Undergraduate Courses

• Times and locations of courses are published in the Public Class Schedule.
• Official Calendar Course Descriptions are available in the Undergraduate and Graduate Calendars.
• Official Course Outlines will be distributed at the first class of the term.

Fall 2025-Winter 2026

First Year

MUSI 1003B Understanding Music – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Jesse Stewart
• DESCRIPTION: By examining musical concepts and examples drawn from diverse genres, cultures, and
  historical periods, students will develop the ability to describe and understand different aspects
  of music, and deepen their appreciation of music as both a sonic and cultural experience. Please note that this course is designed for non-music students specifically; prior musical knowledge is not required.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA

MUSI 1020A Thinking About Music – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: James Deaville
• DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the study of music at Carleton University. We cover the mechanics of how we study music, the writing the research paper, the fields of music study, etc. It is supposed to prepare the student for their undergraduate studies in music. We will also consider the role of AI in music research
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Participation, 4 Assignments, Midterm, Final, Essay
• READINGS: Richard Wingell, Writing About Music

MUSI 1020B Thinking About Music – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: John Higney
• DESCRIPTION: Unbounded by time periods and geographic locations, MUSI 1020 introduces students to the study of music through considering a range of styles, genres, cultures, and traditions: non-western and western, art musics, traditional musics, and popular musics. Building upon foundations laid in MUSI 1000 in the areas of thinking about music, research, and writing, MUSI 1020 introduces students to the major modes of inquiry including historical, musicology, ethnomusicology, popular music studies, music theory, and music and culture.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA

MUSI 1700A Foundations of Music Theory – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: James McGowan
• DESCRIPTION: MUSI 1700A involves the study of the principles, materials, and techniques of tonal music using music analysis, notation, and ear training activities. The course starts with an overview and review of music theory fundamentals, followed by a study of chords, rhythm, and melody, an introduction to the study of tonal counterpoint, and the combination of all these elements with a study of harmony and voice leading of diatonic tonal music. A variety of musical examples will be studied, including jazz, popular, world, and classical styles; students will be encouraged and guided to make critical and analytical connections between the music-historical and cultural traditions of the music we study and theories of the tools, practices, and compositional craft that underlie it. Since the well-rounded musician must develop written skills hand-in-hand with aural skills, the importance of making the connection between the aural effect of musical examples, and their written form, will be stressed
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: No Essays; Quiz Assessments (online activities or in-person): 20%; Assignments: 40%; Ear Training Assessments: 5%; Midterm Test 15%
  Final Exam: 20%
• READINGS: A online textbook (free for students), plus additional online readings and web resources

MUSI 1711A Applied Rhythmic Training I – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Jack Hui Lister
• DESCRIPTION: This Applied Rhythm course will immerse students in experiential activities that are designed to build facility with rhythmic concepts and their practical applications. Through use of a rhythmic solfege system, students will learn to recognize rhythmic patterns and groupings.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Attendance and participation: 10%; Rhythmic dictation (5): 30%; Speak and clap assignments (5): 25%; Rhythm demonstration: 10%; Notation assignment: 15%; Reflective Summary Paper: 10%
• READINGS: Richard Hoffmans. The Rhythm Book (2nd ed.) 2009

Second Year

MUSI 2005 Introduction to Jazz History – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: John Higney
• DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Jazz History investigates jazz from its origins up to the present. Students will engage jazz musics and cultures in the contexts of history; space, place and geography; politics and economy; race and racialization; aesthetics; literature, visual arts and the moving image; gender and sexuality; musical styles, forms, and genres, compositional and improvisational practices styles and practices; significant practitioners; and, technologies, media, and industry. The ability to read music is not required or expected.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA

MUSI 2009A Introduction to the Music Cultures of Asia – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Carolyn Ramzy
• DESCRIPTION: This course is an introductory survey to the wide-ranging musical and cultural practices in the largest and most populated continent: Asia. Drawing on literature from the fields of anthropology and ethnomusicology, we explore rich traditions along the historic trading route of the Silk Road beginning in North Africa and threads through to Southeast Asia. How did this route’s early cultural and religious exchanges of spices, silks, music, and even musicians, predicate the contemporary music trends that still bind the region? We also ask questions about the (soft) power of popular music cultures that shape global exchanges, colonial encounter, racial politics, and neoliberal capitalism in the region and … then export it to our own ears. Though various case studies, we examine how classical and traditional music cultures interact to create genres such as Indian bhangra, K-pop, J-pop, and others that reflect an interlinked world, one deeply shaped by transnational networks, interconnected diasporas, and the rise of networked societies, challenging (mis)representation or the region and the hegemony of Western popular culture.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Listening Quizzes and In-Class Reflections 40%; Class participation: 10%; Midterm: 25 %; Final Exam: 25 %
• READINGS: TBA
• CROSSLISTED AS: ANTH 2825A

MUSI 2108A Western Art Music, 1750 -1900 – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: John Higney
• DESCRIPTION: MUSI 2108 is an introduction to western art music of the Classical, Romantic, and early Modernist periods. Major musical genres, compositional practices, and cultural contexts are investigated through examinations of representative works. Through lectures, readings, and assignments students are introduced to the history of western art music from the mid-eighteenth century to the c.1900. Although helpful, the ability to read music is not required as students investigate musical practices, styles, genres, and significant persons and places. In addition to the music itself, the broader cultural contexts of literature, visual arts, politics, philosophy, and society are considered. Historical knowledge and musical skills acquired through this course will equip students to better understand western art music and culture.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA

MUSI 2203A Music in Canada – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Waterman
• DESCRIPTION: Through an examination of selected genres, practices, and creators, this course explores the ways that music participates in shaping complex and often conflicting ideas about nation, place, and identity in Canada. Through critical reading, listening, and discussion, we’ll examine how music, and the legacy of colonialism, helps shape our national identity, and we’ll celebrate the contributions to music in Canada by Indigenous, settler, and diasporic communities. We’ll also look at the institutions that support and control music industries in Canada. The course includes experiential elements such as creative projects and field trips
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA

MUSI 2607A Digital Music Literacy – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Jack Hui Lister
• DESCRIPTION: This course will have three areas of study: 1. Digital music concepts and history pertaining to microphones, synthesizers, sampling, MIDI,
  digital audio workstations, and artificial intelligence; 2. Application of music production techniques; and 3. Music production ear training.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Four Quizzes: 40%; Projects 1 & 2: 30%; Final Project: 20%; Class Participation: 10%
• READINGS: Online Readings

MUSI 2710A Aural Training – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: James McGowan
• DESCRIPTION: MUSI 2710A is a practical study of music as an aural phenomenon, and is a continuation of the course MUSI 1720 or MUSI 1710. This experiential course focuses on three primary areas of musicianship development: ear training (aural analysis and transcription of melodic and harmonic structures), singing (sight reading, improvisation, and prepared solfège performance), and keyboard harmony. In this way, students develop musicianship skills of both audiation—intentional listening and internalizing musical phenomena—and musical representation—in notation, analysis, singing, and keyboard playing. Sound materials are drawn from a range of sources, live and recorded
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Ear training assignments and unit tests, sight singing and keyboard assessments, interactive class participation, and online assignments. No essays. The final exam is just one of the unit tests
• READINGS: Course Pack is available for purchase at the Carleton Bookstore (with a PDF provided free of charge for reference purposes) on Brightspace. Required access to additional free web resources.

MUSI 2711A Applied Rhythmic Training II – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Jack Hui Litster
• DESCRIPTION: A continuation of Applied Rhythm from MUSI 1711, this course will immerse students in experiential activities that are designed to build facility with advanced rhythmic concepts and their practical applications
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Attendance and participation: 10%; Rhythmic dictation (5): 30%; Speak and clap assignments (5): 25%; Rhythm demonstration: 10%; Notation assignment: 15%; Reflective Summary Paper: 10%s
• READINGS: Richard Hoffmans. The Rhythm Book (2nd ed.) 2009.

Third Year

MUSI 3000A Careers In Music – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Kalle Mattson Wainio
• DESCRIPTION: Careers In Music will equip students with a fundamental understanding of how the modern Canadian music industry functions, its many roles and essential components, how to generate profit from their music, and how to navigate the business side of music as an artist/songwriter/composer/musician or other professional participants across all genres. Gaining insight and skill through lectures, assignments, and special talks from industry guests, students will learn hands-on how to navigate the many layers of the contemporary music industry.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Attendance/Participation 15%, Completed Assignments 45%, Final Project 40%
• READINGS: “All You Need to Know About the Music Business: 11th Edition” by Donald S. Passman
  “How To Make It in the New Music Business: 3rd Edition” by Ari Herstand

MUSI 3201A Digital Media Production for Emerging Arts Professionals – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Paul Jasen
• DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for emerging arts (and design) professionals in any field. Our focus is on developing fundamental skills in digital media production that will be of use to students planning careers in the arts sector or related industries. Through lessons, case studies, workshopping and collaborative production sessions, students will gain experience in the following areas: website design and development, image editing, audio recording and podcasting, digital photography, streaming video, designing for print, social media integration and writing for the web. Students will leave this course having developed a multi-faceted portfolio project related to their field, as well as confidence and demonstrated proficiency using current media production tools and platforms.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: In-class workshopping activities; small, skills-building assignments; production of a multi-part media project on a topic related to your field or creative practice.
• READINGS: TBA
• CROSS-LISTED WITH: FILM 3901A/ARTH3501A

MUSI 3402B Film Music – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: James Deaville
• DESCRIPTION: A lecture course on the use of music and sound in film and television, from the silent era to the present day. We study the techniques, styles and theory of film music and sound through the examination of selected scenes from leading films of each era, with a focus on Hollywood productions by major composers (e.g. Steiner, Herrmann, Williams, Zimmer).
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Midterm, Final, Quizzes, Film Music Review
• READINGS: Roger Hickman, Reel Music, 2nd edition (free online resource)
• CROSS-LISTED WITH: FILM 3402B

MUSI 3403A Music Industries – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: John Higney
• DESCRIPTION: MUSI 3403 is an introduction to the significant historical, technological, and cultural issues in the (mostly popular) music industries over the past century. Readings for this course deal with a variety of issues ranging from popular music creation, dissemination, mediation, audience response, and cultural practices. Specific topics encountered in MUSI 3403 may include technological history, creation and dissemination, intellectual property rights, introduction to and critique of Adorno’s cultural industries model, culture and commodity, Bourdieusian perspectives on genre and audiences, deregulation and consolidation in the radio industry, P2P, streaming audio, artificial intelligence, the economics of terrestrial and online radio, and technologies and the transformation of musical fandom and communities. The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the various cultural practices and institutions that constitute the music industries from a variety of methodological and disciplinary perspectives. The ability to read music is not required or expected.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA

MUSI 3702A Introduction to Physics and Psychoacoustics of Music- Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Jesse Stewart
• DESCRIPTION: This course will examine a variety of topics related to the physics of music, with an emphasis on those concepts that are most useful for understanding the acoustic and psychoacoustic dimensions of the auditory soundscape, and for musical performance, theory, analysis, composition, and instrument design. A variety of disciplinary perspectives will be adopted to examine why and how we make sense of music and respond to it sensorially, perceptually, cognitively, physically, and emotionally.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA

Fourth Year

MUSI 4005A Issues in Jazz Studies – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Jesse Stewart
• DESCRIPTION: This course examines a variety of key issues in the study of jazz including history/historiography, analysis, meaning, race, gender, class, and politics. By critically examining the ways in which these issues have intersected with “jazz” (broadly construed)–and with one another–we will explore jazz not only as a form of musical discourse, but also as a site for community building, identity formation, civic dialogue, and political action.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: TBA
• READINGS: TBA
• CROSS-LISTED WITH: MUSI 5201F

MUSI 4007A The Composer in Context: Franz Liszt – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: James Deaville
• DESCRIPTION: A study of the life, works, and context for the activities of Franz Liszt. We will consider his capacities and concert tours as leading pianist of his day; his compositional work, especially in Weimar; his pedagogical practices including his master classes; and issues of disability throughout his life. Liszt’s relationship with Wagner will serve as one particular focal point of the course. The many films about Liszt will contribute to our discussions.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Participation, Essay, Presentation on Reading, Take-Home Exam
• READINGS: TBA, but all available free of charge online

MUSI 4103B Music, Migration, and Diaspora in Canada – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Anna Hoefnagels
• DESCRIPTION: Through case studies of various music traditions found in Canada, we will examine the diversity of musics found in Canada and the ways that music facilitates belonging and/or exclusion to community. Particular focus will be placed on questions of Canadian identity, cultural diversity and multiculturalism – in theory and practice – in Canada.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Participation, reading responses, presentation(s), individual research project, take-home exam
• READINGS: Online readings
• CROSS-LISTED WITH: MUSI 5015

MUSI 4200A Special Topics: Songwritting – Fall Term

• INSTRUCTOR: Kalle Mattson Wainio
• DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to assist and motivate students to write original songs by educating them in the principles and diverse techniques of modern “pop” or contemporary songwriting from Bob Dylan and The Beatles to Taylor Swift and Rihanna. The class will feature a workshop style format, focusing on student presentations, one on one feedback and group discussion, as well as lectures, listening and analysis discussing the process and structures of songwriting.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Attendance/Participation 20%, Completed Assignments 50%, Final Project 30%
• READINGS: TBA

MUSI 4201B Music and Disability – Winter Term

• INSTRUCTOR: James Deaville
• DESCRIPTION: Disability Studies has emerged in recent years as an interdisciplinary field that productively engages in the analysis of culture in its various manifestations. The arts are particularly well suited for such inquiry, given the rich and diverse history of interactions between literature, art, film and music with disability. This course will investigate the varied and complex intersections between music and disability in the past and present. Topics will include disability as metaphor, disability and musical performance, representations of disability in classical and popular music, and music and invisible and intellectual disability. Our primary text will be the Oxford Handbook of Music and Disability Studies, but other material will also be used. Primary determinants of grading are class participation and presentations and a major research essay.
• METHOD OF EVALUATION: Participation, Essay, Presentation on Reading, Take-Home Exam
• READINGS: Oxford Handbook of Music and Disability Studies and TBA
• CROSS-LISTED WITH: MUSI 5022

Previous years:

• 2024-2025 Course Listings (F/W/S)
• 2023-2024 Course Listings (F/W/S)
• 2022-2023 Course Listings (F/W/S)