Music Courses
ADVISE: MUS 100
Development of beginning skills in rhythmic and melodic dictation and sight-singing of diatonic music through the use of solfège in scales, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. The course teaches aural and analytical skills necessary for all musicians and fulfills the first semester Musicianship requirement for music majors and minors.
PREREQ.: MUS 1A
Development of intermediate skills in rhythmic, melodic, harmonic dictation and sight-singing, through the visual and aural analysis of functional and non-functional chromaticism, including altered chords and modulations. It teaches aural and visual analytical skills necessary for all musicians and fulfills the second semester Musicianship requirement for music majors and minors.
ADVISE: MUS 100
Intensive study of common-practice diatonic harmony through the writing of four-part chorale harmonizations, figured bass realizations, and linear and vertical analyses primarily of 18th-century music. Fosters a technical understanding of the compositional process, greater facility in learning new music, and a deeper comprehension of music in general.
PREREQ.: MUS 3A, or demonstration of exit skills
Intensive study of chromatic harmony including both functional and non-functional chromaticism and modulations through the writing of chorale harmonizations, figured bass realizations, and linear and vertical analyses primarily of 19th-century Western European music. Fosters a technical understanding of the compositional process and a greater facility in learning music involving chromaticism.
ADVISE: MUS 4
Introduction to the study of the principles of musical composition through analysis and creative writing. Pieces may be composed for piano and/or small instrumental and/or vocal ensembles.
PREREQ.: MUS 5A or demonstration of exit skills ADVISE: MUS 3A or MUS 8A or MUS 9C or demonstration of exit skills
Intermediate study of the principles of musical composition through analysis and creative writing. Pieces may be composed for piano and/or small instrumental and/or vocal ensembles.
This course is an introduction to the guitar, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master a beginning level of music on the instrument. The emphasis is on the development of beginning skills needed for solo performance. Audition for placement within the class.
No prior experience with the guitar necessary. The student must provide a guitar.
PREREQ: MUS 6A or demonstration of exit skills
Individualized study of classical guitar theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced beginning level. The emphasis is on the advanced beginning skills needed for solo performance.
The student must provide a guitar.
PREREQ.: MUS 6B or demonstration of exit skills
Individualized study of classical guitar theory, technique and repertoire at the intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of intermediate skills needed for solo performance.
The student must provide a guitar.
PREREQ.: MUS 6C or demonstration of exit skills
Individualized study of classical guitar theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of skills needed for solo performance.
The student must provide a guitar.
ADVISE: MUS 9A or demonstration of exit skills
Beginning study and exploration of jazz piano technique in myriad forms through the application of jazz theory, blues, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and other popular styles.
PREREQ.: MUS 8A
An intermediate study of basic jazz, blues, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and other popular piano techniques.
Piano studies for beginners including sight reading, elementary theory, beginning ear training, and a historical view of keyboard instruments and their music.
ADVISE: MUS 9A or demonstration of exit skills
Piano studies for the intermediate pianist including playing through reading, elementary theory, beginning ear training, and a historical view of keyboard instruments and their music.
ADVISE: MUS 9A
The development of harmonic keyboard skills through the study and practice of chord structures, progressions, and sight reading techniques.
ADVISE: MUS 100 or demonstration of exit skills
Introduction to study of appropriate basic techniques and repertoire for beginning voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing, and musical skills in performing vocal music of various periods and styles.
PREREQ.: MUS 10A or demonstration of exit skills
Study of appropriate techniques and repertoire for advanced beginning voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing and musical skills in performing vocal music of various periods and styles.
PREREQ.: MUS 10B or demonstration of exit skills
Study of appropriate techniques and repertory for intermediate voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing and musical skills used to interpret vocal music of various periods and styles.
PREREQ.: MUS 10C or demonstration of exit skills
Study of appropriate techniques and repertoire for advanced intermediate voice. Includes alignment, tone production, breathing and musical skills in performing vocal music of various periods and styles.
ADVISE: MUS 6A or demonstration of exit skills
Develop the technique, musicality, note reading ability and theoretical knowledge to perform ensemble music for guitar. Ensembles include duos, trios, quartets, or larger ensembles.
The study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature appropriate for large vocal ensembles, with an emphasis on skills development for performing with an ensemble. Highly recommended for intended music majors, both instrumental and vocal.
ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience
Study of a variety of jazz, rock, and blues genres for all instruments. Emphasis on application of basic techniques of improvisation. Students learn to play lead (melodic improvisation) in an ensemble. Culmination is a concert demonstrating repertoire and techniques learned.
ADVISE: MUS 3A or MUS 8B
Study of a variety of jazz styles with an emphasis on learning the techniques of jazz arranging and composing.
ADVISE: MUS 12 or prior choir experience
The study, rehearsal, and performance of choral literature appropriate for small vocal ensembles, with an emphasis on skills development for performing with an ensemble. Highly recommended for intended music majors, both instrumental and vocal.
ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience
An opportunity for string, woodwind, brass and percussion players to rehearse and perform works selected from the standard repertory from the Baroque era through the present.
Performance of classical and marching band music for intermediate to advanced brass and woodwind students. The class will present a live concert at the conclusion of the semester.
ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience
Intermediate to advanced woodwind students perform music in the classical and jazz idioms. The class will present a live concert at the conclusion of the semester.
ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience
Preparation and performance of brass ensemble music of selected styles and historical periods from Baroque to the present day. Course culminates in a public concert.
ADVISE: MUS 9B or demonstration of exit skills
Performance of four-hand, two-piano, and accompaniment literature from all stylistic periods. Study of ensemble skills and use of these whenever possible in performances. Monthly public recitals.
ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience
An exploration of techniques and ensemble literature appropriate for intermediate and advanced violinists, violists, cellists and string bassists. Concerts scheduled during the semester.
An introduction to the many styles of African music with emphasis on the function of traditional music and how it is organized as an integral part of everyday activity.
ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English
A survey of musical styles from the 10th century to the early 16th century. The course focuses on evolution of musical styles and the changing social, cultural, economic, and political conditions that gave rise to those styles.
ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English
A survey of musical styles and their social contexts in the 17th and 18th centuries. Topics include the decline of church music, the rise of public concerts and opera, the evolution of the orchestra, symphonies, concertos, suites, and the development of musical instruments.
ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English
A survey of Western art music and literature of the Romantic era (1800 to 1900) and the composers and the cultural and political forces that played a role in the creation of the musical works of that era. Topics include sonatas, chamber music, opera, tone poems, and symphonies.
ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188
A course composed of lectures, discussions, assigned reading and listening designed to explore African-American musical heritage and its relationship to other folk expressions and to Western European Art Music. This heritage includes spirituals, work songs, blues, jazz, gospel and a broad range of popular music.
A cross-cultural, comparative survey of both historical and recent developments in the music of China, Japan, and Korea, including the relationship of East Asian music to other aspects of East Asian cultures-philosophy, religion, theater, and dance.
ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188
An introductory survey of the musical traditions of Latin America, the Caribbean and Latin music in the United States. This course will study music as a form of communication, and as a social and cultural force in the Americas.
ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English
A survey of the music of America's diverse populations such as Native American, Anglo-American, African American, Cajun, Creole, Hawaiian and other styles and genres such as country, Tex-Mex, Klezmer and polka.
ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188
A survey of Western art music from the Middle Ages to the present, examined within cultural, social, and political contexts. Topics include musical elements, forms, and stylistic features of each historical period, as well as the individual characteristics of its representative composers.
ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188
Detailed study of opera and musical theater within historical, cultural, political, and social contexts. During the fall semester, the course will focus on upcoming operas performed by the San Francisco Opera.
MUS 27A is not a prerequisite for MUS 27B.
ADVISE: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ENGL 88 or ESL 184
An examination of how music encodes "queerness" by focusing on significant musical styles and performers in the LGBT community.
Formerly MUS 27C
ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English
A survey of the origin, trends, styles and genres of rock and popular music from the early 20th century to the present day, focusing on historical and cultural influences and the effects of technology on popular music.
ADVISE: ESL 186 or placement in ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English
The study of the music of the twentieth century through analysis of its composers and styles as well as graphic scores, electronic music recordings and development of new technologies.
A practical study of the historical and technical aspects of electronic music, including compositional techniques of hardware and software synthesis, sampling, MIDI sequencing, audio processing, and multi-track audio recording.
PREREQ.: MUS 29.
Explores intermediate/advanced concepts in electronic music composition and performance. MUS 30 expands on the foundational electronic music techniques from MUS 29, giving students access to multiple ways of making electronic music that will stand the test of time.
In African Drumming Ensemble students play traditional African music; the class is an in-depth examination of African drumming and performance of African music integral to everyday festivities and life in African society
The content of this course varies. Students may re-enroll without repeating subject matter.
The study of the theory, techniques and performance practices of popular, Gospel and other African American choir arrangements with piano accompaniment.
ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience
Study, rehearsal, and public performance of music arranged for large ensembles in a variety of jazz and popular styles, with an emphasis on the skills needed to perform within an ensemble. All instruments are welcome. Different literature will be studied each semester.
ADVISE: Prior instrumental experience
Rehearsal band for music of historical styles such as marches, polkas, and Dixieland, as well as current dance music. Learn to play in a large ensemble with rhythm section, brass, and winds. Performances at various school sports and other events.
A practical introduction to percussion performance, students learn to play the instruments in the four families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, and Modern.
Formerly MUS 7P
PREREQ.: MUS 7P1 or demonstration of exit skills
A practical introduction to Advanced Beginning Percussion and performance, where students learn to play the instruments in the four families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, and Modern.
PREREQ.: MUS 7P2 or demonstration of exit skills
A practical introduction to percussion, performance, students learn to play the instruments in the five families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, Modern, and World.
PREREQ.: MUS 7P3 or demonstration of exit skills
A practical introduction to percussion, performance, students learn to play the instruments in the four families of percussion: Orchestral, Auxiliary, Latin, World,and Modern.
This course is an introduction to the violin, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master a beginning level of music on the instrument. The emphasis on the development of beginning skills needed for solo performance. Audition for placement within the class.
PREREQ.: MUS 7V1 or demonstration of MUS 7V1 exit skills
This course is a continuation of the study of violin, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master an advanced beginning level of music on the instrument. The emphasis is on the development of advanced beginning skills needed for solo violin performance.
PREREQ.: MUS 7V2 or demonstration of MUS 7V2 exit skills
This course is a continuation of the study of violin, and individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire to master an intermediate level of music on the instrument. The emphasis is on the development of intermediate skills needed for solo violin performance.
PREREQ.: MUS 7V3 or demonstration of MUS 7V3 exit skills
Individualized study of violin theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of skills needed for solo performance.
This course is an introduction to a specific woodwind instrument, and individualized study of appropriate techniques and repertoire for that instrument. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance.
PREREQ.: MUS 7W1 or demonstration of MUS 7W1 exit skills
Individualized study of theory, technique and repertoire on the woodwinds: flute, saxophone, clarinet at the advanced beginning level. The emphasis is on the advanced beginning skills needed for solo performance.
PREREQ.: MUS 7W2 or demonstration of MUS 7W2 exit skills
Individualized study of woodwind theory, technique and repertoire at the intermediate level. The emphasis is on the development of intermediate skills needed for solo performance.
PREREQ.: MUS 7W3 or demonstration of MUS 7W3 exit skills
Individualized study of woodwind theory, technique and repertoire at the advanced intermediate level. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance.
An introduction to music notation and theory, including staff notation, rhythmic notation, intervals, scales, chord construction, sight reading, and ear training.
Formerly MUS 4
The study of electronic music and its 20th-century acoustic counterparts through analysis of composers, styles, techniques, recordings, and technological developments.