Music Courses

These listings are sourced from Curricunet, and some courses may not be offered every semester. For additional information, contact the academic department, speak with counseling or refer to the current Class Schedule and College Catalog.

MURT 20 - Introduction to Music Technology    ( 3.00 - Units )
Fundamentals of digital audio manipulation, recording and production within industry-standard digital audio workstation software. Focus on essential functionality and technical proficiency within audio platforms such as Avid ProTools and Ableton LIVE. Introduction to MIDI sequencing, digital signal processing and audio editing.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Assess characteristics of various microphones and evaluate microphone technique strategies.
  2. Construct a multitrack session.
  3. Demonstrate an appropriate implementation of basic techniques of audio signal flow through analog and digital signal chains.
  4. Develop a critical ear for aspects of individual tracks in a recording session.
  5. Explain the basic principles of acoustics and sound, including analog to digital audio conversion.

MURT 21 - Audio Recording I    ( 3.00 - Units )
This is an introductory course that will provide the foundational skills to learn and function within the Pro Tools audio production environment. Pro Tools represents a new generation of digital audio workstations that uses the power of personal computers and digital signal processing to record multitrack digital audio directly to hard disk. The course covers fundamental fundamental concepts and techniques, including basic acoustics, signal flow, microphone principles and usage, studio equipment, signal processing, recording console functions, and multi-track recording procedures.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Assess characteristics of various microphones and evaluate microphone technique strategies.
  2. Construct a multitrack session.
  3. Demonstrate an appropriate implementation of basic techniques of audio signal flow through analog and digital signal chains.
  4. Develop a critical ear for aspects of individual tracks in a recording session.
  5. Explain the basic principles of acoustics and sound, including analog to digital audio conversion.
  6. Identify basic hardware components of a modern home recording studio.

MURT 22A - Electronic Music I    ( 3.00 - Units )
Fundamentals of electronic music production and MIDI sequencing. Principles of synthesis, survey of electronic music instruments and their development, MIDI sequencing, drum machines and beat making, and multitrack electronic music production.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Analyze the layers of a multi-track electronic music piece.
  2. Properly wire MIDI instruments, computers, and digital interfaces.
  3. Recognize and operate basic electronic music instruments.
  4. Understand and implement the essential components of MIDI sequencing software.

MURT 22B - Electronic Music II    ( 3.00 - Units )
This advanced course builds upon the knowledge and technical skills developed in MUSA 22A Electronic Music I. The integration of MIDI and digital audio recording environments will be studied as well as advanced electronic music production. Projects will include audio for film and video, theatrical productions, video games, advertisements, sound effects and sound installations.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Analyze the layers of a multi-track electronic music piece.
  2. Properly wire MIDI instruments, computers, and digital interfaces.
  3. Recognize and operate basic electronic music instruments.
  4. Students will demonstrate advanced aptitude in the art of digital audio recording.
  5. Understand and implement the essential components of MIDI sequencing software.

MURT 23 - Audio Recording II    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced studio recording techniques. Highly specific and refined microphone selection and implementation, complex multichannel signal flow, analog and digital signal processing, and multitrack mixing in the digital audio workstation. Student-produced, hands-on recording sessions in both the studio and live-concert settings.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate an appropriate implementation of advanced techniques of audio signal flow through analog and digital signal chains of a complex multi-track recording session.
  2. Develop a critical ear for aspects of multiple tracks as well as overall mix in a complex multi-channel recording session.
  3. Produce hands-on recording sessions in both the studio and live concert settings.

MURT 24 - Advanced Mixing Techniques    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course extends basic practical music production and multi-track recording skills to include complex projects, integration of acoustic and digital recording elements, and use of current computer software in the mixing process. Implementation of signal processing to a multichannel audio mix using outboard and virtual signal processors, submixing, busing and summing mixes, complex signal flow, advanced mixer automation, and selected topics in mastering.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Develop and evaluate microphone technique strategies for various instrumental implementations.
  2. Explain basic principles of acoustics and sound perception.
  3. Identify and critique strengths and weaknesses in an individual and groups of tracks of a prerecorded mix.
  4. Identify, differentiate and assess the design and sonic characteristics of various microphones.
  5. Properly construct an audio signal chain through the components of an advanced recording studio console.

MURT 25 - Live Concert Sound    ( 1.00 - Units )
Sound design and amplification management for live music events. Management and manipulation of audio signal flow, interconnected amplification hardware, stage monitoring, and real-time audio signal processing for live audio events. Hands-on participation in on-campus live audio events.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. implement appropriate plan for recording a live event including microphones, wiring, speakers, equipment care and management.

MURT 26 - Music Business    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course presents an overview of the business and legal aspects of the music industry. Topics include: career paths, record contracts, publishing, licensing, distribution, and copyright. In addition, the duties and responsibilities of producers, agents, managers, promoters, and performing artists will be examined.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Become conversant with standard aspects of music contracts.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the legal issues involved with music licensing and distribution.
  3. Explain the process of copyright procedures.
  4. recognize the role and importance of music publishing.

MURT 31 - Sound Design    ( 3.00 - Units )
Introduction to sound design and audio post-production for multimedia. Includes creating and editing sound sffects, ADR, Foley, music, and ambience, for multiple visual mediums such as film, TV, video gaming, theatre, and dance. Emphasis on computer assisted production using Digital Audio Workstations and sound design techniques using industry-standard equipment.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Explain the basic principles of acoustics and sound, including analog to digital audio conversion.
  2. Demonstrate an appropriate implementation of basic techniques of audio signal flow through analog and digital signal chains.
  3. Assess characteristics of various microphones and evaluate microphone technique strategies.

MURT 32B - Game Audio Design II    ( 3.00 - Units )
Advanced creation of music and audio for video games, including implementation within a video game. Advanced music cue composition, Foley SFX recording and design, and functional implementation in a live game context.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Construct a multitrack session.
  2. Demonstrate an appropriate implementation of basic techniques of audio signal flow through analog and digital signal chains.
  3. Develop a critical ear for aspects of individual tracks in a recording session.
  4. Explain the basic principles of acoustics and sound, including analog to digital audio conversion.

MURT 32A - Game Audio Design I    ( 3.00 - Units )
Overview of game sound development, basics of sound effects libraries and working with animation, typical studio effects, sound manipulation, and common troubleshooting. Fundamental techniques of recording custom effects, proper integration of audio, and mixing techniques particular to the gaming industry. Basics of the game audio industry, including professional roles, occupational divisions, scheduling, contracts and workflow.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Construct a multitrack sound design.
  2. Identify basic hardware components of a modern studio
  3. Explain the basic principles of acoustics and sound, including analog to digital audio conversion.
  4. Develop a critical ear.

MURT 50 - Music Industry Internship    ( 1.00 - Units )
Internship in the music industry as approved by Music Recording & Technology faculty in the context of the student’s coursework and interests in the MURT department. Cooperative effort between student and music industry supervisor to accomplish agreed upon work objectives and experiential goals. Student provides verification of service experience hours during the term. Music industry organization to be approved by MURT faculty. Hours and duties made in agreement between student and music industry supervisor. Students will meet on-campus with MURT faculty for one hour per week to discuss experience & progress. Faculty permission required for registration in the class.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Students learn and implement knowledge acquired in the classroom to a professional setting.
  2. Students will cultivate effective strategies for accomplishing specified professional tasks
  3. Students will practice and demonstrate professional behaviors in a real-world, non-academic setting.

MUSL 1 - Introduction to Music    ( 3.00 - Units )
In this course significant works of human imagination and intellect are studied as students encounter a wide range of music from the Medieval period to American music of the 20th and 21st century, including American jazz. This course is designed to enable students to understand music as an art form within its historical context, primarily in Western Europe and the United States. Students will approach music as a form of expression that reflects personal creativity as well as social, political, religious, and cultural change. Further study includes the relationship of music to other forms of human expression, including art, architecture, philosophy, religion, and politics. Students will experience music through recordings, online video performances, and attendance at three concerts outside of the classroom.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Describe the elements and materials of music.
  2. Identify compositions from various period in Western music.
  3. Synthesize factual information and historical evidence through informed listening, analysis, evaluation and discernment of musical elements, forms and repertoire

MUSL 2C - Harmony and Musicianship III    ( 4.00 - Units )
This course is a study of harmony and voice-leading in the Western Common Practice. It addresses sequences, melodic and rhythmic figuration, leading-tone 7th chords, mixture, applied dominants and modulation, four-part voice leading, large formal structures, harmonic and formal analysis, and musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, ear training, dictation, conducting, and keyboard realization.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  2. Demonstrate basic musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  3. Examine and executed the material and structures of western Art Music from 1450-present.
  4. Understand and use the modern, Western system of notating music.
  5. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.
  6. Understand, recognize, and apply fundamental Western theoretical concepts.

MUSL 2C - Harmony and Musicianship III    ( 4.00 - Units )
This course is a study of harmony and voice-leading in the Western Common Practice. It addresses sequences, melodic and rhythmic figuration, leading-tone 7th chords, mixture, applied dominants and modulation, four-part voice leading, large formal structures, harmonic and formal analysis, and musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, ear training, dictation, conducting, and keyboard realization.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  2. Demonstrate basic musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  3. Examine and executed the material and structures of western Art Music from 1450-present.
  4. Understand and use the modern, Western system of notating music.
  5. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.
  6. Understand, recognize, and apply fundamental Western theoretical concepts.

MUSL 2B - Harmony and Musicianship II    ( 4.00 - Units )
This course is a study of harmony and voice leading in the Western Common Practice. It addresses diatonic functionality, four-part voice leading, simple musical structures, harmonic and formal analysis, and musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, dictation, and keyboard realization.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  2. Demonstrate basic musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  3. Examine and execute the material and structures of western Art Music from 1450-present.
  4. Understand and use the modern, Western system of notating music.
  5. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.
  6. Understand, recognize, and apply fundamental Western theoretical concepts.

MUSL 2B - Harmony and Musicianship II    ( 4.00 - Units )
This course is a study of harmony and voice leading in the Western Common Practice. It addresses diatonic functionality, four-part voice leading, simple musical structures, harmonic and formal analysis, and musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, dictation, and keyboard realization.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  2. Demonstrate basic musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  3. Examine and execute the material and structures of western Art Music from 1450-present.
  4. Understand and use the modern, Western system of notating music.
  5. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.
  6. Understand, recognize, and apply fundamental Western theoretical concepts.

MUSL 2A - Harmony and Musicianship I    ( 4.00 - Units )
Study of the fundamentals of Western music applicable to both classical and popular styles: notation; fundamental theoretical concepts; musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, ear training, dictation, and keyboard realization; and basic compositional skills.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Examine and execute the material and structures of Western Art Music from 1450-present.
  2. Understand and use the modern Western system of notating music.
  3. Understand, recognize, and apply fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  4. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  5. Demonstrate basic musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  6. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.

MUSL 2A - Harmony and Musicianship I    ( 4.00 - Units )
Study of the fundamentals of Western music applicable to both classical and popular styles: notation; fundamental theoretical concepts; musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, ear training, dictation, and keyboard realization; and basic compositional skills.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Examine and execute the material and structures of Western Art Music from 1450-present.
  2. Understand and use the modern Western system of notating music.
  3. Understand, recognize, and apply fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  4. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  5. Demonstrate basic musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  6. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.

MUSL 2D - Harmony and Musicianship IV    ( 4.00 - Units )
Study of advanced chromatic harmony, 20th century harmonic practices, large musical structures, style composition, harmonic, structural, and stylistic analysis, and musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, ear training, dictation, and keyboard realization of chromatic and 20th century materials.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Compose music using 20th and 21st century theoretical concepts and techniques.
  2. Demonstrate advanced musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  3. Understand and use the modern, Western system of notating music.
  4. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.
  5. Understand, recognize, and apply advanced 20th century Western theoretical concepts.

