Current Courses
ENG 221/MUS 222Words vs. Music: The Song in Modern Times(LA)Why do songs mean so much to us, and how do they deliver pleasure? Do lyrics matter? It is often assumed that poetry was originally always sung. This course interrogates the collaboration between words and music, and entertains the notion that each is potentially a threat to the other. We will consider popular song in many modes and some art song since 1945, as well as the broader relationship between literature and music in these years, and the role of song in historic events. We will investigate recording technology and will be visited by songwriters, recording engineers, electronic musicians, and the odd rock star.Nigel Smith
MUS 105Music Theory through Performance and Composition(LA)Music 105 is a comprehensive introduction to music theory. Our emphasis is on the theoretical principles of four-part harmony as exemplified in Western art music; areas of inquiry include rhythmic materials, melodic patterning, and formal design. Work includes theoretical exercises, analysis, composition, and ear training, all of which are intended to complement a student's everyday activity as a musician.Andrew C. Lovett
MUS 205Species Counterpoint(LA)To lay the foundations for a thorough understanding of the principles of linear structure and voice-leading through the study of species counterpoint. Twice weekly exercises will lead to a complete 4-5 voice Mass Movement as a final project.Daniel L. Trueman
MUS 210Beginning Workshop in Musical Composition(LA)A continuous cycle of creation, discussion, and response based on the creative activity of the students. Students will be encouraged to explore varied styles and techniques (for example, notated composition, multimedia music, and improvisation) and to perform their own works.Paul Lansky
MUS 214Projects in Vocal Performance: Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppaea(LA)A fully staged production of Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppaea with members of the Princeton University Orchestra. Auditions (May, 2013). Check at the Music Dept. office for information.Michael J. Pratt
MUS 215Projects in Jazz Performance(LA)A performance course that focuses on the development of style, concept, and repertoire in the jazz idiom. Students are coached by faculty in extended projects in performance.Staff
MUS 236Music of the Classical Period(LA)A comprehensive introduction to the historical, aesthetic, and stylistic issues of the music of the Viennese Classical period. Class discussions will focus on the critical analysis of selected musical works by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as on the cultural context of the music.Ellen Lockhart
MUS 238Music of the Romantic Era(LA)A survey of major styles, genres, and modes of performance in European art music from about 1814 to the 1890's.Simon A. Morrison
MUS 242Music since 1945(LA)A look at the wide range of musical styles and personalities since World War II, including avant-garde and experimental approaches, the effects of technology, and influences from non-Western and popular idioms. Emphasis will be on listening and discussion, with the goal of understanding the attitudes, objectives and achievements of individuals and groups as well as their interaction with the culture at large.Paul Lansky
MUS 280/GSS 217/COM 280Drama Queens: Voicing Women (and Others) On Stage(LA)This interdisciplinary, team-taught course examines the ways that female (and male) characters have been heard and seen on the operatic stage both past and present. We will examine performance conventions, gender identity, and the multidisciplinary aspect of opera, with some brief some excursions into film and popular idioms. Topics include artifice, agency, domesticity, desire, and violence.Wendy HellerBarbara A. White
MUS 309Topics in Tonal Analysis: Schenkerian Analysis(LA)An introduction to advanced techniques of tonal analysis, with emphasis on the Schenkerian approach. Goal is to gain fluency in expressing insights into tonal structure through the making of voice-leading graphs.V. Kofi Agawu
MUS 319Seminar in Jazz Composition(LA)An advanced course in jazz composition that emphasizes the process of creation. Students will be expected to develop original works utilizing a variety of compositional approaches, including: creating in collaboration, improvisation as a compositional strategy, as well as, non-musical techniques that will be translated into some form of musical representation.Anthony D. Branker
MUS 323Studies of Orchestral Music: Orchestration and Instrumentation(LA)An examination of the technical and expressive characteristics of the individual instruments of the orchestra and approaches to combining them. Participants will compose and arrange for guest instrumentalists and small ensembles, culminating in a short work for full orchestra. If possible, the Princeton University Orchestra will read/rehearse some or all of these final projects.Steven Mackey
MUS 339/SLA 311Russian Music(LA)A detailed survey of Russian music, with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Topics will include musical realism, orientalism, symbolism, the Ballets Russes, neoclassicism, Soviet cinema music and Russian popular music.Simon A. Morrison
MUS 430Topics in History, Analysis, and Interpretation: "Consonance and Dissonance: A History"(LA)A historical survey of changing conceptions of Consonance and Dissonance from antiquity to the modern period.Rob C. Wegman
THR 335/MUS 303Development of the Multi-Skilled Performer(LA)A practical class. This is a workshop based class for those interested in multi-skilled performance and in how performance skills can illuminate new forms of theatre making. Ideally participants should have musical skills and be able to bring an instrument to work with. A lack of instrument would not preclude somebody from participating. It is helpful, but not necessary if students can read music. The course is also open to those interested in directing or other aspects of storytelling. It is also available to music students who are interested in all aspects of performance.Staff
