Music, Applied
8 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
MUSA-20 Applied Music
- Units
- 0.50
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Choose one course in each group:
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
This course provides private individual instruction in voice, piano, wind, or string instruments at a level equivalent to that of a music major in the appropriate term of the their freshman or sophomore year of music studies. It requires one lesson per week with a private instructor approved by the music department faculty. A minimum of 14 weekly lessons must be verified. In addition, this course includes a weekly group workshop detailing various aspects of music performance. A jury examination by the music department faculty is required at the conclusion of the course. This course can be repeated three times and is intended for music majors only. Students enrolled in this course are required to be in at least one ensemble and one theory class concurrently. (04/22)
MUSA-21A Voice I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a course in elementary voice training. It emphasizes posture, diaphragmatic-intercostal breathing, breath support, breath control, tonal placement, articulation, stage presence, and overcoming performance anxiety. Critical evaluation, demonstration, and written reviews will be required. A basic understanding of music fundamentals and reading sheet music is not required, but highly desirable. (04/22)
MUSA-21B Voice II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSA-21A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a course for those singers who desire to develop their abilities in song interpretation. Particular emphasis is placed on music theatre literature and presentation. Character development, motivation, blocking, facial and body gestures, and emotional discovery are all incorporated into the song presentation. (04/22)
MUSA-25A Guitar I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the basic playing techniques, theory, and history of the guitar. Students will develop an essential foundation for playing the guitar while surveying its historical development and various stylistic uses in artistic, folk, and popular music. (04/22)
MUSA-25B Guitar II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSA-25A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuation of skills and techniques learned in MUSA25A Guitar I. Additional emphasis will be placed on classical and popular guitar styles. This course introduces Chord-melody, bar chords, and hybrid picking techniques. (04/22)
MUSA-27A Class Piano I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course designed for the beginning piano student with little or no background in piano develops sight-reading skills and keyboard techniques incorporated into solo and ensemble music. (04/22)
MUSA-27B Class Piano II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSA-27A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuance of MUSA-27A, the second semester of piano studies class. The student will perform musical pieces with greater accuracy and musical expression. (04/22)
MUSA-49 Independent Study in Music
- Units
- 0.5-2
- Hours
- 1.5-6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSG-10
- Transfers to
- CSU
Independent Study in music provides an opportunity for qualified students to pursue special interests in music not covered by the course catalog, or to expand knowledge on prior topics in greater detail. Course activities will focus on the development of skills and competencies needed for a career in music and may include research, writing, field experiences, and performances. (12/22)