MU-MUSIC – 2005-07 Catalog
Music Department

MU 100  Music Fundamentals (4)

Traditional music notation. Use of treble and bass staff for pitch and rhythm, harmonization using principal triads, major and minor, and common seventh chords. Performance of simple pieces individually and in groups using common classroom instruments. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

MU 101  Introduction to Music Theory (4) GE C3

Introduction to the elements of music and their use by composers and performers. Notation of pitch and rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals and chords. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

MU 103  Music Theory I: Diatonic Materials (4)

Structure of tonality, four-part writing of root position and inverted triads, cadences and melodic structure, harmonic progressions, harmonization of a melody and nonharmonic tones. Composition project. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 101 or permission of instructor.

MU 104  Musicianship I (2)

Introductory sightsinging; rhythmic performance and dictation in simple and compound meters; identification and performance of melodic and harmonic intervals and triads; dictation of major diatonic melodies and basic chord progressions. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 101 or consent of instructor. (Music majors may be concurrently enrolled in MU 101 and MU 104.)

MU 106  Musicianship II (2)

Sightsinging in all forms of the minor mode; rhythmic performance and dictation in compound meters and syncopation; identification of triad inversions and cadence formulas; dictation of minor diatonic melodies and triadic chord progressions. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 104 or consent of instructor.

MU 114  Introduction to Composing (4)

Fundamental concepts in music composition. Creative projects. Compositional techniques, development, and structure. Analysis of examples from the literature. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 101 or consent of instructor.

MU 120  Music Appreciation (4)              GE C3

Explores the world of music with emphasis on Western tradition. Language of music, the role of music in society. Historical context and major composers from the Middle Ages to the present. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

MU 121  Introduction to Non-Western Musics (4)

Survey of selected non-Western music cultures. Emphasis on listening and understanding the ensemble type, aesthetic principle, musical style, and performance practice of each. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Music major, minor, or consent of instructor.

MU 149  Applied Study/Technique (1)

Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on the technical skills needed for the performance of repertoire. Total credit limited to 3 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 150  Applied Music (1)

Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on repertoire, technical skills, style, and interpretation. Total credit limited to 6 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 151  Beginning Piano (2)

Beginning piano for student with no background in keyboard instruments. Includes fundamentals of notation, keyboard techniques, tone production, sightreading and facility. 1 lecture, 1 activity.

MU 152  Elementary Class Piano (1)

Continuation of MU 151. Piano for students with the ability to play a simple Bach or Mozart Minuet. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 101 or MU 151 or equivalent. For non-music majors.

MU 153 Intermediate Class Piano (1)

Continuation of MU 152. Students are expected to play at the level of the easier Clementi Sonatinas. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 152 or one year of piano instruction. For non-music majors.

MU 154  Beginning Voice (2)

Beginning study of vocal and performance technique for the untrained singer. Includes the beginning study of the vocal mechanism and the fundamentals of notation. 1 lecture, 1 activity.

MU 155  Beginning Guitar (1)

Fundamentals of guitar technique and performance. Elements of classical, pop, and folk styles. Basics of staff and chord notations. No previous experience necessary. 1 activity.

MU 161  Piano Skills I (1)

Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization or a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 162  Piano Skills II (1)

Continuation of MU 161. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 161 or consent of instructor.

MU 163  Piano Skills III (1)

Continuation of MU 162. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 162 or consent of instructor.

MU 170  University Jazz Band (1)

Study and public performance of music written for big band jazz. Limited to those who have had considerable experience playing musical instruments. The band performs concerts on campus and makes at least one tour annually. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 171  Instrumental Ensembles (1)

Open to qualified musicians. Rehearsal and public performances in large and small ensembles. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 172  Wind Orchestra (1)

Study and public performance of music written for large wind bands (woodwinds, brass, and percussion). Limited to those students who have had experience with wind and percussion instruments. The band performs concerts on campus and makes at least one tour annually. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 173  Wind Ensemble (1)

Study and public performance of music written for wind ensembles (woodwinds, brass and percussion). Limited to those students who have had experience with wind and percussion instruments. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 174  Symphony Orchestra (1)

Preparation and performance of orchestral music including both the standard repertoire and rarely performed works. Open to all students whose technique is adequate. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 175  Contemporary Music Ensemble (1)

Open to all instrumentalists who are interested in performing recent classical literature. Limited to students who are proficient on their instrument. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: By audition or consent of instructor.

