Non-Major Classes

2012 Non-Majors Classes

The following courses are open to non-music majors.

Selected Topics: Song Writing Seminar
GEN_MUS 175-0 Sec 26
Instructor: Benjamin Hjertmann

  • 3 weeks
  • June 18 - July 6
  • MTWThF, 10 a.m. - 12 noon
  • Evanston Campus

This class is geared towards students who are interested in songwriting in any genre of pop music (Rock, Jazz, Disco, Hip-Hop, Folk, R&B, Electronica, etc.).  The group meeting will address aspects of songwriting including Form, Genres, Lyrics, Orchestration, Sampling/Quoting and Production.  Students will also meet one-on one with the instructor for weekly individual lessons.  In addition to in-class discussion and listening, students will write at least two original songs that will be recorded with the help of the instructor.  Each student has the opportunity to host-write for a classmate or performer of his/her choice, or perform his/her own work.  Students are not required to perform, only to write and discuss music. Musical Background: Students should be proficient on at least one instrument or be able to use their voice. However, no classical training or music-reading ability is necessary.


History and Literature of Operetta and Musical Theater

GEN_MUS 175-0 Sec 27
Instructor: Phillip Kraus

  • 3 weeks
  • June 18-July 6
  • MTWThF 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
  • Evanston Campus

Exploration of the beginnings of the populist music theater starting with operetta and covering the American and World music theater. Analysis of the content and structure of these works from a theatrical, literary and musical standpoint. 


Great Performers Before "YouTube"
GEN_MUS 175-0 Sec 28
Instructor: Richard Boldrey 

  • 3 weeks
  • June 18-July 6
  • MTWThF, 12 noon - 2:00 p.m. 
  • Evanston Campus

A unique opportunity to listen to (and in some cases watch) performances of classical music by the greatest performers of the 20th century! We’ll hear examples of some of the greatest pianists, string players, singers, chamber ensembles, vocal ensembles, orchestras, conductors, and even composers. We’ll sample the top players of other instruments as well, including organ, harp, French horn, clarinet, harpsichord, even sitar and Theremin. This is your chance for a guided tour of exemplary musical performances of the past hundred years.

History of Rock
GEN_MUS 250-0 Sec 23
Instructor: Rebecca Bennett 

  • 3 weeks
  • June 18-July 6
  • MTWThF, 2-4 pm
  • Evanston Campus

Moving from the 1950s to the present, this course will offer a cultural and musical history of rock. Special attention will be paid to the social and marketing mechanisms that yield various types of rock. Students will be responsible for informal presentations about topics/songs of their own choosing, short essays, and an exercise on the last day where they will use notes to apply what they have learned. We’ll cover a wide territory from Elvis’ “rockabilly” to Girl Groups of the 1960s to Metal to Guitar Hero. No previous musical knowledge/training is needed for successful completion of this course.