Music
32 courses · San Diego Miramar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
MUSI 100 Introduction to Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is designed to develop aural and analytical musical skills. Emphasis is placed on conceptual, contextual, and stylistic elements of music from various periods and cultures, and encompassing a range of genres and styles. This course is designed to support students in all majors who are interested in satisfying the general education requirements for Arts and Humanities.
MUSI 103 History of Rock Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course surveys the origins and development of Rock music from the 1940s to the present including its roots and related genres. The course focuses on the evolution of different styles within the Rock genre as well as the social, political, economic, and cultural contexts of Rock music. This course is intended for all students interested in the history of Rock music.
MUSI 108 The Business of Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a comprehensive survey of the music business. Course content emphasizes the various areas of the music business, the functions of each area and the relationships between the areas. Topics include songwriting; music publishing; copyrighting; music licensing; unions and guilds; agents and managers; artists and management; the record industry; artists' recording contracts; studios and engineers; and music in radio, television and advertising. This course is intended for students majoring in music or anyone interested in the music industry.
MUSI 109 World Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This music survey course explores the music cultures of South Asia; East Asia; Southeast Asia; the Middle East; Africa; the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific. Musical practices and perspectives from several music cultures are studied with an emphasis on understanding and appreciation from non-ethnocentric viewpoints. Listening perception is developed through lectures and multimedia presentations. This course is intended for students majoring in music or anyone interested in music and culture.
MUSI 111 Jazz History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a survey of the history and development of Jazz in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the origins of Jazz, the variety of styles that developed throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, current trends, and outstanding performers and composers. This course is intended for all students interested in the history of Jazz.
MUSI 118 Asian & Pacific Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course introduces various traditional & popular Asian & Pacific musics including India, the Middle East, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Oceania. Areas of emphases include learning about types of musical instruments, ensembles, musical styles, relevant history & geography, cultural contexts, and functions of music in traditional societies. This course is intended for anyone interested in Asian & Pacific music & culture.
MUSI 119 Music in Latin America & North America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course introduces various traditional musics of both Latin America & North America including origins in Sub-Saharan Africa & Western Europe and Native American musics of the Americas. Areas of emphasis include learning about types of musical instruments, ensembles, musical styles, relevant history & geography, cultural contexts, functions of music in traditional societies, and cultural retention and syncretism in order to understand how the music and culture of these areas of the world are both related and distinct. This course is intended for any student interested in music and culture of Latin America & North America.
MUSI 124A Piano Class I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
This course explores the process of making music at the piano. The focus of the course is to provide a musical experience for students to continue a life-long pursuit of self-expression. This course also emphasizes developing fundamental techniques needed to play the piano. The concept of music theory is also included. Students learn piano techniques and applicable music theory by playing music on the piano though simple solo and ensemble pieces. This course is designed for all students interested in learning to play the piano.
MUSI 124B Piano Class II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 124A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course further explores the process of making music at the piano as the second semester of piano studies. Students learn piano techniques and applicable music theory by playing music on the piano with additional sight-reading and intermediate piano solo and ensemble music. The course is designed for all students who are interested in further expanding piano studies.
MUSI 126 Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- BLAS 120 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a musical history of Rap Music and Hip Hop culture covering the origins of Rap Music and its relationship to the African American historical continuum in music, defining the genre and its sub-genres, and covering the significance of iconic artists & recordings. This course also covers the impact of Rap Music in other genre such as Rock, Jazz, Country & Classical Music composers and its influence in a variety of international cultural contexts & musics. This course is open to all students interested in the history & appreciation of Rap Music.
MUSI 132A Classical Guitar I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 8 - 9 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Advisory
- MUSI 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the first of a two-semester sequence of courses that present the study of classical guitar. The beginning course introduces basic skills to students who have had little or no experience with the guitar. This course focuses on developing right and left-hand technique and sight-reading. Lectures are followed by practical application on the instrument. The course is intended for students who are interested in learning the fundamentals of classical guitar and elementary music skills.
MUSI 132B Classical Guitar II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 8 - 9 hours lecture/24-27 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 132A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the second in a two-semester sequence of study of classical guitar. In this course students are introduced to a set of broad-ranging technical skills including mastery of the fretboard, chord chart reading, and sight-reading. This course also introduces level-appropriate literature, including works from several periods and styles, with an emphasis on interpretation skills. Lectures are followed by practical application on the instrument. Students apply the skills and techniques developed in this class in live performances. This course is intended for students who are interested in learning classical guitar and music skills.
MUSI 148A Music Theory I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in: MUSI 268A
This course is a study of music, including structural, historical and stylistic analysis of music of Western classical music, World music, jazz, and popular music. The class will discuss the cultural, social and technical significance of the musical literature, examining rhythms, intervals, chords, cadences, melodies, phrases, notes and scales. Students will develop four-part writing skills using diatonic triads and seventh chords, and learn how to read and compose with figured bass, lead sheet chord symbols and standard musical notation. The history of notation and practice will be discussed as students develop skills in notation software and handwritten notation. This course is intended for music majors.
MUSI 148B Music Theory II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 148A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in: MUSI 268B
This course series continues in its study of diatonic music including the structural, historical and stylistic analysis of music of Western classical music, World music, jazz, and popular music. The class will discuss the cultural, social and technical significance of the musical literature, examining how melody, structure, harmony, and chord progressions, have an impact on the listener. The course will include analysis of Baroque and Classical pieces of music and an examination of large-scale events and form. The course will also include identifying, creating, and composing with the modes of the major scale. Students will continue to develop four-part writing skills using triads and seventh chords, non-harmonic tones, suspensions, retardations, figured bass, 6/4 chords, modulations and tonicizations. The history of notation and practice will be discussed as students develop skills in notation software and handwritten notation. This course is intended for music majors.
MUSI 150A Basic Musicianship
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is the study and practice of musical literacy. Emphasis is placed on the development of perceptions in sight and sound as related to the symbols of rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic notation. Topics include skill development in notating notes, intervals, scales, key signatures, rhythms, and chords. Students also identify terms used to indicate navigation, tempo, and dynamics. This course is designed for music majors and musicians.
MUSI 190 Introduction to Music Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: MUSI 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of music/audio as it applies to computer music/audio applications, sequencing Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), hard disk recording, and recording. Students design and create music/audio projects using microphones, recorders, mixing boards, synthesizers, and samplers. This course is designed for all students interested in music and audio technology.
MUSI 201 Recording Arts
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 190 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of advanced acoustics and electronic theory as applied to recording, mixing, and sound processing. Emphasis is placed on the various applications of advanced recording, microphone use, and mixing, such as editing, effects processing, production, and other techniques used in the recording process. This course is intended for advanced students who work with recording equipment.
MUSI 202 Computer Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 190 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of the application of contemporary digital technology to the practice of music / audio applications. Emphasis in this course is on acquisition of computer skills to access and manipulate musical data via MIDI (musical instrument digital interface), hard disk audio files and other digital formats. These skills allow students to digitally sample sounds, control synthesizers and samplers, access and alter audio files, sequence music, transcribe and print musical scores and conceive new techniques for computer music. This course is designed for students who are interested in continuing their education in the recording studio.
MUSI 205A Audio Production Projects I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 190 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: MUSI 201 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides instruction in music technology applications. Students will complete projects that develop skills in audio engineering and music production. Students will also create a portfolio of recordings and/or productions in a recording studio or home studio using music and audio technology equipment, applications, and techniques. Topics include recording studio technical skills; pre-production preparation; the recording and production process; mastering and mixing; and self and peer assessment. This course is intended for students majoring in audio production and engineering, those developing their own home studio, or anyone seeking employment in the audio industry.
MUSI 205B Audio Production Projects II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 190 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- MUSI 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a continuation of instruction in audio and music technology applications. Students will do projects that further refine their technical skills in audio and music productions. Students will also expand on a portfolio of audio and music recordings and productions in a recording studio or home studio using audio and music technology equipment, applications, and techniques. Topics include advanced recording studio technical skills; pre-production preparation; the recording and production process in a variety of contexts; mastering and mixing; portfolio development; and self and peer assessment. This course is intended for students majoring in audio production and engineering, those developing their own home studio, or anyone seeking employment in the audio industry.
MUSI 224A Piano Class III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 124B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course further explores the process of making music at the piano as the third semester of piano studies. Emphasis is placed on piano technique and music theory including music notation reading, scales, chords, harmonization, and performance of intermediate level piano literature and four-part scores. This course is designed for all students who are interested in intensive piano studies.
MUSI 224B Piano Class IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 224A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an advanced study of practical and theoretical keyboard techniques at the fourth semester of piano studies. Emphasis is placed on advanced skill development of repertoire, keyboard technique, sight-reading, transposition, harmonization, creative composition, improvisation, ensemble playing, and modulation techniques. This course is designed for music majors and all students who want to deepen their piano skills.
MUSI 257A Guitar Ensemble I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
This course is a beginning-intermediate guitar ensemble for the study and performance of selected guitar ensemble works. Students practice and perform a wide variety of works from different historical areas, and develop their skills in reading music, guitar technique and interpretation. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. This course is designed for students majoring music who want to advance their ensemble skills by participating in an ensemble group.
MUSI 257B Guitar Ensemble II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 257A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate guitar ensemble for the study and performance of selected guitar ensemble works. Students practice and perform a wide variety of works from different historical areas, and develop their skills in reading music, guitar technique and interpretation. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. This course is designed for music majors wanting to advance their skills in ensemble groups.
MUSI 257C Guitar Ensemble III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 257B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate guitar ensemble for the study and performance of selected guitar ensemble works. Students practice and perform a wide variety of works from different historical areas, and develop their skills in reading music, guitar technique and interpretation. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. This course is designed for students majoring music who want to advance their ensemble skills by participating in an ensemble group.
MUSI 257D Guitar Ensemble IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 257C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an advanced guitar ensemble for the study and performance of selected guitar ensemble works. Students practice and perform a wide variety of works from different historical areas, and develop their skills in reading music, guitar technique and interpretation. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. This course is designed for students majoring music who want to advance their ensemble skills by participating in an ensemble group.
MUSI 261A World Music Ensemble I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
World Music Ensemble I is a performance ensemble that exposes students to a variety of world music traditions, including those found in Uganda (East Africa), Ghana (West Africa), Zaïre (Central Africa), Brazil (South America), and the Middle East. Students learn basic drumming techniques on a variety of percussion instruments with sticks & hands, basic traditional rhythms, and learn to sing traditional vocal pieces in a foreign language. Repertoire is learned through oral tradition and alternative notation. There is no prior experience or audition required. This course is open to all students who have an interest in music.
MUSI 261B World Music Ensemble II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 261A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
World Music Ensemble II is a performance ensemble that exposes students to a variety of world music traditions, including those found in Uganda (East Africa), Ghana (West Africa), Zaïre (Central Africa), and Brazil (South America). Students learn intermediate drumming techniques on a variety of percussion instruments with sticks and hands, intermediate traditional rhythms, learn to sing traditional vocal pieces in foreign languages, and learn traditional intermediate xylophone repertoire. Repertoire is learned through oral tradition and alternative notation. There is no prior experience or audition required. This course is open to all students who have an interest in music.
MUSI 261C World Music Ensemble III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 261B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
World Music Ensemble III is a performance ensemble that exposes students to a variety of world music traditions, including those found in Uganda (East Africa), Ghana (West Africa), Zaïre (Central Africa), and Brazil (South America). Students learn intermediate-advanced drumming techniques on a variety of percussion instruments with stick and hands, traditional hand drumming repertoire, and learn to sing traditional vocal pieces in foreign languages. Repertoire is learned through oral tradition and alternative notation. There is no prior experience or audition required. This course is open to all students who have an interest in music.
MUSI 261D World Music Ensemble IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 261C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
World Music Ensemble IV is a performance ensemble that exposes students to a variety of world music traditions, including those found in Uganda (East Africa), Ghana (West Africa), Zaïre (Central Africa), and Brazil (South America). Students learn advanced drumming techniques on a variety of percussion instruments, Advanced traditional rhythms, and learn to sing several traditional vocal pieces in multiple foreign languages. Repertoire is learned through oral tradition and alternative notation. There is no prior experience or audition required. This course is open to all students who have an interest in music.
MUSI 268A Ear Training I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- MUSI 148A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
The course is designed to facilitate perception, performance, and identification of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic patterns in music. This course consists of sight singing scales, melodies & rhythms, notating melodies, harmonies & rhythms, and identifying chords & intervals. The emphasis is on the development of basic skills in sight singing and dictation: the sight singing and notating of short diatonic melodies containing seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths & octaves, the identification of major, minor, augmented & diminished triads in root position, harmonic dictation of primary triads in major keys, and rhythmic dictation with duple, triple & quadruple subdivisions of the beat. This course is designed for the music majors and students interested in enhancing technical knowledge and skills in music.
MUSI 268B Ear Training II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 268A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second of a sequence in ear training. Emphasis is placed on continued development of skill in sight singing major and minor melodies which contain seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, sevenths, octaves and the tritone; melodic dictation containing triadic arpeggiations; harmonic identification of all diatonic triads in root position and inversions and in major and minor keys; rhythmic dictation with duple, triple, and quadruple subdivisions of the beat in simple and compound meters; notation of two-part and four-part dictation; and identification of errors in melodic phrases. This course is designed for the student pursuing music as a major or for the student interested in enhancing technical knowledge and skills.