MUSC 170 Arranging introduces students to techniques for arranging music for small ensembles, with a primary focus on the rhythm section and an overview of the fundamentals of writing for horn sections. Students learn to analyze and document song forms, transcribe recorded performances using standard musical notation and create clear, effective charts for rhythm section instruments. Specific topics include instrument ranges; transposition for brass and saxophones; expanding from lead sheets; planning an arrangement; basic 2‑, 3‑, and 4‑part voicing techniques; and standard notation practices for electric or acoustic bass, guitar, piano, and drums.
Prerequisites: MUSC 168 with a minimum grade of 70%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 22.5 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 1.5 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Analyze song forms by documenting sections such as verse, chorus, and bridge
- Transcribe recorded musical performances using standard music notation
- Create comprehensive sheet music charts for a rhythm section
- Apply basic principles of writing for horn sections by accounting for instrument ranges
Teaching and Learning Approach
Lectures supported by in-class work and projects/assignments based on material covered.
In this course, the student will develop the tools necessary to be able to arrange music for rhythm section, as
well as learn fundamentals of vocal and horn arranging.
Topics will include: elements of arranging (texture, harmony, groove, orchestration, dynamics, etc); form and
"form-mapping"; moving from lead sheet or "skeleton chart" to score format; review of principles of rhythm
section notation; "master rhythm" charts vs individual rhythm section parts; developing intros and outros (codas);
basic reharmonization techniques; survey of different rhythmic grooves/feels (e.g. funk, swing, rock, Afro-Cuban,
etc) commonly used in contemporary popular music; voicing techniques including close, drop, and spread
voicings; transposition and range considerations for brass instruments and saxophones.Learning Resources
Recommended:
Essential Grooves, by Dan Moretti
Other resources to be handed out in class.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to Song Form (Survey of basic song forms common to Western popular music and jazz: verse/chorus, simple and complex binary, etc)
2. -Arrangement form -Use of melodic anticipations, articulations, and dynamics -Review "Imaginary barline" rule
3. Review of concepts from MUSC168 concerning leadsheet writing and notation for rhythm section instruments.
4. Survey of grooves associated with contemporary music styles
5. Review
6. MIDTERM
7. Introduction to 2, 3, and 4- part voicings and fundamentals of vocal arranging.
8. 4-way close, drop (drop 2, drop 3, drop 2 & 4), and spread voicings; introduction to horn writing.
9. Wrap-up and preparation for final project
10. Final project dueAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Weekly Homework | 1,2,3 | 20% |
| Midterm | 1,2,3 | 30% |
| Attendance/Participation | 1,2,3 | 10% |
| Final Project | 1,2,3 | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 97 - 100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 94 - 96.9 | A | 4.00 |
| 90 - 93.9 | A- | 3.67 |
| 87 - 89.9 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 83 - 86.9 | B | 3.00 |
| 80 - 82.9 | B- | 2.67 |
| 77 - 79.9 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 73 - 76.9 | C | 2.00 |
| 70 - 72.9 | C- | 1.67 |
| 60 - 69.9 | P | 1.00 |
| Less than 60% | F | 0.00 |
| Did not withdraw | DNW | 0.00
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See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.