Music - Fundamentals, History, and Literature (MUFHL) Courses
MUFHL 299 Experimental Offering in Music Fundamentals/History and Literature
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
MUFHL 300 Introduction to Music
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 100
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introductory examination of how composers and songwriters apply the various elements of music to heighten the expressive impact of a composition. Aspects of melody, rhythm, harmony, tone, and structure are studied through focused listening of works from the Renaissance to contemporary styles of avant-garde and popular music. This course requires no previous musical study.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define terms regarding sound, music, notation, and history of music.
- compare and contrast various forms and styles of music.
- critique musical performances utilizing course concepts.
- compare styles and ensembles from the Renaissance to the present.
- identify specific masterworks and composers.
MUFHL 308 Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines social, political, cultural, and economic issues as they relate to the history of Rock & Roll music. It includes guided listening and video presentations to show the evolution of Rock from its roots to current stylistic trends. This course requires no previous musical study.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast substyles of the Rock & Roll genre.
- analyze the national and international historical events of past decades and the influence of these events on the Rock & Roll idiom.
- identify the influences of social, political, ethnic, and gender issues on Rock & Roll.
- describe the influence of world cultures (e.g. England, Africa, Ireland, Eastern India, South America, Mexico) on Rock & Roll.
- evaluate musical examples by applying techniques of analytical listening.
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750)
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MUFHL 321 and 400; AND eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 105
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the first of a two-course series that offers a survey of the history of music, including the most significant composers and works from antiquity to 1750. It provides background on medieval, renaissance, and baroque music, thus increasing understanding of modern styles derived from these early periods of music.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess and describe various musical styles from Late Antiquity through the Baroque period.
- analyze and aurally identify significant music from the medieval era through the Baroque period.
- evaluate the contributions of important composers of various time periods.
- relate early music to its historical and social context.
- critique and differentiate musical instruments through the history of early music to 1750.
MUFHL 311 Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present)
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MUFHL 321 and 400; Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 106
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the second of a two-course series that offers a survey of the history of music including the most significant composers and works from the Classical period to the present. It provides background on Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and 20th-century music, thus increasing understanding of modern styles derived from these periods of music.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate and describe the major eras and stylistic differences in music history since 1750.
- differentiate diverse musical examples by applying techniques of analytical listening skills.
- critique the various historical events that contributed to the evolution of music.
- compare various composers from the Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods of music.
- classify and catalogue instruments and instrumental music from 1750 to present.
MUFHL 315 Jazz History
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the history of jazz. Topics include ethnicity, ethnocentrism, racism, ageism, class differences, and gender issues. Guided listening presentations show how African and early African American musical traditions have led to the development of various improvisational forms and styles including ragtime, swing, bebop, free jazz, fusion, and acid jazz.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast traditions of jazz music throughout the world
- recognize and distinguish between diverse musical styles and musical traditions
- identify and evaluate the historical and social content of the world's cultures through musical expression
- compare and contrast ethnicity, ethnocentrism, racism, ageism, class differences, and multicultural gender issues through the study of traditions of jazz music throughout the world
- evaluate stylistic and formulaic traits of jazz music through analytical listening
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: No credit if taken after MUFHL 400)
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the elements of music including scales, chords, aural skills, harmonic progression, form, notation, and composition. No previous musical study is required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- play, sing, or identify major, minor, augmented, diminished, and dominant seventh chords.
- construct all key signatures in both treble and bass clef.
- construct all major scales in both treble and bass clef using accidentals.
- play, sing, or identify basic diatonic root motions.
- discuss the relationship between a major scale and its relative minor.
- demonstrate the intervallic relationship between the notes in the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales.
MUFHL 330 World Music
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to folk, dance, ceremonial, and popular music from around the world. Guided listening presentations show how traditional forms and styles have led to the urban, professional music popular in many countries today known as "World Beat." It addresses concepts of ethnicity, ethnocentrism, racism, ageism, class differences, and gender issues. It compares the music of the Americas, Africa, Asia, India, Europe, and the Middle East. No previous musical experience is required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast traditions of music throughout the world.
- critique and differentiate diverse musical styles and musical instruments.
- describe the historical and social content of the world's cultures through musical expression.
- assess concepts of ethnicity, ethnocentrism, racism, ageism, class differences, and gender issues of various cultures through the study of traditions of music throughout the world.
- evaluate musical examples by applying techniques of analytical listening skills.
- define terms related to different musical genres throughout the world.
- summarize the histories, social contexts, and influences of musicians and musical genres throughout the world.
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MUFHL 321 or MUIVI 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Knowledge of musical notation
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 125; C-ID MUS 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study of scales, intervals, triads, diatonic harmonies, part writing, rhythms, sight-singing, ear training, dictation, history, and performance. It includes short creative assignments to provide experience in the application of materials learned in class. It includes analysis and composition and is required for music majors.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze major, minor, modal, chromatic, and whole tone scales and identify them when played or sung.
- analyze components of melody and write a variety of melody types involving motive, phrase member, period, double period, and song forms.
- distinguish voice ranges and instrumental ranges.
- complete a four-part chorale exercise, primarily in root position but also in first and second inversions.
- notate music for a variety of non-transposing and transposing instruments.
- construct major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads and describe their function in tonal music.
- assemble key signatures for all major and minor keys.
- compose for various instrumental and vocal combinations.
- dictate short diatonic melodies and harmonies in a tonal context.
- sight-sing short diatonic melodies in simple meters.
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUFHL 400 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUIVI 341
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 130; C-ID MUS 135
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a continuation of MUFHL 400. It provides a more in-depth study of scales, triads, diatonic harmonies, part writing, rhythms, sight singing, ear training, dictation, form, history, and performance. It also includes the study of harmonic progression, dominant and non-dominant seventh chords, modulation, secondary function chords, and binary and ternary form. It includes analysis and composition and is required for music majors.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and sing major, minor, modal, chromatic, and whole-tone scales and identify them when played or sung.
- create and interpret components of melody through analysis and composition.
- apply a variety of melody types to idiomatic chord progressions.
- recollect voice ranges and instrumental ranges of both non-transposing and transposing instruments.
- analyze and complete music in four-part chorale style using primarily root-position chords with limited use of first- and second-inversion chords.
- demonstrate an understanding of the use of functional harmony by analysis and composition of music which incorporates modulation to closely related key centers.
- illustrate knowledge of the chord symbols used in classic Western music, American popular songs, blues, boogie, and jazz.
- write and analyze music in simple binary and ternary forms.
- analyze and compose music that includes dominant seventh chords, leading-tone seventh chords, and non-dominant seventh chords.
- analyze and compose music that utilizes secondary dominant chords and secondary leading-tone chords.
- score music for various instrumental and vocal combinations.
- dictate short diatonic melodies and harmonies in a tonal context, including basic chromaticism.
- sight-sing short diatonic melodies in simple and compound meters, including basic chromaticism.
MUFHL 410 Music Theory and Musicianship III
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUFHL 401 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUIVI 350
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 140; C-ID MUS 145
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a continuation of MUFHL 401. It includes the study of 16th- and 18th-century counterpoint, fugue, variation, altered chords, sonata-allegro, and rondo forms, and late 19th-century writing techniques; practice in rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and contrapuntal sight singing; ear training, and dictation. This course is required for music majors.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze successful compositions from the 16th century through the 19th century.
- compose, critique, and discuss music using 16th- and 18th-century polyphony.
- recognize, analyze, and synthesize musical concepts through composition, performance, and arrangements of music using harmonic structures that include borrowed chords, Neapolitan 6th chords, and augmented 6th chords.
- evaluate, compose, and analyze music in theme and variation, sonata, and rondo forms.
- incorporate common practice period part-writing techniques and Roman numeral analysis symbols in music analysis and composition.
- recognize and analyze music using 9th, 11th, 13th, and altered dominant chords.
- demonstrate aural skills related to sight singing and musical dictation using increasingly complex melodies, rhythms, intervals, and harmonic structures.
MUFHL 411 Music Theory and Musicianship IV
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUFHL 410 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUIVI 351
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 150; C-ID MUS 155
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a continuation of MUFHL 410. It includes a more in-depth study of altered chords and late 19th- and 20th-century writing techniques including: 9th, 11th, and 13th chords; altered dominants; chromatic harmony; dodecaphony; set theory; aleatory; minimalism; and analysis techniques. It includes practice in rhythmic, melodic, harmonic and contrapuntal sight-singing, ear-training, and dictation. This course is required for music majors.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and evaluate compositions from the 19th to the 21st Century.
- compose music using 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century techniques such as whole-tone, synthetic, and pentatonic scales; 9th, 11th, and 13th chords; neomodality; pandiatonicism; polytonality; non-accentual rhythm; pitch sets; dodecaphony; and aleatory.
- apply aural skills to dictate more complex melodies, harmonies and rhythms as implemented in 19th- through 21st-century compositions.
- recognize, analyze, and employ harmonic circle progressions.
- diagram and analyze dodecaphonic music using a pitch-set matrix.
MUFHL 420 Beginning Jazz Theory
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUFHL 400 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUIVI 385 and 400
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the elements of jazz theory including harmonic, melodic, and formal elements of the jazz idiom. It includes analysis and composition and is required for jazz majors.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- build the blues scale, the bebop scale, the diatonic modes, the pentatonic scale, all triads, 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords, and II-V-I progressions in all keys.
- apply chord symbol notation in written form.
- apply melodic and harmonic techniques to an instrument or voice.
- analyze melodic, harmonic, and formal elements of jazz compositions, including modulation, secondary function, modal interchange, and tonicization.
- synthesize melodic, harmonic, and formal elements of jazz into original compositions.
- distinguish common formal, rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic techniques used in the jazz idiom through ear-training exercises.
MUFHL 421 Advanced Jazz Theory
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUFHL 420 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUIVI 386 and 400
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course presents a continuation of jazz concepts presented in MUFHL 420. It emphasizes advanced elements of jazz theory including composition and arranging, as well as harmonic, melodic, and formal analysis in the jazz idiom.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply reharmonization concepts to jazz compositions.
- apply melodic and harmonic techniques to an instrument or voice.
- analyze advanced melodic, harmonic, and formal elements of jazz compositions.
- synthesize melodic, harmonic, and formal elements of jazz into original compositions and arrangements.
- investigate advanced melodic and harmonic techniques used in the jazz idiom through ear-training exercises.
MUFHL 495 Independent Studies in Music Fundamentals/History and Literature
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
MUFHL 499 Experimental Offering in Music Fundamentals/History and Literature
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:9 - 54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to study topics in music which are not included in current course offering. May be taken four times for credit for a maximum of eight units on different topics.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze background and current status of special topic.
- apply concepts acquired from the special topic in practical applications.
- compare and contrast special topic information to regular curriculum information
Music - Instrumental/Voice Instruction (MUIVI) Courses
MUIVI 200 Introduction to Music Education
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:MUFHL 321 (Basic Musicianship) with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, AND three years of experience in either band or choir.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a survey of the resources used in the music education profession as a band or choir teacher. It introduces the basic skills necessary to teach beginning band or choir. Topics include creating lesson plans, classroom management, and basic conducting patterns.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- communicate with school administration to address scheduling, facility, and recruitment needs.
- create basic lesson plans for beginning instrumental or choral ensembles.
- select appropriate teaching materials for beginning band or choral ensembles.
- use basic instructional technology in the course.
- employ basic methods of management of course participants.
- prepare basic methods of recruitment for ensembles.
- make basic repairs on band instruments.
- demonstrate basic conducting patterns.
MUIVI 298 Work Experience in Instrumental/Voice Instruction
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to the instrumental/voice instruction field with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Music Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of instrumental/voice instruction. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in associate degree level or certificate occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate mastery of specific job skills in the instrumental/voice instruction field related to an associate degree or certificate occupational program level career as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- make effective decisions, use workforce information, and manage their personal career plans.
- behave professionally, ethically, and legally during work, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational norms.
- behave responsibly during work, exhibiting initiative and self-management in situations where it is needed.
- apply effective leadership styles during work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity.
- communicate in oral, written, and other formats, as needed, in a variety of contexts during work.
- locate, organize, evaluate, and reference information during work.
- demonstrate originality and inventiveness during work by combining ideas or information in new ways, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshaping goals in ways that reveal new possibilities using critical and creative thinking skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
MUIVI 310 Voice Class I
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Voice Fundamentals
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MUFHL 321
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study of solo singing. Topics include basic vocal technique, breathing, mouth position, and solo repertoire.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- differentiate between and choose the mouth positions needed to create stylistically appropriate vowel timbre.
- evaluate and demonstrate correct singing posture and breathing technique.
- manage an even timbre throughout the vocal registers and across the passagio.
- differentiate between syllabic and neumatic text setting and scalar and arpeggiated melodies.
- perform songs in English, Italian, Spanish, and German.
- demonstrate appropriate stage presence.
- reference a personally created studio teaching notebook.
MUIVI 311 Voice Class II
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Voice Fundamentals
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 310 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUFHL 321
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continued study of solo singing. Topics include vocal technique, breathing, mouth positions and vowel formation, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and solo repertoire.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify a melismatic text setting.
- sing a melisma with consistent timbre, flexibility, and breath intensity.
- diagnose basic vocal issues in others including incorrect register choice, improper placement, and poor breathing skills.
- extend both the upper and lower vocal range.
- differentiate breath intensity from volume.
- produce an intensified tone at all dynamic levels.
- discuss and apply the International Phonetic Alphabet.
MUIVI 320 Voice Class III
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Voice Technique and Repertoire
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 311 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUFHL 321
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continued study of solo singing. Topics include tone placement, register balance, vocal health, and solo repertoire.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the results of a laryngoscopy for evidence of poor vocal habits.
- demonstrate healthy singing habits.
- schedule and utilize efficient rehearsal habits.
- choose a practice regimen consisting of various long tone, agility, and range exercises.
- assemble a song set based upon range, tessitura, agility requirements, and phrase length.
MUIVI 321 Voice Class IV
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Voice Technique and Repertoire
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUFHL 321
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continued study of solo singing. Topics include bel canto technique, Italian and German solo repertoire, tone placement, register balance, and vocal health.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- integrate methods of non-verbal communication of tempi, tempo rubato, fermatas, and dynamics into a song performance.
- demonstrate correct vocalization of Italian consonant combinations.
- research historical, cultural, and stylistic considerations for song interpretation.
- differentiate between portamento, sforzando, trill, and turn.
MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Piano Fundamentals
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 170
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces piano/keyboard skills. It presents beginning concepts of music theory, music notation, and harmonizing simple melodies. This course is open to all students and is recommended for music majors who do not demonstrate equivalent piano proficiency.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and define a three-octave range of notes and the notation used to express them.
- demonstrate coordination of the hands playing together.
- interpret a music score and play a melody with accompanying block chords (I, IV, V7).
- demonstrate the skills needed to play simultaneously with other pianists/musicians.
- analyze a simple melody and transpose to another key.
- sightread an eight-measure composition with a single line in each hand.
- evaluate the playing of others.
- recommend and demonstrate good practice habits.
MUIVI 341 Piano II
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Piano Fundamentals
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 171
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a continuation of MUIVI 340 and is designed for students interested in piano as a medium of expression and enjoyment, as well as for prospective preschool, kindergarten, and elementary-school teachers. It covers major and minor scales and chords, bass styles, chromatic scales, and literature with greater rhythmic and harmonic complexity. It is the second semester of a four-semester sequence for music majors who need to demonstrate piano proficiency.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and define a five-octave range of notes and the notation used to express them.
- demonstrate coordination of the hands playing together.
- interpret a music score and play a melody with varying accompaniment styles using I, IV, V7 chords and their minor variants.
- demonstrate the skills needed to play in an ensemble setting.
- sight read an eight-measure composition with a single line in each hand or a melody with accompanying chords.
- evaluate the playing of others.
- cite and demonstrate good practice habits.
MUIVI 350 Piano III
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Piano Technique and Repertoire
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 341 with a grade of "C" or better; or the ability to play major scales (one octave, hands together C, G, F, D, A, and E-major) and the ability to play a simple melody with basic chordal accompaniment in a major or minor key.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 172
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course expands on the foundations of piano playing studied in MUIVI 341 and includes further study of the harmonization of melodies, major and minor scales, and repertoire.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- perform numerous repertoire selections representing several style periods.
- analyze and improvise simple melodies with chordal harmonizations.
- identify, define, and play major and minor triads as well as their inversions.
- interpret a music score and play a melody with varying accompaniment styles (i.e. Latin, Alberti Bass, Waltz, Boogie).
- identify and play major and minor scales (all major keys and harmonic minor in A, E, B, F, D, and G, three octaves, hands together).
- demonstrate the skills needed to play in an ensemble setting.
- transpose a simple melody in all keys.
- sight read an eight-measure composition with a single line in each hand or a melody with accompanying chords.
- perform pieces written in simple 4-part harmony (chorales, hymns).
- evaluate the piano playing of others.
- employ good practice habits.
MUIVI 351 Piano IV
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Piano Technique and Repertoire
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 350 with a grade of "C" or better, OR the ability to play all major scales, hands together, two octaves, and harmonic minor scales in A, E, B, F, D, and G, hands together, two octaves.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the fourth semester of piano study. It is a continuation of MUIVI 350 and includes the further development of insight into music as an artistic means of communication through the study of scales, chords, melodic harmonization, and repertoire. This course also serves to develop the fundamental skills for the non-keyboard music major.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- perform numerous repertoire selections.
- analyze and improvise simple melodies with chorale harmonizations.
- identify, define, and play major and minor triads and their inversions.
- identify and play major and minor scales and arpeggios for two octaves.
- demonstrate transposition of a simple melody in all keys.
- demonstrate simple melodies with different styles of accompaniment (i.e., Latin, Alberti Bass, Waltz, Boogie).
- employ sight reading skills.
- evaluate the playing of other pianists.
MUIVI 370 Beginning Guitar
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Guitar and Bass
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides guitar instruction emphasizing the fundamentals of music reading, basic technique and skills in note reading, improvisation, accompanying, and development of personal style.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- incorporate and identify a 3-octave range of notes and the notation used to express them.
- demonstrate hand coordination while playing the guitar.
- analyze notated music at a beginning level.
- critique the guitar playing of others.
- structure good practice habits.
- demonstrate the basic skills of guitar playing.
MUIVI 371 Intermediate Guitar
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Guitar and Bass
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 370 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a continuation of MUIVI 370. It emphasizes increased skills in note reading, improvisation, accompanying, and development of personal style.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze music for the guitar from a variety of historical eras.
- read melodic lines with conventional notation and guitar tablature.
- express a theoretical knowledge of guitar playing.
- incorporate creative musical expression.
- demonstrate increased dexterity in strumming and chording.
- demonstrate finger picking abilities.
MUIVI 385 Jazz Styles and Improvisation I
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Instrumental
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to play a melodic instrument or ability to sight sing; ability to read music in the treble or bass clef.
- Advisory:MUFHL 400
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study of instrumental and vocal applications of jazz improvisation. It includes analysis and composition and is required for jazz studies majors.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- build the blues scale; the bebop scale; the diatonic modes; the pentatonic scale; all triads; 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords; and II-V-I progressions in all keys.
- identify and apply call and response, melodic embellishment, and neighbor tones in a jazz improvisation.
- develop a motive in an improvised melody.
- compose a jazz melody incorporating techniques such as the blues scale, the bebop scale, the diatonic modes, the pentatonic scale, call and response, melodic embellishment, and neighbor tones.
- create a spontaneous jazz improvisation incorporating techniques such as the blues scale; the bebop scale; the diatonic modes; the pentatonic scale; 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords; II-V-I progressions; call and response; melodic embellishment; and neighbor tones.
MUIVI 386 Jazz Styles and Improvisation II
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Instrumental
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 385 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUFHL 420
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study of advanced instrumental and vocal applications of jazz improvisation. It includes analysis and is a continuation of the concepts covered in MUIVI 385.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- build idiomatic jazz vocabulary on the Blues, Standard, Modal, Post-bop, Ballad, and Funk compositions.
- identify and apply idiomatic phrases such as ii-V-I, diatonic patterns, ballad patterns, sequences, neighboring tones, and Blues devices in a chord progression.
- compose a jazz melody incorporating the techniques listed above.
- create a spontaneous jazz improvisation incorporating the techniques listed above.
MUIVI 390 Jazz and Popular Vocal Styles and Improvisation I
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Voice
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 310 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUFHL 321 and MUIVI 310
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a study of popular and jazz solo singing styles and improvisation. Topics include jazz and pop styles, microphone technique, basic improvisation, and vocal technique.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- critique stylistic articulations, tone, and vibrato type relevant to specific jazz and popular vocal styles.
- express appropriate stylistic articulations, tone, and vibrato type relevant to specific jazz and popular vocal styles.
