Groove: Black Music Theory

Catalog description

In this course students will analyze the development of black musical traditions from a diasporic perspective and extend their musical awareness beyond familiar timelines and geographies. The intention of this course is for students to develop a deeper understanding of black music composition, structure, and form by introducing higher-level musical language and grammar. This will include musical notation, rhythmic and harmonic analysis, part-writing, listening, and other skills that can facilitate a deeper engagement with black musical cultures. By the end of the course, students will develop their own theoretical interpretations of what unites and distinguishes black musical practices across time and space. (MUSIC-HC)