Music Courses
MUS 1 - Introduction to Music
3 units
Music for enjoyment and understanding through informed listening, analysis, evaluation and discernment of musical elements, forms, and repertoire. Attendance at concerts and listening to a variety of music may be required. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# MUS 100.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 3 - World Music
3 units
The study of the folk and art music of world cultures. Includes the traditional music of Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, China, Japan, Indonesia, India, Latin America, Europe, and Native America. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III, AC. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 4 - Jazz in American Culture
3 units
History, trends and influences of the phenomenon of jazz through integration of the cultures of (but not limited to) African-American, European-American and the Latin-American communities. Required listening, reading and concert attendance will guide the student to value jazz as a form of self expression and improve the ability to listen and understand the various eras in jazz from pre-Dixieland to present day. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III, AC. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC : 3A
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 5 - American Cultures in Music
3 units
Music in twentieth century United States through the study of contributions of five selected groups from the following: African-Americans, Latin-Americans, Asian-Americans, European-Americans, and Native Americans. Emphasis on understanding diverse styles, and on integrating these styles into American music. Concert, religious, and folk-pop music will be included. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III, AC. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 6 - Basic Music Skills
2 units
Essentials of music through notation, time elements, melody, harmony, and tonality, texture, dynamics and knowledge of the keyboard. Sight singing and ear training. 36 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; C-ID# MUS 110.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 8A - Music Theory and Musicianship 1
4 units
Elements of diatonic harmony through part writing and ear training exercises as typified by musical practice from 1600 to the present. Includes keys, modes, scales, tonality, intervals, solfeggio, consonance/dissonance, rhythmic organization, chord structures, chord and interval recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation, voice leading principles, non-chord tones, four-part voice leading with selected primary and secondary chords, and figured bass realization. 63 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC 3A; C-ID# MUS 120, MUS 125.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C. MUS 21A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 8B - Music Theory and Musicianship 2
4 units
Continues diatonic harmony through part writing and ear training exercises as typified by musical practice from 1600 to the present, continues solfeggio, chord recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation, voice leading involving four-part choral writing, and figured bass realization. Introduces harmonic dictation, cadential elaboration, non-dominant seventh chords, and an introduction to secondary/applied chords and modulation. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A; C-ID# MUS 130, MUS 135.
Prerequisite: MUS 8A with a minimum grade of C.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 21A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 10A - Music Theory and Musicianship 3
4 units
This course incorporates the concepts from the Mus 8 series. In addition, through analysis and composition, the course will include: introduction to chromatic harmony; secondary/applied chords; modulation; borrowed chords; introduction to Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords. Mus 10A also applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of the musicianship portion of Mus 8 series through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 140, MUS 145.
Prerequisite: MUS 8B with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 10B - Music Theory and Musicianship 4
4 units
This course incorporates the concepts from Music 10A. In addition, through writing and analysis, the course will include: post-Romantic techniques such as borrowed chords and modal mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, altered chords and dominants; and 20th century techniques such as: Impressionism, tone rows, set theory, pandiatonicism and polytonalism, meter and rhythm. This course also applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Mus 10A through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 150, MUS 155.
Prerequisite: MUS 10A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 11 - Commercial Music Combo
1 units
For instrumentalists and vocalists who want experience in performing and interpreting small-group commercial music literature. Emphasis will be on articulations, stylistic differences, composition, arranging, and common performance practices. Enrollment by audition only. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 185.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C. MUS 18A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 13 - History of Rock & Roll
3 units
A cultural survey of original American music traditions, forms and trends influenced by cultural, socio-economic, socio-political and economic changes including blues, jazz, early rock, the “British invasion,” rap, hip hop culture, Latino rock, heavy metal, jazz-rock fusion, electronic, modern rock, and pop . 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III, AC. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1; IGETC: 3A.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 14 - Jazz Workshop
1 units
Reading, preparation and performance of contemporary Jazz music. Opportunity to apply improvisation techniques in a group setting. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 15 - Jazz Ensemble
1 units
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of standard jazz ensemble literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. New literature will be studied each term so that different technical and artistic issues are addressed. Opportunities to arrange and compose for the ensemble as well as to conduct. Opportunity to apply improvisation techniques in a group setting. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 16 - Philharmonic Orchestra
1 units
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of the standard Classical orchestra literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature is studied each semester so that different technical, historical and artistic issues are addressed. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required. Audition required. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition required.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 17A - Jazz Combo 1
1 units
For instrumentalists who want experience in performing and interpreting small-group literature. The music literature will cover important aspects of Jazz band development and works of all styles and periods. Emphasis will be on articulations, stylistic differences, composition, arranging, and common performance practices of the various periods of music. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180, MUS 185.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C. MUS 18A with a minimum grade of C.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition required.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 17B - Jazz Combo 2
1 units
For intermediate/advanced instrumentalists who want to continue what they learned in 17A by performing, composing, and arranging small-group literature. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180, MUS 185.
Prerequisite: MUS 17A with a minimum grade of C.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition required.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 18A - Jazz/Pop Piano 1
1 units
Voicings, chords, and guidelines for interpretation of lead sheets in a variety of genres for the contemporary pianist. Emphasis on improvisation, accompaniment, bass lines, grooves, and reharmonization. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 21A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 18B - Jazz/Pop Piano 2
1 units
Building on the content offered in Music 18A, this course offers more advanced voicings, chords, and guidelines for interpretation of lead sheets in a variety of genres for the contemporary pianist. The student learns chords and chord progressions used in jazz and popular music styles as applied to the keyboard, focusing on chromatic seventh chords and sequences, chord extensions and advanced rhythmic concepts. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Prerequisite: MUS 18A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 19 - Studies in Music Composition
3 units
Presents a technical and historical analysis of works in various music languages. Students will compose individual pieces to be performed by college-based music ensembles. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 8A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 20A - Elementary Guitar
1 units
Beginning guitar using a combination of folk and classic approaches to playing technique, utilizing basic scales and chords in first position, and music notation. 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 20B - Study of Guitar
1 units
Development of skills and knowledge from Music 20A. Emphasis on playing techniques and performance. Designed for the intermediate and advanced performer. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Prerequisite: MUS 20A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 20C - Advanced Guitar
1 units
Development of skills and knowledge from Music 20B. Emphasis on advanced playing techniques and performance. Designed for the advanced performer. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Prerequisite: MUS 20B with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 21A - Beginning Piano
1 units
Group instruction in piano for the absolute beginner with emphasis on developing technique, reading music, and performing. 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 21B - Intermediate Piano
1 units
Development of skills learned in Music 21A. Emphasis on further development of technique and performance. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Prerequisite: MUS 21A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 22A - Scoring for Film and Multimedia 1
3 units
Applications and techniques of composition and sound effects for film and other visual
media. Musical and technical elements of producing digital audio tracks are covered.
54 hours lecture. Transfer:
CSU, UC.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 35 with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 22B - Scoring for Film and Multimedia 2
3 units
Building on material covered in Scoring for Film and Multimedia 1, students will continue
to hone compositional technique for film and other visual media. Upon successful completion
of this course, students will be prepared to enter the film music industry with necessary
skill sets to succeed. 54 hours lecture. Transfer:
CSU, UC.
Prerequisite: MUS 22A with a minimum grade of C.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 36 with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 23A - Elementary Voice
1 units
Group singing with an emphasis on healthy vocal production, solo performance opportunities, breathing, diction, sight singing, and the study of vocal anatomy. 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 23B - Intermediate Voice
1 units
Further development of skills learned in Music 23A. Emphasis on continued development of vocal production, solo performance practice, sight singing, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and interpretation of non-English literature. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Prerequisite: MUS 23A with a minimum grade of C.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 8A with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 25 - Teaching Beginning Piano
2 units
Principles of successful piano teaching with emphasis upon development of technique and reading ability in beginner level students; private and group piano teaching methods; personal development as teacher and musician. Observation of piano lessons or classes and supervised practice teaching private or group piano students may be required. Intended for pianists with intermediate or advanced skills. 36 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 21B with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 26 - Methods/Materials/Piano Teachers
2 units
Examination of various methods for use in teaching piano; setting up a teaching studio and maintaining the business; finding and selecting supplementary literature; preparing for recitals and other special events. Intended for pianists with intermediate or advanced skills who are engaged in the teaching of piano or who would like to prepare to teach. 36 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 21B with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 27 - Teaching Intermediate Piano
2 units
Principles of successful piano teaching with emphasis upon continued development of technique and reading ability in intermediate level students; private and group piano teaching methods; selection of intermediate literature; Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century styles; studio organization and personal development as teacher and musician. Observation of piano lessons or classes and supervised practice teaching of private or class piano students may be required. Intended for pianists with intermediate or advanced skills. 36 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 21B with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 28 - Keyboard Skills
1 units
Emphasis on correct harmonization of melodies with various styles of piano accompaniments; transposition; improvisation; modulation; sight reading; principles of accompanying soloists and groups; ensemble playing; playing by ear. Frequent solo and ensemble performances in class. Intended for piano teachers or classroom music teachers. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 21B with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 29 - Independent Study, Music
0.5 - 2 units
Supervised study in the area of Music. Any student interested in registering for an Independent Studies course should contact a full/part-time instructor or dean in the appropriate area. 27-108 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 31 - Study of Piano
1 units
Building off of knowledge and skills from MUS 21B, MUS 31 continues development of functional piano skill for intermediate or advanced level. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Prerequisite: MUS 21B with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 34 - Music in Film
3 units
The class traces the history and development of film music through reading, lecture and film viewing. The class studies the process of film scoring and how music and its relationship to film have changed over the last century. Class includes discussion and evaluation of different compositional styles and learning to listen critically to film scores while viewing movies. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSUGE: C1, C2; IGETC: 3A, 3B.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 35 - Introduction to Music Technology
3 units
This course introduces the following aspects of music technology: computer skills, principles of sound and acoustics, MIDI, digital audio manipulation, recording and production using a digital audio workstation, audio hardware, and audio in live performance. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# CMUS 100 X, CMUS 130 X.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 36 - Intermediate Music Technology
3 units
This course is the 2nd level course in the music technology series. Topics include intermediate/advanced computer skills, software-based sequencing, synthesis, MIDI, sampling, notation, principles of sound, microphones, digital audio, signal processing, mixing, recording principles, cables and interconnects, and audio in live performance. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# CMUS 110 X, CMUS 120 X.
