Music (MUS)

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

MUS 120 Basic Music I (Units: 3)

Fundamentals of music applied through development of basic skills in music reading, writing, listening, and singing or playing selected instruments. Open to all students without prerequisite. Topics specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated for a total of 9 units when topics vary. All sections require enrollment in live ACT class and online LEC. Classwork, 2 units; activity, 1 unit. Extra fee may be required.

Course Attributes:

  • C1: Arts

MUS 122 Basic Music I: Piano (Units: 3)

Open to all students without prerequisites.
Development of basic skills in music fundamentals and piano. Classwork, 2 units; activity, 1 unit. Extra fee required. [Formerly a topic under MUS 120]
(This course is offered as MUS 122 and TH A 122. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • C1: Arts

MUS 130 Rudiments of Music Theory (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in a basic piano class recommended.

Comprehensive review and drill of music fundamentals. Development of aural skills; written and analytical knowledge of simple harmony. (Plus-minus letter grade only)
(This course is offered as MUS 130 and TH A 131. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

MUS 132 Appreciation of Diverse Music (Units: 3)

Survey of a diverse selection of musical traditions and practices, from ancient to modern times, aimed at expanding the student's knowledge of and appreciation for music beyond what is easily accessible and heavily marketed. Emphasis on appreciating the aesthetic value of representative works within their cultural contexts. Includes folk and popular music of Europe and the Americas, music of the African diaspora, and western "classical" music from Ancient Greek to modern experimentalism.

MUS 134 Survey of Music for Visual Media (Units: 3)

Survey of music used to develop, transform, and underscore emotion in visual media such as film, video games, virtual reality, TV, animation, and more. Discussion and analysis of theoretical topics related to the history and development of music for visual media. Through the use of specific exceptional pieces of media, integration of topics related to social justice, racial minorities, global perspectives, and environmental sustainability.

MUS 137 Survey of the History of Electronic Music (Units: 3)

Survey of the styles, methods, and technologies of electronic music as a contemporary art form and their impact on modern global culture. Examination of the work of experimental pioneers whose music stems from the classical tradition but whose methods and tools give rise to all forms of electronic music. Exploration of dance music and other popular styles originating in disco and house which have expanded to multitudinous genres and sub-genres. [Formerly MUS 504]

Course Attributes:

  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

MUS 150 Concert Music (Unit: 0)

Audience participation at designated on-campus concerts scheduled by the Department of Music. Required each semester of music majors. (CR/NC grading only)

MUS 201 Class Piano I (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Satisfactory performance audition; ability to read treble and bass clefs, music major or minor; priority given to Music majors, others by approval of department.

Instruction includes techniques, repertoire, and keyboard harmony. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 202 Class Piano II (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Satisfactory performance audition; MUS 201 or equivalent. MUS 202 is normally taken concurrently with MUS 232. Priority given to Music majors.

Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 206 Beginning Jazz/Pop Piano (Unit: 1)

Introduction to jazz and popular piano performance: left and right-hand chord voicings, right hand improvisation, and rhythmic comping in a variety of stylistic idioms. May be repeated for a total of 3 units.
(This course is offered as MUS 206 and TH A 206. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

MUS 221 Fundamentals of Ear Training and Musicianship I (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Satisfactory performance audition; knowledge of written scales, key signatures, rhythms, intervals, and triads; ability to sing scales.

Ear training and sight singing. Melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)
(This course is offered as MUS 221 and TH A 221. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

MUS 222 Fundamentals of Ear Training and Musicianship II (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Satisfactory performance audition; MUS 221 or equivalent; concurrent enrollment advised in MUS 232; priority given to music majors.

Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 223 Fundamentals of Ear Training and Musicianship III (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Restricted to music majors and minors; satisfactory performance audition; MUS 222 or equivalent.

Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 231 Species Counterpoint (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Music majors and minors; satisfactory performance audition; MUS 130 or examination; concurrent enrollment in MUS 221 and class piano recommended; non-majors with consent of the instructor.

Contrapuntal form and procedures through written exercises, analysis, and composition in two to four parts based upon examples from the literature. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 232 Diatonic Harmony (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Satisfactory performance audition; MUS 231; concurrent enrollment in MUS 222 and class piano recommended; non-majors with consent of the instructor.

Common practice harmonic and formal procedures through written exercises, analysis, and composition: triads, inversions, cadences, seventh chords, binary, ternary, and rondo forms based upon the literature. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 233 Chromatic Harmony (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Music majors and minors; satisfactory performance audition; MUS 231 and MUS 232; concurrent enrollment in MUS 223 recommended and class piano; non-majors with consent of the instructor.

Procedures found in chromatic music through written exercises, analysis, and composition, including secondary dominants, modulation, altered chords, theme-and-variations, and sonata forms based upon the literature. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 234 Modern Musicianship: Theory, Application and Ear Training I (Units: 3)

Examination of music notation, terminology, rhythm, scales and modes, key signatures and the circle of fifths, intervals, transposition, chords and chord progressions, figured bass, lead sheet notation, Roman numeral analysis and basic structures integrating active performance of all concepts.
(This course is offered as MUS 234 and TH A 234. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

MUS 235 Modern Musicianship: Theory, Application, and Ear Training II (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 234 or consent of the instructor.

Continuation of MUS 234. Examination of non-diatonic scales, advanced chords, chord inversions and voicings, chord substitutions, nonharmonic tones, lead sheet notation, Roman numeral analysis, and basic structures. Focus on the integration of written notation and active performance.
(This course is offered as MUS 235 and TH A 235. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

MUS 236 Electronic Dance and Pop Music Production with Ableton Live and Business of Artist/Band Promotion (Units: 2)

Instruction in electronic music production in popular styles such as EDM, hip-hop, pop, etc. using Ableton Live. Guidance from an established DJ and producer on the business of artist and band promotion. Activity. (Plus-minus letter grade only) [Formerly MUS 436]

MUS 238 Introduction to Song Writing Workshop (Units: 3)

Exploration of the songwriting process through both analytical and creative windows with an emphasis on group sharing and feedback. Examination of music theory, notation, musicianship, music recording software, and performing. Includes the production of a portfolio of songs that are recorded, formatted, and notated in an accessible and professional manner.

MUS 239 Composition Workshop (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: MUS 233 or MUS 235 or consent of the instructor.

Free compositional work under the supervision of an instructor. Preparation of works for performance at a student recital. Analytical presentations of original works. May be repeated for a total of 5 units; only 1 unit may count towards the total required for the major. (Plus-minus letter grade only) [Formerly MUS 425]

MUS 270 Improvisation (Units: 2)

Beginning musical improvisation for instrumentalists or vocalists in all styles and genres. Open to all students.

MUS 280 Traditions and Current Practices of Music and Sound for Healing (Units: 3)

Introduction to the history and traditions of music and sound for healing purposes. The role of music as healing will be examined as an artistic endeavor and a social phenomenon. Contemporary techniques such as sonic neuro-technologies, singing bowls, and tuning forks will be explored through direct experiences and journal reflections.

Course Attributes:

  • C1: Arts
  • Global Perspectives

MUS 281 The American Musical Experience (Units: 3)

Exploration of American music through a socio-cultural lens. The development of popular music in the United States will be surveyed relative to the history and sociology of the last two hundred years. Various regional, racial, ethnic, sacred, and secular music will be examined in light of their aesthetic and socially significant contexts.

MUS 301 Advanced Class Piano (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: MUS 202 or equivalent; priority given to music majors.

Intermediate/Advanced class piano for voice, composition, instrumental, and music history majors. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 303 Keyboard Major (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Music majors; audition; concurrent enrollment in MUS 360.

Advanced individual projects in performance and literature for piano, harpsichord, organ, and fortepiano. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 307 The Singing Actor: Exploring Music through the Craft of Acting (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing and by audition.

Exploration of song through the craft of acting, with a focus given to storytelling through the intersection of poetic structure and device and musical composition. (Plus-minus letter grade only)
(This course is offered as MUS 307 and TH A 307. Students may not repeat under alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 313 Voice Major Applied Instruction (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Music and Theatre Art majors; audition; MUS majors must have concurrent enrollment in MUS 150, MUS 394, a vocal or choral ensemble as assigned; approval of the department.

Vocal study for the Music and Theater degrees. May be repeated for a total of 8 units for music performance majors; for other majors, may be repeated for a total of 2 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)
(This course is offered as MUS 313 and TH A 318. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 335 Rehearsal and Performance Technique (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: By audition.

In depth exploration of character psychology, social political context and musical theatrical detail necessary for a successful opera production. Principally devoted to staging and advancement of student stagecraft. May be repeated for a total of 4 units.(CR/NC grading only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 351 Class Orchestral and Band Instruments I (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Music majors and minors; ability to read music; others by consent of department.

Fundamentals in embouchure, fingering, articulation, breath control, and hand position. Topics to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated with varying content.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 353 Instrumental Major (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Music majors; consent of department; and concurrent enrollment in MUS 150 and MUS 371, MUS 372, or another ensemble as assigned.

Applied Instruction on instrument or voice. Topics to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated for a total of 8 units when topics vary.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 360 Major Repertoire (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Restricted to music major; audition; and consent of department.

In-depth survey of repertoire for one instrument or voice. Topics to be specified in Class Schedule. One topic may be repeated 8 times

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 371 Orchestra (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Major orchestral ensemble for qualified musicians. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 372 Wind Ensemble (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Major performance ensemble for woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Rehearsal and performance of a broad range of wind and percussion repertoire. Open to all students by audition. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 373 Chamber Singers (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Sacred and secular music for vocal chamber ensemble. Open to all students by audition. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 374 University Pep Band (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or consent of the instructor.

Ensemble for woodwind, brass, voice, and percussion. Rehearsal and concerts including university and athletic events. Repertoire includes a variety of music in popular, jazz, and traditional styles. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 375 Treble Singers "The Higher Ups" (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Preparation and performance of repertoire for treble (soprano, alto) voices. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 376 Opera Workshop (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Preparation and performance of opera scenes or opera production. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 378 Chamber Music (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Preparation and performance of chamber music literature by advanced students in small ensembles. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 379 University Chorus (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Sacred and secular music for large chorus, including masterworks with orchestra. Sight-reading instruction as needed for 2 units of credit. Open to all students by audition. May be repeated for a total of 8 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 380 Instrumental Ensembles (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Preparation and performance of literature for specific woodwind, brass, percussion, or string ensembles. Ensemble to be specified in Class Schedule. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. [Formerly MUS 377]

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 382 Keyboard Harmony (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: MUS 232 and MUS 303 or equivalent.

Intensive one-semester accelerated course in applied figured-bass realization, open-score reading, and transposition for piano majors. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 383 Piano Accompaniment (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Development of accompaniment skills through preparation and performance of selected vocal and instrumental literature. May be repeated once. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 384 Piano Ensemble (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Preparation and performance of selected works for two pianos and one piano/four hands. May be repeated. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 385 Applied Accompanying (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: MUS 383 or consent of instructor.

Practical experience in applied piano accompaniment to be attained by assignment, based on experience and level of ability, to individual studio lessons in the vocal and instrumental area or to various ensembles in music. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 386 World Music Ensembles (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition performance on an instrument or voice.

Two to eight piece interactive performance groups drawing musical traditions: Africa, Middle East, India, Asia, Europe, Americas. Intercultural practice is encouraged. Topics to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated for 12 units for degree credit as topics vary.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 387 Collegium Musicum: Schola Civilis (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition or consent of instructor.

Practical study of Gregorian Chant: practice in singing a varied selection of chant repertoire; perform chant in the context of a Latin Mass; development of historically informed performance style of Gregorian Chant; acquire knowledge of theoretical background to chant. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 388 Jazz Combos (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Two- to eight-piece interactive performance groups in a variety of styles, including Blues-R&B, Swing, Bop and Straight-ahead, model-free, Rock Fusion, Gospel, Afro-Cuban, Creative World, and Vocal. Topics to be specified in the Class Schedule. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 12 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 390 Jazz Band (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Audition; MUS 430 and MUS 440 or consent of instructor.

Eighteen to twenty piece group consisting of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm sections; arrangement realization and improvisation in all styles. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 391 Piano Sightreading (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Piano major or audition.

Broad and systematic approach to the skills needed to sightread at a reasonable speed. May be repeated for a total of 2 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 392 Piano Performance Practicum (Unit: 0)

Prerequisite: Piano performance major or audition.

Performance in the classroom setting. Technical problems and performance practice of standard concert repertoire. (CR/NC grading only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 394 Vocal Performance Practicum (Unit: 0)

Prerequisites: Vocal performance major; must be taken concurrently with MUS 313, MUS 360, MUS 776 and/or MUS 780.

Performance in the classroom setting. Technical problems and performance practice of standard vocal repertoire. May be repeated 8 times. (CR/NC grading only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 396 Chamber Music Forum (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in chamber music or consent of instructor.

Performance in the classroom setting. Technical problems and performance practice of chamber music repertoire. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 398 Vocal/Jazz Modern Music (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Two- to eight-piece interactive groups in a variety of styles. May be repeated for a total of 12 units. [Formerly a topic under MUS 388]
(This course is offered as MUS 398 and TH A 398. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 399 Jazz/Modern Music Combo (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Two- to eight-piece instrumental groups that perform in a variety of styles. These can include, but are not limited to, Blues-R&B, Swing, Bop and Straight-ahead, Rock Fusion, and various Latin Jazz styles. May be repeated for a total of 12 units. [Formerly a topic under MUS 388]
(This course is offered as MUS 399 and TH A 399. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 400 University Music Performing Ensembles (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4; audition; or consent of the instructor. Auditions are held the first week of each semester.

Music performance in a MUS ensemble (wind, orchestra, university chorus, jazz band, etc.) practice as it relates to a variety of genres, styles, settings, historical periods and instrumentations. Online coursework, 2 units; activity, 1 unit. Ensembles to be specified in the Class Schedule. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities

MUS 405 Tonal Counterpoint (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 233.

Contrapuntal practices of the 18th century through written exercises in two- and three-parts based on analysis of examples from the literature. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 415 Orchestration (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 233.

Characteristics of modern orchestral instruments and the orchestrational styles and techniques of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Representative scores from the literature and assignments in scoring for various instrumental ensembles. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 416 Theory Seminar (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 420.

Advanced analysis of musical works from specific periods or genres. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated when topics vary. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 420 20th Century Techniques (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 233 or MUS 235.

Compositional procedures and musical structures of the 20th century through studies of the literature and composition. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 430 Improvisation (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Any two of the following courses: MUS 201, MUS 202, MUS 206, MUS 233, MUS 234, MUS 235 with grades of C or better.

Emphasis on integrating improvisation techniques with music fundamentals across styles and practices. Classwork, 1 unit; activity, 1 unit. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 431 Jazz Improvisation I (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 270 with a grade of C or better.

Study and application of jazz improvisation concepts utilizing extended harmonic approaches, quartalism, linear chromaticism, and advanced cross-rhythm sensibility. Structures used are primarily the blues and standard tunes. May be repeated for a total of 4 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 432 Jazz Improvisation II (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 431.

Review and application of jazz improvisation concepts utilizing extended harmonic approaches, quartalism, linear chromaticism, and advanced cross-rhythm sensibility. Structures used are modern jazz standards. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 433 Introduction to Music Technology (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Familiarity with computers; ability to read music in two clefs; and consent of instructor. Enrollment priority given to music majors.

Basic MIDI protocol; synthesizer programming, sequencing, digital editing, and notation. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 434 Introduction to Sound for Games (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts and Music majors; BECA 230 and BECA 231; or MUS 242; or demonstrated familiarity with any digital audio workstation.

Training in state of the art techniques used in designing sound for various types of video games and immersive environments. Analysis of theoretical topics in the history and development of modern video game and virtual reality audio design.
(This course is offered as MUS 434 and BECA 434. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 437 Middleware for Games (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 434/BECA 434 or consent of the instructor.

Learn implementation of music in a game engine via middleware. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. Activity.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 438 Fundamentals of Computer Music (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 433.

Theories and issues in software-based digital audio signal analysis, processing, and synthesis using Max MSP. Software synthesis and control techniques in creating original musical compositions. Activity. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 440 Jazz Harmony (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 233 or MUS 235 with a grade of C or better.

Notation and realization of harmony in jazz music. Standard chord progressions and lead sheet symbols. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 441 Jazz Composition and Arranging (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 440.

Major jazz compositional practices, including review and application of form, harmonic and linear progression as developed through jazz masterworks of the 20th century. Composers' scores and transcribed improvisations, as well as student works. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 445 Creative Concepts in Music (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 430 or consent of instructor.

The role of musical creativity in cognitive, cultural, political and socio-historical terms, is examined in relation to the imaginative, original, eclectic, experimental, and innovative, as expressed by a number of select musical artists, their times, and masterworks.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 450 Projects in Theory and Composition (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Junior standing; music major; MUS 420 and MUS 425; must be taken concurrently with MUS 460; or consent of instructor;

Supervised study of composition and theoretical problems and preparation of works for performance. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 451 Scoring for Games I (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; MUS 433 and MUS 434 recommended but not required.

Composition of music for a variety of gameplay styles and forms using digital audio workstations, audio middleware, and game engines as well as recordings of live performers. Training in the form and structure of music scoring for video games and immersive environments. Examination of theoretical distinctions between games and linear media.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 453 Scoring for Games II (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division Music majors; MUS 415, MUS 433, MUS 434, and MUS 451.

Advanced training in the form and structure of music scoring for video games and immersive environments. Composition for and recording, mixing and editing of large live performance ensemble for integration within a game. Co-lab with game design students.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 455 Scoring for Film (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; MUS 239 recommended but not required.

Training in scoring for film. Under the supervision of an instructor, gain experience by scoring pre-existing scenes and collaborating with student filmmakers. Analysis of film scores. Preparation in self-promotion and the business of film scoring. Activity. May be repeated for a total of 8 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 460 Repertoire for Composers (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Junior standing; music major; MUS 420; must be taken concurrently with MUS 425 and MUS 450; or consent of instructor.

Literature associated with the study of MUS 450 as required for the Bachelor of Music. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 461 Scoring for Virtual Reality (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 434/BECA 434 or consent of the instructor.

Scoring for virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and other types of immersive media. Hands-on practice implementing music in a game. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. Activity.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 477 Music Business: Career Management in Music (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing.

An overview of the music business including songwriting, publishing, live performance, recording, merchandising, and licenses. Exploration of music industry career paths such as arts management, music products and merchandizing, public relations, music production and recording, publishing, and online music distribution.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 501 Music, The Listener's Art (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Music literature in historical/cultural contexts. Skills and techniques of analytical listening and the reading of simple scores.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 503 Survey of the String Quartet in Historical Context (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4.

Masterpieces written for the string quartet from the earliest days of the Classical period (1740) to the present day. Topics include the significance of this genre in the lives and development of the composers as well as concurrent historical trends in the visual and literary arts, politics, philosophy, and societal issues. Live performances in the classroom by the Alexander String Quartet. Includes the opportunity to have some works ¿deconstructed ¿ for greater understanding of the structure of the many extraordinary compositions for this genre.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 505 Music of the World's Peoples (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 or consent of the instructor.

Non-Western music and arts studied within their socio-cultural context. Autochthonous, folk and classical music in societal context as art forms. Lecture, discussion and guided listening, enhanced by selected audio-visual presentations and readings.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Global Perspectives

MUS 506 Survey of Jazz (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 or consent of the instructor.

Jazz from early ragtime to the present. Musical-social-economic history of jazz and its interaction with classical and rock musics.

Course Attributes:

  • U.S. History
  • Upper-Division
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

MUS 507 Survey of Jazz and Blues in Film (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 or consent of the instructor.

Survey of the history and impact of jazz and blues on the American film industry from the early "soundies" and "The Jazz Singer" to modern day cinema. Noted jazz composers such as Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Melba Liston and Oliver Nelson will be included, as well as works by jazz-influenced composers of the 1970's film era.
(This course is offered as MUS 507 and TH A 507. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

MUS 508 Modern Music: American Iconoclasts (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing and satisfaction of Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

Selected iconoclastic 20th century American composers including Charles Ives, Harry Partch, John Cage, and Philip Glass. Innovations, social and artistic context, uniquely American qualities. Stylistic analysis of representative works.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 509 Historical Performance: Keyboard Practices (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 303 and MUS 360, or consent of instructor.

Historical review of keyboard performance practices of the Venetian, Roman, and English schools of the mid-late Renaissance and early Baroque eras; period improvisation, continuo realization and accompaniment; works of mid-Baroque French masters and clavecin school of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century; cembalo repertoire of the late Baroque and pre-Classical periods. Maybe repeated for a total of 6 units.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 510 Keyboard Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Music from 16th to 20th centuries viewed through a survey of piano, harpsichord, and organ literature. Required for majors in piano but open to other qualified students.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 511 The Roots of Rock (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or consent of the instructor.

Popular music as a reflection of American culture; folk and ethnic roots, regionalism, commercialism; the influence of technology; country, rhythm and blues, rock. Includes general aspects of early rock development or focus on a particular early rock group or performer.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

MUS 512 Rock Since the Mid-1960s (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

An examination of developments in Rock from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s including significant styles, social impact of styles, and the influence of electronic technology. Emphasis on foundational styles of the mid-60s to early 70s. Lectures, readings, and recordings are used to familiarize students with the history and stylistic development of rock music.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 520 Seminar in Music Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Satisfaction of Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

Group study of music literature of specific periods, genres or styles. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 531 Musics of North and Southeast Asia (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Musical cultures of Japan, Korea, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, as well as Australia and Pacific Oceania. Traditional instruments, concepts, and contexts of music making. Students may substitute this course for MUS 520 as preparation for MUS 598.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 532 Music of Latin America (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 or consent of the instructor.

Musical cultures of Central and South America including the Caribbean. Socio-historical events related to contexts of music-making, instruments, and various genres.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities

MUS 534 Sound Design for Games (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts and Music majors; BECA 434; BECA 230 and BECA 335 recommended; or consent of the instructor.

Topics include arts and techniques that are used in designing sound for various types of video games. Activity.
(This course is offered as BECA 534 and MUS 534. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

MUS 542GW Music in Culture and Context - GWAR (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Lower-division Music Core courses; GE Area A2.

Development of research and writing skills focused on critical concepts and issues that shape the practice and perception of musical expression within social, cultural, historical, and/or artistic contexts. (ABC/NC grading only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division
  • Graduation Writing Assessment

MUS 550 Music from the Middle Ages to 1750 (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 233 and satisfaction of Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

From Gregorian Chant through the death of Bach. Music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras involving stylistic and formal analysis. Examples from literature are related to performance practices of each period. Intended for music majors and minors. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 551 Classic and Romantic Music (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 233 and satisfaction of Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

Classical and Romantic periods through the beginning of the 20th century. Historical performance techniques. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 552 20th Century Music (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 233, MUS 551, and satisfaction of Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

Evolution of the major trends of musical thought from the late 19th century to the present. Stylistic and formal analysis of representative music literature. Intended for music majors and minors. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 558 Music of John Coltrane (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4; MUS 506; or consent of the instructor.

Life and music of saxophonist and composer John Coltrane within related socio-historical contexts of jazz in 20th-century America. In-class listening and analysis. (ABC/NC grading only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

MUS 559 Women in Jazz (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 or consent of the instructor.

The role of women in the history of jazz. [Formerly a topic under MUS 558]
(This course is offered as MUS 559 and TH A 559. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • U.S. History
  • Upper-Division
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities

MUS 560 Lyric Diction I (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

A systematic study of Italian, Latin, and Spanish signing pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Intended for voice majors and music educators. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 561 Lyric Diction II (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 560 or consent of instructor.

A systematic study of German and French singing pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Intended for voice majors and music educators. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 565 Vocal Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 550, MUS 551, or MUS 552.

Vocal literature from the 16th century to the present. History, style, and performance practices. Required for majors in voice, but open to other qualified students. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 598 Senior Thesis (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 542GW.

Development and completion of the senior thesis and, as appropriate, public presentation of the results of that creative work. Bibliographical and stylistic techniques requisite to the organization and presentation of research projects. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 600 Music Internship (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper division music major and minor, or consent of instructor.

Practical field experience with employers in the music industry. May be repeated for a total of 12 units. (CR/NC only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 601 Music for Children (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Musical materials, concepts, and skills appropriate for use in elementary classrooms. Music fundamentals applied through development of basic skills on an instrument: guitar, recorder, or piano.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 608 Early Field Experience in Music Education (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing.

Provides 45 hours of observation and participation in school music classes at elementary, middle, and high schools. Classwork, 1 unit; fieldwork, 1 unit. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 612 The Voice (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Physiological and psychological mechanics of singing. Techniques of vocal instruction and comparative methods of developing vocal techniques and repertoire. Intended for music majors and minors. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 614 Piano Pedagogy (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Piano major or audition.

Problems in teaching piano: elements of technique, theory and sight-reading, performance and analysis of teaching materials, class procedures and methods. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 616 Woodwinds (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Consent of department.

Individual and class instruction involving techniques and performance problems of flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 618 Strings (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Consent of department.

Individual and class instruction involving techniques and performance problems of violin, viola, violoncello, and string bass. Laboratory. Extra fee required. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 620 Brass Instruments (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Consent of department.

Individual and class instruction involving techniques and performance problems of horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and tuba. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 640 Ensemble Conducting (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: MUS 232 or equivalent.

Fundamentals of conducting and score-reading; standard patterns, stick technique and conducting gestures used with choral and instrumental ensembles.

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 644 Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing; MUS 415, MUS 640.

Elements of conducting with instrumental laboratory experience; director's responsibility and rehearsal methods; selection of literature for wind, string, percussion ensembles in K-12 schools. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 645 Advanced Choral Conducting and Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Upper division standing and MUS 640.

Elements of conducting with choral laboratory experience; director's responsibility and rehearsal methods; selection of literature for children's voices, adolescent voices, men's and women's choirs. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 699 Independent Study in Music (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing, consent of the instructor, and approval of the major adviser.

Independent study of some aspect of the music field not covered by regularly offered courses. Completed under the supervision of a staff member selected by the student. May be repeated for a total of 9 units with consent of the instructor, adviser, and department chair. No more than 3 units can be taken during any one semester. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Upper-Division

MUS 700 Introduction to Graduate Study (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor; priority given to music majors.

Use and evaluation of major bibliographic materials, including primary and secondary sources; techniques of research through development of individual projects. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 701 Graduate Seminar in Music (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Research seminar on topics in music history and theory. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

MUS 710 Advanced Analysis (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Music; MUS 700 and completion of all theory remediation; must be taken within the first 2 semesters of study.

Seminar on analytical techniques and their application to in-depth study of major works from the literature of the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 716 Graduate Theory Seminar (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate level music students; MUS 710 or consent of instructor;

Seminar on analytical techniques and their application to in-depth study of major works written after 1950. May be repeated when topics vary. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 720 Directed Projects in Theory or Composition (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing; must be taken concurrently with MUS 725; or consent of instructor.

Directed individual studies with faculty supervision in composition or theory. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 724 Issues in Ethnomusicology (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Art or consent of instructor.

Historical issues in ethnomusicology examined through assigned readings in the field; interdisciplinary range of focus includes music and identity, theory and methodology, gender and cross-cultural studies. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. (Plus-minus letter only)

MUS 725 Practicum in Composition (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing; must be taken concurrently with MUS 720 and MUS 730; or consent of instructor.

