May 08, 2024  
Catalogue 2018-2019 
    
Catalogue 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music Department


Chair: Christine Howlett;

Professors: Jonathan Chenette (and Dean of the Faculty), Michael Pisani;

Associate Professors: Christine Howlett, Kathryn Libinb, Brian R. Mannb;

Assistant Professor: Táhirih Motazedian, Justin Patch;

Senior Lecturer: Drew Mintera, Eduardo Navega;

Adjunct Associate Professor: Susan Botti;

Adjunct Instructor: Ronald Bemrich, Drake Andersen;

Adjunct Artists: Gail Archer, Trevor Babb, Paul Bellino, Cheryl P. Bishkoff, Christopher Brellochs, Frank Cassara, Miriam Charney, Yves, Dharamaj, Mike DeMicco, Anna Elashvili, Danielle Farina, Trey Files, Phillip Helm, Marija Ilic, Ashley J. Jackson, Moran Katz, Yenne Lee, Mary Nessinger, James Osborn, Robert Osborne, Anna Polonsky, Peter Reit, Elisabeth Romano, Rachel Rosales, Susan Rotholz, James Ruff, Thomas Sauer, Amy Schroeder, Peter Tomlinson.

a On leave 2018/19, first semester

b On leave 2018/19, second semester

Advisers: The department.

Programs

Major

Correlate Sequences in Music

The music department offers five correlate sequences, each requiring six units of credit of which no fewer than five should be taken at Vassar. No more than one course counted toward the correlate sequence may be taken NRO. Specific courses to be taken within each sequence are outlined below.

Students interested in pursuing a correlate sequence in music should discuss it with the music department chair as well as their major advisors during their sophomore or junior year, and they will be assigned a correlate advisor from the music faculty. To apply for the correlate sequence in music, each student will submit a one-page personal statement. Correlate sequences in music must be declared by the end of the junior year.

Courses

Music: I. Introductory

  • MUSI 101 - Fundamentals of Music

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    1 unit(s)
    A beginning study of the elements of music including notation, rhythm and meter, scales and modes, intervals, melody, chord progression, musical terms, and instruments. To facilitate reading skills, class exercises in ear training and sight singing are included. May not be counted in the requirements for concentration. Ron Bemrich, Michael Pisani.

    Open to all classes. Previous musical training unnecessary.

  • MUSI 105 - Music Theory I

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)


    The first class of a three-semester sequence devoted to detailed investigation of the fundamental elements of music, including harmony, melody, form, rhythm, meter, texture, and timbre. Skills include analysis, writing, analytical listening, and musical comprehension. Kathryn Libin, Brian Mann, Táhirih Motazedian.

     

    Prerequisite(s):  Familiarity with music notation (bass and treble clefs), key signatures, and basic rhythmic notation.

    Open to all classes.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 106 - Music Theory II

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    The second class of a three-semester sequence devoted to detailed investigation of the fundamental elements of music, including harmony, melody, form, rhythm, meter, texture, and timbre. Skills include analysis, writing, analytical listening, and musical comprehension. Kathryn Libin, Táhirih Motazedian.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105  or successful completion of departmental advanced placement exam at beginning of fall semester.

    Open to all classes.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 125 - The Sound of Space: Intersecting Acoustics, Architecture and Music


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as  ART 125  and PHYS 125 ) The disciplines of acoustics, architecture, and music are often treated in isolation, resulting in the loss of many synergistic connections. This course will bring these three different but intersecting disciplines together in an exciting new way through a collaborative team-teaching process. The course will explore the physical nature of music in the built environment, focusing on the generation, transmission, and reception of music in a variety of spaces across campus. An introduction will first be given for each discipline, then the intersections of these seemingly disparate, yet closely related fields will be studied through a combination of lecture, group discussion, and hands-on investigation. Student teams will adopt a key acoustical space on campus, which they will present during a processional performance by a Vassar choral group open to the public at the end of the semester. Christine Howlett, Andrew Tallon.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 135 - The International Phonetic Alphabet


    0.5 unit(s)
    An introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Geared toward students of voice, choir, and choral conducting. Christine Howlett.

    First six-week course.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 136 - Introduction to World Music

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 136 ) This course examines the development and practices of musical styles in diverse locales around the world from an ethnomusicological perspective. We study the intersection of musical communities and social identity/values, political movements (especially nationalism), spirituality, economy, and globalization. We explore these general issues through case studies from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Justin Patch.

