Students read Schenker's analysis after having created their own interpretation of the work and discussed their interpretations in class. As a result of this process, students discover the gradual development of Schenker's ideas and learn how to critique and revise interpretations through their own interaction and their interaction wit h Schenker. The course also includes a segment that systematically studies the voice-leading transformations described by Schenker, with special attention to rhythmic aspects of the transformations. Analytical studies are supplemented by readings from Schenker's theoretical writings, principally Free Composition . The course is an intensive reading course designed to introduce theory graduate students to the field of music theory and to sharpen their ability to read difficult texts.
Students discover what issues concern theorists currently active in the field.
Boretz, Babbitt, Lewin, Randall, Rahn, Dubiel, Meyer, Lerdahl and Jackendoff, Guck, and many others. Students also review recent publications.