Music Studies Course Descriptions

Music Studies Course Descriptions

1000 Level Courses

MUS 1000 Introduction to Music 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) A music appreciation course. The content is oriented toward classical music which is taught in an historical chronology. Excursions into non-western music and American jazz will supplement the course content. Attending concerts is required. Approved for LAS Humanities area requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.
MUS 1005 Fundamentals of Music Theory and Composition 2 Credits (Minimum) 2 Credits (Maximum) An intensive foundation course that prepares students with the fundamental musical literacy required for the critical study of music. Successful completion of this course is required for continuation into MUS 1010. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore- Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.
MUS 1010 Music Theory I: Systems of Pitch & Representation 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Students learn multiple systems of pitch organization and harmony-the blues system, Hindustani ragas, diatonic harmony, jazz harmony, atonal set theory, and more-and explore expanded possibilities in musical expression. Students practice with staff notation, chord charts, and a DAW. Contact instructor for a placement test. Prer., MUS 1005 or instructor approval.

MUS 1030 Aural Skills I 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum) First semester course in a two-semester sequence. Students will develop the skills of sight reading, melodic and harmonic dictation, and rhythm reading, interpretation, and execution. Prer., MUS 1005 or instructor approval.
MUS 1040 Class Piano 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum)

Designed for students who have little or no musical background and few or no piano skills. Students will learn the fundamentals of piano playing, as well as the basics of music notation, theory and musicianship. Students will also be exposed to a performance environment, and work to develop strong practice habits.

MUS 1100 UCCS Symphony Orchestra 21 1 Credit (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) The UCCS Symphony 21 explores a wide range of repertoire including canonical masterworks from the Western art music tradition. Emphasis will also be on highlighting composers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, works composed in the 21st century, as well as a lab for student composers. Prer., Approval of instructor/ previous experience on a symphonic or band instrument.
MUS 1200 World Music Ensemble for Vocalists and Instrumentalists 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Students will learn musical traditions from a range of cultures from around the world. This ensemble is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists.

MUS 1310 University Choir 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum) Study and performance of choral music. Open to all qualified students. May be repeated three times for a total of 3 hours of credit.
MUS 1600 Applied Music - Private Instruction 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credits (Maximum)

Private instrument and voice instruction - for all instruments and voice types - open to all students regardless of musical background. Twelve 45-minute lessons (or the equivalent) are offered with the meeting time and place to be arranged with the instructor. Lessons will cover technique, interpretation and musical style. Students are required to attend music program seminars held the first Friday of each month and must perform before a jury at the end of the semester.


2000 Level Courses

MUS 2010 Music Theory II: Styles of Counterpoint 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Students deepen exploration of pitch and harmony though various styles of counterpoint­- Renaissance counterpoint, Baroque chorales and fugues, gospel and jazz harmonic practices. Students investigate chromatic harmony, examples in popular genres, and complete creative Prer., MUS 1010 or instructor approval.
MUS 2030 Sight Singing and Ear Training II 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum) Focuses on advanced sight singing and ear training skills. Continues perfecting solfege using musical examples from the texts that feature modulations, key changes, and enharmonic situations. Students will learn to read compound meter as well as transcribe melodic and harmonic musical examples. Prer., MUS 1030.
MUS 2050 Jazz History 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Examines the history of Jazz music and culture. Starting with the mid-1800s, this class explores the influences and developments of this American art form throughout the twentieth century. Learn about the main contributors, developing musical styles, and how Jazz engaged with social and political issues throughout the course of history. Approved for LAS Humanities area and Cultural Diversity requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures. GT-AH1.

MUS 2100 Rock and Roll Music 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

This introductory level history and music appreciation course will survey the major musical, social and economic trends in Rock and Roll music from its roots in the popular music of the late 1800’s to the present. Students will sharpen their musical analysis skills through listening and active participation. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.

MUS 2150 Electronic and Computer Music I 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Students will explore the history of computer music, including its development, methods, techniques, and applications. Students will then learn a variety of present day widely used software and complete a project of computer music creation which will result in a demonstration/performance. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.

MUS 2200 Balinese Gamelan Ensemble 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum)

An introduction to the Balinese Gamelan Gong Kebyar orchestral tradition. Students will develop skills and techniques, study music history, and learn pieces from the Gamelan Gong Kebyar repertory. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.

MUS 2210 UCCS Wind Ensemble 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum) This unique ensemble is a hybrid concert/athletic band. A concert band throughout the school year focusing on a broad range of repertoire, this ensemble transforms into the UCCS Mountain Lion Athletics Band during basketball season and performs at all home games. A scholarship is available by audition. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.
MUS 2250 Jazz and Improvisation Ensemble 2 Credits (Minimum) 2 Credits (Maximum) A rehearsal and performance based ensemble class whose main objective will be to develop improvisational ability and a new repertoire every semester representing different styles and periods from the jazz idiom. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.
MUS 2300 Electronic Acoustic Ensemble 1 Credits (Minimum) 1 Credits (Maximum) Utilizes any combination of electronic instruments and computer music with any traditional acoustic instrumentation. The process of musical creation is generated through the study of improvised music, composition, and multimedia forms. Is inclusive to all traditional genres and can accommodate musicians from all styles and individuals with solid musical background. Prer., Consent of instructor.
MUS 2310 VAPA Vocal Ensemble 2 Credits (Minimum) 2 Credits (Maximum)

Ensemble will study, rehearse and perform from a wide range of vocal music traditions including folk and ethnic, western classical, gospel, jazz and 20th century experimental avant-garde. It will encompass music that is from composed, oral and improvised music traditions.

MUS 2350 Vocal Jazz Ensemble 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum) Practical and performing experience in vocal jazz. Includes music from the 1920’s through the present. Requires participation in various performances on campus and in the community throughout the semester. Prer., Audition.
MUS 2400 Chamber Music Ensemble 2 Credits (Minimum) 2 Credits (Maximum) Open to all instrumentalists and vocalists, this ensemble focuses on the interpretation of chamber repertoire for small groups (i.e. from 2-8 performers) and the development of ensemble playing skills. Familiarity with music fundamentals and notation is highly encouraged. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures.
MUS 2450 Music Theatre Performance and Practice 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Focuses on the developing musical skills and a historical context of the genre of musical theatre. Topics include vocal techniques, music theatre repertoire, audition and rehearsal techniques, role preparation, as well as acting and dancing basics. Meets with THTR 2450.
MUS 2500 Music Composition and Songwriting I 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Students expand their compositional toolkits to apply to creative projects in their chosen musical styles and mediums. As a community, the class engages in listening, discussion, guest demos, and workshopping. Assignments include guided compositions and student-designed projects. Students may work in any style and are encouraged to explore new areas. Prer., MUS 2010 or consent of instructor.

MUS 2600 Private Instruction: Advanced 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum)

Private instrument and voice instruction, for all instruments and voice types. Open to all students regardless of major. Ten instructional hours per semester are offered with the meeting time and place to be arranged with the instructor. Lessons will cover more advanced issues of technique, interpretation, and musical style. Prer., MUS 1600 or instructor permission.

MUS 2850 Topics in Music History and Research I 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Selected topics within European art music, including formal and stylistic developments from Antiquity through the late Baroque/early Classical transition. Development of critical thinking and writing skills by comparing cultural artistic aesthetics within various musical traditions, as well as research methodologies. Approved for LAS Humanities area requirement. Prer., MUS 1010 or instructor approval.

MUS 2950 Audio Engineering and Production I 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

A foundation course that provides an introduction to sound and audio recording principles and techniques. Students will gain an understanding of sound control, room acoustics, microphone, mixing, set-up, recording systems, vocal and instrument recording, and audio and music post-production.


3000 Level Courses

MUS 3010 Music Theory III: Sound in Time, from Rhythm to Form 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

This course investigates the representation, perception, and organization of time across various musical cultures including flamenco, hip hop, Afro-Cuban, gamelan, jazz, and classical. From micro-timings and groove to song structure and sonata form, students explore many levels of temporal experience. Prer., MUS 2010 or instructor approval.

MUS 3030 Sight Singing and Ear Training III 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum) Focuses on advanced sight singing and ear-training skills, lifting off from Ear Training II with distant modulations, key changes, compound meter, and enharmonic dictation. Prer., MUS 1030 and MUS 2030.
MUS 3150 Introduction to Ethnomusicology 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

An introduction to the music of various non-western cultures, including those of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Examines relationships between music and culture, based on interpretation and critical analysis through readings, recordings, and film. Beginning fieldwork projects. Approved for LAS Global Awareness requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Explore-Arts, Humanities, and Cultures. Prer., MUS 1010 or instructor approval.

MUS 3200 Electronic and Computer Music II 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) A continuation of MUS 2150 - the Computer in Music. Covers more specialized software and computer music applications. Prer., MUS 1010 or instructor approval.
MUS 3320 The Business of Music: Individual Career Design and Professional Skills 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) The focus of this course is to develop music career strategies, skills, and knowledge in performance, teaching studios, music technology, law, event production and management, publishing, small business operation and principles of entrepreneurship. Prer., Junior or Senior standing
MUS 3410 Sonic Landscapes: Ecoacoustic Music, Geography, and Environment 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

This is a cross-disciplinary course bridging creative sound art and music practices with geography, naturalism, and environmentalism through the exploration of local geographies, landscapes, and the natural world. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Navigate. Meets with GES 3410.

MUS 3450 Advanced Musical Theatre: Performance and Practice 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Continuation of beginning musical theatre course (MUS 2450 or THTR 2060). Intense scene study, vocal training and coaching lead to a final showcase. Prer., MUS 2450 or THTR 2060. Meets with THTR 3060.
MUS 3500 Music Composition and Songwriting II 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

A continuation of MUS 2500, students continue to expand their compositional techniques while also leading some listening-analysis discussions on musical styles of their choice. Assignments include guided compositions and larger student-designed projects. Students may work in any style and are encouraged to challenge their musical habits. Prer., MUS 2500 or consent of instructor.

MUS 3600 Private Instruction: Junior Recital 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) MUS 3600 should be taken in the junior year. The main requirement is for the student to develop the junior recital repertoire, creative work, and/or compositions/sound designs. Students are required to perform 30 minutes of music. Prer., MUS 2600.
MUS 3700 Film Scoring and Music Composition 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) This course will provide students with an understanding of the tools, crafts, methods and history of the art of film music scoring and composition. Prer., MUS 1010, MUS 2010, and MUS 2150. Meets with FILM 3700.
MUS 3850 Topics in Music History and Research II 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Selected topics within European art music, including formal and stylistic developments from the early Classical period (ca. 1760) through 1960. Continued development of critical thinking and writing skills by comparing cultural artistic aesthetics within various musical traditions, as well as research methodologies. Prer., MUS 2850.
MUS 3950 Audio Engineering and Production II 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) This course is designed to impart a solid foundation in various forms of audio recording, signal processing and production methods. Prer., MUS 2950.

4000 Level Courses

MUS 4010 Music Theory IV: Musical Practices and Processes 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) This course investigates multiple approaches to the creation and performance of music: 20th-century, classical techniques for organizing pitch; performance-based practices used by singer-songwriters and experimental improvisers; and technology-drive practices by DJs, soundscape composers, and samplers. Prer., MUS 1010 and MUS 2010.
MUS 4030 Internship in Music 1 Credit (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Designed musical experience involving specific application of relevant concepts and skills in supervised professional situations. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Prer., Permission of Program Director.
MUS 4250 The Business of Music: Entrepreneurship and Creative Enterprise 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) This course partners musicians with individuals from other disciplines towards a real-world model that is essential for artistic and business success. Via engaging in long-term and meaningful group projects, students address industry-specific topics as well as crucial “soft” skills. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Navigate.
MUS 4300 Creative Music Ensemble: The Score and Composition 2 Credits (Minimum) 2 Credits (Maximum)

The Creative Music Ensemble will rehearse and perform repertoire from a range of contemporary music and participate in an in-depth study and analysis of scores and extended musical notation. In addition, students will rehearse and perform student compositions.

MUS 4600 Private Instruction: Senior Recital 1 Credit (Minimum) 1 Credit (Maximum)

MUS 4600 should be taken in the senior year, and students should be concurrently enrolled in MUS 4980 Music Capstone. The main requirement is for the student to work with the private instructor to develop, rehearse, and prepare the senior recital. This work will overlap somewhat with the Capstone course as the senior Thesis will be required to address senior recital material: repertoire, creative work, compositions/sound designs. Ten instructional hours per semester are offered with the meeting time and place to be arranged with the instructor. Prer., MUS 3600 or instructor permission.

MUS 4750 Contemporary Music: Cultures, Designs, and Aesthetics 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) This course will focus on the history of contemporary “art” music from a variety of music traditions. From a non-chronicle perspective, this course will highlight how sound, environment, technology, aesthetics and more play an important role in the development of musical genres and forms from the 20th century to the present. Prer., MUS 1010/1020 or consent of instructor. Meets with MUS 5750.
MUS 4900 Spec Tpcs in Music and Dance: 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Through the study of historical and contemporary convergences across music, sound, dance and movement, students will develop collaborative languages and methods in order to build and articulate original works. Topics will vary each semester. Meets with DNCE 4900.
MUS 4950 Special Topics 1 Credit (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Special topics are usually taught on a one-time basis. Subjects offered will respond to special interest or rapidly changing topics.
MUS 4960 Advanced Special Topics 1 Credit (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Special topics usually taught on a one-time basis. Subjects offered will respond to special interest or rapidly changing topics. Can be taken twice for credit but not more than 6 hours may apply toward graduation. Prer., MUS 1010 or consent of instructor.
MUS 4980 Music Capstone: Senior Thesis 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) A lecture and practicum in the development of music creation skills that integrates current trends in composition, improvisation, and performance practices in acoustic, electro acoustic, and interdisciplinary settings. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Summit.
MUS 5410 Sonic Landscapes: Ecoacoustic Music, Geography, and Environment 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

This is a cross-disciplinary course bridging creative sound art and music practices with naturalism and environmentalism by exploring the sonic environments of local/regional geographies. Students will learn high-level music technology applications for field recording, soundscape creation, geography, geotechnology, and music performance practices. Meets with MUS 3410 and GES 3410.

MUS 5750 Contemporary Music: Cultures, Designs, and Aesthetics 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) This course will focus on the history of contemporary “art” music from a variety of music traditions. From a non-chronicle perspective, this course will highlight how sound, environment, technology, aesthetics and more play an important role in the development of musical genres and forms from the 20th century to the present. Prer., MUS 1010/1020 or consent of instructor. Prer., MUS 3850. Meets with MUS 4750.
MUS 5960 Special Topics in Contemporary Music 3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) In this Special Topics section students will create high-level compositions and work with faculty from the gestation of ideas, development of concept, material, musical scope, and a thorough exploration of developmental possibilities.
MUS 9400 Independent Study in Music 1 Credit (Minimum) 4 Credits (Maximum) Undergraduate independent study in music with a full time professor by arrangement.
MUS 9499 Independent Study - Research and Creative Works 1 Credit (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum) Provides an opportunity to conduct research with Visual and Performing Art faculty by one or more students on topics determined by a faculty member. Prer., Consent of instructor required.