Musical Performance (MP)

Class study introducing students to a performance tradition from outside the western classical and popular traditions. Limited to fifteen students.

For students with little or no formal training in singing, this course focuses on the development of the singing voice. Study and application of the principles and techniques of singing: breathing, tone production, resonance and diction, among other technical skills. Repertory chosen will illustrate different stylistic periods. Students participate in a recital at the end of the semester. Part of each class will include study of fundamental musicianship skills.

For students with no special background in music or piano. Emphasis is on reading skills and development of keyboard technique. Fundamental concepts of music theory (rhythm, intervals, scales, chords, keys) will be included.

For students with some basic training in piano (audition required) or who have completed MP 191. Further development of music reading ability and technical skills, and development of a basic beginning repertoire.

For those with little or no guitar experience, this course is designed to prepare the student for private lessons. The course covers all aspects of guitar technique including scales, arpeggios, chords, and right hand styles. Musicianship skills including note and rhythm reading will be stressed. Each student must provide her or his own acoustic guitar.

Study of jazz piano voicings, scales, and modes for improvisation. Left-hand chording patterns, harmonic structures, and accompanying scales will be emphasized. Other areas of study will include diatonic and chromatic voice leading, phrasing and solo development, functional harmony, bass lines, and solo jazz piano technique. Class will read selected jazz charts and listen to and analyze contemporary and historical jazz pianists.

Application of fundamental theoretical concepts at the keyboard. Functional skills to include control of simple diatonic chordal harmony, independent voicing, modal and scalar patterns, elementary transposition, and sight-reading. Course materials are keyed to concepts covered in MU 241. Successful completion of MP197 will satisfy the department's keyboard proficiency requirement for all music majors.

Group instruction in instrumental performance areas, including jazz improvisation, not covered by MP 181-188 or MP 191-197. To be announced when offered.

A course designed to provide student musicians with opportunities to engage with the broader community beyond Skidmore through service and to encourage critical reflection on their experiences. Students volunteer their musical talents and develop planning and organizational skills in the local community beyond Skidmore at a minimum of three planned outreach events during the semester.

A course/performing ensemble designed to equip singers with acting and movement skills for the stage. Classes and rehearsals will culminate in public performance of scenes or complete works from the opera/musical theater repertoire. Open by audition and interview only.

Jazz improvisation and performance in a small combo setting.

A select ensemble, drawn from members of the Skidmore College Chorus, performing a wide range of repertoire from all periods, including madrigals, part songs, choral works, and operatic ensembles.

A select ensemble performing a wide range of music from R&B, Soul, Funk, and Gospel genres in a vocal ensemble.

An ensemble devoted to the performance of traditional drum music from Ghana.

Individual 45-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano, guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation. (Fulfills Arts requirement; fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.) Enrollment by permission of instructor; after registering, watch for further instruction by email. Applications for partial and full scholarship to defray the $780 fee are considered each semester.

Individual 60-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano, guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation. At least one semester of 60-minute lessons is required for any student preparing a full recital. (Fulfills Arts requirement; fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.) Enrollment by permission of instructor; after registering, watch for further instruction by email. Applications for partial and full scholarship to defray the $1,040 fee are considered each semester.

An ensemble devoted to the performance of classical guitar music in combination with other instruments and voice.

An ensemble devoted to the performance of classical guitar music in combination with other instruments and voice.

A large ensemble open to men and women singers. Annual tours and invitational concerts provide opportunities to sing major choral works with other colleges and universities.

One three-hour rehearsals per week.

One two-hour rehearsal per week.

A large ensemble open to all woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists.  Major works for wind ensemble and band will be studied and performed.

Qualified students in piano, harpsichord, strings, woodwinds and brass may participate in smaller ensembles: trios, quartets, quintets, etc.

Qualified students in piano, harpsichord, strings and woodwinds may participate in smaller ensembles: trios, quartets, quintets, etc. Open by audition. This course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the department. 90 minutes.

Independent study and musical preparation culminating in a public recital, a written discussion of the repertoire performed, and an oral symposium presentation regarding some aspect of the recital. Includes weekly one-hour lessons. Approval for presenting senior recitals is determined by audition, normally held in the semester preceding the recital before the department faculty.

Individual 45-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano, guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation. Four semesters of MP281 and/or MP281x are required on the relevant instrument prior to registration in MP381 and or MP381x. (Fulfills Arts requirement; fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.) Enrollment by permission of instructor; after registering, watch for further instruction by email. Applications for partial and full scholarship to defray the $780 fee are considered each semester.

Individual 60-minute weekly instruction in voice, piano, harpsichord, organ, fortepiano, guitar, orchestral instruments, sitar, tabla, and jazz improvisation. At least one semester of 60-minute lessons is required for any student preparing a full recital. Four semesters of MP281 and/or MP281x are required on the relevant instrument prior to registration in MP381 and or MP381x. (Fulfills Arts requirement; fulfills Artistic Inquiry requirement.) Enrollment by permission of instructor; after registering, watch for further instruction by email. Applications for partial and full scholarship to defray the $1040 fee are considered each semester.