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Music And Culture
Program Advisor: M. Hussain, Email: acm-pa@utsc.utornto.ca
Music and Culture offers innovative programs that focus on music as it is experienced and lived today in all its diversity and complexity. Here, music is studied in courses that draw on a broad range of theoretical perspectives and methodologies coupled with active listening and reflective practice in composition and performance. Our goal is to foster a critical understanding of music and culture in a global context, including opportunities for fieldwork and community music making.
Our programs lay the foundation for further studies at the undergraduate level as well as graduate studies in music and professional careers in areas related to music. They complement studies in many fields, including adult education and community development, arts management, city studies, computer science, health studies, historical and cultural studies, media arts, media studies, music education, psychology, sociology, studio, and visual studies. And they are ideally suited for those interested in music as part of lifelong learning and engagement.
Students are cautioned that some courses in Music and Culture (VPM) may include Ancillary fees.
Performance Courses
The following performance courses are available to all qualified students, alumni, staff and faculty, some on a non-credit basis. Entrance is by interview/audition held during the first week of classes in the semester the courses are offered. For more details, please visit the Music Performance Ensembles Audition Information and FAQs website. Credit students should register for courses; however, admission approval will be based on successful completion of the interview/audition.
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UTSC Performance Courses
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General Interest Courses
VPMA93H3 Listening to Music, VPMA95H3 Elementary Musicianship I and VPMB84H3 Music of the World's Peoples, assume no previous experience in music.
Planning a Program in Music
Music studies normally begin with VPMA93H3 and A-level performance courses, which serve as the foundation for more advanced studies. Students planning a Major or Minor in Music and Culture are strongly advised to meet with the Program Advisor at the start of their second year for advice on the completion of program requirements.
The program offers three areas of focus. Students are encouraged to develop depth of learning through study in one or two areas of focus as follows:
Music and Culture Areas of Focus Table:
| Music and Society | Community Music | Music Creativity and Technology |
|---|---|---|
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VPMB01H3 Introduction to Community Music
[VPMB66H3 String Orchestra IIa or VPMB68H3 Small Ensemble IIa or VPMB70H3 Concert Choir IIa or VPMB73H3 Concert Band IIa] [VPMB67H3 String Orchestra IIb or VPMB69H3 Small Ensemble IIb or VPMB71H3 Concert Choir IIb or VPMB74H3 Concert Band IIb] VPMC01H3 Exploring Community Music VPMC78H3 Balinese Gamelan: Performance and Context VPMD01H3 Senior Seminar: Music in our Communities |
Service Learning and Outreach
For an experiential learning opportunity that also serves others, consider the course CTLB03H3 (Introduction to Service Learning), which can be found in the "Teaching and Learning” section of the Calendar.
Music And Culture Programs
MAJOR PROGRAM IN MUSIC AND CULTURE (ARTS)
Undergraduate Advisor: Email: music-program-supervisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 8.0 credits as follows:
1. VPMA93H3 Listening to Music
1.0 credit in Performance. Students must choose the graded option for this credit.
2. ACMB01H3 Critical Reading, Thinking and Writing for ACM Programs
VPMB01H3 Introduction to Community Music
VPMB82H3 Music in the Modern and Contemporary World
VPMB84H3 Music of the World's Peoples
VPMB88H3 Materials of Music I
VPMB90H3 Materials of Music II
3. VPMC88H3 Topics in Music and Culture
4. 3.0 additional credits in Music and Culture (VPM) courses, at least 1.5 of which must be at the C- or D-level.
Students who count Performance courses toward this requirement must choose the graded option and are limited to 2.0 Performance credits in addition to the courses counted under requirement #1. Students are encouraged to develop depth of learning through study in one or two areas of focus described above.
MINOR PROGRAM IN MUSIC AND CULTURE (ARTS)
Undergraduate Advisor: Email: music-program-supervisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 4.0 full credits as follows:
1. VPMA93H3 Listening to Music
0.5 credit in Performance. Students must choose the graded option for this credit
2. ACMB01H3 Critical Reading, Thinking and Writing for ACM Programs
[ VPMB01H3 Introduction to Community Music or VPMB82H3 Music in the Modern and Contemporary World or VPMB84H3 Music of the World’s Peoples]
VPMB88H3 Materials of Music I
3. 1.5 additional credits in Music and Culture (VPM) courses, of which at least 1.0 credit must be at the C- and/or D-level.
Students must consult with the Program Director regarding the selection of the courses to fulfill this program requirement.
Music And Culture Courses
VPMA66H3 - String Orchestra Ia
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance in the String Orchestra setting. Audition/interview required. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to student enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMA67H3 - String Orchestra 1b
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance in the String Orchestra setting. Audition/interview required. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: VPMA74H3-LEC02
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMA68H3 - Small Ensemble Ia
The practical study of small ensemble performance, including public presentations and group recitals. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMA69H3 - Small Ensemble Ib
The practical study of small ensemble performance, including public presentations and group recitals. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble. Audition/interview required.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMA70H3 - Concert Choir Ia
The practical study of vocal ensemble performance. Audition/Interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
VPMA71H3 - Concert Choir Ib
A continuation of VPMA70H3
The practical study of vocal ensemble performance. Audition/Interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMA73H3 - Concert Band Ia
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMA74H3 - Concert Band Ib
A continuation of VPMA73H3.
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: ( VPMA92H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMA93H3 - Listening to Music
An introduction to Western music through active listening and the consideration of practical, cultural, historical and social contexts that shape our aural appreciation of music. No previous musical experience is necessary.
VPMA95H3 - Elementary Musicianship I
A practical introduction to musicianship and music rudiments through the development of basic vocal or instrumental techniques and an emphasis on aural skills. This course is open to students with no musical training and background. It cannot be counted toward the requirements for Music programs.
VPMB01H3 - Introduction to Community Music
Music within communities functions in ways that differ widely from formal models. Often the defining activity, it blurs boundaries between amateur, professional, audience and performer, and stresses shared involvement. Drawing upon their own experience, students will examine a variety of community practices and current research on this rapidly evolving area.
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 credit in Music Performance courses
Breadth Requirements: Social & Behavioural Sciences
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMB66H3 - String Orchestra IIa
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance in the String Orchestra setting. Audition/interview required. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: VPMB73H3-LEC02
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMB67H3 - String Orchestra IIb
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance in the String Orchestra setting. Audition/interview required. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: VPMB74H3-LEC02
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMB68H3 - Small Ensemble IIa
The practical study of small ensemble performance, including public presentations and group recitals. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Enrolment Limits: 40
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMB69H3 - Small Ensemble IIb
The practical study of small ensemble performance, including public presentations and group recitals. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble. Audition/interview required.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMB70H3 - Concert Choir IIa
A continuation of VPMA71H3.
The practical study of vocal ensemble performance. Audition/Interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMB71H3 - Concert Choir IIb
A continuation of VPMB70H3.
The practical study of vocal ensemble performance. Audition/Interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMB73H3 - Concert Band IIa
A continuation of VPMA74H3.
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: ( VPMB92H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMB74H3 - Concert Band IIb
A continuation of VPMB73H3.
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: ( VPMB92H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMB82H3 - Music in the Modern and Contemporary World
An examination of art and popular music in Western society. Through deep listening and score study we investigate the cultural, historical, political and social contexts of music-making as experienced in the modern and contemporary world.
Corequisite: VPMB88H3 or ( VPMA90H3)
Exclusion: ( VPMB89H3)
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
VPMB84H3 - Music of the World's Peoples
An introduction to music from different parts of the world, including folk, popular, religious and classical traditions. This course aims to help students appreciate and understand music as a global phenomenon, and its important role in social and cultural life. Audio-visual materials feature prominently. No previous musical experience is necessary.
Recommended Preparation: VPMA93H3
Breadth Requirements: Social & Behavioural Sciences
VPMB88H3 - Materials of Music I
The basic materials of music from the Middle Ages to the present, including elementary harmony, musical forms, introductory analytical and compositional techniques and aural training.
Exclusion: ( VPMA90H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMB90H3 - Materials of Music II
Further study of the basic materials of music with increased emphasis on composition.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMB91H3 - Music and Technology
A comprehensive study of the technologies in common use in music creation, performance and teaching. This course is lab and lectured based.
Corequisite: VPMB88H3
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMC01H3 - Exploring Community Music
Our local communities are rich with music-making engagement. Students will critically examine four distinct cases of community music in the Eastern GTA through the lenses of intergenerational music-making, music and social change, music and wellbeing, and interdisciplinary musical engagement. Off-campus site visits are required.
Recommended Preparation: 1.0 credit in Music Performance
Breadth Requirements: Social & Behavioural Sciences
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMC66H3 - String Orchestra IIIa
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance in the String Orchestra setting. Audition/interview required. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: VPMC73H3-LEC02
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMC67H3 - String Orchestra IIIb
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance in the String Orchestra setting. Audition/interview required. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: VPMC74H3-LEC02
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMC68H3 - Small Ensemble IIIa
The practical study of small ensemble performance, including public presentations and group recitals. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Enrolment Limits: 40
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMC69H3 - Small Ensemble IIIb
The practical study of small ensemble performance, including public presentations and group recitals. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble. Audition/interview required.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC70H3 - Concert Choir IIIa
A continuation of VPMB71H3.
The practical study of vocal ensemble performance. Audition/Interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC71H3 - Concert Choir IIIb
A continuation of VPMC70H3.
The practical study of vocal ensemble performance. Audition/Interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC73H3 - Concert Band IIIa
A continuation of VPMB74H3.
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: ( VPMC92H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC74H3 - Concert Band IIIb
A continuation of VPMC73H3.
The practical study of instrumental ensemble performance. Audition/interview required. Students may participate in more than one ensemble concurrently with a limit of 3.0 credits in total. Students are normally expected to complete both Fall and Winter sessions (a and b) in the same ensemble.
Exclusion: ( VPMC92H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC78H3 - Balinese Gamelan: Performance and Context
An introduction to the repertory and performance of Balinese Gamelan. Combines practical music-making and academic study. Students will learn to play the Balinese Gamelan - an orchestra of bronze percussion instruments - and examine the integral function of gamelan in Balinese cultural, ceremonial, and religious life.
Exclusion: ( VPMB78H3)
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC85H3 - Movies, Music and Meaning
This course examines the synergistic relationship between the moving image and music and how these synergies result in processes of meaning-making and communication. Drawing on readings in cultural theory, cultural studies, musicology and film studies, the course considers examples from the feature film, the Hollywood musical, and the animated cartoon.
Same as MDSC85H3
Exclusion: MDSC85H3
Enrolment Limits: 50
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
Note:
No specialist knowledge in musicology or film studies required.
VPMC88H3 - Topics in Music and Culture
The investigation of an area of current interest and importance in musical scholarship. The topic to be examined will change from year to year and will be available in advance on the ACM department website.
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
VPMC89H3 - Music and Identity
VPMC90H3 - Materials of Music III
More advanced study of the materials of music with an emphasis on composition.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC91H3 - Electronic Music I
An introduction to understanding electronic, electroacoustic and computer generated music and developing creative skills in these media through theoretical, aesthetic, and practical perspectives. This course is lab and lecture based.
Recommended Preparation: VPMB82H3
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language
VPMC93H3 - Music and Imagination
An exploration of how music creatively reflects and inspires our sense of self, place and community. We consider various sites of musical imagination and the genres that intersect with them, including science fiction and fantasy literature, film, and video games.
Exclusion: VIC370H1
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
VPMC94H3 - Jazz
A history of jazz from its African and European roots to present day experiments. Surveys history of jazz styles, representative performers and contexts of performance.
Exclusion: ( VPMB94H3)
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
VPMC95H3 - Musical Diasporas
This course examines the unique role of music and the arts in the construction and maintenance of transnational identity in the diaspora. Examples under study will cover a wide range of communities (e.g. Asian, Caribbean and African) and places.
Breadth Requirements: Social & Behavioural Sciences
VPMC97H3 - Music, Technologies, Media
An exploration of music's relationships to media and technology, and how these shape musical practices, consumption, and understanding in historical and contemporary contexts. Topics include music printing, music journalism, development of acoustic, mechanical, and electronic instruments, the recording industry, radio, electroacoustic and computer composition, and digital dissemination via the internet.
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
Note:
No specialist knowledge in music or media studies required.
VPMD01H3 - Senior Seminar: Music in Our Communities
Through advanced studies in community music, students will combine theory and practice through intensive weekly seminar-style discussions and an immersive service-learning placement with a community music partner from the Eastern GTA. Off-campus site visits are required.
Breadth Requirements: Social & Behavioural Sciences
Note:
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major and Minor programs in Music and Culture. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.
VPMD80H3 - Independent Study in Music
A directed research, composition or performance course for students who have demonstrated a high level of academic maturity and competence. Students in performance combine a directed research project with participation in one of the performance ensembles.
Note: Students must submit a proposed plan of study for approval in the term prior to the beginning of the course, and must obtain consent from the supervising instructor and the Music Program Director.
VPMD81H3 - Independent Study in Music
A directed research, composition or performance course for students who have demonstrated a high level of academic maturity and competence. Students in performance combine a directed research project with participation in one of the performance ensembles.
Note: Students must submit a proposed plan of study for approval in the term prior to the beginning of the course, and must obtain consent from the supervising instructor and the Music Program Director.
VPMD90H3 - Critical Issues in Music and Society
An investigation into significant issues in music and society. Topics will vary but may encompass art, popular and world music. Issues may include music’s relationship to technology, commerce and industry, identity, visual culture, and performativity. Through readings and case studies we consider music's importance to and place in society and culture.
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
VPMD91H3 - Electronic Music II
More advanced study in electronic, electroacoustic and computer-generated music with emphasis on electroacoustic composition. This course is primarily lab-based.
Breadth Requirements: Arts, Literature & Language