full course catalog commercial music …...various songwriting methodologies and lyric writing...

FULL COURSE CATALOG

COMMERCIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE COMMERICAL SONGWRITING

MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES

2018-19

Bachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Music Performance (Drums, Bass, Guitar, or Vocals) page 1/2

DEGREES OFFERED BY MSU DENVER at DIMEBachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Music Performance (Drums, Bass, Guitar, Vocals)

DIME Detroit is custom built for serious musicians who desire a long-term, professional career in today’s musicindustry. The courses are designed to build strong musical foundations, which allow students to seizeopportunities for long and sustained careers. Through a partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver,students at DIME Detroit can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Music Performance.

Cr. 2nd Semester Cr.MUS 1910MUS 1858MUS 3840MUS 1010MUS 161BMUS 1000CAS 1010MUS 0020

Techniques and Improv. IPre-ProductionLive Performance WorkshopEssential Music Theory SkillsClass Piano IIntroduction to MusicPublic SpeakingRecital Attendance

31121330

MUS 1920MUS 1858MUS 3840MUS 1110MUS 1120MTH 1080ENG 1010MUS 0020

Techniques and Improv. IIPre-ProductionLive Performance WorkshopMusic Theory IMusic Theory Lab IMathematics for Liberal ArtsComposing ArgumentsRecital Attendance

31131330

Total 14 Total 153rd Semester

1st Semester

Cr. 4th Semester Cr.MUS 2840MUS 2910MUS 2850MUS 3836MUS 1130MUS 1140ENG 1020MUS 0020

Session Styles IInterm. Techniques and Improv. IArtist Inquiry IEnsemble (Pop & Soul Choir)Music Theory IIMusic Theory Lab IIResearch and Argument WritingRecital Attendance

23313130

MUS 2842MUS 2920MUS 2852MUS 3835HIST 1220ARTH1500MUS 0020

Session Styles IIInterm. Techniques & Improv. IIArtist Inquiry IIEnsemble (African Drum & Dance)American History since 1865Art and Visual LiteracyRecital Attendance

2331330

Total 16 Total 155th Semester Cr. 6th Semester Cr.MUS 3910MUS 1890MUS 3050MUS 3878MUS 3810NUT 2040MUS 0020

Adv. Techniques & Improv. IDomestic Music MarketMusics of the WorldGroup RecitalEnsembleIntroduction to NutritionRecital Attendance

3332130

MUS 3920MUS 3878MUS 3020MUS 3810THE 3213

JRN 1010MUS 0020

Adv. Techniques & Improv. IIGroup RecitalJazz Styles – America’s MusicEnsembleStaging Cultures: Theatre, Drama &MulticulturalismIntro to Journalism & Mass MediaRecital Attendance

32313

30

Total 15 Total

15

cont...

UPDATED 08/27/18

www.dime-detroit.com [email protected] 313-223-1600

7th Semester Cr. 8th Semester Cr.MUS 4920MUS 4910MUS 3850XXX XXXXMUS 3810PHY 3620MUS 0020

Personal ExpressionTechniques PracticumCommercial Composition & ArrangingElectiveEnsembleSound and MusicRecital Attendance

3333130

MUS 4890MUS 4899XXX XXXXXXX XXXXMKT 2010MUS 0020

Senior Recital PerformanceCommercial Music CapstoneElectiveElectiveMarketing Around the GlobeRecital Attendance

333230

Total 16 Total 14

15

Bachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Songwriting page 1/2

1st Semester Cr. 2nd Semester Cr.MUS 1866MUS 1862MUS 1860MUS 1010MUS 161BMUS 1000CAS 1010MUS 0020

Lyric WritingFoundations of Songwriting ILive Songwriting WorkshopEssential Music Theory SkillsClass Piano IIntroduction to MusicPublic SpeakingRecital Attendance

22221330

MUS 1864MUS 1860MUS 1110MUS 1120MTH 1080ENG 1010MUS 0020

Foundations of Songwriting IILive Songwriting WorkshopMusic Theory IMusic Theory Lab IMathematics for Liberal ArtsComposing ArgumentsRecital Attendance

2231330

Total 15 Total 143rd Semester Cr. 4th Semester Cr.MUS 2865MUS 2860MUS 2940MUS 3836MUS 1130MUS 1140ENG 1020MUS 0020

Advanced Lyric WritingNotation and Chart WritingGroup Performance Instruction IEnsemble (Pop & Soul Choir)Music Theory IIMusic Theory Lab IIResearch and Argument WritingRecital Attendance

23213130

MUS 2862MUS 2866MUS 3860MUS 2950MUS 3835HIST 1220ARTH 1500MUS 0020

Song Arrangement IWriting for ArtistsCommercial Electronic MusicGroup Perform. Instruction IIEnsemble (African Drum & Dance)American History since 1865Art and Visual LiteracyRecital Attendance

23321330


Song Arrangement IIGroup Performance Instruction IIIDomestic Music MarketMusics of the WorldEnsembleIntroduction to NutritionRecital Attendance

2233130


JRN 1010MUS 0020

Advanced SongwritingJazz Styles – America’s MusicGroup Perform. Instruction IVEnsembleStaging Cultures: Theatre, Drama &MulticulturalismIntro. to Journalism & Mass MediaRecital Attendance

33213

30

Total 14 Total 15

UPDATED 08/27/18


DEGREES OFFERED BY MSU DENVER at DIMEBachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Songwriting

DIME Detroit is custom built for serious musicians who desire a long-term, professional career in today’s musicindustry. The courses are designed to build strong musical foundations, which allow students to seizeopportunities for long and sustained careers. Through a partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver,students at DIME Detroit can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music: Commercial Songwriting.

7th Semester Cr. 8th Semester Cr.MUS 4860MUS 4862MUS 4888MUS 3888PHY 3620MUS 0020

Co-WritingWriting for Film/TVMusic Publishing and Copyright LawFundamentals of Record ProductionSound and MusicRecital Attendance

333330

MUS 4892MUS 4899XXX XXXXXXX XXXXMKT 2010MUS 0020

Songwriting PortfolioCommercial Music CapstoneElectiveElectiveMarketing Around the GlobeRecital Attendance

333330

Total 15 Total 15

Bachelor of Arts in Music: Music Industry Studies page 1/2

Cr. 2nd Semester Cr.MUS 1880MUS 1890MUS 1000MUS 161BMUS 1010CAS 1010MUS 0020

Repertoire & Hit Song AnalysisDomestic Music MarketIntroduction to MusicClass Piano IEssential Music Theory SkillsPublic SpeakingRecital Attendance

2331230

MUS 1892MUS 1110MUS 1120MTH 1080ENG 1010MUS 0020

Artist Discovery & DevelopmentMusic Theory IMusic Theory Lab IMathematics for Liberal ArtsComposing ArgumentsRecital Attendance

331330

Total 14 Total 133rd Semester Cr. 4th Semester Cr.MUS 2880MUS 2886MUS 1130MUS 1140MUS 2940MUS 3836ENG 1020MUS 0020

Self Employment Skills in MusicMusic Industry Income StreamsMusic Theory IIMusic Theory Lab IIGroup Performance Instruction IEnsemble (Pop and Soul Choir)Research and Argument WritingRecital Attendance

32312130

MUS 2888MUS 2882MUS 2950MUS 3835ARTH 1500HIST 1220MUS 0020

International Music MarketEstablishing an ArtistGroup Perform. Instruction IIEnsemble (African Drum & Dance)Art and Visual LiteracyAmerican History since 1865Recital Attendance

3321330


Live Tour ManagementArtist Deal SuiteThe Politics of Artists & RepertoireMusics of the WorldEnsembleIntroduction to NutritionRecital Attendance

3333130


JRN 1010MUS 0020

Music Ind. Contract NegotiationManaging an Established ActJazz Styles – America’s MusicEnsembleStaging Cultures: Theatre, Drama &MulticulturalismIntro. to Journalism & Mass MediaRecital Attendance

33313

30

Total 16 Total

UPDATED 08/27/18


DEGREES OFFERED BY MSU DENVER at DIMEBachelor of Arts in Music: Music industry Studies

DIME Detroit is custom built for serious musicians who desire a long-term, professional career in today’s musicindustry. The courses are designed to build strong musical foundations, which allow students to seizeopportunities for long and sustained careers. Through a partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver,students at DIME Detroit can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music: Music Industry Studies.

1st Semester

7th Semester Cr. 8th Semester Cr.MUS 4880MUS 4882MUS 3888MUS 4888MUS 3810PHY 3620MUS 0020

Record Label OperationsMusic Industry Event ManagementFundamentals of Record ProductionMusic Publishing and Copyright LawEnsembleSound and MusicRecital Attendance

3333130

MUS 4884MUS 4899XXX XXXXXXX XXXXMUS 3810MKT 2010MUS 0020

Music Industry Case Study ResearchCommercial Music CapstoneElectiveElectiveEnsembleMarketing Around the GlobeRecital Attendance

3332130

Total 16 Total 15

16

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RECITAL ATTENDANCE Recital Attendance CREDITS: 0

Students must attend 6 DIME Masterclasses and 2 outside events, not related to their major. Students must enroll during each semester and must receive a “Satisfactory” grade.

ENSEMBLE Ensembles run in semesters 3-8 of the degree program. Ensemble participation is required for six semesters (MIS), five semesters (CMP), and four semesters (CSW) and must include MUS 3835: African Drum and Dance Ensemble or MUS 3836: Pop and Soul Choir (details below). Fall Semester: Pop & Soul Choir CREDITS: 1 This ensemble class focuses on singing in a group setting, teaching students primarily about vocal technique, vocal health, vocal blend, harmony singing, dynamics, phrasing, and group dynamics. This class includes repertoire ranging from contemporary popular music to classic soul. Note: This course may be repeated for credit.

Spring Semester: African Drum & Dance CREDITS: 1

This ensemble introduces the varied and rich musical traditions of Africa and the African diasporas through participation and performance. The course focuses on the development of a variety of drumming and dance techniques, while cultivating a program of pieces for performance at the end of the semester. No previous musical experience is required, and it is a non-auditioned ensemble and open to all students regardless of their major. Note: This course may be repeated for credit.

