Music
44 courses · Shasta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
MUS-1 Music Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in MUS 22
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
- C-ID
- MUS 110
This is a course in music theory for the general student. It includes pitch notation, melody, rhythm and meter, scales and modes, intervals, keys and key signatures, triads, chords, and solfege. This course is designed for Elementary Education majors and Pre-Music Core Program. A computerized skills tutorial is included in the text and is required. Piano skills are helpful in maximizing learning in this course. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-2 Diatonic Harmony and Musicianship
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture
- Advisory
- MUS 1 with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 120
This course covers the fundamental elements of music, including scales, modes, key signatures, chords, melodic and harmonic intervals, and the handwritten notation of pitch and rhythm in simple and compound meters. It also explores structural elements such as harmony and melody, four-part harmonic writing, non-harmonic tones, basic chord progressions, and cadential formulas. Ear training and sight-singing are integrated throughout. Analysis and composition are studied concurrently, including phrase structure, figured bass symbols, and introductory dominant sevenths. This is the first course in the four-semester music theory sequence. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
MUS-3 Advanced Diatonic Harmony & Musicianship
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 216)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 2 with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 130
This course is the second course of the four-semester music theory sequence. Course content includes idiomatic work from selected historical periods with a critical approach to stylistic analysis. All diatonic chords and the introduction of the V7, along with their inversions will be studied. This course will include an introduction to two-part species counterpoint and will apply and develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music 2 through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-4 Chromatic Harmony
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 216)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 3 with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 140
This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of MUS 3 through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This is the third course of the four-semester music theory sequence required to satisfy the music core program and lower division music transfer, it may be challenged and is transferable. It must be taken for a grade by music majors. This course includes the study of chromatic harmony such as secondary dominants, modulation, borrowed harmony, Neapolitan and augmented 6th chords, as well as binary and ternary form. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-5 Twentieth Century Harmony
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 216)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 4 with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 150
This course is a study of the composition techniques and harmonic practices of the Twentieth Century and the development of critical judgments about the Century's styles. Material for this class includes: post-Romantic techniques such as modal mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, extended chords (9th, 11th and 13th), altered dominant chords; and 20th Century techniques such as: Impressionism, tone rows, set theory, pandiatonicism and polytonalism, meter, rhythm, and minimalistic ideas. This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music 4 through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. The course will also study the large forms found in music such as sonata, rondo, and variation form. This is the final course of the four-semester music theory sequence and may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-10 Music Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 100
The course is a survey of the six historical periods of Western Music, from the Medieval Era to the 21st Century. Students will learn the elements of music, the physical aspects of sound, and the classifications and timbres of common instruments and digital media. Students will learn how music from the past reflects the ideas, art, and politics of the time. This course is recommended for AA Humanities elective, CSU General Ed Arts elective and Pre-Music Program. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-11 History of Jazz and Early Rock
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a survey course that covers the characteristics of jazz forms, including ragtime, Dixieland, blues, swing, progressive jazz and rock. This course gives the student the opportunity to become familiar with all of the various styles of jazz and provides an understanding of the social and technical influences that cause stylistic change. This course is designed to create an interest in music for the non-music major. It is recommended for the Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-14 World Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
World Music is an exploration of the musical traditions of selected and representative world musical cultures. Students will learn the basic elements of music, and the different ways to organize music that are connected with various cultural traditions. Students will learn about the intersection of World Music and Cultural Anthropology. This course may be offered in a distance education format. World Music satisfies the Music Core program, and both the GE Humanities and the Multicultural electives.
