COURSES
Prepare for a career in music by developing your skills as a well-rounded musician. Areas of study include performance, theory fundamentals such as reading, analysis, composition, ear training and more. Students have opportunities to focus on performance or composition courses.
Music Occupations Program Map (pdf)
MUSIC | Course Descriptions
MUSIC-101 Music Business
This course is designed to develop insight into portions of the music-business world, including: the recording industry, record labels, copyrights, performing, managers, producers, contracts, song writing, music publishing, print publishing, promotion, business planning, career planning, website construction and much more. 2 credits.
MUSIC-103 Major Instrument 1
Applied lessons in group settings, small group settings, individual lessons and Master Classes. Emphasis is placed on individualized instruction on one's major instrument with course emphasis to include reading, developing musicality, proficiency and improvisation. Offering: Bass, Brass, Drums, Guitar, Mallets (Marimba, Vibes), Woodwinds, Voice. 1 credit.
MUSIC-104 Major Instrument 2
A continuation of MUSIC-103, individualized instruction is given on the major instrument, with emphasis on continued advancement. Offering: Bass, Brass, Drums, Guitar, Mallets (Marimba, Vibes), Woodwinds, Voice. 1 credit.
MUSIC-105 Major Instrument 3
A continuation of MUSIC-104, instruction is designed to develop specific performance skills in all styles of music. Offering: Bass, Brass, Drums, Guitar, Mallets (Marimba, Vibes), Woodwinds, Voice. 1 credit.
MUSIC-106 Major Instrument 4
A continuation of MUSIC-105, advanced-level instruction is designed to develop industry- ready performance skills in all styles of music. Offering: Bass, Brass, Drums, Guitar, Mallets (Marimba, Vibes), Woodwinds, Voice. 1 credit.
MUSIC-107 Song Writing 1
This course is offered to songwriters of all levels. The ability to produce written charts or convey a finished song in an audio format is necessary to take this course. The art and craft of songwriting will be explored by examining the compositional tools that strengthen lyrics, melody, harmony, and form. Students will learn how to convey their ideas and emotions in a coherent and effective manner using these tools and will also gain a perspective on the more abstract concept known as the creative muse. Songs from across the musical spectrum and throughout songwriting history will be used for analysis. All musical styles are welcome and students will write songs in the genre of their choosing. 1 credit.
MUSIC-108 Film Scoring 1
Film Scoring 1 is a lecture/survey class covering four areas; the history, the production or process of film scoring, creating the score and the business details of film scoring. 1 credit.
MUSIC-109 Film Scoring 2
Film Scoring 2 is a lecture/lab class exploring the practicalities of composing music for the visual media including spotting, thematic branding, tempo mapping, developing the grand concept, functional scoring and business opportunities. 1 credit.
MUSIC-111 Music Business 2
This course is a hands-on lab course that will spotlight many aspects of the music business. As a continuation of MUSIC-101 (Music Business), this course will focus on music marketing, musician image development, promoting acts, music retailing, getting your own business set up for sales, negotiation skills, goal setting, leadership skills, setting up a performance rights publisher and writer account, advanced music licensing concepts, intellectual property, music business law, international music business, digital music technologies, the iTunes business model, the impact of technologies on the music business, the future of the music business, and much more. Students will assist their peers in the ensemble classes by promoting and producing the MATC concert series, giving the learner experience in production and promotion. The course will feature guest speakers from the music industry and a field trip to a music publishing company. 2 credits.
MUSIC-118 Music Analysis
An analytical look inside the diverse genres of music in our Western European heritage ranging from Medieval to Popular genres. Examination of music, separated into its elemental parts: melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, timbre, form and expression. Class includes exploration of historical, social and political conditions and impacts. Class will consist of lecture, listening, examination of scores, discussion and presentation. 3 credits.
MUSIC-119 Music Ensemble 4
A continuation of MUSIC-141 Ensemble 3. with the continued study and performance of improvisation, reading music notation, ear training and reading chord charts and lead sheets. Emphasis is also placed on stage etiquette and music arrangement. 1 credit.
