Music, General
6 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
MUSG-10 Music Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 110
This course is a study of music fundamentals throughout history, including principles and procedures of rhythm, pitch notation, musical symbols, scales, key signatures, intervals, and diatonic chords. Students will study the historical and cultural development of various music notation styles and fundamentals. Students will apply knowledge learned in class to interpret and critique music with regard to its historical and cultural context. The course applies to musicians who have learned to play/sing without training in fundamentals and to beginners in music. This course is open to all students. (11/22)
MUSG-12 Classical Music History II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a study of the important composers and their works in classical music from the classical era to the present day. Emphasis is on classical, romantic, impressionistic, nationalistic, and contemporary periods in classical music history. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of various types of classical music from different eras as a medium of cultural development and as a background toward further musical study. (12/17)
MUSG-13 Jazz Music History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course presents the history of jazz music from 1890 to the present, including an introduction and analysis of significant jazz artists and their contributions to this American art form. Particular emphasis is given to developing listening skills appropriate to the understanding and appreciation of jazz. In addition, the instructor will discuss international influences and the development of jazz as a world musical form. This course is a listener’s guide to the appreciation of jazz and incorporates principles of structure, expression, instrumentation, cultural and social issues integral to jazz music. (04/22)
MUSG-14 American Popular Music History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course presents an introduction to the history and literature of the popular music movement in the United States; it is a study of the relationships of popular music to the social history of America. Emphasis is on styles and personalities of folk, blues, jazz, musical theatre, country & western, and rock ‘n’ roll. This course is designed for the non-music major. (04/22)
MUSG-15 Music Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- 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 role of music and musicians in the western world. (04/22)
MUSG-17 Introduction to Digital Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSG-10
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the principles, uses, and applications of professional music software and MIDI hardware. Students work with MIDI software and equipment to explore the fundamental possibilities of digital music technology, including composition, sequencing, arranging, digital recording, and printing music. (04/22)