MU 176  Mustang Band (1)

Public performance of music and specially-designed shows written for marching band (woodwinds, brass, percussion, and flag team auxiliary). Limited to those students who have had marching experience with wind and percussion instruments, or flag, rifle or dance lines. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 181  PolyPhonics (1)

Study and public performance of music for mixed voices. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 183  Vocal Ensemble (1)

Open to qualified singers. Rehearsal and performance of specialized vocal music. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 184  Music Production Workshop (2)

Preparation of a musical theatre production for public presentation. Includes acting and stage management. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: By audition or consent of instructor.

MU 185  University Singers (1)

Study and public performance of music for large mixed chorus. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 187  Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)

Study and performance of vocal jazz, including ensemble performance as well as solo performance and improvisation. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 189  Vocal Practicum (1)

Study and implementation of performing techniques used by vocalists in a recital or concert setting. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 150, MU 250, MU 350 or MU 450, or consent of instructor.

MU 200  Special Problems for Undergraduates (1) (1-2) Corrected effective Winter 2007

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 207  Music Theory II: Chromatic Materials (4)

Construction and resolution of diatonic and seventh chords, secondary dominants, basic modulation, change of mode. Augmented sixth and Neapolitan chords. Binary and ternary form. Composition project. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 103.

MU 208  Musicianship III (2)

Sightsinging in all modes in two or more parts; rhythmic dictation in 2 parts; identification of triadic chord progressions and root position seventh chords; identification of phrase structure; dictation of two-part melodies in all modes. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 106 or consent of instructor.

MU 210  Musicianship IV (1)

Continuation of MU 208. Sightsinging with chromatic tones; rhythmic performance in changing meters; chord progressions with seventh chords and secondary dominants; seventh chord inversions; modulation to closely-related keys; identification of binary and ternary forms; and 2-part diatonic dictation. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 208 or consent of instructor.

MU 211  Musicianship V (1)

Continuation of MU 210. Sightsinging with non-diatonic tones; rhythmic performance and dictation in changing and irregular meters; chord progressions with Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords; modulatory progressions and dictations and identification of sonata, rondo, and variation forms. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 210 or consent of instructor.

MU 212  Musicianship VI (1)

Continuation of MU 211. Emphasis on previously acquired skills, plus performance and dictation of complex beat divisions; identification of contrapuntal genres; and modulatory dictation in 2 parts. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 211 or consent of instructor.

MU 221  Jazz Styles (4)             GE C3     USCP

Survey of Jazz as a significant American art form from 1900 to the present; its historical background and development in the United States; key elements, leading performers, and significant compositions in each style. Emphasis on listening skills. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

MU 229  Music of the 60s: War and Peace (4) GE C3     USCP

Explores wide spectrum of rock, folk and pop styles of the 60s. Relates music to social turmoil and historical trends, including Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement, American Indian Movement, Chicano Movement, Free Speech Movement. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

MU 249  Applied Study/Technique (1)

Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on the technical skills needed for the performance of repertoire. Total credit limited to 3 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 250  Applied Music (1)

Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on repertoire, technical skills, style, and interpretation. Total credit limited to 6 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: 3 units of MU 150 and consent of instructor.

MU 251  Diction for Singers (1)

The study of diction as it applies to singing in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Class Schedule will list topic elected. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 252  Intermediate Voice (1)

Vocal and performance technique for experienced singers. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 154 or consent of instructor.

MU 253  Advanced Class Piano (1)

Advanced level piano techniques with emphasis on style, interpretation, sightreading, basic performance practices and the solution to general musical problems. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 153 or consent of instructor. For non-music majors.

MU 259  Beginning Jazz Improvisation (2)

Development of fundamentals of jazz improvisation including scales, arpeggios, patterns, swing feel, expressiveness, and motifs through in-class performance of written materials and improvisations with play-along recordings. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 activities. Prerequisite: Facility on a musical instrument or singing ability; MU 101 or consent of instructor. 

MU 260  Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (2)

Further development of fundamentals of jazz improvisation including alternate scales, arpeggios, embellishments, expressiveness, and motifs through in-class performance of written materials and improvisations with play-along recordings. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 activities. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MU 259 or consent of instructor.

MU 261  Piano Skills IV (1)

Continuation of MU 163. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, and improvisation of a melody. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 163 or consent of instructor.

MU 262  Piano Skills V (1)

Continuation of MU 261. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 261 or consent of instructor.

MU 263  Piano Skills VI (1)

Continuation of MU 262. Successful completion of this course represents fulfillment of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 262 or consent of instructor.

MU 301  Counterpoint (4)

Counterpoint as a compositional technique. Modal, tonal, and post-tonal practices. Creative project. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 207.

MU 308  Sound Design: Technologies (4)

Fundamental tools of electroacoustic sound design. Concepts and application of music studio procedure, recording, synthesis, and MIDI. Studio projects. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 101, MU 120 or consent of instructor.

MU 309  Music Theory III: Advanced Chromaticism (4)

Compositional procedures employed by composers of the Classical and Romantic periods. Chromatic third-related harmony, ninth, eleventh and thirteenth chords. Chromatic and enharmonic modulation. Sonata and rondo form. Composition project. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 207.

MU 310  Sound Design: Recording (4)

Exploring creative use of recording technology. Analog and digital equipment for recording music. Analysis and creative projects. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 308 or permission of instructor.

MU 315 Music Fundamentals in the Classroom (4)

Music skills and concepts for non-musicians developed through “learn-by-doing” music education pedagogies. Methodologies and state standards for teaching classroom music, performance skills (singing, recorder, accompanying instruments, body percussion). 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and consent of instructor.

MU 320  Music Research and Writing (4)

Methodology for researching, analyzing, and writing about music. Exploration of investigative tools including library resources, periodicals, bibliographic tools, computerized search methods. Computerized software for text and music notation. Formatting music for publication. Performance practice. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 207 and ENGL 134. Recommended: MU 120; or permission of instructor.

MU 324  Music and Society (4)                GE C4

Exploration into the role of music historically and culturally. Emphasis on deeper understanding and appreciation of the context of music through topics of special interest. Class Schedule will list topics selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and a foundation course in Area C. Music majors will not receive GE C4 credit.

MU 325  America’s Music (4)                    USCP

Explorations of the many styles of America’s music through lectures, readings, sound recordings, musical scores, and performance. Includes “Native American,” “folk,” “popular,” and “fine art” traditions. How American music reflects the different cultural heritages, social contexts, and philosophies of its creators. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 207. Recommended: MU 120.

MU 326  Cultural Concepts and Structures in Music (4)

Exploring the definition, concepts, and structures of music in terms of theory, performance practice, and compositional procedures of selected non-Western cultures. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

MU 328  Women in Music (4)                  GE C4

Survey of women’s contributions as composers and performers of western art and popular music; historical overview of the experiences and perception of women as musicians. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and a foundation course in Area C. Music majors will not receive GE C4 credit.

MU 331  Music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance (4)

Musical literature, styles, composers, theory, genres and notation of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Relationship to historical trends. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 320; Recommended: MU 120; or permission of instructor.

MU 332  Music of the Baroque and Early Classic Eras (4)

Survey of the history of western art music from 1600 to 1780. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 320; Recommended: MU 120; or permission of instructor.

MU 333  Music of the Classic and Romantic Eras (4)

Survey of the history of western art music from 1780 to 1900. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 320; Recommended: MU 120; or permission of instructor.

MU 334  Music of the Modern Era (4)

Composers, important works, and significant trends in the Western European and American classical tradition during the 20th and 21st Centuries. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 320; Recommended: MU 120; or permission of instructor.

MU 335  Survey of Keyboard Literature (4)

Intensive survey of solo piano literature from early keyboard music through contemporary composers; emphasis upon composers’ influences, stylistic characteristics, performance practices, and the development of the pianoforte. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 207 or consent of instructor.

MU 336  Jazz History and Theory (4)

Survey of Jazz theoretical techniques. Emphasis upon historical context and development of Jazz through study and analysis of scores and historical performances. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 207.

MU 340  Conducting: Fundamentals (2)

Principles and techniques of conducting with experience in score reading. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 207 or consent of instructor.

MU 341  Conducting: Choral (2)

Continuation of MU 340. Emphasis on choral literature. Score reading, rehearsal techniques, and musical details associated with vocal music. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 340.

MU 342  Conducting: Instrumental (2)

Continuation of MU 340. Emphasis on band and orchestra literature. Score reading, rehearsal techniques, and musical details associated with instrumental music. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 340 and MU 341.

MU 349  Applied Study/Technique (1)

Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on the technical skills needed for the performance of repertoire. Total credit limited to 3 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 350  Applied Music (1)

Individual instruction in performance and composition. Total credit limited to 6 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 351  Jazz and Popular Music Arranging (2)

Arranging for small and large jazz ensembles. Score and part preparation. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 207.

MU 352  Orchestration (4)

Ranges, transposition, technical capabilities, and scoring of vocal ensembles, band, and orchestra instruments. Creative project. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 207.

MU 360  Music for Classroom Teachers (4)

Development of skills for fostering creative music experiences in the classroom. Exploration of various approaches to motivating children musically. Study of folk songs for singing, playing instruments, and learning about music as well as for their ethnic and cultural significance. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 100 or MU 101.

MU 361  Instruments (1)

Fundamentals of playing and teaching woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments. Separate sections in specific areas of study are arranged with instructor. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 365  Music in the Elementary School (4)

Study and application of Orff, Dalcroze, Kodaly, Manhattanville, and Suzuki. Philosophy, objectives and methodologies for implementing an effective school music program. Includes fieldwork. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 207; junior standing.

MU 366  Piano Pedagogy (2)

Survey of elementary, intermediate and advanced teaching methods and literature; private and group instruction; studio policies. 2 activities. Prerequisite: MU 207 or consent of instructor.

MU 370  University Jazz Band (1)

Study and public performance of music written for big band jazz. Limited to those who have had considerable experience playing musical instruments. The band performs concerts on campus and makes at least one tour annually. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 371  Instrumental Ensemble (1)

Open to qualified musicians. Rehearsal and public performance in large and small ensembles. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 372  Wind Orchestra (1)

Study and public performance of music written for large wind band (woodwinds, brass and percussion). Limited to those students who have had experience with wind and percussion instruments. The band performs concerts on campus and makes at least one tour annually. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 373  Wind Ensemble (1)

Study and public performance of music written for wind ensemble (woodwinds, brass and percussion). Limited to those students who have had experience with wind and percussion instruments. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 374  Symphony Orchestra (1)

Preparation and performance of orchestral music including both the standard repertoire and rarely performed works. Open to all students whose technique is adequate. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 375  Contemporary Music Ensemble (1)

Open to all instrumentalists who are interested in performing recent classical literature. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Junior standing; by audition or consent of instructor.

MU 376  Mustang Band (1)

Public performance of music and specially-designed shows written for marching bank (woodwinds, brass, percussion, and flag team auxiliary). Limited to those students who have had marching experience with wind and percussion instruments, or flag, rifle or dance lines. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 381  PolyPhonics (1)

Study and public performance of music for mixed voices. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 383  Vocal Ensemble (1)

Open to qualified singers. Rehearsal and performance of specialized vocal music. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 384  Music Production Workshop (2)

Preparation of a musical theatre production for public presentation, including acting and stage management. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: Junior standing and by audition, or consent of instructor.

MU 385  University Singers (1)

Study and public performance of music for large mixed chorus. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 387  Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)

Study and performance of vocal jazz, including ensemble performance as well as solo performance and improvisation. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

MU 389  Vocal Practicum (1)

Study and implementation of performing techniques used by vocalists in a recital or concert setting. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 150, MU 250, MU 350 or MU 450, or consent of instructor.

MU 400  Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1–2)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of department head.

MU 401  Music Theory IV: Contemporary Practices (4)

Examination of modern compositional practices including impressionism, polytonality, serialism, timbre and form, minimalism, and the new eclecticism. Analysis and creative projects. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: MU 309 or permission of instructor.

MU 411  Sound Design: Synthesis (4)

Compositional application of sound synthesis techniques. Realization of computer music. Creative projects. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 310.

MU 412  Sound Design: Composition and Production (4)

Production of electroacoustic music in media. Program analysis, technical planning, composition, and product development. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 310.

MU 420  Music History: Selected Topics (4)

Intensive study of selected topics in music history through the use of readings, recordings, scores, and class presentations. Class Schedule will list topics selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 331, MU 332, MU 333, MU 334, or consent of instructor.

MU 449  Applied Study/Technique (1)

Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on the technical skills needed for the performance of repertoire. Total credit limited to 3 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 450  Applied Music (1)

Individual instruction in performance and composition. Total credit limited to 6 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MU 461  Senior Project (3)

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Minimum of 90 hours total time. Results presented in a recital, creative work, formal report, or a combination of all three. Prerequisite: Senior standing and consent of department head.

MU 465  Choral Literature and Rehearsal Techniques (4)

Survey of choral literature especially suited for secondary schools. Philosophy and strategy for developing a school program. Musical as well as non-musical techniques for effective rehearsal. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 341, or consent of instructor.

MU 466  Instrumental Literature and Rehearsal Techniques (4)

Survey of instrumental literature especially suited for secondary schools. Philosophy and strategy for developing a school program. Musical as well as non-musical techniques for effective rehearsal. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: MU 342, or consent of instructor.