    This course is open to students with or without musical training.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 140 - Introduction to Western Art Music


    1 unit(s)
    A study of selected topics in the history of Western music.

    Open to all classes. Previous musical training not required. May not be counted in the requirements for concentration. Music 140 is not required for MUSI 141 , therefore these two courses may be taken in any order.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered 2018/19.

  • MUSI 141 - Introduction to Western Art Music


    1 unit(s)
    Open to all classes. Previous musical training (or ability to read music) not required. May not be counted in the requirements for concentration. MUSI 140  is not required for Music 141, therefore these two courses may be taken in any order.  Brian Mann.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 180 - The Art of Writing About Music

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)


    How is it possible to write about music in ways that are both well-informed—and accessible by a majority of readers? In this course, we listen to a wide variety of music, with the purpose of learning how to write clearly and persuasively about music. To this end we develop a vocabulary for music that is broadly non-technical, yet characterized by a clear understanding of the basic elements that give life to all kinds of music. Our reading list ranges widely, and includes both journalism and musicological writing. Over the course of the semester we examine more and more complex kinds of music, beginning with songs of all kinds, and ending with works of greater scope (operas, symphonies, concertos, and more). The goal is both to challenge ourselves as writers, and to find ways to write about the almost maddening varieties of music that confront us in modern life. Brian Mann.

    Open only to first-year students; satisfies college requirement for a First-Year Writing Seminar.

    May not be counted in the requirements for concentration.

    Two 75-minute periods.

Music: II. Intermediate

  • MUSI 201 - Opera


    1 unit(s)
    A study of the history, style, drama, and music in selected operatic masterworks from 1600 to the present. Michael Pisani.

    Prerequisite(s): One unit in One of the following: art; drama; Italian, French, German, or English literatures; music; or permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 202 - Black Music

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as AFRS 202 ) An analytical exploration of the music of certain African and European cultures and their adaptive influences in North America. The course examines traditional African and European views of music performance practices while exploring their influences in shaping the music of African Americans from the spiritual to modern. Justin Patch.

  • MUSI 205 - Music Theory III

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    The third class of a three-semester sequence devoted to detailed investigation of the fundamental elements of music, including harmony, melody, form, rhythm, meter, texture, and timbre. Skills include analysis, writing, analytical listening, and musical comprehension.Táhirih Motazedian.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 206 - Musicianship Skills I

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    An aural-skills class based on diatonic melody and harmony. Class exercises include sight singing, ear training, clef reading, keyboard skills and basic conducting patterns. Ronald Bemrich.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105  or permission of the instructor.

  • MUSI 207 - Musicianship Skills II

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)
    A continuation of MUSI 206  adding chromatic melody and harmony with intermediate keyboard skills such as figured bass realization, improvised accompaniment, and score reading.  Táhirih Motazedian.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 206 .

  • MUSI 208 - Musicianship Skills III

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    A continuation of MUSI 207 , developing aural, keyboard, and clef-reading skills to a higher degree of proficiency. Eduardo Navega.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 207 .

  • MUSI 210 - Modal Counterpoint


    1 unit(s)
    A study, through analysis and written exercises, of contrapuntal techniques of the sixteenth century. Táhirih Motazedian.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Alternate years. Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 211 - Tonal Counterpoint

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    A study, through analysis and written exercises, of contrapuntal techniques of the eighteenth century. Táhirih Motazedian.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Alternate years.

  • MUSI 213 - American Music


    1 unit(s)
    The study of folk, popular, and art musics in American life from 1600 to the present and their relationship to other facets of America’s historical development and cultural growth. Brian Mann.

    Prerequisite(s): One unit in one of the following: Music; studies in American History, Art, or Literature; or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Alternate years. Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 214 - History of American Jazz

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as AMST 214 ) An investigation of the whole range of jazz history, from its beginning around the turn of the century to the present day. Among the figures to be examined are: Scott Joplin, “Jelly Roll” Morton, Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Thomas “Fats” Waller, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Miles Davis. Justin Patch.

    Prerequisite(s): One unit in one of the following: Music; studies in American History, Art, or Literature; or permission of the instructor.

    Alternate years.

  • MUSI 215 - Composition I

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    Creative work in various contemporary idioms. Analysis of selected works; study of instrumental resources. Susan Botti.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  or permission of the instructor.

