Music

MUS 100: Introduction to Music Theory

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This basic music theory course teaches students to read and write musical notation, and it develops listening skills with regard to rhythm and harmony. Students are required to attend and analyze elements of live musical performances.

MUS 101: Music Theory I

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MUS 100.
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 103, MUS 144, and MUS 129 or appropriate level piano class.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course begins with a short review of music fundamentals and emphasizes music theory topics, such as triads and their inversions, seventh chords, non-harmonic tones, and four-part writing (voice leading). Students are required to attend live musical performances.

MUS 102: Music Theory II

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MUS 101.
Corequisite: MUS 104.
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 129.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This continuation of MUS 101 introduces intermediate-level analysis and compositional techniques found in 17th through 19th century Western classical music. The course emphasizes four-part diatonic and chromatic chorale writing and related analysis techniques in both major and minor keys. Topics include diatonic and chromatic chord progressions, secondary chords, augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan sixth chords, chorale analysis techniques, and simple musical forms. The course also emphasizes the recognition and correct compositional use of modulation techniques including pivot chord, secondary dominant, and common tone modulations.

MUS 103: Musicianship I

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course provides ear training for both the major and non-major and is strongly recommended for students enrolled in theory classes. The course builds an aural foundation to music theory, including basic pitches, rhythms, major and minor scales, and primary harmonies. Students are required to attend live musical performances.

MUS 104: Musicianship II

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MUS 103.
Corequisite: MUS 102.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course provides continued ear training for both the major and non-major and is strongly recommended for students enrolled in theory classes. The course continues to develop an aural foundation to music theory, including basic pitches, rhythms, major and minor scales, and primary harmonies. Students are required to attend live musical performances.

MUS 113: Multicultural Roots of American Music

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course surveys a variety of contemporary American music genres, such as rock 'n' roll, salsa, gospel, blues, jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, and Tejano, from their roots in the music traditions of immigrant groups to their evolution into distinctively new music styles. Students approach American popular music with rigor, requiring critical thinking through in-depth analyses of the socio-economic and historic contexts.

MUS 114: History of Rock and Roll

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course surveys the history of rock and roll from its origin in American popular music to the present. It relates the stylistic changes that have occurred in rock and roll to the social events that surround them. The course also examines historic and current rock subcultures and the attitudes surrounding them.

MUS 115: History and Appreciation of Western Music

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in MUS 115H, MUS 117, or MUS 118.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course introduces students to the canon of Western classical music through a survey of great composers from the medieval period to the present. Methods include historical analysis of each style period and extensive guided listening. The course also considers sociological influences upon art and music. Students are required to attend live classical music performances.

MUS 115H: History and Appreciation of Western Music (Honors)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in MUS 115, MUS 117, or MUS 118.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This honors course offers highly motivated students an intense introduction to the canon of Western classical music through a survey of great composers from the medieval period to the present. Methods include historical analysis of each style period and extensive guided listening. The course emphasizes understanding the impact of cultural, sociological, and other influences upon the development of Western classical music. Students are required to attend live classical music performances. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MUS 115 or MUS 115H.

MUS 116: A Survey of World Music

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This ethno-musicological exploration of indigenous music cultures around the world assists students in developing an understanding and appreciation for indigenous musical styles. The course presents music of Native America, Asia, India, Africa, South and Central Americas, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. It emphasizes listening and developing skills needed to distinguish various musical styles and instrumentation. Students are required to attend live world music performances.

MUS 119: Jazz History

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in MUS 119H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course assists students in developing an appreciation and respect for jazz and blues as original and uniquely American art forms. The topic, viewed through historical, cultural, and sociological lenses, focuses upon the evolutionary development of the music and the artists responsible for its creation. Students gain an understanding of basic and jazz-specific musical concepts as well as the rich history of this purely American music. The course emphasizes listening. Students are required to attend live jazz performances.

MUS 119H: Jazz History (Honors)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in MUS 119.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This honors course offers highly motivated students an intense introduction to American jazz and blues history. The topic, viewed through historical, cultural, and sociological lenses, focuses upon the evolutionary development of the music and the artists responsible for its creation. Methods include historical and sociological analysis of each style period and extensive guided listening. The course emphasizes understanding the impact of cultural, sociological, and other influences upon the development of jazz. Students are required to attend live jazz performances. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for MUS 119 or MUS 119H.

MUS 120: Piano I

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Maximum of four courses among MUS 120, MUS 121, MUS 129, MUS 228, MUS 229.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This beginning piano class develops piano skills through the use of standard songs and appropriate-level piano literature. It also introduces fundamental musical notation. Students are required to attend a professional piano performance.

MUS 121: Piano II

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Maximum of four courses among MUS 120, MUS 121, MUS 129, MUS 228, MUS 229.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This piano class continues to develop beginning piano skills through the use of standard songs and appropriate level piano literature. The course continues to develop student knowledge of music fundamentals, including notation, scales, and chords. Students are required to attend a live professional piano performance.

MUS 129: Piano for Music Majors

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MUS 100.
Enrollment Limitation: Maximum of four courses among MUS 120, MUS 121, MUS 129, MUS 228, MUS 229.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course provides technical knowledge and skills of piano for all music majors. Students learn to play scales, arpeggios, and chords. The course emphasizes the construction of triads and seventh chords. Students prepare and play level-appropriate piano repertoire in classical and jazz/contemporary styles, and they are required to attend a live professional piano performance.

MUS 130: Guitar I

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This course provides fundamental guitar performance training through music reading for students with no or limited formal guitar education. Topics include music theory, guitar ergonomics, musicianship skills, and basic performance in an ensemble and as a soloist. Students are required to attend a live music concert.

MUS 131: Guitar II

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This course focuses on technical studies in chord progression types, barre chord voicings/identification, transposition, blues improvisation, and chord voicing in song arrangements. It includes case-study project songs spotlighting various barre chords, chord progressions, and common chord/bass line patterns. Song materials feature blues, rock, popular, and folk styles. Attendance at a live music concert is required.

MUS 141: Vocal Fundamentals

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This voice class addresses functional techniques in singing for students seeking to develop specific vocal and musical abilities. Areas covered include breathing, voice placement, diction, phrasing, and interpretation. Students are required to attend a live musical concert.

MUS 144: Applied Music I

Units: 1.5
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This course offers advanced study of performance techniques for instrumentalists and vocalists. Students receive group and individual instruction from master teachers, coordinated with class performances and recitals. Students study musical performance technique, historical performance practice, and repertoire and are required to attend live instrumental and/or vocal performances. (May be repeated once.)

MUS 150: Contemporary Big Band

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This performance group concentrates on the preparation and performance of large jazz ensemble/big band jazz. Students study music from a wide variety of historical eras, ranging from the 1920s swing style to contemporary styles. The course introduces and reinforces many aspects of large jazz ensemble performance, including stylistic interpretation, rhythmic interpretation, section and ensemble balances, instrumental blend, sight reading, and correct intonation. Students are required to attend both on- and off-campus performances.

MUS 152: Small Group Jazz Ensemble

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This performance group concentrates on the preparation and performance of small group jazz. Students study jazz from a wide variety of historical eras, ranging from the 1940s bebop style to contemporary styles. The course introduces and reinforces many aspects of jazz performance, including rhythmic and stylistic interpretation, and it emphasizes improvisational skill development. Students are required to attend both on- and off-campus performances and events.

MUS 153: Jazz/Commercial Improvisation

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This course introduces students to melodic improvisational techniques used in jazz and many commercial musical styles. Participants study the art of constructing an appropriate linear melodic solo in a variety of common styles, including swing, Latin, bop, funk, fusion, and soul. The course relates music theory and improvisation to chord/scale relationships and modes, modal chord progressions, blues, rhythm changes, and standard major and minor chord progressions.

MUS 158: Special Ensemble Project

Units: 0.5-2
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 6 hours. (1004.00)

This performance ensemble prepares music and performs in a style specified in course schedule for the corresponding term. Ensembles include but are not limited to pit orchestra for the musical, classical chamber music ensembles, and jazz repertory ensembles. The course introduces and reinforces all aspects of performance related to the corresponding stylistic emphasis, including sight reading, intonation, rhythmic interpretation, section and ensemble balances, and stylistic interpretation. Students may be required to attend both on- and off-campus performances.

MUS 161: Masterworks Chorale

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

Students receive instruction in choral music and vocal production with an emphasis on breath control, sight-reading, ensemble singing, diction, and musicianship. The study of secular and sacred music is included. Concerts, the product of the class, are often combined with orchestra.

MUS 163: Commercial Music Ensemble

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This performance group prepares music and performs in a variety of commercial (popular) styles. The stylistic emphasis varies each semester and may include Afro-Latin Ensemble, Funk Ensemble, Motown/Classic Soul Ensemble, Jazz Fusion Ensemble, and Tower of Power Repertory Ensemble. This course introduces and reinforces all aspects of performance related to the corresponding stylistic emphasis, including sight reading, intonation, rhythmic interpretation, section and ensemble balances, and stylistic interpretation. Students are required to attend both on- and off-campus performances.

MUS 164: Musical Theater Ensemble

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course represents the musical component of college's musical theater production. The singing cast is selected by audition.

MUS 165: Chamber Choir

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This performance group studies traditional and contemporary music through choral ensemble rehearsal and performance. Students are required to participate in on- and off-campus performances as well as in concert tours.

MUS 166: Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

Classic and contemporary vocal jazz ensemble repertoire is studied through vocal jazz ensemble rehearsal and performance. Students will present concerts and festivals on campus and throughout the community as well as concert tours. Secondary emphasis is placed on listening, improvisation, and solo singing skills as well.

MUS 170: College-Community Symphonic Orchestra

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This class includes study and performance of orchestral literature from the 17th century to the present. Open to college students and community musicians wishing to develop a further understanding of music through symphonic ensemble playing. Members are expected to participate in concert presentations.

MUS 175: Classical Guitar Ensemble

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow 8 units in any combination of MUS 150, MUS 152, MUS 158, MUS 161, MUS 162, MUS 163, MUS 164, MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 170, MUS 175.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course covers classical guitar techniques and emphasizes small and large ensembles. Students explore and perform music from all periods, including Renaissance, Baroque, folk, classical, and romantic. Students are required to attend a live music concert.

MUS 201: Advanced Music Theory

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MUS 102.
Corequisite: MUS 203.
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 129 or appropriate level piano class.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course introduces advanced analysis and compositional techniques found in 18th through 20th century Western classical music. Topics include secondary dominants, modal mixture, and augmented and Neapolitan sixth chords as well as chorale analysis and binary and ternary musical forms. The course emphasizes the recognition and correct compositional use of modulation techniques, including pivot chord, secondary dominant, and common tone modulations, and it reviews four-part diatonic chorale writing and related analysis techniques in both major and minor keys.

MUS 203: Advanced Musicianship

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MUS 104.
Corequisite: MUS 201.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course provides advanced ear training for music majors, developing ear training skills needed for the study of music theory. Topics include scale degree recognition with different tonics, rhythm identification and dictation, intervals, cadences, interval and melodic dictation, and predominant chord identification. Students are required to attend live musical performances.

MUS 228: Advanced Piano

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MUS 129.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition if prerequisite not met. Maximum of four courses among MUS 120, MUS 121, MUS 129, MUS 228, MUS 229.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course provides piano and advanced musicianship skills training. Topics include complex notation, scales, chords, transposition, and sight reading. Students develop advanced-level piano performance skills using appropriate literature, and they study prominent piano composers and different eras of piano literature. Students are required to perform in public at least once and attend a live professional classical piano performance.

MUS 229: Jazz/Commercial Piano

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MUS 129.
Advisory: MUS 152 or MUS 153.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition if prerequisite not met. Maximum of four courses among MUS 120, MUS 121, MUS 129, MUS 228, MUS 229.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course provides jazz piano performance training and covers advanced musicianship skills. It includes contemporary notation, scales, chords, transposition, and sight reading. Students continue to develop advanced level jazz piano performance and accompanying skills using appropriate literature, and they study prominent pianists and the different eras of jazz piano history. Students are required to attend a live professional piano performance and perform in public at least once.

MUS 231: Jazz/Commercial Guitar

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MUS 131.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition if prerequisite not met.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This course introduces intermediate-level plectrum style guitar techniques, focusing on jazz and commercial musical styles. Topics include accompaniment styles, improvisation using scales and arpeggio patterns combined with a knowledge of chord-scale relationships, reading chord charts and melody lines, and performance of a continually expanding repertoire.

MUS 241: Advanced Vocal Techniques

Units: 1
Prerequisites: MUS 141 or MUS 144.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition if prerequisite not met.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1004.00)

This voice class covers advanced techniques in singing for students seeking to further develop specific vocal training and musical abilities. Topics include tone color, vowel modification, diction for languages, and interpretation for varying musical styles. Students are required to attend a live vocal performance.

MUS 244: Applied Music II

Units: 1.5
Prerequisites: MUS 144.
Enrollment Limitation: Audition.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1004.00)

This course offers advanced study of performance technique for instrumentalists and vocalists. Students receive group and individual instruction from master teachers, coordinated with class performances and recitals. Students study musical performance technique, historical performance practice, and repertoire and are required to attend live instrumental and/or vocal performances. (May be repeated once.)

MUS 260: Songwriting I

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)

This course is a study and application of skills necessary for popular songwriting and presentation. Topics include melody, harmony, form, timbre, voicing, marketing, and demo creation. It is designed for students with existing musical abilities.

MUS 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

MUS 296: Topics in Music

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours.
Lecture 4 hours. (1004.00)

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Music that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

MUS 298: Directed Study in Music

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Repeatability Rule: May be taken for a total of 3 units.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (1004.00)

This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.