Music
45 courses · Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
MUS 193 MUSIC SPECIAL TOPIC
- Units
- 0.5 to 4
- Hours
- 0.5 to 4 hours per week: (0.50 - 4.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
Examines a special topic in the field of study related to the discipline offering this course.
MUS 193E CHORAL ENSEMBLE TOUR
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 9 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/9.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
Studies, rehearses, and performs jazz and vocal chamber literature of French and American cultures. Nine performances in France, and two local performances (pre-tour and post-tour) will be a large part of the class.
MUS 201 FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC (MUSIC THEORY I)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Advisory
- No previous musical experience necessary
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 110
Explores the basics of tonal music theory and music notation, its place in culture, and the opportunity to make original compositions. Topics include the basics of music theory, the historical basis for those elements, creating your own music, staff notation in treble and bass clefs, music notation around the world, rhythm and meter, basic properties of sound, intervals, diatonic scales and triads, and diatonic chords. Aimed at the non-major or the potential music major who does not have the necessary background for MUS 204A.
MUS 204A MUSIC THEORY II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (2.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 201 and
- Corequisite
- MUS 205A
- Advisory
- Keyboard skills or Piano class.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 130
Incorporates the concepts from Music Fundamentals (Music Theory I) and continues the four semester program. Some students with prior music training maybe able to test into this course. 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/applied chords and modulation.
MUS 204B MUSIC THEORY III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (2.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 204A
- Corequisite
- MUS 205B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 140
Incorporates the concepts from Music Theory II and continues the four semester program. Through writing and analysis, the course will include: introduction to chromatic harmony; secondary/applied chords; modulation; borrowed chords; introduction to Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords. Required of all music majors.
MUS 204C MUSIC THEORY IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (2.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 204B
- Corequisite
- MUS 205C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 150
Incorporates the concepts from Music Theory III. Through writing and analysis, the course will include: post-Romantic techniques such as borrowed chords and modal mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, altered chords and dominants; and 20th century techniques such as: Impressionism, tone rows, set theory, pandiatonicism and polytonalism, meter and rhythm.
MUS 205A MUSICIANSHIP II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Corequisite
- MUS 204A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 135
Applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory II through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation.
MUS 205B MUSICIANSHIP III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 205A
- Corequisite
- MUS 204B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 145
Applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory III through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation.
MUS 205C MUSICIANSHIP IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 205B
- Corequisite
- MUS 204C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 155
Applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory IV through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation.
MUS 210 SONGWRITING I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 201 or Instructor approval
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic aspects of songwriting. Guides students through basic composition, form, chord usage and the process of developing ideas into a fully composed and compelling work.
MUS 210B SONGWRITING II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 210 or Instructor approval
- Transfers to
- CSU
Continues the study of the harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic aspects of songwriting. Guides students through composition, form, chord usage, and the process of developing ideas into a fully composed and compelling work and preparing it for public performance.
MUS 211 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 201 or Instructor approval
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides students with knowledge of music notation software, familiarity with simple DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations such as GarageBand, Ableton Live, etc.) and podcasting. This course gives students technical information they would need to succeed in the music industry.
MUS 212 APPLIED MUSIC (PRIVATE LESSONS)
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 7 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/7.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Final admittance to course based on audition.
- Corequisite
- One of the following: MUS 201 or, MUS 204A and 205A or, MUS 204B and 205B or, MUS 204C and 205C AND one of the following: MUS 223 or, MUS 225 or, MUS 228 or, MUS 229 or, MUS 231 or, MUS 245
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
Consists of individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire for the specific instrument or voice being studied. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. The student is required to practice on campus a minimum of five hours per week, and to enroll and participate in a large performing music ensemble. Applied lessons are available in voice, piano, strings, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
MUS 220 ELEMENTARY VOICE
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (1.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Presents a study of the techniques of voice training for solo singing. Music will range through appropriate song repertoire and selections from musicals. Class performance required.
MUS 222 INTERMEDIATE VOICE
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (1.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 220 or equivalent or audition and/or consent of instructor.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides an opportunity for students to continue with advanced study of singing and preparation of song repertoire on an individual basis. Public performance required.
MUS 223 VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE
- Units
- 2 to 3
- Hours
- 6 to 9 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/6.00 - 9.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition and/or consent of instructor.
