Department Handbook: Music

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Music Department Specific Info: Major Requirements | Curriculum | Courses | Course Descriptions | Certificate Programs | Enrollment | Degree Requirement Worksheets | Practice Modules & Studios | Exam Exemptions | Fees | Organizations | Resources | Music Awards | Faculty Bios | How to Succeed as a Music Student |

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Courses

Studies Courses
The department gives special attention to the twentieth century and to music in the contemporary world. Studies in ethnomusicology explore music and musical life in various social and cultural contexts. Upper-level courses include studies of particular historical and cultural areas, analysis, the effects of sound on human processes, and the application of digital technology to various contemporary issues.

Studio Courses

  • Theory Courses
    Theory courses deal intensively with traditional and contemporary practices, including jazz and non-Western musics. Upper-level musicianship courses develop advanced rhythmic skills, aural acuity, and facility in score reading and conducting.

  • Performance Courses
    Qualified students may select from a number of performance areas which include:
    • traditional and contemporary chamber music repertoires, andtechniques of Contemporary Improvisation
    • World Music, Jazz Studies, Classical Piano, and Piano Improvisation
    • Instruction and coaching is provided in small ensembles
    • Individual lessons are offered in Classical Performance, Piano Improvisation, Classical Piano, Jazz and World Music.
  • Students in performance may participate in one of the following Major ensembles:
    • York University Wind Symphony
    • the York University Concert Choir
    • the York University Women's Chorus
    • York University Symphony Orchestra
    • Chamber Choir
    • York University Jazz Orchestra and
    • York University Jazz Choir.

  • Composition Courses
    In composition courses, students may work with acoustic, electronic, or digital media, and may study instrumentation and arranging, jazz composition, free-form improvisation, MIDI technology, songwriting, forms of notation, digital composition, digital editing and recording, and composition.

Official course descriptions are available in the York University Undergraduate Calendar.