MUSC 354 Music and Mathematics

College of Performing Arts School of Music

3 credits 45.0 hours
300 level undergraduate course

This course is designed to enable the student to understand the fundamental relationship between music and mathematics. Students will be introduced to such mathematical concepts as numerical systems, quantities, spatial relationships, groups, sets, indeterminacy, and fractals. The course will examine the influence of those concepts in musical composition through the analysis of musical scores from a variety of composers including Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Schonberg, Berg, Webern, Carter, Crumb, Babbitt, and Xenakis. Course readings will further explore the philosophical and practical connections between musical creativity and mathematics. Students must possess functional music literacy. Familiarity with 20th century music is recommended.

Prerequisites FYWT*112, MUSC*204, or MUSC*206

This course is not repeatable for credit.
This course can fulfill a liberal arts elective or free elective requirement.