Music Courses

MUS 1A, Beginning Musicianship
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 100

Development of beginning skills in rhythmic and melodic dictation and sight-singing of diatonic music through the use of solfège in scales, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. The course teaches aural and analytical skills necessary for all musicians and fulfills the first semester Musicianship requirement for music majors and minors.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 1B, Intermediate Musicianship
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 1A

Development of intermediate skills in rhythmic, melodic, harmonic dictation and sight-singing, through the visual and aural analysis of functional and non-functional chromaticism, including altered chords and modulations. It teaches aural and visual analytical skills necessary for all musicians and fulfills the second semester Musicianship requirement for music majors and minors.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 3A, Diatonic Harmony
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 100

Intensive study of common-practice diatonic harmony through the writing of four-part chorale harmonizations, figured bass realizations, and linear and vertical analyses primarily of 18th-century music. Fosters a technical understanding of the compositional process, greater facility in learning new music, and a deeper comprehension of music in general.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 3B, Chromatic Harmony
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 3A, or demonstration of exit skills

Intensive study of chromatic harmony including both functional and non-functional chromaticism and modulations through the writing of chorale harmonizations, figured bass realizations, and linear and vertical analyses primarily of 19th-century Western European music. Fosters a technical understanding of the compositional process and a greater facility in learning music involving chromaticism.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 5A, Introduction to Composition
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 4

Introduction to the study of the principles of musical composition through analysis and creative writing. Pieces may be composed for piano and/or small instrumental and/or vocal ensembles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 5B, Music Composition
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 5A or demonstration of exit skills ADVISE: MUS 3A or MUS 8A or MUS 9C or demonstration of exit skills

Intermediate study of the principles of musical composition through analysis and creative writing. Pieces may be composed for piano and/or small instrumental and/or vocal ensembles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 6A, Beginning Classical Guitar
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

This course is an introduction to the guitar, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master a beginning level of music on the instrument. The emphasis is on the development of beginning skills needed for solo performance. Audition for placement within the class.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

No prior experience with the guitar necessary. The student must provide a guitar.

MUS 6B, Advanced Beginning Classical Guitar
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ: MUS 6A or demonstration of exit skills

Individualized study of classical guitar theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced beginning level. The emphasis is on the advanced beginning skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

The student must provide a guitar.

MUS 6C, Intermediate Classical Guitar
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 6B or demonstration of exit skills

Individualized study of classical guitar theory, technique and repertoire at the intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of intermediate skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

The student must provide a guitar.

MUS 6D, Advanced Intermediate Classical Guitar
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 6C or demonstration of exit skills

Individualized study of classical guitar theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

The student must provide a guitar.

MUS 8A, Beginning Jazz & Other Popular Piano
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 9A or demonstration of exit skills

Beginning study and exploration of jazz piano technique in myriad forms through the application of jazz theory, blues, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and other popular styles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 8B, Intermediate Jazz & Other Popular Piano
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 8A

An intermediate study of basic jazz, blues, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and other popular piano techniques.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 9A, Beginning Piano
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

Piano studies for beginners including sight reading, elementary theory, beginning ear training, and a historical view of keyboard instruments and their music.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 9B, Intermediate Piano
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 9A or demonstration of exit skills

Piano studies for the intermediate pianist including playing through reading, elementary theory, beginning ear training, and a historical view of keyboard instruments and their music.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 9C, Keyboard Harmony
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 9A

The development of harmonic keyboard skills through the study and practice of chord structures, progressions, and sight reading techniques.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 10A, Beginning Voice
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 100 or demonstration of exit skills

Introduction to study of appropriate basic techniques and repertoire for beginning voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing, and musical skills in performing vocal music of various periods and styles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 10B, Advanced Beginning Voice
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 10A or demonstration of exit skills

Study of appropriate techniques and repertoire for advanced beginning voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing and musical skills in performing vocal music of various periods and styles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 10C, Intermediate Voice
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 10B or demonstration of exit skills

Study of appropriate techniques and repertory for intermediate voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing and musical skills used to interpret vocal music of various periods and styles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 10D, Advanced Intermediate Voice
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 10C or demonstration of exit skills

Study of appropriate techniques and repertoire for advanced intermediate voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing and musical skills in performing vocal music of various periods and styles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 11, Guitar Workshop
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 6A or demonstration of exit skills

Develop the technique, musicality, note reading ability and theoretical knowledge to perform ensemble music for guitar. Ensembles include duos, trios, quartets, or larger ensembles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 12, Choir
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

