Courses

This seminar provides both theoretical and technological foundations on ways of producing unique sounds using acoustic instruments — often in tandem with digitally processed or sampled sound. The course also introduces students to the concept of sampling and the creation of custom-made sample libraries, as well as the process of writing music for improvisers (jazz combo, soloists, etc.)

This seminar explores the ins-and-outs of writing for small ensemble and electronics. Students explore each instrument, pertinent repertoire and musical examples; compose a piece for an ensemble-in-residence; premiere works in a concert setting; and have works recorded by the ensemble. Through interactions with the ensemble-in-residence, compositions will be developed in three stages:
early semester brainstorming; mid semester reading; dress rehearsals before the final concert.

This seminar explores the ins-and-outs of writing for small ensemble and electronics. Students explore each instrument, pertinent repertoire and musical examples; compose a piece for an ensemble-in-residence; premiere works in a concert setting; and have works recorded by the ensemble. Through interactions with the ensemble-in-residence, compositions will be developed in three stages:
early semester brainstorming; mid semester reading; dress rehearsals before the final concert.

In search of new musical possibilities, we challenge established compositional parameters, tools, and techniques; examine perceptual dynamics; and explore aesthetics of extreme, fringe, forgotten, and less-known genres and works. We draw parallels between avant-garde music and multimedia across time, place, and style. Weekly projects culminate in our innOVATION performance at the cutting-edge Audio Lab (50 speakers, 4 screens). Our inclusive approach to sonic, technological, structural, and conceptual experimentation welcomes creative minds from different programs.

Focuses on developing a personal musical language, compositional skills, and self-
presentation - all key factors in developing a presence in the field of Music Composition. Students create new works for the NYU Contemporary Ensemble. The course includes student presentations of their works-in-progress, presentations of previous works, and engagement with the ensemble. Critique/feedback is offered on form, aesthetics, orchestration, and developing an individual voice, as well as on how composers articulate their ideas to the public.

This is the first of a two-seminar sequence that provides analytical and practical approaches to composition for the string quartet. Over the course of two semesters students write a progressive series of studies starting with a solo, followed by a duo, trio and finally a full quartet. Professional musicians workshop these pieces in class, culminating in a concert by a guest quartet in residence. Interwoven with these workshops students analyze and discuss contemporary quartet repertoire from the past 50 years.

This is the second of a two-seminar sequence that provides both analytical and practical approaches to composition for the string quartet. This seminar includes workshops and performances of a full composition for String Quartet as well as student presentations on selected contemporary quartet repertoire.

This is the second of a two-seminar sequence that provides both analytical and practical approaches to composition for the string quartet. This seminar includes workshops and performances of a full composition for String Quartet as well as student presentations on selected contemporary quartet repertoire.

Under this general title various courses will be offered that explore music theoretic and analytical topics of current interest. These topics will range from (i) the study and application of an important theoretical framework or analytical approach, to (ii) the close examination of a particular repertory and the theoretical/analytical tools developed for it.

This course centers on in-depth study of tonal forms from the 18th and 19th centuries. Students will engage with major repertoire from the tonal canon starting at the phrase level and ending with analyses of full-length works. A major emphasis of this course is engaging with deformations of the tonal models, developing strategies for analyzing new works, and effectively articulating a work's underlying narrative in formal theoretical writing. Explorations into later tonal styles will also occur later in the semester.

Our senses are inextricably linked. Sounds can create the illusion of visual movement, a pianist’s gestures alter the way we perceive duration, a change in musical timbre can make a cup of coffee taste more bitter, and the flash of an object can make an unnoticed sound audible. Drawing on research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, this course explores the dynamic way our senses influence our experience of music and multimedia. Through class discussions and projects, students apply research in multisensory perception to their own area of specialization.

Modern music theory employs a wide array of analytical techniques that contribute
to the understanding of many different musical styles, including classical Western, popular, Jazz and post-tonal music. This course explores the most important and widely used techniques, clearly defining their scope, applicability, and integration into the research workflow. Cultivating independent research skills, the course equips students to navigate relevant scholarly literature and engage with analytical techniques in a manner tailored to their specific projects.

Examination of selected theories of psychotherapy, including metatheories in clinical and counseling psychology with a focus on evidence-based practice (utilizing best available research, clinician expertise, and the context of client characteristics, culture, and preferences) in psychotherapy. Students will develop their own personal theoretical and practice orientations.

Course examines and critiques the conceptual and empirical literature on career from a contextual perspective that includes the radical changes occurring in the social context of work in contemporary times. A focus of the course will be the design of educational and therapeutic practices responsive to this social context as well as the research needed to inform these practices.

This course will provide students with a thorough grounding in Heinrich Schenker's theory of tonal structure. The associated analytical technique will be developed through weekly assignments and a final project. A number of specialized topics - including the theory's implications to performance, composition, and improvisation - will be explored through readings from the Schenkerian literature.

This course enables the student to integrate knowledge in physical therapy with motor learning, human growth and development, nutrition, pharmacology, medical diagnostic techniques, orthopedic surgery and performance as a disabled athlete and their impact on the musculoskeletal system.

This course will explore semiotics & performance theory by comparing the modes of performance used in media (including television, film, radio, advertising, theater, music & visual art) with social performance in general. Readings will draw from classic & contemporary work in semiotics, performance theory & linguistic anthropology, analyzing media & art forms from around the world.
Students will engage with the theoretical concepts & analytical models encountered in class by applying them to a media form, performance or piece of art of their own choosing.

Seminar for students who have been approved by the department to pursue honors in the major. Extended primary research in Media Studies, focusing on the development and workshopping of individual research projects. Students enroll concurrently in two credits of independent study under the direction of a faculty honors sponsor, as outlined in departmental guidelines.

This course is a seminar for students pursuing Honors Research in Teaching and Learning. It will guide students through the processes of selecting an area of educational inquiry, developing research questions, choosing and implementing appropriate methodologies, building outlines, developing bibliographies, writing literature reviews, and preparing drafts. During the first semester this seminar will meet regularly, as students develop their projects. During the spring semester students will work independently on their projects under the direction of individual faculty supervisors, with whom they will hold regular meetings.

Seminar for students pursuing Honors Research in Teaching and Learning. Guides students through the processes of selecting an area of educational inquiry, developing research questions, choosing and implementing appropriate methodologies, building outlines, developing bibliographies, writing literature reviews, and preparing drafts. During the first semester, this seminar meets regularly, as students develop their projects. During the spring semester, students work independently on their projects under the direction of individual faculty supervisors, with whom they hold regular meetings, and then come together with their classmates for give scheduled meetings.