- analyze and evaluate various stylistic interpretations of lyrics.
- express, through vocal nuance, an emotional response to lyrics.
- create a comprehensive set of songs either within a specific style or including several styles.
- build and sing the blues scale, the bebop scale, the diatonic modes, the pentatonic scale, triads, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, and II-V-I progressions in several keys.
- create a spontaneous jazz improvisation incorporating techniques such as the blues, the bebop scale, the diatonic modes, the pentatonic scale, triads, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, and II-V-I progressions in several keys.
MUIVI 391 Jazz and Popular Vocal Styles and Improvisation II
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Voice
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 390 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUIVI 311
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continued study of popular and jazz singing styles and improvisation. Topics include rhythm section rehearsal techniques for singers, funk styles, pentatonic scales, Lydian dominant improvisation, and transposition.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze stylistic articulations, tone, and vibrato relevant to Latin jazz.
- build the Lydian dominant scale and the pentatonic scale and utilize them in a Latin jazz ballad.
- transpose a song several times then choose the appropriate key and write a lead sheet.
- develop the skills to rehearse the jazz rhythm section.
- create a comprehensive set of songs including several styles of jazz (blues, swing, bebop, Latin, funk) and popular music.
MUIVI 400 Beginning Jazz Piano
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Piano
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUFHL 400, MUFHL 420, or MUIVI 385
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of jazz piano. Topics include blues, left-hand voicings, two-hand voicings, and scale theory applications to the keyboard.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- build triads, seventh chords, shell voicings, and rootless voicings at the keyboard.
- apply chord symbol notation to root position chords, shell voicings, four-note voicings for the left hand, and four-note voicings for both hands.
- apply the blues scale and diatonic modes to chord symbols at the keyboard.
- produce a simple jazz piano arrangement from a lead sheet.
- evaluate the efforts of others to solve musical and technical problems.
MUIVI 401 Intermediate Jazz Piano
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Piano
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 400 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:MUFHL 420
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers intermediate studies in jazz piano. Topics include arranging jazz harmonies at the keyboard using techniques such as three- and four-note rootless voicings, five-note mixed-modal voicings, "Drop 2," Red Garland voicings, and the "So What" chord.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- build three- and four-note rootless voicings for the left hand at the keyboard.
- apply chord symbol notation to "Drop 2," Red Garland style, five-note mixed-modal, and "So What" chord voicings for both hands at the keyboard.
- produce an intermediate jazz piano arrangement from a lead sheet.
- evaluate the efforts of others to solve musical and technical problems.
MUIVI 411 Applied Music Practicum
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Performance assessment
- Advisory:Enrolled in one of the following; MUIVI 340, MUFHL 321, 400, 401, 410, 411, 420, or 421; AND Enrolled in one of the following; MUP 310, 320, 323, 330, 340, 350, 360, or 400.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study of appropriate techniques and repertoire for the voice and instruments appropriate for music majors. It focuses on individualized instrumental, composition, or vocal instruction. It also includes solo performances, recital participation, masterclasses, and a final juried performance.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines.
- interpret solo repertoire for an instrument/voice.
- design and implement an effective practice routine.
- analyze musical performance skills.
- compare and contrast music from different musical eras written for an instrument/voice.
- perform improvised solos as applicable.
- demonstrate the appropriate level of blend and balance when performing with an accompanist.
- memorize performance literature as appropriate to the performance medium and artistic tradition.
MUIVI 420 Applied Music
- Units:1
- Hours:7 hours LEC; 33 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Applied Music Fundamentals
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:MUFHL 400, AND one of the following: MUP 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, or 400.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the first course in a four-part series which focuses on the development of individual performance skills and solo and ensemble repertoire. It includes one-on-one instrumental, composition, or vocal instruction for a total of seven hours per semester. It also includes six hours per semester of solo performance, recital participation, masterclasses, and a final juried performance. It also includes one-and-one-half hours documented practice time per week. This course is required for all traditional performance and jazz music majors. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a large performance ensemble appropriate for their concentration. Students should also be enrolled in or have completed MUFHL 400.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the Level I National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines
- interpret solo repertoire for an instrument/voice
- design and implement an effective practice routine
- analyze musical performance skills
- compare and contrast music from different musical eras written for an instrument/voice
MUIVI 421 Applied Music II
- Units:1
- Hours:7 hours LEC; 33 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Applied Music Fundamentals
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 420 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:MUFHL 401, AND one of the following: MUP 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, or 400.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the second course in a four-part series which focuses on the development of individual performance skills and solo and ensemble repertoire. It includes one-on-one or small-group instrumental, composition, or vocal instruction for a total of seven hours per semester. It also includes six hours per semester of solo performance, recital participation, masterclasses, and a final juried performance. It also includes one-and-one-half hours documented practice time per week. This course is required for all traditional performance and jazz music majors. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a large performance ensemble appropriate for their concentration. Students should also be enrolled in or have completed music theory course MUFHL 401.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the Level II National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines
- interpret solo repertoire for an instrument/voice
- design and implement an effective practice routine
- analyze musical performance skills
- compare and contrast music from different musical eras written for an instrument/voice
MUIVI 422 Applied Music III
- Units:1
- Hours:7 hours LEC; 33 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Applied Music Technique and Repertoire
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 421 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:MUFHL 410, AND one of the following: MUP 310, 330, 340, 350, 360, or 400
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the third course in a four-part series which focuses on the development of individual performance skills and solo and ensemble repertoire. It includes one-on-one or small group instrumental, composition, or vocal instruction for a total of seven hours per semester. It also includes seven hours per semester of solo performance, recital attendance, masterclasses, and a final juried performance. It also includes one-and-one-half hours documented practice time per week. This course is required for all traditional performance and composition majors. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a traditional large performance ensemble appropriate to their concentration. Students should also be enrolled in or have completed music theory course MUFHL 410.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the Level III National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines
- interpret solo repertoire for an instrument/voice
- design and implement an effective practice routine
- analyze musical performance skills
- compare and contrast music from different musical eras written for an instrument/voice
MUIVI 423 Applied Music IV
- Units:1
- Hours:7 hours LEC; 33 hours LAB
- Course Family:Traditional Applied Music Technique and Repertoire
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 422 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:MUFHL 411, AND one of the following: MUP 310, 330, 340, 350, or 360
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the final course in a four-part series which focuses on the development of individual performance skills and solo and ensemble repertoire. It includes one-on-one instrumental, composition, or vocal instruction for a total of seven hours per semester. It also includes seven hours per semester of solo performance, recital attendance, masterclasses, and a final juried performance. It also includes one-and-one-half hours documented practice time per week. This course is required for all traditional performance majors. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a large performance ensemble appropriate for their concentration. Students should also be enrolled in or have completed music theory course MUFHL 411.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the Level IV National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines
- interpret solo repertoire for an instrument/voice
- design and implement an effective practice routine
- analyze musical performance skills
- compare and contrast music from different musical eras written for an instrument/voice
MUIVI 425 Applied Music - Jazz I
- Units:1
- Hours:7 hours LEC; 33 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Applied Music
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 421 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:MUFHL 410 or 420; AND MUP 320 or 400.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the third course in a four-part series which focuses on the development of individual performance skills and solo and ensemble repertoire in the jazz idiom. It includes one-on-one instrumental or vocal instruction for a total of seven hours per semester. It also includes seven hours per semester of solo performance, recital attendance, masterclasses, and a final juried performance. It also includes one-and-one-half hours documented practice time per week. This course is required for all jazz studies majors. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a large performance jazz ensemble appropriate for their concentration. Students should also be enrolled in or have completed either music theory course MUFHL 410 or MUFHL 420.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the Level III National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines
- interpret solo jazz repertoire for an instrument/voice
- design and implement an effective practice routine
- evaluate musical performance skills
- compare and contrast jazz music from different stylistic periods for an instrument/voice
- incorporate improvisation concepts into a jazz ensemble
MUIVI 426 Applied Music - Jazz II
- Units:1
- Hours:7 hours LEC; 33 hours LAB
- Course Family:Jazz Applied Music
- Prerequisite:MUIVI 425 with a grade of "C" or better; AND MUFHL 410 or 420.
