Music
52 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
MUS 97D Music Topics
- Units
- 0.5-4
- Hours
- 0.50-4.00 hours lecture, 1.50-12.00 hours lab
Topics in Music. See Class Schedule for specific topic offered. Course title will designate subject covered.
MUS 100 Music Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 100
A survey course that develops musical listening skills through lectures, discussion, in-class listening to recorded music, and live concert attendance. Stylistic and structural elements, cultural roles of music and musicians, and contributions of technology in Western music are examined through representational works from the earliest notated music to the present.
MUS 101 Survey of 20th Century Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Music from the mid-19th Century to the recent avant-garde, with emphasis on understanding the issues and philosophies of modern musical thought.
MUS 102 Introduction to Jazz
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Surveys the historical and musical development of jazz as a unique African American expression from the beginning of slavery in the U.S. to the current global multicultural expression of jazz in the twenty-first century. Emphasis is placed on how racial, socio-economic, and gender relationships between whites, African Americans and Latinos were reflected in and influenced by jazz musicians, and the evolving technological contexts in which jazz has developed. Students become active listeners, and develop culturally relevant aesthetic criteria in contextualizing jazz performances.
MUS 103 Fundamentals of Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Training in the fundamentals of music, primarily for the non-music major. The course of study includes a thorough acquaintance with scales, intervals, keys and triads, as well as development in ability to sight read simple melodic material and take simple melodic dictation.
MUS 105 Music Theory I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 103 or Demonstrated ability to read music acquired through prior study (i.e. private lessons or AP Music Theory)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 120
Through guided composition and analysis, this course incorporates the following concepts: rhythm and meter, basic properties of sound, intervals, diatonic scales and triads, diatonic chords, basic cadential formulas and phrase structures, figured bass symbols, dominant seventh chords, non-harmonic tones, and voice leading in 4-part chorale writing. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. Includes review of music rudiments. Keyboard component including scales, triads, inversions and chord progressions.
MUS 106 Music Theory II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 105 Corequisite (Course required to be taken concurrently): MUS 111
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS
Continuation of MUS 105, extending analysis and written work into all aspects of diatonic harmony, secondary dominants, and elementary modulation. Music literacy is developed through listening and score reading assignments. Required concert attendance.
MUS 110 Music Skills I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 125
Melodic and rhythmic sight-reading and dictation. Required concert attendance. Required for students with a major in music.
MUS 111 Music Skills II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 135
Continuation of MUS 110 and harmonic dictation. Required concert attendance. Required for students with a major in music.
MUS 115 Basic Keyboard I
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the keyboard through the study of notation, basic hand positions, and chord formations.
MUS 116 Accelerated Basic Keyboard
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Ability to read music in treble and bass clefs.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Accelerated class for the beginning keyboard student. Required of all students with a major in music and for music credential candidates.
MUS 117 Basic Keyboard II
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 115; the passing of equivalency test or
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Keyboard experience through the further study of notation, scales, and chord progressions. Sight reading and improvisation.
MUS 119 Piano Skills I
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 117; the passing of equivalency test or
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Piano techniques including scales and arpeggios, sight reading, and ensemble playing. Required of all music majors and for credential candidates.
MUS 130 Fundamental Vocal Skills
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the basics of singing. Includes proper breath control and posture, practice techniques, diction and performance of simple song literature.
MUS 131 Vocal Literature and Performance
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 130
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Establishment of a basic repertoire for the singer. Rehearsal and performance of folk songs, musical theater, and Italian, German, French, and English art songs.
MUS 137 Cuban and Brazilian Drumming I
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- 1.50-3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Drum, percussion and song classes in the traditions of Escola de Samba from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Afro-Cuban traditions, popular and folkloric; Rumba, Congo (Makuta/Palo), Franco/Haitian (Gaga/Congo Layet)from East and West Cuba. Develop ability to work as a drum ensemble.
MUS 138 Cuban and Brazilian Drumming II
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- 1.50-3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Intermediate drum, percussion and song classes in the traditions of Escola de Samba from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Afro-Cuban traditions, popular and folkloric; Rumba, Congo (Makuta/Palo), Franco/Haitian (Gaga/Congo Layet)from East and West Cuba. Develop ability to work as a drum ensemble.
MUS 148 Palomar Chorale
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Rehearsal and performance of standard oratorio and choral literature. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required.
MUS 150 Musical Theatre - Vocal
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- 1.50-3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Rehearsal and performance of musical theatre literature. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and productions is required.
MUS 151 Concert Band
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Study, rehearsal, and performance of standard concert band music.
MUS 152 Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Limitation on Enrollment:
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Rehearsal and performance of standard stage band literature. Opportunities for students to arrange and compose for the band and rehearse the ensemble. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required.
MUS 155 Chamber Ensemble - Brass
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Rehearsal and performance of chamber music literature for brass.
MUS 158 Chamber Singers
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- 1.50-3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Rehearsal and performance of chamber music for voices.
MUS 159 Musical Theatre Orchestra
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- 1.50-3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Rehearsal and performance of musical theatre literature. Attendance at all scheduled productions is required.
MUS 161 Summer Concert Band
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Ability to perform on one or more instruments
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study, rehearsal and performance of standard concert band music.
MUS 169 History of Rock Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Overview of rock and popular musical styles from the early 1950s to the present. Coverage includes related social and cultural trends, outstanding artists, the influence of technology on popular music, and relevant trends in the music industry. Basic musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm and form will be introduced and applied to the music under consideration.
MUS 171 World Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey of world music including North American Indian, Mexico, India, Japan, Indonesia, Middle East, China, Africa, and South America, with emphasis on understanding the cultural background, instruments, musical characteristics and the impact of world music on the 20th century culture.
MUS 172 Repertory Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Study and preparation of professional level materials for the large jazz ensemble.
MUS 173 Musical Theatre Scenes I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Rehearsal and performance of solo and group scenes from Broadway musicals dating from the 1930's to the present.
MUS 174 Musical Theatre Scenes II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
A continuation of Musical Theatre Scenes I. A deeper exploration into the acting, singing, and dancing necessary for Broadway Musicals from the 1930's to present.
MUS 175 Beginning Guitar
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the fingerboard through the study of notation, basic hand positions, and chord formations.
MUS 176 Intermediate Guitar
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 175
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A continuation of MUS 175 with a more in-depth study of the classical, flamenco, blues, and jazz styles. Theory, technique, and interpretation will be thoroughly explored.
MUS 178 Classical Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Guitar techniques in the classical style, with emphasis on sight reading and ensemble playing as well as performance of guitar literature from the Renaissance through the early 20th Century.
MUS 180 Computer Music I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ARTI 246 or GCMW 204 or MUS 103 or MUS 115
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to give students an understanding of basic computer music application including sound design, MIDI, and music notation software.
MUS 181 Computer Music II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): MUS 180
- Transfers to
- CSU
An overview of digital audio techniques. Topic in sound synthesis, sound design, and sampling.
MUS 184 Electronic Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 103
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Instruction in music technology, composition, and performance. Students will compose and participate in performances of original works for electronic, computer, and acoustic instruments. Assignments and performances will be both individual and collaborative. Group, or ensemble, compositions and performances are part of this course.
MUS 187 Computer Music Composition
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 103; MUS 115 or MUS 180 and MUS 181 and
- Transfers to
- CSU
Focus is on individual music compositions. Instruction will include, but is not limited to, computer music software and hardware overviews. Includes composition and notation techniques, music analysis, detailed work on specific software applications, music publishing information, and rehearsal and part preparation. Students may also take this in conjunction with computer music classes in order to receive further tutelage with that class material.
MUS 197 Topics in Music
- Units
- 0.5-3
- Hours
- 0.50-3.00 hours lecture, 1.50-9.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Workshops in various special topics in music.
MUS 198 Palomar Symphony Orchestra
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Study, rehearsal, and performance of a wide variety of orchestral literature from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century styles. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required.
MUS 210 Advanced Harmony
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 106 Corequisite (Course required to be taken concurrently): MUS 215
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 140
Analysis and written work in altered chords, chromatic harmony, modulation, structural form (sonata-allegro), and 20th Century developments. Required concert attendance.
MUS 211 Counterpoint
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 210 Corequisite (Course required to be taken concurrently): MUS 216
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 150
Analysis and written work in two and three-voice counterpoint in the 18th Century style (invention, fugue). Required concert attendance.
MUS 215 Music Skills III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 111 Corequisite (Course required to be taken concurrently): MUS 210
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 145
Continuation of MUS 111 and four part harmonic dictation. Introduction to chromatic dictation. Required for students with a major in music.
MUS 216 Music Skills IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 1.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 215 Corequisite (Course required to be taken concurrently): MUS 211
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 155
Continuation of MUS 215 and contrapuntal dictation. Required for students with a major in music, but open to all students.
MUS 220 Applied Music
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
Individual lessons with music instructor developing basic techniques in applied music. Student is required to practice on campus, be concurrently enrolled in a music ensemble, participate in Performance Studies class, and perform for music juries at the conclusion of the semester.
MUS 222 Performance Studies
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A combination of private studio instruction in instrument or voice with an off-campus instructor, plus on-campus training in performance skills. Required conditions: 1. Fourteen clock hours of instruction with a private instructor and adequate practice time are required. 2. At the end of the semester the student will be required to perform for the Music Faculty. 3. Student should have necessary skills and technique on chosen instrument to begin training in public performance. a. Piano b. Harpsichord c. Organ d. Voice e. Flute f. Oboe g. Clarinet h. Saxophone i. Bassoon j. French Horn k. Trumpet l. Trombone m. Baritone n. Tuba o. Percussion p. Violin q. Viola r. Cello s. Contrabass t. Harp u. Classical Guitar v. Classical Accordion w. Studio Guitar
MUS 224 Introduction to Jazz Piano
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 117 or the passing of equivalency test
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides students with a practical knowledge and proficiency in concepts pertaining to jazz piano, including reading chord symbols, chord voicings, stylistically appropriate accompaniment, and improvising in a jazz and/or pop music idiom.
MUS 225 Piano Skills II
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 2.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 119; the passing of equivalency test or
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Continuation of piano techniques, with emphasis on improvised accompaniments, sight reading, ensemble playing, pedaling, and practice techniques.
MUS 251 Master Class in Keyboard Literature, Analysis and Performance
- Units
- 0.5-3
- Hours
- 0.50-3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUS 225; the passing of equivalency test or
- Transfers to
- CSU
Survey of keyboard literature presented in a master class format. Analysis of styles and techniques of solo and ensemble performances.
MUS 280 Music Composition Workshop I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): MUS 105
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Survey of contemporary techniques in music composition, music notation and contemporary literature. Short compositions in workshop setting for beginning composers.
MUS 281 Music Composition Workshop 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 280
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Focus on contemporary techniques in music composition, music notation and contemporary literature. Students create compositions in a workshop setting. This course is for intermediate level composers.
MUS 283 Musical Theatre Scenes III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
A continuation of Musical Theatre scenes II with emphasis on more advanced acting, singing and dance techniques.
MUS 284 Musical Theatre Scenes IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Exploring the rehearsing and performing of Musical Theatre acting, singing, and dancing at the advanced level.