School of Music

Music Composition and Theory

 

College of Liberal Arts

Jazz Band

 

 

 

Music Theory and Composition
 

Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition

The objective of this degree is to provide preparation for students who wish to pursue a career in composition, and/or to prepare students who wish to teach music theory/composition at the university level for graduate study. To achieve this objective, the following goals have been established.
Students must demonstrate:

 

  • competency in musical analysis, including independent analytical thinking (as evidenced through discussion and writing).
  • ability to use the tools of theoretical work (keyboard skills, research skills, technological skills).
  • capability to work independently to solve theoretical/compositional problems
  • firm grasp of technical skills of composition (including tools, techniques and procedures of contemporary music), knowledge of a variety of styles and media, awareness of notational and scoring issues
  • conceptual ability to develop a composition from initial idea to finished piece
  • Students must demonstrate their competence in meeting the above goals by developing a senior portfolio and presenting a recital.
  • competency in musical analysis, including independent analytical thinking (as evidenced through discussion and writing). Advanced Harmony (Mus205), Advanced Aural Skills (Mus 204), Contrapuntal Techniques (Mus 207), Form and Analysis (Mus 321), Principles of 20th Century Music (Mus 322), Modal Counterpoint (Mus 407) and Advanced Analysis (Mus 421), Readings in Music Theory (Mus 481).
  • ability to use the tools of theoretical work (keyboard skills, research skills, technological skills). Keyboard Skills (Mus 030A-D), Readings in Music Theory (Mus 481), Electronic Music (Mus 447), Beginning Composition (Mus 280) (includes modules on Finale and Electronic Music).
  • capability to work independently to solve theoretical/compositional problems. Composition Sequence (Mus 280, 380, 480), Readings in Music Theory (Mus 481), Recital (Mus 498), Independent Study (Mus 499).
  • firm grasp of technical skills of composition (including tools, techniques and procedures of contemporary music), knowledge of and fluency in a variety of styles and media, awareness of contemporary notational and scoring issues) Composition Sequence (Mus 280, 380, 480), Contrapuntal Techniques (Mus 207), Form and Analysis (Mus 321), Principals of 20th Century Music (Mus 322), Modal Counterpoint, (Mus 407) and Advanced Analysis (Mus 421), Electronic Music (Mus 447), Readings in Music Theory (Mus 481).
  • conceptual ability to develop a composition from initial idea to finished piece. Composition Sequence (Mus 280, 380, 480), Electronic Music (Mus 447).

  • For additional information, contact:

    Frank Stemper
    School of Music
    Southern Illinois University
    Carbondale, IL 62901-4302
    Telephone (618) 536-8742
    fax (618) 453-5808
    email: fstemp@siu.edu