Music 421 - Tin Pan Alley

Songwriting in Tin Pan Alley is a seminar focusing on the song repertoires associated with the commercial songwriting industry in New York City during the first half of the twentieth century. The course will introduce students to the formal characteristics of music and lyrics as well as some of the most widely admired composers of these songs, and consider the broader social/musical worlds encompassing the repertory. In addition to analysis and interpretation in writing, students will also attempt to craft their own songs in these styles. Fulfills either the departmental seminar requirement or the comprehensive exam requirement for the major.

Requisite: MUSI 241 or consent of the instructor. Spring semester. Valentine Professor Morris.