    If a senior project in composition is planned, the student should elect Music 215/MUSI 216  in the sophomore year and MUSI 315  in the junior year.

    Yearlong course 215/MUSI 216 .

  • MUSI 216 - Composition II

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    Creative work in various contemporary idioms. Analysis of selected works; study of instrumental resources. Susan Botti.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

    If a senior project in composition is planned, the student should elect MUSI 215 /216 in the sophomore year and MUSI 315  in the junior year.

    Yearlong course MUSI 215 /216.

  • MUSI 217 - Studies in Popular Music


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as AMST 217  and MEDS 217 )

    Recommended: one unit in either Music, Sociology, or Anthropology.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 218 - Advanced Topics in World Music


    1 unit(s)
    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 136 , or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 219 - Electronic Music

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    A practical exploration of electronic music, composition, and production techniques. Compositional and creative aspects are emphasized with extensive lab time provided for student projects. No prior knowledge of computer music or programming is required. Drake Andersen.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

    Yearlong course 219/MUSI 220 .

  • MUSI 220 - Electronic Music

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    A practical exploration of electronic music, composition, and production techniques. Compositional and creative aspects are emphasized with extensive lab time provided for student projects. No prior knowledge of computer music or programming is required. Drake Andersen.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

    Yearlong course MUSI 219 /220.

  • MUSI 231 - Women Making Music


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as WMST 231 ) A study of women’s involvement in Western and non-Western musical cultures. Drawing on recent work in feminist musicology and ethnomusicology, the course studies a wide range of music created by women, both past and present. It explores such topics as musical instruments and gender, voice and embodiment, access to training and performance opportunities, and representations of women musicians in art and literature. Kathryn Libin.

    Prerequisite(s): One unit in Music, or Women’s Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 232 - Faust, Music, and Romanticism

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)


    No literary text of the early Romantic era was read more avidly than Goethe’s Faust. After its publication in 1808, composers rapidly began setting it to music. In this six-week course, we begin with a close reading of Faust Part I (in English translation), then study musical interpretations of it by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Berlioz, Liszt, and others. Kathryn Libin.

     

    Recommended: one course in Music or German.

    First six-week course.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 233 - Sounds of Faith: Sacred Choral Music

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)
    The sound of massed voices creates a spiritual reverberation that composers have explored for worship, for celebration, and to reveal or reach the divine. In this six-week course, we examine sacred choral works by composers of the late 18th century, including Mozart, Haydn, and others. Kathryn Libin.

    Recommended: one course in Music (especially MUSI 105 ).

    Second six-week course.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 238 - Music in Film

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as FILM 238 ) A study of music in sound cinema from the 1920s to the present. The course focuses on the expressive, formal, and semiotic function that film music serves, either as sound experienced by the protagonists, or as another layer of commentary to be heard only by the viewer, or some mixture of the two. Composers studied include Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith, Danny Elfman, and others, as well as film scores that rely upon a range of musical styles, including classical, popular, and non-Western. Specific topics to be considered this semester include music in film noir and the movie musical. Brian Mann.

    Prerequisite(s): One course in Music (not performance) or Film.

    Two 75-minute periods plus outside screenings.

  • MUSI 246 - Music and Ideas I — Medieval and Early Modern Europe: The Power of Church and Court

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as MRST 246 ) This course introduces major historical and intellectual ideas of music from the Ancient world through 1660. The focus is on essential repertoire as well as the cultures that fostered principal genres of sacred and secular music during the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and early Baroque. Brian Mann.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Includes an additional listening/discussion section.

  • MUSI 247 - Music and Ideas II — Enlightenment and the Influence of Rationalism

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    A study of musical genres and trends over the course of the “long eighteenth century” from 1660 to 1830. The course explores significant shifts in musical language from the high Baroque through the age of revolution and early Romanticism, as revealed in great works from Purcell through Beethoven. Michael Pisani.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Includes an additional listening/discussion section.

  • MUSI 248 - Music and Ideas III — Modernism and its Challenges

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    This course begins with progressive composers Berlioz, Liszt, and Wagner and traces the development of their schools of thought through the late nineteenth century, the rising importance of popular song and jazz in the twentieth century along with major composers who have found new expression within classical traditions, and “postmoderns” who have worked to bridge genres. Michael Pisani.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  and MUSI 247 , or permission of the instructor.