MUSIC-120 Choir 2
Students develop vocal skills, learn basic note reading techniques and learn how to sing in harmony with others in a choral group that sings a variety of vocal styles such as gospel, jazz, classical and pop. Choir 2 is open to all MATC students and especially to anyone who would enjoy choral singing. Typically, there is a concert at the conclusion of the semester. 1 credit.
MUSIC-125 Music Studio Teaching Methods
This class includes the study of various teaching methods and learning styles and their application to studio one-on-one instruction for various instruments and voice, materials and techniques, performance practices and business aspects of studio management. The class includes lecture, demonstration/presentation and lesson observation. 1 credit.
MUSIC-126 Percussion Ensemble
This course is specifically geared to performing percussion music. It is designed to explore the music and techniques of playing the many styles and instruments of world and classical percussion. Areas of study will include, but not be limited to: Brazilian, African, and Afro-Cuban music, as well as classic American compositions. The course will focus on reading, interpretation improvisation, music theory, and technique. Learners will perform on many percussion instruments and become skilled at functioning in an ensemble. The Percussion Ensemble will be prepared to perform at MATC Concert Series alongside music ensembles.
MUSIC-127 Drum Lab
Drum Lab is a course designed to meet the needs of the beginning percussionist as well as the student interested in an introduction to stick and hand drumming. Course focus is on music reading, rhythmic development, technique and improvisation. Students will obtain the basic knowledge of the instrument to prepare for Major Instrument Percussion and Percussion Ensemble class. 1 credit.
MUSIC-141 Music Ensemble 3
A continuation of MUSIC-163 Ensemble 2. Students will perform in a musical group. Participants will continue to advance their musical performance skills. Emphasis is placed on reading music notation, reading chord charts and lead sheets, improvisation and ear training. Emphasis is also placed on stage etiquette and music arrangement. 1 credit.
MUSIC-142 Introduction to Composition
Students will explore the art of the composer. This course takes the class through an in-depth examination of genres, styles, the composers’ tools, arranging and orchestration considerations and sources of inspiration.
MUSIC-143 Music Notation 1
Music Notation 1 introduces the learner to the basics of music manuscript. Students will notate basic rhythm, melody and harmony by hand. The learner will also be introduced to the fundamentals of Finale and Sibelius music notation software and learn about the techniques used in the industry of engraving notation. Students will study the form and texture of multiple genres of music. 1 credit.
MUSIC-144 Music Notation 2
A Continuation of MUSIC-143 Music Notation 1. Music Notation 2 is an intermediate to advanced level course in which the learner will explore the Music Engraving software of Finale and Sibelius in great detail. An emphasis on music theory, form and analysis in many genres of music will accompany an advanced series of instruction and exploration of music manuscript. 1 credit.
MUSIC-147 Songwriting 2
This course is a continuation of MUSIC-107 Songwriting I. Students will hone the art and craft of songwriting and will develop a more sophisticated approach to writing lyrics, melody, harmony, and form. The process of song arrangement will be discussed and emphasized in more detail in this second part of the course. The challenge of writing songs in various genres and for specific commercial purposes will be explored. 1 credit.
MUSIC-148 Music Fundamentals 1
Designed specifically for Audio Production majors, this is an introduction to the building blocks of music: reading, notation, tonality, form and genre. It combines elements of music history, theory and music appreciation. 2 credits.
MUSIC-150 Music Theory
This essential course presents fundamental music theory. The following topics are presented: the study of intervals, major and minor tonality, scale construction, diatonic triads, altered triads, harmonic function, figured bass, four-voice chorale, voice leading and chord voicing, chord inversion, tonal and structural organization in music, seventh chords and simple/compound meter. This class uses lecture, workbook exercises, sight singing and dictation. 4 credits.
MUSIC-151 Music Theory 2
A continuation of MUSID-150 Music Theory, this course involves the application of knowledge acquired in Music Theory as it relates to harmony and harmonic progression. The objective is to develop skills in fundamental to advanced harmonizing within the modern musical idioms. 4 credits.
MUSIC-152 Composition
Students learn to write original compositions for commercial and artistic purposes (film, radio, concert, etc.). Compositional styles covered include classical, jazz, pop, Latin and serial composition, radio and television. 3 credits.
MUSIC-153 Composition 2
A continuation of MUSIC-152 Composition, students compose, orchestrate and record in various musical styles using computers, digital keyboards, sequencing and music notation software. 3 credits.
MUSIC-158 Orchestration 1
Students will learn the fundamentals of orchestration (arranging) for small ensembles from jazz combo to small chamber orchestra. Students will orchestrate original works and classic examples from the literature for live players or digital orchestra. Students will learn instrumental ranges, transpositions and characteristics for maximum effect. 1 credit.
MUSIC-159 Orchestration 2
A continuation of MUSIC-158 Orchestration 1, students will study and develop intermediate and advanced orchestration concepts through writing for larger ensembles from sextets to full orchestra. Students will apply skills to the orchestration of original works and classic literature, contemporary genres and film scores. 1 credit.
MUSIC-162 Music Ensemble 1
Participating in a small group setting, students have the opportunity to learn the various styles of music and how to reproduce them. Participation in this class will give the student valuable practical experience in reading music notation, reading chord charts and lead sheets, improvisation, learning music in the confines of a musical ensemble, thus better equipping them to perform professionally in various bands. 1 credit.
MUSIC-163 Music Ensemble 2
A continuation of MUSIC-162 Ensemble 1 with continued study and performance of reading music notation, reading chord charts, improvisation and learning music in the confines of a musical ensemble. Difficulty and complexity of music continues to develop. 1 credit.
MUSIC-167 Improvisation 1
The objective of this course is to begin to develop abilities in jazz and other styles of improvisation through the study of scale/chord relationships and solo vocabulary. The course involves both the study of theoretical concepts as well as practice and performance on one's chosen instrument. 1 credit.
MUSIC-168 Improvisation 2
A continuation of MUSIC-167 Improvisation 1, the intent of this course is to provide students with more advanced training in improvisation through the study of scale/chord relationships and the solo vocabulary. The course involves both the he continued study of theoretical concepts as well as practice and performance on one's chosen instrument. 1 credit.
MUSIC-173 Music Reading
This course is designed to provide the student with the ability to read standard music notation and play music on their primary instrument. Instruction begins with the fundamental tools and terminology of music notation. It moves through simple melodies in simple rhythms and meters and progresses to longer and more difficult melodies in more difficult rhythms and compound meters. 1 credit.
MUSIC-174 Ear Training 1
This class will emphasize the ability to accurately recognize melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical sounds. This will be done through sight singing, dictation and transcription, and incorporation of theory fundamentals. 2 credits.
MUSIC-177 Piano Lab 1
A beginning piano class designed to develop skills in music reading and proper keyboard technique as well as the functional use of scales, chords, transposition and other elements of music theory. Taught in a group class setting on digital pianos. Elementary to late Elementary level. 1 credit.
MUSIC-178 Piano Lab 2
A continuation of MUSIC-177 Piano Lab 1, this class is designed to improve skills in music reading and proper keyboard technique as well as the functional use of scales, chords, transposition and other elements of music theory. Late Elementary to Early Intermediate level. 1 credit.
MUSIC-181 Conducting
This course will develop basic conducting skills. It will explore and develop techniques associated with historically classical instrumental and vocal conducting as well as contemporary genres and conducting/leading a group while also playing or singing in the group. 1 credit.
MUSIC-182 Composition for Advertising
Is a class that applies music composition skills to the area of broadcast advertising music for radio and television commercials, in house instructional videos, convention theme songs, and variations on a melodic theme for multi-commercial campaigns, all within the confines of the predetermined guidelines of the client’s specific direction. The details of running a commercial production company will also be emphasized including establishing a client base, demo writing, producing a final production, keeping good books, fee structures and pitching skills. 3 credits.
MUSIC-183 Library Licensed Music
Library Licensed Music introduces the concepts and techniques of composing, mixing and editing original pieces of music for the purposes of licensing for the world of radio, television and advertising. 3 credits.
MUSIC-184 Ear Training 2
This course is a continuation of MUSIC-174 Ear Training. This class will emphasize the ability to accurately recognize melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical sounds. This will be done through sight singing, dictation and transcription and incorporation of theory fundamentals. 2 credits.
MUSIC-185 Bass Lab
Bass Lab is designed to meet the needs of the beginning bass guitar player. The course will acquaint the student with tuning, parts of the bass guitar and proper playing techniques. This course will also cover the basic skills of reading music in the bass clef. The student will perform simple music examples in class on their instrument. 1 credit.
MUSIC-187 Guitar Lab 1
Group lesson instruction for beginners or guitarists who want to learn to read standard notation, including basic technique, music reading, chording, fundamentals of music theory, effective practice habits, lead sheets and tablature. Students must provide their own guitar. 1 credit.
MUSIC-188 Guitar Lab 2
A continuation of MUSIC-187 Guitar Lab 1. Group lesson instruction to improve music reading skills, expand chord vocabulary, scales, understanding chord progressions, finger style guitar basics and bare chords. Students must provide their own guitar. 1 credit.
MUSIC-189 Voice Lab 1
Students will learn basic vocal techniques and improve their singing ability through solo singing. 1 credit.
MUSIC-190 Choir 1
Students develop vocal skills, learn basic note reading techniques and learn how to sing in harmony with others in a choral group that sings a variety of vocal styles such as gospel, jazz, classical and pop. Choir 1 is open to all MATC students and especially to anyone who would enjoy choral singing. 1 credit.
MUSIC-191 Performance Techniques 1
Students will develop their performance abilities on their particular instrument(s). Solos or ensembles will be formed from the class. Students will learn through lecture, coaching, interactive discussion, preparing selections for performance and performing music and non-music presentations. The class will emphasize learning to prepare adequately for successful performances, working successfully with other musicians, developing ensembles, musical arranging, improving personal technical and musical abilities, proper performance etiquette, professional work ethic and attitude and refining playing in various styles. 3 credits.
MUSIC-192 Performance Techniques 2
A continuation of MUSIC-191 Performance Techniques 1. Students will continue to develop their performance abilities on their particular instrument(s). Solos or ensembles will be formed from the class. Students will learn through lecture, coaching, interactive discussion, preparing selections for performance and performing music and non-music presentations. The class will emphasize learning to prepare adequately for successful performances, working successfully with other musicians, developing ensembles, musical arranging, improving personal technical and musical abilities, proper performance etiquette, professional work ethic and attitude and refining playing in various styles. 3 credits.
MUSIC-193 Voice Lab 2
A continuation of MUSIC-189 Voice Lab 1. Students continue to develop good vocal techniques through solo singing in various genres and develop skills in sight singing. 1 credit.
MUSIC-194 Honors Ensemble
An advanced performance group created by audition or faculty appointment. This group serves as the flagship performance group representing the department and school in various venues, and as a recording group producing CD's in collaboration with music business and recording students. With guidance from the instructor, members of the class are responsible for choosing repertoire, arranging materials, rehearsing, memorizing and performing a minimum of three department concerts per semester. 1 credit.
MUSIC-205 Music Appreciation
This course introduces music elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, texture in vocal and instrumentals forms to analyze and appreciate music from the 1400s to present including historical musical periods as well as contemporary popular American genres. Composers studied include Pope Gregory, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Copland, Gershwin and Joplin. This course is lecture and guided listening with analysis and discussion. Students will be required to attend concerts, listen to music and write reports. 3 credits.
MUSIC-206 History of Rock Music
This course provides students with a survey of popular American Music of the 20th century tracing the development, evolution and maturation of musical styles, techniques and compositions. Development of analytical listening skills is a course focus. 3 credits.
MUSIC-207 Jazz History
This course will focus principally on America's indigenous music - jazz. Course will explore the development of this music over the last 150+ years to present. Course will explore musical, multi-cultural and historic perspectives, tracing the evolution of the music. Selective listening as well as analysis of rhythmic, melodic, harmonic and form structures will be a course focus. 3 credits.
MUSIC-210 World Music Sound and Structure
An insightful introduction to major musical traditions of the world. This course will focus on musical sound and structure in the musical genre of sub-Saharan Africa, India, Japan, Latin America and Ireland. 3 credits.