Music classes

A sampling of classes from our credit course catalog.  These classes may represent the current or next available semester (whichever is open for registration). For the most up-to-date information on availability, search for classes in our online course schedule.

Subject codeCourse codeCourse nameCreditsTypeCourse descriptionPre-reqsDays
MUS103Music Theory Fundamentals3 creditsIntroductory music theory for students with little or no musical background. The course covers reading and writing notation, scales, melodic composition, and other elementary theoretical concepts.Prereq: ENG 090 and ENG 094 (COL 090), or satisfactory placement test scores M W F
MUS107Music Theory I3 creditsBasic chordal structures, voice leading, inversions, figured bass, harmonic progressions, and non-harmonic tones. Harmonic analysis of great composers' works. Keyboard harmony and ear training.Prereq: MUS 103 or permission of instructor M W F
MUS111Chorus2 creditsAn exploration of vocal technique and choral repertoire. Students prepare selections from the various style periods for public performance. The course is open to all students. NOTE: Students may repeat this course three times for a maximum of 8 credits.Prereq: None T R
MUS130Applied Music1 creditsIndividual music lessons open to all students of any level or interest. Lessons meet for one-half hour per week. Students and instructors arrange regular meeting times on an individual basis. NOTE: There is a charge for a studio instructor fee in addition to tuition. Students may repeat this course without limit. See college course catalog for details. Students can register for only one section of MUS 130 per semester.Prereq: None
MUS130DApplied Music1 creditsIndividual music lessons open to all students of any level or interest. Lessons meet for one-half hour per week. Students and instructors arrange regular meeting times on an individual basis. NOTE: There is a charge for a studio instructor in addition to tuition. Students may repeat this course without limit.Prereq: None
MUS137World Music and Cultures3 creditsA survey of music and culture including Native North America, Latin America, Black America, West and South Africa, the Mideast, India, Japan, and Eastern Europe. The course emphasizes strategies for understanding and listening to all kinds of music. Students do local cultural fieldwork projects and have the opportunity to produce field recordings as part of their final research project.Prereq: ENG 090 and ENG 094 (COL 090), or satisfactory placement test scores T R
MUS138Creative Musicianship1 creditsAn examination of a broad range of topics related to serious music study. The instructor leads cooperative class investigation into areas such as creative expression through free improvisation, preparing for auditions and performances, breaking creative blocks, responding to performance anxiety, adopting stretches/exercises, exploring career paths, making demos, and booking gigs. NOTE: Students may repeat this course once for a maximum of 2 credits.Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in 2 credit Applied Music Lessons. Non-music majors need permission of instructor W
MUS139Contemporary Music Ensemble2 creditsAn ensemble that performs modern musical styles of rock, pop, folk-rock, and rhythm and blues. In addition, the ensemble creates original works and explores post-1945 avant-garde musical styles that have influenced popular music since the 1960s. Students should expect to practice and develop skills for reading music and playing by ear. The ensemble performs publicly twice each semester. NOTE: Students may repeat this course three times for a maximum of 8 credits.Prereq: Permission of instructor or Program Coordinator; basic instrumental or vocal proficiency; the ability to read and play chord changes W
MUS140Vocal Jazz Ensemble2 creditsAn ensemble-based study of vocal jazz for singers and instrumentalists. Beginning and intermediate singers learn jazz standard repertoire, stylistic techniques, and performance elements of singing with rhythm section accompaniment. Advanced instrumental students in the group learn and practice the art of accompanying singers in a vocal jazz combo context. Students perform publicly twice each semester. NOTE: Students may repeat this course three times for a maximum of 8 credits. Special Requirement: Vocalists need basic vocal proficiency, instrumentalists need advanced proficiency.Prereq: All students need permission of instructor or Department Chair T R
MUS147Aural Skills I1 creditsA practice lab in which students develop music listening and reading skills. This course emphasizes practical applications including ear training, sight singing, transcription, dictation, and conducting.Prereq: MUS 103 or permission of instructor; concurrent enrollment in MUS 107 M
MUS221Audio Recording and Production I3 creditsIntroduces students to basic practices in computer based audio recording, editing, and mixing. The course teaches students how to use Pro Tools software and hardware interfaces to make multi-track recordings. The course also introduces students to the role of the music producer.Prereq: MUS 103 or permission of instructor. R
MUS230Applied Music 2-credit2 creditsIndividual music lessons open to all students of any level or interest. Lessons meet for one hour per week. Students and instructors arrange regular meeting times on an individual basis. Music majors must take MUS 230 on a primary instrument for four semesters. NOTE: There is a charge for a studio instructor fee in addition to tuition. Students may repeat this course without limit. See college course catalog for details. Students can register for only one section of MUS 230 per semester.Prereq: None. Recomm: concurrent enrollment in MUS 231
MUS231Recital Participation0 creditsFulfills one-fourth of recital attendance and performance requirement for music majors. Students must attend and perform in student recital events scheduled for the end of the semester. With direction from applied music instructors and the Music Program Coordinator, students are expected to prepare and perform one or more musical pieces in solo, duo, or group settings. NOTE: Students may repeat this course without limit.Prereq: Non-music majors need permission of Music Program Coordinator; concurrent enrollment in MUS 230 for music majors