  • MUSI 255 - Follow the Lieder

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    (Same as GERM 255 ) In the early 19th century Beethoven and Schubert established Vienna as the seat of German song.  Brahms, Wolf, and Strauss carried the form forward into the modern era. This six-week course examines the intimate marriage of German poetry and music during the romantic period when the Austrian empire went from being the largest power in Europe to a sentimental land on Europe’s eastern front. This course offers performance opportunities for singers and pianists as well as non-performance related projects. The course is open to all students, regardless of performance background. Drew Minter and Miriam Charney.

    Recommended: one course in Music or German.

    First six-week course.

    Two 75-minute periods plus extra periods.

  • MUSI 259 - Soundscapes: Anthropology of Music


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ANTH 259 ) This course examines the epistemology of the ear through experimental and ethnographic learning. It interrogates the wide range of sounds that we are exposed to: ambient sound, conversation, storytelling, music, and advertising, as well as historical hearing. It also is how we learn and perceive differnently through hearing and how sound affects our sense of place and being, and the types of knowledge we prioritize in our everyday lives. This course requires the use of basic audio and video technology. Justin Patch.

    Recommended: but not required that students have one unit of the following: Music, Anthropology, Sociology, or Media Studies.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 286 - Advanced Topics in Ethnomusicology: Music and Buddhism

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 286  and RELI 286 ) This course examines the interplay of Buddhist practices and music making in Asia and the West.  From temple music in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Tibet, to dance theater in Thailand, theater in Japan, the contemporary Western compositions of John Cage and Toru Takemitsu and the films of Nam June Paik, Buddhist music is a rich tapestry that illuminates complex histories, varied aesthetics and contrasting theologies. Through the lenses of social and musical development this course will delve into Buddhism’s spread through Asia and to the West, its encounters with Hinduism, Christianity, Shinto, colonization and high modernism, and the various ways in which sound is used to express devotion, contemplation, ideology, and narrative. Justin Patch.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 287 - American Popular Music, 1850-1950

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)
    This course explores popular music in America from the years leading up the Civil War and through WWII.  This is the period when popular music in the United States came into its own and began to be exported around the world.  It is also a period rich in complex social and politic issues, most of which found there way into the songs and dance numbers written for the vaudeville and variety stage, the minstrel shows, the union and protest movements, the dance halls, early recordings, radio, Broadway, and the movies. Michael Pisani.

    Prerequisite(s): One college course in Music or American history before 1900.

    First six-week course.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 288 - Baroque Performance Practice: Reading, Listening, and Performing

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    The music of the Baroque period, roughly 1600 to 1750, consists of some of the most performed music in the Western classical repertoire (Purcell, Vivaldi, Handel, Bach, etc.). This music was rooted in specific performing techniques, such as control of vibrato, addition of decorative ornamentation, etc., and was closely related to the dance forms of the day such as minuets, courantes, gigues, etc. This course balances source readings from the time with a comparison of different recent recordings of professional Baroque performing groups. The goal is to develop an understanding of the range of Baroque performance that conforms to the style. Also, it is an opportunity for performing musicians in class to apply these techniques in performance. Michael Pisani.

    Prerequisite(s): One college course in music (any level), or at least two semesters of lessons in any instrument, or permission of the instructor.

    First six-week course.

    Two 75-minute periods.

  • MUSI 290 - Field Work

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)
  • MUSI 298 - Independent Work

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)
    Special projects in theory, history, or performance that supplement the curriculum.

    Open to qualified students with permission of department. Proposals for a project must first have the approval of a faculty advisor and then be submitted for departmental approval by the end of the previous semester.

Music: III. Advanced

  • MUSI 302 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    A paper, composition, or recital.

    Proposals for a project must first have the approval of an appropriate faculty adviser and then be submitted for departmental approval by the end of the junior year.

  • MUSI 315 - Composition III

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)


    Further work in original composition; analysis of examples illustrating current practice. Susan Botti.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  and MUSI 215 /MUSI 216  or equivalent. Permission of the instructor required; qualification to be determined by submission in advance of original work.

    Music 315 may be taken twice for credit.

     

    Yearlong course 315/MUSI 316 .

  • MUSI 316 - Composition IV


    1 unit(s)
    Further work in original composition; analysis of examples illustrating current practice.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106  and MUSI 215 /MUSI 216  or equivalent.

