Critical Concepts in Music Theory

3 Credits

This seminar excavates and rebuilds some foundational concepts in music theory from a research perspective. Over the course of the term we will probe, problematize, enrich, and reconstruct our understanding of critical concepts such as pitch, timbre, texture, interval, scale, tonic, key, harmonic function, music analysis, meter, cadence, phrase, and form as these are deconstructed and recreated at a research level by contemporary music theorists. This advanced readings course is designed for the inquisitive student who is prepared to engage in sustained, thoughtful, and lively discussion of ideas often presumed as basic knowledge.