Compositional projects developed in consultation with the instructor. For students with direct-entry into the composition major in year one.
Compositional projects developed in consultation with the instructor. For students with direct-entry into the composition major in year one.
Material to be covered includes notation and preparation of scores and parts; introduction to linear writing in instrumental and vocal textures; motives and their extensions; short, strict forms for 2-3 instruments, based on traditional and contemporary models. Primarily for students with an interest in composition.
Short pieces in modern idioms with a focus on chamber music or equivalent (e.g. small-scale electroacoustic projects). Public performance of composition expected. One hour of individual instruction per week. For students admitted to Composition as a major concentration.
Short pieces in modern idioms with a focus on chamber music or equivalent (e.g. small-scale electroacoustic projects). A mixture of two-hour group classes and individual instruction. For students admitted to Composition as a minor concentration.
Continuation of TMU210Y1, including extended works for small chamber ensembles. Public performance of composition expected. One hour of individual instruction per week. For students admitted to Composition as a major concentration.
Continuation of TMU211Y1, including works for small chamber ensembles. A mixture of two-hour group classes and individual instruction. For students admitted to Composition as a minor concentration.
A study of the individual capabilities of standard orchestral instruments. Writing and arranging for small groups - strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion. In-class readings of student assignments. Study of selected scores.
The course focuses on song as the pre-eminent form of 20th Century musical expression in several different genres and musical traditions. Students are exposed to a range of techniques for composing songs in a variety of genres and styles: the parallel and reciprocal relationship and development of textual and sonic materials; writing for the amplified voice; prosody and intelligibility of the text in a song setting; addressing a target audience; genre and stylistic convergence in the Internet Age, etc. Traditional song writing formulas and other musical structures are examined under the light of psychoacoustic perception and auditory function of the brain and strategies of how art-music composers can apply their advanced compositional skills to achieve similar psychoacoustic results with more unconventional means will be discussed and developed throughout the course.
The course provides insights into composing idiomatic, original and virtuosic music for the piano, based on the study of selected piano repertoire since 1830, as well as readings of scholarly literature and influential piano methods. The theoretical side of the course is balanced by practical composition projects for the piano.
Composing for film will concentrate on technical and aesthetic aspects of writing music for film. Various approaches to film music by well known practitioners in the field. Projects will include creating original music for new films by film students.
Survey of digital music technology, covering engraving, MIDI, sound and digital audio, sequencing, synthesis, recording and sampling, signal processing, and mixing and mastering. Throughout this course will be an overview of the supporting hardware and software ecosystem, and an emphasis on listening and analyzing a diverse cross-section of electronic music. Coursework is practical, with a focus on creative and proficient use of a digital audio workstation, culminating in a final project.
Recording music has become an essential part of a musician’s career. With technological advancements and the ability to reach people worldwide, music has never been more accessible. Through lectures and hands-on tutorials, this course will introduce the student to the basic theory and practical skills required to record music.
Max is a visual programming language for music and media with an emphasis on interactivity. This course will cover the Max language and environment, MIDI, external and programmatic control, sequencing, synthesis, sampling, spatialization, signal processing, granulation, and analysis. Coursework is practical, with a focus on designing and implementing software for live performance, culminating in a final project. Previous computer programming experience is not required.
Working in music and sound for video games means not only composing music or designing sounds but building and maintaining complex interactive systems that take players' input and translate it into sonic feedback. This course provides students with the opportunity to create their own interactive music and sound systems for video games, acquiring the relevant technical skills and the experience of team-based video game development.
Students expand on their knowledge of game audio implementation by using RTPCs to create real-time dynamic and modular sound design and music systems using middleware software such as FMOD and Wwise. Students work on a cross-discipline video game development project in collaboration with students specializing in computer science and animation/design.
An introduction to concepts and contexts to music education with an emphasis on a critical examination of current practice. Introduction to the basics of various approaches to music teaching and learning.
This course introduces students to a variety of ways in which music and musicking are embedded in local communities. Students will critically reflect on current practices and research by leaders in community music engagement. Themes of anti-oppression, belonging, wholeness, and wellbeing will be central to the course.
Introductory study of violin and viola.
Introductory study of the clarinet.
Introductory study of the trumpet.
Introductory study of the guitar. Pedagogical considerations for class guitar instruction in popular and classical guitar styles.
A practice-based course that develops competency in the playing of chord progressions, simple accompaniments, combinations of parts from open choral scores, combinations of transposing parts from instrumental scores, simple sight harmonization of songs, playing by ear, improvisation, and ensemble playing. A music notation software project will be introduced. This course is limited to those with piano skills at a level equivalent to RCM Level 8 or below.
Introductory study of voice production with attention to breathing technique, tone development and vocal diction. This course focuses on the development of the singing voice for students seeking a basic understanding of how the voice works for singing. Recommended for music education, instrumental, keyboard and composition students interested in singing.
Introductory study of vocal methods for teaching young choirs with attention to breathing techniques, tone production, vocal diction and rehearsal pedagogies relevant to working with children and youth choirs. Recommended for all students interested in learning to work vocally with young singers, ages 6-16.
This course introduces students to theoretical inquiry in music education in the context of diversity related to students, teachers, music, and music educational settings. Through course readings, individual research, classroom interactions, presentations, and writing short essays, students critique existing theories, and develop concepts articulating their own theories of music education that take into account relevant social, political, and ethical questions.
This course provides an advanced study of the psychological bases of music education. Students will critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of prevailing psychological theories in the context of music teaching and learning. Through seminar presentations, research, and the examination of scholarly literature, students will explore the field of music psychology.
Introductory study of the French horn.