Music
48 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
MUS 001 Music Theory I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 120, C-ID MUS 125
This course is a study of the basic materials of music (harmony, melody, rhythm, form, etc.) and how those materials combine to create the tonal music of the common practice period. Activities include critical analysis of representative compositions and creative work in counterpoint and harmony combined with historical perspective from the common practice period. Lab activities include sight singing, ear training, and dictation practice related to the theoretical material. (C-ID MUS 120, C-ID MUS 125)
MUS 002 Music Theory II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 001.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 130, MUS 135
This course continues concepts introduced in Music Theory I; the study of basic materials of music and how those materials combine to create musical structures. Activities include analysis of representative compositions combined with creative work in counterpoint, orchestration and harmony (including modulation, secondary dominants, 9th, 11th, 13th chords and non-dominant harmony.) Lab activities include sight singing, ear training, dictation and the playing of scales and chord progressions at the keyboard.(C-ID MUS 130; MUS 135)
MUS 003 Music Theory III
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 002.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 140, MUS 145
This course continues concepts introduced in Music Theory II. Theory topics include harmonic (secondary dominants, borrowed chords, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, and chromatic modulations), melodic, and formal analysis of representative compositions from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods combined with creative work in composition. Musicianship activities include sight singing and dictation of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic concepts explored in the theory portion of the course.(C-ID MUS 140; MUS 145)
MUS 004 Music Theory IV
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 003.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 150, MUS 155
This course continues concepts introduced in Music Theory III. Theory topics include harmonic borrowed chords and modal interchange, third relations, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, extended and altered chords, and enharmonic modulation), melodic, and formal analysis of representative compositions in addition to the study and application of 20th century techniques (serialism, set theory, modes, pentatonic, and symmetric scales, pandiatonicism and polytonalism, and advanced rhythm concepts) combined with creative work in composition. Musicianship activities include sight singing and dictation of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic concepts explored in the theory portion of the course.(C-ID MUS 150; MUS 155)
MUS 005 History of Rock 'n' Roll
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of rock music. The focus is on rock music, the musician, and the manner in which the sociological, political, and economic conditions merged in the evolution of this musical art form.
MUS 006 History of Film Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines film music from the birth of cinema at the turn of the twentieth century to the present. Students explore the origins of musical-dramatic style, the role music plays in cinema and the scores of famous film composers.
MUS 007 History of Musical Theatre
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the history of musical theatre from its early origins to the Broadway shows of today. The evolution of musical style and literature is traced through a variety of musical genres. Included are operettas, cabarets, follies and traditional musicals as well as a review of famous composers, lyricists and performers. (Equivalent to TA 007)
MUS 010 Introduction to Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- 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 the western world. (C-ID MUS 100)
MUS 011 The History of Jazz
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of jazz music from its origins in the late 19th century to today. The focus is on the historical and stylistic developments of jazz and the innovative musicians who shaped its development.
MUS 012 Fundamentals of Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 110
This is a basic course in music theory designed to develop an understanding of notation, rhythm, pitch, keys, scales, intervals, triads, and music terminology and their application to music as a creative art. This course is open to all students and serves as the introductory course in music theory for music majors. (C-ID MUS 110)
MUS 013 Songwriting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the fundamental elements of songwriting. Emphasis will be placed on the study of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and lyric writing and their importance in the composition and analysis songs from a variety of musical styles. An introduction to the business of songwriting will also be included.
MUS 021A Piano I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 170
This course is an introduction to beginning keyboard skills, including notation. It includes basic technique, major and minor five finger patterns, major scales, sight reading and basic chord progressions, as they are encountered in beginning piano music. (C-ID MUS 170)
MUS 021B Piano II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 021A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course students refine and further develop beginning keyboard skills. This includes piano technique, major scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, chord progressions and harmonization and transposition skills, as encountered in upper-beginning/early intermediate piano music. C-ID: MUS 171
MUS 021C Piano III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 021B.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 172
This course will allow students to refine and develop beginning keyboard skills. Piano technique, major and minor scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, expanded chord progressions, and harmonization and transposition skills are encountered in intermediate piano music. (C-ID MUS 172)
MUS 022A Voice I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course involves group study of the foundations of vocal production, technique and diction and their application to all styles of singing from pop to classical. It is designed for the non-music major.
MUS 022B Voice II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 022A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course involves group study of interpretation, presentation, and introduces singing in foreign language, with application of these skills to all styles of singing from pop to classical. It is designed for the non-music major and for those considering majoring in vocal arts.
MUS 022C Voice III
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 022B.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course involves group study of interpretation and presentation of solo vocal literature in a variety of singing styles and languages. It is designed for the non-music major and for those considering majoring in vocal arts and musical theatre.
MUS 023A Jazz/Rock/Pop Voice I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of vocal production as they apply to singing songs from contemporary commercial idioms, including popular songs, jazz, gospel and track singing. Emphasis is placed on posture, breathing, resonance, style, microphone technique, movement and presentation. Literature appropriate for each voice range and ability is studied. Students are required to perform songs from memory.
