Music Courses
- MUS 110 Music Appreciation
- MUS 112 African/American Trad. Music
- MUS 113 Music in American Culture
- MUS 114 Introduction to World Music Cultures
- MUS 120 Music Fundamentals
- MUS 133 College Choir I
- MUS 134 College Choir II
- MUS 135 College Choir III
- MUS 136 College Choir IV
- MUS 140 Introduction to Digital Music Technology
- MUS 150 Guitar Class I
- MUS 151 Guitar Class 2
- MUS 160 Jazz Ensemble 1
- MUS 161 Jazz Ensemble 2
- MUS 162 Jazz Ensemble 3
- MUS 163 Jazz Ensemble 4
- MUS 210 Jazz History
- MUS 221 Music Theory I
- MUS 222 Music Theory II
- MUS 231 Aural Theory 1
- MUS 232 Aural Theory 2
- MUS 240 The Art and Business of Songwriting
- MUS 299 Independent Study in Music
MUS 110 Music Appreciation
Credits: 3.00A chronological survey of Western music from ancient societies through the Medieval, Baroque, Classical, Romantic periods and the 20th century, including American music and an introduction to world music.
MUS 112 African/American Trad. Music
Credits: 3.00African-American Traditions in American Music is an introduction and survey of the history of African-American music in the United States. Consideration will be given to the music's origins and practice in West Africa; the relationship of the music's evolution to the major traditions in western music; and examination of the religious, social, political and economic forces which helped to shape the music, and representative musical forms in specific genres of American music.
MUS 113 Music in American Culture
Credits: 3.00Music in American Culture will examine various styles of music found in United States cultural history. Folk, fine art, and popular music examples drawn from diverse traditions will be examined on the basis of their intrinsic characteristics, as well as in connection with their social, economic, and political contexts.
MUS 114 Introduction to World Music Cultures
Credits: 3.00Introduction to World Music Cultures is an entry-level course in the study of World Music. These musical traditions will be explored both based on their intrinsic characteristics, as well as in connection with their social, economic, and political contexts. Students will also be introduced to the discipline of Ethnomusicology. As a term project, each student will be required to visit and document a local musical culture selected by the student and approved by the instructor. Prerequisites: Students must have passed or tested beyond ESL 011, ENG 011, and REA 018.
MUS 120 Music Fundamentals
Credits: 3.00A study of music fundamentals for those with little or no musical background. Sight singing and elementary ear training skills will be developed, as well as a knowledge of notation, intervals, rhythm, melody, and harmony.
MUS 133 College Choir I
Credits: 1.00A human performance course in which students participate in the preparation and production of a program of mixed choral ensemble music.
MUS 134 College Choir II
Credits: 1.00A human performance course in which students participate in the preparation and production of a program of mixed choral ensemble music.
MUS 135 College Choir III
Credits: 1.00A human performance course in which students participate in the preparation and production of a program of mixed choral ensemble music.
MUS 136 College Choir IV
Credits: 1.00A human performance course in which students participate in the preparation and production of a program of mixed choral ensemble music.
MUS 140 Introduction to Digital Music Technology
Credits: 3.00Introduction to Digital Music Technology is an entry-level course in modern music production. Students will study the nature of musical sound and the relationship between digital and analog sound processing. Students will also receive an introduction to the basics of MIDI, the fundamental computer music language. Through hands-on projects, students will learn about the various tools of modern audio production with an emphasis on digital tools including synthesizers, midi controllers, sequencers, mixers, effects generators and more. Prerequisite: Music 120 (Music Fundamentals) with a 147C148 or better, or permission of the department.
MUS 150 Guitar Class I
Credits: 2.00Guitar Class 1 is a course designed to establish a basic understanding of the guitar as an accompanying and solo instrument. This course will enhance pre-existing skills on the guitar, while providing essential rudiments for those who enroll as beginners. Students will learn or improve their knowledge of standard musical notation as it applies to guitar repertory. Students will be introduced to the fundamental techniques of guitar playing, including strumming and finger-style techniques. Through repertory study and a research project, students will also learn about the history and repertory of the guitar within both western and other cultures. Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed or tested out of ESL 011, ENG 011, ESL/REA 017, and REA 0118
MUS 151 Guitar Class 2
Credits: 2.00Guitar Class 2 is a course designed to continue to develop skills introduced in Guitar Class 1. The course is also open to students who can demonstrate fluency with the guitar comparable to that achieved in Guitar Class 1. Students will expand their knowledge of standard musical notation as it applies to guitar repertory. Students will be introduced to the more advanced techniques of guitar playing, including strumming and finger-style techniques. Through repertory study and a research project, students will also learn about the history and repertory of the guitar within both western and other cultures. Prerequisite: Music 150 (Guitar Class 1) with a C or better, or permission of the instructor.
MUS 160 Jazz Ensemble 1
Credits: 1.00Jazz Ensemble is an elective course in musical performance open to players of woodwinds, brass, keyboard, guitar, bass, and percussion. While experience in Jazz is not required, students will be expected to have some performance experience on their instrument. Students will learn the basics of Jazz improvisation through individual and ensemble practice and performance. Students will be required to participate in scheduled performances and workshops outside of regular class times. Students will also be expected to attend at least one performance (approved by the instructor) and prepare a written report based on that experience. Repertoire will depend on the instrumentation available each semester, and will include Jazz Standards, Blues (both major and minor), rhythm changes, and jazz arrangements. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble will be required to provide their own instrument (a standard drum set, bass and guitar amplifier, and keyboard will be provided). Prerequisite: Students should have basic performance ability on their instrument and a basic ability to read music. The instructor will evaluate each student146s preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.
MUS 161 Jazz Ensemble 2
Credits: 1.00Jazz Ensemble is an elective course in musical performance open to players of woodwinds, brass, keyboard, guitar, bass, and percussion. While experience in Jazz is not required, students will be expected to have some performance experience on their instrument. Students will learn the basics of Jazz improvisation through individual and ensemble practice and performance. Students will be required to participate in scheduled performances and workshops outside of regular class times. Students will also be expected to attend at least one performance (approved by the instructor) and prepare a written report based on that experience. Repertoire will depend on the instrumentation available each semester, and will include Jazz Standards, Blues (both major and minor), rhythm changes, and jazz arrangements. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble will be required to provide their own instrument (a standard drum set, bass and guitar amplifier, and keyboard will be provided). Prerequisite: Students should have basic performance ability on their instrument and a basic ability to read music. The instructor will evaluate each student146s preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.
MUS 162 Jazz Ensemble 3
Credits: 1.00Jazz Ensemble is an elective course in musical performance open to players of woodwinds, brass, keyboard, guitar, bass, and percussion. While experience in Jazz is not required, students will be expected to have some performance experience on their instrument. Students will learn the basics of Jazz improvisation through individual and ensemble practice and performance. Students will be required to participate in scheduled performances and workshops outside of regular class times. Students will also be expected to attend at least one performance (approved by the instructor) and prepare a written report based on that experience. Repertoire will depend on the instrumentation available each semester, and will include Jazz Standards, Blues (both major and minor), rhythm changes, and jazz arrangements. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble will be required to provide their own instrument (a standard drum set, bass and guitar amplifier, and keyboard will be provided). Prerequisite: Students should have basic performance ability on their instrument and a basic ability to read music. The instructor will evaluate each student146s preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.
