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.
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
42700R	001	Lecture	8:00-8:50am	Tue, Thu	21 of 25	Michael Lee	UUCB2

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	Mon, Wed	21 of 25	Mark Weiser	MUS102B

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
42710D	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	24 of 28	Jonathan Patterson	TMCG128

MUCO 132a: Aural Skills I (2.0 units)

Sight-singing, dictation, related keyboard application.

Note: Each lecture is paired with a specific section of MUCO 133a. You MUST also register for one of the two labs associated with the lecture. Click the icon under Info to view the section numbers of the corresponding labs and MUCO 133a lecture.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42712D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	18 of 24	Mark Weiser	MUS102B
42713D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	8 of 12	Mark Weiser	MUS102B
42714D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	10 of 12	Mark Weiser	MUS102B
42716D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	20 of 24	Chris Roze	MUS303
42717D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	9 of 12	Chris Roze	MUS102B
42718D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	11 of 13	Chris Roze	MUS102B
42720D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	20 of 24	Jeffrey Parola	MUS213
42721D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	8 of 12	Jeffrey Parola	MUS213
42722D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	12 of 12	Jeffrey Parola	MUS213
42724D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	19 of 24	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42725D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	11 of 12	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42726D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	8 of 12	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42728D	001	Lecture	10:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	19 of 24	Sarah Gibson	TMCG128
42729D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	10 of 12	Sarah Gibson	TMCG128
42730D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	9 of 12	Sarah Gibson	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: Each lecture is paired with a specific section of MUCO 132a. Click the icon under Info to view the section numbers of the corresponding MUCO 132a lecture and labs.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42768D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	20 of 24	Morten Lauridsen	MUS102B
42769D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	21 of 24	Jeffrey Parola	MUS213
42770D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	25 of 26	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42771D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	19 of 24	Chris Roze	MUS303
42772D	001	Lecture	8:00-9:50am	Tue, Thu	21 of 24	Sarah Gibson	TMCG128

MUCO 137a: Introduction to Composition (2.0 units)

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

Note: Register for lecture and lab

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42789D	001	Lecture	1:00-1:50pm	Mon, Wed	7 of 15	Edward Hearne	MUS213
42790D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	7 of 15	Edward Hearne	BMH100

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
42796D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Monday	8 of 16	Mark Weiser	MUS213

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
42801D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	20 of 22	Chris Roze	MUS303
42802D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	11 of 11	Chris Roze	MUS213
42803D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	9 of 11	Chris Roze	MUS303
42805D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	22 of 24	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42806D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	10 of 12	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42807D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	12 of 12	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42813D	001	Lecture	8:00-8:50am	Mon, Wed	11 of 14	Jonathan Patterson	UUCB3
42814D	001	Lab	10:00-10:50am	Friday	4 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	UUCB3
42815D	001	Lab	1:00-1:50pm	Friday	7 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	UUCB3
42817D	001	Lecture	9:00-9:50am	Mon, Wed	14 of 14	Jonathan Patterson	UUCB3
42818D	001	Lab	8:00-8:50am	Friday	7 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	UUCB3
42819D	001	Lab	9:00-9:50am	Friday	7 of 7	Jonathan Patterson	UUCB3

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	23 of 24	Veronika Krausas	MUS204
42856D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Tue, Thu	19 of 22	Chris Roze	MUS303

MUCO 237a: Composition I (4.0 units)

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

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	6 of 14	Andrew Norman	MUS303
			TBA	Tuesday			MUS308
42881D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	6 of 14	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	10:00-11:50am	Thursday	24 of 25 (9 on waitlist)	Morten Lauridsen	MUS102B

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	1 of 10	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	10:00-11:50am	Tuesday	16 of 20 (4 on waitlist)	Neal Desby	MUS102B
42922D	001	Lecture	4:00-4:50pm	Mon, Wed	15 of 17	Jeffrey Parola	UUCB3

MUCO 336a: Orchestration II (2.0 units)

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

Prerequisite: MUCO 236

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42930D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Thursday	11 of 12	Stephen Hartke	MUS319

MUCO 337a: Composition II (4.0 units)

Continuation of 237; composition in larger forms.

