The Harvard New Music Ensemble
MUSIC 180R
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
MUSIC 180 is a practice-based course that focuses on ensemble music of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with an emphasis on newly created work for collectively led ensembles. All instruments, voices, and practices (ancient to the future!) are welcome, as are electronic and custom-made instruments. Previous knowledge of contemporary music is not required. Requirements are previous experience with music (of any kind), openness, curiosity, a desire to collaborate, and a spirit of experimentation. Students will learn to navigate the challenges of collaboratively driven ensemble work and will gain experience working with a variety of different performance practices, notational systems, and leadership styles. Weekly listening, reading, and creative exercise assignments will be combined with hands-on performance experience with a new score each week.
Public performances by the ensemble will take place throughout the semester. Featured HNME guests in Fall 2026 include the celebrated composer-performers Nicole Mitchell and Amir ElSaffar, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, percussionist, and sound artist Susie Ibarra.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