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FRESHMAN: YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1 MUSIC CORE CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Essentials of Music Theory CREDITS: 2

This course covers the techniques of music reading, analysis, and hearing skills by teaching the fundamental principles of meter, rhythm, pitch scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, seventh chords and the keyboard. The application of traditional sight-reading and ear-training techniques are emphasized. This course is designed to prepare music majors, musical theatre majors, and music minors for MUS 1110.

Introduction to Music CREDITS: 3

This course will investigate the function, structure, style and genre classifications, and aesthetic interpretations of a diverse variety of musical traditions. The student will develop and employ a vocabulary for musical description and listen to many different traditions of musical expression. This course is intended for non-music majors.

GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Public Speaking CREDITS: 3

This course integrates both the theory and practical skills of topic research, composition, delivery, and criticism of public speaking. Skill development includes effective public presentation strategies and audience analysis. Students develop critical listening skills by evaluating their own public-speaking style, as well as the effectiveness of their peers and professional speakers. This course builds public-speaking confidence and introduces the student to the power of public rhetoric in social and professional contexts.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERICAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Techniques & Improvisation I CREDITS: 3

This course provides students the opportunity to build a solid foundation of facility on their chosen instrument through a logical progression of exercises and application. Students are challenged to experiment with basic techniques to begin to develop a creative approach to improvisation. Students situate technical vocabulary and improvisational skills within a variety of musical contexts across numerous genres. Students develop a comprehensive method for practicing productively, keeping track of their own progress as they critically reflect on it. Group lectures are enhanced with masterclasses and opportunities for one-on-one tutorial sessions

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Pre-Production CREDITS: 1 This course is a forum to work in instrumental specialist groups (i.e. guitar, bass, drums, vocals) to dissect, analyze, and learn the particular technical aspects of the Live Performance Workshop song for any given week. Students may be asked to create charts for songs, learn passages by ear, and demonstrate a range of techniques and skills to perform a particular song with musical authenticity and accuracy.

Live Performance Workshop (LPW) CREDITS: 1 Also called “LPW,” this course prepares students to play live, on-stage with professional equipment to the highest musical standards. Using songs prepared in MUS 1858 Pre-Production, students perform in various live group sessions in which musical communication, performance ability, stage presence, and sound design are modeled by instructors who will provide feedback. This course can be repeated for credit.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERICAL SONGWRITING Lyric Writing CREDITS: 2 This course introduces students to a range of basic lyric writing techniques, methodologies, and practices. Students learn to take inspiration from a range of stimuli and structure songs in coherent and productive ways. While focusing on developing a student’s unique voice, students analyze successful lyricists of the past to draw out their styles, conventions, and methods. Students build a workbook of original lyrics, starting with raw material and ending with several finished songs. Throughout the course, students critically reflect on their lyric writing, creating self-awareness of their own style and voice.

Foundations of Songwriting I CREDITS: 2 This course introduces students to a range of basic lyric writing techniques, methodologies, and practices. Students learn to take inspiration from a range of stimuli and structure songs in coherent and productive ways. While focusing on developing a student’s unique voice, students analyze successful lyricists of the past to draw out their styles, conventions, and methods. Students build a workbook of original lyrics, starting with raw material and ending with several finished songs. Throughout the course, students critically reflect on their lyric writing, creating self-awareness of their own style and voice.

Live Songwriting Workshop CREDITS: 2 Within this course, students develop original songs to a professional standard. Students work in small groups, writing several songs to specific briefs; thus, students put into practice various songwriting methodologies and lyric writing techniques. Students also analyze the work of various professional songwriters to gain a better understanding of their creative processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding the qualities of specific genres and writing to those specifications.

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DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES Repertoire & Hit Song Analysis CREDITS: 2

This course serves as a basic introduction to A&R (artist and repertoire) practice, focusing on the question: what makes a song a hit? In exploring this question, students learn to identify musical attributes of hit songs from popular 20th century music; students gain a basic understanding of the music business infrastructure that contributed to the success of various songs and artists. The course examines a number of record labels, including, most notably, their A&R departments, to investigate how these labels chose, produced, and marketed their catalogs of hit songs. Students also analyze numerous classic and contemporary hit songs in relation to their basic sonic qualities, promotional campaigns and label support, as well as their social and historical contexts.

Domestic Music Market CREDITS: 3

This course serves as a basic introduction to A&R (artist and repertoire) practice, focusing on the question: what makes a song a hit? In exploring this question, students learn to identify musical attributes of hit songs from popular 20th century music; students gain a basic understanding of the music business infrastructure that contributed to the success of various songs and artists. The course examines a number of record labels, including, most notably, their A&R departments, to investigate how these labels chose, produced, and marketed their catalogs of hit songs. Students also analyze numerous classic and contemporary hit songs in relation to their basic sonic qualities, promotional campaigns and label support, as well as their social and historical contexts.

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FRESHMAN: YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2 MUSIC CORE CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Music Theory I CREDITS: 3

This course is the study of the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, and formal elements of music through analysis and composition, and the development of reading and hearing skills as they relate to these elements. It covers the elements of diatonic music commonly found in classical, jazz, and popular music styles, including Roman numeral and lead sheet analysis, and phrase structure and grouping. Aural and visual recognition of materials is emphasized.

Music Theory Lab I CREDITS: 1

Students apply reading and hearing skills to the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, and formal elements of music through singing, counting, and the use of the piano keyboard. This course covers diatonic music based on the triad.

GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Mathematics for Liberal Arts CREDITS: 3

This course is an introduction to the spirit and methods of mathematics. It includes problem-solving strategies, introductory financial mathematics, probability, statistics, and other topics demonstrating the interdisciplinary applicability of mathematics.

Composing Arguments CREDITS: 3

ENG 1010 is a course focusing on the process of writing and revising college level texts in a variety of genres. The course employs lecture, discussion, workshop, and conference methods. Students learn how to read, summarize, and analyze texts. Students demonstrate their ability to generate, organize, and produce writing for appropriate audiences. Coursework does not include library research.

DIME CORE CLASSES - COMMERICAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Techniques & Improvisation II CREDITS: 3

This course builds directly on the previous semester’s iteration of this course, providing students an opportunity to further develop a solid foundation of facility on their chosen instrument through a logical progression of exercises and application. Students continue to experiment with basic techniques to further develop a creative approach to improvisation. The class situates technical vocabulary and improvisational skills within a variety of musical

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contexts across numerous genres. Along the way, students continue to develop a comprehensive method for practicing productively, keeping track of their own progress as they critically reflect on it. Group lectures will be enhanced with masterclasses and opportunities for one-on-one tutorial sessions.

Pre-Production CREDITS: 1 This course is a forum to work in instrumental specialist groups (i.e. guitar, bass, drums, vocals) to dissect, analyze, and learn the particular technical aspects of the Live Performance Workshop song for any given week. Students may be asked to create charts for songs, learn passages by ear, and demonstrate a range of techniques and skills to perform a particular song with musical authenticity and accuracy.

Live Performance Workshop (LPW) CREDITS: 1 Also called “LPW,” this course prepares students to play live, on-stage with professional equipment to the highest musical standards. Using songs prepared in MUS 1858 Pre-Production, students perform in various live group sessions in which musical communication, performance ability, stage presence, and sound design are modeled by instructors who will provide feedback. This course can be repeated for credit.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERICAL SONGWRITING Foundations of Songwriting II CREDIT Building on the previous semester of this course sequence (MUS 1862), this course further explores the basic methods, techniques, and practices of the songwriting craft. Students continue to explore the composition of melody, harmony, and form, while refining their abilities to construct meaningful and relevant lyrical content with object writing and storytelling. Students analyze and critique pre-existing music, examining the elements that make a song memorable and engaging to better their own original writing.

Live Songwriting Workshop CREDIT Within this course, students develop original songs to a professional standard. Students work in small groups, writing several songs to specific briefs; thus, students put into practice various songwriting methodologies and lyric writing techniques. Students also analyze the work of various professional songwriters to gain a better understanding of their creative processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding the qualities of specific genres and writing to those specifications.

DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES Artist Discovery & Development CREDITS: 3

Building on Repertoire and Hit Song Analysis, this course provides a further exploration of artist and repertoire practice, as students learn to find new acts, assess their commercial

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potential and develop their talents into viable business plans. While surveying the history and development of artist and repertoire, students learn how to approach unsigned acts and identify workable marketing ageless for them. The course will also cover how to develop artists, build their fan base, and present them to a label for acquisition. Students develop skills in targeted research, quality control, leadership, presentation/communication and management.

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SOPHOMORE: YEAR 2, SEMESTER 3 MUSIC CORE CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Music Theory II CREDITS: 3

This course is a continuation of MUS 1110. This course is the study of the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, and formal elements of music through analysis and composition, and the development of reading and hearing skills as they relate to these elements. It covers the elements of diatonic music commonly found in classical, jazz, and popular music styles, including Roman numeral and lead sheet analysis, seventh chords, non-chord tones, voice-leading, and an introduction to tonicization. Aural and visual recognition, as well as practical application of materials, is emphasized.

Music Theory Lab II CREDITS: 1

This course is a continuation of MUS 1120, and covers diatonic material based on triads and seventh chords and introduces chromaticism.

MUSIC CORE CLASSES – MIS/SONGWRITING Group Performance Instruction CREDITS: 2

This course offers group instruction on an instrument to students with little or no previous training. Students will choose to focus on piano, vocals, or guitar.

GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Research and Argument Writing CREDITS: 3

This is a course in the process of writing extended essays supported by research. The course includes an introduction to research methods, practice in critical reading, thinking, and writing across the disciplines, integration of source material, and the conventions of MLA and APA styles of documentation. Students can expect to do a series of shorter writing and research assignments leading to the longer, documented paper.

DIME CORE CLASSES - COMMERICAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Intermediate Techniques & Improv. I CREDITS: 3

Building upon Techniques and Improv I and II, this course provides students the opportunity to further develop technical facility on their chosen instrument along with a deeper understanding of improvisatory skills. This involves a logical progression of intermediate level

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exercises and application. Students are challenged to experiment with intermediate level techniques to further develop a creative approach to improvisation. The course situates intermediate technical vocabulary and improvisational skills within a variety of musical contexts across numerous genres.