- Corequisite:MUFHL 410 or 420; AND MUP 320 or 400.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the final course in a four-part series which focuses on the development of individual performance skills and solo and ensemble repertoire in the jazz idiom. It includes one-on-one instrumental or vocal instruction for a total of seven hours per semester. It also includes seven hours per semester of solo performance, recital attendance, masterclasses, and a final juried performance. It also includes one-and-one-half hours of documented practice time per week. This course is required for all jazz performance majors. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a large performance jazz ensemble appropriate for their concentration. Students should also be enrolled in or have completed music theory course MUFHL 410 or MUFHL 420.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the Level IV National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines
- interpret solo jazz repertoire for an instrument/voice
- design and implement an effective practice routine
- evaluate musical performance skills
- compare and contrast jazz music from different stylistic periods for an instrument/voice
- incorporate improvisation concepts into a jazz ensemble
MUIVI 495 Independent Studies in Music Instrumental/Voice Instruction
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
MUIVI 498 Work Experience in Instrumental/Voice Instruction
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to the instrumental/voice instruction with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Music Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of instrumental/voice instruction. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate application of industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in the field of instrumental/voice instruction related to a transfer degree level career as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- make effective decisions, use workforce information, and manage their personal career plans.
- behave professionally, ethically, and legally during work, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational norms.
- behave responsibly during work, exhibiting initiative and self-management in situations where it is needed.
- apply effective leadership styles during work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity.
- communicate in oral, written, and other formats, as needed, in a variety of contexts during work.
- locate, organize, evaluate, and reference information during work.
- demonstrate originality and inventiveness during work by combining ideas or information in new ways, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshaping goals in ways that reveal new possibilities using critical and creative thinking skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
MUIVI 499 Experimental Offering in Music Instrumental/Voice Instruction
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
Music - Performance (MUP) Courses
MUP 310 Orchestra
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in orchestra.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study and performance of orchestral repertoire encompassing a wide variety of orchestral styles. Public performances and field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare and participate in performance presentations of orchestral repertoire in various styles for the public.
- compare musical and aesthetic values of a wide variety of orchestral styles.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
- formulate practice routines specific to an instrument.
- evaluate and critique performance ensembles.
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra
- Units:1 - 2
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC; 27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUP 310 with a grade of "C" or better; or an audition.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continuing study and performance of orchestral repertoire. Additional topics include experience in conducting, rehearsal techniques, and section leading. Public performances and/or field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare and participate in performance presentations of advanced orchestral repertoire in various styles for the public.
- analyze rehearsal techniques and apply those techniques to new sections of orchestral music.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within and lead an ensemble in rehearsal.
- formulate and maintain practice routines specific to an instrument.
- evaluate and critique performance ensembles.
MUP 320 Jazz Band
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in jazz ensemble; audition required.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study and performance of jazz band repertoire encompassing a wide variety of music in the jazz style. Public performances and field trips may be required. This course may be taken four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare and participate in performance presentations of jazz band repertoire in various jazz styles for the public.
- compare and contrast jazz band performance styles.
- critique musicianship.
- perform beginning analysis of jazz band repertoire.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
- incorporate jazz styles into performance practice.
MUP 321 Advanced Jazz Band
- Units:1 - 2
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC; 27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:Completion of 8 units of MUP 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continuing study and performance of jazz band repertoire and techniques. Additional topics include improvising, conducting, rehearsal technique, and section leading. Public performances and field trips may be required. This course may be taken four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze advanced jazz band repertoire.
- organize and manage small-group practice sessions.
- compare and contrast jazz band performance styles.
- critique musicianship.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
MUP 323 Latin Jazz Ensemble
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in jazz ensemble; audition required.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180; C-ID MUS 185
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study and performance of Latin jazz repertoire encompassing a wide variety of Latin American and Afro-Cuban jazz styles. Public performances and field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare for and participate in performance presentations of Latin jazz repertoire in various styles for the public.
- compare and contrast Latin jazz performance styles.
- critique musicianship.
- analyze beginning Latin jazz repertoire.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
- incorporate Latin jazz into performance practice.
MUP 324 Advanced Latin Jazz Ensemble
- Units:1 - 2
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC; 27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:Completion of 8 units of MUP 323 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180; C-ID MUS 185
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the further study, rehearsal, and public performance of Latin Jazz literature appropriate to the ensemble. It emphasizes the development of skills needed to perform a wide variety of Latin American and Afro-Cuban jazz styles. Different literature will be studied each semester. Public performance is required; field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- play or sing in time with a section and the ensemble as directed.
- play or sing the correct pitches as indicated with accurate intonation.
- play or sing with the articulation, dynamics, phrasing, and expression as directed.
- play or sing appropriately with the ensemble.
- play or sing appropriately to the Latin Jazz style.
- perform improvised solos as applicable.
- demonstrate appropriate blend and balance within the ensemble and/or the section.
- adhere to professional level ensemble performance and rehearsal standards of conduct.
- apply concepts of conducting patterns and rehearsal techniques.
MUP 327 Chamber Jazz Ensemble
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to play at least one instrument commonly found in a jazz ensemble; audition required.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180; C-ID MUS 185
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines and evaluates techniques of chamber jazz group organization, jazz arranging, and jazz improvisation. Chamber jazz recording techniques are analyzed focusing on studio etiquette, microphone setup, headphone mix, and playback critique. Public performances and field trips may be required. This course may be taken four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare jazz styles.
- compare and contrast rehearsal and performance components of small and large jazz ensembles.
- evaluate technical skills through ensemble practice and performance.
- construct and evaluate jazz improvisations.
- create and prepare a program of songs for performance.
- demonstrate professional demeanor in a chamber jazz ensemble.
MUP 328 Advanced Chamber Jazz Ensemble
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:Completion of 8 units of MUP 327 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180; C-ID MUS 185
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines and evaluates advanced techniques of chamber jazz ensemble organization. Ensemble members select music, formulate rehearsal strategy, and set up and evaluate group performances. Public performances and field trips may be required. This course may be taken four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine modern jazz styles.
