Credit Hour ratios represent full term, weekly hours, where the first digit represents the weekly lecture hour, the second digit represents the weekly lab/studio hour, and the third digit represents credits.
For example, a typical 3 credit lecture course will be displayed as: 3-0-3.
More information is available on the Catalog - Credit Hour page.
MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music
This course is designed for the beginning musician, non-music readers and individuals lacking a fundamental understanding of rhythm, notation, clefs, time signatures, key signatures and practical musicianship skills necessary for the study of both instrumental performance and the study of music theory and composition.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Identify and read pitch in G and F clefs.
Discriminate among various rhythmic patterns and notations.
Perform ear training and rhythmic exercises.
Demonstrate basic sight singing skills.
Identify all intervals from seconds to octaves by ear (Major, Minor, Perfect and Tritone).
Identify and read pitch in G and F clefs.
Discriminate among various rhythmic patterns and notations.
Perform ear training and rhythmic exercises.
Demonstrate basic sight singing skills.
Identify all intervals from seconds to octaves by ear (Major, Minor, Perfect and Tritone).
Prerequisite: NONE New students should complete Placement Testing prior to registration. Visiting students may submit college transcript.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 106 Jazz/Pop Ensemble 1
This course will introduce students to basic ensemble playing techniques, focusing on fundamental concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and improvisation within the context of jazz and pop music. Students will learn to collaborate in a group setting, developing their skills through rehearsals and performances. Note: Students are expected to provide their own instrument. The College may provide some instruments and equipment, including a drum kit and piano as well as amplifiers and microphones for guitar, bass and vocals.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Develop basic ensemble listening, timing, and cooperation skills in collaboration with fellow ensemble musicians.
Develop basic musical accuracy and expression skills through the performance of simple jazz and pop arrangements.
Develop basic musical improvisation techniques.
Develop basic ensemble listening, timing, and cooperation skills in collaboration with fellow ensemble musicians.
Develop basic musical accuracy and expression skills through the performance of simple jazz and pop arrangements.
Develop basic musical improvisation techniques.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
1 Credit0-2-1
MUS 107 Jazz/Pop Ensemble 2
This course builds on the foundational skills acquired in Jazz/Pop Ensemble 1. Students will perform novice arrangements, improve their improvisational skills, and refine their ability to work cohesively in an ensemble. Note: Students are expected to provide their own instrument. The College may provide some instruments and equipment, including a drum kit and piano as well as amplifiers and microphones for guitar, bass and vocals.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Develop enhanced music ensemble dynamic performance, balance, and stylistic interpretation skills.
Develop enhanced technical proficiency and expression skills through the performance of novice level jazz and pop music.
Develop novice improvisational techniques through call-and-response and thematic improvisations with fellow ensemble musicians.
Develop enhanced music ensemble dynamic performance, balance, and stylistic interpretation skills.
Develop enhanced technical proficiency and expression skills through the performance of novice level jazz and pop music.
Develop novice improvisational techniques through call-and-response and thematic improvisations with fellow ensemble musicians.
Prerequisites: MUS 106 with grade of C or better
1 Credit0-2-1
MUS 110 Music for Children
Music for Children offers all students an opportunity to explore and experiment with music rudiments, psychology, philosophy, performance and pedagogy. This is a course for students who wish to share their own music experiences with others.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Recognize the role music plays in our culture and in the child's educational development.
Identify and relate educational significance to various music activities.
Apply music rudiments to facilitate educational music activities.
Play an autoharp accompaniment while singing.
Select appropriate materials and models of instruction to support educational plans and objectives.
Coordinate several of the above competencies in a single instructional presentation.
Recognize the role music plays in our culture and in the child's educational development.
Identify and relate educational significance to various music activities.
Apply music rudiments to facilitate educational music activities.
Play an autoharp accompaniment while singing.
Select appropriate materials and models of instruction to support educational plans and objectives.
Coordinate several of the above competencies in a single instructional presentation.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 111 Music Theory I
This course explores the fundamental concepts of music theory including scales, intervals, chords, melody and harmony. Classes will include lectures, exercises and ear-training to provide students the skills to understand and analyze musical structures in a variety of genres. Students will have opportunities to apply these concepts to practical applications including composition, arranging and improvisation. NOTE: Prerequisites: MUS 101 or appropriate placement test score may be accepted.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Identify and construct major, minor, chromatic and pentatonic scales.
Identify and construct major, minor, diminished and augmented intervals and triads.
Identify and construct major, minor, dominant and diminished seventh chords.
Compose harmonic progressions that include the use of cadences.
Utilize basic music theory concepts to analyze music compositions in a variety of genres.
Perform fundamental ear-training skills with exercises in interval identification, chord identification and melodic dictation.
Implement theoretical concepts to create original compositions, arrangements and improvisations.
Identify and construct major, minor, chromatic and pentatonic scales.
Identify and construct major, minor, diminished and augmented intervals and triads.
Identify and construct major, minor, dominant and diminished seventh chords.
Compose harmonic progressions that include the use of cadences.
Utilize basic music theory concepts to analyze music compositions in a variety of genres.
Perform fundamental ear-training skills with exercises in interval identification, chord identification and melodic dictation.
Implement theoretical concepts to create original compositions, arrangements and improvisations.
Prerequisites: MUS 101. Appropriate placement test score may be accepted.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 115 Introduction to World Music
As a selective survey of music, this course is designed to teach students about both traditional and contemporary music from various parts of the world, including Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, central Asia, and the Far East.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Demonstrate active listening to various styles of non-western music.
Define the characteristics that are unique to each type of music, including instrumentation.
Appreciate the diversity of musical expression in world cultures and how music is experienced within individual cultures.
Understand music making and music appreciation as part of the human experience.
Demonstrate active listening to various styles of non-western music.
Define the characteristics that are unique to each type of music, including instrumentation.
Appreciate the diversity of musical expression in world cultures and how music is experienced within individual cultures.
Understand music making and music appreciation as part of the human experience.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 120 Introduction to Music
This course is for humanities electives credits. Emphasis is placed on listening, music techniques and design, historic and geographic relationships, and noted personalities.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Characterize general style and techniques expressed through the various stages and periods from 600 AD to the present.
Relate music phases to the attributing aspects of other periods and to the cultural-social attitude and practice of each particular era.
Identify the evolutionary influence of the format and latter 20th-century music styles and techniques found in the American and European cultures.
Characterize general style and techniques expressed through the various stages and periods from 600 AD to the present.
Relate music phases to the attributing aspects of other periods and to the cultural-social attitude and practice of each particular era.
Identify the evolutionary influence of the format and latter 20th-century music styles and techniques found in the American and European cultures.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 121 American Music
A survey of the evolution of music in the United States from the period of colonization to the present. Themes include European classical influences on the cultural melting pot, and the genre, form and style of concert, folk, pop, jazz and commercial music.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Identify the evolutionary phases of American music as influenced by other cultures and as developed from the 17th century to the present.
Relate the various techniques and styles of American music to the multifaceted characteristics of the social, religious, political, scientific and cultural aspirations of a particular time and a specific American population.
Discriminate among five main evolutionary stages, and identify contributors of each stage.
Recognize the difference among genre, form and style and use each music characteristic in identifying 10 major composers.
Interrelate all past considerations in the evolution and forecasting of current trends of American music and interpret their relationships to the contemporary cultural/social environment.
Identify the evolutionary phases of American music as influenced by other cultures and as developed from the 17th century to the present.
Relate the various techniques and styles of American music to the multifaceted characteristics of the social, religious, political, scientific and cultural aspirations of a particular time and a specific American population.
Discriminate among five main evolutionary stages, and identify contributors of each stage.
Recognize the difference among genre, form and style and use each music characteristic in identifying 10 major composers.
Interrelate all past considerations in the evolution and forecasting of current trends of American music and interpret their relationships to the contemporary cultural/social environment.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 122 Reading and Writing Music
This course is designed for the non-music reader and individuals lacking a comprehensive understanding of rhythm, notation, clefs, time signatures and key signatures.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Identify and write in G and F clefs.
Discriminate among various rhythmic patterns and notations.
Develop melodic patterns.
Analyze major and minor modes.
Synthesize and analyze basic triad structures.
Perform in music dictation and ear training.
Identify and write in G and F clefs.
Discriminate among various rhythmic patterns and notations.
Develop melodic patterns.
Analyze major and minor modes.
Synthesize and analyze basic triad structures.
Perform in music dictation and ear training.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or MAT 050.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 123 Jazz: From Blues to ...
A survey course with emphasis on the various phases and styles of American jazz. Discussions and listenings will include cultural, socio-economic relationships and the evolution of technique and instrumentation.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Discriminate among seven specific styles of jazz.
Identify the technical variations of jazz artists and styles.
Describe the contributions of at least 10 noted jazz performers.
Recognize the influences upon and of jazz.
Compare the evolution and role of jazz to other styles of music, both American and worldwide.
Recognize the styles and techniques as they may relate to the cultural aspirations of a people and to the American culture as a whole.
Discriminate among seven specific styles of jazz.
Identify the technical variations of jazz artists and styles.
Describe the contributions of at least 10 noted jazz performers.
Recognize the influences upon and of jazz.
Compare the evolution and role of jazz to other styles of music, both American and worldwide.
Recognize the styles and techniques as they may relate to the cultural aspirations of a people and to the American culture as a whole.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 125 Piano Class I
Piano Class I is an introductory course in piano-playing techniques. The course is applied and provides facilities for class participation and out-of-class practice. Scales, music reading and the playing of simple folk songs and piano works will be included.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Identify all keys on the piano and all symbols applicable to basic piano music.
Control various hand positions with left- and right-hand independence.
Perform simple rhythmic designs using upper- and lower-arm coordination and independent finger dexterity.
Demonstrate major and minor scales with appropriate fingering, both hands and parallel motion.
Apply basic harmony as an accompaniment to simple melodies.
Play solo songs and simple piano works.
Sight read simple polyphonic, two-hand piano music.
Perform in an in-class recital.
Identify all keys on the piano and all symbols applicable to basic piano music.
Control various hand positions with left- and right-hand independence.
Perform simple rhythmic designs using upper- and lower-arm coordination and independent finger dexterity.
Demonstrate major and minor scales with appropriate fingering, both hands and parallel motion.
Apply basic harmony as an accompaniment to simple melodies.
Play solo songs and simple piano works.
Sight read simple polyphonic, two-hand piano music.
Perform in an in-class recital.
Prerequisite: NONE New students should complete Placement Testing prior to registration. Visiting students may submit college transcript.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 126 Piano Class II
A continuation of Piano Class I. Emphasis is placed on solo and duo playing with appropriately advanced materials and techniques. NOTE: Prerequisites: MUS 125 or permission of instructor.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Apply advanced independent control of both hands including alberti bass, broken chords and arpeggiated chords.
Control a wider range of keyboard use with rapid changes of hand positions.
Play music with chromatic modifications.
Perform complex rhythmic patterns with symmetric and asymmetric accents.
Sight read music applicable to individual skills.
Play solo and duo piano works, including some standard repertoire of Bach, Mozart and others.
Perform in an in-class recital.
Apply advanced independent control of both hands including alberti bass, broken chords and arpeggiated chords.
Control a wider range of keyboard use with rapid changes of hand positions.
Play music with chromatic modifications.
Perform complex rhythmic patterns with symmetric and asymmetric accents.
Sight read music applicable to individual skills.
Play solo and duo piano works, including some standard repertoire of Bach, Mozart and others.
Perform in an in-class recital.
Prerequisite: MUS 125.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 127 Survey of American Musical
In this humanities elective, students study the evolution of musical theater through opera, operetta, minstrel shows and follies to the present. Emphasis is on the interrelationship of both theater and music techniques and styles.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Discriminate among several specific phases of musical drama.
Identify the differences between opera and American musicals.
Describe the contributions of at least 10 noted composers and 10 librettists.
Compare the evolutionary stages and roles of the various phases of music drama with the culture, society, economics and politics of each period.
Acknowledge the contributions of noted performers of American musical theater.
Interrelate all past considerations in the evolution of the musical as they may relate to current and future trends in the genre.
Discriminate among several specific phases of musical drama.
Identify the differences between opera and American musicals.
Describe the contributions of at least 10 noted composers and 10 librettists.
Compare the evolutionary stages and roles of the various phases of music drama with the culture, society, economics and politics of each period.
Acknowledge the contributions of noted performers of American musical theater.
Interrelate all past considerations in the evolution of the musical as they may relate to current and future trends in the genre.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 128 Guitar I
This course teaches the basic skills of guitar playing, including music theory, technique exercises, chord forms and rhythms. Level 1 reading etudes and songs will be assigned for classroom performance. This class is intended for students with little or no previous guitar background.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Apply the fundamentals of guitar technique to the electric or acoustic guitar.