Session Styles I CREDITS: 2 This course requires students to perform a diverse range of contemporary and iconic musical styles in the popular idiom to high standards. Students are required to listen to and analyze a range of recordings to assess their stylistic sonic qualities and nuances. Instructors provide historical and cultural context for each style as well as performance training and guidance in critical listening skills. Students are required to read and interpret song charts as well as play by ear while performing in various styles/genres. Group sessions are discipline-specific and are supported by one-on-one tutorials and master classes.

Artist Inquiry I CREDITS: 3 In this course, students study and learn to perform the particular techniques, styles, repertoire, and sounds of artists within the proper historical, cultural, and social contexts. This course outlines a basic chronological history of American popular music with an emphasis on rock ‘n’ roll (broadly conceived).

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERICAL SONGWRITING Notation & Chart Writing CREDITS: 3

In this course, students gain experience with the ability to communicate their ideas more effectively through written notation, using a variety of methods and techniques for producing cores, lead sheets and charts. The course examines a range of pre-existing charts and scores from studio sessions and live tours for students to become more familiar with standard industry practices and determining the ways that work best for their own compositions. Enhancing their musical literacy and aural skills, students transcribe songs from multiple genres, notating their various instrumental parts and vocals in a number of formats, including conventional Western notation, drum charts, rhythm and slash notation, and the Nashville Number System.

Advanced Lyric Writing CREDITS: 2

Building on the previous course in this sequence, this course explores advanced techniques, methods and practices for creating subject matter and lyrics. While refining previously learned methods, students are introduced to more advanced ways of conceptualizing lyric writing. Students critically examine and deconstruct a range of pre-existing lyrics from songwriting across a wide spectrum of genres and styles. Students refine their own artistic practices to create original lyrical content and reflect on their own creative process.

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DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES Self-Employment Skills in Music CREDITS: 3

This course focuses on how to assess and exploit a variety of self-employment opportunities available within the contemporary music industry. Students learn the fundamental of starting and managing their own music related business as well as how to manage their personal finances as they relate to self-employment. Recognizing the volatility of the music industry, students learn how to navigate times of abundance and scarcity.

Music Industry Income Streams CREDITS: 3

This course focuses on understanding the various ways in which artists earn income from the perspective of an artist manager. This includes a survey of a multitude of income streams to create a diverse approach to creating, and advising on, revenue opportunities for artists. Students learn about long-term and short-term financial planning, cost-benefit analysis, budget forecasting, and cash flow management. Students develop a basic financial literacy as it relates to the music business, honing their ability to communicate with accountants, agents, banks, and third-party investors.

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SOPHOMORE: YEAR 2, SEMESTER 4 GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Art and Visual Literacy CREDITS: 3

This course is a general introduction to the tools and methods used to analyze and interpret works of art in a variety of contexts. Students learn how to effectively communicate how visual forms work in conjunction with cultural beliefs both in the past and present. Analytical tools appropriate to the disciplines of art criticism and art history, including the use of research, are used by the student to support interpretations. A variety of artistic traditions, including materials and techniques from across the globe and throughout time, are introduced so that students are prepared to identify and interpret historical and contemporary examples of visual art and design. By developing an awareness of the relationship between visual forms and the messages they convey, students increase their ability to respond critically to their own increasingly complex, visual environment. This course is designed for the non-major and recommended for the General Studies requirement in Arts and Humanities.

American History Since 1865 CREDITS: 3

This course covers the background to the present-day United States beginning with the Civil War and culminating with recent times. It analyzes cultural, social, economic and technological change. Topics addressed include immigration, industrialism, emergence of the U.S. as a world power, Progressivism, the First World War, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War and its aftermath.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Interm. Techniques & Improv. II CREDITS: 3

This course builds directly on MUS 2910: Intermediate Techniques and Improv I, providing students an opportunity to further develop technical facility on their chosen instrument while advancing their improvisational abilities. This involves a logical progression of advanced-intermediate exercises and applications. Students experiment with an advanced-intermediate level of techniques to further develop a creative approach to improvisation. The class situates technical vocabulary and improvisational skills within a variety of challenging musical contexts across numerous genres at an advanced-intermediate level.

Session Styles II CREDITS: 2 Building on the skills and knowledge gained in MUS 2840: Sessions Styles I, this course focuses on the more advanced skills necessary to be a successful working musician in studio and live sessions. Particular emphasis will be placed on reading and interpreting song charts in a diverse range of contemporary and iconic musical styles in the popular idiom.

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Students listen to and analyze a more complex range of recordings to assess their stylistic sonic qualities. Instructors provide historical and cultural context for each style as well as further performance training and guidance in developing more nuanced critical listening skills. Group sessions are discipline-specific and are supported by one-on-one tutorials and master classes.

Artist Inquiry II CREDITS: 3 This course is the second course in a sequence. This course allows students to continue to study and perform the particular techniques, styles, repertoire, and sounds of artists within their proper historical, cultural, and social contexts. This course continues to outline a basic chronological history of American popular music with an emphasis on rock ‘n’ roll (broadly conceived).

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL SONGWRITING Song Arrangement I CREDITS: 2

This course focuses on transforming original raw song material into fully formed ensemble arrangements. Students are introduced to basic concepts in orchestration for the modern pop and rock ensemble: learning the fundamental attributes, functions, and ranges of the guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and piano in order to understand how to create viable arrangements for these instruments that work in multiple idioms. Students deconstruct the rhythm sections and vocals of existing songs to understand how and why they work as a unit. Students create re-arrangements and remixes of existing songs, but also work on ensemble arrangements of original material.

