Composition · USC Schedule of Classes

Composition (MUCO)

http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/programs/comp/
D class assignments available in TMC200; phone (213) 740-4721.
Music courses change to "D" on the second week of classes and require departmental approval. Students accepted into a graduate program must take entrance examinations prior to their first registration. Any deficiencies revealed must be removed prior to completion of two semesters of course work. Transferring undergraduate students registering for the first time who have previous course work must take the appropriate examination for placement. Contact the Thornton School Office of Student Affairs for information. INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION - 1 unit has a $350 fee, and includes 7.5 hours of total instruction. 2 units has a $700 fee, and includes 15 hours of total instruction. Contact school for course level guide.

MUCO 101x: Fundamentals of Music Theory (2.0 units)

An introductory course in music theory required for those majors in need of remedial training, and available to the general student who wishes to develop music writing skills. Not available for credit to B.M. and B.A. music majors. Recommended preparation: ability to read music

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42701R	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	12 of 20	Michael Lee	UUCB2

MUCO 130bx: Basics of Music Theory (3.0 units)

Introduction to music theory; scales, intervals, principles of common practice and popular music harmony; melodic, harmonic, and structural analysis; 20th-century developments. Not available for credit to B.M. majors.

Prerequisite: MUCO 130a

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42708D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:20pm	Mon, Wed	17 of 25	Mark Weiser	UUCB3

MUCO 131b: Harmony in Popular Music (2.0 units)

Study of harmony used in the popular music idiom, as well as diminished chord patterns, modulation techniques, basic modal theory, and principles of melodic construction.

Prerequisite: MUCO 131a
Note: For Popular Music Majors Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42711D	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	22 of 28	Jonathan Patterson	TMCG128

MUCO 132b: Aural Skills I (2.0 units)

Sight-singing, dictation, related keyboard application.

Prerequisite: MUCO 132a
Note: Register for one lecture and lab listed immediately following that lecture

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42740D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	18 of 24	Mark Weiser	UUCB3
42741D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	7 of 12	Mark Weiser	UUCB3
42742D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	11 of 12	Mark Weiser	UUCB3
42744D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	19 of 24	Jeffrey Parola	MUS102B
42745D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	11 of 12	Jeffrey Parola	MUS102B
42746D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	8 of 12	Jeffrey Parola	MUS102B
42748D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	19 of 24	Chris Roze	MUS213
42749D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	7 of 12	Chris Roze	MUS213
42750D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	12 of 12	Chris Roze	MUS213
42752D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	21 of 24	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42753D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	13 of 13	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42754D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	8 of 12	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42756D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	23 of 24	Sarah Gibson	TMCG128
42757D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	12 of 12	Sarah Gibson	TMCG128
42758D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	11 of 12	Sarah Gibson	TMCG128

MUCO 133b: Theory I (3.0 units)

a: Notation, scales, intervals; introduction to counterpoint;harmonic principles of the common practice period; analysis,written work. b: Continuation of 133a; elements of form;application of analysis to performance. Concurrent registration inAural Skills required.

Prerequisite: MUCO 133a

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42776D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	20 of 24	Morten Lauridsen	MUS102B
42777D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	17 of 24	Chris Roze	MUS303
42778D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	24 of 24 (1 on waitlist)	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42779D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	19 of 24	Jeffrey Parola	UUCB3
42780D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	22 of 24	Sarah Gibson	TMCG128

MUCO 137b: Introduction to Composition (2.0 units)

Beginning exercises in composition, study and class discussion of assigned scores and recordings.

Prerequisite: MUCO 137a
Note: Register for lecture and lab

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42792D	001	Lecture	1:00-1:50pm	Mon, Wed	6 of 14	Edward Hearne	MUS213
42793D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	6 of 14	Edward Hearne	BMH100

MUCO 221bx: Composition for Non-Majors (2.0 units)

Introduction to the composition of concert music. Includes set exercises, free composition, study of selected compositions. Intended for qualified students not majoring in composition. Not available for degree credit to composition majors.

Prerequisite: MUCO 221A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42798D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Monday	5 of 15	Mark Weiser	MUS213

MUCO 232b: Aural Skills II (2.0 units)

Continuation of MUCO 132ab.

Prerequisite: MUCO 232a
Note: Register for one lecture and lab listed immediately following that lecture

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42828D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	16 of 20	Chris Roze	MUS213
42829D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	9 of 10	Chris Roze	MUS213
42830D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	7 of 10	Chris Roze	MUS213
42832D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	15 of 22	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42833D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	6 of 11	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42834D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	9 of 11	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42840D	001	Lecture	8:00-8:50am	Mon, Wed	7 of 14	Jonathan Patterson	MUS303
42841D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	2 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	UUCB2
42842D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	5 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	MUS303
42844D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	14 of 14	Jonathan Patterson	MUS303
42845D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	7 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	MUS303
42846D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	7 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	MUS303

MUCO 233b: Theory II (3.0 units)

a: Analysis of representative pieces from the classic and romantic periods; exercises in composition. b: Survey of 20th century developments; composition utilizing 20th century techniques.

Prerequisite: MUCO 233A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42862D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	22 of 23	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42864D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	18 of 20	Chris Roze	MUS303

MUCO 236: Orchestration I (2.0 units)

Introduction to the principles of instrumentation; ranges, techniques, timbres, transpositions of orchestral instruments; beginning exercises in orchestration.

Prerequisite: MUCO 137B

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42875D	001	Lecture	2:00-2:50pm	Mon, Wed	5 of 18	Frank Ticheli	MUS319

MUCO 237b: Composition I (4.0 units)

Smaller structural units, binary and ternary forms; rondo; variations.

Prerequisite: MUCO 237a
Note: This course is setup as a lecture course with i.i. The lecture portion will be taught on Tuesdays and the i.i. on Thursdays or other day pending instructor availability. Register for lecture and lab.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42883D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Tuesday	6 of 8	Andrew Norman	MUS303
			TBA	Thursday			MUS308
42884D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	6 of 8	Andrew Norman	BMH100

MUCO 300: Theory Review (1.0 unit)

Review of materials covered in Theory I and II. For students whose entrance examination in music theory indicates the need for further study.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42910D	001	Lecture	5:00-6:50pm	Wednesday	22 of 25 (17 on waitlist)	Neal Desby	MUS213
42912D	001	Lecture	6:00-7:50pm	Monday	17 of 25	Mark Weiser	MUS303

MUCO 321: Composition for Non-Majors II (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Individual instruction in composition for non-composition majors. Continuation of MUCO 221abx. Not open to B.M. in Composition majors.

Prerequisite: MUCO 221b
Restriction: Registration closed to the following major(s): Composition

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42916D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 25	Mark Weiser	MUS308

MUCO 333: Aural Skills Review (1.0 unit)

Review of the materials covered in Aural Skills I, II, III. For students whose entrance examination in aural skills indicates the need for further study.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42920D	001	Lecture	4:00-4:50pm	Mon, Wed	16 of 20 (9 on waitlist)	Neal Desby	UUCB2
42922D	001	Lecture	6:00-6:50pm	Tue, Thu	10 of 20	Sarah Gibson	UUCB2

MUCO 336b: Orchestration II (2.0 units)

Intermediate exercises in orchestration, including scoring for chamber ensembles and orchestra; study of the history of orchestration.

Prerequisite: MUCO 336A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42932D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Thursday	10 of 10	Stephen Hartke	MUS319

MUCO 337b: Composition II (4.0 units)

Continuation of MUCO 237; composition in larger forms.

Prerequisite: MUCO 337a
Note: This course is setup as a lecture course with i.i. The lecture portion will be taught on Mondays and the i.i. on Wednesdays or any other day pending instructor availability. Register for lecture and lab.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42943D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Monday	5 of 8	Frank Ticheli	MUS204
			TBA	Wednesday			MUS308
42944D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	5 of 8	Frank Ticheli	BMH100

MUCO 338x: Elementary Orchestration (2.0 units)

Range, techniques, timbre, transposition of orchestralinstruments; exercises in orchestration. Not available for credit to theory and composition majors. Recommended preparation: MUCO 233b

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42950D	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Mon, Wed	12 of 20	Neal Desby	MUS102B

MUCO 339: Orchestration Review (1.0 unit)

Review of materials covered in elementary orchestration; for students whose entrance examination in orchestration indicates a need for further study.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42955D	001	Lecture	5:00-5:50pm	Tue, Thu	19 of 28	Sean Friar	MUS204

MUCO 437b: Composition III (2.0 units)

Individual instruction in composition; preparation for senior recital. Not intended for SMPTV students.

Prerequisite: MUCO 437A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43017D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	11 of 15	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 439: Band Arranging (2.0 units, max 4)

Characteristics and use of individual instruments; writing for separate choirs; chamber and solo writing; scoring piano, organ, and orchestral music for band.

Prerequisite: 1 from (MUCO 336B or MUCO 338 or MUCO 237B)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43025D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 of 15	Anthony Fox	MUS308

MUCO 440b: Composition for Films and Television (2.0 units)

Planning, timing, composing, and orchestrating music for dramatic and documentary films and television programs.

Prerequisite: MUCO 440A
Note: SMPTV Only (meets off campus in a studio assigned by instructor)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43032D	001	Lecture	7:00-10:00pm	Tuesday	20 of 20	Robert Young, Daniel Carlin	TMC118

MUCO 441: Choral Arranging (1.0-2.0 units, max 4)

Arranging and composing for chorus.

Prerequisite: MUCO 233b

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43035D	001	2.0	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Thursday	7 of 12	Morten Lauridsen	MUS102B

MUCO 442b: History of Film Music Scoring (2.0 units)

A comprehensive survey of the craft of composing music for motion pictures and television, combining film music history and score analysis, geared specifically to composers. Open only to students in the Advanced Studies Certificate Program in Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television and the BM in Composition (Film Scoring).

Prerequisite: MUCO 442A
Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Composition (Film Scoring), Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television
Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43042D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	20 of 20	Jon Burlingame	TMCG150	Word (44544 KB)

MUCO 443b: Film Score Analysis and Preparation (2.0 units)

Applied techniques in film music analysis and preparation for scoring.

Prerequisite: MUCO 443A
Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43047D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	20 of 20	Bruce Broughton	TMCG150

MUCO 490x: Directed Research (1.0-8.0 units, max 12)

Individual research and readings. Not avaliable for graduate credit.

Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Junior, Senior

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43055D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 499: Special Topics (2.0-4.0 units, max 8)

Selected topics of current interest.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
Video-Game Music Composition
43058D	001	2.0	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Thursday	14 of 20	Garry Schyman	TMCG150

MUCO 501: Introduction to the Analysis of Tonal Music (2.0 units)

Survey of common practice period (1650-1900) approaches to phrase design, tonal organization and type-forms (binary, ternary, rondo, sonata.)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43065D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Wednesday	6 of 20	Brian Head	MUS303

MUCO 502: Introduction to the Analysis of Post-Tonal Music (2.0 units)

Introductory survey of 20th/21st century approaches to the organization of pitch (serial, modal, extended tonal, etc.), rhythm, texture and form.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43070D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Monday	16 of 19	Sean Friar	MUS319

MUCO 520: Composition Forum (1.0 units, max 2)

Graded CR/NC.

Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43077D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:30pm	Wednesday	20 of 20	Daniel Carlin	TMCG150

MUCO 521x: Composition for Non-Majors III (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Individual instruction in composition. Not open to graduate students in composition. Prerequisite: submission of portfolio of musical compositions.

Restriction: Registration closed to the following major(s): Composition
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43079D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	10 of 25	Mark Weiser	MUS308

MUCO 522b: Sketching and Scoring for Film and TV (2.0 units)

Applying the techniques of music compositions, orchestration and conducting towards creating original dramatic scores for film and TV.

Prerequisite: MUCO 522A
Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43083D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Tuesday	20 of 20	Patrick Kirst	TMCG150

MUCO 523b: Advanced Application of Film Music Technology (2.0 units)

Appliying advanced state of the art technologies to the art of film music, including synthesizers, samplers, digital audio workstations and hard disk recording.

Prerequisite: MUCO 523A
Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43090D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Friday	20 of 20	Daniel Carlin	TMCG147

MUCO 533b: Analytical Approaches to Tonal Music (2.0 units)

Application of the Schenkerian methods to individual movements and short pieces.

Prerequisite: MUCO 533A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43097D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	11 of 15	Bob Moore	MUS319
43098D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Wednesday	15 of 15	Bob Moore	MUS102B

MUCO 536: Advanced Orchestration I (1.0-2.0 units, max 4)

Continuation of Orchestration III with emphasis on contemporary techniques.

Section	Session	Units	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43105D	001	2.0	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Friday	10 of 15	Stephen Hartke	MUS319

MUCO 537: Advanced Composition I (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

For graduates with evidence of preparation for advanced work.

Note: This course also has the per unit individual instruction fee (1 unit = $350/2 units = $700) attached.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43109D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	8 of 15	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 538b: Analytical Approaches to Post-Tonal Music from 1908-1950 (2.0 units)

Continuation of MUCO 538a; tweleve-tone methods, just tuning systems, new approaches to rhythm, texture timbre.

Prerequisite: MUCO 538A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43113D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Monday	7 of 18	Bob Moore	MUS319

MUCO 540b: Composing Music For Games (2.0 units)

Applied techniques of music composition to video games. Includes conceptual and technical details which differentiate scoring for games.

Prerequisite: MUCO 540a
Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43119D	001	Lecture	1:00-2:50pm	Friday	19 of 20	Garry Schyman	TMCG147

MUCO 545: Individual Instruction in Advanced Film Music Composition (2.0 units, max 4)

Private instruction in composition and conducting for film and television.

Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43122D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	20 of 20 (1 on waitlist)	Daniel Carlin	TMC118

MUCO 572: Comparative Analytical Studies: 20th/21st Century and Non-Tr (2.0 units, max 6)

In-depth analysis of characteristic forms and genres of 20th century music or of other forms and genres that do not figure largely in the "common practice" tradition. Specific emphasis to be determined by the department. Recommended preparation: MUCO 501.

Note: Hybrids and Appropriations

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43132D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	Edward Hearne	UUCB3

MUCO 590: Directed Research (1.0-12.0 units)

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43136D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 594a: Master's Thesis (2.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded CR/NC.

Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43143D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 594b: Master's Thesis (2.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of Thesis. Graded CR/NC.

Prerequisite: MUCO 594A
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43145D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 594z: Master's Thesis (0.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of Thesis. Graded CR/NC.

Prerequisite: MUCO 594B
Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43147D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 637: Advanced Composition II (1.0-2.0 units, max 4)

Continuation of MUCO 537. For students holding the M.M. degree in composition.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43170D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 10	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 737: Advanced Composition III (1.0-2.0 units, max 8)

Continuation of MUCO 637.

Prerequisite: (MUCO 536 and MUCO 637)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43175D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	4 of 10	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 790: Research (1.0-12.0 units)

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43185D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 of 30	Donald Crockett	MUS308