Classes Offered · USC Schedule of Classes

Composition (MUCO)

http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/programs/comp/
D class assignments available in TMC200; phone (213) 740-4721.
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	9 of 12	Nicolas Benavides	MUS208

MUCO 130ax: 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 BM majors.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42705D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:20pm	Tue, Thu	25 of 27	Eric N. Pham	MUS204

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

Prerequisite: MUCO 130a

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42708D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:20pm	Mon, Wed	27 of 28	Mark Weiser	TMCG156

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
42710D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	10 of 16	Daniel Caputo	TMCG150
42711D	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	19 of 19	Daniel Caputo	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	16 of 20	Georgi Dimitrov	BMH200
42741D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	8 of 10	Georgi Dimitrov	BMH200
42742D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	8 of 10	Georgi Dimitrov	BMH200
42744D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	15 of 20	Paul Hodgins	TMCG156
42745D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	11 of 12	Paul Hodgins	TMCG156
42746D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	4 of 8	Paul Hodgins	TMCG156
42748D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	11 of 20	Chris Roze	MUS303
42749D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	5 of 10	Chris Roze	MUS303
42750D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	6 of 10	Chris Roze	MUS303
42752D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	16 of 20	Jules Pegram	MUS204
42753D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	9 of 10 (1 on waitlist)	Jules Pegram	MUS204
42754D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	7 of 10	Jules Pegram	MUS204
42756D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	13 of 20	Eric N. Pham	TMCG128
42757D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	5 of 10	Eric N. Pham	TMCG128
42758D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	8 of 10	Eric N. Pham	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	16 of 20	Paul Hodgins	BMH200
42777D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	16 of 20	Georgi Dimitrov	TMCG156
42778D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	12 of 20	Chris Roze	MUS303
42779D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	17 of 20	Jules Pegram	MUS204
42780D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	16 of 20	Eric N. Pham	TMCG128

MUCO 137b: Composition I (4.0 units)

Beginning exercises in composing, initial composition projects, study, lectures and class discussions of selected compositions from the repertory.

Prerequisite: MUCO 137A
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
42792D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Tuesday	8 of 14	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
			TBA	Thursday			MUS308
42793D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	8 of 14	Veronika Krausas	BMH100

MUCO 142: Aural Skills and Musicianship for Musical Theatre I (2.0 units)

Introduction to sight-singing, dictation, and related musicianship skills, foundational music theory, form and application of analysis to performance.

Note: For BFA Musical Theatre majors only.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42795D	001	Lecture	4:00-4:50pm	Tue, Thu	14 of 16	Paul Hodgins	MUS213

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	Daniel Caputo	MUS204

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	13 of 20	Chris Roze	MUS303
42829D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	8 of 10	Chris Roze	MUS303
42830D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	5 of 10	Chris Roze	MUS303
42832D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	20 of 23	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42833D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	11 of 11	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42834D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	9 of 12 (3 on waitlist)	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42840D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	14 of 16	Daniel Caputo	TMCG150
42841D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	6 of 8	Daniel Caputo	TMCG150
42842D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	8 of 8	Daniel Caputo	TMCG150
42844D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	15 of 16	Daniel Caputo	TMCG150
42845D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	7 of 8	Daniel Caputo	TMCG150
42846D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	8 of 8	Daniel Caputo	TMCG150

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	16 of 20	Chris Roze	MUS303
42864D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	21 of 24	Veronika Krausas	MUS204

MUCO 235: Counterpoint II (2.0 units)

Studies in tonal counterpoint; two-, three-, and four-part counterpoint in 18th century style; polyphonic variations, inventions.

Prerequisite: MUCO 137B

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42870D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Wednesday	11 of 18	Mark Weiser	MUS204

MUCO 237b: Composition II (4.0 units)

Composition in shorter forms, continuation of score analysis and listening assignments.

Prerequisite: MUCO 237A
Note: This course is setup as a lecture course with i.i. The lecture portion will be taught on Thursdays and the i.i. on Tuesdays 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	Thursday	2 of 8	Ted Hearne	MUS319
			TBA	Tuesday			MUS308
42884D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	2 of 8	Ted Hearne	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	6:00-7:50pm	Wednesday	10 of 15	Neal Desby	BMH200

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
Note: FINAL Deadline to request D-clearance:Friday of first week of classes. Contact Thornton Student Affairs (213) 740-4721, TMC 200.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42916D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	4 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	11:00-11:50am	Mon, Wed	22 of 23	Neal Desby	MUS204

MUCO 337b: Composition III (2.0 units)

Individual instruction in composition; preparation for the senior recital.

Prerequisite: MUCO 337A
Note: Register for lecture and lab.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42943D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	4 of 8	Donald Crockett	MUS308
42944D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	4 of 8	Donald Crockett	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	Canceled	Mark Weiser

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	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	16 of 20	Neal Desby	BMH200

MUCO 434: Analytical Techniques (2.0 units)

Selected analytical topics.

Prerequisite: (MUCO 232B and MUCO 233B)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43000D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	9 of 15	Ted Hearne	MUS319

MUCO 437b: Composition IV (2.0 units)

Individual instruction in composition; preparation for the senior recital.

Prerequisite: MUCO 437A
Note: Register for lecture and lab.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43017D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	7 of 15	Donald Crockett	MUS308
43018D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	7 of 15	Donald Crockett	BMH100

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	8 of 10	Nick Strimple	BMH200

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 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	6:00-7:50pm	Wednesday	8 of 20	Sean Friar	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	Mark Weiser	MUS303

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
Note: FINAL Deadline to request D-clearance: Friday of first week of classes. Contact Thornton Student Affairs (213) 740-4721, TMC 200.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43079D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 25	Mark Weiser	MUS308

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	Monday	13 of 15	Sean Friar	MUS319

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	Monday	11 of 11	Frank Ticheli	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 attached.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43109D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	11 of 15	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 539b: Theoretical and Aesthetic Issues in Music from 1950 to the Present (2.0 units)

Post-modernism of reaction, post-modernism of resistance, mannerist minimalism, anti-modernism.

Prerequisite: MUCO 539A

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43115D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Monday	15 of 15	Sean Friar	MUS319

MUCO 575: Special Studies in Post-Tonal Analysis (2.0 units, max 6)

Analytical study of major composers and/or problems in post-tonal music. Emphasis to be determined by the department. Recommended preparation: MUCO 502.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43135D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tuesday	6 of 15	Brian Head	BMH200

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 592: Selected Topics in Graduate Composition (2.0 units, max 8)

Seminar for graduate students in composition that addresses aesthetic, technical and analytical issues from a composer's perspective. Open only to theory and composition majors.

Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Composition, Music (Music Theory)
Note: Topic: Writer and Composer

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43139D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Tuesday	9 of 9 (1 on waitlist)	Frank Ticheli	MUS319

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.

Note: This course also has the per unit individual instruction fee attached.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43170D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 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)
Note: This course also has the per unit individual instruction fee attached.

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	0 of 30	Donald Crockett	MUS308