| MUS106: Introduction to Music Literature |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 106 introduces students to western music literature with an emphasis on developing listening skills. Through listening and classroom critiques and analysis, all types of music are surveyed from Gregorian Chant to contemporary genres. Attendance at three (3) varying concerts is required |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS107: Music in World Cultures |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 107 is an introduction to the field of ethnomusicology in which historical, religious, social, and political aspects of society are studied in relationship to its music traditions and culture. In addition to these aspects, the musical elements of each culture are analyzed for the types of instruments, form/structure, context, activities, and music aesthetics. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS108: Fundamentals of Western Music |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 108 enables students to learn how to read and write music. Notational principles will be learned as a mode of communication. The roles of the composer, performer, and listener will be explored. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS114: College Chorus |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 114 is a performance-orientated course for all students interested in singing in a large ensemble. The selected repertoire is drawn from a range of classical, popular (jazz, musical theatre), and Polynesian/ethnic choral literature. Rehearsal and performing practices as well as basic music reading are included in the course of study. An extra-curricular concert is scheduled at the end of the semester. Previous choral experience is not required. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS121B: Voice Class 1 |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 121B is the first of a three-semester sequence in learning solo singing skills. Concepts and skills introduced in the class include proper breath control and support, developing and discovering vocal production and potential, basic musicianship, song interpretation, and the basic principles of performing. |
| Prereq: Ability to carry a tune on pitch., Coreq: - |
| MUS121C: Piano I |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 121C introduces concepts of learning how to play the piano, and is the first of a multi-course/multi-path sequence. Basic principles of performance will be explored, and students will play on both digital and acoustic pianos in the electric piano lab. Practice facilities are available on weekdays. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS121D: Guitar 1 |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 121D introduces the student to the basic principles of playing the acoustic guitar. The course provides a comprehensive study of the rudiments of music, guitar notations, finger style techniques, small ensemble literature, solo playing and accompaniment style playing. In-class practices and lectures involve developing a practice routine to prepare for the performance aspects of the course. At the end of the semester, students will select a song and performance style sharing the music making experience with an end-of-semester public recital. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS121Z: ‘Ukulele 1 |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 121Z introduces the student to the basic principles of playing the `ukulele. Concepts and skills introduced in the class include: basic musicianship, tuning, chord identification and progressions, basic strumming techniques, and the principles of accompanying and performing. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS122B: Voice II |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 122B is the second of a three-semester sequence in learning solo singing skills as a class. Four vocal styles (classical, jazz, ethnic, and country western) are explored and studied to experience the different vocal and musical skills required for each genre. Performances of each style are required. |
| Prereq: A grade of “C” or higher in MUS 121B or consent of instructor., Coreq: - |
| MUS122Z: ‘Ukulele II |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS122Z is a continuation of MUS121Z. The course places increased emphasis on note reading and standard notation. Students utilize music theory knowledge for arranging and harmonizing melodies. Development and expansion of `ukulele techniques. |
| Prereq: MUS 121Z with a grade of “C” or higher., Coreq: - |
| MUS170: Music as Therapy |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 170 is an introductory course in understanding music as a therapeutic tool, both as an arts therapy profession, and as a process integrated into other health care fields. Students will explore the diverse applications and approaches to the therapeutic power of music, personally, professionally, clinically, scientifically, experientially and educationally. The course will include extensive media, weekly readings, weekly discussion posts, module quizzes, final exam and final project. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS183: Ear-provisation: Piano by Ear |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 183 is designed to teach students the rudiments of how to play the piano by ear, as well as learn the basics for improvisation at the keyboard. These two main goals will be achieved by exploring how to listen strategically and respond to cues. Developing recognition of melodic distances (intervals) and patterns, rhythmic patterns, chord structure, root movement of bass line (by step, by 3rd, by 4th), articulation (variation in touch) styles, dynamic contrast, a variety of standard musical forms, logical fingering principles, and issues in pedaling will be studied both aurally and experientially at the keyboard. The main focus will be on developing a “seeing” ear (rather than seeing music and then reading it/ playing it). Five-finger positions, major/ minor scales and arpeggios, chromatic scale, whole tone scale, pentatonic scales, key signatures (identifying and building), and triads vs. suspended / 7th / 9th / 11th/ 13th chords will be covered, as well as the exploration of artistic gesture and sharing music with/ relating to an audience. This course focuses on developing a new skill set for “readers” of music, thus enhancing the enjoyment of playing the piano for personal satisfaction, increased self-esteem, and pleasure. |
| Prereq: MUS 121C or consent of instructor., Coreq: - |
| MUS201: Vocal Ensemble |
| Credits: 2 |
| MUS 201 is a performance-oriented course for all students interested in singing in a small ensemble. The selected repertoire is drawn from a range of classical, popular (jazz, musical theatre), and Polynesian/ethnic choral literature. An extra-curricular concert is scheduled at the end of the semester. Previous choral experience is helpful but not required. |
| Prereq: MUS 114 or both previous choral experience and audition or consent of instructor., Coreq: - |
| MUS206: Synthesizer Ensemble |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 206 offers rehearsals and performances of the Synthesizer Ensemble, and utilizes an assortment of computerized synthesizers. Students are exposed to classical, pop, jazz, new age, and contemporary music, with a focus on the dichotomy of classical repertoire infused with contemporary synthesized techniques and patches in variation form. For the spring semester, students perform a mixture of classical, popular, jazz, and international music. This is a solo and ensemble class: each student will work on at least one piano/keyboard solo, as well a majority of ensemble selections, to be performed at the 3-5 performances toward the end of the semester. Student must preferably have own equipment. |
| Prereq: MUS 121C or an equivalent piano course; and ability to read music in both the treble and the bass clef., Coreq: - |
| MUS229: Musical Theatre: Song and Dance |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 229 is a vocal and dance course that focuses on the musical theatre genre. Topics explored in this course include the history of musical theatre, the development and tradition of song and dance, standard musical theatre repertoire, and the necessary preparation for staging a musical production. Activities include song and character analysis as well as basic choreography used in this genre. |
| Prereq: Ability to pass audition by singing in tune and/or exhibiting basic dance technique; or consent of instructor., Coreq: - |
| MUS231C: Applied Music, Western |
| Credits: 1 |
| MUS231C provides individual instruction in piano performance, covering intermediate and advanced piano technique paced to an appropriate level for each student’s experience. Applied piano instruction is essentially a performance class. The emphasis will be toward developing piano technique that has clarity, flexibility, dynamic intensity, and sensitivity of phrasing for expressive musicianship through increasingly more confident and skillful performances. Pedaling, theory, sight-reading, and learning/ practicing/ memorization/ performing techniques will also be covered. |
| Prereq: MUS 121C and minimum one year of piano lessons (but preferably 5-10 years of piano lessons/experience) and audition/interview and consent of instructor., Coreq: - |
| MUS253: Elementary Music in Action |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 253 focuses on musical concepts, philosophy and pedagogy. This class uses media, singing, movement, instruments and other resources to create an active elementary music classroom. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
| MUS290: Contemporary Music of Asia & Oceania |
| Credits: 3 |
| MUS 290 offers an in-depth study of the contemporary musical cultures of Asia and Oceania. We will use contemporary music as a way to analyze contemporary issues related to politics, gender, environment, spirituality and globalization. This class is designed to enhance students’ cross-cultural understanding through service learning, a teaching and learning method that integrates critical thinking and meaningful service in the community with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility. |
| Prereq: -, Coreq: - |
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