Course Descriptions
MUS 100 Introduction to World Music
2 credits; 2 class hours
This course covers an overview of Western, African derived, and other selected non-Western music. Particular attention will be paid to the following: the elements of music, the role of music in society, aesthetics, and syncretism. Students will be required to attend musical performances.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 103 Rudiments of Music
3 credits; 3 class hours
This piano performance course utilizes the keyboard as a vehicle for studying the fundamentals of music, including notation, rhythm, scales, keys, interval formation and triads.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 104 Basic Musicianship
1 credit; 2 class hours
This course provides ear training in meter and rhythm, major and minor mode, intervals, chords and melody.
Pre-requisite: MUS 103
MUS 105 Voice
1 credit; 2 class hours
Fundamentals of breath control, posture, tone production, and articulation will be covered. There will be group instruction for non majors.
Pre-requisite: Permission of chairperson
MUS 106 College Choir I
1 credit; 3 class hours
Exploration, study and performance of choral musical literature I.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 107College Choir II
1 credit; 3 class hours
Exploration, study and performance of choral musical literature II.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 109 College Choir IV
1 credit; 3 class hours
Exploration, study and performance of choral musical literature IV.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 110 Piano I
2 credits; 3 class hours
This course provides class instruction on the fundamentals of piano playing. Designed to enable the student to play easy piano selections, to sight read and to improvise at the keyboard with basic chords.
Pre-requisite: Permission of the chairperson
MUS 111 Piano II
2 credits; 3 class hours
A continuation of MUS 110, this course concentrates on the performance of easy, well known selections, transportation, and elementary accompaniments.
Pre-requisite: MUS 110 or Permission of chairperson
MUS 120 Cultural Diversity in Music I
3 credits; 3 class hours
This course offers an exploration of the musical cultures of specific peoples through lectures, discussions, observations of live performances, and other scheduled events. The cultural, sociological, and historical forces that shaped this music will be explored. The themes will be: African Tribal Music, Dance and Protest Music, including Calypso and Reggae.
Pre-requisite: MUS 100
MUS 121 Introduction to Music Technology
3 credits; 3 class hours
This course is designed to allow all students pursuing an interest in the music industry, an understanding of the current operating systems, hardware, and software added to the comprehensive study of music technology from MIDI, sound generation, computer assisted instructions, digital recording, sampling, music scoring and composing. The course is a practical reference source for students using the computer to arrange or compose music to set up a music technology studio. Also, students will be exposed to elements of music theory, which includes circle of fifths, scales, key signatures, melody, harmony and chord progressions.
Pre-requisite: MUS 100 or Permission of the chairperson
MUS 204 History and Literature of Jazz
3 credits; 3 class hours
This course offers a critical examination of the history and literature of jazz from its roots in the folk songs of Black Americans to the present time. Particular attention paid to sociological background of the music, and the experiences of musicians (their life styles and the ensuing effects on musical styles).
Pre-requisites: MUS 100
Pre/Co-requisite: ENGL 112
MUS 215 Ensemble
2 credits; 3 class hours
This is a study of music for small, intermediate vocal and instrumental groups through rehearsal and performance of works in various styles.
Pre-requisite: Permission of chairperson
MUS 217 Elementary Band Instruments
3 credits; 3 class hours
This is a performance course using music for homogeneous instruments. Materials used will be selected in accordance with the interests and ability of the students.
Pre-requisite: Permission of chairperson
MUS 224 College Band I
1 credit; 3 class hours
The exploration, study and performance of musical literature written for band.
Pre-requisite: Permission of chairperson
MUS 225/226/227 College Band II, III, IV
1 credit; 3 class hours
A continuation of the exploration, study and performance of musical literature written for band.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 234 Music Theater Workshop
3 credits; 6 class hours
Students will be introduced to all aspects of music theater production including staging, directing, acting, accompanying and visual arts, to culminate with a public performance.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 241 Music Materials I
3 credits; 3 class hours
Harmonization of melodies using fundamental triads and their inversions. Introduction of the dominant seventh chord. Writing in piano style. Original exercises. Parallel sight singing and diction.
Pre-requisite: None
MUS 242 Music Materials II
4 credits; 4 hours
Continuation of Music Materials I. Four part harmony and piano style writing secondary sevenths and inversions and figures bass. Analysis of folk, jazz and classical examples is an integral part of the course. Parallel ear training.
