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Music & Technology  | |
| HMU 101 | Music History IClose
During this course, we will review Western Medieval and Renaissance art music from the 2nd century B.C. to 1600 A.D. from several perspectives: as individual masterworks, as representatives of various composers, as examples of particular styles and forms, as analytic "problems," and as artworks derived from changing social circumstances. We will emphasize the development of skills in talking and writing "about" monophonic, liturgical and polyphonic music. The course will include lectures and class discussions, assigned readings, written assignments, and periodic examinations. Prerequisite: basic ability to read music. Group B, 100-level course. |
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| HMU 102 | Music History IIClose
During this course, we will review Western Medieval and Renaissance art music from the 2nd century B.C. to 1600 A.D. from several perspectives: as individual masterworks, as representatives of various composers, as examples of particular styles and forms, as analytic "problems," and as artworks derived from changing social circumstances. We will emphasize the development of skills in talking and writing "about" monophonic, liturgical and polyphonic music. The course will include lectures and class discussions, assigned readings, written assignments, and periodic examinations. Prerequisite: basic ability to read music. Group B, 100-level course. |
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| HMU 103 | Music History IIIClose
This course spans the years "1780-1900." We will review western perspectives: as individual masterworks, as representatives of various composers, as examples of particular styles and forms, as analytic “problems”, and as artworks derived from changing social circumstances. We will emphasize the development of skills in talking and writing “about” music. Some composers include Hayden, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Berlioz, Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Verdi, Brahms, Mussorgsky & Tchaikovsky. The course will include lectures and class discussion.
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| HMU 104 | Music History IVClose
The catalogue tells you that this course spans the 20th century; in actuality, we will start in the late 19th century. We will review western art music from several perspectives: as individual masterworks, as representatives of various composers, as examples of particular styles and forms, as analytic “problems”, and as artworks derived from changing social circumstances. We will emphasize the development of skills in talking and writing “about” music. Some composers include Mahler, Debussy, Ravel, Schoenberg, Webern, Stravinsky, Bartók, Ives, Copland, Varese, Babbitt, Boulez, Reich, Stockhausen and more. The course will include lectures and discussions, assigned readings, oral presentations, written papers, and periodic examinations. |
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| HMU 192 | Music Appreciation I (formerly HMU 392)Close
The course aims to guide and strengthen students in developing the skills of active listening in order to increase their enjoyment of various genres of music. To this end, the course strengthens the students' ability to identify and respond to the basic musical building blocks - melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, tone color and form - and to the ways individual composers combine these elements to express and communicate substantive musical ideas. The course is not intended as a historical survey of the Western musical canon. Rather, it focuses on important core works from the common practice period extending from the Baroque period to the late Romantic period, without excluding important trends and developments in earlier (medieval and renaissance) and later (modern, post-modern) periods. The aim throughout is to focus on works that an interested music lover is liable to hear in live performance, and that form a basis for further musical exploration. At the same time, the course provides, without losing this central focus, at least brief exposure and consideration of selected examples of both world music and commercial pop music in some of its various forms. Finally, and unique to the Music and Technology program at Stevens, the course draws special attention, wherever appropriate, to important milestones in the development of music technology and their impact on the development of musical style. Prerequisites: None. Group A, 100-level course. |
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| HMU 193 | Music Appreciation II (formerly HMU 393)Close
This is part two of the Music Appreciation sequence. The course aims to guide and strengthen students in developing the skills of active listening in order to increase their enjoyment of ballet music, film music, music theater and opera. To this end, the course strengthens the students' ability to identify and respond to the basic conventions of ballet, film, music theater and opera and the way that the basic musical building blocks - melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, tone color and form - take creative advantage of these conventions for expressive purposes, including the creation of mood, characterization, narration and storytelling. The course is not intended as a historical survey of the genres of ballet, film music, music theater or opera. Rather, it focuses on important core works from these genres, placed in their historical and stylistic context for purposes of comparison and appreciation. The aim throughout is to focus on works that an interested music lover is liable to hear in the normal course of their musical experience and that form a basis for further in-depth exploration of these genres. At the same time, the course provides, without losing this central focus, at least brief exposure and consideration of selected examples of contemporary pop and commercial music in these and related genres, including hip-hop and music video, that will build on the students' pre-existing interest and enthusiasm. Finally, and unique to the Music and Technology program at Stevens, the course draws special attention, wherever appropriate, to important milestones in the development of music technology and their impact on the development of music in the genres of ballet, film music, music theater and opera as well as related contemporary genres. Prerequisites: None. Group A, 100-level course. |
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| HMU 201 | Music Theory I (formerly HMU 301)Close
With the presumption of no previous formal study, Music Theory I presents the fundamental materials and procedures of tonal music. The students are introduced to elements of music theory, including scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, seventh chords, Roman numeral and figured bass analysis, 4-part writing, and first species counterpoint. Aural skills are developed with the introduction to "fixed-do" solfege. Sight singing in treble and bass clef, primarily in Major, develops pitch and rhythmic articulation. Prerequisites: basic ability to read treble or bass clef. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 202 | Music Theory II (formerly HMU 302)Close
Music Theory II continues the presentation of the material and procedures of tonal music with the study of harmonic syntax as it pertains to tonal cadences, intermediary harmonies modulation and tonicization in major and minor, and fundamental concepts of diatonic sequences. Students continue their mastery of 4-part writing with Roman numeral and figured bass analysis and undertake writing assignments in second and third species counterpoint in two voices. Aural skills are developed with alto clef "fixed-do" solfege primarily in minor. Prerequisite: HMU 201 (formerly 301) Music Theory I. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 210 | Introduction to Music Technology (formerly HMU 401)Close
This course is the first of a two part survey of the software and hardware production tools most commonly used in the production of music for media, sound recording and live performance. As a part of the core music curriculum this course also explores the software and hardware tools required thoughout the students tenure in the Music program. Topics include; general recording studio protocol; MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface); basic recording techniques with Digital Audio Workstations, software based Midi sequencers, Notation and Sample playback/recording programs. Students will demonstrate their expertise in the discipline through a series of practical projects and written exams. Prerequisites: none. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 211 | MIDI and Electronic Music (formerly HMU 402)Close
This course is the second of a two part survey of the software and hardware production tools most commonly used in the production of music for media, sound recording and live performance. As a part of the core music curriculum this course also explores the software and hardware tools required thoughout the students tenure in the Music program. Topics include; advanced studio recording protocol and systems integration; advanced recording techniques with Digital Audio Workstations, software based Midi sequencers, Notation and Sample playback/recording programs. As well, the course will explore cross implementation techniques between the aforementioned software tools. Students will demonstrate their expertise in the discipline through a series of practical projects. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 220 | Piano Class IClose
In order for students to acquire the most basic and fundamental piano techniques, students will undertake rudimentary exercises designed to facilitate the most common fingering techniques and hand positions. Students will be required to demonstrate the ability to play major scales, simple arpeggios, and develop muscle memory for basic intervals. By the end of the semester, students should be able to read 2 part treble and bass compositions. Prerequisites: None. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 221 | Piano Class IIClose
Piano II is the second in a series of Piano Instruction for Beginner/Intermediate Music Technology Students and all students interested in learning how to play piano and/or keyboards. This class will focus on the Development of Functional Keyboard skills. Prerequisites: HMU 220 or permission of the instructor. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 231 | Sound Recording I (Formerly HMU 410)Close
In today's music composition world, artists may accelerate their potential by having a basic understanding of sound recording technology, since this competitive field is becoming more dependent on composer-operated tools to generate the art. This course will give students an understanding of the terms and basic skills needed to make quality recordings of their art on the "Pro Tools" non-linear-based system. Microphone, Monitor, Mixer, Digital Signal Processing "Plug-Ins," Dynamics, and basic studio acoustics will be explored. Students will meet in small groups for at least four hours a week to execute organized studio "hands-on" lab exercises. Students will experience the producing and recording of a basic multi-track song project at the completion of the course. Prerequisites: none. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 232 | Sound Recording II (formerly HMU 411)Close
Mixing consoles in project studios will be explored and more advanced techniques in dynamics, equalization, reverberation, and signal processing. Students will meet in small groups for at least four hours a week to execute organized studio "hands on" lab exercises. Students will experience the producing and recording of a more advanced multi-track song project at the completion of the course: Prerequisites: HMU 231. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 303 | Music Theory IIIClose
Music Theory III continues the presentation of the material and procedures of tonal music with the study of elements of melodic and rhythmic figuration, dissonance and chromaticism, modal mixture, and an advanced examination of applied chords and diatonic modulation. Students undertake writing assignments in 4th and 5th species counterpoint in two voices. Species counterpoint is incorporated into 4 part-writing exercises. Aural skills are developed with and chromatic alterations. Prerequisite: HMU 202 Music Theory II. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 304 | Music Theory IVClose
Music Theory IV continues the presentation of the material and procedures of tonal music with a continued study of dissonance and chromaticism including 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, Neapolitan II, Augmented Sixth chords, and chromatic voice leading techniques. Students undertake writing assignments in species counterpoint in three voices. Aural skills are developed with more complex "fixed-do" solfege primarily in mixed modes with chromatic alterations. Prerequisites: HMU 303 Music Theory III. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 310 | Music CompositionClose
Music Composition is a one semester course that presents a detailed analysis of the techniques of music composition. The course will focus on Form and Structure, Stylistic Movements, and Compositional Techniques. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of all concepts presented in class via a series of quizzes and two significant works they will compose during the course of the semester. Music Composition will deepen the students understanding and implementation of the various techniques of musical composition. Since all students will have completed HMU202 (formerly 302), HMU420 will allow for a stronger and more coherent understanding of the implementation of those concepts and will greatly enhance the students understanding of the concepts presented in HMU 303 & 304 & 405 Prerequisites HMU 202 (formerly 302). Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective.
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| HMU 333 | Sound Recording III (formerly 412)Close
Lecture will be based around advanced implementation of recording techniques and procedures in the professional studio environment. Students will end the semester with; a thorough understanding of large frame in-line audio mixing consoles, additional advanced microphone placement techniques, and understanding of transducer experimentation. Synchronization between analog machines and digital audio workstations and MIDI interfaces will be explored. The student will gain the ability to troubleshoot and avoid externally generated noise in an audio system. Students will experience the entire engineering process that goes into integrating tracks from a live recording session with songs, from running the original recording session to producing the final mix. Prerequisites HMU 232 (formerly 411). Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 334 | Sound Recording IV (formerly 413)Close
As the final semester of Sound Recording Arts, students are expected to fully understand the basic principles of audio engineering and the studio environment as a workplace. This class is designed to specifically address digital audio production. Although many of the topics have been mentioned in previous classes, course work will require in depth analysis of the many elements of this production format. Additionally, we will be studying in depth, advanced audio techniques. Students will be required to bring an audio example every class to be evaluated and attempt to recreate using the studio as lab. By the end of the semester, students will understand advanced principals of digital recording and the practical application thereof. Additionally, students will have in depth experiential knowledge of recording practices and advanced production techniques. Prerequisites HMU 333 (formerly 412). Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 350 | Music of the Eastern MediterraneanClose
This course is an introductory survey of the music of the Eastern Mediterranean as explored by Traditional and Modern Turkish music. It explores the Balkan, Greek, and Persian influences from earliest times as well as Western composition and idioms. Modern jazz, rock, dance, and video influences will be examined, as well. |
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| HMU 351 | Musical AcousticsClose
This course deals with the basic principals of physics as it relates to sound. Sound wave transmission, musical instrument sound vibration, transducer theory, room acoustic design and isolation design are discussed and explored. Recording Studio design will be explored and the mysteries of the room "appearance" will be explained. The more informed an individual is about the topic of acoustics; the art of music production becomes more efficiently achieved. The student will complete the course with a thorough understanding of acoustical design techniques. This knowledge will not only prepare the student for professional studio design and construction (music, audio/video for post production), it is also applicable in understanding the environments in which they might create productions. Prerequisites: MMA 117 Calculus for Business and Liberal Arts or MA 115 Calculus I. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 387 | African-American Popular MusicClose
This course traces the development of black popular music from its earliest roots in northwest Africa to the urban centers of the U.S. Prerequisites: none |
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| | HMU 394 | History of JazzClose
Techniques in how to listen and what to listen for. History of the idiom. Analysis of outstanding performances and styles. Prerequisites: none |
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| HMU 395 | Elementary HarmonyClose
This course begins with a review of the rudiments of music (scales, modes, key signatures, time signatures, rhythm, meter, intervals, and basic acoustical principles) and a review of important compositional trends that have affected the course of Western musical history. Students are then introduced to the triad and seventh chords in all inversions. All theoretical study is accompanied by listening, score analysis, and actual writing. All incoming students should already know how to read music (treble and bass clefs). Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 396 | Advanced HarmonyClose
A continuation of HMU 395. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 397 | Orchestration IClose
This course is an exploration of traditional orchestral instruments. The student will learn fine details related to the characteristics of instruments in the orchestral family with classroom examples of masterpieces in the classical repertoire, as well as by experiencing either live demonstrations or sampled demonstrations by the instructor. The student will learn the basics of expanding a piano score to woodwind, brass, and string quartets. Prerequisite:. Basic ability to read treble or bass clef. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective.
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| HMU 398 | Orchestration IIClose
This is part two of a two-semester sequence. Whereas Orchestration I explored the mechanical aspects of the orchestra and presented the physical and technical boundaries of each instrument contained therein, Orchestration II explores the aesthetic principals engaged when writing for this most unique subject, and the student will be introduced to the art of conducting. In addition to completing the Adler text, students will spend significant time in the MAC Lab realizing their orchestrations of the standard literature from Mozart to Penderecki. To this extent, we will use the new interactive edition of the classic Principles of Orchestration by one of history's greatest orchestrators, Rimsky Korsakov. Prerequisite: HMU 397. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 401 | Music Through Multimedia TechnologyClose
This course involves production tools available in hardware and software utilized to make compositions and sound tracks for an array of visual and live performance environments. The course provides an introduction to these areas, offering background important to other courses in the program that students may take in the future. Topics include the music business, general recording studio protocol, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), basic recording techniques with “ProTools,” techno music production sequencing with “Digital Performer,” synthesizer history and programming, electronic music and “synthestration,” interactive applications such as “MAX,” sound design, digital sampling for visual art support with “Mach 5,” and sound-effect libraries, music programs for the Web: Quicktime, Real Audio, and Windows Media Player applications, mastering with ProTools “Plug-Ins,” “Peak,” “Roxio Jam” and “Toast,” and “MP3” creation and web uploading and distribution with e-commerce. |
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| HMU 403 | SynthestrationClose
Currently, the complexity of the tools of the trade enable one person to perform a non-linear symphony. The art of "Synthestration" is commonly utilized in the motion picture and popular music industries. Synthestration is the art of utilizing sound synthesizers to emulate the sound of an orchestral instrument. In today's competitive high-tech musical instrument world, any musician can now play virtually any sound from his/her performance device via the integration of keyboard, string or pitch, and velocity to digital converters. It has become quite mainstream for one musician to be expected to realize an orchestral score with synthesizers to give the composer or the producer/director/client a sample of what the final orchestra performance may be like. Often, the "synthestration" becomes the final version in the contemporary market. This course will present and analyze both aesthetic and artistic issues in the field. The student will have the opportunity to create a digital performance of their orchestration class experiments in a weekly lab session, as well as on their laptop computer. Prerequisite: HMU 397. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 404 | Techno Music CompositionClose
The exciting art of techno music has dynamically transformed over the years, incorporating elements of classical electronic music and cutting-edge high-tech innovations. This course will explore the techniques and enable the student to have a greater understanding of the tools of the trade. Each class will preview examples of the most well known works over the years, and demonstrate the technique, since sounds often recycle years later, i.e., sample loops in current compositions, for example. The students will participate in weekly lab exercises by creating music in the Media Arts Center with state-of-the-art software and will apply advanced music theory skills. The final project shall be a three-song student composition professional "demo." Guest producers will be invited to join us in class. Basic keyboard or iGuitar skills are required. Prerequisite: HMU 210 or 211 (formerly 401 or 402). Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 405 | Electronic MusicClose
An introduction and survey of the art of sound synthesis, Electronic Music will focus on synthesizer programming utilizing subtractive synthesis, filter manipulation, voltage control amplifiers and ADSR generators. As well, a historical presentation will expose the student to the evolution of non-acoustic sounds. Weekly labs and assignments will allow the student to implement those synthesis techniques presented in class. Prerequisites: HMU 211 (formerly 402). Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 406 | Audio Post ProductionClose
HMU 406 explores the integration of audio production for such visual mediums as television, film and interactive games. Through an analysis of various commercial visual media The course introduces 1) the techniques and terminology representing the technical parameters common to both audio and visual producers 2) the psychological impact of sound association 3) the implementation of audio tools in the creation of . ADR (automatic dialog replacement), Music Editing, Sound effects and/or Foley.. 4) An understanding of the commercial marketing impact of sound. Prerequisites: HMU 210, 211. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 407 | Sound DesignClose
Sound Design calls upon major technical elements from HMU 410-413 from psychoacoustics to sound wave manipulation within the digital to create soundscapes that enhance the art of story telling. The student will learn to create original sound effects, use and manipulate existing sound effect libraries, and identify the audio needs of a visual image. They will use the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), as instructed in the Sound Recording course series, to integrate audio and visual elements. They will also be able to create a stand-alone soundscape for radio or audio only internet applications. Via lab assignments, students will complete the course with the foundation for an audio portfolio - demo CD. Prerequisites: HMU 231,232. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 415 | Contemporary Music TheoryClose
Contemporary Music Theory is a one semester presentation of the materials and procedures of music emanating from the evolution of Romanticism through Impressionism and arriving at the dismantling of tonality in the 20th century. In this class, melodic, rhythmic and harmonic analysis will transcend the triadic structures of the common period as presented in Music Theory I-IV. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of all concepts presented in class via a series of quizzes and two significant works they will compose during the course of the semester. Prerequisites HMU 304 Music Theory IV. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 450 | Music BusinessClose
This course is an overview of the vast music business world and what a real and successful producer must know to compete in today's commercial music environment. Topics include: discovering an act, training, development, music union memberships, performance, music attorney expectations, management contracts, booking agents, promoters, publishing deals, performance rights organizations, production deals, recording studio management, record deals and labels, interactive media and Web promotion, and distribution. Guest speakers may be invited to class and students may visit "indie" and major label headquarters. All students will be encouraged to participate in the student organized Media Label Club. Prerequisites: none. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 480 | Media Culture and TheoryClose
This course will survey key benchmarks and documents in the history of media technologies while also introducing critical readings of 20th and 21st century media culture, both from the theoretical field of media studies and the creative works of artists, filmmakers, and writers. We will explore how media technologies from print and photography through film, radio, television, video, the Internet, games, and social software have been successively introduced, disseminated, and commodified, and how their mediations have profoundly affected the way we experience and interpret our contemporary society and culture. Students will be required to complete readings every week, to contribute to a class web project including blogs and wiki, and to produce short papers and presentations that respond to and analyze the readings, in-class screenings, and other material we discuss. Prerequisites: none. |
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| HMU 493 | Music Through Multimedia and TechnologyClose
This lecture course, with interactive studio demonstrations, is an introduction and overview of the world of multimedia. The student explores the basics of audio, graphics, photography, and video production through the use of digital audio, midi and music production, digital graphics, and photography and video software. Prerequisites: none. Does not fulfill general humanities requirements; may be taken as a free elective. |
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| HMU 496 | Music Performance: Private LessonsClose
The student is required to play a musical instrument and is expected, according to the audition process, to have moderate skills on his/her primary instrument. The student may continue with private lessons on his/her primary instrument or they may take lessons on their secondary instruments. A faculty member or a member of the tri-state area's community of professional musicians may conduct regular lessons as per the student's level and artistic desires. The lessons may be on campus, or the student may commute to the musician's training studio. There will be one hour of lessons weekly with the instructor and the student is expected to rehearse for at least four additional hours. The lessons shall lead to a performance on campus during the same semester. The performance may be solo or part of an ensemble. |
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| HMU 497 | Music Performance: RecitalClose
Each student is encouraged to either give solo performances or to join a student ensemble and take part in a series of performances on campus, as well as in other metropolitan New York City stages. Many of the performances will be recorded and marketed by the student-run media label. The student will need to attend weekly rehearsals and participate in at least one performance each semester. |
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