Prerequisite: MUS 35 with a minimum grade of C.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 37 - Music Business
3 units
Career opportunities and business practices in the music industry. Focus on career options and development, artist management, unions, music merchandising, music for film and digital media, and concert promotion. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# CMUS 140 X.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 38 - Applied Lessons
1 units
Individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire for the specific instrument or voice being studied. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Enrollment subject to a standardized audition demonstrating basic competencies in technique and musicianship in their major performance medium. Concurrent enrollment in one music theory class (MUS 8A, MUS 8B, MUS 10A or MUS 10B) and one performing ensemble (MUS 12, MUS 14, MUS 15, MUS 16, MUS 44, MUS 45, MUS 46A, MUS 46B, or MUS 48). 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 160.
Corequisite: MUS 8A or MUS 8B or MUS 10A or MUS 10B or MUS 12 or MUS 14 or MUS 15 or MUS 16 or MUS 44 or MUS 45 or MUS 46A or MUS 46B or MUS 48.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 41 - Instrumental Chamber Music
1 units
This course is an instrumental music ensemble that performs selections from the standard classical repertoire, as well as modern compositions. Students develop all aspects of instrumental performance including technique, sight-reading, intonation, rhythmic interpretation, ensemble balance, and stylistic interpretation. Musical instruments may include members of the brass, woodwind, string, percussion, and keyboard families. Enrollment by audition only. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 185.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 44 - Concert Choir
1 units
This course offers an opportunity for students to study, interpret, and perform vocal ensemble music in a variety of styles. Emphasis is placed on building ensemble singing experience and techniques towards a successful audition into higher-level ensembles. Designed for students of all backgrounds and experience levels. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 6 (Basic Music Skills) is highly recommended. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition required.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 45 - Chamber Choir
2 units
A performance-based class furthering the effective study, interpretation, and presentation of choral literature. Designed for vocalists with previous classical ensemble experience. Performs multiple times per semester. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 9 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C. MUS 44 with a minimum grade of C.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition Required
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 46 - Vocal Jazz Ensemble
2 units
An advanced performance-based class exploring jazz voice in an ensemble setting. Course emphasizes the study of a variety of jazz and pop/rock styles, overall healthy vocal technique, use of microphones and an active sound system, vocal improvisation, and overall musicianship. Singing and ensemble experience highly recommended, as the class requires strong sense of intonation, rhythm, and vocal blend. Performs multiple times per semester. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 9 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE: III. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 180.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C. MUS 44 with a minimum grade of C.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition required.
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 47 - College Productions-Music
1 units
Participation in scheduled music productions. Includes music support for drama productions, college musicals, and other major performances. Enrollment is for the duration of the production, and by audition only. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition required/
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP
MUS 48 - Improvisation Lab
1 units
This course exposes students to the fundamental concepts and skills needed for improvising in a group setting. The course is open to instrumentalists or vocalists at any level of proficiency, with no audition or prior improvisation experience required. The course is intended to expose students to the role of improvisation in a variety of music genres, and to provide experience playing in different-sized ensembles. The course prepares students for established advanced jazz ensembles in the department like Jazz Combos, Jazz Ensemble, and Vocal East. Emphasis will be on group activities, individual projects, independent listening and practice, basic theory concepts, and performance. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4. 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# MUS 185.
Recommended Course Preparation: MUS 6 with a minimum grade of C or MUS 8A with a minimum grade of C.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition Required
- Credit - Degree Applicable
- Grading Option: Letter or P/NP