Course Schedule and Catalog

Department: College Courses

Meeting: 6:00PM - 6:50PM M (24-AUG-2026 - 4-DEC-2026) 

Part of Term: Full Term - No WL Purge

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Method of Instruction: Face to Face

Credit Hours: 1

 

Section Max Enrollment: 19

Section Enrolled: 8

Waitlisted: 0 (Max 99) 

Current members of the waitlist have priority for available seats.

Enrollment data as of: 26-APR-2026 9:17AM

 

 

Final Exam: No Final Exam

 

Description: Mouth music – in the world of a cappella, the only thing on stage is the voice. But how do we create thundering power chords and piercing, orchestral swells without instruments? In this course, students will explore the world of a cappella vocal music, from award winning ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) sets to Bulgarian throat singing. Through guided listenings, score analyses, and discussions, students will be able to analyze how different techniques from around the world are uniquely employed in a cappella music to create expressive depth without instrumental accompaniment, all while developing a fundamental understanding of music theory. Students will evaluate a cappella arrangements and compositions from the perspective of an ICCA judge, collaborate with other classmates, and be exposed to a large variety of vocal music. Students will also have numerous opportunities to practice applying the techniques introduced in class through short, low-stakes weekly arranging/composing exercises. By the end of the course, students will put together a final project of an original a cappella or choral arrangement demonstrating the skills learned in class, culminating in a spoken presentation serving as a showcase of their artistic choices. This aca-course may be difficult for students without a basic familiarity with sheet music, though the course is suitable for students from diverse musical backgrounds and levels. The fundamentals of music theory will be covered in class; while prior music theory knowledge is not required, a rudimentary understanding is preferred. I am very happy to accommodate musicians of all skill levels - please contact the instructor with any questions!