MUS 163 Jazz Ensemble 4
Credits: 1.00Jazz Ensemble is an elective course in musical performance open to players of woodwinds, brass, keyboard, guitar, bass, and percussion. While experience in Jazz is not required, students will be expected to have some performance experience on their instrument. Students will learn the basics of Jazz improvisation through individual and ensemble practice and performance. Students will be required to participate in scheduled performances and workshops outside of regular class times. Students will also be expected to attend at least one performance (approved by the instructor) and prepare a written report based on that experience. Repertoire will depend on the instrumentation available each semester, and will include Jazz Standards, Blues (both major and minor), rhythm changes, and jazz arrangements. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble will be required to provide their own instrument (a standard drum set, bass and guitar amplifier, and keyboard will be provided). Prerequisite: Students should have basic performance ability on their instrument and a basic ability to read music. The instructor will evaluate each student146s preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.
MUS 210 Jazz History
Credits: 3.00Jazz History will explore the history and recordings of American Jazz beginning with the roots of Jazz during the 1800's and progressing to the Hard Bob, Free Jazz, AvantGarde, and Fusion styles of today. The course is designed for the student with some musical background. Students will explore Jazz within its cultural and historical contexts, in addition to learning the basics of jazz theory and analysis. Learn how American History shaped this musical art form that was born in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to see and hear legendary jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and many, many more! Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed or tested out of ESL 011, ENG 011, ESL/REA 017, and REA 0118
MUS 221 Music Theory I
Credits: 3.00Designed for students with some musical background who wish to expand their understanding of music theory. Emphasis will be given to the study of Western music harmonic practices of the 18th and 19th centuries. The course will concentrate on basic musical analysis (melodic and harmonic) and creative application of the concepts studied. A working knowledge of musical symbols and notation is required. Prerequisite: Music 120 (Music Fundamentals) with a "C" or better, or permission of the coordinator.
MUS 222 Music Theory II
Credits: 3.00Directed to students with previous experience in musical analysis (phrase/chord identification) and harmony (four-voice/keyboard style). This course will focus on melody harmonization, form and analysis, modal harmony, and modulation. An introduction to instrumentation and composition will be included. Prerequisite: Mus 221 or permission of the Music coordinator
MUS 231 Aural Theory 1
Credits: 3.00Aural Theory 1 is for students with some musical background who wish to develop their ear training and musicianship skills. The course is designed to prepare students to be successful as music or music education majors, or to hone musicianship skills for non-majors. Individual and group classroom activities and computer-assisted drills will be used to develop the student's aural skills with rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials. A working knowledge of musical symbols and notation is required. Students are encouraged to enroll simultaneously in MUS 221 (Music Theory 1). Prerequisite: Music 120 (Music Fundamentals) with a "C" or better, or permission of the Music coordinator.
MUS 232 Aural Theory 2
Credits: 3.00Aural Theory 2 is for students who wish to continue developing their ear training and musicianship skills. The course is designed to prepare students to be successful as music or music education majors, or to hone musicianship skills for non-majors. Individual and group classroom activities and computer-assisted drills will be used to develop the student's aural skills with rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials. Previous experience in sight singing and dictation is required. Students are encouraged to enroll simultaneously in MUS 222 (Music Theory 2). Prerequisite: MUS 231 (Aural Theory 1) with a "C" or better, or permission of the Music coordinator.
MUS 240 The Art and Business of Songwriting
Credits: 3.00The Art and Business of Songwriting is an elective course which teaches the art of musical composition with an emphasis on the genre of contemporary song. It is designed for the student with some knowledge of or background in the basics of music who wishes to apply that knowledge to the creation of music in contemporary popular genres. Students will explore the various musical forms employed by songwriters and apply them to their own compositional projects. The course provides an overview of the historical development of the art of popular song in Western culture, exploring in particular the significant contributions made by America's immigrant and African-American populations. Students will also examine the business of songwriting and its place in the overall music industry. Prerequisite: MUS 120 (Music Fundamentals) with a C or better, or permission of the department.
MUS 299 Independent Study in Music
Credits: 3.00A study of selected advanced topics in Music Theory and Music History. This course is designed for the music transfer student and/or the honors student who has completed all of the offered music courses. Prerequisite: Permission of the Music coordinator.
