Music Courses

MUS-005: Fundamentals of Music Theory (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Advisory:Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. Advisory MUS 090. This is a course for students interested in learning music fundamentals as related to music reading, writing, listening, and performing. The study of music notation, rhythm and meter, tonality, scales, and basic harmony is included, as well as practice in rhythm performance, sight singing, and techniques of listening to music. Pass/No Pass Option.

3A - IGETC Arts, C - AA-AS Arts & Humanities - DNU, C1 - CSU Arts

MUS-006: Commercial Music Theory I (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Advisory: MUS 005 This is a beginning-level course in commercial music theory intended for students pursuing a certificate in music. Topics include: basic song construction, use of diatonic harmony, analysis of popular song form and harmonic progressions, and the use of music notation software to create lead sheets.

C - AA-AS Arts & Humanities - DNU

MUS-007: Commercial Music Theory II (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Prerequisite MUS 006 This is an intermediate-level course in music theory intended for students pursuing a certificate in music. Topics include: advanced song construction, use of chord extensions, chord substitutions, analysis of scores for film and video games, basic orchestration and the use of music notation software to create multi-part scores.

C - AA-AS Arts & Humanities - DNU

MUS-008: Commercial Music Theory III (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Prerequisite MUS 007 This is an advanced-level course in harmony and musicianship intended for students pursuing a certificate in music. Topics include arranging, orchestration and the use of music notation software to create finished scores for publication.

MUS-009: Jazz Music History (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Total Lecture: 54 hours.    Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University.   This course examines the historical origins and development of jazz, as well as the important elements which comprise the individual styles of Jazz. The class will focus on the important musicians and literature of each era. Attention will also be brought to the social, political, and cultural elements of Jazz history. Pass/No Pass Only.

MUS-010: Music Appreciation (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Advisory: Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. This is a basic introductory course for the student without previous training in music. Students develop an appreciation and enjoyment of music through active listening and guided discussion. Pass/No Pass Option.

3A - IGETC Arts, AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities, C1 - CSU Arts

MUS-016: Survey of Rock and Popular Music (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Advisory: Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. The course examines the History of Rock and Roll music, from its roots in Africa and 1950's America through the current music scene. Principal study is of the music, its styles and performance practices, its musician-composers, and the important social and musical forces influencing the development of Rock. Pass/No Pass Option.

3A - IGETC Arts, AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities, C1 - CSU Arts

MUS-017: Music of the World (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course is a multimedia, multicultural humanities course which introduces students to music from a world music perspective. Course content is centered on videos, a supplemental textbook, and an extensive collection of recorded examples. Topics include the transformative power of music, music and memory, musical style, musical performance and improvisation, music as ritual and music technology. Pass/No Pass Option.

3A - IGETC Arts, AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities, C1 - CSU Arts

MUS-030A: Beginning Piano I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Corequisite: concurrent enrollment in MUSIC 090. For students with no previous training in piano, the course includes studies in note reading, clefs, simple pieces & exercises. Pass/No Pass Option.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-030B: Beginning Piano II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite MUS 030A , and Corequisite MUS 090 This course is for students with some previous training in piano. Topics include note reading, rhythmic notation, interpretive symbols, proper posture, hand position and fingering. Students learn to perform simple piano pieces.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-031B: Intermediate Piano II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: MUS 031A. Corequisite: MUS 090. Continuation of MUS 030A & 030B, in which students continue the development of keyboarding skills. Pass/No Pass Option.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-031C: Intermediate Piano III (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Total Lecture: 9 hours, Total Lab: 27 hours. Advisory: MUS 031B. This course is a continuation of MUS 031B. It is designed for those who wish to improve their keyboard skills through a continued study of pianistic technique, interpretation, and style in the works of various composers from different musical periods, as well as the continued study of the history of the piano and piano music, including famous composers and performers of piano music. Students who are taking the course online will need access to a piano keyboard (acoustic or electronic) that is suitable for piano performance. A piano practice room is available for students during times when the campus is open. Pass/No Pass Option.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-032A: Beginning Voice I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Corequisite: MUS 090. This course covers the elements of vocal production, including breathing, correct diction, tone production, vocal support and confidence building, for the Beginning I level singer.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-032B: Beginning Voice II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Corequisite: MUS 090. This course covers the elements of vocal production-- breathing, correct diction, tone production, vocal support and confidence building-- for the Beginning II level singer.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-033B: Intermediate Voice II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Total Lecture: 9 hours Total Lab: 27 hours.   Prerequisite: MUS 033A. Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University.  This course is a continuation of MUS 033A. Students will further develop their singing voice, vocal presentation, and repertoire. Pass/No Pass Option. 

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-036A: Beginning Guitar I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory:MUS 090, Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. This is a beginning course in guitar. Emphasis is on music reading, playing in basic positions, scales, chords, and major and minor keys. Pass/No Pass Option.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-036B: Beginning Guitar II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite MUS 036A Advisory MUS 090 This beginning/intermediate level course in guitar is for students who have successfully completed MUS 036A. Emphasis is on music reading, playing in advanced basic positions, scales, chords, and major and minor keys.

