Singing Communities Humans have used their voices in expressive communication for thousands of years, singing for work, comfort, love, praise, and many other purposes. In this course we will explore the role of singing in human communities to address questions about human need. Why do people sing together? Can singing enhance quality of life,and build community? We will sing, research singing traditions, and lead singing engagement activities in the Middlebury community. We will discuss our work with each other, and write about our experience. Interest in group vocal music is encouraged. No prior vocal experience required. 3 hrs. sem

Performance Lab Credit can be conferred for performance in faculty-supervised ensembles: (see listing of "Ensembles" in the requirements section). One unit of credit to accrue over two semesters (spring then fall only). The appropriate supervising faculty will give grades, based on attendance and quality of performance. A student should inform the ensemble director of intent to sign up for this course before starting, and should actually register for MUSC 0205 only the SECOND of the two terms by adding it as a fifth course.

Music Theory I: Fundamentals This course is an introduction to the basic elements and theoretical concepts of Western music. We will focus on such topics as basic keyboard skills, sight singing, musical notation, rhythm, and harmony and form. Theoretical work and drills will be combined with compositional and performance projects. The goal of the course is to expand students’ musical intuition and skill and to provide the technical basis for further music study. No prior musical experience is required. (Students who wish to take upper-level composition or music theory courses must either complete this course or pass a theory and musicianship test administered by the department to demonstrate equivalent experience.) (Formerly MUSC 0109). 2.

Approaches to Music Inquiry  In this course we will explore various approaches to music inquiry in order to develop an in-depth understanding of diverse procedures for uncovering, applying, and producing musical knowledge. We will use a seminar format that supports a multimodal study and application of such knowledge. Course activities will include discussions, lectures, analysis, investigation, presentations, readings, writing, and creative work. The seminar will culminate in projects that advance methodologies of our senior and/or related capstone work. All music majors are required to take this course in the fall of their senior year.  3hrs. lect./disc.

Sing the World into Place Would you enjoy spending your winter term...singing? Are you excited to learn and compare different ways of singing? Do you perceive singing as a way to develop community? In this course, we will address these questions as we explore singing of different places, purposes, and time periods. Through daily workshops supported by readings, listening, and discussion, we will build a broader understanding of how and why we sing. Our repertoire will span genres, including global folk, traditional, classical and popular music broadly defined. We will reinforce positive attributes of group singing and refine our narrative of the collective singing experience. No prerequisite or vocal performance experience required. go/singtheworldintoplace Lecture/disc.

Conducting In this course students will develop basic skills of conducting including movement, aural skills, creative gesture, and score study. Daily work will include preparation to conduct an ensemble of classmates. Score reading ability and proficiency on an instrument or in singing is required.

A Cappella Ensemble Performance Unaccompanied vocal music is rich in cultural expression and artistic beauty. Singing in an unaccompanied vocal ensemble enhances creativity, musicianship, and communication skills. This course affords an opportunity to develop analytical and ensemble skills that contribute to creative and informed performance. Through study of scores and source readings, students will explore vocal technique, performance, and cultural context in European art music, North American folk songs, and styles of improvisation. This course will conclude with a public performance and may include additional performances off campus. Music reading is required, prior singing experience is not. A preview of the reading requirement is available at go/Ensemble246.

Jeff Buettner

Reviews and ratings for Jeff Buettner at Middlebury College.Jeff Buettner teaches Singing Communities, Performance Lab Performance Lab-Afropop, Music Theory I: Fundamentals and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Jeff Buettner good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Prof. Buettner is really enthusiastic and accommodating, which makes the class feel supportive. We have daily homework with 2–3 attempts, plus lots of in-class practice to help with music theory. He also invites guest artists, which makes the course especially interesting and engaging.

Jeff's class was amazing. All you have to do is listen to what he explains in class as it'll pop up on the weekly canvas quiz. Apart from that, he is a great person who's very enthusiastic about music and teaching it. He is very understanding about any circumstances you might have. 

Jeff is the man. I took this for a distribution requirement and I would do it again. He is always willing to answer questions and is accepting of late assignments. There were quizzes once a week which can be difficult and homework due each class, but as long as you pay attention, you will definitely succeed.