    Permission of the instructor required; qualification to be determined by submission in advance of original work.

    Yearlong course MUSI 315 /316.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 320 - Advanced Studies in Musical Genres

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    Topic for 2018/19b: The Symphonic Poem. The symphonic poem is a unique pre-cinematic descriptive musical genre in which extra-musical influences, such as a poetic idea or a literary narrative, shape the content and structure of the music.  In this course we investigate the literary and philosophical influences on selected symphonic poems of Franz Liszt (France/Hungary), Peter Tchaikovsky (Russia), Richard Strauss (Germany), and Jean Sibelius (Finland).  While these four big names could easily occupy the entire semester, we also consider others from countries such as Spain, the United States, and Mexico. The course is designed to tackle unresolved questions about this popular but problematic genre, such as “does a listener need to know the programmatic background in order to understand the music?” Literary influences range from Shakespeare to Nietzsche to the Finnish Kalevala.  Course materials include readings of select passages from literary works, source readings from the writings of composers and critics, and musical scores and existing analyses of these works. Michael Pisani.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 , MUSI 106  and at least MUSI 205  or MUSI 248 , or permission of the instructor.

    One 3-hour period.

  • MUSI 321 - Composer in Focus

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)


    Topic for 2018/19a:  Wolfgang Amadé Mozart. In the two and a quarter centuries since his death, Mozart’s music has come to be cherished for its beauty, its eloquence, its combination of grace and power. In childhood, he was described as “a Prodigy of Nature;” but unlike many prodigies, Mozart fulfilled the promise of his youth, and surpassed it. In this course we  examine Mozart’s eventful life and abundant output, with extensive analysis of individual works in many genres, and discussions of their style, performance, cultural and historical significance. Kathryn Libin.

               

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 , MUSI 106 , MUSI 246  and MUSI 247 , or permission of the instructor.

    One 3-hour period.

  • MUSI 322 - Advanced Studies in Theory


    1 unit(s)
    Analysis of Modern and Contemporary Classical Music. Study of analytical approaches helpful in understanding and performing music of the 20th and 21st centuries. Topics include modal and post-tonal analysis, set theory and serialism, and innovative approaches to rhythm, meter, timbre, texture, and form. The course culminates in individual projects devoted to detailed study of a work of each student’s choosing. Students enhance their abilities to express their understanding of music through essays and presentations commenting on analytical insights and their implications for performance. Jonathan Chenette.

    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 205  and MUSI 248  or permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 323 - Intersections in Music and Literature


    1 unit(s)
    Prerequisite(s): MUSI 105 /MUSI 106 ; MUSI 205 ; MUSI 246 /MUSI 247 , or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

  • MUSI 399 - Senior Independent Work

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)
    Special projects in theory, history, or performance that supplement the curriculum.

    Open to qualified students with permission of department. Proposals for a project must first have the approval of a faculty adviser and then be submitted for departmental approval by the end of the junior year.

Music: Ensembles

In the following six large ensembles (Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Choir, Women’s Chorus, and Madrigal Singers) the first semester is an uncredited prerequisite for the second: credited study is offered only in the second semester. Students wishing to enroll for credit in the second semester must register for the uncredited prerequisite in the first semester. No student should exceed 2 units of this credit in his or her four years at Vassar. Membership is open to all classes and assumes a full year commitment. Admission is by audition.

  • MUSI 038, 138/039, 139 - Jazz Combo

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)


    The study and performance of jazz improvisation. James Osborn.

    Two sections.

    Open to qualified students with the permission of the instructor. Students may register for credit each semester, but no student may exceed 2 units of this credit in his or her four years at Vassar.

  • MUSI 044, 144, 045, 145 - Chamber Music

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)
    The study and performance of selected works from the ensemble repertoire of instrumental or vocal mediums or their combinations. Eduardo Navega.

    Open to qualified students with the permission of the instructor. Students may register for credit each semester, but no student may exceed 2 units of this credit in his or her four years at Vassar.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 048, 049, 149 - Wind Ensemble

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)
    The fifty-member ensemble of students and community players performs works of the wind and band repertoire. Open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion players. James Osborn.

    Open to all students by audition.

    One period per week plus sectional rehearsals.

  • MUSI 050, 051, 151 - Jazz Ensemble

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)
    The jazz ensemble performs literature ranging from the Big Band Era to jazz-rock fusion. Improvisation and ensemble playing in a jazz style are featured. James Osborn.

    Open to all students by audition.

    One period per week.

  • MUSI 052, 053, 153 - Orchestra

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)
    The 60-member orchestra performs masterworks of the symphonic literature. Eduardo Navega.

    Open to all students by audition.

    Two periods per week.

  • MUSI 054, 055, 155 - Women’s Chorus

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)
    The Women’s Chorus is an ensemble of 30-50 women that studies and performs repertoire from the medieval period to the present. The choir performs on campus and occasionally makes concert tours. Christine Howlett.

    Open to all students by audition.

    Three periods per week.

  • MUSI 056, 057, 157 - Choir

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)
    The choir is a mixed ensemble of between 40 and 60 voices that studies and performs choral/orchestral and a cappella literature for a larger chorus from the Renaissance through the present. The choir performs on campus and occasionally makes concert tours. Christine Howlett.

    Open to all students by audition.

    Three periods per week.

  • MUSI 058, 059, 159 - Chamber Singers

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0 or 0.5 unit(s)
    The Chamber Singers is a select mixed ensemble of between 10 and 20 voices that studies and performs literature for solo and chamber vocal ensemble. Ron Bemrich.

    Two 90-minute periods.

  • MUSI 254 - Opera Workshop


    0.5 unit(s)
    The study and performance of selected operatic repertoire. Open to qualified students by audition. Miriam Charney, Drew Minter.

    No student may exceed 2 units of this credit in his or her four years at Vassar.

    Not offered in 2018/19.

Music: Individual Instruction

The music department offers private lessons in most instruments and voice. Enrollment is limited in certain areas of instruction, especially voice. Music majors and students taking lessons for credit will be given preference. Beginners are accepted as instructors’ teaching hours allow.

Some lessons - such as piano, violin, viola, and voice - require auditions at the beginning of the year. Audition sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside Skinner Room 105 the week before classes begin.

Accepted students arrange for private lessons with the instructor and include one 50-minute period per week for a total of thirteen lessons per semester. Lessons require an additional fee per semester (see Fees ) although students on need-based Vassar scholarship qualify for a fee waiver.

Lessons are taught at various levels and the lesson numbers - for example, 137, 237, 337 - reflect the level of study. Lessons may also be taken for non-credit, and these registration numbers begin with zero, as in 037. All students taking lessons, whether or not for credit, must register for them. (See the individual course numbers for your instrument below.)

Course Requirements for Lessons:  All students who take lessons for credit (see Individual Instruction below) are required to take two music courses, preferably before their senior year.  The department strongly believes that music performance in a liberal arts environment should be studied in the context of some knowledge of music history or theory. Therefore, co-requisite courses in music should begin as early as possible, but no later than the third semester of credited study.  Freshman and first-semester sophomores are especially encouraged to take MUSI 101 , 105 , 140 , or 141 . Among the other courses that may count toward the co-requisite are:  MUSI 106 , 136 , 201 , 202 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 217 , 218 , 231 , 238 , and 259 .

Voice (MUSI 063 , 163 , 263 , 363 , 380 ): Courtenay Budd, Christine Howlett, Drew Minter, Mary Nessinger, Robert Osborne, Rachel Rosales, James Ruff.
Piano (MUSI 060 , 160 , 260 , 360 , 380 ): Miriam Charney, Marija Ilic, Anna Polonsky, Thomas Sauer.
Classical Guitar (MUSI 068 , 168 , 268 , 368 , 380 ): Trevor Babb, Yenne Lee.
Flute (MUSI 070 , 170 , 270 , 370 , 380 ): Susan Rotholz.
Oboe (MUSI 071 , 171 , 271 , 371 , 380 ): Cheryl Bishkoff.
Clarinet (MUSI 072 , 172 , 272 , 372 , 380 ): Moran Katz.
Bassoon (MUSI 073 , 173 , 273 , 373 , 380 ): Elisabeth Romano.
Saxophone (MUSI 043 , 143 , 243 , 343 , 380 ): Christopher Brellochs.
French Horn (MUSI 074 , 174 , 274 , 374 , 380 ): Peter Reit.
Trumpet (MUSI 075 , 175 , 275 , 375 , 380 ): James Osborn.
Trombone (MUSI 076 , 176 , 276 , 376 , 380 ): Paul Bellino.
Tuba (MUSI 077 , 177 , 277 , 377 , 380 ): Paul Bellino.
Harp (MUSI 069 , 169 , 269 , 369 , 380 ): Ashley Jackson.
Organ (MUSI 061 , 161 , 261 , 361 , 380 ):  Gail Archer.
Harpsichord (MUSI 062 , 162 , 262 , 362 , 380 ): Gail Archer.
Jazz Guitar (MUSI 034 , 134 , 234 , 334 , 380 ): Mike DeMicco.
Jazz Piano (MUSI 042 , 142 , 242 , 342 , 380 ): Peter Tomlinson.
Percussion (MUSI 078 , 178 , 278 , 378 , 380 ): Frank Cassara, Trey Files.
Violin (MUSI 064 , 164 , 264 , 364 , 380 ): Anna Elashvili, Amy Schroeder.
Viola (MUSI 065 , 165 , 265 , 365 , 380 ): Danielle Farina.
Violoncello (MUSI 066 , 166 , 266 , 366 , 380 ): Yves Dharamraj.
Double Bass (MUSI 067 , 167 , 267 , 367 , 380 ): Phil Helm.
Other Instruments (MUSI 037 , 137 , 237 , 337 , 380 )

