Music History Faculty at CE

Fredericka King
Stratis Minakakis‡
Hermann Hudde

‡ also College faculty

Certificate Programs

A Certificate of Merit is available in Music History. Check out our Certificates page for more information.

Classes

Music of the World

For more information on this course or to enroll, please visit the Contemporary Improvisation page.

The History of Western Music I:
From the 9th through the early 18th Centuries

Fredericka King, Instructor
Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm
2 Credits: $1450
Non-credit: $980
FALL SEMESTER ONLY

The recorded history of music in Christianized Europe begins with the notation of sacred chant in the 9th century. The development of that repertory over the next several centuries laid the foundations on which the composition of music, sacred and secular, was based for generations to come. We will trace in this class the course of music's development from its long gestation in the bosom of the Church through its phases of courtly and aristocratic patronage, stopping at the Enlightenment. The focus of study will center on the changes of musical style that occurred over time, and on the social-cultural circumstances that engendered those changes. Among the composers to be studied: Perotin, Machaut, Dufay, Josquin, Palestrina, Monteverdi, Lully, Corelli, Bach, and Handel. There will be a mid-term and final exam, and one written critique of an assigned reading.

The History of Western Music II: From the Enlightenment to Recent Times

Fredericka King, Instructor
Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm
2 Credits: $1450
Non-credit: $980
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

Many of the notions we hold today regarding music and its role in society are rooted in ideas that emerged in the Enlightenment of the 18th century. We will begin with a close study of those ideas and the music it fostered, then follow the rise of music to its preeminent role among the arts in the 19th century. Finally, we will explore the alternative paths composers pursued following the rupture with tonality and with conventional views on music at the start of the 20th century. Works from Bach to Babbitt will be included in our survey. There will be a mid-term and final exam, and one short writing assignment--optional for non-credit students.

Experiencing American Popular Music

Fredericka King, Instructor
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

This course is available as an online course only and will be taught asynchronously thus allowing students the flexibility to attend and complete coursework that fits one's schedule. Weekly online discussions with fellow students and the instructor will be expected. Assignments are also completed on a weekly basis. This online course is intended to help you think creatively and critically about popular music. We will study the most significant styles of American music in chronological order, beginning with the roots in the 19th century and continuing through the present day. We will explore several recurring themes throughout the course utilizing recordings, film and video examples of:

The interaction of European American, African American, and Latin American traditions
The influence of mass media and technology (printing, recording, radio, video, Internet)
The role of popular music as a symbol of identity (race, class, gender, generation)

The course will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the music you already know, as well as introduce you to less familiar styles and genres. You will develop critical listening skills and become more informed consumers of popular music. This course fulfills the Music History/Literature requirement for Certificate Students. Any specific questions regarding this online course should be directed to julian.couture@necmusic.edu.

The Art and Soul of Cinema: An Appreciation of Film Music

This course explains the various functions of music in film and clearly describes the roles of producers, directors and all other roles in cinema and shows how they each relate to the composer and the musical score for a given film. The evolution of film music from 1895 to the present is discussed and examined covering many of the representative film scores, film composers and styles and trends along the journey. Functions of film scoring and the operational aspects of the film music industry are also discussed along with interviews of music editors, orchestrators, film music agents, studio musicians, music copyists, music contractors and others within the business. Composers will be further examined using video and audio excerpts, representative scores, biography and a listing of the composer’s recognizable compositional style. This course is a must for movie goers, composers and film music enthusiasts. This course fulfills the Music History/Literature requirement for Certificate Students.

For more information or to register, please see the Film Music page.