AC - AA-AS Arts & Humanities

MUS-036C: Intermediate Guitar I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite MUS 036B Advisory MUS 090 An intermediate level course in guitar for students who have successfully completed MUS 036B.

MUS-036D: Intermediate Guitar II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite MUS 036C Advisory MUS 090 This is an advanced-intermediate course in guitar.

MUS-039A: Advanced Piano Masterclass I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: MUS 090, Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. This course is designed for advanced piano students studying a variety of repertoire, musical styles and performance practices from the Baroque Period to 20th Century. Students will participate in discussions of piano repertoire and preparation for live performances. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-039B: Advanced Piano Masterclass II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory:MUS 090, Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. This course is designed for advanced piano students previously enrolled in MUS 039A. This course is designed for advanced piano students studying a variety of repertoire, musical styles and performance practices from the Baroque Period to 20th Century. Students will participate in discussion of piano repertoire and preparation for live performances.Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-039C: Advanced Piano Masterclass III (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite: MUS 039B. Advisory: MUS 090. This course is designed for advanced piano students previously enrolled in MUS 039B. This course is designed for advanced piano students studying a variety of repertoire, musical styles and performance practices from the Baroque Period to 20th Century. Students will participate in discussion of piano repertoire and preparation for live performances.

MUS-039D: Advanced Piano Masterclass IV (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite: MUS 039C. Advisory: MUS 090. This is a piano performance course for advanced piano students. Emphasis is placed on developing repertoire and performance skills to prepare for a final piano concerto performance.

MUS-041A: Mission Chorus I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory:MUS 090, Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054 Mission Chorus is an ensemble of mixed voices that performs a wide variety of choral repertoire from classical to contemporary. Students participate in public performances. Placement auditions are held before the first day of class. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-041B: Mission Chorus II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: MUS 090, Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. Mission Chorus II is an ensemble of mixed voices that performs a wide variety of choral repertoire from classical to contemporary. Students participate in public performances. Students who wish to enroll in MUS 041B must have previous experience in group singing at the beginning level. Placement auditions are held before the first day of class. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-041C: Mission Chorus III (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory:MUS 090, Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054. Mission Chorus III is an ensemble of mixed voices, that performs a wide variety of choral repertoire from classical to contemporary. Students will participate in public performances. Students who wish to enroll in MUS 041C must have previous experience in group singing at the intermediate level. Placement auditions will be held before the first day of class. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-041D: Mission Chorus IV (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: MUS 090, Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054 Mission Chorus IV is an ensemble of mixed voices, that performs a wide variety of choral repertoire from classical to contemporary. Students will participate in public performances. Students who wish to enroll in MUS 041D must have previous experience in group singing at the intermediate to advanced level. Placement auditions will be held before the first day of class. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-048A: Symphony Orchestra I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Performance of symphonic and repertoire of all styles and periods. Emphasis is on group participation and public performance. Attendance at all public performance required. Enrollment by audition. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-048B: Symphony Orchestra II (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite: MUS 048A. Performance of symphonic and repertoire of all styles and periods. Emphasis is on group participation and public performance. Attendance at all public performance required. Enrollment by audition. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-048C: Symphony Orchestra III (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite MUS 048B Advisory MUS 090 This is an intermediate/advanced level course for the performance of symphonic music of all styles and periods. Emphasis is on group participation and public performance. An audition is required.

MUS-048D: Symphony Orchestra IV (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Prerequisite MUS 048C Advisory MUS 090 This is an advanced level course for the performance of symphonic music of all styles and periods. Emphasis is on group participation and public performance. An audition is required.

MUS-050: Mission Steelband (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUSIC 090. Ensemble members will learn how to play Caribbean steeldrums and will be required to participate in at least two public performances. Prior experience with percussion/music is not required. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-080: MIDI and Music Production I (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Advisory: Eligibility for ENG 001A, READ054, and MUS 005. This course is a practical introduction to the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) music system and provides students the skills necessary to create their own music using Pro Tools software. Through a series of hands-on projects students develop basic musicianship skills including: music theory, composition and arranging as it applies to popular music. Students also use the recording studio to complete a final project that incorporates the use of MIDI and audio tracks. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-081: Audio Production I (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 001A, READ 054, and MUSIC 080 or equivalent. This course is a hands-on survey of audio recording techniques using ProTools software and hardware. Students complete a series of projects designed to develop basic recording, editing and mixing skills. Pass/No Pass Option.

MUS-082: MIDI and Music Production II (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This is an advanced level, music production course that provides students the skills necessary to create their own compositions for film, TV and video. Through a series of hands-on projects students develop advanced composition skills including: score analysis, orchestration, composition and use of a recording studio to combine an original MIDI music composition with video. Prerequisite MUS 080. Advisory: MUS 005

MUS-083: Audio Production II (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This is an advanced audio recording, mixing and MIDI production course using ProTools software and hardware. Topics include: mixing, EQ, compression, bussing, advanced editing and mastering. Advisory: MUS 081