Program Overview
The music studies minor provides students with insights that can help connect them to professional careers in music. Students will work closely with renowned faculty and recognized professionals in a variety of areas of study.
Degree Offered
- Minor in Music Studies
Contact
Jason Vodicka, D.M.A.
Associate Professor and Associate Dean
Acting Chairperson, Department of Performing Arts
School of Communications, Media and Performing Arts
Lynch Adler, #115
609-896-5246
jvodicka@rider.edu
Program website: Music Studies
Associated Department: Performing Arts
Related Programs
Music Studies Minor
(18 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Music | ||
| MUS 105 | Survey of Music History I | 3 |
| MUS 106 | Survey of Music History II | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select four of the following; at least two must be at the 300 or 400 level: | 12 | |
| Jazz History | ||
| History of Pop and Rock Part I | ||
| History of Pop and Rock Part 2 | ||
| Music of the Theater | ||
| Great Composers | ||
| Black Music in America | ||
| Postmodernism & Popular Culture | ||
| Beethoven and the Romantic Age | ||
| Music of the Beatles | ||
| Contemp Music Experience | ||
| The Music of Radiohead | ||
| Film Music | ||
| Selected Topics in Music | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Course Block
MUS 105 Survey of Music History I 3 Credits
A chronological survey of Western music from the Medieval through the Baroque periods stressing the origin and evolution of musical forms, musical styles, and the important composers before 1750. The relation between the music and the aesthetic movements of each period is studied.
MUS 106 Survey of Music History II 3 Credits
A chronological survey of Western music from the classical through the contemporary periods stressing the origin and evolution of musical forms, musical styles, and the important composers since 1750. The relation between the music and the aesthetic movements of each period is studied.
MUS 204 Jazz History 3 Credits
Survey from 19th C. roots to 21st C. styles. Development of listening skills and overview of musical skills used by jazz performers. Exploration of the relationship between jazz and poetry, race relations, and the reputation of jazz in popular culture.
Prerequisite(s): CMP 120 or CMP 125.
MUS 205 History of Pop and Rock Part I 3 Credits
This course charts the history of popular music from its origins until the 1960s. Looking at performers, song-writers, bands and pop genres we will chart the dynamic evolution of popular music from its roots in the blues, early jazz, ragtime and military band marches to the music of Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. We look at the recording industry and the advent of the gramophone record and the important role of radio and television in expanding the reach of popular music directly into the home, creating a vibrant soundtrack for peoples lives.
MUS 206 History of Pop and Rock Part 2 3 Credits
Description: This course charts the history of popular music from the 1960s to today. Looking at performers, song-writers, bands and pop genres we will chart the dynamic evolution of popular music through Acid Rock, Progressive (Prog) Rock, Hard Rock, Singer-Songwriters, Disco, Reggae, Funk, Punk, Heavy Metal, New Wave, Grunge, Electronica and Rap & Hip-Hop. We look at the development of analog and digital media and how new forms of delivery of product shapes the business model of the industry and beyond.
MUS 208 Music of the Theater 3 Credits
A study of music drama both historical and contemporary covering European opera of the Baroque, classical and romantic periods, and the American musical theatre, especially the contemporary Broadway musical.
MUS 209 Great Composers 3 Credits
A study of selected major composers life, works, and historical significance with an emphasis on the listening experience. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, or others.
MUS 217 Black Music in America 3 Credits
This course covers the history of music made by and/or about African Americans, from minstrel shows to hip-hop and everything in between.
MUS 218 Postmodernism & Popular Culture 3 Credits
This course considers music in light of the ideological trends of postmodernism in order to better understand contemporary music in its cultural context.
MUS 300 Beethoven and the Romantic Age 3 Credits
A study of the Romantic period with particular emphasis on Beethoven. The classical heritage, the transformation of that heritage into romantic terms, the prominent influence of Beethoven on 19th century musical style.
MUS 304 Music of the Beatles 3 Credits
This course is an in-depth analysis of the music and personalities of the Beatles. The student will gain deep insight to the Beatles songs and albums as the course proceeds through the music chronologically. This will be contextualized historically and sociologically where required.
MUS 306 Contemp Music Experience 3 Credits
A survey of European and American musical styles of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Topics include postromantic music, neoclassicism, serialism, electronic music, and the current avant garde.
MUS 307 The Music of Radiohead 3 Credits
This course investigates the music, lyrics, art and marketing strategies of the British so called ”alternative” band, Radiohead, moving song by song through their demos, videos and albums.
MUS 309 Film Music 3 Credits
A study of music in feature film, documentary film, and television. A chronological survey of film music from silent to contemporary film, animated shorts, and television, with emphasis on listening to recorded performance of representative works.
MUS 495 Selected Topics in Music 3 Credits
Studies specialized aspects of the literature, history, or theory of music, to supplement the established curriculum. Emphasis on creative investigative work and individual experiences in music.