Music
38 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
MUS 100 Music Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 100
An overview of the music of Western (European) civilization including analysis of its common forms, examination of its basic elements, survey of its development, and discussion of its relationship to the other arts and to general cultural history. Designed for the general student; music majors should enroll in Music 101 and 102.
MUS 101 Music History Ancient-Baroque
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 105
A study of the development of the music of Western civilizations from the ancient Greeks and early Christian periods through music of the eighteenth-century Baroque period. Recommended course for the music major.
MUS 102 Music History Classical-Modern
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000MUS 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 106
A study of the development of music from the Classic and Romantic periods through the contemporary period. Recommended course for the music major.
MUS 104 Roots of Pop, Rock, Jazz
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A general survey course tracing the roots and special idiosyncrasies of the American popular music tradition from medieval Europe and Africa to the commercial and non-commercial world of today.
MUS 106 World Music Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A study of the music of many cultures around the world. Includes an overview of the cultures and social situations that gave rise to these varied musical forms of expression.
MUS 110 Music Fundamentals
- Units
- 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A basic and elementary approach to reading music, writing musical notation, and singing simple songs. Designed for the non-music major and the Elementary Teaching Credential candidate.
MUS 111 Music Theory 1
- Units
- 4
- Advisory
- MUS 110, or The ability to read music.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 120, MUS 125
A comprehensive course dealing with the fundamentals of traditional music theory and its applications in classical, commercial and global music. Course concepts include rhythm, meter, basic properties of sound, intervals, scales, modes, triads, seventh chords, 4-part voice leading, phrase structure, cadential formulas, figured-bass and non harmonic tones. These topics will be studied through guided composition and analysis as well as ear training, sight singing, aural analysis and dictation.
MUS 112 Music Theory 2
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MUS 111
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 130, MUS 135
A continuation of Comprehensive Music Theory 1. In addition, through guided composition and analysis, the course will include: an introduction to two-part counterpoint; voice leading involving four-part chorale writing; diatonic harmony; and an introduction to secondary chords and modulation. These rhythmic, melodic and harmonic materials will be applied and developed through ear training, sight singing and dictation.
MUS 113 Music Theory 3
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MUS 112
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 140, MUS 145
A continuation of Comprehensive Music Theory, dealing with sight singing, ear training, one and two-part melodic dictation, advanced materials of musicianship and rhythmic notation, advanced modulation techniques, tertian extensions of the triad including 9th, 11th and 13th chords, augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan sixth chords, advanced four-part harmonic writing, and analysis.
MUS 114 Music Theory 4
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- MUS 113
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 150, MUS 155
A continuation of Comprehensive Music Theory 3 dealing with sight singing, ear training, melodic dictation, complex rhythmic notation, and materials of musicianship, Post-Romantic harmony, quartal and quintal harmony, Impressionist harmonic procedures, Jazz, Atonality, the 12-tone method, integral serialism, aleatorism, Post-Serialism and minimalism.
MUS 115 Introduction to Sound Recording & Mixing
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the equipment, terminology and procedures of sound engineering. Combines lectures and demonstrations with hands-on use of equipment. Students will have the opportunity to use professional sound recording and processing equipment in various recording and mix-down situations. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Film 120.
MUS 116 Sound Production Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores the digital audio software for recording music and computer-based multi-track sound recording for producing audio for video projects, as well as the use of digital signal processors for mixing and mastering recordings. This course is not open to students who have received credit for or who are currently enrolled in FILM 121.
MUS 117 Electronic Music MIDI Recording
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the use of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Includes working with synthesizers, sequencing and music notation in a MIDI-controlled environment. This course is intended for music majors and non-majors.
MUS 118 Intro to Electronic Music
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the various areas of electronic music, including the history of electronic music, sound synthesis techniques and the use of digital and analog synthesizers in a recording studio. Designed for both music majors and non-majors.
MUS 119 Electronic Music Studio Technique
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- MUS 118
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides the opportunity for the student to apply and refine the sound synthesis skills introduced in Music 118.
MUS 120 Piano 2
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- MUS 128
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A basic piano course covering music reading, playing scales and arpeggios, simple chords, sight reading, and two handed elementary level pieces. Recommended for perspective elementary classroom teachers and music majors who have had little or no piano training.
MUS 121 Piano 3
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- MUS 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A continuation of Music 120, covering technical problems, scales, arpeggios, chording, sight reading, fundamentals of technique, and the interpretation of piano literature within the ability of each student. Recommended for prospective elementary classroom teachers and music majors who have had an introduction to piano playing.
MUS 122 Piano 4
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- MUS 121
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A study of standard piano repertoire from style periods ranging from the Baroque period to modern works. Students will continue the study of scales, arpeggios, and correct performance practices.
MUS 123 Voice 2
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- MUS 129
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An introduction to the fundamental techniques of vocal performance. Topics include warm-up techniques, proper breathing, phrasing, vocal production diction, as well as an introduction to the vocal repertoire and associated performance practices.
MUS 124 Voice 3
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- MUS 123
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A continuation of the development of vocal performance techniques introduced in MUS 123. Topics include exercises for the extension of the vocal range and improvement of diction and tone, as well as the study and performance of more difficult works from the vocal repertoire.
MUS 125 Beginning Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An introduction to the techniques of guitar performance including reading music and performing scales, chord patterns and beginning level pieces. The course is intended for music majors and non-majors. Students must provide his/her own acoustic guitar.
MUS 126 Intermediate Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- MUS 125
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A continuation of Music 125 covering technical problems, scales, chording, sight reading, fundamentals of technique, and the interpretation of guitar literature within the ability of each student.
MUS 127 Voice 4
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- MUS 124
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A study of standard vocal repertoire with an emphasis on solo and small ensemble literature. Students practice correct tone production, diction, stage presence, and style interpretation.
MUS 128 Piano 1
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An introductory lecture/lab course designed for the first time piano student, with instruction focused on good hand and finger position, learning the notes on the keyboard and music staff, and counting simple rhythms accurately. No prerequisites required.
MUS 129 Voice 1
- Units
- 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An introductory singing lecture/lab course designed for the aspiring singer with little or no knowledge of vocal and music fundamentals. Emphasis Is placed on good vocal habits and instruction will include group lessons as well as private coaching, opportunities to work with a piano accompanist, and a recital performance. No prerequisites required.
MUS 130 Mixed Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Designed to give singers with varying degrees of musical experience the opportunity to rehearse and perform standard choral literature in a broad range of styles, including a cappella and instrumentally accompanied works. Public appearances are scheduled throughout the semester with an emphasis on community outreach. This course is designed to enhance mental/physical skills and fosters socialization.
MUS 132 Masterworks Chorale
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Study and performance of standard choral literature of the later Baroque and early Classical periods. Includes the study and performance of selected larger, accompanied works. Public concert appearances presenting repertoire in a wide range of styles.
MUS 133 Chamber Voices
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Provides the opportunity to study and perform standard choral literature of the Baroque and Classical periods. A cappella performance is emphasized. Public concert appearances will include repertoire in a wide range of styles, including accompanied works. Audition at first class meeting.
MUS 137 Concert Chorale
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Designed to give singers the opportunity to rehearse and perform standard choral literature with emphasis on large choral works.
MUS 140 Symphonic Band
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
The study of band literature, techniques of ensemble playing, and concert performance. Numerous public performances.
MUS 143 Jazz Band
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Designed for members of the Allan Hancock College Jazz Band, which will perform a variety of traditional and contemporary jazz works. The band will make several appearances during the semester.
MUS 144 Jazz Improvisation
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- Ability to play appropriate instrument and read music.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Focuses on the development of various improvisational techniques in both small ensemble and Big Band Jazz situations. There will be several performances during the course of the semester.
MUS 145 Big Band Jazz
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- Ability to play an appropriate instrument and read music
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A performance ensemble that specializes in the Big Band and Swing Music of the 1930s and 1940s.
MUS 146 Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Advisory
- ability to play an appropriate instrument and read music
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A performance ensemble that specializes in the music of Jazz composers and arrangers from the second half of the 20th century. The ensemble will have several performances each semester.
MUS 151 Concert Band
- Units
- 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
The study of concert band literature, with an emphasis on ensemble performance and rehearsal techniques. There will be several public performances.
MUS 160 Music Business
- Units
- 2
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
An overview of business concerns that affect musicians and composers in the fields of live performance and sound recording. Topics include copyright; royalties; the roles of managers, agents, and attorneys; as well as Internet issues.
MUS 170 Applied Music
- Units
- 0.5
- Prerequisite
- Audition Required
- Corequisite
- MUS 111, or MUS 112 Music Theory 2 MUS 113 Music Theory 3 MUS 114 Music Theory 4 MUS 130 Mixed Ensemble MUS 132 Masterworks Chorale MUS 133 Chamber Voices MUS 140 Symphonic Band MUS 143 Jazz Band MUS 144 Jazz Improvisation or MUS 137 Concert Chorale
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- MUS 160
This course consists of individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire for the specific instrument or voice being studied through private instruction. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skill needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a performance ensemble and music theory course to enroll in Applied Music each of the four semesters.
MUS 189 Independent Projects
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, search or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent Projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate Academic Dean, or an instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and approved by the appropriate dean before the last day of enrollment. Units are awarded depending upon satisfying performance and the amount of time committed by the students to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester