Music
29 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
MUS 101 Music Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 100
A survey of art music in western civilization. Topics studied include but are not limited to elements of music, basic musical forms, music periods, styles, and the role of music and musicians in Western Art Music.
MUS 101H Music Appreciation Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, is a survey of art music in western civilization. Topics studied include but are not limited to elements of music, basic musical forms, music periods, styles, and the role of music and musicians in Western Art Music. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. (UC, CSU, AVC) Note: Students may take either MUS 101 Music Appreciation or MUS 101H Music Appreciation Honors. Duplicate credit will not be awarded.
MUS 105 World Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey of the world's diverse musical languages. Topics studied include many geographic regions, characteristics of many musical cultures, and the profound impact that political and sociological systems have upon culture.
MUS 106 African American Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on the history of African American music and provides students an overview of the African American experience in the United States by critically exploring the social, cultural, political, and economic history through music. Students will critically analyze the ways that African American cultural identities and music challenge, complicate, and reinvent the musical traditions of dominant American culture.
MUS 110 Music of Latin America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on the music of Latin America, highlighting the most important musical influences in the region. We will study some genres of popular music that are part of the cultural heritage and traditions of the Americas. We will also study the most outstanding classical music composers. This course will promote the learning, recognition and listening of this music by countries and will allow one to have a better understanding of the great contribution and cultural richness of these peoples in the history of music. It will include readings, class analysis, and various assignments that will be delivered weekly.
MUS 111 Fundamentals of Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 110
An introduction to the notation and fundamental theoretical elements of Western Art Music as demonstrated through a variety of styles. This course covers pitch, rhythm, basic formal elements, and fundamental musicianship. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. In addition, interpreting written and aural music and critiquing different musical genres with regard to its broad historical and cultural context will be covered.
MUS 120 Music Theory I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- MUS 153A Through guided composition and analysis, Music Theory I incorporates and develops the concepts covered in Fundamentals of Music.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Complete cadential formulae, phrase structure analysis, chord function theory, and four-part voice-leading principles will be covered. This class is designed for music majors.
MUS 121 Voice
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed to introduce and develop the art and technique of solo singing. Students study and perform contemporary popular songs, selections from the classical tradition, non-Western music, American folk music and spiritual songs. Designed for persons with both no vocal or musical experience and those wanting to improve their singing.
MUS 126 Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an introduction to the principles of playing classical guitar and reading music as applied to the guitar. Designed for persons with no guitar or musical experience.
MUS 131 Piano I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Designed for individuals with no keyboard or musical experience, this course provides an introduction to the principles of playing the piano and reading music. It also introduces principles of music theory and expression essential to all musical styles, from the earliest of cultures to the music of today.
MUS 132 Piano II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MUS 131.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A continuation of piano skills begun in MUS 131.
MUS 151 Music Theory II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- MUS 120 Co-requisite: MUS 153B A study of chord construction, chord progressions, harmonic phrase structures, and melodies and four-part writing.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 130
Some beginning orchestration and composition of simple pieces within the constraints of forms being studied.
MUS 153A Musicianship I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 125
An introductory study of the aural aspect of music theory. Students develop the ability to identify and transcribe rhythms, intervals, chords, scales, and chord progressions. Students will also learn beginning keyboard skills and to sing simple melodies at sight.
MUS 153B Musicianship II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MUS 153A. A study of the aural aspect of music theory.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 135
Students develop the ability to identify and transcribe rhythms, intervals, chords, scales, and chord progressions. Students will also learn to sing elementary melodies at sight.
MUS 160 Symphonic Band
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Students should have at least a high school level performance experience in the course medium. A course designed to rehearse and perform standard band repertoire, chosen by the instructor and changing every semester. Historical and sociological context of the music being studied as well as correct performance of notes and rhythms will be explained in each rehearsal. Each semester, the Band prepares music for public performance. Students take part in weekly rehearsals in which they learn how their own parts relate to other harmonies and rhythms occurring simultaneously. The instructor paces each rehearsal such that the performance at the end of the semester is of as high an artistic and technical standard as possible. This course may be taken by all members of the AVC community who wish to improve their instrumental technique and musicianship through participation.
MUS 165 Guitar Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. A course designed to rehearse and perform guitar ensemble repertoire, chosen by the instructor and changing every semester. Historical and sociological context of the music being studied as well as correct performance of notes and rhythms will be explained in each rehearsal. Each semester, the guitar ensemble prepares music for public performance. Students take part in weekly rehearsals in which they learn how their own parts relate to other harmonies and rhythms occurring simultaneously. The instructor paces each rehearsal such that the performance at the end of the semester is of as high an artistic and technical standard as possible.
MUS 166 Orchestra
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium and audition information will be delivered to the student on or before the first class session. Students study and perform orchestral repertoire from many traditions, including the European masterworks of the last five centuries, popular selections, American folk music, and world music. Students receive ensemble performance experience, training in instrumental technique, and music reading, and they gain a practical understanding of the diversity of musical styles. Students are required to obtain approved performance attire for public performances.
MUS 180 Chamber Music
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students should have at least a high school level performance experience in the course medium. Designed for musicians of various levels, this course focuses on repertoire from different styles and periods, emphasizing collaboration, advanced techniques, and performance skills. Students will participate in rehearsals, develop ensemble dynamics, and perform in both informal and formal settings, gaining practical experience and a deeper appreciation of small-ensemble, chamber music.
MUS 181 Master Chorale
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. Concert Choir performs madrigals and other music written for small ensemble. Students study and perform choral music, including masterworks from the European tradition of the last five centuries, American music, and music from other folk traditions. In addition to receiving ensemble performance experience and training in vocal technique, students gain a practical understanding of the diversity of musical styles. Students are required to obtain approved performance attire for public performances.
MUS 231 Piano III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MUS 132.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuation of piano skills begun in MUS 132.
MUS 251A Music Theory III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MUS 151.
- Corequisite
- MUS 253A A continuation of the study of traditional voice leading in four-part choral writing, traditional methods of writing harmonic progressions, a basic tour of historical style periods, traditional usages of the dominant seventh, diminished seventh, and half-diminished seventh chords, basic modulation techniques, study of the function of non-dominant seventh chords, study of secondary dominant and leading tone chords, and review of basic forms.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 140
Appropriate for any member of the AVC community that desires a strong foundation in common practice music theory.
MUS 251B Music Theory IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- MUS 253B Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 251A A study of advanced methods of writing harmonic progressions, a basic tour of the late nineteenth and twentieth century stylistic periods, usage of borrowed and altered chords, enharmonic modulation techniques, study of new scales and sonorities associated with post-romanticism, impressionism, atonality, serialism and chance music.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 150
Appropriate for any member of the AVC community that desires a strong foundation in common practice music theory.
MUS 253A Musicianship III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- concurrent enrollment in MUS 251A. Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 153B. A continuation of the study of the aural aspect of music theory begun in Music 153.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 145
Students continue to develop the ability to identify and transcribe rhythms, intervals, chords, scales, and chord progressions. Students will also learn to sing intermediate melodies at sight.
MUS 253B Musicianship IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MUS 253A. A continuation of the study of the aural aspect of music theory begun in Music 253A. Students continue to develop the ability to identify and transcribe rhythms, intervals, chords, scales, and chord progressions.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 155
Students will also learn to sing advanced melodies at sight.
MUS 291A Private Lessons: Voice, Guitar, and Piano
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 lab hours, 27 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in MUS 292 and MUS 181.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. This course provides advanced individual instruction in voice, guitar, or piano.
MUS 291B Private Lessons: Winds, Brass, and Percussion
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 lab hours, 27 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in MUS 292 and MUS 160.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. This course provides advanced individual instruction in winds, brass, or percussion.
MUS 291C Private Lessons: Bowed Strings
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 lab hours, 27 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in MUS 292 and MUS 166.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. This course provides advanced individual instruction in violin, viola, cello, or doublebass.
MUS 291D Private Lessons: Popular Music, Composition, and Non-Transfer
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 lab hours, 27 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in MUS 292 and one of MUS 160, MUS 166, MUS 181, MUSC 170A, MUSC 173, MUSC 220A, or MUSC 273.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. This course provides advanced individual instruction in popular music performance, composition, and for students not intending to transfer.
MUS 292 Applied Music Performance
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 lab hours, 27 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. This course provides advanced individual instruction in each student's performing medium (an instrument or voice) in a masterclass setting.