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 095x: Music Fundamentals Immersion (1.0 unit)

Immersive course for selected students in MUCO 132a/133a. Emphasis on providing a foundation in understanding pitches, intervals, scales, keys, key signatures, chords, rhythms and meters.

Note: Course runs from 8/25/21 - 9/22/21

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42700D	448	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	MTuWTh	14 of 30	Juan-Pablo Contreras	MUS101

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
42703R	001	Lecture	8:00-8:50am	Mon, Wed	11 of 25	Luca Mendoza	MUS204	Word (21013 KB)

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
42710D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:20pm	Mon, Wed	17 of 25	Mark Weiser	MUS303	Word (134259 KB)
42711D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:20pm	Tue, Thu	21 of 25	Neal Desby	MUS303

MUCO 131a: 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 133b.

Prerequisite: MUCO 133b
Note: For Popular Music Majors only.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42716D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	19 of 20	Dan Caputo	TMCG150
42717D	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	21 of 21	Dan Caputo	TMCG150

MUCO 132a: Aural Skills I (2.0 units)

Sight-singing, dictation, related keyboard application.

Note: Register for lecture and one associated lab, as well as corresponding MUCO 133a.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42722D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	16 of 20	Juan-Pablo Contreras	TMCG156
42723D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	7 of 10	Juan-Pablo Contreras	TMCG156
42724D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	9 of 10	Juan-Pablo Contreras	TMCG156
42725D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	17 of 22	Chris Roze	MUS303
42726D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	7 of 11	Chris Roze	MUS303
42727D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	10 of 11	Chris Roze	MUS303
42728D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	13 of 20	Eric N. Pham	BMH200
42729D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	5 of 10	Eric N. Pham	BMH200
42730D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	8 of 10	Eric N. Pham	BMH200
42731D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	17 of 22	Nicolas Benavides	MUS204
42732D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	9 of 11	Nicolas Benavides	MUS204
42733D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	8 of 11	Nicolas Benavides	MUS204
42734D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	17 of 22	Daniel Allas	TMCG128
42735D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	8 of 11	Daniel Allas	TMCG128
42736D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	9 of 11	Daniel Allas	TMCG128

MUCO 133a: 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 in Aural Skills required.

Note: Register for corresponding MUCO 132a lecture and lab.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42768D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	18 of 20	Juan-Pablo Contreras	TMCG156
42769D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	14 of 22	Nicolas Benavides	MUS303
42770D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	16 of 20	Eric N. Pham	BMH200
42771D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	12 of 22	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42772D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	18 of 22	Daniel Allas	TMCG128

MUCO 135: Counterpoint I (2.0 units)

The study of the techniques of modal counterpoint; exercises in two-, three-, and four-part writing in 16th century style. Corequisite: MUCO 137a.

Corequisite: MUCO 137a

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42785D	001	Lecture	6:00-7:50pm	Monday	13 of 18	Mark Weiser	MUS303	Word (125842 KB)

MUCO 137a: Composition I (4.0 units)

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

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
42789D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Tuesday	7 of 15	Christopher Trapani	MUS319
			TBA	Thursday			MUS317
42790D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	7 of 15	Christopher Trapani	BMH100

MUCO 140: Music for Dancers (2.0 units)

Practical understanding and perception of music coupled with the ability to follow a score and understand the work in relation to dance.

Note: For Dance majors

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42795D	001	Lecture	6:00-6:50pm	Tue, Thu	23 of 30	Paul Hodgins	KDC105	Word (51100 KB)

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
42797D	001	Lecture	4:00-4:50pm	Tue, Thu	10 of 16	Paul Hodgins	MUS213	Word (52469 KB)

MUCO 143: Aural Skills and Musicianship for Musical Theatre II (2.0 units)

Development of sight-singing, dictation, and related musicianship skills, music theory, form and application of analysis to performance for Musical Theatre.