Writing for Artists CREDITS: 3 This course explores writing original material for existing established artists in numerous contemporary genres, including solo and group arrangements. Students develop a familiarity with the contemporary trends in multiple idioms to write for artists across a range of styles to specific prompts. Students also explore ways for young songwriters to promote and disseminate their own compositions to get noticed by industry-established acts. Students directly apply notation skills learned in Notation and Chart Writing.

Commercial Electronic Music CREDITS: 3 This course introduces students to the basic components and processes involved in creating original music by using contemporary electronic software and hardware. Students examine and learn to use programming, loops, samples, synthesis, MIDI, various DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) as well as various contemporary and classic hardware tools used regularly to compose electronic music. Students are required to create multiple compositions by integrating a range of electronic music tools, techniques, and methodologies.

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DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES International Music Market CREDITS: 3

Building on the MUS 1890: Domestic Music Market, this course offers an overview of how principles learned in that class apply overseas. Students learn how to break and establish artists outside of the US market, including an introduction to, and analysis of, the primary stakeholders in the global music industry. This class explores the key similarities and differences between the US and non-US markets, including cultural dynamics, legal structures, distribution channels, performance opportunities, and marketing strategies. Students also examine historical and current trends in various overseas markets and discuss how artists stay relevant over time.

Establishing an Artist CREDITS: 3

Building on the artist and repertoire skills developed previously, in this course students focus on how to break (i.e., establish) new artists into the mainstream music industry. By examining a range of case studies, students learn to expose an artist to multiple audiences and broaden their reach to various markets. This class explores marketing strategies, networking, short and long term planning, problem solving, leadership, and other skills necessary to establish an artist in the contemporary music market.

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JUNIOR: YEAR 3, SEMESTER 5 MUSIC CORE CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Musics of the World CREDITS: 3 The course will explore the diverse forms of musical expression found in within cultures from around the world. In addition to surveying a variety of musical practices, aesthetic systems, and functions of music, the fundamental theoretical approaches of ethnomusicology will be introduced and employed.

MUSIC CORE CLASSES – SONGWRITING Group Performance Instruction III CREDITS: 0 This is a continuation of MUS 2950: Group Performance II, offering group instruction on a specific instrument.

GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Introduction to Nutrition CREDITS: 3 This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of human nutrition, including digestion, absorption, metabolism, and the function of nutrients as they relate to human health and disease.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Advanced Techniques & Improv I CREDITS: 3 Building on Intermediate Techniques and Improv I and II, this course provides students the opportunity to develop advanced technical facility and improvisational abilities on their chosen instrument. This involves a logical progression of advanced-level exercises and applications. Students are challenged to experiment with advanced level techniques to further develop a creative approach to improvisation. The class situates technical vocabulary and improvisational skills within a variety of challenging musical contexts across numerous genres.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL SONGWRITING Song Arrangement II CREDITS: 3 Building on the first semester in this sequence (MUS 2862), this course continues to focus on transforming original raw song material into fully formed arrangements for contemporary ensembles. Students learn more advanced concepts in orchestration, including extended techniques and exploiting the sonic possibilities for guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and piano to

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create innovative arrangements of existing and original material. Students continue to deconstruct the rhythm sections and vocals of existing songs to understand how and why they work as a unit. Students explore the inclusion of strings, brass, and woodwinds into popular music, as well as other instruments common to pop arrangements, such as mandolin, organ, and synthesizer.

DIME CORE CLASSES –SONGWRITING/ PERFORMANCE Domestic Music Market CREDITS: 3 This course provides students with an introductory overview of the American music industry. Students demonstrate how the multiple components of, and stakeholders in, the music business all work together to create income streams for artists and industry professionals. Students study the business strategies of classic and contemporary artists to reveal how these musicians have navigated an increasingly complex and dynamic industry.

DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES Live Tour Management CREDITS: 3

This course examines the details of designing and managing a live tour at a local, national, and international scale. In the current music industry, live touring is often times the most important and lucrative component of an artist’s career. Students learn how to logistically plan and budget for various sizes of venues and lengths of outings. Students hone their skills particularly in logistics organization, time management, and financial forecasting.

Artist Deal Suite CREDITS: 3

This course introduces students to a variety of contemporary music industry deals and contract types. Students identify and analyze the conventional terms and conditions within these various documents. A range of legal terms and procedures are discussed with the goal of improving students’ ability to communicate with lawyers, record executives, and other major stakeholders in the music industry.

The Politics of A&R CREDITS: 3 Building directly on MUS 1880: Repertoire and Hit Song Analysis as well as MUS 1892: Artist Discovery and Development, the students in the course examine more advanced concepts and practices in artists and repertoire. While digging deeper into the history of artists and repertoire and record labels, students focus more acutely on the backroom negotiations and deal making that has contributed to success or failure by examining various case studies of iconic figures in this field. Students examine and compare both old and new models of artists and repertoire practice. Ultimately, students gain an understanding of how industry professionals have navigated the complex politics between the various stakeholders in the music industry. Students construct their own personal approach to artists and repertoire by synthesizing various historical methods and techniques in this field.

