Catalog

Music

  • Chair: Susan Pickett
  • Rachel Chacko
  • Peter Crawford
  • Edward Dixon
  • Gary Gemberling
  • David Glenn
  • Monica Griffin
  • Melissa Loehnig
  • Paul Luongo
  • Spencer Martin
  • Jeremy Mims
  • Doug Scarborough
  • Lee D. Thompson
  • Jackie Wood

Assistants

  • William Berry
  • Laura Curtis
  • Amy Dodds
  • John David Earnest
  • Sam Epstein
  • Erin Foster
  • Diane Gray-Chamberlain
  • Gery Hemenway
  • Phil Lynch
  • Robyn Newton
  • Lori Parnicky
  • Jean Sands
  • Kraig Scott
  • Nathan Shiu
  • Michael Simon
  • Sally Singer
  • Chelsea Spence
  • Jon St. Hilaire
  • Maya Takemoto
  • Kristin Vining
  • Margaret Wilds

Music courses are designed to develop an understanding and appreciation of music as an art, and to prepare the student for composing, teaching, performing, and advanced work in music. Students majoring in music may select from five options within the music major program: Standard Track, Performance Track, Music History Track, Theory/Composition Track, and Jazz Track. A student who enters Whitman without any prior college-level preparation in music will have to complete 36 credits to fulfill the requirements for each of the tracks.

A piano proficiency examination is required of all students majoring in music. Upon declaration of the music major, a student must enroll for at least one credit of piano each semester until the proficiency examination has been passed. An aural proficiency examination is also required of all students majoring in music. The examination may be fulfilled by receiving a grade of B or better in Music 328.

Courses taken P-D-F may not be used to satisfy course and credit requirements for the major.

Distribution: Music courses apply to the fine arts distribution area, with the following exceptions:

  • Music 160 and 354 may apply to the cultural pluralism distribution area
  • Music 327 also applies to the quantitative analysis distribution area

The Music major: A minimum of 36 credits selected so as to include the following:

I.    Theory of Music 125, 126, 327, 328, 440
II.   History and Literature 297, 298, 299
III.  At least one elective: 310, 337, 354, 360
IV.  Large Ensemble, four credit hours (for Jazz Track, two from the following list plus two from 261, 262) selected from Music 211, 212, 231, 232, 241, 242, 253, 254
V.   Applicable track requirements, listed below

Standard Track: Eight credits of applied music (with no fewer than six on the student’s primary instrument, no more than two selected from Music 163, 164, and at least two at the 363/364 level). The student must give a half recital in their senior year and those pursuing honors must also enroll in Music 498.

Performance Track: Eight credit hours of applied music (with six on the primary instrument, no more than two at the 163, 164 level, and at least four at the 463, 464 level). The student must give a full recital in their senior year and those pursuing honors must also enroll in Music 498.

Music History Track: Four credit hours of applied music (with no more than two at the 163, 164 level), three additional credits in history courses, and Music 497 (senior thesis). Honors candidates must substitute Music 498 for Music 497.

Music Theory/Composition Track: Four credit hours of applied music (with no more than two at the 163, 164 level), three additional credits in theory/composition courses and a senior project. For theorists, this includes enrolling in Music 497 and writing a senior thesis. For composers, this includes a portfolio of compositions and a public performance of original works in the senior year. Honors candidates must substitute Music 498 for Music 497.

A student with a music composition emphasis ideally should complete Music 327 in the first semester of the sophomore year, then take Music 480 every semester thereafter. If this timetable is not possible, Music 327 and 440 must be completed by the end of the junior year, in which case Music 480 should be taken simultaneously with Music 440 during the second semester of the junior year. All composition emphasis students must submit a portfolio to the music faculty at the end of the junior year for consideration of advancement to the senior year with the composition emphasis. The portfolio should include two to three works totaling about 15 minutes of music, and the works should demonstrate technical proficiency at a level determined by the composition professor.

Jazz Track: Four credit hours of applied music at the 363/364 level; two credits selected from Music 261, 262; Music 260; and 360. Students give a full recital in the senior year and those pursuing honors must enroll in Music 498. This recital must contain one piece from the classical repertoire; this stipulation does not apply to guitarists.

Senior Assessment

The senior assessment for music majors consists of three segments: written, aural, and oral. Honors candidates in music must pass all components of senior exams (written, aural, oral) with distinction. The honors thesis in the history track is a written document. Composition students must pass their senior composition recital with distinction, and the written document will be a portfolio of original compositions. Theory students must write an analytical thesis. Performance, Standard, and Jazz track majors must present a senior recital with distinction, and the thesis will be a recording of the recital.

Recitals

Any student desiring to perform a recital must present a pre-recital jury to the music faculty at least three weeks prior to the scheduled recital date.

The Music minor: A minimum of 18 credits selected to include: Music 125, 126; two courses from 297, 298, 299; four credits in music ensembles from 211, 212, 231, 232, 241, 242, 253, 254 (with a maximum of two credits in 261, 262); two credits in Applied Music 263, 264 and/or 363, 364. The P-D-F option is not allowed for any courses applied to the music minor.

Advisory Information

Potential Music Majors: It is strongly recommended that potential music majors enroll in Music 125, 126 and applied music in their first year. Music majors intending to study abroad should complete most of the required courses before going abroad.

Applied Lessons: Instruction is offered in piano, voice, organ, harpsichord, strings, woodwinds, and brass at all levels; and guitar and percussion at the introductory and intermediate levels. All college students enrolled in applied music for credit must take a jury examination at the conclusion of each semester. Applied lessons may not be taken P-D-F.

Scholarships for Applied Lessons: A limited number of scholarships are available to offset the fee for lessons. Students receiving scholarships are required to participate in the appropriate major ensemble (Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Orchestra, or Choir) or Accompanying 253, 254 (a minimum of two half-hour lessons per week per semester).

Nonmajors: The following courses are recommended as an introduction to music for liberal arts students (some courses require auditions and/or consent of instructor).

  • Music 100 Reading of Music
  • Music 125 Introduction to Music Theory
  • Music 129 Deconstructing Popular Music
  • Music 150 Introduction to Music Literature
  • Music 160 Study of Jazz
  • Ensembles — Music 211, 212, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251, 252, 253, 254, 261, 262
  • Applied Lessons — Music 163, 164, 263, 264

Grading and credit limitations: All ensembles (211, 212, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251, 252, 253, 254, 261, 262) are graded on a regular basis; a maximum of 12 credits may be applied toward degree requirements. Applied music lessons are graded on a regular basis and may not be taken P-D-F. A maximum of 16 credits in applied music may be applied toward degree requirements.

100 Reading of Music
First half of each semester; 1, 1 Staff

Music reading including treble and bass clefs, rhythms, accidentals, and notation procedures. Students who are non-music readers or are not fluent in both treble and bass clefs will need to take this course before taking Music 125. Students will learn to associate treble and bass clef pitches with their keys on a piano. Basic time signatures are also covered, as well as distances between pitches (half-step, whole-step, etc.). Offered first half of the semester; Music 125 follows in the same semester, so students may take both courses. Prerequisite: the ability to discern if pitch is rising or falling; to be able to match pitches played on the piano with the voice. Corequisite: enrollment in private lessons or an ensemble, or consent of instructor.

125 Introduction to Music Theory
Second half of each semester; 2, 2 Staff

Fundamentals of music including key signatures, scales, intervals, triads, and ear training. Offered second half of the semester. Students with a background in music theory should see the music department’s website (www.whitman.edu/content/music/home) for information about whether they will need to take this course. Prerequisite: the ability to discern if pitch is rising or falling; to be able to match pitches played on the piano with the voice; a facile reading ability of treble and bass clefs. Corequisite: enrollment in private lessons or an ensemble, or consent of instructor.

126 Music Theory
x, 3 Pickett

Tonal harmony and partwriting. Prerequisite: Music 125 or consent of instructor.

127 Aural Skills I
x, 1 Loehnig

Elementary ear training with emphasis on group and individual sight singing and independent work using computer dictation software. Students who have no prior ear training are strongly encouraged to take this course concurrently with Music 126. Students who have had previous ear training should consult with the instructor to determine whether or not they need this level of aural training. Two hours per week.

129 Deconstructing Popular Music
3; not offered 2012-13

A study of American popular music from the late 1800s to today. Course covers major styles and innovators, notably early Rock ‘n’ Roll, Motown, the Folk Revival, the British Invasion(s), Soul, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Disco, Country, and Alternative, as well as more recent music. By analyzing elements such as singing styles, arranging, production techniques, harmony, form, and other musical considerations, students will interpret what this music tells us about our culture and its value system. No previous musical experience (such as ability to read of play music) is assumed. However, a willingness to listen carefully and to engage a variety of theoretical approaches is presumed. Assessment: written tests containing listening identification and two papers. Open to all students. Offered in alternate years.

150 Introduction to Music Literature
x, 3 Staff

A liberal arts approach to the study of music through historical style. Many musical compositions from the 17th through the 20th century are presented through recordings and other media to aid in understanding musical style. No previous knowledge of music theory or score reading is necessary as a basis for this course. Open to all students.

160 Study of Jazz
3, x Raether

Jazz appreciation and jazz history in a comprehensive study of the sources, style periods, important performers and recordings of jazz from its origins to the present. Open to all students. Offered in alternate years.

163, 164 Applied Music: Elementary Level
1, 1 Staff

Designed for students wishing to begin studies (or having very minimal experience) in applied music. A maximum of one credit per applied field per semester; open to all students. Each lesson is one-half hour per week for the duration of the semester. Students are assigned to the appropriate instructor. All students registered in Applied Music are required to attend eight approved musical performances each semester of enrollment. Course sections may not be repeated in subsequent years. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed. Fee: $350 each semester.

211, 212 Orchestra
1, 1 Staff

A concert organization devoted to the study of orchestral music of all periods. One or more formal concerts presented each semester. Open to all instrumentalists by audition. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

231, 232 Wind Ensemble
1, 1 Gemberling

A concert organization performing the entire range of wind ensemble repertoire. Open to all students by audition during the first week of classes. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

241, 242 Chorale
1, 1 Mims

Choral music of the highest standards, a cappella and accompanied. Open to all students by audition. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed. Fee: $25.

251, 252 Special Ensembles
1

Specific ensembles may vary each semester. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. The current offerings follow.

252 A: Music Theatre and Opera Production
x, 1 Staff

Rehearsal and performance of musicals and operas, given in conjunction with the theatre department. In general, music credit is offered for opera, and drama credit is given for musical theatre. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

251, 252 B: Whitman Chamber Singers
1, 1 Mims

A 24-member select ensemble, specializing in traditional vocal chamber music of the 16th through the 21st century. One formal on-campus concert plus additional off-campus performances each semester. Membership open only to members of the Chorale. P-D-F not allowed.

251, 252 E: Chamber Music
1, 1 Dodds

Rehearsal and performance of works from the chamber music repertoires for various sizes and combinations of instruments from two to nine parts. Works will be selected according to the instruments represented by those enrolled but will emphasize works for small groups of strings and winds or instruments with piano. At least one public concert will be presented each semester. Open to all students by audition and consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

253, 254 Accompanying
1, 1 Wood

This course is designed for pianists and will explore the skills and techniques necessary for accompanying soloists. It will be the required ensemble for pianists on applied lesson scholarship. Open to all students by audition and consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

260 Jazz Theory
3; not offered 2012-13

Techniques of improvisation, composing, and arranging in the jazz idiom. Among the projects assigned during the semester are the transcription of a famous jazz solo and an original composition. A test in basic jazz chord voicings is part of the final exam. Prerequisites: Music 125 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

261, 262 Jazz Ensemble
1, 1 Scarborough

A select jazz ensemble of 17-20 pieces. This group performs challenging material in the big band idiom. Jazz Ensemble I will perform one formal on-campus concert and several additional off-campus performances each semester. Open to all students by audition during the first week of classes. This course is excluded from the 18-credit enrollment limit. P-D-F not allowed.

263, 264 Applied Music: Intermediate Level
1-2, 1-2 Staff

A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. One credit for each half-hour lesson per week. Students assigned to instructors on the basis of previous study. Lessons graded as any other academic course. All students registering in Applied Music required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed. Fee: $350 per credit per semester.

265 Jazz Workshop
x, 3 Scarborough

This course is designed to improve skills in jazz improvisation, sight-reading, style concepts, jazz composing and arranging and general application of the material covered in Music 260. Prerequisite: Music 260 or consent of instructor.

271 Introduction to Music Technology
3, x Simon

This course is designed to give the music student a broad understanding of the technologies available to music performers and composers. No previous experience is required. The course will include the following topics: computer music notation and layout, basics of MIDI recording, digital audio, sequencer basics, presentation software, accompaniment programs, survey of music theory and music education software, and other topics related to music instruction and performance. The course will consist of weekly projects based on the above topics. Students will complete a supervised project in their area of interest. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

297 Music History I: Middle Ages through Baroque
3, x Staff

Traces the history, styles, and literature of music from Gregorian Chant through the Baroque. Extensive listening assignments, as well as reading assignments, listening exams, and written exams. Prerequisite: Music 125.

298 Music History II: Classical and Romantic Periods
3, x Loehnig

Traces the history, styles, and literature of music from 1750-1900. Extensive listening assignments, as well as reading assignments, listening exams, and written exams. Prerequisite: Music 125.

299 Music History III: Music Since 1900
x, 3 Chacko

Traces the history, styles, and literature of music from 1900-present. Extensive listening assignments, as well as reading assignments, listening exams, and written exams. Prerequisite: Music 125.

310 Special Studies
3

327 Romantic, Post Romantic and Twentieth Century Music Theory
3, x Pickett

Chromatic harmony and 20th century composition techniques. Prerequisite: Music 126 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite for music majors: Music 328.

328 Music Theory Laboratory
1, x Chacko

Intermediate and advanced ear training with emphasis on group and individual sight singing and independent work using computer dictation software. Receiving a grade of B or better will satisfy the aural proficiency requirement of the music major. Required of all music majors enrolled in Music 327. Students must pass a prediagnostic dictation exam in order to register for the course. Two hours per week. Corequisite: Music 327. This course may not be taken P-D-F.

