MUSC 374 Analysis for Performance
This course seeks to strengthen the connection between music theory and music history instruction and performance instruction by bringing the former to bear on the latter: how can our knowledge of music theory and history be mobilized to analyze the pieces we perform and lead to more intentional, informed performances? The course will be divided into three units. The first unit will have students analyze selected instrumental and vocal pieces and then study several different recordings of each piece to assess how these recordings align with their analyses. In the second unit, students will choose a piece that they are preparing for performance, analyze that piece, and then workshop their analysis-informed performance of that piece in class. In the third and final unit, students will write about the pieces they are performing. For Music majors with a performance concentration, this will consist of learning the genre of the program note and writing program notes. For all other students, this will consist of writing a performance-informed analysis essay. All students are required to perform in class, regardless of ability level. Prerequisite: MUSC 151/151A. May be repeated once for credit.