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JUNIOR: YEAR 3, SEMESTER 6 MUSIC CORE CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Jazz Styles: America’s Music CREDITS: 3

This class explores the history of Jazz within the context of the African American cultural experience. The course will examine African musical aesthetics that are at the core of all forms of jazz throughout its history. The evolution of jazz will be traced, beginning with distinctly African American musical expressions such as minstrelsy, the blues, and ragtime, before surveying the developments and prominent figures of jazz in the 20th century including New Orleans and classic jazz, bebop and related movements, the innovations of Coleman and Taylor, the innovations of Miles Davis, and the jazz styles of the present.

GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Staging Cultures: Theatre, Drama, & Multiculturalism CREDITS: 3

This course uses theatre history and dramatic texts to explore cultures of previously and/or presently marginalized peoples, including but not limited to African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, women, and the GLBTQ community, in order to promote greater understanding of these peoples and their struggles for representation.

Intro to Journalism & Mass Media CREDITS: 3

This survey course introduces students from all academic disciplines to the historical development of journalism and mass media and its relationship to contemporary society. Students will explore the functions and impact of newspapers, books, television, radio, magazines, films, public relations and issues such as technology convergence, censorship, economic control, and privacy.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Advanced Tech. & Improvisation II CREDITS: 3

This course builds directly on the previous semester’s iteration, providing students an opportunity to further develop a deeper facility on their chosen instrument. This development involves a logical progression of exercises and application. Students continue to experiment with advanced level techniques to further develop a creative approach to improvisation. The course situates technical vocabulary and improvisational skills within a variety of musical contexts across numerous genres.

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Group Recital CREDITS 2 Building on Live Performance Workshop (MUS 3840), this class takes a more advanced approach to live performance. While continuing to develop technical and improvisational skills on their chosen instrument, students develop their skills as Musical Directors as they form and manage their own ensembles. Students choose repertoire as they cultivate a group sound and personality. Faculty offer feedback and constructive guidance to help mold a band into a cohesive professional unit. Various faculty members are assigned to each group as mentors. Each ensemble is responsible for constructing and performing a set for an audience of their peers and instructors, receiving feedback from both.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL SONGWRITING Advanced Songwriting CREDITS: 3

Building on Foundations of Songwriting, this course examines more advanced methods, techniques, and practices of the songwriting craft. Students deconstruct a more challenging set of songs to analyze their melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, formal, and lyrical qualities. Students continue to build their theoretical knowledge of music as well as their music literacy and aural skills. Using the knowledge gained through this analysis, students are asked to produce original material that expresses their uniqueness as songwriters as they work within a number of prompts that encourage them to write in a plethora of styles and genres, as well as transcending traditional genre boundaries. Students also reflect on their songwriting practices and style.

DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES Music Industry Contract Negotiation CREDITS: 3

This course focuses on developing the skills necessary to initiate and broker various types of contracts and/or deals related to the contemporary music industry. While integrating theory and psychology into the class, students spend a large portion of the semester practicing their negotiation skills in live role-playing exercises. Through such activities, students gain the ability to draft deals/contracts with authority and complete mark-ups and final versions that balance artists’ aspirations, personal goals, and legal obligations.

Managing an Established Act CREDITS: 3

This course focuses on how to sustain an artist’s career over the long term. Students learn to navigate through changes in market trends to ensure that their artists remain relevant in a dynamic environment. The course covers maintaining existing audiences while attracting new ones through numerous marketing strategies. Students learn to re-brand and re-launch existing acts for new times, markets, and audiences. The course examines a range of case studies, regarding how to manage and elevate an existing act as well as re-imagine the career of an iconic artist who has fallen out of favor.

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SENIOR: YEAR 4, SEMESTER 7 GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Sound and Music CREDITS: 3

This course will consider the basic nature of sound waves, the ear and hearing, musical instruments, and acoustics. Although this course is mainly descriptive, some high school algebra will be used.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Personal Expression CREDITS: 3

This course represents the culmination of improvisation and self-expression skills learned from the Techniques and Improvisation sequence. The course explores advanced improvisational concepts on a student’s instrument in preparation for the Commercial Music Capstone Course and Senior Recital Performance. Students continue to experiment with professional-level improvisational concepts to further develop their personal style of expression on their instrument. Students apply their improvisational skills within a variety of musical contexts across numerous genres.

Techniques Practicum CREDITS 3 This course is the culmination of technical development from the Techniques and Improvisation sequence. The course explores advanced technical concepts on a student’s instrument in preparation for the Commercial Music Capstone Course and Senior Recital Performance. Students continue to learn professional-level techniques to further master the craft of their specific instrument, utilizing a logical progression of exercises and application. The course explores the technical vocabulary for a variety of musical concepts across numerous genres.

Commercial Composition & Arranging CREDITS 3 This course requires that students study and apply techniques, methodologies, and concepts for composing and arranging original music. Students analyze classic and contemporary songs and arrangements, including score analysis and critical listening assessments.

