Course Descriptions
MUS-1 Introduction to Music
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An introduction to the
fundamentals of music theory, notation, and performance.
Topics covered include rhythm notation; pitch notation (treble,
bass, alto, and tenor clefs); scales (chromatic, whole-tone, major,
and minor); the circle of fifths; and key signatures of major
and minor keys. The course also includes clapping exercises
(to develop rhythmic skills), recorder playing, basic keyboard
instruction, and the writing of concert/record reviews.
MUS-2 Beginning Harmony and Musicianship
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An introduction to
harmony and musical form. Topics addressed include intervals
and their inversions, triads (major, minor, diminished, and
augmented), part-writing, roman numeral analysis, and chord
progressions involving the primary triads. The course also
emphasizes sight-singing and training in aural recognition of
intervals. Prerequisite: MUS-1
MUS-3 Intermediate Harmony and Musicianship
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An intermediate
study in harmony and musical form. Topics addressed
include secondary triads, seventh chords, non-harmonic
tones, secondary dominants, and the composition and
harmonization of simple melodies. The course also includes
the harmonic analysis of short compositions, sight-singing,
and training in the aural recognition of intervals and chord
progressions. Prerequisite: MUS-2
MUS-10 Music in History
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC A survey of the
Western art music tradition. The course begins with an
introduction to basic musical terminology and concepts, then
traces the evolution of musical style in the Western world from
the middle ages through the twentieth century. The social
role of music in Western culture is examined, as is music’s
interconnection with religion, philosophy, economics, politics,
art, and literature. The course, which includes lectures, films,
recordings, and slides, considers music both as an art form,
worthy of study for its own aesthetic ends, and as a social
phenomenon. Recommended: ENGL-150/150L
MUS-12 American Popular Music
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC A survey of American
popular music from the late nineteenth century to the late
twentieth century. Includes American popular song and
musical theater; African-American musical traditions (spirituals
and work songs, blues, ragtime, jazz); Anglo-American musical
traditions (country and western, bluegrass, urban folk); and
rock music of the mid fifties through the mid nineties. The
course, which includes lectures, films, and recordings, explores
American popular music both as an art form, worthy of study
for its own aesthetic ends, and as a social phenomenon.
Recommended: ENGL-150/150L
MUS-14 World Music
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC A survey of the
dominant non-Western musical cultures of the world (the Far
East, Indonesia, India, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas),
with comparisons to Western folk and art music traditions.
Beginning with an introduction to basic musical terms and
concepts, the course, which includes lectures, films, and
recordings, examines the technical characteristics of each of
the world’s major musical traditions, and explores how music
is used around the world for aesthetic, spiritual, and social
purposes. Recommended: ENGL-150/150L
MUS-22 Beginning Instruments
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to
a maximum of four enrollments Class instruction in the
fundamentals of playing clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe,
bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba,
snare drum, bass drum, timpani, cymbals, and miscellaneous
percussion instruments.
MUS-23 Introduction to Conga Drumming and African
Polyrhythms
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of two enrollments Hands-on introduction to the
techniques and strokes of the conga drum with exercises
and concepts in African rhythms and polyrhythms. Students
learn six traditional African drum pieces from Nigeria,
Ghana, Congo, and Cuba, along with exercises that enhance
coordination, timing, and listening. Students also learn to
play rattles, bells, and blocks that accompany these rhythms.
Background cultural information pertaining to the geography,
history, religion, and social conditions of the region will also be
covered.
MUS-25A Beginning Class Piano
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Instruction in piano
at the beginning level utilizing an electronic keyboard system.
Course will include basic note reading, ensemble experience,
chord development, and improvisation.
MUS-25B Beginning Class Piano
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Continued study of
beginning piano to include note reading, ensemble experience,
chord development, and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUS-25A
MUS-25C Intermediate Class Piano
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Introduction in
piano at the intermediate and advanced level utilizing the
electronic keyboard system. Will include ensemble experience,
chord development, and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUS-25B
MUS-25D Intermediate Class Piano
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Continued study of
intermediate piano to include experience, chord development,
and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUS-25C
MUS-26 Beginning Class Voice
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of two enrollments A group instruction course at the
beginning level in the development of solo voice techniques.
Breathing techniques, stage presence, and projection is
discussed in a variety of musical styles. Students are required
to practice a minimum of four hours outside of class per week.
MUS-27 Intermediate Class Voice
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of two enrollments A group instruction course at the
intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on further development
of solo voice techniques, practice skills, and critical ability
using various musical styles. Students are required to
practice a minimum of four hours outside of class per week.