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location
42940D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Wednesday	6 of 8	Frank Ticheli	MUS319
			TBA	Monday			MUS308
42941D	001	Lab	11:00-12:20pm	Friday	6 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	1:00-1:50pm	Tue, Thu	13 of 20	Neal Desby	UUCB3
42951D	001	Lecture	11:00-11:50am	Mon, Wed	12 of 20	Frank Ticheli	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	17 of 20 (1 on waitlist)	Sean Friar	UUCB3

MUCO 341: Counterpoint Review (1.0 unit)

Review of materials covered in tonal counterpoint. For students whose entrance examination in counterpoint indicates the need for further study. For graduate students only.

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
42960D	001	Lecture	3:00-3:50pm	Monday	Canceled

MUCO 437a: Composition III (2.0 units)

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

Prerequisite: MUCO 337B

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43015D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	11 of 15	Donald Crockett	MUS308

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	0 of 5	Donald Crockett	MUS308

MUCO 438: Arranging for Marching Band (2.0 units)

Fundamental concepts; instrumental capabilities; notation; color and scoring; modulation; percussion writing.

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

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43020D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 15	Anthony Fox	STO B

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

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

Prerequisite: 1 from (MUCO 336B or MUCO 338) and MUTC 337b
Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43030D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Thursday	20 of 20	Jack Smalley	TMCG150

MUCO 442a: 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).

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
43040D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Wednesday	20 of 20	Jon Burlingame	TMCG150	Word (44544 KB)

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

Applied techniques in film music analysis and preparation for scoring.

Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43045D	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	10:00-11:50am	Friday	19 of 21	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	12:00-1:50pm	Monday	15 of 20	Mark Weiser	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	4:00-5:50pm	Wednesday	17 of 20 (1 on waitlist)	Brian Head	MUS303

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	12:00-1:50pm	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	9 of 10	Mark Weiser	MUS308

MUCO 522a: 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.

Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43081D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Tuesday	20 of 20	Eric Schmidt	TMCG150

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

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

Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43088D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Thursday	20 of 20	Daniel Carlin	TMCG147

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

Introduction to essential structural and prolongational aspects of Schenkerian theory.

Prerequisite: MUCO 501

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43095D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Wednesday	19 of 19	Bob Moore	UUCB3
43096D	001	Lecture	12:00-1:50pm	Wednesday	12 of 15	Bob Moore	MUS204

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

The breakdown of tonality, rise of atonal/pantonal pitch organization, new and extended approaches to tonality, modality.

Prerequisite: MUCO 502

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43112D	001	Lecture	10:00-11:50am	Monday	15 of 20	Bob Moore	UUCB3

MUCO 540a: 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.

Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43118D	001	Lecture	1:00-2:50pm	Friday	20 of 20	Garry Schyman	TMCG150

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
43120D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	20 of 20	Jack Smalley, Eric Schmidt	TMC118

MUCO 560a: Music Editing for Film (2.0 units)

Develop and implement state of the art techniques in joining music and film.

Note: SMPTV Only

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43128D	001	Lecture	4:00-5:50pm	Thursday	20 of 20	Rick Schmunk	TMCG147
			10:00-11:50am	Friday			TMCG147

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: 20th Century Fugue

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43132D	001	Lecture	5:00-6:50pm	Thursday	Canceled	Stephen Hartke

MUCO 573: Special Studies in Contrapuntal Music (2.0 units, max 6)

In-depth analytical and historical study of contrapuntal techniques and styles. Emphasis to be determined by the department. Recommended preparation: MUCO 501.

Note: 20th Century Fugue

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43133D	001	Lecture	5:00-6:50pm	Thursday	13 of 20	Stephen Hartke	MUS303

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 10	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: Tracing Timbre

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43139D	001	Lecture	2:00-3:50pm	Monday	8 of 18	Edward Hearne	MUS319

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 10	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 10	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 10	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.

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
43170D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	2 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 (1 unit = $350/2 units = $700) attached.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
43175D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	3 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 10	Donald Crockett	MUS308