Classes in mus

MUS 1A Music History and Literature 3.0 units
Description: A survey of the development of music in western civilization including representative composers from the Medieval to the present. Music 1A will study the music and styles from antiquity through 1750.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain Genesis and Evolution of Western Music from the Medieval Through the Romantic Period
2. Identify Period - and Composer-Specific Stylistic Characteristics
3. Discuss The Social and Political Circumstances, Lifestyles, Motivations and Concerns, and Major Contributions of Composers Covered in the Lectures and Text


MUS 1B Music History and Literature 3.0 units
Description: A survey of the development of music in western civilization including representative composers from the 1750 to present. Music 1B will study the music and styles from Classical period to the present.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain Genesis and Evolution of Western Music from the Romantic Period Through the Modern Era
2. Identify Period - and Composer-Specific Stylistic Characteristics from the Romantic Period Through the Modern Era
3. Discuss The Social and Political Circumstances, Lifestyles, Motivations and Concerns, and Major Contributions of Composers from the Romantic Period Through the Modern Era Covered in the Lectures and Text


MUS 2 History of Jazz and Rock 3.0 units
Description: This course covers the introduction and history of jazz and rock music from traditional, ragtime, boogie-woogie, swing, bebop, and cool, to various contemporary jazz, rock and fusion art forms. It includes a study of the forces that have shaped the art from European, African, Latin, and African-American influences. The class explores the contributions and conflicts of African-American influences throughout the history and development of this American music.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Acquire and demonstrate knowledge of the history and perspective of Jazz and rock music in the 20th century.
2. Identify and evaluate various styles of Jazz periods including key musicians and heritages.
3. Identify and evaluate various styles of Blues periods including key musicians and heritages.
4. Students learn to analyze and appreciate works of philosophical and cultural importance, as well as, gain a broader understanding of the human condition.
5. Students will confidently understand and articulate their own subjective intellectual experiences


MUS 3A Harmony/Theory/Musicianship I 4.0 units
Description: Fundamentals of music, beginning harmony. (C-ID: MUS 120) MUS 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D must be taken in sequence.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify any written pitch; identify written durations; write and apply integer formulas for major and minor scales; analyze and write pitches, triads and seventh chords on all scale degrees of all scales
2. Analyze And Write Four-Part Harmonies In Root Position And All Possible Inversions And Voicings, Including 7th Chords; Apply Principles Of Common-Practice Period Part-Writing, Including Doublings, Treatment Of Common-Tones And Procedures For Part-writing Where There Are No Common Tones Measure
3. Use professional analytical symbols, identify secondary dominants, borrowed chords and chords containing altered pitches, pivot chords in diatonic modulation, and all non-harmonic tones
4. Create Original composition in 4-voice texture


MUS 3B Harmony, Theory, Musicianship II 4.0 units
Description: Continuation of Music 3A. Fundamentals of music, intermediate harmony, and musicianship. Introduction to counterpoint. (C-ID: MUS 130) MUS 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D must be taken in sequence. PREREQUISITE. MUS 3A.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Present analyses of contrapuntal compositions in oral and written presentations
2. Explain and justify the presence of every musical event in a score
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze music in 1 to 4 parts in all stylistic periods from medieval to modern
4. Compose common practice period-style music for keyboard instrument.


MUS 3C Harmony/Theory/Musicianship III 4.0 units
Description: Continuation of Music 3AB. Chromatic harmony, analysis and composition. MUS 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D must be taken in sequence. (C-ID: MUS 140) PREREQUISITE: Music 3B

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Present analyses of significant compositions in oral and written presentations
2. Explain and justify the presence of every musical event in a score
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze music in 1 to 4 parts in all stylistic periods from medieval to modern
4. Compose common practice period-style music for keyboard instrument.


MUS 3D Harmony/Theory/Musicianship IV 4.0 units
Description: Continuation of Music 3C. Analysis and composition. MUS 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D must be taken in sequence. (C-ID: MUS 150) PREREQUISITE: Music 3C

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Present analyses of significant compositions in oral and written presentations
2. Create 12-tone matrix. Identify combinatorial set forms if present.
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze music in 1 to 4 parts in all stylistic periods frommedieval to modern
4. Demonstrate the ability to compose music in 1 to 4 parts in all stylistic periods from medieval to modern


MUS 4A Beginning Piano 3.0 units
Description: Introduction to music fundamentals and keyboard technique. Development of beginning keyboard skills including note reading in bass and treble clef, fingering, rhythm, key signatures, primary chords and inversions. ADVISORY: Must be taken in sequence. This course offered as a hybrid course. (C-ID MUS 170)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify pitches on grand staff; identify rhythm values; identify major key signatures; identify time signatures.
2. Sight read simple melodies in treble and bass clefs with both hands; practice and play beginning two hand pieces in various positions.