Prerequisite: MUS-26
MUS-29 Folk Guitar
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of two enrollments A group instruction course in folk
guitar which will include tuning, strumming, chord playing,
fingering techniques, and fundamental music notation.
MUS-30 Classical Guitar
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of two enrollments Group instruction in classical
guitar which will include study of notes on individual strings,
ensemble playing techniques, and music fundamentals.
MUS-37A Beginning Jazz Improvisation
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Group instruction
and practice in the basic techniques of improvisation. Utilizing
the modal approach, basic scales, rhythm patterns, and
melodic devices are explored. Starting with simple forms, class
eventually moves into repertoire used by the professional
musician.
MUS-37B Beginning Jazz Improvisation
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Group instruction
and practice in the basic techniques of improvisation.
Further exploration of modes, scales, rhythms, and melodic
devices will be included. Class materials include music of
contemporary jazz artists. Prerequisite: MUS-37A
MUS-38A Intermediate Jazz Improvisation
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Group instruction
and practice in the intermediate techniques of improvisation.
Rhythmic resources are covered with considerable emphasis
on the repertoire as used by the contemporary jazz musician.
Prerequisite: MUS-37B
MUS-38B Intermediate Jazz Improvisation
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Continued study
and practice in the intermediate techniques of improvisation.
Modal and rhythmic resources are covered with emphasis on
jazz repertoire. Prerequisite: MUS-38A
MUS-42 Music Ensemble
(0.5 - 1.5 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable
to a maximum of four enrollments A course in small ensemble
performance and the social context of various kinds of music.
The music may be chamber music in the European classical
tradition, jazz, or music from other cultures, such as: Africa,
China or Latin America. Students will conduct outside
research, listening and practice assignments. The classical and
jazz options require prior instrumental performance skills.
Note: Instrumental performance ability required. Units offered may
vary by semester. Consult Schedule of Classes for section information.
MUS-44 Opera Production
(2 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of three enrollments The study and performance
of a particular operatic musical work with appropriate
accompaniment, costumes, makeup, lighting, and scenery.
Note: Vocal performance ability required.
MUS-57 Chamber Singers
(1 unit lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a maximum
of four enrollments The study and performance of choral
selections from all periods as appropriate to small ensemble
sound. Course will include vocal techniques, historical
perspectives, music fundamentals and solo techniques. Some
dance movement will be included.
MUS-59 Chorale
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of four enrollments The study and performance
of choral selections from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and
twentieth centuries. Course addresses vocal techniques,
performance practice issues, and historical background.
MUS-61 Concert Band
(1 unit lab) Grade Only CSU Repeatable to a maximum of four
enrollments The study and performance of nineteenth and
twentieth century concert band literature. Course addresses
rehearsal techniques, development of sight reading and public
performance skills, and historical background. Prerequisite:
MUS-22
MUS-62 Jazz Orchestra
(1 unit lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a maximum
of four enrollments An advanced-level performing ensemble
which focuses on the repertoire of the Big Band era. Course
addresses development of sight reading, public performance,
and improvisation skills.
MUS-63 Wind Ensemble
(1 unit lab) Grade Only CSU and UC Repeatable to a maximum
of four enrollments The study and performance of traditional
and contemporary wind band literature. Course addresses
rehearsal techniques, development of sight reading and public
performance skills, and historical background.
MUS-64 Studio Band
(1 unit lab) Grade Only CSU Repeatable to a maximum of four
enrollments The Studio Band is an advanced level performing
ensemble that focuses on modern progressive jazz and jazz-
rock fusion. The course emphasizes the mastery of musical
techniques needed in a professional studio environment.
Prerequisite: MUS-22 Recommended: MUS-37A
MUS-70 Oratorio Choir
(1 unit lecture) CR/NC option CSU and UC Repeatable to a
maximum of four enrollments The study and performance of
oratorio literature and other literature for large chorus. Course
addresses vocal techniques, performance practice issues, and
historical background.
MUS-100 Songwriting
(1 unit lecture/lab) Grade Only Introduction to the techniques
of writing marketable songs, including song structure, the
effective use of images and language, setting lyrics to music,
and developing lyrical and musical “hooks.” The lecture
portion of this course will focus on analysis of popular songs
in different genres, showing fundamental elements of song
structure and techniques of developing material. Laboratory
will be concerned with writing songs in both group and
individual sessions.
MUS-100L Songwriting Lab
(0.5 units lab) CR/NC option Repeatable to a maximum of
four enrollments A concentration on the development of
songwriting skills. Students will participate in a number of
individual and group assignments that cover a variety of
songwriting techniques. Prerequisite: MUS-100
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