MUS 023B Jazz/Rock/Pop Voice II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 023A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course involves group study of interpretation and presentation of solo contemporary and commercial vocal idioms, including popular songs, jazz, gospel, show tunes, and track singing. It is designed for those pursuing certificates in commercial music and/or musical theatre.
MUS 027 Jazz Band
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Group rehearsal and public performance of standard jazz ensemble literature for woodwind, brass, and rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass, and drums). Proper jazz style and improvisation will be emphasized. Repeating this course provides additional skills and competency within the subject area. May be taken for a total of four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180)
MUS 028 Jazz Ensembles
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Group rehearsal and public performance of standard music literature for jazz combos including woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section. Repeating this course provides additional skills and competency within the subject area. May be taken for a total of four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180)
MUS 029 Jazz Singers
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Group rehearsal and public performance of vocal jazz literature arranged for small ensemble. Jazz styles and techniques will be emphasized. Open to all students by audition. May be taken a total of four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180)
MUS 031 Chamber Singers
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Preparation and performance of a diverse array of sacred and secular music for vocal chamber ensemble. Open to all students by audition. May be taken a total of four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180)
MUS 033 Symphonic Band
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course focuses on the study and performance of medieval through Contemporary symphonic band and wind ensemble literature. Prior musical training on a wind or percussion instrument is required. May be taken for a total of four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180)
MUS 039A Beginning Class Guitar
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a beginning course designed for the non-music major covering fundamentals of guitar technique and reading basic musical notation. Emphasis is on beginning sound production for guitar. Music from Classical, Flamenco, Latin, and popular songs will be covered.
MUS 039B Intermediate Class Guitar
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 039A.
- Advisory
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an intermediate course designed for the non-music major that continues the development of guitar technique introduced in MUS 039A. Emphasis on perfecting sound production and mastery of all aspects of the guitar. Music from Classical, Flamenco, Latin, and popular songs will be covered.
MUS 039C Advanced Class Guitar
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 039B.
- Advisory
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an advanced course designed for the non-music major that continues the development of guitar technique introduced in MUS 039A and B. Emphasis on perfecting sound production and mastery of all aspects of the guitar. Music from Classical, Flamenco, Latin, and popular songs will be covered.
MUS 050A Beginning Jazz/Rock Guitar
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a beginning course designed for the non-music major covering fundamentals of guitar technique, reading music notation, improvisation, and the history of the guitar beginning in 1920. Music from jazz, rock, country, and other contemporary styles will be explored.
MUS 050B Intermediate Jazz/Rock Guitar
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 050A.
- Advisory
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an intermediate course designed for the non-music major that continues the development of concepts introduced in MUS 050A. Music from jazz, rock, country, and other contemporary styles will be covered.
MUS 050C Advanced Jazz/Rock Guitar
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 050B.
- Advisory
- MUS 012.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an Advanced course designed for the non-music major that continues the development of concepts introduced in MUS-050A and B. Music from jazz, rock, country, and other contemporary styles will be covered.
MUS 078A Electronic Music Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- MUS 021A.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the history, theory and practice of using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), hardware and software synthesizers, drum machines, samplers and other electronic instruments along with software Sequencers.
MUS 078B Audio Recording Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- MUS 021A.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to audio and music recording concepts, techniques, terminology and practices. Topics covered include acoustics, psychoacoustics, console/mixer topology, microphones, magnetism, audio processors, loudspeakers and recording software (Digital Audio Workstations).
MUS 078C Live Sound Reinforcement I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- MUS 078B.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to live sound reinforcement. Topics will primarily be focused on reinforcement for live music performance, but will also touch upon public address systems, live sound for theatrical productions, sound system design and maintenance.
MUS 078D Digital Audio IV Capstone
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 078C and MUS 003 or MUS 021C or MUS 023 or MUS 050B.
This is the culminating course for the Basic and Advanced Commercial Music certificate programs. Students will apply knowledge and skills obtained in Digital Audio I through III with those obtained in theory, songwriting, and performance courses within the Commercial Music program. Students will create a multiple song/composition recording project by serving as recording engineer and any combination of performer, composer, or songwriter. In addition, students will utilize business skills obtained through courses within the commercial music certificate programs to create a marketing and distribution plan for the recording.
MUS 079 Introduction to Music Business
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers a wide range of topics specifically related to the Music Industry. Topics such as copyright, publishing, licensing, distribution, artist management, music attorneys, record label structure and personnel, administration, multimedia and promotion will be covered throughout the course to provide students with the necessary knowledge to begin a career in the Music Industry or to continue studies in the field.
MUS 080B Audio recording II: Multitrack Recording
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 078B and.
