New music courses available to all UM students – 2024 – 2025
Are you a new student? Looking for an elective to fill out your schedule? Never got a chance to try music, but always wanted to? This is your chance!
Music Courses available to all U of M students
At the Desautels Faculty of Music, we have a selection of courses that are available to all students at the U of M, regardless of your major. From history, production, and business, you do not need to be musically inclined to be captivated by the many areas that make up the study of music.
Some courses require an override to enter the course. Where it says “Instructor Approval Required” please email the instructor of record. Otherwise, please email DFoM.Advising@umanitoba.ca with your request to enter the course.
Fall 2024
MUSC 1030 – History of Musical Theatre
3 credits
Fall 2024 (CRN 21561)
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
MUSC 1040 – Discovering Jazz
3 credits
Fall 2024 (CRN 25005)
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
MUSC 1930 – Rudiments of Music
3 credits
Fall 2024 (CRN 20084)
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
MUSC 3040 – Perspectives on Indigenous Music
3 credits
Fall 2024 (CRN 25007)
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
MUSC 3830 (T32) – Popular Songwriting and Production
3 credits
Fall 2024 (CRN 24099) Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-2:15pm
Or Winter 2025 (CRN 62804) Tuesday/Thursday 10:00-11:15am
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
MUSC 1010 – Music Matters: Excursions in Western Musical Culture
3 credits
Winter 2025 (CRN 61208)
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
MUSC 1020 – Introduction to Popular Music
3 credits
Winter 2025 (CRN 61961)
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
MUSC 3830 (T41) – Composition for Film and Media
3 credits
Winter 2025 (CRN 64885)
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.
MUSC 3830 (T42) – Business of Music
3 credits
Winter 2025 (CRN 64888)
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 in all genres, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, and more, will learn from experienced industry professionals, gain insight into industry roles, and acquire 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
MUSC 3830 (T43) – Monday Night Song Circle
3 credits
Winter 2025 (CRN 64889)
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.
MUSC 3830 (T44) – Monday Night Brass Band
3 credits
Winter 2025 (CRN 64890)
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/Winter 2024-2025
MUSC 3620 – Métis Fiddling lessons (Independent Study)
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
Métis Fiddling Ensembles
2 credits
(Chamber Music Ensemble MUSC X190 T04) Fall and Winter spanned
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