Designed for students with little or no formal background or training in Western music traditions, this course explores the fundamental elements of music - Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Texture, and Form - and teaches basic skills in reading, writing, and using Western music notation. Students learn to combine the fundamental elements to create thoughtful, engaging, and attractive compositions. The ukulele is used as a vehicle to increase comprehension. The course concludes with a concert of student compositions.

An introduction to the singing voice in a group setting. Topics in the science, history, and culture of voice and musical expression will be explored and discussed. Practical vocal techniques will be taught in a group format as a healthy foundation for solo performance in a variety of singing styles.

This course will give students a fundamental understanding of the history of music in the Western Classical tradition. Using musical examples and descriptions, we will explore the different eras and styles in Classical music, and study the major composers found within them. Students will learn to read and play music hands-on in group lessons on the recorder. By the end of the semester, students will have a better understanding and appreciation of music of all types and be able to speak knowledgeably about them. No prior musical experience is expected or required.

This class introduces students to basic hand-drumming techniques and various rhythms from the African continent. Through imitation and repetition, students acquire the skills necessary to play various rhythms, with special emphasis on West African rhythms. This class is open to students with little or no prior drumming experience.

Students learn to play basic fiddle music. Repertoire comes from the Celtic (Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton), Cajun, Old Time, and Bluegrass traditions. In addition to being able to play for fun, students gain an understanding of the different styles and an appreciation of today's foremost practitioners through listening and discussion. There are two research papers required. The class concludes with a group performance.

Private music instruction is available to all University of New England students. Instruction on all the major instruments and voice, including guitar, and in a variety of musical styles, including jazz, rock, and world music genres. Applied Music faculty are all active professional musicians. Additional lab fee is required. Lessons may be taken for one credit or no credit. Juries will be held at the end of each semester for students taking lessons for credit.

This introductory course explores the relationship of film and music by studying the growth and development of film scoring before and after 1927, when soundtracks were first introduced. Students will create their own soundtracks for film or animated shorts and will learn about the aesthetic, psychological, and technical aspects of scoring for film, including understanding the role of music in film and animation, different techniques used in film scoring, the use of popular music, underscoring, leitmotives, electronic music, and silence. The class will also look at key cinematic relationships between Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Hermann, John Williams and George Lucas, Federico Fellini and Nino Rota.