337 Post-Tonal Analysis
3, x Chacko

An advanced analysis course will introduce students to topics of 20th- and 21st-century compositional techniques through a study of relevant literature. The study of music theory at the undergraduate level is largely centered on tonal music. This course will extend students’ understanding of musical structure through an in-depth examination of post-tonal music (music that is not structured according to principles of tonal organization). Student will develop analytical skills applicable to the literature and become conversant in discussing stylistic features of music written from the 1910s to the present. In addition to weekly reading, listening, and written exercises and analysis, the course will include two unit exams, a final exam, and a final analysis project. Prerequisite: Music 126 with a grade of C or better. Offered in alternate years.

340 Beginning Conducting
2, x Mims

This course will offer instruction in the physical aspects of conducting: use of baton, independence of the left and right hands, familiarity with conducting patterns, etc. Musical examples from the instrumental and choral repertoire will be studied. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

341 Intermediate Conducting
2; not offered 2012-13

This course is a continuation of the study of the technique and art of conducting. Prerequisite: Music 340 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

354 Women as Composers
x, 3 Pickett

The lives and music of selected female classical music composers from the medieval era through the 21st century. Prerequisites: Students must be fluent music readers, and have previously taken one of the following courses — Music 297, 298, 299. Offered in alternate years.

360 Jazz Elements and Styles
3, x Scarborough

An in-depth examination of the major style periods and artists in jazz. This course explores the musical elements of harmony, form, improvisation, rhythm, and others to contextualize jazz as a living language and an ever-evolving art form. Emphasis is placed on the repertoire through extensive listening assignments. Written tests will emphasize listening identification. Prerequisites: Music 125 and 260.

363, 364 Applied Music: Advanced Level
1-2, 1-2 Staff

A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. One credit for each half-hour lesson per week. Students assigned to instructors on the basis of previous study. Lessons graded as any other academic course. All students registering in Applied Music required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed. Fee: $350 per credit per semester.

371 Intermediate Music Technology
x, 3 Simon

This course will continue the study of topics in music technology, with an emphasis on composing music with the computer, computer music notation, recording and mixing techniques, and MIDI/Audio Sequencing. Also, an introduction to perception and cognition in music will be included. Prerequisite: Music 271 or consent of instructor. May be repeated one time for credit.

373, 374 Recital Production
2-3, 2-3 Staff

Juniors who wish to present a departmentally sanctioned public recital for which extensive coaching and rehearsing are necessary may enroll in this course concurrently with applied music lessons. Open only to juniors. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

411, 412 Independent Study
1-3, 1-3 Staff

Directed reading, research, composing, arranging, preparation of a critical paper, composition or project on a topic suggested by the student. The student must submit a detailed proposal to the music faculty in the semester preceding the anticipated study. The student is responsible for any extra expenses incurred in completing the project. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

440 Form and Analysis
x, 3 Earnest and Pickett

A capstone course for theory, includes analytical techniques and forms. Prerequisite: Music 327.

463, 464 Applied Music: Performance Level
1-2, 1-2 Staff

A maximum of two credits per applied field per semester. Open to advanced students by consent of music faculty. One credit for each half-hour lesson per week. Lessons are graded as any other academic course. All students registered in Applied Music will be required to attend eight musical performances each semester of enrollment. Prerequisite: consent of music faculty. P-D-F not allowed. Fee: $350 per credit per semester.

473, 474 Recital Production
2-3, 2-3 Staff

Seniors who wish to present a departmentally sanctioned public recital for which extensive coaching and rehearsing are necessary may enroll in this course concurrently with applied music lessons. Open only to seniors. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. P-D-F not allowed.

480 Composition
3, 3 Earnest

Private lessons in music composition and related skills. Students will compose throughout the semester and prepare a final project. Students will be expected to prepare parts and supervise rehearsals and a performance of this work at a student recital. With consent, this course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Music 327 and consent of instructor. Fee: $900 per semester.

490 Seminar
3, x Pickett

A seminar for advanced students in music designed to assist them in the integration of three principal areas of music study: theory and composition, literature and history, and applied music. Highly recommended for senior music majors.

497 Senior Thesis/Project
1-3, 1-3 Staff

Designed to assist with the preparation of a written thesis, composition portfolio, or analytical project. Required of Music History Track music majors (thesis) and Music Theory/Composition Track majors (analytical project or composition portfolio).

498 Honors Thesis/Project
1-3, 1-3 Staff

Designed to assist with the preparation of a written thesis, composition portfolio, analytical project, or performance. Required of and limited to senior honors candidates in music. Candidates should consult with department chair prior to the end of the junior year. Prerequisites: consent of music faculty and admission to honors candidacy.