QUESTIONS ABOUT MUSIC

Course Description

What is the essence of music? The nature of musical form and communication? What is at the heart of music making and music listening? What is music’s role in society?

How do composers think and talk about music?

This course will explore these and other “questions about music” via the written word, personal reflection, and in-class discussion. We will read texts by and interviews by composers such as Elliot Carter, Igor Stravinsky, Roger Sessions, Aaron Copland, Arnold Schoenberg, Steve Reich, Pauline Oliveros, R. Murray Schafer, Harry Partch, and Henry Cowell.

Assignments, in addition to the reading, will be a combination of presentations, projects, and short papers.

Final units will be awarded based on a combination of factors including completion of assignments on time, participation, attendance, punctuality, and completion of the final project.