- Advisory
- MUS 021A.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is a continuation of Audio Recording Fundamentals (MUS 078B). Skills acquired in MUS 078B will be developed and built-upon, as well as introduction and development of new skill sets in Audio Recording. This course will focus primarily on studio recording topics and skills in a studio recording environment like intermediate/advanced recording console topology, band or ensemble recording/tracking, patchbays, outboard gear, acoustic isolation, headphone/monitor mixes, basic mixing techniques, and others.
MUS 080C Live Sound Reinforcement II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 078C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Live Sound Reinforcement II covers more advanced topics and techniques in live sound including hanging and tuning line array systems, advanced mixing techniques for music, theater, and corporate events, speaker time alignment, wireless microphones, and in-ear monitor systems.
MUS 081E Live Sound Primer for AMP Summer Camp
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18
This course is a basic primer on the basics of live sound reinforcement. A brief introduction on the topics of PA Setup, live sound mixers, microphones, loudspeakers, gain staging, cabling, and room acoustics will be covered. This is designed to be offered as a concurrent enrollment course for high school students in the AMP (Academy of Musical Performance)/COD Summer Camp program.
MUS 084 Musical Theatre Performance
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance in the context of a main-stage musical theatre production. Rehearsals expose students to the creative process as they prepare for public performances that showcase all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. Musical Theatre Performance courses (MUS 084, MUS 085, MUS 086, TA 094, TA 095, and TA 096) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units. (Equivalent to TA 094.)
MUS 085 Musical Theatre Performance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 108
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance in the context of a main-stage musical theatre production. Rehearsals expose students to the creative process as they prepare for public performances that showcase all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. Musical Theatre Performance courses (MUS 084, MUS 085, MUS 086, TA 094, TA 095, and TA 096) may be taken a total of four times up to a total of 12 units. (Equivalent to TA 095.)
MUS 086 Musical Theatre Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 162
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance in the context of a main-stage musical theatre production. Rehearsals expose students to the creative process as they prepare for public performances that showcase all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. Musical Theatre Performance courses (MUS 084, MUS 085, MUS 086, TA 094, TA 095, and TA 096) may be taken a total of four times up to a total of 12 units. (Equivalent to TA 096.)
MUS 090 Musical Theatre Workshop
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. Students are exposed to the creative process as they utilize and exercise skills necessary to all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. The study of excerpts from various time periods and styles acquaints students with a wide variety of musical theatre repertoire. Students present selected musical theatre excerpts at the culmination of the semester. Musical Theatre Workshop courses (MUS 090, MUS 091 and MUS 092) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units.
MUS 091 Musical Theatre Workshop
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 108
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. Students are exposed to the creative process as they utilize and exercise skills necessary to all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing. The study of excerpts from various time periods and styles acquaint students with a wide variety of musical theatre repertoire. Students present selected musical theatre excerpts at the culmination of the semester. Musical Theatre Workshop courses (MUS 090, MUS 091 and MUS 092) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units.
MUS 092 Musical Theatre Workshop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 162
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the techniques and practices of musical theatre performance. Students are exposed to the creative process as they utilize and exercise skills necessary to all three areas of musical theatre performance: acting, singing and dancing. The study of excerpts from various time periods and styles acquaint students with a wide variety of musical theatre repertoire. Students present selected musical theatre excerpts at the culmination of the semester. Musical Theatre Workshop courses (MUS 090, MUS 091 and MUS 092) may be taken for a maximum of 4 times up to a total of 12 units.
MUS 095A Music Work Experience
- Units
- 1-5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 270
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Music.
MUS 099A Applied Music, Instrumental
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 27
- Prerequisite
- Corequisite: MUS 027 or MUS 028 or MUS 033 and MUS 012 or MUS 001 or MUS 002 or MUS 003.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
Individual studio instruction for the Associate of Arts degree in music. Students receive 7 hours of individual instruction, complete 18 hours of on-campus practice, perform at least once in a public campus recital, and play a juried performance (final exam) for a faculty committee. Designed for Music majors who are able to perform at college level. Successful audition on an approved major instrument and concurrent enrollment in an instrumental performance ensemble and an approved academic music class required. May be taken a total of four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 160)
MUS 099B Applied Music, Vocal
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 27
- Prerequisite
- Corequisite: MUS 029 or MUS 031 and MUS 012 or MUS 001 or MUS 002 or MUS 003.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
Individual studio instruction for the Associate of Arts degree in music. Students receive 7 hours of individual instruction, complete 18 hours of on-campus practice, perform at least once in a public campus recital and sing a juried performance (final exam) for a faculty committee. Designed for Music majors who are able to perform at college level. Successful audition and concurrent enrollment in a choral ensemble and an approved academic music class required. May be taken a total of four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 160)
MUS 333 Symphonic Band
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- Noncredit Hours: 54
This course focuses on the study and performance of medieval through Contemporary symphonic band and wind ensemble literature. Prior musical training on a wind or percussion instrument is required.