Brown University Launches Music and Dance Course

The new interdisciplinary seminar explores the intersection of choreography and music theory through classic ballet.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dance

Flat gouache-painted illustration of satin ballet pointe shoes resting on piano keys, representing the intersection of music and dance. — Brown University has launched an interdisciplinary seminar, MUSC 1644, that integrates music theory and choreographic history through classical ballet analysis. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Brown University has introduced a new interdisciplinary course, MUSC 1644: From Nutcracker to Night Creature, to examine the connection between music and dance. Co-taught by Mark Seto and Patricia Seto-Weiss, the seminar integrates music theory with choreographic history.

Why it matters

The course was created to provide students with a comprehensive look at how musical compositions and dance movements inform one another across cultural contexts. It stems from the professors' ongoing professional collaboration and personal discussions regarding the artistic synergy between the two disciplines.

The course is identified by the catalog number 1644 and is designed to bridge specialized music theory with dance history. Instructors Mark Seto and Patricia Seto-Weiss have been married for 10 years, reflecting their long-standing partnership in both academic and personal life.

The players

Mark Seto

Mark Seto is a professor who focuses on musical composition and theory within the new Brown University seminar.

Patricia Seto-Weiss

Patricia Seto-Weiss is a professor who specializes in choreography and dance history for the interdisciplinary course.

Brown University

Brown University is a private Ivy League research institution located in Providence that hosts the new dance and music program.

The details

Students in the course are required to watch at least one ballet and maintain a rigorous schedule of weekly readings and discussion posts. The curriculum features a mix of practical workshops and analysis of piano musical excerpts to highlight the relationship between sound and movement.

October 2026 marks the official launch of the course.

Industry Dynamics

This course mirrors a broader trend in higher education that prioritizes interdisciplinary study over siloed academic departments. By combining music theory and dance history, Brown University aligns its curriculum with a growing demand for hybrid artistic programs in the modern arts landscape.

Students at the university can now access this interdisciplinary curriculum to gain professional-level insights into both ballet history and music theory. The format encourages active engagement with the arts through guided viewings and workshop participation.

The takeaway

The intersection of music and dance provides a rich framework for understanding the nuances of theatrical performance. Students interested in the arts can benefit from analyzing how specific choreographic choices are informed by the underlying musical structures of classic works.