Prerequisite: MUCO 142
Note: For BFA Musical Theatre majors only.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42799D	001	Lecture	3:00-3:50pm	Tue, Thu	11 of 16	Paul Hodgins	MUS213	Word (52507 KB)

MUCO 221ax: 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 interested, qualified students not majoring in composition. Not available for degree credit to composition majors. Recommended preparation: MUCO 130bx or MUCO 133b

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42805D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Monday	8 of 16	Nicolas Benavides	MUS303

MUCO 232a: Aural Skills II (2.0 units)

Continuation of 132ab.

Note: Register for lecture and one lab listed immediately following that lecture.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42809D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	17 of 26	Chris Roze	MUS303
42810D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	8 of 13	Chris Roze	MUS303
42811D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	9 of 13	Chris Roze	MUS303
42812D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	21 of 26 (2 on waitlist)	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42813D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	11 of 13 (1 on waitlist)	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42814D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	10 of 13 (1 on waitlist)	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42815D	001	Lecture	8:00-8:50am	Mon, Wed	19 of 20	Dan Caputo	TMCG150
42816D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	10 of 10	Dan Caputo	TMCG150
42817D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	9 of 10	Dan Caputo	TMCG150
42818D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	20 of 20	Dan Caputo	TMCG150
42819D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	10 of 10	Dan Caputo	TMCG150
42820D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	10 of 10	Dan Caputo	TMCG150

MUCO 233a: 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 133B

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42854D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	20 of 26	Chris Roze	MUS303
42856D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	23 of 26 (2 on waitlist)	Veronika Krausas	MUS204

MUCO 237a: Composition II (4.0 units)

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

Prerequisite: MUCO 137B
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
42880D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Thursday	7 of 14	Camae Dennis	MUS319
			TBA	Tuesday			MUS317
42881D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	7 of 14	Camae Dennis	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	10:00-11:50am	Thursday	3 of 20	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 at thornton.studentaffairs@usc.edu. Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42916D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	1 of 10	Mark Weiser	MUS317

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	10:00-11:50am	Tuesday	0 of 20	Neal Desby	BMH200

MUCO 337a: Composition III (2.0 units)

Individual instruction in composition; preparation for the senior recital.

Prerequisite: MUCO 237B
Note: Register for lecture and lab.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42940D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 8	Donald Crockett	MUS317
42941D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	5 of 8	Donald Crockett	BMH100

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	4 of 15	Juan-Pablo Contreras	MUS319

MUCO 437a: Composition IV (2.0 units)

Individual instruction in composition; preparation for the senior recital.

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43015D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 of 15	Donald Crockett	MUS317
43016D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	3 of 15	Donald Crockett	BMH100

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	MUS317

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
Introduction to Digital Media and Computer Music: Visual Programming with Max
43058D	001	2.0	Lecture	4:00-6:20pm	Tuesday	2 of 12	Christopher Trapani	MUS319

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	12:00-1:50pm	Monday	17 of 20 (1 on waitlist)	Mark Weiser	MUS303	Word (132506 KB)

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	6:00-7:50pm	Wednesday	13 of 20	Mark Weiser	MUS303	Word (125274 KB)

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 at thornton.studentaffairs@usc.edu. Thornton does not allow this course to be audited.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43079D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	5 of 10	Mark Weiser	MUS317

MUCO 531: Advanced Analysis of Tonal Music: Reduction (2.0 units)

Consideration of recent developments in music theory and their application to the analysis of tonal music, focusing on techniques of musical reduction.

Prerequisite: MUCO 501

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43091D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Monday	6 of 15	Chris Roze	MUS319

MUCO 534: Advanced Analysis of Post-Tonal Music: Pitch (2.0 units)

Introduction, application and critiques of canonical pitch-based analytical techniques applied to post-tonal music.

Prerequisite: MUCO 502

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43099D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Monday	11 of 15	Brian Head	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	4 of 15	Donald Crockett	MUS317

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: Topic: 20th/21st Century Concertos

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43130D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	10 of 12 (1 on waitlist)	Frank Ticheli	MUS319

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
43138D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 of 10	Donald Crockett	MUS317

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	2 of 10	Donald Crockett	MUS317

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	1 of 10	Donald Crockett	MUS317

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 10	Donald Crockett	MUS317