Courses

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)

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)

Course explores studio music project creation, implementation, and delivery of product. Students will learn how to develop the overall scope of a recording project including defining project goals, selection of musical material and performers, technical resources, and budget to final product creation. Pre- or Co-Requisite: MUS 386. (3 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)

Study of the business and creative aspects of music production. Emphasis is placed on project development and tracking from demo to final product, creative and aesthetic considerations, assessing needs of artist, song selection and analysis, and artistic development and creative vision. Prerequisite: MUS 347. (3 units; 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)

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)

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)

Study of the art and craft of songwriting, providing students with foundational understanding of the craft. Students will study the mechanics of songwriting - lyric, rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, sonics, create original musical works individually and collaboratively, and understand their unique voice and career aspirations. (2 units; Fall)

Study of genre specific nuances as it relates to the craft of songwriting. Students will create original musical works individually and collaboratively. (2 units; Spring)

Study of songwriting for specific outputs - TV, Film, artist(s), and themes. Students will work collaboratively with artists and directors in creating music for specific projects, resulting in original musical works and recorded artifacts. (2 units; Fall)

Students will build an individual portfolio of original musical works through recording and producing of music. Students will work collaboratively with artists and directors in creating music for specific projects, resulting in original musical works and recorded artifacts. (2 units; Spring)

Private instruction in the craft of songwriting within multiple musical genres and applications. Students will create original songs for public performance and distribution. Repeatable: May be repeatable for a maximum of six (6) units. Additional private instruction fee. Prerequisite: MUS 252. (1 - 2 units; Fall/ Spring)

This college course is an intensive workshop designed to encourage creativity in poetry. The class offers specific writing direction plus critical responses to students' works, both creative and analytical. Prerequisite: ENG 123. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This advanced writing workshop builds on the foundational elements of poetry writing learned in previous coursework. Students read numerous published poems and poetry collections, as well as readings discussing craft, technique, and theory. Students write their own poems, which are discussed by the professor and students on scheduled workshop days. The works produced in this class strive to be of publishable quality. Prerequisite: ENG 385. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

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)

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

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)

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

Private Instruction is offered with material and performance of increasing difficulty as the student develops. Students must arrange a lesson time before or during the first week of classes in the School of Music office or with the instructor. Twelve (12) half-hour lessons will be offered per unit. Students are expected to perform in Student Recitals and a Jury Exam. May be repeated for credit. Additional private instruction fee. Prerequisites: MUS 080 and declared Music major or minor. (1-2 units; Fall/Spring)