2023-2024 Course Catalog

Music Technology (BA)

The music technology major provides a broad foundation in music with focus on recording and computer technologies. Students study music theory, ear-training, music history, and performance or composition, as well as basic sound recording and audio production, and various computer music applications. The major also includes coursework in video production and web design from the Film and Digital Technologies program.

Students must earn a C- or better in all major courses. Failure to earn this minimum grade will result in the need to repeat the course thereby possibly extending the student’s course of study beyond four years.

Admission Requirements

Chatham University

Curriculum

+Major

MUS159 Music Fundamentals

The course introduces fundamental terminology and theoretical concepts associated with common practice Western art music. Specific topics covered include notation, scales, intervals, triads, rhythm, form and basic aural skills. This course provides the requisite knowledge necessary for MUS161: Music Theory I.

3
MUS161 Diatonic Tonal Harmony

The course covers principles of diatonic harmony and voice-leading, as well as species counterpoint and simple formal structures, with an emphasis on analysis and stylistically appropriate composition. The course includes an ear-training lab that features sight-singing, rhythmic performance, and melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation.

4
MUS252 Chromatic Tonal Harmony

The course covers principles of chromatic harmony and voice-leading, as well as advanced formal structures, with an emphasis on analysis and stylistically appropriate composition. The course includes an ear-training lab that features sight-singing, rhythmic performance, and melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation.

Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MUS161 Diatonic Tonal Harmony
  • 4
    MUS205 Sound Recording Basics

    In this course students learn basic principles of sound recording and apply those concepts to an area of personal significance such as music performance.

    3
    MUS262 Introduction to Computer Music

    The course is a composition-focused introduction to computer music resources. Basic principles of digital audio and acoustics/psychoacoustics, as well as the history of electroacoustic and computer music, are introduced. A range of software applications are used for recording, editing, sequencing, synthesis, and processing. Discussion of composition strategies and aesthetic issues guide the use of such techniques in creative projects.

    3
    MUS267W History of Music I

    These courses examine the growth and development of music as an art, music as a part of the whole of civilization, and representative works of all periods leading to an understanding of music itself.

    3
    MUS368W History of Music II

    This course is a continuation of History of Music I, and examines the growth and development of music as an art, music as a part of the whole of civilization, and representative works of all periods leading to an understanding of music itself.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • MUS267 History of Music I
  • MUS267W History of Music I
  • 3
    MUS351 Audio Production

    The course focuses on all stages of the audio production process and addresses both technical and logistical issues. Students gain experience in all roles in this process including producer and engineer.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MUS205 Sound Recording Basics
  • 3
    MUS352 Advanced Computer Music

    This course focuses on advanced topics in computer music such as digital synthesis and signal processing, as well as more nuanced approaches to editing and sequencing. Focus is placed on critical listening and aesthetic considerations. Students will complete creative projects that are broad in scope both technically and aesthetically.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • MUS262 Introduction to Computer Music
  • MUS262 Electronic/Computer Music Studio
  • 3
    MUS365 20th-Century Music Analysis

    The course introduces students to art music of 20th-century through the technical analysis of pitch, rhythmic, formal, and timbral structures. Composers whose work is studied in this course include, but are not limited to, Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, Charles Ives, John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Iannis Xenakis.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MUS252 Chromatic Tonal Harmony
  • 3
    MUS490 Integrative Capstone

    The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional.  The study usually centers on the student’s major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience.  Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.  

    3
    2 Applied music or composition electives (MUAxxx)
    INTMUS303 Internship - Music

    Internship - Music

    3
    ART141 Media Literacy

    This course introduces students to computer graphic systems and related media practices. Students explore digital foundations, media-related histories, theoretical frameworks, and critical examination of production elements as they discover how digital practices are continuously changing the way imagemakers create and present their work. Additional Fee(s): Applied laboratory fee.

    3
    ART261S Web Design 1: Code + Aesthetics

    This course introduces students to web design software and basic code and programming languages. Students will develop technical, aesthetic, and conceptual skills by participating in lectures, demonstrations, computer labs, and critiques, as well as participating in critical analysis of various sites and Internet strategies. Additional Fee(s): Applied laboratory fee.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • FDT210 Studio: Adobe Illustrator
  • FDT220 Studio: Adobe Photoshop
  • 3

    +Minor in Music Technology

    MUS159 Music Fundamentals

    The course introduces fundamental terminology and theoretical concepts associated with common practice Western art music. Specific topics covered include notation, scales, intervals, triads, rhythm, form and basic aural skills. This course provides the requisite knowledge necessary for MUS161: Music Theory I.

    3
    MUS161 Diatonic Tonal Harmony

    The course covers principles of diatonic harmony and voice-leading, as well as species counterpoint and simple formal structures, with an emphasis on analysis and stylistically appropriate composition. The course includes an ear-training lab that features sight-singing, rhythmic performance, and melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation.

    4
    MUS205 Sound Recording Basics

    In this course students learn basic principles of sound recording and apply those concepts to an area of personal significance such as music performance.

    3
    MUS262 Introduction to Computer Music

    The course is a composition-focused introduction to computer music resources. Basic principles of digital audio and acoustics/psychoacoustics, as well as the history of electroacoustic and computer music, are introduced. A range of software applications are used for recording, editing, sequencing, synthesis, and processing. Discussion of composition strategies and aesthetic issues guide the use of such techniques in creative projects.

    3
    MUS351 Audio Production

    The course focuses on all stages of the audio production process and addresses both technical and logistical issues. Students gain experience in all roles in this process including producer and engineer.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • MUS205 Sound Recording Basics
  • 3
    MUS352 Advanced Computer Music

    This course focuses on advanced topics in computer music such as digital synthesis and signal processing, as well as more nuanced approaches to editing and sequencing. Focus is placed on critical listening and aesthetic considerations. Students will complete creative projects that are broad in scope both technically and aesthetically.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • MUS262 Introduction to Computer Music
  • MUS262 Electronic/Computer Music Studio
  • 3