MUSL 2D - Harmony and Musicianship IV    ( 4.00 - Units )
Study of advanced chromatic harmony, 20th century harmonic practices, large musical structures, style composition, harmonic, structural, and stylistic analysis, and musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmic training, ear training, dictation, and keyboard realization of chromatic and 20th century materials.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Compose music using 20th and 21st century theoretical concepts and techniques.
  2. Demonstrate advanced musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythmn reading, aural recognition, dictation, and keyboard realization.
  3. Understand and use the modern, Western system of notating music.
  4. Understand the historical aspects of the development of the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.
  5. Understand, recognize, and apply advanced 20th century Western theoretical concepts.

MUSL 3 - World Music    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course presents a survey of world music and introduces the field of ethnomusicology. The cultural contributions and influences of music and traditions in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Indonesia, India, Latin America, and Native America are emphasized. Historical, cultural, philosophical and social conditions in which music exists, its relationship to cultural continuity and/or change, as well as the artistic conditions in which musics and cultures develop are explored through three primary lenses: sound, concept, and behavior. Attendance at world music concerts is required.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Distinguish unique musical characteristices and styles of non-western music;
  2. identify and compare cultural contexts of different "music-cultures";
  3. demonstrate aural identification and differentiation of musical styles.

MUSL 4 - History of Jazz Music    ( 3.00 - Units )
History, trends, and influences of the phenomenon of jazz beginning with pre-Dixieland early 1900's covering the various eras including Swing, Be-Bop and post Be-Bop to present day. Course explores Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian influences on modern Latin Jazz music. Attendance at concerts and listening to a variety of music is required.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. communicate the historical importance of the art form and its origins;
  2. identify the basic elements of musical form and structure;
  3. synthesize factual information and historical evidence through informed listening, analysis, evaluation and discernment of musical elements, form, and repertoire.

MUSL 6 - Basic Music Skills    ( 3.00 - Units )
An introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music. Incorporates the following concepts: staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate an appreciation of aural and written concepts as they apply to musical structure.
  2. Identify melody, harmony, and rhythm while listening to music.
  3. Understanding and ability write musical notation.

MUSL 8 - History of Rock and Roll and Popular Music    ( 3.00 - Units )
A cultural survey of original American music traditions, forms and trends influenced by cultural, socio-economic, socio-political and economic changes including blues, jazz, early rock, the “British invasion,” rap, hip hop culture, Latino rock, heavy metal, jazz-rock fusion, electronic, modern rock, and pop. The focus will be on at least three of the following cultural groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. articulate the influence of modern technology on musical instruments and recording techniques;
  2. differentiate between various styles of rock and popular music;
  3. synthesize factual information and historical evidence through informed listening, analysis, evaluation and discernment of musical elements, forms and repertoire.

MUSL 28 - Musical Structure & Songwriting    ( 3.00 - Units )
Study of contemporary rock and popular music theory with a songwriting implementation. Common chord progressions, harmonic development, song forms, lyric structure and analysis, orchestration, history and analysis of studio recording effects on important popular music styles of the mid to late 20th Century.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Identify various popular musical forms and structures
  2. Compose music using fundamental Western theoretical concepts.
  3. Articulate the importance of the arts is society and culture

MUSL 42B - Jazz Theory II    ( 3.00 - Units )
Jazz composition and arranging to gain and/or solidify a working knowledge of standard concepts pertaining to writing and arranging for the small to large ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on achieving the following: shapes and voicings used for different combinations of melody instruments; writing idiomatic arrangements of “standards” in the jazz idiom and standard “industry-style” formatting of scores and parts.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate intermediate jazz musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythm reading, aural recognition, dictation, and realization
  2. Identify, understand and analyze the jazz forms and structure

MUSL 42A - Jazz Theory I    ( 3.00 - Units )
Developing an understanding of traditional jazz nomenclature including chord symbols, chord/scale relationships, and jazz harmony. Various scales, their modes and their applications will be addressed as well as their applications to harmonic progressions common to the jazz idiom.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Identify, understand, and analyze the jazz forms and structures.
  2. Demonstrate basic jazz musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythm reading, aural recognition, dictation, and realization.