Courses

This course is a study of the development of musical styles and idioms in the context of selected historical periods and their connection with the cultural evolution of Western civilization. (3 units; Fall)

Exploration of popular song in the 20th and 21st century such as the Great American Songbook and Broadway contemporary song, and their historical and cultural significance. Emphasis placed on lyric and melodic writing as well as major songwriters. (2 units; Fall)

Survey of the history and development of popular music in the 20th and 21st centuries. Emphasis is placed on recorded music history and the socio-musical aspects of music. (3 units; Spring)

The course provides the students with an appreciation and understanding of the cultural history of Jazz. Through critical listening students will learn to identify the various styles and performers associated with the traditions of Jazz. (3 units; Spring)

Instruction in arranging for vocal and rhythm section in popular music genres. (2 units, Spring)

Instruction in arranging for rhythm section and various instrumental combinations such as strings, wind, and brass, in popular music genres. Prerequisite: MUS 326. (2 units; Fall)

Students will complete a 30-minute performance or project related to their area of studies in commercial music performance. Selection of material and performance medium will be selected in coordination with the students applied instructor. Prerequisite: Junior status. (1 unit; Spring)

An examination of biblical text and the history of worship in the church in order to develop a biblical theology of worship and its application in the local church. Students will learn about the development and reforms of liturgical practices and biblical foundations for historical and present-day worship applications. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

Study of equipment and design in sound related to concert and live performance applications. Additional training on operation, mixing, equalization, and monitor mixing. Practicum hours required. (3 units; Fall)

Introduction to analog and digital audio recording and ProTools recording software. Topics covered will include microphone techniques, signal flow, recording consoles, sound capture and basic sound editing. Recording of vocal and instruments will be covered. Practicum hours required. (3 units; Fall)

Course builds upon Audio Recording and Studio Techniques II, exploring advanced studio recording and editing. Topics covered will include signal routing, DAW, digital signal processors, and recording of larger ensembles and diverse instruments. Practicum hours required. Prerequisite: MUS 386. (3 units; Spring)

Study of equipment and design in lighting related to concert and live performance applications. Emphasis placed on terminology, creation of lighting plots and designs, fixtures, and computer and lighting console instruction. Practicum hours required. (3 units; Spring)

Students will complete a 60-minute performance or project related to their area of studies in commercial music performance. Selection of material and performance medium will be selected in coordination with the students applied instructor. Prerequisite: MUS 356. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Under faculty supervision, students will be assigned to positions in music industry related to their area of study. The internship provides breadth and depth in real-world experiences within businesses and organizations, allowing for application of concepts and skills. Prerequisite: Permission of the School of Music. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

Group instruction of fundamental piano skills to be used in live worship service settings. Focus on scales, basic chord structures, improvisation, chord chart realization, and accompaniment skills.(1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Beginning group instruction on drum set as applied to commercial music studies. Students with a drum set as their primary instrument may substitute one-unit of voice. (1 unit; Fall)

Group instruction of intermediate piano skills to be used in live worship service settings. Content will continue from MUS 015 - Class Piano for Worship Arts and Commercial Music I and focus on more advanced chord structures, improvisation, chord chart realization, and accompaniment skills. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 015. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

Beginning group instruction on bass and guitar as applied to commercial music studies. Students with guitar or bass as their primary instrument may substitute one-unit of voice. (1 unit; Spring)

Studies of style and performance in popular music genres in an ensemble setting. Students will rehearse and perform music of various decades, 50s through 70s. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units. May be repeated for a maximum of eight (8) units. (0-1 units; Fall/Spring)

Studies of style and performance in popular music genres in an ensemble setting. Students will rehearse and perform music of various decades, 80s through contemporary. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units. May be repeated for a maximum of eight (8) units. (0-1 units; Fall/Spring)

Exploration of musical genres in small ensemble setting. Ensemble will explore one musical style which may change each semester. Genres selected from include but are not limited to: Funk Ensemble, Jam Band, Salsa Band, Rock, Country, R-n-B, Blues, and Jazz Fusion. Students must be enrolled in at least one ensemble for full credit each semester. Additional ensembles may be taken for zero (0) units. May be repeated for a maximum of eight (8) units. (0-1 units; Fall/Spring)