Course Descriptions
MUS. 100 Fundamentals of Music (3 units)
Explore the cultural basis and historical context of diverse musical styles. Reflect on music notation as a problem solving approach in musical expression using historically significant examples. Learn the basics of music notation in the historical context of the expressive needs that drove the evolution of this system. Go from sound to symbol and symbol to sound by reading pitch and rhythm notation, sight-singing and ear training. Use music theory (scales and chords) to harmonize simple melodies.
MUS. 120 Songwriting Workshop I (3 units)
Using a collaborative workshop format, the course explores how to combine lyrics, melody, harmony, and form to create songs. Various techniques are used to get started on lyrics, turn lyrics into tunes, and find apt harmonies and forms for the student's new musical creations.
MUS. 202 Music Appreciation (3 units)
Learn about musical terms and ideas and apply that knowledge to many types of music such as popular, classical, jazz, and other forms of music from around the world. Consider different ways of listening to music and learn about the different meanings music can have in entertainment, history, ritual, film and other contexts.
MUS. 210 Histories of Popular Music and Rock (3 units)
This course explores the various intersections of music and American culture in the blues, rock, heavy metal, jazz, soul, R&B, disco and dance music, and hip-hop. The idea of a critical canon, in tension with best-seller lists, is considered.
MUS. 215 Music, Culture and History (3 units)
Explores the evolution of musical styles in the context of cultural expression and social change. Includes a wide range of European music styles and genres across history as well as American jazz.
MUS. 240 Latin American Music (3 units)
Learn about the rhythms and varieties of music in Latin America and the cultural roots that nurture this exciting form of expression. Music from the Caribbean and South, Central and North America is covered, including genres such as corridos, son, rumba, and tangos. The integral role of Latin influences in the music of the USA and ethnic identities is highlighted.
MUS. 250 World Music (3 units)
Survey of selected listening and readings about cultures such as India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Europe, North America, and Africa. Students learn to use basic musical terminology in describing that music, and to relate music behaviors to the cultural contexts that surround them. Equal emphasis is placed on music and culture.
MUS. 275 History of Jazz (3 units)
The development of jazz from both a musical and sociological perspective. Topics include musical elements, vocal and instrumental ensembles, artistic values, and the role of jazz in our culture.
MUS. 301 Piano I (2 units)
Applied music course covering the basics of piano playing. Students are taught piano playing technique, to read music, and to play musically.
MUS. 302 Piano II (2 units)
Continuation of MUS. 301. Piano playing at an advanced beginner level covering the foundations of piano technique, the ability to play musically, and the learning of various piano pieces.
MUS. 303 Piano III (2 units)
Continuation of MUS 302. This course in applied music emphasizes the basics of piano playing at an intermediate level of difficulty. Students develop further the foundations of piano technique and the ability to play musically, which were begun in Piano I and II, and expand their range of pieces.
MUS. 304 Piano IV (2 units)
Continuation of MUS 303. This course in applied music emphasizes the basics of piano playing at an intermediate to advanced level. Students develop further the foundations of piano technique, the ability to play musically, and their range of pieces.
MUS. 371 Guitar I (2 units)
Techniques of guitar performance and reading music to enable beginning students to play compositions written for the guitar. Students must supply their own instruments.
MUS. 372 Guitar II (2 units)
Continuation of MUS. 371. This course covers the techniques of playing the guitar and making music at the intermediate level. Students must supply their own instruments.
MUS. 373 Guitar III (2 units)
Continuation of MUS. 372. Further study of moveable chord and scale structure (CAGED), intermediate/advanced strumming and fingerpicking patterns, intermediate/advanced theory (scale, secondary dominants, and motif development), improvisation, arpeggios and reading music. Emphasis on American music. Both individual and group instruction.
MUS. 374 Guitar IV (2 units)
Continuation of MUS. 373. Covers the techniques of playing the guitar at advanced levels. Group and individual attention are included. Students must supply their own instruments.
MUS. 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.