Courses

This course investigates queer identities in contemporary culture by analyzing popular, traditional, and undocumented musical examples of songs confronting the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the San Francisco Bay Area. Musical technique (vocal/instrumental), sonic characteristics, performance practices, lyrical classification, and visual media elements will be examined for how they contribute to defining the relationship between music, identity, public health, and activism. The goal of the course is to increase awareness regarding the relationship between music and identity, the role of identity in music-making/listening, as well as the function of music as integral within a greater public health crisis and political/social movement.

This course explores the intersections of music, culture, and gender in order to understand the diverse social roles that music played in the lives of individuals adopting various gender identities. This class will consider how gender identities were constructed through musical composition, performance, and music-making throughout history. We will investigate the cultural impact that gender had on musical style, reception, and professionalization, and domestic performance by consulting “case studies” of specific composers, performers, and audiences.

(From SFCM): Developing a digital presence is especially important for musicians to consider as they promote their work and create a funnel strategy for converting first-time visitors into devoted fans. In this class, you will create the materials needed for an effective digital presence—including a website, email newsletter, and (professional) social media presence—and learn the best practices for developing a unique brand and promoting yourself online.

The course will achieve this through engaging in both individual and collaborative approaches to the artistic process through a rigorous study of Diatonic Harmony. This course examines the rules that govern the composition of Western classical music. Theoretical subjects will be taught as they appeared in historical progression, beginning with cantus firmus and species counterpoint (15th and 16th century), late sixteenth century counterpoint, 18th century counterpoint, figured bass, four-part voice leading and phrase structure, modulation, late eighteenth century form, and nineteenth century chromaticism. Class sessions and homework include ways to analyze and write music with functional harmony and voice leading. 

This survey course offers a general introduction to the most influential popular music styles in the United States from 1850 to the present.

This course is designed to provide private saxophone lessons to students majoring in music. Meetings will consist of 60-minute lessons occurring once per week. Students are expected to prepare assignments (i.e. repertoire) by practicing outside of the lesson, and perform assignments during their time with the instructor. The instructor will provide feedback during the lesson by offering suggestions for improved performance and learning. To introduce the student to the significant solo repertoire in the woodwind area, giving them criteria for personally evaluating and identifying literature of significant musical value. In addition, the student will analyze and listen to masterworks and other significant works for each instrument and be able to identify aurally and describe salient features of these works.

With an emphasis on entrepreneurship and nonprofit management, this course introduces practical application of arts training to community service. Students will develop organizational portfolios including Mission, Vision, Programming, Budgeting, Fundraising, and Marketing elements while learning from active arts community servants.