Directed individual studies with faculty supervision in advanced orchestration; 20th century styles and practices; problems in scoring and analysis. May be repeated for a total of 4 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 730 Composition Workshop (Unit: 0)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in music; must be taken concurrently with MUS 720 and MUS 725.

Analytical presentations of original works, analysis of new compositions, and participation in critical discussion of presentations. Required each semester of matriculating graduate music composition majors. (CR/NC grading only)

MUS 750 Graduate Seminar in Ethnomusicology (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Priority registration for Music majors; graduate standing; or consent of the instructor.

Historical and critical perspectives in the field of ethnomusicology are reviewed and discussed, informing original research methodology. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 751 The Renaissance (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: MUS 550.

Historical and analytical study of the works of a single composer, style, or special repertoire from the Renaissance period. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 752 The Baroque (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 700, and either successful completion of the appropriate portion of the graduate classification exam in music history or MUS 550.

Graduate seminar focused on detailed historical and analytical study of the works of a single composer, style, or special repertoire from the baroque period. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 753 The Classical Era (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 700, and either successful completion of the appropriate portion of the graduate classification exam in music history or MUS 551.

Graduate seminar focused on detailed historical and analytical study of the works of a single composer, style, or special repertoire from the classical period. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 754 The Romantic Era (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 700, and either successful completion of the appropriate portion of the graduate classification exam in music history or MUS 551.

Graduate seminar focused on detailed historical and analytical study of the works of a single composer, style, or special repertoire from the romantic period. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 755 The Twentieth Century (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: MUS 700, and either successful completion of the appropriate portion of the graduate classification exam in music history or MUS 552.

Graduate seminar focused on detailed historical and analytical study of the works of a single composer, style, or special repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 760 Curriculum and Instruction I: Music (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or subject matter waiver for music education; must be taken concurrently with S ED 660.

Principles and practices of curriculum planning and instruction in music for students in grades K-12. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 761 Curriculum and Instruction II: Music (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or subject matter waiver for music education; must be taken concurrently with S ED 660.

Principles and practices of curriculum planning and instruction in music for students in grades K-12. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 776 Directed Projects in Performance (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Music majors only; must be concurrently enrolled in a related performance course or participation in related ensembles as assigned by supervisor; consent of department and supervising faculty.

Graduate individual projects in performance and literature for piano, voice, orchestral and band instruments. Topics to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

MUS 778 Chamber Music Performance (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Audition.

Open to graduate performance majors. Preparation and performance of major works of chamber music literature. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 780 Graduate Major Repertoire (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Consent of department.

Study of solo music repertoire on a particular instrument or voice. Topics to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

MUS 781 Choral Conducting (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Consent of department.

Directed individual projects in choral conducting. Evaluation and selection of appropriate choral literature. Rehearsal techniques. May be repeated for a maximum of six units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 782 Instrumental Conducting (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Consent of department.

Directed individual projects in instrumental conducting. Evaluation and selection of appropriate band and orchestral literature. Rehearsal techniques. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 852 Directed Fieldwork in Music (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisites: Music majors only; consent of graduate major adviser and supervising instructor.

Directed research, observation, or experience in a specific area of graduate concentration. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

MUS 894 Creative Work Project (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) and Culminating Experience (CE) forms by Graduate Studies.

Recital or creative project presented by the student under faculty supervision as a culmination of study for the Master of Music in Performance or Master of Arts in Music. ATC and Proposal for Culminating Experience Requirement forms must be approved by the Graduate Division before registration. (CR/NC; RP grading only)

MUS 898 Master's Thesis (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) and Culminating Experience (CE) forms by Graduate Studies.

Research, creative project, or recital presented by the student under faculty supervision as a culmination of study for the Master of Music or Master of Arts in Music. ATC and Proposal for Culminating Experience Requirement forms must be approved by the Graduate Division before registration. (CR/NC grading only)

MUS 899 Independent Study (Units: 2)

Prerequisite: Consent of graduate major adviser and supervising faculty member.

Study is planned, developed, and completed under the direction of a member of the departmental faculty. Enrollment by petition. May be repeated. (Plus-minus letter grade only)