MUS 4B Beginning Piano 2.0 units
Description: Continuation of Music 4A. Introduction to music fundamentals and keyboard technique. Development of beginning keyboard skills including note reading in bass and treble clef, fingering, rhythm, key signatures, primary chords and inversions. ADVISORY: Music 4A or instructor recommendation. Student must be able to demonstrate knowledge of material covered in Mus4A. (C-ID MUS 171)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify ledger line notes on grand staff; identify complex rhythm values; identify compound time signatures.
2. Sight read two-hand pieces; practice and play major scales for 2 octaves.


MUS 5A Intermediate Piano 2.0 units
Description: Development of intermediate keyboard skills through means of scales, chords, and technical studies. Continuation of music fundamentals and beginning keyboard harmony; introduction of easier classical and standard piano literature. ADVISORY: Music 4B or instructor recommendation. Student must demonstrate knowledge of material covered in Mus 4B. (C-ID MUS 172)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze, construct and play major scales and chords in all keys
2. Practice and perform intermediate classical works by Bach, Mozart, Scarlatti


MUS 5B Intermediate Piano 2.0 units
Description: Development of intermediate keyboard skills through means of scales, chords and technical studies. Continuation of music fundamentals and beginning keyboard harmony; introduction of easier classical and standard piano literature. ADVISORY: Music 5A or instructor recommendation. Student must demonstrate knowledge material covered in Mus 5A.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze, construct and play minor scales and chords in all keys
2. Practice and perform intermediate classical works by Kabalevsky, Clementi and Grieg.


MUS 5C Advanced Piano 2.0 units
Description: Development of advanced keyboard skills through means of scales, chords and technical studies. Continuation of music fundamentals and keyboard harmony; introduction of moderately difficult classical and standard piano literature. ADVISORY: Music 5B or instructor recommendation. Student must demonstrate knowledge on material covered in Mus 5B.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze, construct and play harmonic/melodic scales and secondary chromatic chords in all keys.
2. Practice and perform early advanced classical works by Beethoven, Chopin, Gershwin.


MUS 5D Advanced Piano 2.0 units
Description: Development of advanced keyboard skills through means of scales, chords and technical studies. Continuation of music fundamentals and keyboard harmony; introduction of moderately difficult classical and standard piano literature. ADVISORY: Music 5C or instructor recommendation. Student must demonstrate knowledge of material covered in MUS 5C.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze, construct and play 4 octave harmonic/melodic minor and chromatic scales with octaves and arpeggios.
2. Practice and perform difficult classical sonatas by Beethoven and mazurkas by Chopin


MUS 6 Introduction to World Music 3.0 units
Description: This course explores a broad and diverse survey of different non Western music cultures, helping students develop listening skills to identify, distinguish and appreciate the elements and richness of each culture's music. The course will cover a rich diversity of styles through informed listening, analysis and discernment of musical elements, form and repertoire. Music of various cultures will be explored, for example: India, China, Japan, the Middle East, Indonesia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Distinguish the elements of non-Western music and respective cultures.
2. Identify the sounds produced by a variety of instruments considered native to particular cultures.
3. Analyze and appreciate works of philosophical and cultural importance, as well as, gain a broader understanding of the human condition.


MUS 7 Songwriting and Composition 3.0 units
Description: This course is an introduction to modern song writing techniques. Students will learn to create their own musical compositions. Students will also gain a historical understanding of the wide diverse practices, both culturally and technically that apply to songwriting and composition. Approaches to contemporary issues in song writing including development of melodic, lyrical, and rhythmic ideas will be studied. In addition, students will learn strategies for promoting their songs in the contemporary music marketplace, as well as basic concepts of intellectual property right protection. While recommended, no prior formal musical education is required.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Through listening, be able to diagram the basic structure of a song.
2. Compose a complete song (and/or composition).
3. Articulate the differences and similarities among different musical cultures.
4. Students will express constructive criticism towards other students' work, and therefore students will employ it within their work.


MUS 8A Beginning Voice 2.0 units
Description: Development of techniques in the art of singing and interpreting serious music in various styles. Study of the basic techniques of tone production, breathing and related skills. Basic repertoire development. ADVISORY: Continues in sequence or by demonstrated proficiency.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Sing with correct vocal placement and breath support.
2. Prepare and perform works from the vocal literature


MUS 8B Beginning Voice 2.0 units
Description: Development of techniques in the art of singing and interpreting serious music in various styles. Study of the basic techniques of tone production, breathing and related skills. Basic repertoire development. ADVISORY: Music 8A or demonstrated proficiency.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Use proper breathing and voice placement techniques
2. Prepare and perform works from the vocal literature


MUS 8C Intermediate Voice 2.0 units
Description: Development of techniques in the art of singing and interpreting serious music in various styles. Study of the basic techniques of tone production, breathing and related skills. Basic repertoire development. ADVISORY: Music 8B or demonstrated proficiency.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate and apply proper breathing and voice placement technique
2. Demonstrate collaborative learning by working with other singers and musicians in rehearsal. setting


MUS 8D Intermediate Voice 2.0 units
Description: Development of techniques in the art of singing and interpreting serious music in various styles. Study of the basic techniques of tone production, breathing and related skills. Basic repertoire development. ADVISORY: Music 8C or demonstrated proficiency.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate and apply proper breathing and voice placement technique
2. Prepare and perform works from advance vocal literature in live concert.


MUS 9A Guitar 2.0 units
Description: An introduction to playing the guitar. Basic staff notation, correct fingering and chord arpeggios are covered. Emphasis is also placed on developing musical listening skills. Students must provide their own guitars. ADVISORY: Students must provide their own guitars.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Tune guitar, play and write scales, use proper fretboard technique and fingering
2. Research history of guitar and evolution of guitar literature
3. site read simple melodies and play chords first position


MUS 9B Guitar 2.0 units
Description: Development of intermediate guitar.Staff notation, correct fingering, tremolo and chord arpeggios are covered. Emphasis is also placed on developing musical listening skills. Students must provide their own guitars. ADVISORY: Music 9A; students must provide their own guitars.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Play intermediate scales in all positions
2. play intermediate arpeggios
3. play scales using intermediate technique of free and rest strokes


MUS 11A Applied Music/Piano 0.5 units
Description: Individual studio instruction in piano for the development of performance skills. Each week students will take individual lessons and complete an on-campus practice appropriate for the number of units taken. Additionally, each semester students will perform at least once for a juried performance for a faculty committee as a final exam. Designed for Music majors who are able to perform at college level. May be taken for a maximum total of 2 units. (C-ID: MUS 160) ADVISORY: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 3A, MUS 3B, MUS 3C or MUS 3D.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define and discuss the elements of music as they appear in the repertoire and explain how they determine style.
2. Demonstrate greater skill in sight-reading and transposition playing a piano.
3. Repertoire for developing technical facility, for playing in ensemble, solo study and informal performances.


MUS 11B Applied Music/Guitar 0.5 units
Description: Individual studio instruction in Guitar for the development of performance skills. Each week students will take individual lessons and complete an on-campus practice appropriate for the number of units taken. Additionally, each semester students will perform at least once for a juried performance for a faculty committee as a final exam. Designed for Music majors who are able to perform at college level. May be taken for a maximum total of 2 units. (C-ID: MUS 160) ADVISORY: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 3A, MUS 3B, MUS 3C or MUS 3D.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an increased musical vocabulary, muscle coordination skill level and greater technical achievement. with a guitar.
2. Define and discuss the elements of music as they appear in the repertoire and explain how they determine style.
3. Demonstrate greater skill in sight-reading and transposition playing a guitar.
4. Students will be able to rehearse, prepare and perform standard repertoire in a formal recital playing a guitar.


MUS 12 Vocal Ensemble 1.0 units
Description: The Vocal Ensemble class will focus on popular and alternative commercial music and will include rehearsals with individual and group performances with a backup band. The evening Vocal Ensemble will study, rehearse and perform choral music in a broad spectrum of musical genres and styles. Included will be the study of vocal and rehearsal techniques as they relate to ensemble performance.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Vocalize using correct technique
2. Demonstrate collaborative learning by working with other vocalists/musicians in rehearsal setting
3. Perform before live audience


MUS 14 Instrumental Ensemble 1.0 units
Description: Instruction for the experienced musician with emphasis on the study and performance of a wide variety of musical styles from Renaissance to 20th Century music for traditional ensembles, and extensive consideration of contemporary commercial and alternative repertoire, and performance techniques for popular ensembles. This course was previously listed as MUS 14A. (C-ID: MUS 180)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Play instrument using correct technique
2. Demonstrate collaborative learning by working with other musicians in rehearsal setting
3. Perform before live audience


MUS 15 Music Appreciation 3.0 units
Description: This course is designed to acquaint the students with the elements of music and the primary musical periods of traditional Western European classical music. Students will have a brief overview of the major composers and their music through class lectures, listening to musical examples in class, reading the text, listening to musical examples provided on the student CDs or recordings, actively engaging in class discussions, attending live concerts of suggested performances, and completing research papers and/or oral presentations pertinent to the course material. (C-ID MUS 100)

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the elements of music and state how these elements relate to the compositions and composers presented in class
2. Apply the course information to classical music concerts to enhance expression, personal awareness, and aesthetic enlightenment
3. Acquire a basic vocabulary for the study of western music terminology


MUS 16A Introduction to Audio Recording Techniques 3.0 units
Description: Survey of basic audio recording techniques and materials including acoustics, signal flow, block diagrams, cue systems, punch-ins, microphones and mic placement, frequency response, reverb, delay and outboard effects, stereo mixing, pre-mixing and actual recording.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. The student will demonstrate the ability to analyze information and control processing of input signal.
2. The student will demonstrate and understanding of the acoustics of sound and music, and how to control acoustical elements.
3. Students will develop specific technical skills related to home or professional recording.
4. Demonstrate ability to operate in a professional studio environment.


MUS 17 Music Fundamentals 3.0 units
Description: An introduction to the notation and fundamental theoretical elements of Western music, demonstrated through a variety of styles, covering: pitch and rhythm concepts and structures, basic formal elements, and fundamental musicianship. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. In addition, interpreting music, written and aurally, with regard to its broad historical and cultural context will be covered, and critiquing different musical genres and styles in order to make aesthetic judgments about them by applying criteria from the knowledge and principles of music theory learned in class.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate basic music fundamentals: staff reading, rhythm, time signatures and musical score reading.
2. Demonstrate application of elements to style, including broad cultural and historical factors.


MUS 21 Electronic Music, Sound Design 3.0 units
Description: Fundamentals of electronic music synthesis using computers. Midi sequencing, digital sound processing, sampling, digital multi-track recording utilizing the college's state of the art midi studio. (C-ID MUS 100X) ADVISORY: Eligible for English 250, 260 and Mathematics 205.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Use basic terminology appropriately, use digital music hardware and software to create and record music to CD or DVD
2. Create assigned soundforms using digital adsr envelope generators
3. Work together to create background music for video/film and live theater


MUS 22 Field Work and Service 0.5 units
Description: Supervised field work within the college and with local agencies. Students serve in useful group activities in leadership roles prescribed for them by faculty or community agencies. A maximum of six units may be completed. This is a pass/no pass course. REQUIRED: Learning contracts must be filled out and signed by the student and the supervising instructor.



MUS 23 Independent Study 1.0 units
Description: Designed to afford selected students specialized opportunities for exploring areas at the independent study level. The courses may involve extensive library work, research in the community, or special projects. May be repeated until six units of credit are accrued. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. REQUIRED: The study outline prepared by the student and the instructor must be filed with the department and the dean.



MUS 28 Jazz Improvisation 3.0 units
Description: Introduction to jazz Improvisation: Chord symbols, chord voicings, improvisation, arrangements in blues, jazz, and other popular music styles.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Through listening, be able to diagram the basic structure of a jazz standard.
2. Articulate the differences and similarities among different jazz styles.
3. Navigate through various jazz standard repertoire.
4. Express constructive criticism towards other students' work.


MUS 98 Special Topics 0.5 units
Description: Special topics courses examine current problems or issues of interest to students within a specific discipline area. For topical content information, consult with appropriate department chairperson. For transfer status, check with a counselor. This course may have the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to describe, analyze and apply concepts presented and demonstrated in course.
2. Specific goals will differ for each special topic.


MUS 190 Occupational Work Experience/Commercial Music 1.0 units
Description: Occupational work experience for students who have a job related to their major. A training plan is developed cooperatively between the employer, college and student. (P/NP grading) 75 hours per semester paid work = 1 unit. 60 hours non-paid (volunteer) work per semester = 1 unit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5 Section 55253. Minimum 2.00 GPA. REQUIRED: Declared vocational major.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. The student will increase job skills in at least one of the following transferable skill sets: Communication, Research and Planning, Human Relations, Organization, Management and Leadership, Work Survival