Music
16 courses · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
MUSIC 9 Introduction to World Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Understanding and appreciation of world music through informed listening, analysis and discernment of musical elements, form and repertoire: Covers a rich diversity of styles (popular, folk, classical), periods and cultures.
MUSIC 10 Music Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUSIC 100
Survey designed to enhance the enjoyment of music with emphasis on listening: Historical overview and development of musical forms and genres through the centuries.
MUSIC 11 African-American Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Historical survey from the African heritage and Colonial time to the present: Types, forms, and styles of African-American music in relation to the African-American experience.
MUSIC 15A Jazz, Blues, and Popular Music in the American Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Historical and critical analysis of unique American music: Focus on environments from which its many forms have emerged and its role in social history; development of blues, folk, jazz, rock and other popular music forms in the twentieth century.
MUSIC 15B Jazz, Blues, and Popular Music in the American Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study of contemporary music scene with in-depth investigation of trends in artistic expression: Music as a revolutionary force, the role of the music industry, analysis of performances and interviews.
MUSIC 19 Music of America’s Musical Theater
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Historical and cultural development and major contributors of America’s musical theater: History of the integration of popular music, dance, and drama in America’s musical theater from its roots in European opera and merger with the American vaudeville stage, through its Golden Age (1920’s) to the latest offerings of the twenty-first century; and an examination of the social themes that inform, entertain, and challenge audiences.
MUSIC 30 College Orchestra
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study and performance of orchestral music: Selections from standard works of the classics and modern schools leading to public performance.
MUSIC 49 Independent Study in Music
- Units
- .5-5
- Hours
- .5 - 5 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student's choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Music. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog.
MUSIC 130 Elementary Piano I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of beginning piano techniques and theory: Five-finger technique in C Major and D Minor, elementary rhythm, legato, staccato, coordination of both hands, beginning theory related to keyboard music, progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.
MUSIC 131 Elementary Piano II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSIC 130.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of level II beginning piano techniques and theory: Five-finger technique in G Major, F Major and E Minor extending to a sixth, finger crossing and chord playing, use of damper pedal, meters with half note and eighth note beats, beginning theory related to level II keyboard music, progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.
MUSIC 132 Elementary Piano III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSIC 131.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of level III beginning piano techniques and theory: Scale playing and performance in C, G, F and D Major, level III finger technique including intervals of the seventh and octave, techniques for changing positions, recognition and performance of primary triads and seventh chords, progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.
MUSIC 133 Elementary Piano IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSIC 132.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of level IV beginning piano techniques and theory: Scale-playing, reading of notation, and performance in Bb and A Major; A, E, B, D, and G Minor; introduction to chromaticism, diminished, and augmented triads; reading and performance of rhythms including sixteenth notes and triplets; Music History relating to keyboard music; progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.
MUSIC 134 Intermediate Piano I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- MUSIC 133 and Concurrent participation in at least one of the following ensembles: 052A, 054, 125, 126, 127, or 151; and enrollment in at least one of the following major preparation courses: 101, 102, 103, 121, 122, or 123.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of intermediate piano literature, techniques, and theory: All major scales, keyboard history of Renaissance and Baroque Eras; level I intermediate rhythms, including syncopation, simple and compound meters, sixteenth notes, and triplets; playing duets; progressive development of skills needed for performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.
MUSIC 135 Intermediate Piano II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- MUSIC 134 and Concurrent participation in at least one of the following ensembles: 052A, 054, 125, 126, 127, or 151; and enrollment in at least one of the following major preparation courses: 101, 102, 103, 121, 122, or 123.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of level II piano literature, techniques, and theory: All harmonic minor scales, keyboard history pertaining to the Classical Era; triad inversions, and seventh chords; cadences and basic chord progressions; duets; progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.
MUSIC 136 Intermediate Piano III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- MUSIC 135 and Concurrent participation in at least one of the following ensembles: 052A, 054, 125, 126, 127, or 151; and enrollment in at least one of the following major preparation courses: 101, 102, 103, 121, 122, or 123.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of level III piano literature, techniques, and theory: All melodic minor scales, keyboard history pertaining to the Romantic Era; ornamentation; interpretation and execution of tuplets, duets; progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.
MUSIC 137 Intermediate Piano IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- MUSIC 136 and Concurrent participation in at least one of the following ensembles: 052A, 054, 125, 126, 127, or 151; and enrollment in at least one of the following major preparation courses: 101, 102, 103, 121, 122, or 123.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Individualized study of level IV piano literature, techniques, and theory: Chromatic, octatonic, and whole-tone scales; Twentieth Century piano literature; piano voicing; interpretation and execution odd and changing meter, duets; progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance.