Advanced Theory: 20th-Century Theoretical Approaches: Post-Tonal and Rock Music

Catalog description

Prerequisite: Theory II: Basic Tonal Theory and Composition (MUSC 5110) or equivalent This course will be an examination of various theoretical approaches to music of the 20th century, including post- tonal, serial, textural, minimalist, and pop/rock music. Our primary text will be Joseph Straus’s Introduction to Post- Tonal Theory, but we will also explore other relevant texts—including scores and recordings of the works themselves. This course will include study of the music of Schoenberg, Webern, Pink Floyd, Ligeti, Bartók, Reich, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Corigliano, and Del Tredici, among others. Advanced Theory: Compositional Tools and Techniques