Spring 2026 Course Search

A song feedback collective, focused on how musical restrictions can spur us to growth. Over the course of the term, students will write five songs (or revise a single song in radical ways) based on the critique and decisions of the group. We’ll discuss how to form supportive but insightful critique while challenging each other to go new places. What does it take to create a song based on someone else’s text, completely a cappella, or without a single chord? How do you welcome in new materials and collaborators, from across genre and style?

Composers throughout the ages have cut their teeth on the study of counterpoint – the intricate practice of writing melodies for several voices sounding at once. In this course, we’ll look mainly at 16th-century composers of counterpoint, and sing through pieces from Palestrina to Weelkes, while learning to compose in a variety of practices such as canons, the motet, and familiar style. We’ll gradually work our way from two-voice to four-voice counterpoint, and set texts in a variety of harmonic styles.

An advanced course in sonic contraptions, for students who have already completed significant work in sound, visual design, or project management.  Starting with Collins’ Hardware Hacking, we’ll review soldering, circuit bending (i.e. “tickling the clock”), and associated topics, such as no-input mixing and basic circuit tinkering. We will look at alternative methods of physical sound creation through programming languages and mechanical paradigms such as solenoids and sensors.

Sage City Symphony is a community orchestra that invites student participation. The Symphony is noted for their policy of commissioning new works by major composers as well as playing the classics. There are always openings in the string sections and occasionally by audition for solo winds and percussion. There will be 1-2 concerts each term.

Please note: this class meets on Sundays, from 2:45-5:30pm.