Advanced Theory: Twentieth-Century Theoretical Approaches: Post-Tonal and Rock Music

This course will be an examination of various theoretical approaches to music of the twentieth century—including post-tonal, serial, textural, minimalist, and pop/rock music. Our primary text will be Joseph Straus’s Introduction to Post-Tonal Theory, but we will also explore other relevant texts, including scores and recordings of the works themselves. This course will include study of the music of Schoenberg, Webern, Pink Floyd, Ligeti, Bartók, Reich, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Corigliano, and Del Tredici, among others. Open to students who have successfully completed Theory II: Basic Tonal Theory and Composition.