Montgomery County Community College

Music Courses

• MUS 110 Music Appreciation
• MUS 112 African-American Traditions in American 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 141 Intermediate Digital Music: Multimedia and Max
• MUS 150 Guitar Class I
• MUS 151 Guitar Class 2
• MUS 152 Commercial and Jazz Guitar Studies
• MUS 160 Jazz Ensemble 1
• MUS 161 Jazz Ensemble 2
• MUS 162 Jazz Ensemble 3
• MUS 163 Jazz Ensemble 4
• MUS 170 Piano Class I
• MUS 171 Piano Class 2
• MUS 172 Piano Class 3
• MUS 173 Piano Class 4
• MUS 210 Jazz History
• MUS 211 Western Music History I: From Medieval to Renaissance
• MUS 212 Western Music History 2: The Baroque: From Monteverdi To Bach
• MUS 213 Western Music History 3: The Classical and Early Romantic Eras: From Bach to Beethoven and Beyond
• MUS 214 Western Music History 4: The Late 19th and the 20th Century
• MUS 221 Music Theory I
• MUS 222 Music Theory II
• MUS 231 Aural Theory 1
• MUS 232 Aural Theory 2
• MUS 233 Chamber Choir I
• MUS 234 Chamber Choir II
• MUS 235 Chamber Choir III
• MUS 236 Chamber Choir IV
• MUS 240 The Art and Business of Songwriting
• MUS 241 The Business of Music
• MUS 299 Independent Study in Music

MUS 110 Music Appreciation

Music Appreciation is a chronological survey of Western music from classical antiquity through the 20th century. Throughout the course, music will be examined for its own intrinsic characteristics in addition to being used as a means for achieving a greater understanding the society, politics, philosophies, and aesthetics of each historical period. Whenever possible, relationships between the music of Western culture and the music of other world cultures will be examined. In addition to the in-class activities, every student will be required to attend a live concert (approved by the instructor) and, following specific guidelines, prepare a written review of that concert experience. This course meets General Education Core Goal 5: Information Literacy; Core Goal 6: Intellectual Heritage; and Core Goal 7: Aesthetic Sensibility and the Arts

MUS 112 African-American Traditions in American Music

African-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

Music 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

Introduction 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

Introduction 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 "C" or better, or permission of the department. This course meets General Education Core Goal 7: Aesthetic Sensibility and the Arts

MUS 141 Intermediate Digital Music: Multimedia and Max

This course is a continuation of studies begun in MUS 140 and will focus on Music Technology, Music Composition, and their application to multimedia. Students learn how to score for film, synchronize multimedia and create a resulting DVD of their own design. The second large project will introduce the student to the creation of an interactive object computer programming language called MAX. The student will learn to create an application that will run MIDI and Digital Audio Files in real time. No previous computer programming experience is required.

MUS 150 Guitar Class I

Guitar Class 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.

MUS 151 Guitar Class 2

Guitar 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.

MUS 152 Commercial and Jazz Guitar Studies

The purpose of this course is to further develop the skills students have acquired on their own or in Guitar I class. This course will introduce intermediate techniques focusing on plectrum style guitar playing in the Jazz/Commercial genres. Students will develop the necessary skills to function as a guitarist by learning to 1) play a variety of accompaniment styles, 2) improvise using scales and arpeggio patterns combined with a knowledge of chord-scale relationships, 3) read chord charts and melody lines and 4) perform a continually expanding repertoire.

MUS 160 Jazz Ensemble 1

Jazz 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 student preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.

MUS 161 Jazz Ensemble 2

Jazz 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 student preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.

MUS 162 Jazz Ensemble 3

Jazz 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 student preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.

MUS 163 Jazz Ensemble 4

Jazz 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 student preparedness in the first week of classes. Prior Jazz experience is helpful but not required.

MUS 170 Piano Class I

The first in a series of four classes designed to give students a complete orientation to keyboard skills. Piano Class 1 is ideal for those with little or no previous piano study. Students may begin their studies in higher level classes if they pass the prescribed proficiency test. To provide for the proper level of individual attention, the class size will be limited to 16.

MUS 171 Piano Class 2

The second in a series of four classes designed to give students a complete orientation to keyboard skills. Piano Class 2 continues the studies begun in Piano Class 1. Students can begin with Piano Class 2 if they pass the level 1 piano proficiency exam. To provide for the proper level of individual attention, the class size will be limited to 16.

MUS 172 Piano Class 3

The third in a series of four classes designed to give students a complete orientation to keyboard skills. Piano Class 3 continues the studies begun in Piano Class 2. Students can begin with Piano Class 3 if they pass the level 2 piano proficiency exam. To provide for the proper level of individual attention, the class size will be limited to 16.

MUS 173 Piano Class 4

The last in a series of four classes designed to give students a complete orientation to keyboard skills. Piano Class 4 continues the studies begun in Piano Class 3. Students can begin with Piano Class 4 if they pass the level 3 piano proficiency exam. To provide for the proper level of individual attention, the class size will be limited to 16.

MUS 210 Jazz History

Jazz 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 011.

MUS 211 Western Music History I: From Medieval to Renaissance

An exploration of the music and culture of Western civilization from ancient times to the Renaissance. Students will study both the sacred and secular music of the medieval and renaissance periods, including (but not limited to) Gregorian chant, Troubadour songs, Madrigals, Motets, Masses, and instrumental music. Each musical genre will be examined on the basis of its intrinsic characteristics as well as in connection with the aesthetic, social, philosophical, political, and economic environment in which it was created. Students will be expected to have a basic understanding of standard musical notation. MUS 120 (Fundamentals) is recommended but not required as a prerequisite.

MUS 212 Western Music History 2: The Baroque: From Monteverdi To Bach

An exploration of the music and culture of Western civilization from the late 16th century to the mid 18th century. Students will study both the sacred and secular music of the late renaissance and baroque periods, including (but not limited to) the late renaissance madrigal, the Venetian polychoral tradition, monody, opera, oratorio, cantata, suite, sonata, and concerto. Each musical genre will be examined on the basis of its intrinsic characteristics as well as in connection with the aesthetic, social, philosophical, political, and economic environment in which it was created. Students will be expected to have a basic understanding of standard musical notation. MUS 120 (Fundamentals) is recommended but not required.

MUS 213 Western Music History 3: The Classical and Early Romantic Eras: From Bach to Beethoven and Beyond

An exploration of the music and culture of Western civilization from the mid 18th century to the early 19th century. Students will study both the sacred and secular music of the classical and early romantic eras, including (but not limited to) opera, church music, symphony, sonata, concerto, and chamber music. The music and careers of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Berlioz, and others will be examined in some detail. Each musical genre will be examined on the basis of its intrinsic characteristics as well as in connection with the aesthetic, social, philosophical, political, and economic environment in which it was created. Students will be expected to have a basic understanding of standard musical notation. MUS 120 (Fundamentals) is recommended but not required as a prerequisite.

MUS 214 Western Music History 4: The Late 19th and the 20th Century

An exploration of the music and culture of Western civilization of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Students will study both the sacred and secular music of these periods, including the intersections between the Western classical tradition, World music and Popular music, especially jazz. Works will be examined on the basis of their intrinsic characteristics as well as in connection with the aesthetic, social, philosophical, political, and economic environment in which they were created. Students will be expected to have a basic understanding of standard musical notation. MUS 120 (Fundamentals) is recommended but not required as a prerequisite.

MUS 221 Music Theory I

Designed 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. This course meets General Education Core Goal 2: Analytic Skills; Core Goal 5: Information Literacy; and Core Goal 7: Aesthetic Sensibility and the Arts

MUS 222 Music Theory II

Directed 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

Aural 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

Aural 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 233 Chamber Choir I

Chamber Choir is a performance course for students who want an opportunity to participate in a small chamber style ensemble. The group will explore repertory from a wide range of stylistic periods. This ensemble is open by permission of the instructor only, normally by audition. Students must also be registered for the College Choir.

MUS 234 Chamber Choir II

Chamber Choir is a performance course for students who want an opportunity to participate in a small chamber style ensemble. The group will explore repertory from a wide range of stylistic periods. This ensemble is open by permission of the instructor only, normally by audition. Students must also be registered for the College Choir.

MUS 235 Chamber Choir III

Chamber Choir is a performance course for students who want an opportunity to participate in a small chamber style ensemble. The group will explore repertory from a wide range of stylistic periods. This ensemble is open by permission of the instructor only, normally by audition. Students must also be registered for the College Choir.

MUS 236 Chamber Choir IV

Chamber Choir is a performance course for students who want an opportunity to participate in a small chamber style ensemble. The group will explore repertory from a wide range of stylistic periods. This ensemble is open by permission of the instructor only, normally by audition. Students must also be registered for the College Choir.

MUS 240 The Art and Business of Songwriting

The 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 241 The Business of Music

The Business of Music will provide students with an overview of the current state of the Music Industry. Students will also acquire a set of skills needed to pursue a career in that industry. Topics covered will include music business career opportunities, marketing concepts, management skills and promotion. Throughout the semester, the students will explore various professions in the music field and receive an introduction to music publishing, concert production and touring, management, merchandising and recording, public relations, radio promotion, brick and mortar and internet distribution, merchandising, multimedia advertising, and budgeting.

MUS 299 Independent Study in Music

A 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.

Last Updated: 02-23-2011