This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

MUS 0002. Music Appreciation

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Foundation course recommended for all students seeking a basis for the understanding and enjoyment of music. Discussion of music elements, orchestral instruments, vocabulary, and historical styles and periods using time-proven masterworks. (C-ID MUS 100) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0003A. Ear Training I

Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 10 with grade of "C" or better or equivalent knowledge of music notation
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 6A and MUS 40A
Hours: 44 (18 lecture, 26 laboratory)
This course applies and develops materials of MUS 6A used for musical analysis and dictation of rhythms, intervals, chords and melodies plus sight singing of short, simple diatonic melodies. (C-ID MUS 125) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0003B. Ear Training II

Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 3A with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 6B and MUS 40B
Hours: 40 (14 lecture, 26 laboratory)
This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic and harmonic materials of MUS 6B through ear training, sight singing, analysis and dictation. (C-ID MUS 135) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0004A. Advanced Ear Training I

Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 3B with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 9A and MUS 40C
Hours: 40 (14 lecture, 26 laboratory)
This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic and harmonic materials of MUS 9A through ear training, sight singing, analysis and dictation. (C-ID MUS 145) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0004B. Advanced Ear Training II

Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 4A with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 9B and MUS 40D
Hours: 40 (14 lecture, 26 laboratory)
This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of MUS 9B through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. (C-ID MUS 155) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0006A. Music Theory I

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 10 with grade of "C" or better or equivalent knowledge of music notation
Advisory: Completion of MUS 40A with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill; completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 3A
Hours: 54 lecture
Through guided composition and analysis, incorporates the following concepts: rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; diatonic chords, basic cadential formulas and phrase structure; dominant seventh; figured bass symbols; and non-harmonic tones. Develops skills in handwritten notation. (C-ID MUS 120) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0006B. Music Theory II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 6A with grade of "C" or better or passing score on examination
Advisory: Completion of MUS 40B with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill; completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 3B
Incorporates the concepts from MUS 6A. In addition, through guided composition and analysis, includes: an introduction to two-part counterpoint; voice leading involving four-part chorale writing; diatonic harmony; and an introduction to secondary/applied chords and modulation. (C-ID MUS 130) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0007. Composition with Electronic Media

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of MUS 10 and 40A with grades of "C" or better or equivalent keyboard skills and ability to read music notation
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Introduction to electronic music creation, audio synthesis, sequencing, MIDI technology, and computer–aided music notation. Areas of coverage include signal flow, creation of sound patches and tracks, computer-aided score notation, and hardware/computer-aided sequencing. (CSU)

MUS 0009A. Music Theory III

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 6B with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Completion of MUS 40C with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill; completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 4A
Hours: 54 lecture
Incorporates the concepts from MUS 6B. In addition, through writing and analysis, includes: introduction to chromatic harmony; secondary/applied chords; modulation; borrowed chords; introduction to Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords. (C-ID MUS 140) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0009B. Music Theory IV

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 9A with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Completion of MUS 40D with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill; completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 4B
Hours: 54 lecture
Incorporates the concepts from MUS 9A. In addition, through writing and analysis, includes: post-Romantic techniques such as borrowed chords and modal mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, altered chords and dominants; and 20th century techniques such as: Impressionism, tone rows, set theory, pandiatonicism and polytonalism, meter and rhythm. (C-ID MUS 150) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0010. Music Fundamentals

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
An elementary course designed to provide the basic musical skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary for reading or listening to music. Covers elements of music, scales, notation, rhythm, and sight reading. No prior musical training necessary. Note: Not open to students who are taking or have successfully completed MUS 3A-3B or MUS 6A-6B. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

MUS 0011. Introduction and History of Jazz

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the history of jazz from traditional European, African and Latin origins to various contemporary and fusion styles. Contributions of great jazz artists studied. Focus placed on developing critical skills applicable to listening to jazz arrangements and improvisation. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0012A. Survey of Music History and Literature to 1750

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of the history of Western art music from antiquity through the Baroque Era including the influences of the Catholic Church, contributions of various personalities and cultures with selected readings, recordings, and score study. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0012B. Survey of Music History and Literature from 1750 to Present

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of the history of Western art music from the end of the Baroque era to the present, including contributions of other cultures with selected readings and recordings. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0013. Introduction to Music: History of Rock and Roll

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
History of Rock and Roll music in social, political, cultural, and economic context. Includes guided listening and video presentations to show the evolution of Rock from its roots to current stylistic trends. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0014. Introduction to Commercial Music Production

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of MECH 10 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Emphasis on audio concepts including basic and essential audio theory, development of critical listening skills, and perception of audio in the form of acoustic and electrical energy. Discussion and exercises in signal flow, recording facility configuration, sound reinforcement system set-up and working within different acoustic environments. Introductory training in equipment selection and placement as well as basic tracking techniques are offered. (CSU)

MUS 0015. Audio Recording

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 14
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Studio media content production techniques with targeted training on capture of individual instrumental and vocal sources. Coverage of analogue and digital multi-track recording techniques. Overview of basic and essential audio concepts. Opportunity for practical implementation of signal processing techniques and use of related technology such as digital signal processing. Small group multi-track projects will be required. (CSU)

MUS 0016. Media Content and Public Event Technology

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of MUS 10 and MUS 40A with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Orientation to areas of professional activity in the fields of media content creation and public event technical support. Introduction to public and private-sector entities and areas of independent, entrepreneurial professional practice. Training in concepts including basic and essential audio theory, development of critical listening skills, and perception of audio in the form of acoustic and electrical energy. Discussion and exercises in signal flow, media production facility configuration, sound reinforcement system set-up and working within different acoustic environments. Introductory training in production equipment selection and configuration. (CSU)

MUS 0018. Live Sound

Units: 2
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 16
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Training provided in a variety of public event technical support scenarios where sound reinforcement is required, including live musical performance, theatrical production, AV/multimedia, and corporate event support. Students will receive introductory training in sound system components and configuration, venue and event evaluation, production techniques and logistics, and production-related business practices. Students will engage in hands-on training in PA system setup, operation, troubleshooting, teardown, transport, and maintenance procedures. (CSU)

MUS 0025. Introduction to Entertainment Industry

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Exploration of non-performance career options in multiple areas of the media content management and public event technical support industries. Areas of emphasis include professional practices in the music and theatrical production fields including marketing, publishing, copyrighting, licensing, and contracts. Students will be introduced to strategies for working with unions, guilds, artists, producers, managers, and performance venue personnel. (CSU)

MUS 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

MUS 0029. Audiovisual Event Production

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 16 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Training in audiovisual technical support for public events. Students will receive introductory training in multimedia presentation, meeting/conference support system components and configuration, venue and event needs evaluation, production logistics, in-house system design and integration, and audiovisual related business practices. Students will engage in hands-on training in system design, setup, transport, installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures. (CSU)

MUS 0039A. Beginning Voice

Units: 2
Formerly known as MUS 39
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
Introductory study of efficient vocal production and performance. Beginning exercises for breath management, extending the vocal range, increasing vocal resonance and volume, and singing in an expressive manner introduced. Vocal exercises and solos are performed to demonstrate these skills. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0039B. Intermediate Voice

Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 39A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
In-depth study of specific elements of efficient vocal technique and performance. Includes vowel purity, belt singing, and managing stage fright. Vocal exercises and songs from various music styles are performed, including selections made by students. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0039C. Advanced Voice I

Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 39B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
In-depth study of specific elements of efficient vocal technique and performance. Includes breath management in relation to posture, expressive singing via physical movement, unifying the register and range extension, resonance and vocal registers, expressive singing, stage presence, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to sing Italian songs. Vocal exercises and songs from various music styles are performed including selections made by students. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0039D. Advanced Voice II

Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 39C with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
In-depth study of specific elements of efficient vocal technique and performance. Includes breath management using an efficient onset and release, managing the performance, resonance balancing using consonants, and song analysis to prepare a vocal piece for performance. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0040A. Beginning Piano I

Units: 2
Hours: 54 (36 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Beginning instruction in the fundamentals of playing piano. Note reading and basic playing techniques are introduced. Designed to develop musicianship and facility. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0040B. Beginning Piano II

Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 40A with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill with permission of instructor
Hours: 54 (36 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Continuation of MUS 40A using more advanced materials. Developing skills in harmonizing a melody, playing scales, sight-reading, chord inversions and repertoire. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0040C. Intermediate Piano I

Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 40B with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of the instructor
Hours: 54 (36 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Continuation of MUS 40B, with music drawn from intermediate levels. Ensemble playing, sight-reading and harmonization skills and knowledge. Individual needs and interests considered. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0040D. Intermediate Piano II

Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 40C with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of instructor
Hours: 54 (36 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Continuation of MUS 40C, with music drawn from intermediate, late intermediate to early advanced levels. Ensemble playing, sight-reading, harmonization and improvisation developed. Individual needs and interests considered. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0042. Chamber Singers

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class, and include sight singing, preparation of a short musical excerpt, and an aural skills assessment
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Explores the literature and performance practices of vocal ensembles from the Renaissance to the present. Public performances, festivals, and field trips required. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0046. Jazz Ensemble

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class and require demonstrated ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in jazz ensemble
Advisory: Three to four years experience on instrument
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Rehearsal and performance of literature written for instrumental jazz ensemble, with emphasis on current musical trends. Study of improvisation. Public performances required. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0047. Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class, and include sight singing, improvisation and preparation of a short musical excerpt, and an aural skills assessment
Advisory: Previous choral experience
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Study and performance of modern and vocal jazz styles, tone production, and rhythms. Public performances and field trips required. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0048. Concert Choir

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class, and include ability to match pitch and produce a good tone
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
A variety of choral experience performing repertoire, both sacred and secular, from the medieval, baroque, classical, romantic and modern periods of music history. Focuses on performance practice, musical style and poetic interpretation. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0049. Jazz Improvisation Performance Ensemble

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class and require demonstrated ability to play a melodic instrument and read music in the treble or bass clef
Advisory: Three to four years experience on instrument
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Fundamentals of jazz improvisation, including chord-scale application. Analysis of diverse styles of the great jazz artists through recordings and transcriptions. Development of a unique improvisational style as applied to performance. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0050. Wind Ensemble

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class, and include demonstrated ability to play an instrument found in a wind or chamber ensemble
Advisory: Three to four years experience on instrument
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Training in the interpretation and performance of standard band literature, with emphasis on sight reading new band music. Advanced students given the opportunity for solo work. At least one public performance given each semester. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0051. Applied Music

Unit: 1
Formerly known as MUS 51A
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition before music faculty of level appropriate repertoire demonstrating technical and interpretive skills and ability to read music; limited to declared music majors only
Advisory: Three to four years experience on an instrument or voice prior to enrollment. Concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ensemble: MUS 42, 46, 47, 48, 50, or 54
Hours: 40 (7 lecture, 33 laboratory)
Individualized study of departmentally approved fine art performance curriculum. Emphasis on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Student evaluated through a juried performance and a departmental recital. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 160) (CSU, UC-with limitation)

MUS 0054. Symphonic Band

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class, and include demonstrated ability to play a symphonic band instrument
Advisory: Three to four years experience on instrument
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Training in the interpretation and performance of standard band literature, with emphasis on sight reading new band music. Advanced students given the opportunity for solo work. At least one public performance each semester. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

MUS 0057A. Beginning Guitar

Unit: 1.5
Hours: 36 (18 lecture, 18 activity)
Learning fundamentals of the guitar: components of instrument, reading music notations, key structure and chord structure (open position), and finger picking. Students required to supply own instruments. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0057B. Beginning Guitar

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 57A with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of instructor
Hours: 36 (18 lecture, 18 activity)
Further study of guitar fundamentals, including advanced finger picking and strumming techniques; two and three part note reading; and expanded notation and rhythmic development. Students required to supply own instruments. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0058A. Intermediate Guitar

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 57B with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of instructor
Hours: 36 (18 lecture, 18 activity)
Learning chromatics, chord structure in closed positions, harmony as applied to pieces, and major and minor scales. These techniques applied to compositions in group performance. Students required to supply own instruments. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0058B. Intermediate Guitar

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 58A with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of instructor
Hours: 36 (18 lecture, 18 activity)
Further study of chord melody construction. Learning moveable chords and application to song types, including 9th, 11th, and 13th chords. Students required to supply own instruments. (CSU, UC)

MUS 0810. Selected Topics in Music

Units: 0
Hours: 8 to 54 lecture as scheduled
Course designed for older adults. Study of selected styles and periods of music. Includes discussion of musical elements, composition, orchestration, vocabulary and history for the selected topics. May be repeated. (noncredit)