Courses for Non-Music Majors

Winter 2025 (CRN 61208) - 3 credits

Tuesday/Thursday 2:30-3:45pm

This course introduces and explores selected western musical phenomena from aesthetic, social, and historical perspectives. Topics will include art and vernacular musics; style and genre; social function and context; the nature and varieties of musical experience. May not be held with MUSC 1050. This course may not be used for credit towards the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Jazz Studies degree.

No overrides needed

Winter 2025 (CRN 61961) - 3 credits

Tuesday/Thursday 11:30am-12:45pm

This course begins with a brief examination of the origins of the popular music industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the development of rock' n 'roll in the 1950s and then surveys the subsequent proliferation of different types of popular music into the 21st century. The course will address representative genres, artists, and record labels in their cultural, political, historical, and technological contexts.

No overrides needed

Fall 2024 (CRN 21561) - 3 credits

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10:30-11:20

A broad survey of the development and history of musical theatre from the early days of Vaudeville and burlesque through its evolution to the grand scale Broadway productions of today. This course is designed to reveal the origins and development of modern musical theatre through the study of influential artists, movements and major figures. This course will include a field trip component.

No overrides needed

Fall 2024 (CRN 25005) - 3 credits

Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-2:15pm

This course is a comprehensive guide for listening to and understanding the genre of jazz. Students will examine how the musical elements of jazz such as improvisation and swing rhythm have evolved and developed from the 1800s to today. This course will also profile some of the genre’s most impactful artists and examine various approaches to jazz journalism and criticism.

No overrides needed

Fall 2024 (CRN 20084) - 3 credits

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11:30am–12:20pm

An introduction to fundamental aspects of music such as sound generation, notation, melodic and harmonic construction, with emphasis on an aural approach. This course may not be used for credit towards the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Jazz Studies degree.

No overrides required

Fall 2024 (CRN 25007) - 3 credits

Tuesday/Thursday 10:00-11:15am

The goal of this course is to provide a functional understanding of how Indigenous communities create music while being impacted by settler colonialism. Students will learn to situate themselves within the land they reside upon and will discuss Indigenous histories of what is presently called the Winnipeg region. Students will survey the major Indigenous groups in Canada and will be introduced to Anishinaabeg worldviews and philosophies. Students will learn about different genres of music practiced by Indigenous artists and interrogate notions of appropriation and collaboration. May not be held with MUSC 3820 when titled Perspectives on Indigenous Music.

No overrides needed

Fall 2024 (CRN 24099) Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-2:15pm

Or Winter 2025 (CRN 62804) Tuesday/Thursday 10:00-11:15am - 3 credits

Students will study form  and  compositional approaches to a variety of musical styles, which may include pop, rock, hip-hop, and EDM. The course will provide an introduction to the creative use of music technology, including DAW usage and home recording. Assignments will include the development of a musical portfolio, and written reflections and analysis. Students of diverse musical experiences are encouraged to enroll. Open to non-majors with permission of instructor.  

College override required

Winter 2025 (CRN 64885) - 3 credits

Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-2:15pm

Students will learn the use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and sample libraries suitable for composition for digital media. Software includes Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Spitfire LABS. Compositional tools will include MIDI orchestration, sound design, and audio recording. Students will study film history and the use of music as a compliment to storytelling within film, television, and video games. Other topics will include delivery standards and professional practices. Prerequisites: third-year standing as a Music major or permission of the instructor. 

Instructor approval required.

Winter 2025 (CRN 64888) - 3 credits  

Monday 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Discover the business side of music. This course will provide a survey of music business topics including artist management, music marketing, rights and royalties, concert promotion, contracts, grants and funding, and financial planning. Students will learn from industry professionals and gain insight into industry roles and the skills required to succeed in the music business. Prepare for a professional future in music with tools to navigate the sector as a songwriter/composer, performer, arts worker, or industry professional.

No overrides required

Winter 2025 (CRN 64889) - 3 credits

Monday 5:30-8:30pm

Join us for the Monday Night Song Circle. We’ll explore vocal technique along with a variety of vocal styles including Classical, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Singer-Songwriter. You’ll learn about singing, while participating in a group setting that offers lots of solo and ensemble opportunities, taught by Winnipeg’s leading voice teachers.

Students should have some background in singing, including the ability to read music. 

Instructor approval required:

To provide the best experience possible in the Monday Night Song Circle, we are asking that students send a brief statement of intent (150 words or less) to course co-ordinator Mel Braun (mel.braun@umanitoba.ca) before registering.

Students should have some background in singing, including the ability to read music. Briefly describe what genre of music you perform, and a bit of information about your background learning and/or performing music. Please include your full name, student number, and home faculty with your statement of intent.

Winter 2025 (CRN 64890) - 3 credits

Monday 5:30-8:30pm

This ensemble will explore the music and culture of brass bands from around the world covering styles such as jazz, pop, funk, samba, klezmer and more. Brass, wind, and percussion players are all welcome. Ability to read music is not necessary, but at least two years of experience on your instrument is recommended. 

Instructor approval required:

To provide the best experience possible in the Monday Night Brass Band, we are asking that students send a brief statement of intent (150 words or less) to course instructor Jon Challoner (Jonathan.Challoner@umanitoba.ca) before registering. 

Ability to read music is not necessary, but at least two years of experience on your instrument is recommended. Please provide a bit of information about what instrument you play and your background learning/performing music. Do you have experience improvising and/or learning music by ear? Please include your full name, student number, and home faculty with your statement of intent.

Fall 2024 (CRN 25498)

OR Winter 2025 (CRN 65049)

The Desautels Faculty of Music is thrilled to announce that we are offering Métis Fiddling lessons with North American Fiddlers' Hall of Fame member Patti Kusturok.  Patti is an inspiring and gifted teacher who works with students at all levels and is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. 

These lessons are available to all U of M students.  No previous experience reading music or playing fiddle is required. 

There are 10 spots available for private lessons – students will register for a 3-credit Independent Study for the opportunity to study with Patti during the 2024-25 academic year. Instruments will be provided on loan, free of charge. 

Contact DFoM.Advising@umanitoba.ca for access to this course. 

Advisor Approval required

Fall and Winter spanned - 2 credits

North American Fiddlers' Hall of Fame member Patti Kusturok will be leading Métis Fiddling ensembles.  You can register for these 2-credit, spanned ensembles or participate as a community member.  

These ensembles are designed for students who play stringed instruments or who are taking Métis Fiddling lessons with Patti during the 2024-25 year.

For more information about Metis Fiddling lessons or ensembles, please contact DFOM.advising@umanitoba.ca

College override required