The University Senate of
Michigan Technological University
Visual and Performing Arts Department Degree Proposal
Proposal 19-11
(Voting
Units: Academic)
“Minor in Music Composition”
1. Introduction:
The minor
in Music Composition integrates traditional studies in music theory,
orchestration and composition with current technologies in sound design and
audio production, embracing the Michigan Technological University vision and
mission of melding its technological resources with Science and Arts resources.
This minor would be available to all students, but the primary goal of creating
the minor in music composition is to enhance our existing majors of Sound
Design and Audio production. It would provide our majors with additional skills
in the area of music composition, focusing on media, including live theatre and
entertainment; documentary; industrial, and educational film/video; digital
arts; and gaming performance.
2. Rationale:
The
Department of Visual and Performing Arts currently awards two degrees that
require expertise in the area of composition: Sound Design and Audio
Production. Few universities offering these degrees require music courses as
part of the major and most provide little or no training in the area of
composition despite the fact that students are required to compose music when
employed. Michigan Tech would be unique in that our students, unlike those in
other Sound Design Programs, may receive training in this area, thus providing
them with a competitive edge in the workforce. It is anticipated that about 12
students will initially enroll in this minor, and in the future it is possible
that all Sound Design majors (currently 20) will enroll in this minor.
In the
region no other colleges or universities offer a minor in music composition. Of
the nine universities surveyed, seven offered a minor in general music. Five of
these schools offer no courses in composition.
While
most of the degree programs in Sound Design/Audio Production do not require or
even offer music courses to students in their programs, a very few (Savannah
College of Art and Design and Cal Poly) require music courses as part of the
degree. These universities recognize the importance of music courses, and
especially composition courses, as part of the curriculum. The only benchmark
institution that offers a BA in Sound Design and also offers a minor in Music
Composition is Carnegie Mellon making the minor in music composition combined
with a BA in Sound Design unique among regional, benchmark and national institutions.
3.
Details of Catalog Copy:
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I. |
Title
of Minor:: Music Composition |
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II. |
Catalog
Description: The
minor in Music Composition integrates traditional studies in music theory,
orchestration, form analysis and composition with current technologies in
sound design and audio production. The emphasis is both on techniques of
traditional contemporary composition and composition for media including live
theatre; entertainment; documentary, industrial, and educational film/video;
digital arts, and gaming performance. |
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III. |
List
of Courses |
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a) |
Required
Courses: |
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FA
2500 Music Theory I |
3 |
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FA
3530 Music Theory II |
3 |
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FA
3560 Music History |
3 |
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FA
3112 Techniques of Contemporary Composition |
3 |
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FA
3122 Composition for Media |
3 |
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FA
4970 Final Project |
1 |
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b) |
Elective
Courses: |
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Performing
Ensemble (see list below) |
1 |
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Performance
ensemble requirement to be fulfilled by the R&D Big Band, Jazz Lab Band,
Jazz Combo, Jazz Improvisation, Pep Band, University Chorus, Superior Winds
or Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra or Chamber Music. |
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c) |
Total
Program Credit Hours |
17
Credits |
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IV. |
Prerequisites: None. FA 2500 has no prerequisites and is the
prerequisite for the courses in the minor. |
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4. New
Course Descriptions:
Two new courses were created for students
interested in composition. These form the advanced courses in the formal minor.
FA 3112 –
Techniques of Contemporary Composition has been designed as a study in the art
of acoustic instrumental, vocal and MIDI composition. Topics that will be explored
include the study of musical styles, forms, orchestration and esthetics. We
will look at music of pre-20th Century and contemporary composers and explore
how this music is relevant to our own. Prerequisite: FA 2500.
FA 3122 –
Composition for Media has been designed as a continuation of Techniques of
Contemporary Composition. Students will continue to study contemporary
compositional techniques and apply these techniques to composition for media –
including theatre, television and digital cinema and gaming performance. Prerequisite:
FA 2500.
5.
Estimated Costs:
Facilities
and Equipment – Facilities and equipment are already available for the teaching
of this program. No additional resources will be required.
Personnel
– The cost of a part-time instructor to teach two composition courses will be
supported by the Department. No additional expense will be incurred by the
University.
6.
Planned Implementation Date:
Fall 2011
Adopted by Senate: 23 March 2011
Approved by Administration: 31 March 2011