Pre-requisite: MUS 241
MUS 250 Steel Pan/Band I: Beginners
2 credits; 3 class hours
This course will offer a brief study of the history and culture of the area in which the Steel Pan originated, an overview of the history of the Steel Pan, and its struggle for survival and the significant role it plays in the world today. The students are taught the basics of playing the Steel Pan and how to play the Pan by ear and notes. They participate in making/tuning a Steel Pan. Guest performers are invited. Field trips to concerts are required.
Pre-requisite: MUS 100
MUS 251 Steel Pan/Band II: Intermediate
2 credits; 3 class hours
This is an intermediate course in playing the Steel Pan. More complicated tunes are taught. The course is open to students who have taken Steel Pan I or who can demonstrate that they have had former training and successful experiences in playing the Steel Pan. Music of diverse cultures is taught; showmanship training is included. The learners are required to go on field trips in order to be exposed to professional presentations.
Pre-requisites: MUS 100 and MUS 250
MUS 270 African Caribbean Drumming I: Beginners
3 credits; 3 class hours
This is an introductory course to drumming with emphasis on African and African Caribbean drumming. The learners are introduced to the history of drumming and its cultural impact on Africa and the African Diaspora. They receive basic hands-on-training. They are taught the ethics involved in making and handling a drum. They are taught how to use the mind, body, and hands in playing many rhythms. Guest professional drummers add enrichment to the learners' experiences.
Pre-requisite: MUS 100
MUS 271 African Drumming II: Intermediate
3 credits; 3 class hours
This is an intermediate course in African drumming and African drumming in the Diaspora. Advanced exercises are given based on the learning experiences students had in Drumming I or from prior experiences. The drummers are taught how to accompany other instruments. The focus is on the conga drum. Other percussion instruments are introduced. The students are taught how to play in a drum ensemble. They are given playing experiences with professional drummers and bands. At least two field trips are required.
Pre-requisite: MUS 270
MUS 299 Independent Study
3 credits; 3 class hours
This independent study is designed to give students intensive work in a major area. Study, research and projects are developed individually between the student and the faculty member who will guide the study. Not open to first semester freshmen.
Pre-requisite: Completion of 6 Credits, or its Equivalent, in the Major Area and Permission of chairperson
MUS 318 Music Sequencing I
3 credits; 3 class hours
This course is designed to introduce students to the first level of the recording process. In this production or preproduction stage, the student will understand basic computer recording procedure. Also, they will understand the fundamentals and models of music softwares, such as Reason, Pro Tools and Sibelius. Students will learn M.I.D.I. and will be assigned projects that will entail composing and transcribing different musical styles using the various MIDI sequencing softwares and models. Lab hours will be required for this course.
Pre-requisite: MUS 121 or Permission of chairperson
MUS 319 Music Sequencing II
3 credits; 3 class hours
This is an in-depth course on music sequencing covering softwares and software models, such as Logic, Pro Tools, Reason and Sibelius, building on the student’s strong sense of musicianship. Logic, a strong midi and audio sequencing program, and Sibelius, a dedicated notation software, will be used to instruct students on composition and notation. As a result, students will learn to compose, transcribe and edit M.I.D.I. and audio files.
Pre-requisite: MUS 318 or Permission of chairperson
MUS 407 Music Synthesis
3 credits; 3 class hours
This Sound Design will prepare students for the currently developing fields in music production, such as sound or music for video games, commercials, television and movies. Students will apply the principles of envelopes and filters to achieve an assigned sound or effect. These newly formed sounds will be applied in the use of video and audio and midi sequences, such as new sounds or effects created for a one minute commercial. This is a project based class with two exams, midterm and final. All students must produce nine sound design sequencing projects.
Pre-requisite: MUS 319 or Permission of chairperson
MUS 409 Music Recording
3 credits; 3 class hours
This class is a thorough comprehensive lecture and lab on analog and digital recording and its procedures. This course enables students to understand and function in a recording studio. Subjects covered involve signal flow, analog processors, mixing boards, cable management, microphone design and placement and room acoustics.
Pre-requisite: MUS 319 or Permission of chairperson