MUS-15 History of Rock
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a survey course that covers the characteristics of Rock forms and important musicians: 1950s (Rockabilly, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Doo-Wop, and various Rhythm & Blues musicians); 1960s (Folk-Rock, Surf-Rock, Motown, Twist, The Beatles, British Invasion, Electric Folk-Rock, Hard Rock, Psychedelic, and Jazz-Rock); 1970s (Heavy Metal, Art Rock, Funk, Glitter, Disco, and Punk); 1980s (New Wave, Hair Metal, Synthpop, and Rap); and 1990s (Grunge, Alternative, and Rap/Hip Hop). The course gives the student the opportunity to become familiar with all the various styles of Rock and provides an understanding of the social and technical influences that cause stylistic change. This course is designed to create an interest in music for the non-music major. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-17 Computer Software for Musicians
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture/108 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to music-related software for creative, professional, and educational applications. Students will develop foundational skills in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for audio & MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) production, sheet music notation, and web-based tools for digital portfolio development. Emphasis is placed on digital fluency, music technology workflows, and project-based learning aligned with current industry and transfer standards. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
MUS-18 Foundations of Music Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture/108 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is a broad survey of the hardware and concepts that form the foundation of modern music technology. Acting as a bridge from software-only music creation (MUS 17), this course introduces the components that connect the digital and physical worlds. Topics include the physics of sound, audio signal flow, microphones, audio interfaces, mixers, and an overview of technology's application in various fields such as studio recording, live sound reinforcement, and performance. Emphasis is placed on understanding the function and purpose of each component within a complete system. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
MUS-19 Recording and Production Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture/108 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)
- Advisory
- MUS 17 with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU
This project-based course is the capstone experience for the Recording Arts certificate. Building upon the skills from MUS 17 and MUS 18, students will engage in the complete process of music production. Topics include advanced microphone techniques, session management, in-depth mixing with automation and effects, and introductory mastering. The primary focus is the hands-on application of these techniques to produce a professional-quality, multi-song EP by the end of the semester. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
MUS-21A Beginning Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Formerly
- MUS 21, 21A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a beginning course in the techniques of guitar, including basic chords, strums, finger-picking, and tuning. Guitar history and styles and music fundamentals are also presented. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-21B Intermediate Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 21A with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a course designed to move the guitar player beyond basic chord use, to further implement notational skills, right hand skills, and to expand the beginner into the active use of E moveable chords, A moveable chords and the moveable scales that enhance the guitar player’s basic skills. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-21C Advanced Intermediate Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 21B with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course expands the intermediate guitar player beyond the E and A moveable chord forms and scales into the use of the C moveable chord and scale form and the G moveable chord and scale. The course will include more advanced right hand techniques and a review of notation, tablature, and song writing skills. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-21D Advanced Guitar
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 21C with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will take the intermediate beyond the C, A, G, E by the addition of the D form chord and scale. It will develop the use of the rotational inversions of the Five Major moveable forms, allowing the full utilization of the entire fretboard. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-22A Beginning Piano
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Formerly
- MUS 22
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a fundamental course in keyboard techniques (simple piano music, chords, scales, and exercises) and music fundamentals: basic notation, harmony, and meter. Students will learn commonly-used music terms. The course is recommended for Music and Elementary Education majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-22B Intermediate Piano
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 22A with a grade of C or higher
- Formerly
- MUS 23, 22BD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a fundamental course in keyboard techniques (simple piano music, chords, scales, and exercises) and music fundamentals: basic notation, harmony, and meter. Students will learn commonly-used music terms. Course is recommended for Music and Elementary Education majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-22C Advanced Intermediate Piano
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 22B with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a fundamental course in keyboard techniques (simple piano music, chords, scales, and exercises) and music fundamentals: basic notation, harmony, and meter. Students will learn commonly-used music terms. The course is recommended for Music and Elementary Education majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-22D Advanced Piano
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 22C with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a fundamental course in keyboard techniques (simple piano music, chords, scales, and exercises) and music fundamentals: basic notation, harmony, and meter. Students will learn commonly-used music terms. The course is recommended for Music and Elementary Education majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-25A Beginning Strings
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab
- Formerly
- MUS 25, 25AB
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a beginning course in violin, viola, violoncello, and string bass organized to establish basic skills of tuning, pitch and tone production, both pizzicato and bowed, beginning in the first position until security in the frame of the hand and correct playing position is established. This course teaches elementary shifting (first to third position) on violins/violas, normal and extended (first position) on the cello, and half and first position on string bass. This course can be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-25B Intermediate Strings
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 25A with a grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an intermediate course in violin, viola, violoncello, and string bass. This course utilizes more advanced positions, bowing techniques, and shifting on all instruments. Bowing techniques include on-the-string bowings such as detache, linked, legato, and mixed bowings when appropriate. This course can be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-25C Advanced Intermediate Strings
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 25B with a grade of C or higher
- Formerly
- MUS 25CD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course includes the study of off-the-string bowings, vibrato, and special effects. The major goals of the course are to establish more advanced intermediate skills with sound pedagogy while playing representative string solo music, simple chamber music, duos, trios, and quartets. Baroque and Classic repertoire with correct bowings and proper style are studied.
MUS-25D Advanced Strings
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 25C with a grade of C or higher
- Formerly
- MUS 25CD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an advanced study of off-the-string bowings, vibrato, and special effects. The major goals of the course are to establish advanced skills with sound pedagogy while playing representative string solo music, advanced chamber music, duos, trios, quartets, and orchestra music. Romantic and Contemporary repertoire with correct bowings and proper style will be studied.
MUS-29 Beginning Voice
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Formerly
- MUS 27A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a beginning course in vocal technique, repertoire, stage deportment, and performance. This course utilizes a variety of vocal genres to teach tone quality, breath control, posture, diction, and interpretation. Class performances are required. This course is considered a beneficial elective for students in the Music, Theater Arts, and Elementary Teacher Education programs. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-30 Intermediate Voice
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
- Prerequisite
- MUS 29 with a grade of C or higher
- Formerly
- MUS 27B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an intermediate course in vocal technique and performance. This course utilizes a variety of vocal literature in English, Italian, and German to teach tone quality, breath control, posture, lyric diction, and interpretation. Class performances are required. This course is considered a beneficial elective for students in the Music, Theater Arts, and Elementary Teacher Education programs. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-31 Chamber Choir
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Formerly
- MUS 31AD
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course is designed for advanced singers who demonstrate strong vocal technique and musicianship. Students refine their skills through small and large ensemble performances, including duets, trios, quartets, and full choir settings. Emphasis is placed on expressive interpretation, stylistic accuracy, and ensemble blend. Repertoire is selected from a broad range of musical periods and styles, including classical, contemporary, and world traditions, with works often performed in foreign languages. Through rehearsal and performance, students develop advanced skills in musical phrasing, diction, and stage presence while deepening their understanding of vocal literature and performance practice.
MUS-33 Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Formerly
- MUS 33AD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This is a performance-based ensemble focused on the study and public performance of big band, commercial, and jazz repertoire. Students develop skills in sight-reading, section playing, and improvisation across various eras, including swing, bebop, and contemporary jazz. This course is geared toward instrumentalists with prior musical experience.
MUS-35 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Formerly
- MUS 35AD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course is for students interested in singing jazz and commercial music. Students will sing jazz music in parts and will learn improvisation, jazz style, basic jazz terminology, and common jazz patterns.
MUS-40 Concert Choir
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Formerly
- MUS 40AD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course is a performance-based mixed choir (S.A.T.B.) that sings a variety of historical and contemporary music, focusing on standard choral literature, folk songs, and modern secular works. Students develop fundamental skills in reading choral music and vocal technique using examples drawn from choral literature, such as American folk arrangements, Broadway selections, and accessible classical repertoire.
MUS-42 Shasta College Chorale
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Formerly
- MUS 42AD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course is a performance-based mixed choir (S.A.T.B.) that sings a diverse repertoire of historical and contemporary music, with a focus on large-scale works, advanced harmonic structures, and pieces often accompanied by instrumental ensembles. Students will develop advanced choral blending techniques, stylistic ornamentation, and the vocal stamina required for major works like oratorios and cantatas.
MUS-43 Shasta Symphony Orchestra
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Formerly
- MUS 43AD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This performance-based course provides students with the opportunity to rehearse and perform major works from the symphonic repertoire. It emphasizes ensemble skills, musical interpretation, and individual musicianship, and includes regular rehearsals, sectional coaching, and public performances. It is open to students with intermediate to advanced proficiency on orchestral instruments.
MUS-44 Concert Orchestra
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course offers musicians the opportunity to gain experience performing in an orchestral setting. The ensemble focuses on developing ensemble skills and musicality through accessible orchestral repertoire. The orchestra provides a supportive environment for musicians, players exploring secondary instruments, and musicians building confidence in group performance. Rehearsals emphasize listening, collaboration, and foundational technique, culminating in public performances.
MUS-46 Symphonic Band
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Advisory
- An assessment may be conducted by the instructor to determine if the student has the required skills to succeed in the course.
- Formerly
- MUS 46AD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course offers musicians the opportunity to gain experience in a symphonic band setting. The ensemble emphasizes the development of ensemble skills, musicality, and stylistic awareness through the study and performance of accessible concert band repertoire. This course provides an experience for college students, lifelong learners, and those seeking to build confidence in large ensemble performance. Rehearsals focus on listening, collaboration, and refining intermediate instrumental techniques, culminating in public performances.
MUS-47 Shasta College Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Formerly
- MUS 47AD
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This class offers experience in the study and performance of big-band jazz arrangements. Admission to the class will be by formal audition to determine performance ability [Ed. Code Sect. 58106 (b) (3)].
MUS-48 Applied Music
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 27)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-50 Vocal Institute
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 9-27 lecture/27-81 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54 to 162)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The Vocal Institute is an intensive course of both vocal and dramatic instruction in an applied performance setting for students who are interested in dramatic vocal performance. Content includes repertoire instruction in art song, musical theater and opera. It is an applied activity course that includes lectures, assignments, rehearsals and studio tutorials. Students learn vocal technique, lyric diction, solo and ensemble performance, character development, stagecraft and movement, and score reading. Art songs and scenes are performed in original languages, including Italian, French, German and English. Skills are built through supervised application resulting in improved performance. Class includes staged performance of art song, opera and musical theater literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-51 Opera in Performance
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54-162)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides for skill development, both vocal and dramatic, at all levels, beginning through advanced, in an applied performance setting for students who are interested in classical dramatic vocal performance. It is an applied activity course in which skills are built through supervised application resulting in improved performance. Emphasis is on solo, small ensemble and chorus performance. Class culminates with fully- or partially-staged performances of opera literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-303 Music for Seniors
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 18-54 lab total
- Advisory
- Demonstrated proficiency in the performance medium.
This course is designed to offer opportunities for older adults to participate in music performance.
MUS-321 Community Guitar
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
This is a course in guitar techniques, including basic chords, strums, finger-picking, and tuning. Guitar history, styles, and music fundamentals are also presented. This course is designed for older adults but is open to all students. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-325 Beginning Strings
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 9 lecture/27 lab total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 54)
This course is a beginning course in violin, viola, violoncello, and string bass organized to establish basic skills of tuning, pitch and tone production, both pizzicato and bowed, beginning in the first position until security in the frame of the hand and correct playing position is established. Elementary shifting first to third position on violins/violas. Normal and extended first position on the cello. Half and first position on string bass. This course is designed for older adults but is open to all students. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS-343 Shasta Symphony Orchestra for Seniors
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Advisory
- While this course is open to all students, an assessment will be conducted by the instructor to determine if the student has the required skills to succeed in the course.
- Formerly
- MUS 301
This performance-based course provides students with the opportunity to rehearse and perform major works from the symphonic repertoire. It emphasizes ensemble skills, musical interpretation, and individual musicianship, and includes regular rehearsals, sectional coaching, and public performances. It is open to students and older adults with intermediate to advanced proficiency on orchestral instruments.
MUS-344 Concert Orchestra for Seniors
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Advisory
- While this course is open to all students, an assessment will be conducted by the instructor to determine if the student has the required skills to succeed in the course.
- Formerly
- MUS 301
This course offers musicians the opportunity to gain experience in an orchestral setting. The ensemble focuses on developing ensemble skills and musicality through accessible orchestral repertoire. This course is designed for older adults but also provides a supportive environment for young musicians, players exploring secondary instruments, and musicians building confidence in group performance. Rehearsals emphasize listening, collaboration, and intermediate techniques, culminating in public performances.
MUS-346 Symphonic Band for Seniors
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 54 lab total
- Advisory
- While this course is open to all students, an assessment may be conducted by the instructor to determine if the student has the required skills to succeed in the course
- Formerly
- MUS 302
This course offers musicians the opportunity to gain experience in a symphonic band setting. The ensemble emphasizes the development of ensemble skills, musicality, and stylistic awareness through the study and performance of accessible concert band repertoire. This course is designed for older adults but also provides an experience for college students, lifelong learners, and those seeking to build confidence in large ensemble performance. Rehearsals focus on listening, collaboration, and refining intermediate instrumental techniques, culminating in public performances.