Discovering Music Creatively:
Composition for the Novice (MUSC 116)

Most music appreciation courses are organized as historical studies of great works of music. This course takes an amazingly fresh approach to music "appreciation," exploring the secrets of musical expression from the inside out--hands on. Not only will this approach satisfy much of your intellectual curiosity about the nature of music, it may help you uncover some life-changing keys to personal creativity!

Music majors need not apply (those wishing a technical composition course should take Introduction to Composition, MUSC 230), because Discovering Music Creatively is designed specifically for the novice; some students in the class may never have read music or played an instrument. The class is small, allowing for personal interaction with the teacher in a nurturing "workshop" environment. You will be guided through a carefully structured series of projects, based upon models from the classical masters, to "create your own" compositions. Best of all, as you learn to unleash your creative spirit, you will hear your own music performed live in class by music performance majors.

Surrounding these musical activities will be readings, stimulating discussions, and glimpses into the world of the contemporary classical music scene. This popular course is taught by an active, award-winning composer, Michael Kurek, chair of Blair's composition/theory department.

"His ability to teach his craft of composition is unparalleled. I will always remember this class at Vanderbilt as one in which I learned the most. Thank you."
--former student, on a course evaluation form

Credit?
Arts and Science--elective
Engineering--humanities
Peabody--humanities


Return to Music to Go or go to Exploring the Film Soundtrack.