of art & design
While the structure of music is often compared to mathematics, Teaching Assistant Professor Tom Koch considers it more allied to language and speech. Having served four years as an adjunct instructor of theory, history, and choral administration, Tom now joins the full-time faculty as director of the music theory program, whose curriculum he approaches from the perspective of linguistics. Like written language, music has a vocabulary and grammar that we call music theory, in which students are taught the principles of musical organization and analysis. But because music, like spoken language, is communicated through sound and received aurally, students coordinate their theory education with lessons in ear-training, or Aural Skills, a course that Tom designed this past year. Students learn to hear, recognize, and reproduce—in notation and song—patterns of melody, harmony, and rhythm. What is Tom’s goal? By the completion of their theory and aural skills instruction, students will develop a fluency in the language of music such that they are better able to comprehend and discuss what they read and hear. “In the end, I believe that a greater understanding of music’s structure results in an increased enjoyment of music itself.” Indeed, Tom’s research targets the effects of music instruction on 16th-century German public education, which, like NC State itself, fostered music as a lifelong avocation.
Tom’s passion for music, however, extends beyond his devotion to music theory and history. Having begun his musical life as a pianist, Tom continues to fulfill his performing impulse by accompanying the State Chorale, participating in student and faculty recitals, and serving as ensemble player for NC State’s civic orchestras. “I couldn’t imagine life without the capacity for self-expression through music-making. I tell my students that head knowledge is only one side of the coin. Performing in an ensemble or mastering an instrument is an excellent way to express feelings, improve musicianship, and engender a sense of accomplishment and pride.”
Tom has a number of aspirations regarding the future of the theory program, including designing a music theory minor and promoting the theory program in the university and community. “Musicians at all levels realize that a grasp of theory, like grammar itself, is not only necessary for an understanding of musical language, but fundamental to the perfection of any musical discipline. Whether you are a music minor or simply an avid listener, theory prepares you to comprehend music at a deeper level. And whether your interest is music theory, performance, history, composition, or world music, the NC State Music Department offers many opportunities for participation and growth.”