Course Descriptions

MUS 1001  Materials of Music (3 units)

Includes study of the fundamentals of music, beginning sight singing, and beginning harmony. This course is designed for the beginning music student and the general student. Fall Semesters.

MUS 1002  Harmony (3 units)

Study of diatonic harmony, the dominant seventh, and secondary dominant chords. Emphasis on studying music literature with supplementary exercises. Prerequisite: MUS 1001 or passing the entrance tests. Fall, Spring Semesters. Prerequisite: Music 1001or its equivalent.

MUS 1003  Musicianship (1 unit)

Intervallic, melodic, keyboard, and rhythmic skills, dictation, and fixed and movable “do” sight-singing. Fall, Spring Semesters. Prerequisite: Music 1001 or its equivalent.

MUS 1004  Harmony (3 units)

Continuation of MUS 1002 with a thorough study of diminished seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, modulation, and some chromatic harmony. Prerequisite: MUS 1002 or permission of Chair. Fall, Spring Semesters.  Prerequisite: Music 1002 or its equivalent.

MUS 1005  Musicianship (1 unit)

Continuation of MUS 1003. Prerequisite: MUS 1003 or its equivalent. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1006  Harmony (3 units)

Continuation of MUS 1004 with use of augmented sixth chords, comparable music literature, and more involved modulation. Prerequisite: MUS 1004 or its equivalent. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1007  Musicianship (1 unit)

Continuation of MUS 1005. Prerequisite: MUS 1005 or its equivalent.  Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1300/3300     The Enjoyment of Music (3 units)

Designed for the music minor and as an elective for the general student population, this course encompasses an exploration of music of all types, including early music, romantic music, contemporary music, ethnic music, jazz, rock, commercial, and theatrical music (both musical theater and opera). Offered intermittently.

MUS 3001  20th-Century History and Compositional Techniques (3 units)

History of the 20th century is taught through composing and analysis of 20th-century compositional techniques. Prerequisite: MUS 1006. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3002  Counterpoint (3 units)

Thorough study of the linear aspects of music literature as realized through writing the forms used during the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Prerequisite: MUS 1006. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3003  Orchestration (3 units)

A study of the technical aspect of orchestral instruments, score reading, arrangement of compositions for orchestra, and small instrumental ensembles. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3004  Form and Analysis (3 units)

Analysis of structural elements in all forms from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3005  Composition (1-3 units)

Offered by permission of the Music Department Director. May be repeated for credit.

MUS 3101  Conducting (2 units)

Techniques of the baton; demonstration and individual practice; score reading; study of representative works from the choral and orchestral literature of various levels; choral and orchestral techniques. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3102  Advanced Conducting (2 units)

A continuation of MUS 3101. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3106  Introduction to Music Technology (2 units)

An introduction to the use of MIDI applications and hardware. Emphasis will be given to applications for music publication, sequencing, and music education. Prerequisites: Music 1001 and basic computer skills. Additional fee required. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3201  Bringing Music into the Classroom (2 units)

Provides students with tools for weaving music into the K-5 core curriculum. Students will explore classroom music resources, and develop basic music skills. These resources and skills may be used to enhance K-5 listening experiences, and reinforce other core subjects such as language arts, math, and social studies. Designed for the Liberal Studies major. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 3301  History and Literature of Music From Antiquity to 1750 (3 units)

A thorough examination of music literature from antiquity to the year 1750 with an emphasis on cultural ideas, the Church’s influence upon music, the socio-political implications connected to music, and the continuity of music. The course is open to all students. Fall Semesters.

MUS 3302  History and Literature of Music From 1750-Present (3 units)

A thorough examination of music literature from the Classic period to the present with emphasis upon cultural ideas, pivotal compositions of music in each era. The course is open to all students. Spring Semesters.

MUS 3304  Songs that Built America (3 units)

A survey of 19th Century American work songs and folk ballads. Students will study and sing songs representing varieties of the American cultural experience. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 3305  In Search of Early American Women Through Song (3 units)

The wealth of American song literature, from both folk and art traditions, provides a unique insight into American culture. This class explores the representation of the new, more independent woman as seen and heard through American songs of the 18th–20th centuries. These songs provide a revealing view of the times, struggles, and courage of our foremothers. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3327  World Music (3 units)

This course will explore a variety of old and traditional musical styles and examine the functions of music in societies. It will provide both an overview of ethnic styles worldwide and insights into selected specific national, regional, or tribal usage. Included are in-class lectures, discussion, demonstrations, and performances. Audiotapes, videotapes of performances, attendance at selected live performances will be used to illustrate the various musical styles. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3328  Jazz History (3 units)

The development of jazz from its origins to the present via analysis of its stylistic flux from Dixieland and swing, to bebop, avant-garde, and rock-influenced crossovers. Attention will be given to both the musicians who generated the changes and the cultural conditions that often provided the impetus. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3329  Rock History (3 units)

The development of rock from its origins to the present via analysis of its stylistic flux from rhythm-and-blues and ’50s rock-and-roll to recent trends in the ’90s. Attention will be given to both the musicians who generated the changes and the cultural conditions that often provided the impetus. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3330  Music of the Pacific Basin (3 units)

This course will explore a variety of old and new musical styles of Australia, East Asia, North and South America, and the Pacific Islands. Offered intermittently.

MUS 3341  Music for Dancers (3 units)

Explores the major historical periods, styles, and genres of western music. Particular emphasis is placed on those composers who have made a significant impact on the art of dance. In addition, the course will develop interpretive and analytic tools for dancers to apply in their own relationship to music as dance artists. Offered Spring 2008.

MUS 4491  Senior Project (2 units)

A research project in music history, music theory, or music education. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in music may select this option in lieu of the senior recital. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 4994  Teaching Assistantship (1–3 units)

Students gain teaching skill by assisting music faculty in the classroom or ensemble. Permission required. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 4996  Internship (1–3 units)

Internship opportunities include placement in Bay Area musical organizations or work in public or private music schools. Internships are arranged in cooperation with the Office of Career and Internship Services and the Department of Music. For full description see General Description – ART 4996 – All Internships at end of Art Course Descriptions. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 4999  Independent Study (1–3 units)

Supervised music research on a selected topic which is not covered in a regularly offered class. Permission required. Fall, Spring Semesters.

Private Lessons and Related Courses

Applied Music (1-3 units)

Students receive weekly private lessons of 1/2 hour (1 unit), 3/4 hour (2 units), or 1 hour (3 units). Music majors and minors are required to study privately (MUS 1XXX and MUS 3XXX), and non-music majors or minors are encouraged to study privately (MUS 2XXX and MUS 4XXX). Additional fees are required. Please contact the Music Office, (415) 485-3236 (x3236), for permission to enroll and a fee schedule. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 2651/2652  Piano Class (1 unit)

Functional aspects of piano playing. Piano proficiency requirements may be fulfilled in this course with the approval of the instructor. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 2655/4655  Guitar Class (1 unit)

Functional aspects of guitar playing. May be repeated for credit. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 2751  Beginning String Instruments (1 unit)

Introduction to violin, viola, cello, and double bass with emphasis on practical experience and group performance. Offered intermittently.

MUS 2752  Beginning Brass Instruments (1 unit)

Introduction to the trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba with emphasis on practical experience in a group performance. Offered intermittently.

MUS 2753  Beginning Percussion Instruments (1 unit)

Introduction to the instruments of the percussion family with emphasis on practical experience in a group performance. Offered intermittently.

MUS 2754  Beginning Woodwind Instruments (1 unit)

Introduction to the flute, oboe-English horn, clarinet, bassoon, and other members of the woodwind family with emphasis on practical experience in a group performance. Offered intermittently.

Performing Organizations

MUS 1000/3000  Performer’s Seminar (0 units)

Weekly seminar. Students perform and discuss their performances; and attend on and off-campus recitals and concerts. Required of all music majors and minors. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1400/3400  Dominican Winifred Baker Chorale (1 unit)

A community chorus open to all students, faculty, staff and community, concentrating on the performance of larger choral works with orchestra. May be repeated for credit. Audition required. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1401/3401  Dominican Chamber Singers (1 unit)

An auditioned vocal ensemble performing choral music in a variety of musical styles. May be repeated for credit. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1406/3406  Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra (1 unit)

Prestigious, award winning orchestra composed of young musicians of Marin County (by audition). University credit is available to all students for participation in the MSYO, which meets Saturdays. May be repeated for credit. Audition required. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1407/3407  Dominican Chamber Music (1 unit)

Faculty-student ensembles which perform music from the wealth of chamber literature. May be repeated for credit. Audition required. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1408/3408  Dominican Jazz Ensemble (1 unit)

A instrumental ensemble open to general students and music majors, with performance of a wide variety of jazz styles. The band meets for weekly rehearsals and performs concerts at the end of the semester.  May be repeated for credit. Audition required. Fall, Spring Semesters.

MUS 1409/3409 Opera/Musical Theater Workshop (1 unit)

Preparation and performance of scenes from opera and musical theater repertoire.  May be repeated for credit.  Audition Required.  Fall, Spring Semesters.