MU 101A: Music Fundamentals
Reading pitches and rhythms, intervals, scales and triads; sight singing, basic keyboard skills. Musical patterns common in folk, popular and art music worldwide. For general students seeking basic music literacy; also meets prerequisite for MU 111A. Does not count toward music major or minor.
MU 111A: Music, Sound and Structure
In this course, students will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge in Western musical harmony, rhythm, melody and form. Includes written analysis, notation exercises, aural skills, and sound recording analysis in classical, pop, rock, and jazz styles. Students will gain proficiency in the Western notational systems in order to critically listen, analyze, and create music.
MU 112A: Popular Music Theory
In-depth investigation of organizational and aesthetic principles of various genres of 20th century popular music and jazz. Focuses on sound recording analysis through stylistic identification, diagramming, and interpretation.
MU 113: Form & Analysis
In-depth study of major formal and harmonic structures in Western art music from the 17th to 20th centuries. Includes analysis both of musical scores and sound recordings. Prerequisite: MU 111A or equivalent as demonstrated through placement exam or transcripts. Formerly MU 146 Tonal Theory Ib.
MU 125A: Thinking Musically
Explores listening, acoustics, theory, and socio-historical foundations of music to equip students to undertake further culturally informed study in music. No prior music education is required for this class, though students should have some experience singing or playing an instrument.
MU 201E: Musical Ecology of New Orleans
Explores New Orleans's unique musical soundscapes through interdisciplinary, ecomusicological perspectives rooted in coastal geography and urban ecology. Musical genres to be studied include jazz, blues, R & B, funk, and hip-hop.
MU 235A: History of Rock
Survey of popular music history from the 1940s to the present. Covers stylistic and technological developments in major styles and genres, alongside socio-cultural and historical perspectives.
MU1 242A: Applied Music - First Semester
Weekly one-hour lessons involving an extra fee. Two semesters required for one course credit. If you have already completed MU1 242A, register for MU2 242A below. In addition, you must submit the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWvAmzmqRTQnxazxKP633GW7KSBVtgBJHt2IghfN465jGhhg/viewform
MU2 242A: Applied Music - Second Semester
Weekly one-hour lessons involving an extra fee. Two semesters required for one course credit. If you have already completed MU1 242A, register for MU2 242A below. In addition, you must submit the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWvAmzmqRTQnxazxKP633GW7KSBVtgBJHt2IghfN465jGhhg/viewform
MU1 245A: Choral Literature and Ensemble - 1st semester
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of vocal literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble.
MU2 245A: Choral Literature and Ensemble - 2nd semester
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of vocal literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble.
MU1 246A: Instrumental Ensemble -1st semester
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of instrumental literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Fulfills approximately 10 hours of the Reflective Service Learning Academic Requirement per semester.
MU2 246A: Instrumental Ensemble -2nd semester
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of instrumental literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble.
MU 250A: Performing Arts Management
Hands-on study of professional performing arts organizations in the region from both an artistic and organizational perspective. Guest presenters and field trips, plus readings, reflections, presentations and creation of a fictitious performing arts organization. No prerequisites; some arts background helpful.
MU1 256A: Music Performance Lab - First Semester
Participation in a small instrumental ensemble (classical, rock, jazz, improve, etc.). Bi-weekly rehearsals, faculty feedback, public presentations. Two semesters required for one course credit. Placement audition required.
MU2 256A: Music Performance Lab - Second Semester
Continuation of MU1 256A. Two semesters required for one course credit. Placement audition required. Prerequisite: MU1 256A.
MU 256G: World Music
World Music is a survey that provides an overview of musical traditions throughout the world by focusing on case studies from the following geocultural regions: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East/Central Asia, Oceania, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Caribbean, Central/South America, and North America.
MU 266A: Music Projects I
Opportunities for study in special topics in performance, research, and areas of study not provided for in regular semester courses, by permission of instructor.
MU 301E: Musical Ecology of New Orleans
Explores New Orleans's unique musical soundscapes through interdisciplinary, ecomusicological perspectives rooted in coastal geography and urban ecology. Musical genres to be studied include jazz, blues, R & B, funk, and hip-hop.
MU 302: Music, Gender and Sexuality
Seminar focusing on music and scholarship incorporating feminist, queer, and transgender theories. Examines intersections of gender and sexuality with race, class, and ability. Draws examples from western and non-western traditional, art, and popular musics.
MU 326E: American Musical Landscape
Examines American music types from Native American, African American, Anglo American ritual and folk music to classical and popular music of the present in light of its connection to the natural environment. Not recommended for first-semester students.
MU 331A: Topics In Music Literature
Music of a particular period, genre, or composer in terms of musical style, cultural, historical, or biographical significance. Listening and discussion, development and application of descriptive terminology and research.
MU 352: Song: From Binchois to Beyoncé
Examines song genres from the Medieval period to the present, including French chanson, Renaissance madrigal, Baroque aria, lied, 20th-century art song, jazz, and the pop single. Prerequisite: MU112 or MU113 or instructor's permission.
MU 366A: Music Projects II
For advanced students who wish to pursue work on specialized topics, including composition. Permission of instructor required.
MU 366G: Music of the African Diaspora
Hands-on study of African-derived music of Europe, the Caribbean, North America, Central America and South America, most notably, Brazil. No prerequisites; some arts background helpful; ability to conduct independent research assumed.
MU 431: Music Comprehensive Experience
Integrates professional musicianship skills including listening, writing, performing, composing, and connecting to the community through critical engagement with music projects. (Prerequisite: completed FYE; for junior and seniors)
MU 499: Senior Thesis
Significant synthetic project designed with guidance of a faculty committee and shared publically. May emphasize performance, composition, conducting, or academic research consistent with the student’s interests and career goals.