- organize and assemble a contemporary small jazz ensemble.
- evaluate advanced technical skills through participation in performance preparation and presentations for the public.
- construct and evaluate jazz improvisations on advanced chord progressions.
- arrange contemporary jazz songs for a small jazz ensemble.
- create and prepare a program of songs for performance.
- apply conducting and rehearsal techniques.
MUP 330 Concert Band
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to play a concert band instrument.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study and performance of concert band repertoire. It is open to those who play a concert band instrument. Public performances and/or field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare and participate in performance presentations of concert band repertoire in various styles for the public.
- apply basic techniques (tone, projection, support, posture) and formulate specific practice routines.
- identify balance, intonation, and tempo within the section and across the ensemble to produce an artistic performance.
- evaluate and critique music performance ensembles.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
MUP 331 Advanced Concert Band
- Units:1 - 2
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC; 27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUP 330 (Concert Band) with a grade of "C" or better; or audition.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continuing study and performance of concert band literature. Additional topics include conducting, rehearsal techniques, and section leading. Public performances and/or field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare and participate in performance presentations of concert band repertoire in various styles for the public.
- analyze rehearsal techniques and apply those techniques to new sections of concert band music.
- organize and manage small-group breakout practice sessions.
- critique musicianship, including balance, intonation, and tempo within the section and across the ensemble.
- evaluate and critique performance ensembles.
- analyze and/or demonstrate basic conducting patterns and gestures.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to learn and work within an ensemble.
MUP 340 Symphonic Band
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to play a symphonic band instrument.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study and performance of the symphonic band repertoire. It is open to those who play a symphonic band instrument. Public performances and/or field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare and participate in performance presentations of symphonic band repertoire in various styles for the public.
- formulate specific practice routines and apply basic techniques (tone, projection, support, posture).
- critique musicianship, including balance, intonation, and tempo within the section and across the ensemble to produce an artistic performance.
- evaluate and critique performance ensembles.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
MUP 341 Advanced Symphonic Band
- Units:1 - 2
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC; 27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUP 340 (Symphonic Band) with a grade of "C" or better; or audition.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continuing study and performance of advanced symphonic band literature. Additional topics include conducting, rehearsal techniques, and section leading. Public performances and/or field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare and present advanced symphonic band repertoire in various styles with artistic expression.
- analyze performance preparation techniques and apply those techniques to new sections of symphonic band music.
- critique musicianship including balance, intonation, and tempo within the section and across the ensemble.
- organize and manage small-group breakout practice sessions.
- evaluate and critique performance ensembles.
- analyze and/or demonstrate conducting patterns and gestures.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within and lead an ensemble in preparation for a public presentation.
MUP 350 Concert Choir I
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Ability to match pitch and produce a good tone demonstrated in the audition.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the study and performance of choir literature including classical works, contemporary pieces, and music of many diverse cultures. Public performances, festivals, and field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- participate in performance presentations of choral pieces and masterworks of various styles and cultures for the public.
- demonstrate musical, historical, and aesthetic understanding of various styles of choral music.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
- formulate appropriate practice habits.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
- incorporate appropriate facial expressions to enhance the song's poetry/lyrics.
- analyze choral pieces and masterworks of various styles.
MUP 352 Advanced Concert Choir
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUP 350 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides continued study and performance of advanced choir literature including classical works, contemporary pieces, and music of many diverse cultures. Advanced ensemble members may learn conducting skills and lead small-group practice sessions. Public performances, festivals, and field trips may be required. This course may be taken four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate proper basic vocal technique (posture, breathing, diction, resonance, and stage deportment) for ensemble singing.
- incorporate appropriate facial expressions to enhance the song's poetry/lyrics.
- formulate and maintain appropriate practice habits.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble and lead an ensemble in practice and small-group breakout sessions.
- recognize various musical style periods.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
- describe the musical, historical, and aesthetic elements of various style periods of choral music.
- analyze rehearsal techniques and apply those techniques to new sections of music or new pieces.
MUP 360 Chamber Singers
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition required. Auditions generally occur during the first week of instruction. The audition includes sight singing, the preparation of a short musical excerpt, and an aural skills assessment.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an advanced choral ensemble of limited size. It covers a wide variety of music; classical, world music, folksong arrangements, and contemporary compositions. An audition is required. Public performances, festivals, and field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast various choral music styles.
- analyze and participate in performance presentations of choral pieces and masterworks of various styles and cultures for the public.
- formulate and apply good rehearsal practice habits.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
- evaluate and constructively critique other performance ensembles.
- incorporate appropriate facial expression and interact with fellow singers.in a performance setting.
MUP 361 Advanced Chamber Singers
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:8 units of MUP 360 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition required. Auditions generally occur the first week of instruction. The audition includes sight singing, the preparation of a short musical excerpt, and an aural skills assessment.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an advanced choral ensemble of limited size performing a wide variety of music; classical, world music, folksong arrangements, and contemporary compositions. Advanced ensemble members may conduct pieces and lead small-group breakout practice sessions. Public performances, festivals, and field trips may be required. This course may be taken four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast various choral music styles.
- analyze and participate in performance presentations of choral pieces and masterworks of various styles and cultures appropriate for a chamber choir.
- formulate and apply good practice habits.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
- incorporate appropriate facial expression and interact with fellow singers during the performance.
- discuss and demonstrate conducting concepts, rehearsal techniques, and section leading skills as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
MUP 370 Rehearsal and Performance - Musical Ensemble
- Same As:TA 466
- Units:0.5 - 3
- Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
- Course Family:Musical Performance
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition/Interview
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides a workshop training experience in the preparation and performance of musical theatre ensemble productions. A different production is presented each semester the course is offered. Students interested in singing/acting roles audition with the director. Students interested in instrumental positions audition with the musical director. Students interested in technical work interview with the technical director. Field trips may be required. A portion of this course may be offered in a TBA component of 27-162 hours which may include acting, singing, dancing, musical, or technical rehearsals and preparation. It is not open to students who have completed TA 466.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- practice and perform a musical production.
- evaluate the professional responsibilities of an actor, singer, musician, or technician in a production as appropriate.
- analyze the evolution of a participant's role in a production from rehearsal to performance.
- integrate acting, singing, and/or dancing skills in an intensive rehearsal/performance environment (if participating as an actor/singer).
- integrate musical skills in an intensive rehearsal/performance environment (if participating as a musician).
- incorporate basic technical skills in the creation or manipulation of sets, props, costumes, lighting, or sound as appropriate (if participating as a technician).
- analyze and solve problems associated with the creation and presentation of acting, musical, and technical challenges.
- analyze the differences in producing musical theatre from other styles of theatre.
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition is required. The audition will include sight singing, aural skills, improvisation and the preparation of a short musical excerpt.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180; C-ID MUS 185
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a vocal jazz ensemble of limited size which focuses on a wide variety of music in the jazz style. Public performance, festivals and field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- participate in performance presentations of repertoire in various jazz styles for the public.
- demonstrate musical, historical, and aesthetic understanding of a wide variety of jazz styles.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
- demonstrate appropriate practice habits.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
MUP 401 Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- Units:1 - 2
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC; 27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUP 400 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition is required. The audition will include sight-singing, aural skills, improvisation, and the preparation of a short musical excerpt.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 180; C-ID MUS 185
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is the continuing study of vocal jazz ensemble repertoire and techniques. Additional topics include experiences in scat singing, conducting, rehearsal techniques, and leading small-group breakout practice sessions. Public performance, festivals, recording sessions, and field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- participate in performance preparations and presentations of vocal jazz repertoire in various jazz styles for the public, including but not limited to, singing one-on-a-part in complex four- to five-part harmony.
- demonstrate musical, historical, and aesthetic understanding of a wide variety of jazz styles.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work and lead an ensemble in rehearsal and sectional.
- set up and maintain appropriate practice habits.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
- evaluate his/her own conducting abilities.
MUP 420 Special Ensemble Participation
- Units:1 - 2
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC; 27 - 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Audition
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID MUS 185
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is open to all students who sing or play musical instruments. Studies are designed for instrumental and vocal groups of various combinations. Students may explore chamber music, large ensemble, or solo repertoire. Public performances and field trips may be required. This course may be taken up to four times for credit.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- participate in performance preparations and presentations in various musical styles for the public.
- compare musical, historical, and aesthetic values of a wide variety of musical styles.
- demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work within an ensemble.
- formulate and maintain practice routines specific to an instrument.
- evaluate and critique other performance ensembles.
MUP 495 Independent Studies in Music Performance
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
MUP 499 Experimental Offering in Music Performance
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
Music - Specializations in Music (MUSM) Courses
MUSM 110 The Business of Music
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- C-ID:C-ID CMUS 140X
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course gives an overview of the processes of the music industry. It includes record contracts as well as the duties and responsibilities of record producers, agents, managers, and performing artists.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- critique key points of a recording agreement.
- compare and contrast job descriptions of record company personnel, agents, managers, and producers.
- evaluate the duties and responsibilities of a recording artist.
- assess options of music licensing and artist royalties for new technologies.
- design an artist career ladder.
MUSM 111 The Business of Music
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:MUSM 110 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
The course gives an in-depth view of the fundamentals and organization of the music business. It includes the duties of attorneys, publishers, radio stations, and streaming services regarding musical and financial matters. It also defines and analyzes publishing agreements, merchandising contracts, trademark, and service mark points.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- research the components needed to complete a service mark and trademark application.
- assess and analyze a publisher/writer exclusive agreement and an attorney/client contract.
- describe the duties of attorneys, publishers, merchandisers, and radio staff.
- evaluate a merchandising agreement.
- differentiate terrestrial, satellite, and Internet radio formats.
MUSM 112 The Business of Music/Artist Management
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the definitions, duties, and agreements of artist management. Topics include the functions of a personal manager, guidelines to career planning, choosing managers and clients, record company negotiations, and selecting other team players. It also analyzes the personal manager agreement and how to organize an artist's tour.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- critique management and touring agreements.
- organize a two-week artist tour.
- prioritize and classify management roles and duties.
- recommend and evaluate an artist career plan.
- assess strategies for networking in the entertainment industry.
MUSM 113 The Business of Music/Promotion
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the process of music promotion. Topics include definitions of promotion, developing media/industry fan lists, and assembling a promotion packet. This course also discusses current Internet strategies and new technologies developed for promotion. In addition, a campaign for album release and distribution is discussed and planned.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- choose effective methods for creating a promotional packet for an artist.
- recommend a five-week campaign plan for releasing and distributing an album.
- critique strategies for developing media as well as industry and fan lists.
- construct alternate avenues of distribution using various technologies.
- produce an effective press release and artist bio.
MUSM 120 Contemporary Songwriting I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:MUFHL 321 with a grade of "C" or better
- C-ID:C-ID CMUS 150X
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines the processes of the songwriting industry in popular music today, including instrumental and vocal arrangements in jazz, pop, and rock musical styles. Other related topics such as lyrics, formation of melodies and harmonies, popular music form, and musical notation are covered.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate and create rhythm and chord patterns.
- compose a lead sheet for a piece of music.
- choose effective lyrics for pop music formats.
- coordinate musical and lyrical elements.
- evaluate melodic development in song sections.
- register a copyright using the correct forms and process.
MUSM 121 Contemporary Songwriting II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:MUSM 120 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the processes of writing popular songs, including lyric evaluation, song forms, and music styles. It includes production techniques, publishing, and marketing strategies.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compose music in different popular music styles and forms.
- evaluate and critique lyrical content and musical format.
- recommend production techniques to record and perform songs.
- research and register original song material.
- structure a song collaboration agreement.
MUSM 140 Concert Sound Reinforcement
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 342 with a grade of "C" or better
- C-ID:C-ID CMUS 120X
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an overview of live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include basic sound system theory and its application. It also covers individual sound system component operation, including microphones, mixers, effects, power amplifiers, and speaker systems. This course offers opportunities for experiences in troubleshooting, sound checking, and mixing sound for concert performances and touring.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- distinguish the principles of room acoustics that relate to speaker setup and calibration to achieve even coverage throughout the room.
- assess basic concert sound system design principles, safety concepts, and procedures.
- assemble and operate a basic concert sound system for various concert audio applications.
- operate and program digital audio consoles and their associated software applications.
- diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve problems that commonly occur in sound reinforcement systems.
- set up and program Digital Signal Processing (DSP) based speaker management hardware and software.
- develop a sound reinforcement contract that includes equipment, provisions, terms, responsibilities, and stipulations.
MUSM 295 Independent Studies in Music Specializations in Music
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
MUSM 299 Experimental Offering in Music Specializations in Music
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MUFHL 321 or MUIVI 340
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID CMUS 100X
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This introductory course examines the terminology, hardware, software, techniques, and concepts related to using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and associated music technology. It surveys the principles and practices of sound, MIDI, synthesis, notation, and audio recording, as well as digital audio workstation (DAW) options and configurations.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the history, terminology, and theoretical concepts associated with MIDI technology.
- demonstrate a conceptual and practical understanding of MIDI hardware and software.
- construct, edit, and output music using music sequencing software.
- produce a score of music using music notation software.
- describe the properties, components, configuration, and use of a personal computer-based digital audio workstation.
- integrate a fundamental knowledge of sound, including waveforms, frequency, amplitude, and harmonics into music projects.
- differentiate between fundamental synthesis techniques such as subtractive, digital, additive, wavetable, and sampling.
MUSM 335 Intermediate Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
- Units:2
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 334 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course builds on skills learned in MUSM 334 and introduces intermediate techniques in MIDI/Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) composition and arranging for various styles of music. Topics include integrating MIDI and digital audio, film and video scoring, and the use of sound editing software.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- produce music using intermediate MIDI workstation techniques.
- create recordings that incorporate both MIDI and digital audio.
- incorporate synchronized media within the computer workstation environment.
- compose and record audio and MIDI scores in varying styles for film and video.
- evaluate and propose appropriate compositional devices for specific musical styles.
MUSM 342 Recording Studio Techniques I
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:CSU Area C1
- C-ID:C-ID CMUS 130X
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the first course in a four-part series of Recording Studio Techniques. It covers entry-level techniques in audio/music production, microphone fundamentals and applications, studio equipment, recording console functions, and multitrack recording procedures.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate a basic understanding of the equipment used in audio recording.
- create recordings on a multitrack recorder and mixing console.
- evaluate proper signal flow connections between recording components.
- analyze, select, and place microphones for various instrumental and vocal music applications.
- research and plan the equipment for a multitrack recording studio.
MUSM 344 Recording Studio Techniques II
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 342 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the second course in a four-part series of Recording Studio Techniques. It covers intermediate techniques of audio and music production, and introduces mixdown session techniques, outboard gear application, remote recording, and studio design.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- plan and engineer a recording session with acoustic and electronic instruments.
- choose and apply appropriate mixdown session techniques.
- create and/or mix recordings of live concerts.
- assess and implement effective microphone techniques.
- analyze signal flow block diagrams.
- design and equip a complete recording facility.
MUSM 350 Recording Studio Techniques III
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 344 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the third course in a four-part series of Recording Studio Techniques. Topics include studio design and management principles, managing and organizing sessions, and recording, editing, and mixing in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) environment.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- organize, manage, and create productive studio sessions that deliver a finished product.
- utilize DAW and server-based file management protocols.
- apply business and management principles associated with a recording studio.
- choose specific advanced outboard processing to achieve artistic and musical goals.
- set up, operate, and maintain a large-format analog multitrack recorder.
- record, edit, and mix sessions within a DAW environment.
- employ advanced principles of digital audio streaming formats.
MUSM 352 Recording Studio Techniques IV
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 350 and 356 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the fourth course in a four-part series on Recording Studio Techniques. It covers advanced techniques of audio engineering and is designed for recording engineers seeking careers in audio and post production. It includes advanced concepts of analog and digital recording, mixdown, surround sound, synchronizing audio to video, and mastering.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- generate and integrate Foley, sound effects, and voice-overs that are synced to video.
- plan and record and/or mix a live music concert.
- create an immersive audio music mix using formats including surround, binaural stereo, and Dolby Atmos formats.
- perform audio restoration using advanced plug-in and editing techniques.
- utilize final mastering techniques by creating a multi-song production master that conforms to industry specifications.
- create a music mix using advanced automation and plug-ins, as well as utilizing digital and analog processing.
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:MUSM 342 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to Avid’s Pro Tools digital audio workstation software application. Basic Pro Tools principles, including how to complete a Pro Tools project from initial set up to final mixdown are covered. It covers how to record, edit, and mix music and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) tracks within the Pro Tools application. This course is the first in a series of courses leading to multiple Avid Pro Tools certifications.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- create a Pro Tools session capable of accomplishing common audio production tasks.
- employ navigation and editing skills in a multi-track Pro Tools session.
- incorporate proper recording and mixing techniques to audio and MIDI files in the Pro Tools environment.
- analyze and interpret session file structures, as well as the user interface and tool set.
- pass the online Avid examination.
MUSM 357 Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:MUSM 356 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is an intermediate-level course in Avid’s Pro Tools digital audio workstation hardware and software application. Concepts and skills needed to operate large sessions in a project studio environment are covered. It covers managing large track counts, multiple channels of simultaneous inputs and outputs, and the use of specialized plug-ins for specific music and post-production tasks. This course is the second in a series of courses leading to multiple Avid Pro Tools certifications.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- manage large track counts and multiple channels of simultaneous inputs and outputs during a session.
- create appropriate Pro Tools hardware settings.
- set up troubleshoot input/output (I/O) functions.
- assess and integrate virtual instruments and specialized plug-ins for specific music and post-production tasks.
- incorporate automated mixing techniques into workflow.
- analyze Elastic Audio methods to select appropriate techniques yielding the desired tempo and/or rhythmic outcome.
- apply clip-based editing techniques to audio and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) tracks.
MUSM 361 Advanced Studio Sessions
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 350 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course focuses on expanding the skills mastered in MUSM 350 by offering studio recording sessions that are entirely student-planned, organized, and completed. Students will select appropriate equipment for the project and configure preamps, compressors, and cat5 based headphone mixers. Students will use automation and outboard equipment to complete tracking, mixing, and mastering using analog tape and Pro Tools HDX.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- plan and organize complex studio recording sessions with music groups of various instrumentations and genres.
- set up and manage multi-channel headphone mixes on cat5 based digital mixers.
- edit between multi takes of studio performances to create a seamless performance.
- complete a complex stereo mix-down of the performance using automation, analog outboard equipment and software plug-ins.
- use stereo and mid/side mastering techniques to create a final product that conforms to industry standard technical specifications.
MUSM 362 Mixing and Mastering Music Projects
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 350, 356, and 357 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the methods used to create professional mixes from multi-track master recordings in analog or digital formats. Advanced techniques in equalization, spatial placement, automation, and reverberation are investigated. Lab work is regularly presented in class for critical evaluation. A routine component of the course is listening exercises to develop critical listening skills. The Music Department's Avid Pro Tools HD Digital Audio Workstation will be used for mixing projects. A final mix project will then be mastered and converted into a number of possible final output formats including various streaming platforms.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply established advanced mixing techniques to multi-track recordings.
- analyze the qualities of a recording through critical listening.
- compare and discuss different strategies for a mixdown.
- evaluate self-produced final mixes on a number of qualitative criteria.
- prepare and master final mixes for output to a variety of media.
MUSM 366 Pro Tools 201, Advanced Pro Tools
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:MUSM 344 and 357 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is an advanced-level course in Avid’s Pro Tools digital audio workstation hardware and software application. Topics include the core concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools HD system in a professional studio environment. Advanced recording, editing, and mixing techniques are presented. This course is the third in a series of courses leading to multiple Avid Pro Tools certifications.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess the differences between a standard Pro Tools environment and Pro Tools HD systems.
- set up and operate the necessary hardware components of a Pro Tools HD system.
- structure and customize Pro Tools HD software to meet advanced session requirements.
- choose and implement advanced Pro Tools HD editing and mixing techniques.
MUSM 367 Audio for Video Post Production
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MUSM 344 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces post production, the art and science of adding sound to picture for television, feature films, and commercials. Pro Tools digital audio workstation environment, Sound Design, Foley, Scoring, Dialog Editing, and mixing skills will be demonstrated.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- complete professional audio for video post-production projects in the Pro Tools environment.
- import the video from a film, television show, or a television commercial into Pro Tools and add dialog, music, and sound effects in time sync with the picture.
- export a finished audio mix to video that can be played on a computer or burned on a DVD.
- employ appropriate tools to restore and repair damaged audio.
- use advanced automation techniques to appropriately balance dialog, sound effects, and music scores in a mix.
MUSM 495 Independent Studies in Music Specializations
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for students to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
MUSM 499 Experimental Offering in Music Specializations in Music
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
