In this course, students will learn, rehearse, and perform a set of rock/pop music. “Rock/pop” is construed as widely as possible, encompassing all styles of Anglo-American vernacular music from roughly 1950 onwards, as well as derivative genres from overseas. Example genres include blues, folk, rhythm and blues, k-pop, prog-rock, hip-hop, electronic, heavy metal, punk, and reggae. The set list may include cover songs, original songs, or both. We may also work on producing high-quality recordings of original music.
In preparing for performance(s), students will build their knowledge and skills as professional musicians. Topics we will work on may include:
- Musicianship (e.g., playing in tune, playing in time)
- Ensemble dynamics (e.g., how to play off each other)
- Jamming
- Improvising—both individually and as a group
- Musical dynamics
- The role of all the instruments in a typical rock band, and how to set them up and break them down
- How to make your instrument(s) sound good
- Professional recording practices
- Ensemble arranging
- Composition
- Songwriting
My hope is that each and every student grows as a musician each semester. I will work with each student, or band, to identify specific skills that you can focus on developing, and guide you towards projects that will facilitate that development.
All musicians are expected to have their instruments available to play at home—the only exceptions are drummers and pianists/keyboardists. For in-person rehearsals/jams, drums, keyboards, and amplification (guitar amps, PA, etc.) will be set up in West Village rehearsal spaces.
- Guitars, bassists should bring their own instrument, cables, and a tuner. You may bring your own amp and/or effects pedals.
- Drummers should bring their own cymbals and sticks to rehearsals.
- Keyboardists may wish to bring their own keyboard and laptop (with software synths).
- Other instrumentalists (e.g., brass players) need to have their own instruments which they can play at home and bring to in-person rehearsals.
Participation/Engagement 40
Punctuality/Attendance/Not wasting time 20
Out-of-class preparation 20
Peer feedback/support 10
Maintaining Equipment/Set up 10
Attendance in this course is graded. Show up on time, or your grade will be affected.
If you are feeling sick, please do not come to rehearsals, performances, or in-person office hours. I will do everything I can to help you catch up on anything you miss due to illness. For occasional mild illnesses, you do not need to officially document your illness or receive a doctor’s note—it is best to simply stay home and inform me of your absence via email before rehearsal starts. However, if you miss more than two consecutive rehearsals, or more than five in total, we must meet (remotely) to discuss how your absences will affect your band—in these cases, I may need to ask for formal documentation (e.g., a doctor’s note) to justify significant accommodations.
Absences for other valid (documented) professional purposes (e.g., interviews) are also acceptable. If you miss sessions for any other reason, or if you fail to inform my why you were absent before rehearsal, I don’t mind personally, but you will not receive credit for attendance.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area. Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
- This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
- Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
- Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence