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MUS Courses - Upper Division

300. Selected Topics - Major Performance Organization (1)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Audition may be required.
May be repeated to a maximum of 8 units with different topics in the same semester. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. (3-5 hrs reh.)

  • A. Concert Band
  • B. Symphonic Band
  • C. Wind Symphony
  • E. Forty-Niner Chorus
  • F. University Choir
  • G. Chamber Choir
  • I. Orchestra at the Beach
  • J. Symphony Orchestra
  • L. Studio Jazz Band
  • M. Vocal Jazz Ensemble I
  • N. Vocal Jazz Ensemble II
  • O. Concert Jazz Orchestra
  • P. Vocal Jazz Ensemble III

323. Junior Recital (1)

Prerequisite: MUS 341, MUS 342. Corequisite: MUS 429 or consent of instructor.
Recital of standard literature for solo instrument or voice in performance option of Bachelor of Music degree. Enrollment restricted to music majors passing conservatory's qualifying examination.

326. Conducting (2)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Introduction to principles and techniques of conducting and ensemble organization. Study and interpretation of instrumental and choral repertoire using class as laboratory ensemble.
Letter grade only (A-F). (1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab).

327. Choral Organization and Rehearsal Techniques (2)

Rehearsal techniques for the choral musician as well as study of audition techniques, choral tone development, diction, and score preparation as well as organization and management of choral programs.

329. Selected Topics - Individual Instruction for Music Majors (1)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Upper-Division Screening Exam on applied instrument or voice.
Open to music majors only. Private lessons in major performance medium. Application must be made to Director of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music during semester prior to registration. Registration subject to conservatory's approval.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to amaximum of 10 units with different topics in the same semester. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

  • A. Baritone/Tuba
  • B. French Horn
  • C. Trombone
  • D. Trumpet
  • E. Harpsichord
  • F. Organ
  • G. Piano
  • J. Percussion
  • K. Double Bass
  • L. Cello
  • M. Viola
  • N. Violin
  • O. Guitar
  • P. Harp
  • Q. Voice
  • R. Bassoon
  • S. Clarinet
  • T. Flute
  • U. Oboe
  • V. Saxophone
  • W. Conducting
  • X. Composition

330. Opera (1)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Performance of excerpts and complete works for lyric theatre: solo and ensemble coaching; intensive language and diction training; preparation and performance of entire role in original language; additional areas include stage management, scheduling, costuming, set construction.
May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units, only 2 of which may count toward degree. (3 hrs or more reh.)

331. Music Theater (1)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.
Performance of musical theater works and operas. Additional areas include stage management, scheduling, costuming, and set construction.
May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units, only 2 of which may count toward degree. (2 hrs reh.)

332. Opera Coaching (1)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: MUS 330.
One-on-one and small group coaching for opera majors.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units in different semesters. (3-5 hrs reh.)

341. Musical Form and Analysis (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 142B or consent of instructor.
Intensive analysis of the historical development of form in tonal music from the early Baroque through the early 20th century.

342. Materials of Modern Music (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 341.
Continuation of intensive analysis of representative compositions of 20th Century with emphasis on writing in selected 20th Century styles.

344. Composition (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 244A-B; Corequisite MUS 329X.
Further exploration of contemporary techniques in composition, music aesthetics and contemporary literature.
Not open for credit to students with credit in MUS 344A. Letter grade only (A-F).

360. History of Music: Medieval/Renaissance (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 190.
Chronological survey of music and musical readings, recordings, and scores for in-depth study. Primarily for music majors and minors, but open to others who read music.
Letter grade only (A-F).

363. Music and the Visual Arts (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, one or more Exploration courses, and upper-division standing.
Explores interrelationships between visual arts and music in Western culture by comparing artistic methodologies employed by important visual artists to those employed by important composers of art music from 18th through 20th Centuries.

364. Music and the Temporal Arts (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, one or more Exploration courses, and upper-division standing.
Study of interrelationships of temporal arts (works of poets, writers, choreographers, and playwrights) and music of important composers of 18th through 20th Centuries.

370. Introduction to Music Technology (3)

Introduction to principles of sound recording, sound production, sound reinforcement, MIDI, and electronic music.

371A. Improvisation Techniques I (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 272B or consent of instructor.
Basic techniques in improvisation, beginning with simple question and answer phrases and progressing to extended solos. Detailed and applied knowledge of chord progressions.
Not open for credit to students with credit in MUS 271. (1 hr lec, 2 hrs lab)

371B. Improvisation Techniques II (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 371A or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MUS 371A.
(1 hr lec, 2 hrs lab)

374. History of Music: Nineteenth/Twentieth Centuries (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 190, MUS 160 or consent of instructor.
Chronological survey of music and musical styles from 1800 to present, with selected readings, recordings, and scores for in-depth study. Primarily for music majors and minors, but open to others who read music.
Letter grade only (A-F).

382A. Elementary Choral Techniques and Literature (3)

Prerequisite: EDSS 300N, MUS 326, or consent of instructor.
Techniques, methods and choral literature applicable to the Elementary Choral Ensemble.

382B. Beginning Instrumental Techniques and Literature (3)

Prerequisites: Three instrumental methods courses from the MUS 125 series.
Examination of organizational procedures for beginning/intermediate band and instructional techniques relating to Grade I-II music literature, investigation of contemporary music methodologies, and experience conducting ensemble class sessions.

386. Introduction to Music Education (3)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: Music major and consent of instructor.
Provides philosophical and pedagogical theory required for design and execution of appropriate music instructional programs at general classroom, middle school, and secondary levels. Includes MIDI, sequencing, and tutorial/managerial software in music classroom/rehearsal setting.
Not open for credit to students with credit in MUS 286. Letter grade only (A-F).

393. Jazz, An American Music (3)

Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirement and upper division standing.
Presents development of various musical styles, forms, improvisations, significant musical concepts and major figures in past, present and future of jazz, an American music.

400. Selected Topics - Chamber Music (1)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
May be repeated to a maximum of 16 units with different topics in the same semester. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. (2 hrs rehearsal)

  • A. Brass Ensemble
  • B. New Music Ensemble
  • C. String Ensemble
  • D. University String Quartet
  • E. University Wind Quintet
  • F. University Brass Quintet
  • G. Piano Ensemble
  • I. Men's Chorus
  • J. Jazz Combos
  • K. Performance
  • L. Brass Chamber Music
  • M. Percussion Ensemble
  • N. Steel Drum Orchestra
  • O. Woodwind Chamber Music
  • P. String Chamber Music
  • Q. Women's Chorus
  • R. Collegium-Vocal
  • S. Collegium-Instrumental
  • T. Saxophone Ensemble
  • U. Directed Accompaning
  • W. Laptop Ensemble
  • X. World Percussion Group
  • Y. World/Traditional Music Performance
  • Z. University Percussion Group

411A./511A. Film Scoring (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 272A, MUS 474, or consent of instructor.
Overview of the current trends and practices involved in creating and integrating music to moving picture. Students gain experience producing music cues for film, television and video games.
Letter grade only (A-F).

411B./511B. Advanced Film Scoring Project (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 411A or consent of instructor.
Students gain advanced experience creating music cues for film, television and video games. Real-world concepts and problems will be explored with an emphasis on preparing the student for a successful career in media composition.
Letter grade only (A-F).

414./514. Techniques for the Jazz Vocalist (2)

Prerequisites: Open to jazz majors or consent of instructor.
Basic stylistic requirements for solo singing in the jazz idiom. Includes analysis of established jazz singers and styles communication with the rhythm section, solo jazz repertoire, lyric interpretation and writing solo jazz arrangements.
Letter grade only (A-F).

416./516. Jazz Pedagogy (2)

Organization and management of school jazz programs, addressing rehearsal techniques, improvisation, repertoire, and conducting.
Letter grade only (A-F).

417./517. Business of Music (2)

Overview of business and artistic process of music industry. Includes popular music, music and media, operation of retail music stores, and film, theatrical, and concert music. Also includes recent changes in digital recording, broadcasting technology, copyright laws, and legal issues.
Letter grade only (A-F).

419./519. Choral Master Class (1)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Advanced conducting laboratory with emphasis on advanced conducting, vocal, and rehearsal techniques as well as performance practices.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units.

422./522. Advanced Choral Conducting and Literature (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 326 and MUS 327 or consent of instructor.
Choral technique, style, and interpretation; choral schools and composers since 16th century; contemporary secular and sacred choral compositions. Class used as laboratory group.
(1 hr lec, 2 hr lab)

423A. Senior Recital (1)

Prerequisites: MUS 341, MUS 342. Corequisites: MUS 329 or MUS 429.
Individual recital of standard literature for solo instrument or voice. Enrollment restricted to Music majors passing conservatory's qualifying examination.
Letter grade only (A-F).

423B. Senior Composition Recital (1)

Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of instructor.
Individual recital of original music written during composition studies while in program. Enrollment restricted to Bachelor of Music composition majors passing conservatory's qualifying examination.
Letter grade only (A-F).

423C. Music History Senior Thesis (1)

Prerequisites: MUS 360, MUS 374, MUS 496 and consent of Director of Music History.
In-depth research paper representing systematic study of significant problem, style, or repertory. Finished product must show thorough command of relevant literature, critical thinking and writing, and original approach. Proposal (outline, abstract, and bibliography) must be submitted for topic approval.
Letter grade only (A-F).

423D. BA Senior Project (1)

Prerequisites: MUS 496 and Senior standing and consent of instructor.
Final research project culminating in a comprehensive senior paper/project that sets music within a context of historical, cultural, theoretical, or interdisciplinary studies, diversity issues, and contemporary thought. The project draws on an outside discipline from the student's coursework in Interdisciplinary and Cultural Studies.
Letter grade only (A-F).

424. Orchestral Literature: Performance and Styles (1)

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.
Performance of standard orchestral repertoire in instrumental sectional for Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, or Strings.
Letter grade only (A-F). Repeatable to 8 units in different semesters. (2 hrs. rehearsal)

425./525. Advanced Instrumental Conducting (2)

Prerequisite: MUS 326 or consent of instructor.
Principles and techniques of instrumental conducting and organization. Study and interpretation of instrumental literature using class laboratory.
(1 hr lec. 2 hrs lab)

426./526. Vocal Development (2)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Theory and techniques of teaching voice.

427. Piano Pedagogy (3)

Study of philosophies, psychology, and piano teaching methods for children, as well as intermediate and advanced level students.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.

428. Seminar in Musical Styles (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 160, MUS 341, MUS 360, MUS 374.
Study development of musical styles, forms, genres, and significant musical concepts and problems. For Music majors only.

429. Selected Topics - Individual Instruction for Music Majors (2)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Upper-Division Screening Exam on applied instrument or voice.
Private lessons in major performance medium. Application must be made to the Director of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music during semester prior to registration. Registration is subject to conservatory's approval.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units with different topics in the same semester. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

  • A. Baritone/Tuba
  • B. French Horn
  • C. Trombone
  • D. Trumpet
  • E. Harpsichord
  • F. Organ
  • G. Piano
  • J. Percussion
  • K. Double Bass
  • L. Cello
  • M. Viola
  • N. Violin
  • O. Guitar
  • P. Harp
  • Q. Voice
  • R. Bassoon
  • S. Clarinet
  • T. Flute
  • U. Oboe
  • V. Saxophone
  • W. Conducting
  • X. Composition

434A./534A. German Song Repertoire (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 273A, MUS 273C.
Preparation of German song literature for performance, with coaching in language, musical styles, and vocal and accompanying techniques.
Letter grade only (A-F).

434B./534B. French Song Repertoire (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 273A, MUS 273B.
Preparation of French song literature for performance, with coaching in language, musical styles, and vocal and accompanying techniques.
Letter grade only (A-F).

436./536. Opera Repertoire (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 273B, MUS 273C or consent of instructor. Two years of voice study, completion of Bob Cole Conservatory of Music Foreign Language Proficiency Exam (may be waived upon successful completion of 101B level course in French, German, or Italian).
Preparation of varied portfolio of voice-appropriate selections from standard operatic repertoire in English, French, German and Italian. Include translation, lyric diction, ornamentation, tools for role study, rehearsal and audition techniques.
Letter grade only (A-F).

440A. Specialized Choral Ensemble Techniques   (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 326, MUS 426, and Music Education major, or consent of instructor.
Course provides music education students with the techniques, methods, and historical development to lead a vocal jazz choir, a show choir and a musical theater production in the K-12 setting.
Letter grade only (A-F).

440B. Beginning Jazz Methods  (2)

Prerequisites: Music Education major, or consent of instructor. Student must perform on one of the standard Jazz Instruments.
Examination of organizational and instructional techniques relating to beginning jazz ensemble performance, as well as performance on secondary instruments and conducting ensemble class sessions.
Letter grade only (A-F).

441. Studies in Musical Analysis (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 341, MUS 342.
Intensive individual and class analysis of representative compositions of various periods and styles.

442. Orchestration (3)

Range, characteristics, and transpositions of all standard orchestral instruments by writing and/or transcribing music. Preparation and proofreading of scores and parts. Readings of student assignments.

443./543. Advanced Orchestration (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 442.
Techniques of arranging, transcribing, and composing for standard chamber ensembles, chorus and orchestra. Readings of student orchestrations will be included whenever possible.

444. Advanced Composition (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 344, Corequisite: MUS 329X.
Advanced studies in music composition, music aesthetics, and listening methodologies.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units in different semesters.

447./547. Counterpoint (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 341 Form & Analysis or permission of the instructor.
Serves as a continuation of the contrapuntal topics covered in Harmony I, Harmony II, and Form & Analysis. Covers advanced analysis of contrapuntal literature, and various student composition projects such as accompanied canon and fugue.
Letter grade only (A-F).

455./555. Electronic Music (3)

An introduction to the history and practice of electronic music, with an emphasis on listening and analysis of classical and contemporary works. The history, ethics and practice of sampling and remixing are also explored.
Letter grade only (A-F).

456./556. Sound Design (3)

Introduces students to principles of composition and analysis of electro-acoustic media through application of music software, sampling, digital media, digital signal processing, and psychoacoustics. Culminates in collaborative creative project involving video, web, or live theater.
Letter grade only (A-F).

457./557. Composition with Digital Media (3)

Computer created projects that combine visual media (including web-based), and electronic music. Analysis of interdisciplinary and mixed media works, collaborative work in electronic arts and readings in critical theory and multimedia.
Letter grade only (A-F).

458./558. Literature and Aesthetics of Interactive Media (3)

Explore artists'/composers' use of interactive media from the intermediality and limited interactivity of Wagner's and Scriabin's works, to the latest software-driven and web-based constructions, to gain a better understanding of the philosophical and musical context for the students' works.

467./576. Studies in Gender and Music (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 374 or consent of instructor.
Surveys issues surrounding women as musicians (performers and composers), comparative studies of role men and women have played in music, and feminist criticism of music.
Letter grade only (A-F).

468. Music and Film (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, one or more Exploration courses, and upper-division standing.
Study of interrelationships of dramatic, visual, and musical arts in film, with special emphasis on role of music.

469./569. Music of the Theater (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 374.
History and development of music for stage from 1600 to present, its conventions and styles. Analysis of representative masterworks.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units in different semesters.

471./571. Studies in Ethnomusicology (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 374 or consent of instructor.
Emphasis on theory and methodology of enthnomusicological study. Investigation of music of particular non-western or popular cultures. For music majors only.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.

473./573. Advanced Diction for Singers (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 273A, MUS 273B, or consent of instructor.
Advanced principles of diction and International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) applied to lyric Italian, French, German, and English repertoire; intended for Senior and Graduate level vocalists and choral conductors. Special studies possible in other languages.
Letter grade only (A-F).

474A./574A. Jazz Arranging I (2)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Fundamentals of Jazz arranging, including 4-part writing, harmonic practices and philosophies of arranging.
Not open for credit to students with credit in MUS 474B/574B. Letter grade only (A-F).

474B./574B. Jazz Arranging II (2)

Prerequisite(s): MUS 474A/574A or consent of instructor.
Jazz arranging for big band through detailed analysis of known big band writers. Emphasis on reharmonization, the idiomatic use of counterpoint, styles and song forms.
Letter grade only (A-F).

477./577. Piano Accompanying (2-2)

Prerequisite: MUS 277 or consent of instructor.
Instruction and training in techniques of accompanying singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units in different semesters.

478./578. Musical Instruments of World (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 360 or consent of instructor.
Open to music majors and minors. Study of origins and history of musical instruments in western and non-western world, with emphasis on cross-cultural influences, iconographical and organological issues, and scientific classification.
Letter grade only (A-F).

480./580. Marching Band Techniques (2)

Marching fundamentals, charting formations, precision drills, parade techniques and half-time pageantry.

482A./582A. Secondary Literature/Rehearsal Techniques – Choral-Vocal (3)

Prerequisites: MUS 382A or consent of instructor
Examination of rehearsal techniques, methods and choral literature applicable to the Secondary and Middle School Choral Ensemble.
Letter grade only (A-F).

482B./582B. Secondary Literature/Rehearsal Techniques - Instrumental (3)

Prerequisite: MUS 326, MUS 382B and at least 3 MUS 125 Methods courses.
Procedures for organization and development of instrumental programs and literature for performing groups.

483A./583A. Choral Repertoire I (2)

Prerequisite: MUS 326 or consent of instructor.
Examination of five genres of choral repertoire: Mass, motet, cantata, oratorio, and madrigal. Traditional and contemporary choral repertoire for public school teachers and church choir directors.
Letter grade only (A-F).

483B./583B. Choral Repertoire II (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 326 or consent of instructor.
Survey of choral and choral/orchestral works from Renaissance to 20th century.
Letter grade only (A-F).

484. Arranging (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 142B.
Arranging techniques for choir, band, and orchestra in grades K-12.
Letter grade only (A-F).

485./585. Music for the Elementary Child (3)

Examination of approaches to developing musical and aesthetic sensitivities in children. Students create vocal, instrumental and listening experiences appropriate for use in grades K-6. Intended for music education majors. Others by consent of instructor.

487A. Emerging Methods in Music Education (3)

Prerequisites: Music Education major and consent of instructor.
Emerging pedagogical methods for music educational settings outside of the traditional general, band, choir and orchestra.
Letter grade only (A-F).

487B. Emerging Methods Chamber Performance (2)

Prerequisites: MUS 487A or consent of instructor.
Course provides students opportunities to apply concepts of vernacular learning, gained through various course work in a non-traditional, student directed, music education performance setting.

490. Introduction to Music Cultures (3)

Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirements.
Music of various world cultures and ethnic groups representative of diversity of United States. Includes music's function, social organization including age and gender roles, distinctive characteristics, types of instruments, and cultural performance standards.

491. Writing about Music (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of the GE Foundation requirements, completion of one or more Exploration courses, and upper division status. Students must have scored 11 or higher on the GWAR Placement Examination or completed the necessary portfolio course that is a prerequisite for a GWAR Writing Intensive Capstone.
A writing-intensive course designed to emphasize synthesis and development of skills in written communication in the discipline of music.
In order to use MUS 491 to fulfill the Writing Intensive Capstone requirement students must earn a C or better in this course. (3 Hours lecture)
Letter grade only (A-F).

492A./592A. Studies in Keyboard Music (2)

Prerequisite: MUS 360 or consent of instructor.
Survey of evolution of keyboard music including clavichord, harpsichord, piano, and organ from 13th century to Beethoven.

492B./592B. Studies in Keyboard Music (2)

Prerequisite: MUS 360 or consent of instructor.
Survey of evolution of keyboard music including clavichord, harpsichord, piano, and organ from Beethoven to present.

493./593. Selected Topics - Instrumental Music (3)

A seminar-format class on one of various topics in instrumental music, including but not limited to: symphonic literature, survey of program music, history of the concerto, chamber music survey, and history of the wind band.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

495. Selected Topics in Music (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topics of current interest in various fields of music selected for special presentation and development.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units with different topics in the same semester. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

496./696. Research Methods (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Principles of research and writing about music, thesis preparation, and citation/bibliographic format. Serves as introduction to graduate study in music. Required of all MA and MM candidates in music.

497./597. Selected Topics - Music Composition (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topics of current interest in field of music composition selected for special presentation and development.
Letter grade only (A-F). Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

  • D. Contemporary and Computer Music Notation
  • E. Composition with Interactive Technologies
  • G. From Poetry to Song: Composing Art Songs

499. Special Studies (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual research or group investigation of selected topics.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.


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