The study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature appropriate for large vocal ensembles, with an emphasis on skills development for performing with an ensemble. Highly recommended for intended music majors, both instrumental and vocal.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 13A, Jazz/Rock Improvisation Workshop
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience

Study of a variety of jazz, rock, and blues genres for all instruments. Emphasis on application of basic techniques of improvisation. Students learn to play lead (melodic improvisation) in an ensemble. Culmination is a concert demonstrating repertoire and techniques learned.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 13B, Jazz Arranging & Composition
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 3A or MUS 8B

Study of a variety of jazz styles with an emphasis on learning the techniques of jazz arranging and composing.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 14, Chorale
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 12 or prior choir experience

The study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature appropriate for small vocal ensembles, with an emphasis on skills development for performing with an ensemble. Highly recommended for intended music majors, both instrumental and vocal.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 15, Orchestra
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience

An opportunity for string, woodwind, brass and percussion players to rehearse and perform works selected from the standard repertory from the Baroque era through the present.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 16, Concert Band
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

Performance of classical and marching band music for intermediate to advanced brass and woodwind students. The class will present a live concert at the conclusion of the semester.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 17, Woodwind Ensemble
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience

Intermediate to advanced woodwind students perform music in the classical and jazz idioms. The class will present a live concert at the conclusion of the semester.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 18, Brass Ensemble
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience

Preparation and performance of brass ensemble music of selected styles and historical periods from Baroque to the present day. Course culminates in a public concert.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 19, Piano Ensemble and Repertoire
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: MUS 9B or demonstration of exit skills

Performance of four-hand, two-piano, and accompaniment literature from all stylistic periods. Study of ensemble skills and use of these whenever possible in performances. Monthly public recitals.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 20, String Ensemble
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience

An exploration of techniques and ensemble literature appropriate for intermediate and advanced violinists, violists, cellists and string bassists. Concerts scheduled during the semester.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 21, Traditional African Music
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

An introduction to the many styles of African music with emphasis on the function of traditional music and how it is organized as an integral part of everyday activity.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 22A, History of Music in Western Culture: Medieval and Renaissance Music
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

A survey of musical styles from the 10th century to the early 16th century. The course focuses on evolution of musical styles and the changing social, cultural, economic, and political conditions that gave rise to those styles.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 22B, History of Music in Western Culture: Baroque and Classical Music
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

A survey of musical styles and their social contexts in the 17th and 18th centuries. Topics include the decline of church music, the rise of public concerts and opera, the evolution of the orchestra, symphonies, concertos, suites, and the development of musical instruments.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 22C, History of Music in Western Culture: Romanticism
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

A survey of Western art music and literature of the Romantic era (1800 to 1900) and the composers and the cultural and political forces that played a role in the creation of the musical works of that era. Topics include sonatas, chamber music, opera, tone poems, and symphonies.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 23, History of Jazz: Musical Traditions of the African-American
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

A course composed of lectures, discussions, assigned reading and listening designed to explore African-American musical heritage and its relationship to other folk expressions and to Western European Art Music. This heritage includes spirituals, work songs, blues, jazz, gospel and a broad range of popular music.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 24, Music of East Asia
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

A cross-cultural, comparative survey of both historical and recent developments in the music of China, Japan, and Korea, including the relationship of East Asian music to other aspects of East Asian cultures-philosophy, religion, theater, and dance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 25, Music of Latin America and the Caribbean
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

An introductory survey of the musical traditions of Latin America, the Caribbean and Latin music in the United States. This course will study music as a form of communication, and as a social and cultural force in the Americas.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 26, Music in American Culture
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

A survey of the music of America's diverse populations such as Native American, Anglo-American, African American, Cajun, Creole, Hawaiian and other styles and genres such as country, Tex-Mex, Klezmer and polka.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 27A, Music Appreciation
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

A survey of Western art music from the Middle Ages to the present, examined within cultural, social, and political contexts. Topics include musical elements, forms, and stylistic features of each historical period, as well as the individual characteristics of its representative composers.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 27B, Survey of Opera and Musical Theater
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Detailed study of opera and musical theater within historical, cultural, political, and social contexts. During the fall semester, the course will focus on upcoming operas performed by the San Francisco Opera.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

MUS 27A is not a prerequisite for MUS 27B.

MUS 27Q, Music and Queer Identity
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ENGL 88 or ESL 184

An examination of how music encodes "queerness" by focusing on significant musical styles and performers in the LGBT community.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly MUS 27C

MUS 27R, The History of Rock and Popular Music
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

A survey of the origin, trends, styles and genres of rock and popular music from the early 20th century to the present day, focusing on historical and cultural influences and the effects of technology on popular music.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 28, 20th Century Music
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

The study of the music of the twentieth century through analysis of its composers and styles as well as graphic scores, electronic music recordings and development of new technologies.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 29, Electronic Music I
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

A practical study of the historical and technical aspects of electronic music, including compositional techniques of hardware and software synthesis, sampling, MIDI sequencing, audio processing, and multi-track audio recording.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 30, Electronic Music II
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 29.

Explores intermediate/advanced concepts in electronic music composition and performance. MUS 30 expands on the foundational electronic music techniques from MUS 29, giving students access to multiple ways of making electronic music that will stand the test of time.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 41, African Drumming Ensemble
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

In African Drumming Ensemble students play traditional African music; the class is an in-depth examination of African drumming and performance of African music integral to everyday festivities and life in African society

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

The content of this course varies. Students may re-enroll without repeating subject matter.

MUS 42, Gospel Choir
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

The study of the theory, techniques and performance practices of popular, Gospel and other African American choir arrangements with piano accompaniment.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 46, Stage Band
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience

Study, rehearsal, and public performance of music arranged for large ensembles in a variety of jazz and popular styles, with an emphasis on the skills needed to perform within an ensemble. All instruments are welcome. Different literature will be studied each semester.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 47, Pep Band
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience

Rehearsal band for music of historical styles such as marches, polkas, and Dixieland, as well as current dance music. Learn to play in a large ensemble with rhythm section, brass, and winds. Performances at various school sports and other events.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7P1, Beginning Percussion
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

A practical introduction to percussion performance, students learn to play the instruments in the four families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, and Modern.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly MUS 7P

MUS 7P2, Advanced Beginning Percussion
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7P1 or demonstration of exit skills

A practical introduction to Advanced Beginning Percussion and performance, where students learn to play the instruments in the four families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, and Modern.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7P3, Intermediate Percussion
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7P2 or demonstration of exit skills

A practical introduction to percussion, performance, students learn to play the instruments in the five families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, Modern, and World.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7P4, Advanced Intermediate Percussion
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7P3 or demonstration of exit skills

A practical introduction to percussion, performance, students learn to play the instruments in the four families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, World,and Modern.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7V1, Beginning Violin
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

This course is an introduction to the violin, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master a beginning level of music on the instrument. The emphasis on the development of beginning skills needed for solo performance. Audition for placement within the class.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7V2, Advanced Beginning Violin
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7V1 or demonstration of MUS 7V1 exit skills

This course is a continuation of the study of violin, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master an advanced beginning level of music on the instrument. The emphasis is on the development of advanced beginning skills needed for solo violin performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7V3, Intermediate Violin
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7V2 or demonstration of MUS 7V2 exit skills

This course is a continuation of the study of violin, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master an intermediate level of music on the instrument. The emphasis is on the development of intermediate skills needed for solo violin performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7V4, Advanced Intermediate Violin
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7V3 or demonstration of MUS 7V3 exit skills

Individualized study of violin theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7W1, Beginning Woodwind
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

This course is an introduction to a specific woodwind instrument, and individualized study of appropriate techniques and repertoire for that instrument. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7W2, Advanced Beginning Woodwind
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7W1 or demonstration of MUS 7W1 exit skills

Individualized study of theory, technique and repertoire on the woodwinds: flute, saxophone, clarinet at the advanced beginning level. The emphasis is on the advanced beginning skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7W3, Intermediate Woodwind
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7W2 or demonstration of MUS 7W2 exit skills

Individualized study of woodwind theory, technique and repertoire at the intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of intermediate skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 7W4, Advanced Intermediate Woodwind
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

PREREQ.: MUS 7W3 or demonstration of MUS 7W3 exit skills

Individualized study of woodwind theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced intermediate level. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
MUS 100, Music Fundamentals
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

An introduction to music notation and theory, including staff notation, rhythmic notation, intervals, scales, chord construction, sight reading, and ear training.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly MUS 4

MUS 128, Survey of Contemporary and Electronic Music
Lec-52.5 field trips P/NP Available

The study of electronic music and its 20th-century acoustic counterparts through analysis of composers, styles, techniques, recordings, and technological developments.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable