This program is available to music majors who wish to earn a minor in Harry Partch Microtonal Studies. It is a specialized program that requires a basic level of understanding of music.

Harry Partch (1901-1974) was active between 1930 and 1972 as a composer, theorist and instrument inventor. He built his instruments in a new microtonal tuning system for the performance of music dramas, dance theater, multi-media extravaganzas, vocal music and chamber music. Influences for his work included Greek mythology, Asian and Native American music and his experiences as a hobo. He developed a "concept of corporeality" based on the integration of the elements of speech with music that explored expanded melodic and harmonic possibilities. He was the author of a treatise, Genesis of a Music, that explained his philosophy and theory of intonation.

Curriculum:

• Performance:
  • Microtonal Music Ensemble - performance of works by Harry Partch, other microtonal composers and student compositions.
     
• History:
  • The life and works of Harry Partch - survey of works, Partch's concept of Corporeality, introduction to instruments, tuning system and notation.
     
• Theory/Composition:
  • Modern Just Intonation - in depth study of Harry Partch's tuning system, instruments, compositional applications by Partch and others, notation.
     
• Theory/Composition:
  • Creative Composition Projects - composition projects with goal of performance by Microtonal Music Ensemble.
     
• Music Instrument Repair and Invention
  • Learning through hands-on maintenance of the Newband/Harry Partch Instrument Collection. Independent and small-group projects to replicate and/or develop new instruments.
     
• Private Composition Instruction
   
• Private Instrumental Instruction

For more information, contact:

Gina Balestracci, Academic Administrator
Telephone: (973) 655-7219
E-mail: balestraccig@mail.montclair.edu
or
Dean Drummond, Director, Harry Partch Institute
Telephone (973) 655-6984
E-mail: drummondd@mail.montclair.edu

Audition Information

See course curriculum from the MSU Undergraduate Catalog: