MUS 180 A-Z - Special Topics in MusicSemester Hours: 1-3
Fall, January, Spring, Summer
Each semester, the department offers special topics courses focusing on music. These courses deal with the historical, theoretical, and analytical study of music as well as actual performance practice.
Current Special Topics
MUS 180U - Voice Class for Contemporary Styles
This course fulfills a growing need within the Hofstra University Department of Music for advanced applied study in contemporary vocal styles. While traditional classical and musical theatre curricula remain essential, the professional industry increasingly demands versatility across pop, jazz, R&B, and crossover genres.
MUS 180T - I Want My MTV: The Intersectional Relationship Between Music & the Moving Image
This class will examine the intersectional relationship of music and video production from the musical score as an integral element of cinema to the contemporary practice of filming and editing live music performances through music documentaries, live studio productions, and music videos. Through readings, screenings, and the analysis of works by classic and contemporary composers, students will explore the symbiotic relationship of film and music from historical, technological, and theoretical perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to work with the same leading digital tools that have accelerated the revolution in independent music publishing and video production as they explore the narrative functions of music through hands-on audiovisual projects. Students will become familiar with the techniques and collaborative workflows of music composers and filmmakers in practical and creative ways. Projects include scored film projects and on-camera performances of original scores for music students, and music videos, short music documentaries, and live-to-tape broadcasts for film/television students. Through these projects students will gain familiarity and confidence in the collaborations involved in the cinematic interpretation of live and pre-recorded music as they develop their unique creative styles and approaches. Final evaluations will be based on technical and creative mastery as well as each student’s contributions to highly collaborative group work.
Same as RTVF 181B, MUSB 151B
Prerequisites: RTVF 021 or RTVF 026 or RTVF 047 (any one of the three of these)
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
MUS 061 or 061A and 069 or 069A or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Specific titles and course descriptions for special topics courses are available in the online class schedule. May not be taken on a Pass/D+/D/Fail basis.
View Course Offering(s):
Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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