Read music appropriate for the guitar.
Perform technical exercises for left and right hand development.
Apply the concepts of music notation and theory, including chromatic scale, triad and seventh chord formulas, major scale formulas, and triad and seventh chord spellings.
Chart the parameters of musical form as applied to songs.
Play rhythmic accompaniments of traditional and popular songs in diverse styles.
Apply the fundamentals of guitar technique to the electric or acoustic guitar.
Read music appropriate for the guitar.
Perform technical exercises for left and right hand development.
Apply the concepts of music notation and theory, including chromatic scale, triad and seventh chord formulas, major scale formulas, and triad and seventh chord spellings.
Chart the parameters of musical form as applied to songs.
Play rhythmic accompaniments of traditional and popular songs in diverse styles.
Prerequisite: NONE New students should complete Placement Testing prior to registration. Visiting students may submit college transcript.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 129 Guitar II
This course is a continuation of Guitar I and includes Guitar Level 2 reading, theory and performance. Students will perform scales, chords, etudes, chord accompaniments, and other assigned repertoire. Students will apply performance techniques, rhythm exercises, chord forms and basic music theory in both individual and group assignments. Students will perform music of both classical and popular genres while improving their ability to read standard musical notation as well as chord charts and guitar tablature. Note: Students must provide their own acoustic guitar. Note: Students who have not taken Guitar I but are able to demonstrate Guitar I level of proficiency in an assessment by the guitar faculty, may be given permission to enroll in Guitar II.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Apply beginner to intermediate performance techniques to the guitar.
Play scales (major, pentatonic, blues) and chords (3 & 4 part).
Perform intermediate technical exercises for left and right hand development.
Apply the concepts of music notation and theory as well as notate chord spellings.
Perform Level II etudes such as in the course textbook as related to additional material.
Analyze forms of selected song repertoire.
Apply beginner to intermediate performance techniques to the guitar.
Play scales (major, pentatonic, blues) and chords (3 & 4 part).
Perform intermediate technical exercises for left and right hand development.
Apply the concepts of music notation and theory as well as notate chord spellings.
Perform Level II etudes such as in the course textbook as related to additional material.
Analyze forms of selected song repertoire.
Prerequisite: MUS 128 with grade of C or better or assessment by the guitar faculty.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 131 History of Rock and Roll
This course will survey the different genres of popular music in the United States through the Twentieth Century using an historical approach. Lectures will include listening to and analyzing music examples in relation to the social, technical and historical trends. NOTE: Recommended (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099 or REA 075. Appropriate placement test scores may be accepted.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the chronological development of Rock and Roll, its styles, and cultural significance.
Critique musical performances and recordings in various rock styles.
Identify and discuss the role of rock music within its aesthetic, historical and cultural contexts.
Demonstrate knowledge of the chronological development of Rock and Roll, its styles, and cultural significance.
Critique musical performances and recordings in various rock styles.
Identify and discuss the role of rock music within its aesthetic, historical and cultural contexts.
Recommended: (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099 or REA 075. Appropriate placement test scores may be accepted.
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 141 Introduction to Music Technology
Introduction to Music Technology is an introductory course exploring the basic concepts for music creation and production in a digital platform. While the market is filled with a multitude of computer programs and equipment, it is all built on the same basic concepts and functions which will be covered in this course. Students will learn the historical context and technical basics for Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), Waveform editing, Virtual Instruments (VSTs) and Plug-ins, Song Structure, and creative workflow within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The course will culminate in the creation of an original piece of electronic music utilizing the skills gained over the course of the semester.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Demonstrate competency in the use and function of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Create, edit, and arrange waveform audio data for use in music projects.
Evaluate the aesthetics of song structure from various approaches.
Communicate an artistic statement by composing an original composition.
Analyze the historical context and evolution of the use of computer technology in music.
Demonstrate competency in the use and function of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Create, edit, and arrange waveform audio data for use in music projects.
Evaluate the aesthetics of song structure from various approaches.
Communicate an artistic statement by composing an original composition.
Analyze the historical context and evolution of the use of computer technology in music.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 151 Introduction to Music Business
Introduction to Music Business will survey the current music industry focusing on the areas where music and business overlap. The course will focus on developing an understanding of the structure of the music industry and gaining the understanding of how to successfully maneuver within the business. Lecture topics will include marketing, publicity, advertising, promotion, distribution, touring, and licensing.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Define the terminology and language of modern music business.
Describe key stakeholders in music business and their roles in the music industry.
Explain the fundamental principles of copyright and licensing and intellectual property rights.
Describe the role of A&R in scouting, developing artists and supporting career success.
Recognize the the role of music publishing and the fundamentals of negotiating publishing deals and royalty rates.
Explain the role of marketing, social media, press releases and promotional strategies in the success of established music artists.
Define the terminology and language of modern music business.
Describe key stakeholders in music business and their roles in the music industry.
Explain the fundamental principles of copyright and licensing and intellectual property rights.
Describe the role of A&R in scouting, developing artists and supporting career success.
Recognize the the role of music publishing and the fundamentals of negotiating publishing deals and royalty rates.
Explain the role of marketing, social media, press releases and promotional strategies in the success of established music artists.
Prerequisite: Successful Placement Test Scores or (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099* or REA 075 or REA 100* (*may be taken concurrently).
3 Credits3-0-3
MUS 206 Jazz/Pop Ensemble 3
This course is intended for students with prior experience in jazz or pop music who seek to refine their skills in a more advanced ensemble setting. This course emphasizes complex arrangements, improvisation, and nuanced performance techniques. Note: Students are expected to provide their own instrument. The College may provide some instruments and equipment, including a drum kit and piano as well as amplifiers and microphones for guitar, bass and vocals.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Develop intermediate musical ensemble cohesion with a focus on sophisticated dynamics, phrasing, and stylistic nuances.
Develop technical skills, musicality, and creativity through the performance of intermediate level jazz and pop pieces.
Develop standard improvisational strategies, including modal improvisation, thematic development, and extended techniques through performance with fellow ensemble musicians.
Develop intermediate musical ensemble cohesion with a focus on sophisticated dynamics, phrasing, and stylistic nuances.
Develop technical skills, musicality, and creativity through the performance of intermediate level jazz and pop pieces.
Develop standard improvisational strategies, including modal improvisation, thematic development, and extended techniques through performance with fellow ensemble musicians.
Prerequisites: MUS 107 with grade of C or better
1 Credit0-2-1
MUS 207 Jazz/Pop Ensemble 4
This course is the capstone course for the Jazz/Pop Ensemble which focuses on performing complex, professional-level repertoire. Students will take on leadership roles within the ensemble and contribute to the creative direction of performances. Note: Students are expected to provide their own instrument. The College may provide some instruments and equipment, including a drum kit and piano as well as amplifiers and microphones for guitar, bass and vocals.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Develop ensemble leadership skills with a focus on artistry and creativity.
Critique, refine and polish performances of advanced level jazz and pop repertoire with the goal of demonstrating exceptional technical skill and interpretative depth.
Develop advanced improvisational and compositional techniques as they relate to solo and group improvisations and arrangement creation.
Develop ensemble leadership skills with a focus on artistry and creativity.
Critique, refine and polish performances of advanced level jazz and pop repertoire with the goal of demonstrating exceptional technical skill and interpretative depth.
Develop advanced improvisational and compositional techniques as they relate to solo and group improvisations and arrangement creation.
Prerequisites: MUS 206 with grade of C or better
1 Credit0-2-1
MUS 242 Advanced Music Technology
This course is designed to move students into the next stage of utilizing music technology after successfully completing MUS 141 (Introduction to Music Technology). In this course students will learn studio production, advanced mixing techniques, signal processing, studio workflow and the fundamentals of mastering. NOTE: Prerequisite: MUS 141 with grade of C or better.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
Select and position microphones in accordance with the sonic characteristics of a specific sound source at both close and distant configurations.
Describe the technical requirements needed to prepare recording tracks for mixing.
Apply editing tools needed to improve recorded musical performances.
Describe and use digital processors necessary to the mixing process.
Analyze and evaluate their own mixes and others.
Evaluate and apply mastering techniques for commercial release.
Select and position microphones in accordance with the sonic characteristics of a specific sound source at both close and distant configurations.
Describe the technical requirements needed to prepare recording tracks for mixing.
Apply editing tools needed to improve recorded musical performances.
Describe and use digital processors necessary to the mixing process.
Analyze and evaluate their own mixes and others.
Evaluate and apply mastering techniques for commercial release.
Prerequisites: MUS 141 with a grade of C or better.
3 Credits3-0-3