Course Descriptions
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 101 | MUSIC APPRECIATION | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed for musicians and non-musicians. It develops a basic music theory vocabulary and ability to actively listen to engage in a historical overview of musical styles through recorded and visual materials. The aim is to stimulate a discriminating understanding and enjoyment of music.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 104 | INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed for both musicians and non-musicians. It is a preparatory course for students with little or no prior training in music theory or music literacy. The class provides students with a solid foundation in the rudiments of music notation and aural awareness including pitch, accidentals, rhythm, clefs, major and minor scales, and key signatures. The Circle of Fifths, triad types, simple and compound meters, and elementary ear training exercises are incorporated. Pre-requisite: None.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 113 | AURAL SKILLS I | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students learn how to sing a melody from written music (sightsing), and write down music by ear (dictation). Material includes rhythms in simple and compound meter, scales, triads, and simple intervals. Students learn to use moveable “do” solfege and conducting patterns. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 115: Theory I is recommended. Pre-requisite: None.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 114 | AURAL SKILLS II | 1 (0-2) |
Aural Skills II increases a student¿s musical cognition and awareness by focusing on melodic and rhythmic dictation. Harmonic dictation is introduced. Aural analysis and dictation proceed from simple to more complex melodies. Sight-singing and rhythm drills include alto and tenor clef exercises. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 116: Theory II is recommended. Prerequisite: MUS 113
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 115 | MUSIC THEORY I | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Material covered includes a review of notation, meter, rhythm, scales, and key signatures, and continues with a study of intervals, triads, figured bass, Roman Numeral analysis, melodic analysis, part writing, and nonchord tones. Concurrent enrollment in MUS113: Aural Skills I is strongly recommended.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 116 | MUSIC THEORY II | 3 (3-0) |
This course is a study of four-part chorale harmonization including all diatonic seventh chords, secondary dominants, modulation, binary and ternary forms, mode mixture, Neapolitan chords, and augmented sixth chords. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 114: Aural Skills II is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: MUS115
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 121 | CHORUS I | 1 (0-2) |
The purpose of this course is to improve the student's ensemble singing through the study and performance of choral music in a variety of musical styles. The course includes at least one public concert providing students an opportunity to perform mastered repertoire.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 122 | CHORUS II | 1 (0-2) |
The purpose of this course is to improve the student's ensemble singing through the study and performance of choral music in a variety of musical styles. The course includes at least one public concert providing students an opportunity to perform mastered repertoire. Prerequisite: MUS 121
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 131 | JAZZ ENSEMBLE I | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform jazz ensemble music. The course is open to students playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, or percussion. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 135: Jazz History and/or MUS 138: Jazz Improvisation and/or private lessons (MUS 141/142/241/242/161/162/261/262, or 210/211) is highly recommended.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 132 | JAZZ ENSEMBLE II | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform jazz ensemble music. The course is open to students playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and jazz vocalists. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 135: Jazz History and/or MUS 138: Jazz Improvisation and/or private lessons (MUS 141/142/241/242/161/162/261/262, or 210/211) is highly recommended. Prerequisite: MUS 131
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 135 | JAZZ HISTORY | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed for both musicians and non-musicians. It develops a basic music theory vocabulary to engage in a historical overview of jazz. Recorded and visual materials are utilized in studying the elements, forms and styles of music with the aim of stimulating a discriminating understanding and enjoyment.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 136 | ORCHESTRA I | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform orchestral music. The course is open to students playing flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, or percussion at a level NYSSMA 4 or higher. There is one on-campus concert, as well as additional public concerts in the community. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 137 | ORCHESTRA II | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform orchestral music. The course is open to students playing flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, or percussion at a level NYSSMA 4 or higher. There is one on-campus concert, as well as additional public concerts in the community. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Prerequisite: MUS 136
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 138 | JAZZ IMPROVISATION | 1 (0-2) |
This course introduces musical concepts and develops performance skills for improvisation in a variety of musical contexts. Students bring instruments/voice to class, as learning is primarily hands-on and experiential. Ability to read music at least at a basic level is necessary. Music theory is also presented and discussed as needed, and recorded examples of important developments in various styles of improvisation are listened to, analyzed and discussed in class. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 131/132/231/232: Jazz Ensemble and/or MUS 135: Jazz History and/or private lessons (MUS 141/142/241/242/161/162/261/262, or 210/211) is highly recommended.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 141 | APPLIED PIANO LESSONS I | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual piano lessons in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and modern. Students receive weekly 30 minute lessons, perform a jury at the end of the semester, and must pay an additional private lesson course fee. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 142 | APPLIED PIANO LESSONS II | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual piano lessons in a variety of styles from classical to jazz to modern. Students receive weekly 30 minute lessons, perform a jury at the end of the semester, and must pay an additional private lesson course fee. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Prerequisite: MUS 141
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 143 | GUITAR ENSEMBLE I | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform guitar ensemble music. The course is open to students who play acoustic guitar. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 144 | GUITAR ENSEMBLE II | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform guitar ensemble music. The course is open to students who play acoustic guitar. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 145 | GROUP PIANO I | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed to promote facility at the piano and reinforce music reading skills for beginning and early intermediate piano students. Students are presented with general keyboard techniques, and learn solo and group repertoire, which they perform in class. Please note: The course is a group class; students who would prefer private piano instruction should instead register for MUS 141/142/241/242 or MUS 210/211. Suggested corequisites: MUS 104 or MUS 115
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 146 | GROUP PIANO II | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed to promote facility at the piano and reinforce music reading skills for intermediate piano students. Students are presented with general keyboard techniques, and learn solo and group repertoire which they perform in class. Please note: The course is a group piano class; students who would prefer private piano instruction should instead register for MUS 141/142/241/242 or MUS 210/211. Suggested corequisites: MUS 104 or MUS 115. Prerequisite: MUS145
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 153 | SHOW CHOIR I | 1 (0-2) |
A musical theatre course, this class rehearses and performs a variety of contemporary genres including American Musical Theatre and popular song styes in a choral setting, with ample opportunity for solos, dance and choreography. Members must be able to coordinate transportation in the event that off-campus performances are scheduled.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 154 | SHOW CHOIR II | 1 (0-2) |
A musical theatre course, this class rehearses and performs a variety of contemporary genres including American Musical Theatre and popular song styles in a choral setting, with ample opportunity for solos, dance and choreography. Members must be able to coordinate transportation in the event that off-campus performances are scheduled. Prerequisite: MUS 153
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 161 | PERFORMANCE APLD MUSIC I | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual instrumental or vocal music lessons in a variety of styles from classical to jazz to modern. Students receive weekly 30-minute lessons and perform for a jury at the end of the semester. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Beginning students are welcome in voice and for all instruments. Note: Students must pay an additional course fee.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 162 | PERFORMANCE APLD MUSIC II | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual instrumental or vocal music lessons in a variety of styles from classical to jazz to modern. Students receive weekly 30-minute lessons and perform for a jury at the end of the semester. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both the student and instructor schedules. Note: Students must pay an additional course fee. Prerequisite: MUS 161
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 201 | HISTORY OF MUSIC BEFORE 1750 | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge of music. Students study the place of music in Western civilization, through representative works of each period. It entails a comprehensive, chronological study of the periods and schools of vocal and instrumental music, sacred and secular, and a study of the beginnings of Western music thought in ancient Greece to the end of the Baroque era in 1750. Pre-requisite: None.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 202 | HISTORY OF MUSIC AFTER 1750 | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge of music. Students study the place of music in Western civilization through representative works of each period. It entails a comprehensive, chronological study of the developments, trends, and styles in instrumental and vocal genres of representative composers of the Classic, Romantic, Impressionist, and Modern periods.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 205 | VOCAL REPERTOIRE I | 1 (0-2) |
This course helps students enhance their vocal skills through the performance of solo works with live accompaniment in their area of musical interest (classical, musical theater, popular styles, etc.). Students also receive practice in articulating effective critiques as well as discussion of vocal health, anatomy, movement for the stage, use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and audition techniques presented in mini-workshops. This course will be of special interest to students also enrolled in voice lessons (MUS 161/162/261/262, 210/211).
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 206 | VOCAL REPERTOIRE II | 1 (0-2) |
This course is a continuation of Vocal Repertoire I and helps students enhance their vocal skills through the performance of solo works with live accompaniment in their area of musical interest (classical, musical theater, popular styles, etc.). Students also receive practice in articulating effective critiques as well as discussion of vocal health, anatomy, movement for the stage, use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and audition techniques presented in mini-workshops. This course will be of special interest to students also enrolled in voice lessons (MUS 161/162/261/262, 210/211) as well as students preparing for transfer or employment as a singer. Prerequisite: MUS 205
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 210 | PERFORM/APPLIED MUSIC INTNSV I | 3 (0-6) |
This course provides students with individual instrumental or vocal music lessons in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and modern. Students receive weekly 90-minute lessons and perform a jury at the end of the semester. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator who assigns them a teacher, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Note: Students pay an additional private lesson course fee.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 211 | PRFORM/APPLIED MUSIC INTNSV II | 3 (0-6) |
This course provides students with individual instrumental or vocal music lessons in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and modern. Students receive weekly 90 minute lessons, and perform a jury at the end of the semester. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator who assigns them a teacher; after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Note: Students pay an additional private lesson course fee. Prerequisite: MUS 210
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 212 | HISTRY OF AMER MUSICAL THEATRE | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed for both musicians and non-musicians. The purpose of this course is to explore the origins and development of American Musical Theatre from the early Twentieth Century through the modern day, with particular regard to how social and cultural events in our nation's history have been reflected within this indigenous art form. Students will be responsible for obtaining theatre tickets and/or accessing appropriate pre-recorded material for their chosen performance reviews at their own time or expense as required for the completion of assignments. Suggestions for arranging low-cost or free alternatives will be offered by the professor.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 219 | ELECTRONIC MUSIC WORKSHOP | 3 (2-2) |
Basic techniques of creating electronic music will be explored beginning with found sound recordings and audio editing, and gradually moving through to more modern musical structures, idioms and advanced production techniques.. A basic music course (such as MUS 101 or 104) or some basic knowledge of the notes on a keyboard (MUS 145/146 or MUS 141/142) and ability to play an instrument is helpful. More serious music study is useful but not required. Students unsure of whether they possess an appropriate musical background should consult with the instructor.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 221 | CHORUS III | 1 (0-2) |
The purpose of this course is to improve the student’s ensemble singing through the study and performance of choral music in a variety of musical styles. The course includes at least one public concert providing students an opportunity to perform mastered repertoire. Prerequisites: MUS 122
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 222 | CHORUS IV | 1 (0-2) |
The purpose of this course is to improve the student’s ensemble singing though the study and performance of choral music in a variety of musical styles. The course includes at least one public concert providing students an opportunity to perform mastered repertoire. Prerequisite: MUS 221
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 231 | JAZZ ENSEMBLE III | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform jazz ensemble music. The course is open to students playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, or percussion, and jazz vocalists. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 135: Jazz History and/or MUS 138: Jazz Improvisation and/or private lessons (MUS 141/142/241/242/161/162/261/262 or 210/211) is highly recommended. Prerequisite: MUS 132
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 232 | JAZZ ENSEMBLE IV | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform jazz ensemble music. The course is open to students playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, or percussion, and jazz vocalists. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 135: Jazz History and/or MUS 138: Jazz Improvisation and/or private lessons (MUS 141/142/241/242/161/162/261/262 or 210/211) is highly recommended. Prerequisite: MUS 231
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 236 | ORCHESTRA III | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform orchestral music. The course is open to students playing flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, or percussion at a level NYSSMA 4 or higher. There is one on-campus concert, as well as additional public concerts in the community. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Prerequisite: MUS 137
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 237 | ORCHESTRA IV | 1 (0-2) |
This course is designed for musicians and requires prior knowledge and ability to read music. Students rehearse and perform orchestral music. The course is open to students playing flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, or percussion at a level NYSSMA 4 or higher. There is one on-campus concert, as well as additional public concerts in the community. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Prerequisite: MUS 236
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 241 | APPLIED PIANO LESSONS III | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual piano lessons in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and modern. Students receive weekly 30 minute lessons and perform for a jury at the end of the semester. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Note: Students must pay an additional course fee. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MUS142
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 242 | APPLIED PIANO LESSONS IV | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual piano lessons in a variety of styles from classical to jazz to modern. Students receive weekly 30 minute lessons, perform for a jury at the end of the semester, and must pay an additional private lesson course fee. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Prerequisite: MUS 241
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 243 | GUITAR ENSEMBLE III | 1 (0-2) |
Students rehearse and perform guitar ensemble music. The course is open to students who play acoustic guitar. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Prerequisite: MUS 144
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 244 | GUITAR ENSEMBLE IV | 1 (0-2) |
Students rehearse and perform guitar ensemble music. The course is open to students who play acoustic guitar. There is one on-campus concert, and additional performances may be required. Students are expected to supply their own instruments in working condition. Prerequisite: MUS 243
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 253 | SHOW CHOIR III | 1 (0-2) |
A musical theatre course, this class rehearses and performs a variety of contemporary genres including American Musical Theatre and popular song styles in a choral setting, with ample opportunity for solos, dance and choreography. Members must be able to coordinate tranportation in the event that off-campus performances are scheduled. Prerequisite: MUS 154
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 254 | SHOW CHOIR IV | 1 (0-2) |
A musical theatre course, this class rehearses and performs a variety of contemporary genres including American Musical Theatre and popular song styles in a choral setting, with ample opportunity for solos, dance and choreography. Members must be able to coordinate transportation in the event that off-campus performnces are scheduled. Prerequisite: MUS 253
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 261 | PERFORMANCE APLD MUSIC III | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual instrumental or vocal music lessons in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and modern. Students receive weekly 30-minute lessons and perform for a jury at the end of the semester. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Note: Students must pay an additional course fee. Prerequisite: MUS 162
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 262 | PERFORMANCE APLD MUSIC IV | 1 (0-2) |
This course provides students with individual instrumental or vocal music lessons in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and modern. Students receive weekly 30-minute lessons and perform for a jury at the end of the semester. Students must attend an introductory organizational meeting on the first Friday of the semester with the Music Coordinator, after which they schedule their weekly lessons based on a time that fits both student and instructor schedules. Note: Students must pay an additional course fee. Pre- or co-requisite: MUS 261
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 271 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT I | 1 (1-0) |
A special learning experience designed by one or more students with the cooperation and approval of a faculty member. Proposed study plans require departmental approval. Projects may be based on reading, research, community service, work experience, or other activities that advance the student's knowledge and competence in the field of music or other related areas. The student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 35-50 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 272 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT II | 2 (2-0) |
Similar to MUS 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 70-90 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS | 273 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT III | 3 (3-0) |
Similar to MUS 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 105-135 hours.