This course will look at the history of what has become known as the American Experimental tradition (and its numerous offshoots), from its early proponents such as Ives and Cowell, through the works of Cage and the New York School, and beyond to the present day. Topics will include Americana in experimentalism, the influence of non-Western musics, minimalism and post-minimalism, Fluxus, and electronic music. The course will examine both the philosophical attitudes of the composers involved and technical aspects of the music. Lectures will be supplemented by in-class experiments and performances.