Graduate courses at Case Western Reserve University are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both theoretical and practical aspects of music. Here’s what these courses typically offer:
Courses for Music Majors
- Music Theory: Students learn the foundational elements of music, including harmony, counterpoint, and form, which are essential for analyzing and creating music.
- Music History: Courses cover the evolution of music across different historical periods, helping students understand various styles, genres, and the cultural context of music.
- Performance Studies: Students receive instruction on their chosen instrument or voice, participating in individual lessons, ensembles, and recitals to develop technical skills and artistry.
- Music Composition and Arranging: These courses teach students how to create and arrange music, providing them with skills to compose original works and adapt existing pieces.
- Music Technology: Students explore the use of technology in music production, including digital audio workstations, recording techniques, and sound design.
- Music Pedagogy: For those interested in teaching, these courses cover methods and approaches for effectively teaching music to various age groups and skill levels.
Courses for Music Education Majors
- Educational Theory and Pedagogy: Students study different teaching methods and educational philosophies, learning how to develop and implement effective music curricula.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Courses focus on techniques for evaluating student progress and assessing the effectiveness of music programs.
- Curriculum Development: Students learn to design music education programs and lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs and educational standards.
- Fieldwork and Practicum: Students gain hands-on teaching experience through supervised placements in schools and community settings, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world environments.
- Music Education Research: Students engage in research related to music education practices, contributing to the field’s knowledge base and staying informed about current trends and issues.
- Conducting and Ensemble Leadership: These courses focus on leading musical ensembles, including conducting techniques and ensemble management.
Overall, undergraduate students benefit from a broad and enriching curriculum that lays a strong foundation for future studies and careers.
Browse Courses in the CWRU General Bulletin
Courses for Music Minors or Non-Majors
Undergraduate students pursuing a major outside of music are invited to add a minor in music to their studies or take any of the recommended courses designed for music minors or non-majors:
Music Theory (MUTH)
- MUTH 103: Music Theory I
- MUTH 104: Music Theory II
- MUTH 319: Jazz Skills (pre-req MUTH 102, MUTH 104 or permission of instructor)
Music History (MUHI) and General Musicianship (MUGN)
- MUGN 201: Intro to Music I: Listening Experience I
- MUGN 212: History of Rock & Roll
- MUGN 308 Digital Music: Composition & Production
- MUGN 310: Russian Song
- MUHI courses at 300 level (by permission of instructor)
- SAGES USSO and USSY courses in Music
Music Education (MUED)
- MUED 305: World Music in Education
- MUED courses at 200 level (by permission of instructor)
Performance Opportunities
- Music Ensembles (MUEN): The Department of Music is pleased to offer a variety of traditional and contemporary music ensembles to undergraduate/graduate students across all academic disciplines, as well as qualified community members.
- Lessons (MUAP 131) and Group Classes (MUSP 100): Applied music lessons and group classes for beginners are available to current CWRU students through our Joint Music Program with the Cleveland Institute of Music.