DIME Elective CREDITS: 3

Details TBC

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DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL SONGWRITING Co-writing CREDITS: 3

Songwriting is often a collaborative effort, and this course introduces students to the most effective ways to work with a team of artists to create original music and manage the business of co-creating songs (i.e., royalty splits). Throughout the semester, students examine the material and dynamics of great songwriting teams such as: Lennon/McCartney, Simon/Garfunkel, Jagger/Richards, etc., to better understand their creative processes. Students gain experience in the qualities necessary to work productively in a group, including time management, social skills, and organizational skills. In this upper level course, students are challenged to use a wide range of techniques and methodologies to co-create original music to a high professional standard. Students are asked to reflect on their processes and dynamics of artistic teamwork, and will take on multiple songwriting roles (i.e., lyricist, arranger, composer, etc.) throughout the course.

DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES & COMMERCIAL SONGWRITING Music Publishing and Copyright Law CREDITS: 3

This course examines the processes of publishing songs, including the basics of how to navigate the complexities of state, national, and international copyright law. While reviewing a history of copyright law, students examine the roles of a publisher in acquisition, marketing, and creative development. The course also covers various types of publishing deals to familiarize students with their standard terms and conditions, as they learn to protect their rights as songwriters, artists, and managers. This course explores songwriting splits and how to negotiate a fair and equitable publishing deal. Students learn how to register their songs and examine the legalities of licensing and synchronization.

Fundamentals of Record Production CREDITS: 3

This class focuses on the processes of moving from a finished arrangement in the rehearsal room to a master recording. Students learn about selecting the appropriate songs, quality control, pre-production, choosing and working with a producer and engineer, goal setting, mixing, mastering, and the politics of the recording studio. Throughout the semester, students analyze and discuss the production of iconic songs and albums, exploring its effects on the entire songwriting and creative process. Partnering with local studios, students have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a recording studio, working with industry producers and engineers to perform, conduct, mix, and master their own compositions.

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DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES Record Label Operations CREDITS: 3

This course takes a comprehensive look at the day-to-day business operations of classic and contemporary record labels. While reviewing how to acquire (artists and repertoire) and manage a roster of artists, this course focuses on the big picture and long-term planning that is needed to sustain such a business. Students gain experience in understanding how to establish and maintain distribution channels as well as the basics of the manufacturing process. Students analyze case studies of existing labels, but also propose ideas for establishing and running their own original record label(s).

Music Industry Event Management CREDITS: 3

This course examines how to plan, produce, promote, and manage special events, from small club gigs and fundraisers to festival concerts and publicity tours. Students start to build the organizational and communication skills necessary to design and execute such events. This course focuses on the analysis of past events, gaining insight into the processes and best practices for event creation and management. Additionally, students work to produce and/or manage original event(s) throughout the term.

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SENIOR: YEAR 4, SEMESTER 8 GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Marketing Around the Globe CREDITS: 3

Students study the importance of globalization in the business world where global markets are more connected and marketers must respond to the expectations of global consumers. The course covers the essential concepts of global marketing with the aid of extensive, real-life examples. The course offers balanced coverage of developed and developing markets. Integrating cultural analysis throughout the course, students examine global and local competition and forms of global market entry, as well as basic principles of global marketing strategies, such as price, product, distribution, and promotion.

DIME CORE CLASSES – ALL PROGRAMS Commercial Music Capstone CREDITS 2 This course is a culmination of the MSU @ DIME music degree, requiring students to integrate and apply the knowledge they have gained over the entirety of their studies. Students conduct ethnographic and library/online research in order to identify a range of potential career opportunities for themselves. Students demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their field as they examine how these areas are relevant to their various potential career paths.

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Senior Recital Performance CREDITS: 3

This course is the culmination of the student’s degree in Commercial Music Performance. The student is responsible for individually constructing, organizing, promoting, and executing an individual recital. While they may perform with others, each musical selection must feature the student for which the degree is to be awarded. Students meet with their faculty mentor to discuss their ideas and progress toward their final performance. The individual student are required to organize rehearsals in preparation for the final performance. Students are also required to construct extensive program notes, which explain their choice of music, personnel and staging while situating each of their song selections within their proper historical, social, and cultural context. Students must display a high level of professionalism throughout the semester as well as within the final performance. Repertoire should include a mix of original and pre-existing material, which displays a wide range of performance skills in several contemporary music genres.

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Details TBC

DIME CORE CLASSES – COMMERCIAL SONGWRITING CREDITS: 3

As a culmination of their studies, students compile an extensive and representative portfolio of their work to date, both recordings and written scores. Students examine and reflect on their own output as songwriters, identifying their style, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their resumes. Students devise and execute a plan to fill out their portfolio to establish a well-rounded and marketable collection of material, which allows them to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities in the contemporary music industry. Students are required to produce a final performance of their original songwriting work, which showcases their range of output to date.

DIME CORE CLASSES – MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES CREDITS: 3

This class critically assesses the careers of numerous notable figures in the modern music industry. This analysis of a cross section of managers, producers, record executives, artists and repertoire gurus, and publicity giants provides an intense, intimate, and in-depth insight into the lives and work of the industry’s top professionals. Students are required to undertake extensive primary and secondary research on several notable music industry figures, drawing out lessons and developing models for their own careers.


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Details TBC

full course catalog commercial music …...various songwriting methodologies and lyric writing...

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