Music Courses
This is Your Brain on Music (0.5 Credit)
Why do humans make music? What happens in our brains when we listen to music? In this class, students will take on the roles of music critics, theorists, historians, and psychologists as they learn to listen more deeply, think more critically, and speak more eloquently about music of many genres and styles.
Drumming (0.5 Credit)
Students will learn to play drums, bells, and shakers from various cultures, including Ghana, West Africa, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. They will learn the importance of drum conversation and different drumming techniques, playing together as a team and growing as a community.
Music Literacy (0.5 Credit)
Music Theory I teaches the skills necessary to read, analyze, and compose music. Students will learn basic keyboard and aural skills, music notation in treble and bass clefs, and how to use notation software to compose original music.
Music Theory (Semester 2) (0.5 Credit)
Music Theory II focuses on ear training, structure, form, harmony, and composition techniques. Students will use Flat.io and Soundtrap to create independent projects such as music for video games, podcasts, and commercial jingles.
Jazz Band (1.0 Credit)
This class will focus on the performance of American jazz and blues repertoire. Students will explore the genre through listening and practicing important historic recordings, developing skills in ensemble playing, melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and scales.
String Ensemble (1.0 Credit)
This class offers the opportunity for new string players to develop their technique and musicianship together while learning music in a variety of styles. Training will focus on proper posture and playing position, tone quality, and music literacy.
Wind Ensemble (1.0 Credit)
Students in this class will improve their instrumental technique, music literacy, and overall musicianship through performing a wide variety of music. They will focus on chamber music and gain confidence as artists and performers.
Piano 1 (0.5 Credit)
Students will learn to play simple piano music in a variety of styles using both hands, read music notation in treble and bass clefs, and apply basic music theory concepts.
Piano 2 (0.5 Credit)
Students will build on music theory and note-reading skills learned in Piano 1 and apply them to increasingly difficult repertoire. They will also design their own independent projects and create recorded performances.
Singer in You (0.5 Credit)
Students will gain an understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology, breath control, and singing in different registers. They may choose their own songs to work on or request suggestions from the instructor.
UCONN/ECE Popular Music and Diversity in American Society (1.0 Credit)
An introduction to popular music and diversity in America, exploring various genres and emphasizing issues of race, gender, class, and resistance.
Uke Can Do It (0.5 Credit)
This course is an introduction to the Ukulele, teaching students various techniques including strumming, fingerpicking, chords, and rhythms. Students will also be introduced to reading music, improvisation, and beginning songwriting.
Songwriting (0.5 Credit)
This class provides students with a solid background in the art and craft of songwriting. Students will study the elements of songwriting, including lyrics, rhythm, melody, harmony, and song structure, and work on their original compositions.
Academy Therapy Band (0.5 Credit)
Academy Therapy Band is a traveling music and dance company where students will learn how to play music as an ensemble. Instruments will include drum set, piano, guitar, bass, percussion, and vocals. Students will explore a variety of music and dance styles and prepare a repertoire of songs for performances.
Latin Rhythms (0.5 Credit)
In this class, students will learn the basic rhythms and dance steps for Latin music, including salsa, bachata, and merengue styles. They will also learn to play various instruments used in Latin music and explore Latin dance.
Guitar 1 (0.5 Credit)
This class focuses on understanding the basic principles of playing and writing music for the guitar. Students will learn to write chord progressions, create melodic leads, and string their instruments.
Guitar 2 (0.5 Credit)
This course explores intermediate to advanced guitar concepts, including chord voicings, rhythm guitar styles, scales and modes, improvisation, and chart reading.
Community Singers (0.5 Credit)
This class emphasizes community building and inclusion. Students choose repertoire and create arrangements based on the ensemble’s values of celebrating, comforting, and connecting through music.
Vocal Styles (0.5 Credit)
Students will apply their vocal skills in a variety of styles of solo vocal music, exploring what makes an effective and stylistically appropriate vocal performance.
Chamber Orchestra (1.0 Credit)
This orchestra offers the opportunity for more experienced instrumentalists to play together in a variety of traditional and contemporary styles, focusing on ensemble skills and individual practice.
Advanced Drumming (0.5 Credit)
This class is designed for students who have previously taken drumming and will explore traditional drumming and songs from various cultures.