Courses

The Bachelor of Music in Composition for Stage and Screen prepares students with the fundamental musical skills, technical competencies, stylistic understanding, creative tools and artistic cultivation to successfully pursue a career in music composition. Students in the program will also be required to actively compose and perform throughout their tenure in the program. 

Core Requirements

 

Core Applied Music Requirements

MUS012 Class Piano I

Designed for the music major whose primary instrument is other than piano. The course material will focus on the rudiments of piano playing, including acquisition of the Technical Skills (Items 1-10) of Piano Proficiency (i.e. scales, arpeggios, and chords). May be repeated three times for credit. Prerequisite: Declared Music Major. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

MUS012-B
Son, Soohyun Pyeon
09/05/2023 T 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 159
MUS012-C
Son, Soohyun Pyeon
09/05/2023 Th 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 159
MUS012-A
Son, Soohyun Pyeon
09/05/2023 Th 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 159

MUS022 Class Piano II

Designed for the music major whose primary instrument is other than piano. The course material will focus primarily on the Functional Skills (Items 11-15) of Piano Proficiency (i.e. solo repertoire, harmonization, transposition, score-reading, and sight-reading) with review of the Technical Skills. May be repeated three times for credit. Prerequisite: MUS 012 or Professor’s approval. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

MUS022-A
Son, Soohyun Pyeon
01/08/2024 TTh 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 159
MUS022-C
Son, Soohyun Pyeon
01/08/2024 TTh 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 159
MUS022-B
Son, Soohyun Pyeon
01/08/2024 TTh 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 159

Plus, MUS__ -Private Instruction (6 units minimum**)1
Plus, MUS__ -Major Ensemble (4 units minimum)2

1Students must complete six (6) units of Private Instruction on the same instrument or voice.

2 Four units selected from MUS 067069091092094096097099.

*Enrollment in Class Piano (MUS 012 or 022) is required of music majors whose primary instrument is other than piano each semester until the Piano Proficiency requirements are met. An opportunity to attempt to pass the Piano Proficiency exam for first semester students will be offered during rehearsal camp. For returning students, an attempt to pass the exam or portions of the exam will be offered at the end of each semester. See Music Handbook for Piano Proficiency requirements.

 

Core Lower Division Requirements

MUS114 Music Theory I

A review of music fundamentals, intensive study of basic concepts of music theory for the music major, introduction to music notation software. Concert attendance requirement. Concurrent requisite: MUS 115. (3 units; Fall)

MUS114-A
King, Nathan E.
09/05/2023 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 147
MUS114-B
Pickett, Glenn A.
09/05/2023 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 147

MUS115 Musicianship Lab 1

Introductory experiences in sight-singing and ear-training. Concurrent Requisite: MUS 114. (1 unit; Fall).htm

MUS115-B
St Marseille, Daniel F
09/05/2023 MW 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 101
MUS115-A
St Marseille, Daniel F
09/05/2023 MW 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 101

MUS124 Music Theory II

Development of skills in analyzing and writing music involving diatonic voice leading principles and harmonic progressions. Examples are drawn from art, sacred and popular music. Concurrent Requisite: MUS 125. Prerequisite: MUS 114. Concert attendance requirement. (3 units; Spring)

MUS124-A
Pickett, Glenn A.
01/08/2024 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 147
MUS124-B
Pickett, Glenn A.
01/08/2024 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 147

MUS125 Musicianship Lab II

Continued development of aural skills and introduction to keyboard harmony and improvisation. Prerequisite: MUS 115; Concurrent requisite: MUS 124. (1 unit; Spring)

MUS125-B
St Marseille, Daniel F
01/08/2024 MW 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 101
MUS125-A
St Marseille, Daniel F
01/08/2024 MW 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 101

MUS202 Music in Global Cultures

Emphasis on musical instruments, and be able to describe their significance in a culture's folklore, religion and history; fundamental elements of music and how they vary in different traditions; the effects of cultural influences such as gender and ethnically on the perception, interpretations and performance of music; forces of nationalism, acculturation, and westernization and their effect on musical traditions. (2 units; Fall/Spring)

MUS202-A
Wheeler, Ruth Noemy
09/05/2023 MW 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 162
MUS202-A
Wheeler, Ruth Noemy
01/08/2024 MW 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 162

MUS214 Music Theory III

Advanced writing and analysis of music involving chromatic and extended harmonies, and an introduction to 16th century polyphony and 18th century counterpoint. Examples are drawn from art, sacred and popular music. Prerequisite: MUS 124; Concurrent Requisite: MUS 215. (3 units; Fall)

MUS214-A
Kirk, Erin P.
09/05/2023 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 163
MUS214-B
Kirk, Erin P.
09/05/2023 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 163

MUS215 Musicianship Lab III

Advanced training in ear-training, sight-singing and keyboard harmony involving chromatic exercises. Prerequisite: MUS 125; Concurrent Requisite: MUS 214. (1 unit; Fall)

MUS215-DS
Jaramillo, Andres E.
09/05/2023 - Instructor OFFC
MUS215-B
King, Nathan E.
09/05/2023 MW 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 162
MUS215-A
McCoy, Jamond D.
09/05/2023 MW 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 162

MUS224 Music Theory IV

Writing and analysis of music since 1900. Focus on contemporary harmonic practice, influence of art and popular music. Prerequisite: MUS 214; Concurrent Requisite: MUS 225. Concert attendance requirement. (3 units; Spring)

MUS224-A
STAFF, STAFF
01/08/2024 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 162
MUS224-B
Kirk, Erin P.
01/08/2024 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 162

MUS225 Musicianship Lab IV

Advanced work in ear-training and sight-singing. Prerequisite: MUS 215; Concurrent Requisite: MUS 224. (1 unit; Spring)

MUS225-B
STAFF, STAFF
01/08/2024 MW 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 163
MUS225-A
King, Nathan E.
01/08/2024 MW 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 163

MUS282 Music Technology

Introduction to a broad perspective of the many ways musicians use computers. Emphasis on historic milestones, current issues, and practical skill in using software and hardware in music technology. Prerequisite: Declared music major, minor, or concentration. (2 units; Fall/Spring)

MUS282-A
Jimenez, Hector Gabriel
09/05/2023 MW 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 161
MUS282-B
Jimenez, Hector Gabriel
09/05/2023 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Hawkins Music Building 161
MUS282-C
Jimenez, Hector Gabriel
01/08/2024 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Hawkins Music Building 161
MUS282-A
Jimenez, Hector Gabriel
01/08/2024 MW 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 161
MUS282-B
Jimenez, Hector Gabriel
01/08/2024 MW 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Hawkins Music Building 161

*MUS 282 satisfies the general education technology requirement (competency requirements).

 

Core Upper Division Requirements

MUS309 History of Film Music

This course will examine film music, primarily American, from its origins in the "silent" film era, through the Golden Age of Hollywood, to the present day. An emphasis will be placed upon the study of individual composers and their contributions to the genre. In the belief that "music is a mirror of the society that created it," historical trends of the 20th and 21st century will also be examined. (3 units; As offered)

MUS312 Introduction to Conducting

Basic conducting skills, principles, and rehearsal techniques for choral and instrumental music. Observations of choral and instrumental ensemble rehearsals. Prerequisite: MUS 214. (2 units; Fall)

MUS312-A
Holliday, Guy M.
09/05/2023 T 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 101
MUS312-B
Holliday, Guy M.
09/05/2023 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Hawkins Music Building 147

MUS313 Music History I

A general survey course of the history of Western European music and of selecgted non-Western cultures. Includes lectures, readings and a research paper. Ancient through Renaissance. Prerequisites: MUS 124 and 125. (2 units; Fall)

MUS313-A
Pickett, Glenn A.
09/05/2023 MW 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Hawkins Music Building 162

MUS324 Music History III

Following the scope and format of the music history courses, this course is a general survey of musical styles and history of the Baroque and Classical periods, with emphasis on the Romantic period. Prerequisites: MUS 124 and 125. (3 units; Fall)

MUS324-A
Toland, James Robert
09/05/2023 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Hawkins Music Building 163

MUS325 Music History IV

Course content provides a continuation of Music History III with emphasis on the 20th century period. American music and implications of recent developments, including electronic and experimental music, are also included. Prerequisites: MUS 124 and 125. (2 units; Spring)

MUS325-A
Pickett, Glenn A.
01/08/2024 MW 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Hawkins Music Building 163

MUS360 Theolgy, Hist and Prctc of Wrshp

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)

MUS360-A
Williams, Chessa W.
09/05/2023 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Hawkins Music Building 162
MUS360-A
Williams, Chessa W.
01/08/2024 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Hawkins Music Building 147

MUS341 Junior Recital

Music majors in the Performance areas may elect to enroll in MUS 341 and present a concert or half recital of 20-30 minutes during their junior year. Students will perform selections from their Junior Recital repertoire in this class setting, and will receive constructive critique from the instructor and classmates. Permission to enroll will be given only after attaining the appropriate Performance Level of 4 and passing all Piano Proficiency skills. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

MUS341-A
Jaramillo, Andres E.
01/08/2024 T 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 101

MUS431 Senior Recital and Project

Students seeking a Bachelor of Music degree must enroll in Senior Recital and Project in the semester they intend to perform their Senior Recital, typically the last semester of their senior year. Permission to enroll will be given only after attaining the appropriate Performance Level (Level 5 for Performance majors and Level 4 for Music Education and Composition majors). Piano Proficiency completion required. Requirements for recital length are determined by the student's major. See School of Music Handbook. Prerequisite: Permission of the Dean. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

MUS431-A
Jaramillo, Andres E.
09/05/2023 T 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 147
MUS431-A
Jaramillo, Andres E.
01/08/2024 T 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 101

Plus, MUS___ Ensemble (2 units Upper Division Chamber or Large Ensemble)

 

*MUS 324 satisfies three (3 units) of the general education history requirement (political world).

**MUS 360 satisfies three (3) units of the general education Christian studies requirement (biblical and theological core).

Composition Major Requirements

 

Lower Division Requirements

MUS236 Music Entrepreneurship

Introduction to theories, fundamentals, and practices of entrepreneurship and small business as applied to musicians. Course will cover planning, finance, copyright and law as applied to the music business, merchandise, licensing, digital rights and royalty management and endorsements. (3 units; Spring)

MUS236-A
STAFF, STAFF
01/08/2024 - TBA

MUS253 Intro to Music Composition

Composing for a variety of instruments and/or voices. Intended as an introduction to various techniques and styles of composition and particular concerns of each. Prerequisites: MUS 214 and 215. (3 units; Spring)

MUS253-A
Pickett, Glenn A.
01/08/2024 TTh 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Hawkins Music Building 163

 

Upper Division Requirements

MUS325 Music History IV

Course content provides a continuation of Music History III with emphasis on the 20th century period. American music and implications of recent developments, including electronic and experimental music, are also included. Prerequisites: MUS 124 and 125. (2 units; Spring)

MUS325-A
Pickett, Glenn A.
01/08/2024 MW 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Hawkins Music Building 163

MUS372 Counterpoint

Continued study of composers' methods of organizing music. Focuses on analysis of music and writing music using contrapuntal techniques. Emphasis on forms of Baroque era and their current application. Prerequisites: MUS 224 and 225. (2 units; Spring)

MUS386 Audio RecordingAndStudio Tech I

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)

MUS386-A
Fitzpatrick, Jeffrey L.
09/05/2023 TTh 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 138
MUS386-B
Fitzpatrick, Jeffrey L.
09/05/2023 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Hawkins Music Building 138

MUS387 Audio RecordingAndStudio Tech II

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)

MUS387-B
Fitzpatrick, Jeffrey L.
01/08/2024 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Hawkins Music Building 138
MUS387-A
Fitzpatrick, Jeffrey L.
01/08/2024 TTh 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Hawkins Music Building 138

MUS472 Orchestration

A study of the orchestral instruments; scoring for full orchestration or small ensembles. Students do extensive work in the computer lab working with notation software. Prerequisite: MUS 224. (3 units; Fall)

MUS472-A
Jaramillo, Andres E.
09/05/2023 F 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 108

 

Applied Composition Requirements

MUS121 Composition Forum

This course will provide students with an opportunity to study the art and craft of composition. Students will study the mechanics of composition (melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre) for a wide variety of mediums for stage, screen and recorded audio. Students will work individually and collaboratively, gaining clarity and perspective of their work as they receive input and suggestions from their professors, peers, and guest artists. May be repeated for a maximum of eight (8) units. (1 unit; Fall/Spring)

MUS121-A
Pickett, Glenn A.
09/05/2023 F 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 161
MUS121-A
Pickett, Glenn A.
01/08/2024 F 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Hawkins Music Building 161

MUS354 Private Lessons in Composition

This course, a continuation of MUS 253, is intended to provide students individual instruction in music composition. Students compose works in preparation for their senior composition recital. Additional Private Instruction fee. Prerequisite: MUS 253. May be repeated for a maximum of eight (8) units of credit. (1-2 units; Fall/Spring)

MUS354-B
Pickett, Glenn A.
09/05/2023 F 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Instructor OFFC
MUS354-A
STAFF, STAFF
01/08/2024 F 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Instructor OFFC
MUS354-B
Pickett, Glenn A.
01/08/2024 F 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Instructor OFFC

*MUS 121 (8 units)

**MUS 354 (4 units)

 

Additional Applied Composition Requirements

Complete six (6) additional units from the following:

FLM105 Introduction to Film Studies

This course offers an introduction to methods and approaches for the study of film. Students will learn film terminology and its effective application in film analysis. Students also will develop, maintain, and improve strategies for close-reading individual shots and sequences, interpreting cinematic narrative and technique, and for negotiating various critical and theoretical paradigms of film study. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

FLM105-B
Berry, Joel P.
09/05/2023 TTh 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Yeager Center B110
FLM105-C
Eaton, Michael A.
09/05/2023 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Yeager Center B110
FLM105-A
Welch, Tyler D.
09/05/2023 T 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Yeager Center B110
FLM105-A
Berry, Joel P.
01/08/2024 MW 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Yeager Center B110
FLM105-B
Eaton, Michael A.
01/08/2024 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Yeager Center B110

MUS306 History of Popular Music

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)

MUS306-A
O'Neal, J.Michael
01/08/2024 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Hawkins Music Building 212

MUS308 History of Jazz

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)

MUS308-A
St Marseille, Daniel F
01/08/2024 MW 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Hawkins Music Building 212

MUS311 Form and Analysis

An exploration of the methods of organizing music. Study focuses on traditional homophonic forms such as variation, rondo, sonata, symphony, and popular song. Prerequisites: MUS 224 and 225. (2 units; Fall)

MUS311-A
Jaramillo, Andres E.
09/05/2023 MW 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Hawkins Music Building 162

MUS323 Music History II

Following the scope and format of the music history courses, this course is a general survey of musical styles and history of the Baroque and Classical periods. Prerequisites: MUS 124 and 125. (3 units; Spring)

MUS323-A
Kirk, Erin P.
01/08/2024 MWF 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Hawkins Music Building 162

MUS487 Sound DesignForFilmAndMultimedia

Integration of audio and studio technology in post-production. Topics include dialogue replacement, sound effects design and editing, Foley, surround sound mixing and music score production. Practicum hours required. Prerequisite: MUS 387. (3 units; Spring)

MUS487-A
Fitzpatrick, Jeffrey L.
01/08/2024 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Hawkins Music Building 138


*Curriculum subject to change. Please refer to the current catalog for more information.