  • MUSI 380 - 4th Year Instruction

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    After six full semesters of study in any instrument, all students, no matter which instrument, register for Music 380. Two semesters of study at the 380 level counts as one full credit of senior-level work.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

Music: Itemized List

  • MUSI 034 - Jazz Guitar

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Mike DeMicco.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 037 - Other Instruments

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 042 - Jazz Piano

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Peter Tomlinson.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 043 - Saxophone

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Ed Xiques.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 060 - Piano

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Miriam Charney, Anna Polonsky, Thomas Sauer.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 061 - Organ

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Gail Archer.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 062 - Harpsichord

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Gail Archer.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 063 - Voice

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Courtenay Budd, Drew Mintera, Mary Nessinger, Robert Osborne, Rachel Rosales, James Ruff.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 064 - Violin

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Stephanie Chase, TBA.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 065 - Viola

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Danielle Farina.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 066 - Violoncello

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Sophie Shao.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 067 - Double Bass

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Phil Helm.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 068 - Classical Guitar

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Instructor to be announced.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 069 - Harp

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Ashley Jackson.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 070 - Flute

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Susan Rotholz.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 071 - Oboe

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Cheryl Bishkoff.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 072 - Clarinet

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Moran Katz.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 073 - Bassoon

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Elisabeth Romano.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 074 - French Horn

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Peter Reit.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 075 - Trumpet

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. James Osborn.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 076 - Trombone

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Paul Bellino.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 077 - Tuba

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Paul Bellino.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 078 - Percussion

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0 unit(s)
    Uncredited lessons. Frank Cassara, Trey Files.

    Open to all classes by audition.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 134 - Jazz Guitar

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Mike DeMicco.

    Corequisite(s): Acourse in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 137 - Other Instruments

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 142 - Jazz Piano

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Peter Tomlinson.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 143 - Saxophone

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Ed Xiques.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 160 - Piano

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Miriam Charney, Anna Polonsky, Thomas Sauer.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 161 - Organ

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Gail Archer.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 162 - Harpsichord

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Gail Archer.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 163 - Voice

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Courtenay Budd, Drew Mintera, Mary Nessinger, Robert Osborne, Rachel Rosales, James Ruff.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 164 - Violin

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Stephanie Chase, TBA.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 165 - Viola

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Marka Gustavsson.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 166 - Violoncello

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Sophie Shao.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 167 - Double Bass

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Phil Helm.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 168 - Classical Guitar

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    To be announced.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 169 - Harp

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Ashley Jackson.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 170 - Flute

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Susan Rotholz.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 171 - Oboe

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Cheryl Bishkoff.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 172 - Clarinet

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Moran Katz.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 173 - Bassoon

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Elisabeth Romano.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 174 - French Horn

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    Peter Reit.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

  • MUSI 175 - Trumpet

    Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    James Osborn.

    Corequisite(s): A course in music theory or history should be taken during the first year of credited lessons. MUSI 101 , MUSI 105 , MUSI 140 , or MUSI 141  are strongly recommended.

    Open to all students who have passed the audition or upon recommendation of the instructor.

    One 50-minute period.

    Unscheduled.

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