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Theory & Composition - Musical Meaning

Thinking deeply about what makes musical expression possible is as essential to the performer and listener as it is to the composer because it expands and strengthens one's musical imagination. In theory, we discover ways that the most fundamental nuts and bolts elements of harmony, rhythm, and melody can be combined to create all kinds of musical effects. By engaging in such study, we meet opportunities to delight in a realm of God's creation that the general listener can only vaguely appreciate.

About

Music TheoryAs several music courses at Calvin include composition projects, all of our music majors and minors get some exposure to writing original music. Anyone who wants to study composition more intensely and has completed Theory III is welcome to take courses in composition. A good primer course for composition is Tonal Counterpoint (MUS 312), which includes weekly exercises and several large projects.
Students who major in composition generally do so in preparation of further study in graduate school. To this end, the recommended projects for each level are intended to help each student build a representative portfolio.

317

1) a short set of piano variations
2) a single movement song on a text you choose (no longer than the length of a sonnet) for piano and voice

318

1) a 2–3 movement song for piano, voice, and one instrument
2) a 3–5 minute composition for a group of at least 5 instruments

319

1) a string quartet in three movements

In addition to the projects listed above, advanced students have written music for our larger ensembles, a practice which is encouraged by our conductors.

Example Course Sequence

Descriptions of each course and the most up-to-date requirements can be found in the College Catalog.

fall term spring term

freshman
MUS 105 Introduction to Music MUS 108 Music Theory I
  piano lessons*   piano lessons*
       

sophomore
MUS 207 Music Theory II MUS 208 Music Theory III
MUS 213 Aural Perception MUS 206 Music History II
MUS 205 Music History I MUS 312 Tonal Counterpoint
  piano lessons*   piano lessons*
       

junior
MUS 305 Music History III MUS 308 Order, Meaning & Function
MUS 317 Composition Seminar MUS 318 Private Composition Lessons
MUS 307 Form & Syntax   ensemble*
  ensemble*    
       

senior
MUS 319 Private Composition Lessons**   ensemble*
  ensemble*   electives
  electives    
       

• Eight semesters of MUSC 180 are required of all music majors.
• Green fields are required of all music majors; blue fields are particular for composers, except for the piano lesson/ensemble requirement (see next point).
• The normal requirement for music majors is eight ensemble credits. Composition majors, though, are only required to take four ensemble credits, but encouraged to take more. Composition majors must take at least 2 semesters of 131, 141, 151, 161, 171, or 191. Replacing the other four required credits are piano lessons, which must be taken for four semesters (regardless of the credit level). Ensemble and piano lessons may be taken at any time during the four years.
• Required electives often include advanced conducting, instrumentation, orchestration, church music, and independent study.
• MUS 319 is not required for a composition major, however, most composition students are eager to get as much composition experience as possible.