- Advisory
- MUS 228 or MUS 229
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Presents the study and performance of literature in the vocal jazz and popular music genre with emphasis upon vocal improvisation in the jazz and scat style. Student compositions and arrangements will be encouraged. Attendance at scheduled performances is required.
MUS 224A BEGINNING VOCAL JAZZ WORKSHOP
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (1.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition or consent of instructor
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Practice and study vocal jazz literature and techniques. Introduce vocal jazz improvisation and vocal jazz harmonies.
MUS 224B INTERMEDIATE VOCAL JAZZ WORKSHOP
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (1.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition or consent of instructor
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Practice and study vocal jazz literature and performance techniques. Develop and expand vocal jazz improvisation jazz harmonic skills. Learn how to lead your own band.
MUS 225 WIND ENSEMBLE
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (1.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition or consent of director.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Studies, rehearses, and performs of wind band literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument. Limited to those students who have had experience with wind and percussion instruments.
MUS 227 CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLE
- Units
- 1 to 3
- Hours
- 3 to 9 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/3.00 - 9.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition or consent of instructor.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Studies, rehearses, and performs chamber music (small ensemble) literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester.
MUS 228 MIXED CHORUS
- Units
- 1 to 3
- Hours
- 3 to 9 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/3.00 - 9.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition or consent of instructor
- Advisory
- Knowledge of music notation
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Presents the study and performance of appropriate choral literature selected from the wide variety of historic eras and musical styles from the 16th Century to the present. Public performance required.
MUS 229 CHAMBER SINGERS
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (1.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition or consent of instructor
- Advisory
- Previous choral experience
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Studies, rehearses, and public performs madrigals and vocal chamber literature of all cultures and time periods. Frequent performances on and off campus will be a large part of the class with different music each semester.
MUS 231 JAZZ ENSEMBLE (BIG BAND)
- Units
- 1.5 to 3
- Hours
- 2.5 to 5 hours per week: (1.00 - 2.00 lecture hours/1.50 - 3.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Ability to play an instrument and sight read. Audition or consent of instructor.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Provides for study, rehearsal, and public performance of big band literature. This course has an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform this music in an ensemble. Attendance at scheduled performances is required.
MUS 232 BEGINNING JAZZ IMPROVISATION
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (1.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Advisory
- MUS 201
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces students to the skills and principles of Jazz Improvisation. Includes a basic study of scales, chords and the transcription process.
MUS 232A CONCERT JAZZ ENSEMBLE
- Units
- 1.5 to 3
- Hours
- 2.5 to 5 hours per week: (1.00 - 2.00 lecture hours/1.50 - 3.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- Advisory
- Ability to play an instrument is required. Admission and chair placement will be based on instructor audition.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Acquaints the student with a wide variety of jazz and swing compositions, arrangers and guest soloists. This course will stress improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and ensemble playing. It will be limited to students with considerable experience.
MUS 233 JAZZ IMPROVISATION
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (1.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Advisory
- Completion of MUS 201 or equivalent and concurrent enrollment in MUS 245
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides an opportunity for the analysis and practice of jazz improvisation. Includes study of scales, chords and the transcription process.
MUS 234 ARRANGING, SCORING, AND ORCHESTRATION
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 204B or equivalent and knowledge of jazz literature, styles and basic piano skills.
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in MUS 223, MUS 225, MUS 227, MUS 228, MUS 229, MUS 231, or MUS 232A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides an opportunity for composing, arranging and orchestrating for jazz ensembles and orchestras. Focuses on the analysis of jazz and classical harmonic practices, relation of contemporary melodic and rhythmic concepts to instrumentation.
MUS 235 MUSIC APPRECIATION: CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 100
Surveys classical 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.
MUS 236 MUSIC APPRECIATION: WORLD MUSIC
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Surveys the music that is unique to different parts of the world. There will be emphasis on the elements of each kind of music, the instruments, form, style and the role that each music plays in its society.
MUS 237 MUSIC APPRECIATION: ROCK AND ROLL
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces the non-music major to the history and literature of the popular music movement in the United States. Emphasizes musical styles and personalities from the late forties to the present.
MUS 238 MUSIC APPRECIATION: JAZZ HISTORY
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces the history and literature of jazz music in the United States. Emphasizes the styles and musical personalities involved from 1900 to the present. Designed for the non-music major.
MUS 240 RECORDING ARTS I: FUNDAMENTALS OF AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Advisory
- MUS 201 with a grade of C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 130X
Introduction to audio technology, including sound characteristics, signal flow, basic recording console functions, microphone types and techniques, signal processing , and mixing techniques.
MUS 241 RECORDING ARTS II: STUDIO WORKSHOP
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (2.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 240
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides the student with an in-depth introduction to audio equipment and techniques. Topics include basic studio procedures, equipment design and proper use of multitrack techniques using Pro Tools HDX and 32-channel inline console.
MUS 242 RECORDING ARTS III: ADVANCED AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (2.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 241
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an advanced study of new recording technologies, focusing on an in-depth look at recording, editing and mixing within the AVID HDX Pro Tools environment and using the AVID S6 M40 Digital Console.
MUS 243 RECORDING ARTS IV: STUDIO WORKSHOP II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 6 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 240 and MUS 241 and MUS 242 MUS 201
- Transfers to
- CSU
Completes the Audio Technology Certificate of Specialization. This is a project-based course that offers students studio time to track, edit, mix, master and create a portfolio from a variety of musical sources selected by both the instructor and student.
MUS 244A BEGINNING SMALL GROUP JAZZ PEDAGOGY PRACTICUM
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 245 or Consent of Instructor
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Gives students a chance to develop rehearsal and teaching skills under the guidance of a master teacher in the small group jazz setting. Each student will be required to lead rehearsals and develop a notebook of rehearsal techniques.
MUS 244B ADVANCED SMALL GROUP JAZZ PRACTICUM
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (0.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 245
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Gives students a chance to develop rehearsal and teaching skills under the guidance of a master teacher and experience leadership in the small group jazz setting. Each student will be required to lead rehearsals and develop a notebook of rehearsal techniques.
MUS 245 JAZZ WORKSHOP
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 4 hours per week: (1.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition or consent of instructor.
- Advisory
- Ability to play an instrument
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Performs music for small jazz ensembles, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to publicly perform this music. The class is divided into different groups all playing different literature each semester. Stresses stylistic interpretation and ensemble playing.
MUS 247 INDEPENDENT STUDIES: MUSIC
- Units
- 0.5 to 2
- Hours
- 1.5 to 6 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/1.50 - 6.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- Audition and/or consent of instructor.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an opportunity for an in-depth study or a practicum experience by an individual student in a selected topic of music under the direction of an instructor.
MUS 252 WORK EXPERIENCE IN MUSIC
- Units
- 0.5 to 4
- Hours
- 1.5 to 12 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours/1.50 - 12.00 work experience hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides opportunities for students in Music to connect academic curricula to experiential learning in the workplace as an internship, Service Learning placement or general employment. Allows students to develop and work on learning objectives in workplace competencies and technical skills relevant for their course of study and career pathway. Students must work 54 hours for each unit of credit earned, in half-unit increments (27 hours), up to a maximum of 4 units. Employment can be paid or unpaid.
MUS 257 ELEMENTARY PIANO FOR MUSICIANS
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 2 hours per week: (0.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces the student to piano skills needed to pass a piano proficiency examination including practical keyboard facility, elementary sight-reading, harmony, transposition, ensemble playing, open score reading and performance of elementary and intermediate piano repertoire. It is assumed that the student can read standard music notation.
MUS 258 ELEMENTARY PIANO
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 2 hours per week: (0.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 170
Introduces practical keyboard facility, reading music notation, elementary sight reading, harmony and performance of elementary piano repertoire.
MUS 259 INTERMEDIATE PIANO
- Units
- 1 to 2
- Hours
- 2 to 4 hours per week: (0.50 - 1.00 lecture hours/1.50 - 3.00 lab hours/0.00 - 0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 258 or equivalent or audition and/or consent of the instructor.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 171
The study and performance of concert piano literature from Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and 20th Century time periods. The student will develop and improve pianistic skills and repertoire.
MUS 270 ELEMENTARY GUITAR
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (1.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces the techniques of playing the guitar. Topics include reading music, flat picking and finger picking, chords, and the playing of melodies. No previous musical experience is required. Students must provide their own acoustic or electric guitar.
MUS 271 INTERMEDIATE GUITAR
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (1.50 lecture hours/1.50 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 270 Elementary Guitar or equivalent playing experience and ability to read standard music notation.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continues the foundational techniques of playing the guitar and provides more depth of skill study. Topics include playing more advanced literature, chords, scales and accompaniment.