This course focuses on critical analyses of and questions concerning the "Black Voice" as it pertains to hip-hop culture, particularly rap and related popular musics. Students will read, analyze, discuss a wide range of thinkers to explore many conceptions and definitions of "Blackness" while examining popular artists and the statements they make in and about their art.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

The course teaches a blended approach to performance, composition and computer programming through the context of a computer music ensemble. Students from various backgrounds work collaboratively in a technological ensemble context while building skills in interactive media programming, sound art design and human-computer interaction. They explore a new way of making ensemble music in collaboration with interactive and networked computer systems.

Individual instruction for Distinguished Major recitalists who wish to spend a year preparing a full-length recital. Prerequisite: At least one semester of instruction at the 3000 level; successful written application to the Distinguished Major Program; successful audition, normally at the end of the semester preceding 4000-level study; and permission of instructor. There is an additional fee for private lessons. Please contact the McIntire Department of Music for information.

Provides intensive instruction in voice or on an instrument, broadens and deepens repertory knowledge, and provides experience in public performance as well as the evaluation of performance. Students perform at least one solo recital per semester. Students write self-evaluations of their performance and receive feedback from instructor. Prerequisite: 1 semester of MUPF and audition. Must simultaneously register for MUPF 3950, 3960, 4950 or 4960.

Performance Instruction for students in the Music Performance Concentration Prerequisite: MUPF 3960. Student must simultaneously register for MUSI 4950: Performance Concentration Seminar.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

A graduate-level seminar in interactive technology for music and multimedia.  Students explore theoretical, creative and practical aspects of programming, composing and performing real-time interactive music with computers. 

Improvisation is prevalent in jazz, creative music, Western new music, hip hop, gospel, and many folk and/or non-Western cultural music traditions. This course focuses on the practice of composing for improvisers. Students will create and perform new works, expand their knowledge of compositional approaches to improvisation, and increase their abilities in open improvisation.

Current Studies in Research and Criticism Prerequisite: Instructor permission.