Welcome to the Music Department

The Cypress College Music Department offers more than 70 classes in all areas of music study including Applied Music, Music History, Music Appreciation, Piano, Commercial and Electronic Music, Recording Arts, and a variety of vocal and instrumental performance ensembles. Click here to view our current schedule of classes to see which courses are being offered this semester. Below is a comprehensive list of all the music courses offered at Cypress College. If you have any questions regarding these courses, please email kreid@cypresscollege.edu.
MUS 055 C MUSIC WORK EXPERIENCE 1 - 4 Units (Variable Unit Class) (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hours lecture per week. Corequisite: Must be enrolled in seven units, including work experience. This course provides 1 unit of credit for a minimum employment of 5 hours per week for 18 weeks. Students may take a maximum of 4 units each semester. (20 hours per week for 18 weeks).	MUS 212 C MUSIC PROMOTION & DISTR. 3 Units Three hours lecture per week. CSU Music entrepreneurs will learn business proc. to form their own company, emphasizing strategies for the sale and promotion of music. The course covers topics such as the music marketing environment, hands-on marketing techniques, online sales and promotion, and the effects of technology in music publishing.
MUS 100 C MUSIC LABORATORY 1 - 2 Units (Variable Unit Class) (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three to six hours laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit CSU Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in a music course with a lab. This course is designed to supplement music courses with a lab component. For each 48 hours beyond the requirements of the corequisite class that the student spends in directed laboratory activities one unit of credit will be granted, up to a maximum of two units per semester. All hours must be verified by sign-in sheets and/or computerized attendance.	MUS 218 C OPERA HISTORY & LITERATURE 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU This course deals with the evolution of opera as a multimedia art form. Emphasis is placed on social and cultural influences affecting the development of its history and performance practices from the 17th century to the present. Music of individual composers from various music periods will be studied. Recordings, films, and field trips are used to supplement class discussions. Open to all students. Cost of music concert will not exceed $30.00.
MUS 101 C MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS 3 Units Three hrs lecture and One hr. lab TBA per week. UC Credit Limitation/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE This cross cultural course covers the elements of sound, their application and effect in musical structures. The historical evolution of music, notation, and its understanding and application are presented in an international societal context. It is open to all students but designed for the non-music major.	MUS 224 C RECORDING STUDIO II 3 Units (May be taken for credit 2 times) (Same as MMMU 224 C) Two hours lecture and Four hours lab. per week. CSU Prerequisite: MUS 124 C or MMMU 124 C. Corequisite: MUS 224LC. This course provides an introduction to digital audio concepts, recorders, synchronization, and the digital audio workstation. Students will be assigned projects in the music department’s recording facilities.
MUS 102 C MUSIC READING 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU This course is designed to teach students how to read music from the printed page. Participants will learn basic skills, such as identifying note names and rhythm values, and will progress to the primary levels of sight-singing and developing the inner ear, a skill vital to every musician.	MUS 224LC RECORDING STUDIO LAB 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 2 times) Forty-eight hours laboratory per semester in the Recording Studio facilities. Credit/No Credit CSU Corequisite: MUS 224 C. This course affords supplemental lab time for students enrolled in MUS 224 C. Students will complete individual and/or group projects in recording demonstrating their proficiency with studio techniques, recording, signal processing, mixdown, and audio production.
MUS 103AC THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP I 4 Units Five hrs lecture and One hour lab. TBA per week. UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC, CAN MUS 2 Prerequisite: Ability to read music. Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in a piano class. This is the FIRST COURSE in music theory for music majors. Topics include basic terminology, rhythmic and pitch notation, diatonic scales and triads, intervals, chord progressions and basic cadential formulas, dominant seventh chords, figured bass, non-harmonic tones, sight-singing, and melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation.	MUS 225 C APPLIED MUSIC 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture, and One half-hour lesson with a private instructor, and Five hours of practice in the practice rooms per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition and concurrent enrollment in a performing ensemble. For the student seeking individual instruction on piano, voice, guitar, or any standard band or orchestra instrument. A performance at Faculty Juries is required each semester. Vocal and instrumental students should concurrently enroll in a choir or band class, pianists and guitarists should consult with faculty for an appropriate concurrent course.
MUS 103BC THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP II 4 Units Five hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU, CAN MUS 4 Prerequisite: MUS 103AC. This course is a continuation of MUS 103AC. It includes major, minor, and dominant seventh chords, diminished seventh chords, musical texture, voice leading and part writing in 2 and 4 voices, harmonic progression, sight-singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, and the development of rhythmic reading skills.	MUS 227 C INTERMEDIATE VOICE 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 2 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: MUS 126 C or by audition. This course continues the study of vocal performance techniques at an intermediate level. As with the beginning level voice class, the intermediate course deals primarily with tone production, breath control, diction, and choices of popular and traditional song literature.
MUS 111 C THE MUSIC BUSINESS 3 Units Three hours lecture per week. CSU From copyrights to contracts, this course covers the essential elements of the music industry for performers, songwriters, producers, and managers. Topics include intellectual property law (copyrights), management contracts, publishing companies, performance rights societies, licensing procedures, record manufacturing and distribution, and an overall look at the dynamics of the music and entertainment industries. Guest speakers will appear according to availability.	MUS 229 C VOCAL REPERTOIRE 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory per week. CSU Prerequisite: MUS 227 C or by audition. This class provides a workshop environment for the study of vocal repertoire at the intermediate-to-advanced level. Repertoire will be drawn from traditional styles such as art songs, lieder, arias, and oratorios, as well as jazz, musical theater, and contemporary music. Students will focus on the development of their lyric diction and performance skills while being exposed to a wide variety of vocal literature.
MUS 113 C JAZZ HISTORY 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC, CUL DIV This is a survey course which traces the history and development of jazz music from its inception to the present day. The music, both live and from recordings, is studied from a cultural, musical, historical, and sociological standpoint. Concert attendance is required. Open to all students.	MUS 231 C INTERMEDIATE GUITAR 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 2 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU Prerequisite: MUS 130 C, or by audition. This course continues the study of guitar performance at an intermediate level. Study focuses on the areas of technique, note reading, scales, and chords. A variety of musical styles, from classical to rock, are included in the repertoire.
MUS 115 C MUSIC CULTURES OF THE WORLD 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC This course will examine music from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, India, Indonesia, Latin America, and indigenous Indian music from North America. The emphasis is on the role of music in society and its relationship to the other arts. Consideration is also given to musical function, style and structure, instruments, and performance traditions.	MUS 232 C CLASSICAL GUITAR 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. This course involves group instruction in classical guitar technique and interpretation of solo and ensemble literature for the instrument.
MUS 116 C MUSIC APPRECIATION 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC A survey of music literature from the Middle Ages to the present. Students will gain an understanding of music as an art form through listening and discussion of choral, orchestral, solo, opera, chamber and jazz works. Concert attendance is required. Open to all students, but designed for the non-music major.	MUS 235 C COMMERCIAL GUITAR AND BASS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. This course emphasizes blues, jazz, and rock techniques for intermediate-to-advanced guitarists and bassists. Topics include scales in all positions, chords, arpeggios, accompaniment styles, reading chord charts and sheet music, and practical theory. Students will obtain vocational “real world” experience to prepare them for careers as a professional guitarist and/or bassist.
MUS 117 C AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC This course is an historical and musical study of American popular music from its origin to the present. The primary focus will be on musical styles with secondary emphasis on sociological, political and economic conditions which influenced the popular music of America. Concert attendance is required.	MUS 236 C INTERMEDIATE PIANO 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 2 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: MUS 135 C or by audition. This is a study of keyboard literature and techniques in a class situation. Emphasis is on individual progress in execution and interpretation. Designed for both music majors and non-majors whose piano skills are beyond Beginning Piano but not yet ready for Applied Music.
MUS 118 C INTRODUCTION TO OPERA 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC Credit Limitation/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC This course is an introduction to the standard operatic repertoire in terms of development of musical style, dramatic structure, and performance tradition. Emphasis is on elements of the art of operatic singing, voice classification, vocal range and technique, and dramatic values. Opportunities for attendance at operatic performances will be provided. Cost of music concert will not exceed $30.00. Duplicate credit not granted for MUS 118HC.	MUS 238 C POPULAR PIANO 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: MUS 135 C or by audition. This course deals with the study of basic chords to allow keyboard freedom in improvising and song arranging with the use of melody and accompaniment to develop a creative style of playing, essential in popular music. It is designed for non-music majors as well as music majors.
MUS 118HC HONORS INTRODUCTION TO OPERA 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC Credit Limitation/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC This course offers an Introduction to Opera course enhanced for honors students in a seminar type setting. Students will survey the standard operatic repertoire in terms of development of musical style, dramatic structure and performance tradition with emphasis on the appreciation of the art of operatic singing, voice classification, vocal technique and dramatic values. Opportunities for field trips and seminars with performers and directors are included. Cost of music concert will not exceed $30.00. Duplicate credit not granted for MUS 118 C.	MUS 247 C ADVANCED WOODWINDS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: MUS 146 C or by audition. This is a course for advanced students who wish to play flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon or saxophone. Students must supply their own instruments.
MUS 119 C HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC From its earliest beginnings to the present day, this course surveys the inception, evolution, and development of Rock music in America and abroad. In addition to in-depth studies of Rock music and the artists who created it, students will examine the sociological, political, and economic conditions which influenced its development.	MUS 260 C CLASSICAL GUITAR ENSEMBLE 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The Cypress Classical Guitar Ensemble is dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of standard and contemporary duets, trios, quartets, and large ensemble pieces for the classical guitar. The ensemble participates in a department recital each semester.
MUS 120 C SURVEY OF MUSIC HISTORY 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC This course is designed for music majors or non-majors with some musical background. Students will study Western stylistical trends, major forms and theory from antiquity to the present. Recordings, video tapes, and live musical performances are used to emphasize material covered in class discussions.	MUS 261 C STRING ENSEMBLE 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The Cypress String Ensemble is dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of standard and contemporary duets, trios, quartets, and large ensemble pieces for the violin, viola, cello and contrabass. The ensemble participates in a department recital each semester.
MUS 122 C CONCERT HOUR 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture per week. CSU, AA GE, CSU GE The concert hour is set aside for on-campus concerts and recitals. A variety of soloists and ensembles will perform music of many styles from the sixteenth century to the present. Students will have an opportunity to observe, listen and discuss with the performers the characteristics of various musical styles and performance techniques. Open to all students.	MUS 263 C BRASS ENSEMBLE 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The ensemble will rehearse and perform traditional and contemporary brass ensemble literature. This class is open to performers on trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba. Performances will be scheduled each semester.
MUS 124 C RECORDING STUDIO I 3 Units (Same as MMMU 124 C Two hours lecture and Four hours laboratory per week. CSU This class covers the fundamental concepts in audio recording technology. Topics include studio business practices, microphones, mixers, signal processors, the sound field, monitors, recording and editing devices, and synchronization.	MUS 271 C SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. This course deals with the rehearsal and performance of standard symphony orchestra literature.
MUS 126 C BEGINNING VOICE 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 2 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, CSU GE Students will study basic vocal techniques including tone production, breath control, and diction. Songs will be drawn from popular and traditional song literature.	MUS 273 C CONCERT BAND 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The student will be involved in the rehearsal and performance of standard wind and band literature. Performances required in the course of the semester may include concerts and tours.
MUS 127 C MUSIC IN FILM 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU This course is an introduction to the use of music in motion pictures in terms of dramatic purpose and musical style. Emphasis is on how music reinforces the emotional impact, plot delineation, dramatic pacing, and mood evocation in the film.	MUS 274 C CYPRESS SYMPHONIC WINDS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU, AA GE Prerequisite: Audition. The Cypress Symphonic Wind Ensemble is dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of standard and contemporary literature for woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Performances required in the course of the semester may include concerts and tours.
MUS 130 C BEGINNING GUITAR 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 2 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, CSU GE This course introduces the basics of guitar playing to those with little or no previous experience. Basic technique, playing chords and melodies, and music reading are all covered in detail. Open to all students.	MUS 276 C JAZZ BAND 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. This course studies the rehearsal and performance of jazz band literature. Sight reading is emphasized as a musical concept. The band performs in concert each semester, and student compositions and arrangements are encouraged.
MUS 131 C ELECTRIC BASS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU This course uses group instruction to teach general techniques for the electric bass guitar. Blues, R&B, rock, pop and jazz styles are emphasized.	MUS 277 C JAZZ LAB BAND 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. This course deals with the rehearsal and performance of contemporary studio and commercial jazz literature. Sight reading is emphasized as a musical concept. The band performs in concert each semester. Student compositions and arrangements are encouraged.
MUS 135 C BEGINNING PIANO 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 2 times) One hour lecture and one hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option UC/CSU, CSU GE This course is a study of basic piano techniques in a class situation. Includes functional use of basic chordal and scale material, reading music notation and rhythms, and presentation of elementary piano study as a basis for lifelong growth in music as art. Required of music majors whose piano skills are non-existent or very limited. Open to all students.	MUS 279 C MADRIGAL SINGERS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The Madrigal Singers is a small ensemble of mixed voices that focuses on the rehearsal and performance of Renaissance madrigal literature. The ensemble performs two major concerts per semester, participates in regional music festivals and performs at a variety of locations throughout the Los Angeles basin. Open to students with previous choral performance experience by audition.
MUS 143 C BEGINNING STRINGS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU, CSU GE This course teaches the fundamentals of string playing for anyone interested in learning to play the violin, viola, violoncello, or string bass. Students must supply their own instruments. Open to all students, no previous experience necessary.	MUS 280 C JAZZ/MUSICAL THEATER CHOIR 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC /CSU, AA GE Prerequisite: Audition. This course is a vocal ensemble for beginning to advanced singers that focuses on repertoire from jazz, musical theater and popular styles. The ensemble will perform in concerts and may also participate in music festivals appropriate to this type of vocal group. Open to both music majors and non-majors.
MUS 146 C WOODWIND CLASS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU, CSU GE This is a course for students who wish to play flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, or saxophone. Students must supply their own instruments. Open to all students, no previous experience necessary.	MUS 281 C CONCERT CHOIR 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The Concert Choir performs an extensive repertoire ranging from Renaissance, Classical, and Baroque selections to contemporary Spirituals, Jazz, and Musical Theater. The choir presents four major concerts each season and participates in regional choral festivals. Open to all singers from the college and neighboring communities. Prospective singers should call for an audition appointment.
MUS 150 C BEGINNING BRASS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU, CSU GE This course teaches the fundamentals of brass playing for anyone who is interested in learning to play the trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, or tuba. Students must supply their own instruments. Open to all students, no previous experience necessary.	MUS 282 C CYPRESS MASTERWORKS CHORALE 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE Prerequisite: Audition. The Masterworks Chorale (80-110 singers) presents four major concerts each year with emphasis on masterworks for choir and orchestra. The Chorale participates in regional music festivals, performs at numerous locations throughout the Los Angeles basin, and tours internationally. Open to students and members of the community with prior singing experience.
MUS 152 C PERCUSSION CLASS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU This is a course for students who wish to play drums, timpani, mallet instruments, and other percussion instruments. The class will emphasize basic music reading and rhythmical accuracy. Open to all students, no previous experience necessary.	MUS 283 C CYPRESS SINGERS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The Cypress Singers is a group of 18 sopranos and altos which rehearse and perform a variety of repertoire ranging from Renaissance madrigals to contemporary music. The Singers perform in concerts and festivals each year as scheduling permits. Open to both music majors and non-majors by audition.
MUS 156 C JAZZ IMPROV - INSTRUMENTAL 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and Two hours laboratory and One and a quarter hours laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU This class provides intermediate level instrumental students with the tools and techniques for jazz improvisation. Analysis of harmonic and melodic materials, extensive listening, and performance exercises will assist the student in his/her development as an improviser.	MUS 284 C CYPRESS MEISTERSINGERS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. This course is designed to accommodate beginning to advanced singers who wish to participate in a choir for basses, baritones and tenors. This ensemble will present several concerts each year and is designed to accommodate both music majors and non-majors.
MUS 157 C JAZZ IMPROVISATION - VOCAL 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One hour lecture and One hour laboratory and One and one quarter hours laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU This course offers vocal students training in jazz song-styling techniques focusing on swing, ballad, Latin, blues, and contemporary styles. Topics include rhythmic and melodic improvisation, microphone technique, and scat singing.	MUS 285 C CHAMBER SINGERS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The Chamber Singers is a select group of 24 mixed voices performing a variety of classical repertoire ranging from Renaissance madrigals to contemporary literature. The ensemble performs four major concerts per year, participates in regional music festivals, and performs at numerous locations throughout the Los Angeles basin. Open to both students and members of the community with extensive singing experience.
MUS 171 C CYPRESS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one quarter hours laboratory TBA per week CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The Cypress Chamber Orchestra is dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of standard and contemporary literature for strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The ensemble performs in concert each semester.	MUS 286 C STAR CAROLERS 1⁄2 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) One and one-half hours rehearsals and Three-quarters of an hour in performance, sectional rehearsals and program production per week. UC/CSU This course is designed to accommodate beginning to advanced singers who wish to participate in a vocal ensemble that focuses on repertoire for the holiday season. The caroling groups will perform at the annual choral department winter concert in December and at a variety of locations in Cypress and surrounding communities. The course is designed to accommodate both music majors and non-majors.
MUS 175 C SWING BAND 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. Students in this class will be involved in the rehearsal and concert performance of swing music in the style of the “Big Band Era” from the 1930’s to 1950’s.	MUS 287 C CYPRESS JAZZ SINGERS 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours laboratory per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. This course focuses on the rehearsal and performance of traditional and contemporary vocal jazz repertoire accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. Some emphasis will be placed upon vocal improvisation in the jazz style. The ensemble will perform in concerts and may also participate in jazz and choral music festivals. Student compositions and arrangements are encouraged.
MUS 176 C POPULAR SONGWRITING 3 Units Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. CSU Prerequisite: MUS 101 C or MUS 103AC. Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 238 C. This is an introductory to intermediate course in popular songwriting. Students will learn keyboard skills and notation. They will analyze melody, harmony, song form, rhythm, and lyrics as they apply to popular music. Emphasis will be placed on original compositions and composition by well-known songwriters and recording artists.	MUS 289 C GOSPEL CHOIR 1 Unit (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours rehearsal and One and one-quarter hours in sectional rehearsals, recording, program production and/or concerts per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. A choir of mixed voices dedicated to the study, rehearsal, and public performance of anthems, spirituals and gospel (traditional and contemporary) music. This class provides for the learning of the fundamentals of choir singing. Subsequent enrollment in additional semesters will provide additional skill and competency development within the subject matter.
MUS 177 C SONGWRITING WORKSHOP 3 Units (May be taken for credit 4 times) Three hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. CSU Prerequisite: MUS 176 C. Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 238 C. This is an intermediate to advanced workshop in popular songwriting. Students will analyze melody, harmony, song form, rhythm, and lyrics as they apply to popular songs. Emphasis will be placed on original compositions, while studying compositions by well-known songwriters and recording artists.	MUS 290 C MUSICAL THEATER PRODUCTION 1 - 3 Units (Variable Unit Class) (May be taken for credit 4 times) (Same as THEA 132 C) Four to twelve hours laboratory per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: Audition. The student will participate in the study of acting, singing, dancing and instrumental accompaniment. Through a rehearsal process the student will participate in the preparation of a musical production for public performance. Accompanying responsibilities might encompass areas of technical theater.
MUS 178 C DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 3 Units (Same as MMMU 178 C Three hours lecture and One and one-half hour laboratory TBA per week. CSU A comprehensive study of how digital technology is used in the music industry today. Designed for students with interest in songwriting, recording, audio production, and/or multimedia. Students will get hands-on experience with MIDI, keyboard synthesizers, sound modules, sequencers, sound editors, notation software, audio file formats (.wav, .mp3, .mid, etc.), and mastering to compact disc.	MUS 291 C MUSICAL THEATER TECHNIQUES 3 Units (May be taken for credit 4 times) (Same as THEA 126 C) Two hours lecture and Four hours laboratory per week. UC/CSU, AA GE, CSU GE Students will investigate performance methods of musical theater as they relate to the onstage performer. All styles of musical theater may be covered and performance in a workshop setting of musical theater literature is required.
MUS 203AC THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP III 4 Units Five hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: MUS 103BC. This course is a continuation of MUS 103BC. Topics include non-dominant seventh chords, modulation, secondary dominant and leading-tone chords, binary and ternary form, analysis, sight-singing and ear-training.	MUS 298 C MUSIC SEMINAR 1⁄2 - 12 Units (Variable Unit Class) (May be taken for credit 1-4 times) Zero to twelve hours lecture and Zero to fifty-two hours laboratory per week. Credit/No Credit or Credit/No Credit/Letter Grade Option or Standard Letter Grade UC Credit Limitation/CSU Prerequisite: May be required. Corequisite: May be required. Advisory: May be required. Various classes may be offered which are designed to meet the interests and needs of students. Fees may be required – PAYABLE AT REGISTRATION.
MUS 203BC THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP IV 4 Units Five hours lecture and One hour laboratory TBA per week. UC/CSU Prerequisite: MUS 203AC. This course is a continuation of MUS 203AC. Topics include borrowed chords, the Neapolitan sixth chord, the augmented sixth chords, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, sonata-allegro form, chromatic mediant relationships, musical composition, sight-singing and dictation.	MUS 299 C MUSIC INDEPENDENT STUDY 1 - 2 Units (Variable Unit Class) (May be taken for credit 4 times) One to two hours lecture per week. UC Credit Limitation/CSU Prerequisite: Approved Independent Study Learning Contract. This course is designed for students who wish to increase their knowledge and experience in performance or applied areas. Unit credit may range from 1 to 2 units in any given semester. Consult the class schedule to verify credit for a particular term.

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