240, or MMI 240.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 493. Special Projects in Music Theory and Composition. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Advanced individual instruction pertaining to faculty member’s area of expertise and student’s area of interest. This course includes a culminating project.
Requisites: Undergrad Music Students Only and Dean's Approval and Signature.
Components: IND.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 494. Special Topics in Music Theory and Composition. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Advanced group/classroom instruction pertaining to faculty to faculty member’s expertise and students’ areas of interest.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 501. The Aesthetics of Music. 3 Credit Hours.

Survey of thought and discourse about the nature, roles, values, experiences, a nd meanings of music. Variety of perspectives, including those of the listener, performer, and composer are addressed. Application to musical interpretation and criticism is included.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 505. Analysis and History of Electroacoustic and Acousmatic Music. 2 Credit Hours.

Course examines electroacoustic and acousmatic music from both a historical/literature and analytical perspective. Analytical techniques with a focus on an ecological analysis approach will be conducted as well as a survey of electroacoustic, acousmatic, and digital music.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 506. Digital Editing and Sequencing. 3 Credit Hours.

Computers as control devices for music synthesis and digital manipulation of pre-recorded sounds. Topics include interfacing sequencing software with software synthesizers, performance techniques, and sound design using samples.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 515. Choral Arranging. 3 Credit Hours.

Arranging for choir and vocal groups with and without instrumental accompaniment in all styles.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 516. Advanced Orchestration. 3 Credit Hours.

Scoring for the symphonic orchestra with an emphasis on recent techniques.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 517. Analysis of Popular Music Since 1950. 3 Credit Hours.

Course examines popular music in the second half of the Twentieth Century from a music analytical perspective. Critical skills needed for this analysis are identified and developed. Analytical techniques for understanding the determination and utilization of musical elements and structures in contemporary popular music are applied. Various contemporary genres and some precursors are examined and particular stylistic determinants of their compositional and performance models are discussed.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 518. Advanced Counterpoint. 3 Credit Hours.

Three-voice fugal writing in Bach's style, followed by compositional projects i n a variety of twentieth-century contrapuntal styles.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 567. Electronic and Computer Music Seminar. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Advanced techniques and applications in electronic and computer music. Topics may include electronic projects in composition, performance, research, programming, or other as approved by instructor.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 605. Analysis and History of Electroacoustic and Acousmatic Music. 2 Credit Hours.

Course examines electroacoustic and acousmatic music from both a historical/literature and analytical perspective. Analytical techniques with a focus on an ecological analysis approach will be conducted as well as a survey of electroacoustic, acousmatic, and digital music.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 606. Digital Editing and Sequencing. 3 Credit Hours.

Computers as control devices for music synthesis and digital manipulation of pre-recorded sounds. Topics include interfacing sequencing software with software synthesizers, performance techniques, and sound design using samples.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 607. Studio Licensing. 2 Credit Hours.

Licensing for access to Digital Arts and Media Writing Studios. Topics covered include digital audio recording and editing, sound synthesis/design, audio signal processing, sound analysis and spatial placement of sound. Course includes studio-use qualifying exams.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 615. Choral Arranging. 3 Credit Hours.

Arranging for choir and vocal groups with and without instrumental accompaniment in all styles.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 616. Advanced Orchestration. 3 Credit Hours.

Scoring for the symphonic orchestra with an emphasis on recent techniques.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 617. Analysis of Popular Music Since 1950. 3 Credit Hours.

Course examines popular music in the second half of the Twentieth Century from a music analytical perspective. Critical skills needed for this analysis are identified and developed. Analytical techniques for understanding the determination and utilization of musical elements and structures in contemporary popular music are applied. Various contemporary genres and some precursors are examined and particular stylistic determinants of their compositional and performance models are discussed.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 618. Advanced Counterpoint. 3 Credit Hours.

Three-voice fugal writing in Bach's style, followed by compositional projects i n a variety of twentieth-century contrapuntal style
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 621. Multimedia for Musicians. 3 Credit Hours.

Presents an overview and introduction to the creation of multimedia projects for presentation on the Web. Focus is placed on building websites, and the creation of multimedia content for online delivery. Software tools for the manipulation of digital media, including audio and video, are utilized in the realization of course projects.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 667. Graduate Composition and Technologies. 2 Credit Hours.

Advanced techniques and applications in electronic and computer music. Topics may include electronic projects in composition, performance, research, programming, or other as approved by instructor
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 693. Special Projects in Music Theory and Composition. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Advanced individual instruction pertaining to faculty member’s area of expertise and student’s area of interest. This course includes a culminating project.
Components: IND.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 694. Special Topics in Music Theory and Composition. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Advanced group/classroom instruction pertaining to faculty member’s expertise and students’ areas of interest.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 701. The Aesthetics of Music. 3 Credit Hours.

Survey of thought and discourse about the nature, roles, values, experiences, a nd meanings of music. Variety of perspectives, including those of the listener, performer, and composer are addressed. Application to musical interpretation and criticism is included.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 705. Digital Art and Sound Design. 3 Credit Hours.

Software-based techniques of sound synthesis. Topics will include synthesis using Ircam Tools, Max/Msp, Jitter, Csound, and PureData.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall Odd Years.

MTC 711. Experiential Musicianship and Theory Pedagogy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course advances two complementary facets: (1) students develop their musicianship skills—here understood as the combination of aural, analytical, performative (ensemble), sight-singing, and keyboard orientation skills—as a means for developing a strong foundation for music making and teaching; and (2) students develop an informed philosophy about pedagogical paradigms, particularly (but not exclusively) in relation to music theory and aural skills, by surveying scholarship on a wide range of topics, including repertoire, assessment, perception and cognition, diversity, improvisation, composition, writing, keyboard orientation, disability, and beyond.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 712. Advanced Comprehensive Theory. 3 Credit Hours.

Music theory as a research discipline is expanding in every conceivable direction, including a growing involvement with the non-Western canon, conscious inclusion of context and interpretation, and a heightened awareness of methodological advances in other disciplines. Students will become acquainted and engage with influential methodological paradigms of the last fifty years through weekly reading/analysis assignments and seminar discussions.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

MTC 713. Twentieth Century Idioms. 3 Credit Hours.

Relevant modes of perception, influences, and technical devices in 20th-century music.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall Even Years.

MTC 715. Graduate Composition. 2 Credit Hours.

Creative work in composition requiring a multi-movement work scored for full orchestra, symphonic band, or chorus with orchestra or band.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 717. Analytical Techniques. 3 Credit Hours.

Examination and practice of various techniques used in the analysis of music.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 719. Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.

A first course in the theory and analytical practice of Heinrich Schenker. Students will learn the principles and techniques of Schenkerian analysis and will apply them to the study of works in smaller sectional forms.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

MTC 730. Introduction to Spectralism. 3 Credit Hours.

To give the student a further understanding of the art and techniques of spectral composition, through listening, research, analysis, and composition (optional).
Requisite: Must be in the School of Graduate Music.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 748. Electronic Music Ensemble. 1 Credit Hour.

An in-depth study and performance of electroacoustic music compositions.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 767. Advanced Graduate Composition and Technologies. 2 Credit Hours.

Advanced techniques and applications in electronic and computer music. Topics may include electronic projects in composition, performance, research, programming, or other as approved by instructor.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 782. Composition Workshop. 1 Credit Hour.

This course emphasizes composition pedagogy in which graduate students learn best practices of teaching composition.
Requisite: MTCP_MM or MTCP_DMA Majors Only.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 793. Special Projects in Music Theory and Composition. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Advanced individual instruction pertaining to faculty member’s area of expertise and student’s area of interest. This course includes a culminating project.
Requisite: Graduate Music Students Only.
Components: IND.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 794. Special Topics in Music Theory and Composition. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Advanced group/classroom instruction pertaining to faculty member’s expertise and students’ areas of interest.
Requisite: Graduate Music Students Only.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 797. Studio Rhythm Section. 1 Credit Hour.

A performing ensemble of student-generated contemporary musical repertoire.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

MTC 799. Ensemble Ibis for New Music. 1 Credit Hour.

An in-depth study and performance of 20th century music.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 810. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours.

The student working on the masters thesis enrolls for a minimum of 6 credits during the degree program as determined by the advisor.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 820. Research in Residence. 1 Credit Hour.

Used to establish research in residence and maintain full-time enrollment for the master’s degree after the student has completed the required hours of thesis or project credit.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

MTC 831. Doctoral Essay. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Required of all candidates for the DMA. The student will enroll in a minimum of 12 credits during the degree program as determined by the advisor.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

MTC 850. Research in Residence. 1 Credit Hour.

Used to establish research in residence and maintain full-time enrollment for the DMA after the student has completed the required hours of doctoral essay credit.
Components: THI.
Grading: SUS.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.