2020-2021 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Composition, BMus


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Contact

Nicholas Scherzinger, Chair, Department of Music Composition, Theory and History
120B Crouse College, 315-443-3907, nscherzi@syr.edu

Faculty

Joseph Downing, Nicolas Scherzinger, Natalie Draper

Description

The B.Mus. degree program in composition offers students individual instruction in composition and the opportunity to develop a wide range of musical skills, including solid performance skills on at least one instrument, thorough training in music theory and history, and an exhaustive study of instrumentation and orchestration.

Student Learning Outcomes


Principal Performance Area (Lower Division Sequence):


a. demonstrate functional and artistic self-expression at the appropriate level.

b. perform a cross-section of repertoire.

Secondary Performance Area/Keyboard Competency (Lower Division Sequence):

a. demonstrate functional keyboard skills to support musicianship at the appropriate level.

Harmony & Analysis (Lower Division Sequence):

a. identify/describe common elements and organizational patterns of music and their aural and verbal analysis.

b. identify/describe musical forms, processes, and structures.

Aural Skills & Analysis (Lower Division Sequence):

a. produce and recognize music at the appropriate level.

Ensemble Performance (Lower Division Sequence):

a. demonstrate artistry and technical skills in an ensemble setting.

b. demonstrate collaborative competency and knowledge of the ensemble’s repertoire.

History & Repertoire (Lower Division Sequence):

a. describe music history and identify repertoire through the present time, including the study and experience of musical languages and cultures.

Principal Performance Area (Upper Division Sequence):

a. demonstrate functional and artistic self-expression at the appropriate level.

b. perform a cross-section of repertoire.

Ensemble Performance (Upper Division Sequence):

a. demonstrate artistry and technical skills in an ensemble setting.

b. demonstrate collaborative competency and knowledge of the ensemble’s repertoire.

Music Conducting (Upper Division Sequence):

a. work as a leader, and in collaboration, on matters of musical interpretation.

Composition Major Senior Recital:

a. demonstrate skills for functional and artistic self-expression at the appropriate level.

b. demonstrate the ability to compose a cross-section of repertoire.

Program Requirements


In addition to the first-year/sophomore core program, students must complete 62 to 64 credits in other courses, as indicated below. To reflect preparation for upper-division recital(s), upper-division credits in the principal performance area increase from 2 to 4 credits per hour of instruction.

Large Ensembles: 6 credits


  • One Large Ensemble required for each of 8 semesters in residence (2 will be taken for 0 credit)

Small Ensembles: 2 credits


Weekly Student Convocations: 0 credits


  • Required for each semester in residence

Composition Seminar: 0 credits


  • Required for each semester in residence

Area Specialty/Music Electives: 4 credits


  • No HOM or Performance courses

Academic Electives: 24 credits


  • Foreign Language (4 credtis)
  • Social Sciences (6 credits)
  • Arts & Sciences Electives (6 credits)
  • Free Academic Electives (8 credits)

Total Credits Required: 123


Degree Awarded: BMus in Music Composition


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