Music
Note: This page contains all of the regular courses taught by this department. Not all courses are offered every year. Check the searchable schedule to see which courses are being offered in the upcoming semester.
Lecture Courses
MUSC 101 Basic Musicianship
Credit: 0.5
This is an intensive course in the basic materials of music: pitch elements (scales, intervals, chords), time elements (meter, rhythm), and notation. Emphasis is on the development of basic techniques of music-making: sight-singing, ear-training, and keyboard work. Suggested for first-year students or those new to the department. No prerequisite. Offered each semester.
MUSC 102 Introduction to Musical Style
Credit: 0.5
This course provides a concise chronological overview of music from classical antiquity through the twentieth century, selected cultures, and an introduction to the research methods used in the fields of historical musicology and ethnomusicology. Emphasis will be placed on learning to listen analytically to and write about music, and on understanding the role of music within society. Some concert attendance may be required. Readings from primary sources will supplement the basic texts. This course is a prerequisite for upper-level courses offered by the music department. Suggested for first-year students or those new to the department. (Complements the introductory music theory courses, MUSC 101 and MUSC 121Y-122Y). No prerequisite. Offered each semester.
Instructor: Heuchemer, Sanders
MUSC 121Y Music Theory/Ear Training
Credit: 0.5
This course offers a basic investigation of traditional music theory. The first semester, MUSC 121, will focus on diatonic harmony. MUSC 122 will cover extended chromatic harmony. Emphasis will be on writing skills and visual/aural analysis of musical scores. Also included will be an in-depth study of the parameters of music and how these parameters function within a composition. A holistic approach to style is taken, and elements of music are compared with similar principles in the other arts. Student work will include short composition projects.
Instructor: Buehrer
MUSC 122Y Music Theory/Ear Training
Credit: 0.5
See course description for MUSC 121Y. Offered every spring.
Instructor: Buehrer
MUSC 202 Medieval and Renaissance
Credit: 0.5
This course is a survey of Western music from antiquity through the turn of the seventeenth century. While the stylistic development of music is central to the course, other issues to be discussed include aesthetics, philosophies, performance practices, and cultural/political influences that significantly affected music. Primary and secondary source readings will be used to augment the basic texts.
Instructor: Heuchemer
MUSC 203 Music History: Baroque and Classical
Credit: 0.5
This course is a survey of Western art music from the early seventeenth century through the era of Haydn and Mozart. While the stylistic development of art music is central to the course, questions of aesthetics, philosophy, religion, performance practice, and politics will also be explored. Primary and secondary source readings will be used to augment the basic texts.
Instructor: Sanders
MUSC 204 Music History: Nineteenth Century
Credit: 0.5
This course is a survey of Western music from Beethoven to the end of the nineteenth century. While the stylistic development of art music is central to the course, questions of aesthetics, philosophy, performance practice, and politics will also be explored. Primary and secondary source readings will be used to augment the basic text.
Instructor: Sanders
MUSC 205 Music History: Twentieth Century
Credit: 0.5
This course is a survey of major trends of twentieth-century Western art music, from Mahler's late Romanticism and Debussy's rejections of classical rules to today's musical eclecticism. While the stylistic development of music is central to the course, other issues to be discussed include aesthetics, philosophy, performance practice, and cultural/political influences that significantly affected music. Primary and secondary source readings will be used to augment the basic text.
Instructor: Heuchemer
MUSC 206 Seminar in Ethnomusicology
Credit: 0.5
This course is an investigation of the issues, methods and history of the discipline of ethnomusicology. The focus in this course will be on case studies drawn from different music genres and areas of the world that illustrate the complexities of considering music in its cultural contexts. Student work will involve close listening, engagement with cultural theory and practical fieldwork exercises, and will culminate in an individual field research project on a topic related to the course. Prerequisite: MUSC 102 or ANTH 113. Offered three out of four years.
Instructor: Mendonça
MUSC 221 Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
Credit: 0.5
This course presents a study of the compositional techniques and style of late Baroque contrapuntal forms and procedures, such as the dance suite, canon, invention, fugue, variation forms, and choral prelude. Students will learn the eighteenth-century style through a rigorous combination of analytical score study, listening, and composition assignments.
Instructor: Buehrer
MUSC 222 Musical Structure and Analysis
Credit: 0.5
This course presents a study of musical forms and compositional techniques from ancient times to the present. Smaller sectional forms will include binary (simple and rounded), ternary (simple and compound), and strophic. Larger forms will include rondo, variations (continuous and sectional), sonata-allegro, sonata-rondo, and through-composed. Concurrent to this study of musical forms will be an investigation into the compositional applications of common-practice harmony (pre-1900) and various approaches to musical organization post-1900. Students will engage these topics through detailed study of existing pieces, the application of common analytical techniques, and composition. A holistic approach to music will be taken, and comparisons with other arts and sciences will be investigated.
Instructor: Buehrer, Malawey
MUSC 302D History of Jazz
Credit: 0.5
The most fascinating thing about jazz is its vitality. Jazz remains today what it has been since its inception: an art form of intense personal expression in the context of collaborative improvisation. This course is a social and stylistic investigation of the history of jazz, from its African-American origins up to the present. Progressing chronologically, students will investigate through a variety of sources the main jazz styles and musicians and their development and influence upon the jazz scene.
Instructor: Buehrer
MUSC 303 Women and Music
Credit: 0.5
This course will focus on issues concerning women in classical and popular Western music. Taking a topical approach, we will explore how gender in musical contexts interfaces with class, race, and sexuality, and we will also investigate gender issues that have affected women's participation in musical life, such as the musical canon, gendered musical discourse, and gender stereotypes. We will further examine women's roles as composers, teachers, performers, and scholars.
Instructor: Malawey
MUSC 304 Cover Songs
Credit: 0.5
In this course we will examine cover versions of previously recorded songs and how the intersection of gender, sexuality, race, class, and genre through changing socio-historical and cultural contexts can shape different meanings in the songs. Most essential to this course will be the exploration of how artists covering other peoples songs can emulate, pay homage to, comment upon, subvert meanings of, and create parodies of previously recorded works. Part of this endeavor will involve an investigation into meanings around the concept of authenticity and its role in music criticism. Emphasis will be placed on the application of musical analysis and transcription to aid the understanding of musical processes at play in various cover songs. Prerequisites: MUSC 101 and 102. Offered every 2-3 years.
Instructor: Malawey
MUSC 306 Music History: J.S. Bach
Credit: 0.5
This course is a chronological exploration of the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. It draws upon the most recent scholarship and, to the extent possible, upon primary source documents. The student will gain an understanding of the world in which Bach lived and a familiarity with the background, structure, and significance of his most important works.
Instructor: Sanders
MUSC 307 Ludwig van Beethoven
Credit: 0.5
This course is a chronological exploration of the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Through the study of primary sources and recent scholarship, the student will gain an understanding of Beethoven, the world in which he lived, and the background, structure, and significance of his most important works. Prerequisites: MUSC 202, 203, 204, or 205. Offered every two or three years.
MUSC 309 History of Opera
Credit: 0.5
This course will trace the development of opera from its origins in the sixteenth century through the important works of the twentieth century. Representative operas from the various periods in Italy, France, Germany, Eastern Europe, and America will be studied in order to gain an understanding of the stylistic development of the genre and the musical, literary, philosophical, aesthetic, and political forces that shaped it. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 (or placement by exam) and MUSC 102. Offered every two to three years.
Instructor: Sanders
MUSC 310D Music, Human Rights and Cultural Rights
Credit: 0.5
Music is deeply embedded in many forms of individual and cultural identity. This upper-level seminar examines the relationship of music to notions of cultural rights and human rights. Using case studies from a variety of music cultures, we will explore topics such as music censorship, music and warfare, music and disability, and music and AIDS awareness, among others. Engaging with literature from ethnomusicology, anthropology, and other social sciences we will explore the following questions: What roles does music and related forms of expressive culture play in notions of human rights? Who owns music? Who has the right to transform music? What are the artistic, political, and economic reasons for these transformations? What are their implications? What constitutes a cultural-rights violation? What role, if any, should regulatory agencies have with regard to monitoring cultural rights? Prerequisites: permission of instructorand any one of ANTH 113, MUSC 102, or MUSC 103.
Instructor: Mendonca
MUSC 321 Jazz Theory and Arranging
Credit: 0.5
In this course, students will study the basics of jazz nomenclature, harmony, and voice-leading and their application to writing arrangements for instrumental jazz combos of up to five horns and rhythm section or vocal jazz ensembles. Rhythmic, formal, textural, and other parameters will be studied as well, and comparisons will be made to Western "classical" theoretical conventions to highlight similarities and differences between the two genres. Students will learn to write idiomatically for common jazz instruments and will study appropriate recorded examples. In addition, there will be an ear-training component to the course, and students will frequently be expected to practice theoretical concepts on their instruments.
Instructor: Buehrer
MUSC 322 Composition
Credit: 0.5
This course offers regular individual and class instruction in the craft of composition. Students will employ traditional formal structures as well as other twentieth-century compositional techniques, and will be encouraged to explore both the tonal and atonal melodic/harmonic languages in their compositions. Periodically, students' work will be presented and discussed during class time. Attendance at a few concerts in Columbus and/or Cleveland will be required.
Instructor: Buehrer, Malawey
MUSC 331 Conducting
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed primarily for music majors to prepare them for the specific problems and issues that confront the instrumental and/or choral conductor. The class will focus on developing conducting techniques in the individual student in laboratory situations and perhaps public performance. In addition, students will do extensive reading in the philosophy of conducting and performance. One aim is to synthesize their knowledge of music history and music theory in the presentation of their ideas.
Instructor: Locke
MUSC 493 Individual Study
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Individual study is available to junior or senior music majors wishing to explore, with a music department faculty member, a topic not normally offered in the curriculum. Typically, the student proposes the topic to the faculty member, who then brings the proposal before the department for approval. The department will discuss the feasibility of any proposal. Individual studies supplement the music curriculum and may not usually be used to satisfy major requirements. Most individual studies will earn .25 unit of credit, although some may earn .5 unit. After identifying a faculty member willing to oversee the individual study, the student should work with that professor to develop a short (one-page) proposal that will be shared with the department for approval. The proposal should articulate the nature of the proposed study; present planned readings, assignments, and other work; and describe how or what in the proposed study will be assessed at the end of the semester. Meetings schedules may vary, but at a minimum the department expects that students will meet once per week with the faculty member.
Ensembles
MUSC 471 Kenyon Community Choir
Credit: 0.25
The Kenyon Community Choir is a large chorus designed to perform literature for chorus and orchestra (or piano accompaniment). Sacred and secular works from the baroque period to the present will be performed at concerts and college functions. Membership is open to students, faculty, staff, and other community members. Those who formally enroll should expect to meet requirements beyond the regular weekly rehearsals.
Instructor: Locke
MUSC 472 Knox County Symphony
Credit: 0.13-0.25
The Knox County Symphony is a community-based orchestra that performs three to four times per year, including one combined concert with the Kenyon choirs. Literature includes the standard symphonic and concerto repertoire. Enrollment is limited depending on the needs of the orchestra; therefore a competitive seating audition is required.
Instructor: Locke
MUSC 473 Kenyon College Chamber Singers
Credit: 0.25
The Kenyon College Chamber Singers is a small choir devoted to the literature for chamber ensemble, both a cappella and accompanied. The class meets five hours per week. Members are required to make concerts and the spring tour a priority. The course may be repeated. Prerequisites: a voice-placement audition and permission of instructor.
Instructor: Locke
MUSC 474 Kenyon College Chamber Singers
Credit: 0.25
The Kenyon College Chamber Singers is a small choir devoted to the literature for chamber ensemble, both a cappella and accompanied. The class meets five hours per week. Members are required to make concerts and the spring tour a priority.
Instructor: Locke
MUSC 475 Flute Choir
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is open to all qualified flutists upon audition. Special emphasis will be placed on aspects of ensemble playing, intonation, phrasing, and style. One performance will be given each semester. (Not offered every semester.)
Instructor: Stimson
MUSC 476 Woodwind Chamber Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This ensemble is open to students with sufficient ability to play chamber music for winds.One performance will be given each semester. (Not offered every semester.)
Instructor: Marshall, Sorton
MUSC 477 String Chamber Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This ensemble is open to students with sufficient ability to play chamber music for strings. It is also open to keyboard players. One performance will be given each semester. (Not offered every semester.)
Instructor: Biava
MUSC 478 Guitar Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This ensemble is open to all qualified guitarists upon audition. The repertoire will consist of selections encompassing a variety of styles and periods of music. One performance will be given each semester. (Not offered every semester.)
Instructor: Cox
MUSC 479 Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This ensemble, involving the standard concert band instrumentation (woodwinds, brass, and percussion), rehearses and performs a variety of music from the wind ensemble repertoire, including works for smaller chamber-style ensembles. There will be at least one performance per semester.
Instructor: Heuchemer
MUSC 480 Instrumental Jazz Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course offers study of improvisational techniques, jazz, and jazz fusion from the early 1900s to the present. Application is toward individual style and ensemble performance. Work will include reading of lead sheets, transposition, and playing by ear. One or two concerts per semester will be given, with the strong possibility of other performance opportunities and possible inclusion of original works.
Instructor: Buehrer
MUSC 481 Early Music Ensemble
Credit: 0.25
The Early Music Ensemble performs music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque using modern instruments as well as replicas of historical instruments. Performance practice issues will be explored through an examination of surviving primary sources as well as a select number of high-quality secondary sources which focus on historical performance techniques. (Not offered every year.)
Instructor: Heuchemer
MUSC 482 Percussion Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
The Percussion Ensemble provides an opportunity for students to perform in a variety of musical styles on traditional and contemporary percussion instruments. The ensemble presents a concert every semester. The ensemble is open to all Kenyon students and community members and may require an audition. (Not offered every semester.)
Instructor: C. Dachtyl
MUSC 483 Musical Theater and Opera Workshop
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Musical Theater and Opera Workshop is a performance class in which students sing, dance, act, and assist in the technical aspects of musical theater and operatic scenes and/or full productions each semester. Participation is open to students, faculty, staff, and other community members. Those who enroll should expect extra rehearsal time before performances.
Instructor: Dye
MUSC 484 French Horn Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is open to horn players qualified to perform chamber music. Auditions may be required. The class will explore all periods of music with emphasis on style, technique, and ensemble blending. An end-of-the semester performance will be expected. (Not offered every semester.)
Instructor: McCann
MUSC 485 Asian Music Ensemble
Credit: 0.25
This course provides ongoing study of the music of the Sundanese gamelan degung, a traditional ensemble incorporating different types of tuned bronze percussion, drums, flutes, and vocals. Students will be introduced to basic and advanced instrumental techniques for several individual gamelan instruments and receive coaching in musicianship and ensemble skills. The focus will be on traditional styles and conventional repertories. Each semester will culminate in one public performance. No previous musical experience is required. This course can be used to satisfy requirements in anthropology as well as music.
Instructor: Mendonça
MUSC 486 Harp Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This ensemble is open to students with sufficient ability to play harp. (Not offered every semester.)
Instructor: Thompson
MUSC 487 Saxophone Ensemble
Credit: 0.13-0.25
The Saxophone Ensemble is open to all qualified students. There is one performance per semester.
Instructor: Marshall
Music Lessons
MUSC 140 Level-I Harpsichord or Organ
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to the technique and literature of the harpsichord or organ. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 141 Level-I Piano
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to basic piano technique: how to practice, sight-reading, relaxation, and memorization. Works studied will be representative of the Baroque, classical, Romantic, and modern periods. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 142 Level-I Harp
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to harp technique and literature. Possible avenues of study include classical, folk, and popular music, as well as improvisation. An instrument will be available for instruction and practice time. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 143 Level-I Voice
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to basic vocal technique. Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. The repertoire includes folk and popular tunes as well as classical selections. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 144 Level-I Recorder
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to basic recorder technique. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 145 Level-I Woodwinds
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to basic woodwind technique. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 146 Level-I Percussion
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to basic percussion technique. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 147 Level-I Brass
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course offers study of one of the orchestral brass instruments. Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 148 Level-I Guitar
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is an introduction to guitar technique and literature. Classical, rock/folk, acoustic pop, and jazz are possible avenues of study. An acoustic, classical, or electric guitar is acceptable for instruction. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 149 Level-I Strings
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course offers study of one of the orchestral strings. Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 240 Level-II Harpsichord or Organ
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 241 Level-II Piano
Credit: 0.13-0.25
The course will cover representative works from all periods and emphasize practice methods, sight-reading and memorization techniques, and expression and interpretation. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 242 Level-II Harp
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 243 Level-II Voice
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course offers a continuation of flexibility and range development and includes a required music jury performance. Problems of stage deportment and interpretation are considered. A fee is charged.A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 244 Level II-Recorder
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course will consider representative sonatas and suites of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as well as historical sources of recorder technique from the sixteenth to the middle of the eighteenth centuries. Simple figured bass is used. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 245 Level-II Woodwinds
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 246 Level-II Percussion
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course is a continuation of snare-drum technical studies with application to orchestral and concert band music, rudimental solos, advanced drum-set styles for jazz-rock applications, and chart reading for big band and show drumming. Music majors: This course presents an introduction to keyboard percussion and timpani, as well as orchestral techniques for various trap-percussion instruments. Performance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 247 Level-II Brass
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 248 Level-II Guitar
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 249 Level-II Strings
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Appearance in a scheduled music jury is required. A fee is charged. A maximum amount of .5 unit of credit may be earned at this level.
MUSC 340 Level-III Harpsichord or Organ
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 341 Level-III Piano
Credit: 0.13-0.25
The course will cover major works of the Baroque, classical, Romantic, impressionist, and contemporary periods. A standard concerto may also be studied. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 342 Level-III Harp
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 343 Level-III Voice
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. Diction and interpretation are given special consideration. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 344 Level-III Recorder
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 345 Level-III Woodwinds
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 346 Level-III Percussion
Credit: 0.13-0.25
This course offers study of contemporary literature for all percussion instruments, including mallet instruments, timpani, multiple percussion, and drum set. Study will include orchestral repertoire for various percussion instruments and possible solo percussion recital. A music jury performance is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 347 Level-III Brass
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 348 Level-III Guitar
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 349 Level-III Strings
Credit: 0.13-0.25
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A music jury is required. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 440 Level-IV Harsichord or Organ
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Presentation of a recital or half recital is encouraged. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 441 Level-IV Piano
Credit: 0.25-0.5
The course will cover major works of the baroque, classical, romantic, impressionist, and contemporary periods. A standard concerto may also be studied. Presentation of a recital or half recital is encouraged. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 442 Level-IV Harp
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Presentation of a recital or half recital is encouraged.A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 443 Level-IV Voice
Credit: 0.13-0.5
The year's work leads to a recital featuring representative styles. Diction and interpretation are given special consideration. Presentation of a recital or half recital is encouraged.A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 445 Level-IV Woodwinds
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. Presentation of a recital or half recital is encouraged. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 446 Level-IV Percussion
Credit: 0.25-0.5
This course offers study of contemporary literature for all percussion instruments, including mallet instruments, timpani, multiple percussion, and drum set. Study will include orchestral repertoire for various percussion instruments. Presentation of a recital or half recital is encouraged. A fee is charged. Units earned at this level are unlimited.
MUSC 447 Level-IV Brass
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Work will be based on the needs of the individual student. A fee is charged.