Music and Performing Arts

Music Courses

NOTE: MU 190, 191,192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 239, 240 and 294 may be taken up to four times. Credit will not be given beyond four semesters. Courses numbered Music 189 through 196, and 294 are performance ensembles and open to all qualified Community College students. Music students should check with senior institutions regarding the transferability of these courses. All music majors must take at least one performing ensemble from Music 191, 194, 195 for credit during each term, and having done so, they should be eligible to play or sing in all other performing groups for which they qualify and enjoy a status equal to students enrolled for credit. All Music Major core curricula are restricted. Students interested in a music degree must schedule an interview with the performing arts department head and take a music theory pre-test to determine any need for remedial course work. Contact: Music Department (616) 234-3940.

MU 100

Basic Music Theory (3/5)

A study of basic musical materials, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, rhythm and pitch notation, ear-training and dictation. This course does not replace MU 101.

MU 101

Introduction to Music Theory 1 (3/3)

Prerequisite: MU 100 or placement test
Co-requisite: MU 178

This course is designed primarily for freshman music majors and minors. The course covers the fundamentals of music - scales, intervals, triads, and rhythm as well as providing an introduction to voice leading through first species counterpoint. The course is best taken concurrently with MU 178 - Aural Comprehension 1.

MU 102

Introduction to Music Theory 2 (3/3)

Prerequisite: MU 101
Co-requisite: MU 179

MU 102 is an integrated course designed primarily for freshman music majors and minors. The course deals with the development of part-writing skills through further studies in species counterpart and four-voice chorale texture. Students will learn to harmonize melodies and develop good chord progressions with triads and seventh chords. MU 102 should be taken concurrently with MU 179, Aural Comprehension 2.

MU 105

Music Interpretation (1/1)

Co-requisite: Any Applied Music section

Individual performance class. Discussion of practice routines and habits, technical and stylistic problems, musical memorization. Required of all music students who are enrolled in MU 111 through MU 162. Hence, all students electing Applied Music must be enrolled in MU 105.

MU 107

Introduction to Music Listening 1 (3/3)

This course teaches students how to listen to music effectively. The elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, etc.). During thesemester many different types of music from several cultures and parts of the world will be examined. Outside reading, listening, and concert attendance are required. This course counts toward the Group 1 (humanities) requirement for the associate degree and is required for the Music Merchandising concentration of the Associate in Music degree.

MU 109

Jazz in Contemporary America (3/3)

This course discusses the jazz experience, both for the listener and the performer. No prior knowledge of music is required. Jazz is demonstrated by live performers and by recordings. The student is acquainted with its history, styles and techniques. Jazz and society, jazz and culture, and jazz as an art form are discussed. The class may be chosen as a general humanities elective and is required for students in pursuit of the Music Merchandising concentration of the Associate in Music degree.

MU 111

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 112

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Prerequisite: MU 111
Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 121

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Prerequisite: MU 112
Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 122

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Prerequisite: MU 121
Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 131

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Prerequisite: MU 122
Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 132

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Prerequisite: MU 131
Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 141

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Prerequisite: MU 132
Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 142

Applied Music Minor (1/1)

Prerequisite: MU 141
Co-requisite: MU 105

Secondary requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Minor study requires a half hour lesson each week and one hour of practice/applied study each week. Applied Music Fee is charged. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 143

Applied Music (2/2)

Co-requisite: MU 105 (may be waived with consent of department head)

This course is designed for students who study privately for credit as an applied music major. Principal requirement in instrumental /voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Major study requires an hour lesson each week and two hours of practice/applied study each day. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required.

MU 144

Music, Sound, and Computers (MIDI) (2/2)

Students use the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) equipped computing system to enhance communication through music and sound; apply fundamental music and computer skills to create a music and/or sound segment for incorporation into composition or presentation of choice; and use the MIDI system for synthesizer programming and digital sequence recording while gaining familiarity with MIDI computer software. Prior introductory experiences with both music and computers recommended. CO 144 and MU 144 are the same course. Students receiving credit for one cannot receive credit for the other. Fee is charged.

MU 145

Advanced Music and Computers (2/2)

Prerequisite: MU 144, Department consent required

The study of advanced digital audio workstation sequencing techniques. The student will learn to enter music (data) and manipulate it to serve the needs of such individuals as music producers and web designers. Fee is charged.

MU 151

Applied Music Major (2/2)

Co-requisite: MU 105

This course is designed for students who study privately for credit as an applied music major. Principal requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Major study requires an hour lesson each week and two hours of practice/applied study each day. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required. An Applied Fee is charged.

MU 152

Applied Music Major (2/2)

Prerequisite: MU 151
Co-requisite: MU 105

This course is designed for students who study privately for credit as an applied music major. Principal requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Major study requires an hour lesson each week and two hours of practice/applied study each day. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required. An Applied Fee is charged.

MU 154

Basic Studio Techniques (4/5)

Fundamentals of the recording arts, including basic audio signal and acoustics theory, recording consoles, microphone design and technique, and signal processing. Students work in on-campus lab and studio to complete lab assignments and projects. Separate Lab required. Lab Fee is charged.

MU 155

Basic Studio Techniques 2 (4/5)

Prerequisite: MU 154

The student will develop basic recording skills in microphone placement and choice, how proximity and acoustic affect sonic clarity, recording console use, use of various recording storage mediums, and how audio processing can improve sound image as well as recreating acoustic environments with digital reverberation. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the tools and applications of recording equipment in preparation of extensive musical instrument recording covered in the following semesters. This course explores the toolbox of the sound engineer. Separate lab required. Lab Fee is charged.

MU 161

Applied Music Major (2/2)

Prerequisite: MU 152
Co-requisite: MU 105

This course is designed for students who study privately for credit as an applied music major. Principal requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Major study requires an hour lesson each week and two hours of practice/applied study each day. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required. An Applied Fee is charged.

MU 162

Applied Music Major (2/2)

Prerequisite: MU 161
Co-requisite: MU 105

This course is designed for students who study privately for credit as an applied music major. Principal requirement in instrumental/voice/piano for music majors or elective for non-music majors; placement by instructor. Major study requires an hour lesson each week and two hours of practice/applied study each day. Applied Music is independent study and Department consent is required. An Applied Fee is charged.

MU 169

Introduction to Piano (1/2)

This class is for the student with no prior music-reading experience. It is taught with the assumption that the student has never played the piano and has no prior formal piano study. The emphasis is on introducing basic concepts of notation, musicianship, keyboard geography, and technique. This class meets for two hours per week.

MU 171

Piano Techniques 1 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 169 or pretest

Development of piano techniques; sight-playing, use of primary chords, transposition, and acquisition of standard piano repertory. For students with little or no keyboard background who have prior music-reading experience. Class meets two hours a week.

MU 172

Piano Techniques 2 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 171 or permission of instructor

Continuation of MU 171, with greater emphasis on keyboard facility, sight playing, and piano repertory of various styles. This class meets for two hours per week.

MU 173

Piano Techniques 3 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 172 or permission of instructor

Continuation of MU 172, with greater emphasis on keyboard facility, sight playing, and piano repertory of various styles. This class meets for two hours per week.

MU 174

Piano Techniques 4 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 173 or permission of instructor

Continuation of MU 173. Repertoire of increased difficulty, simple accompaniments and score reading. This class meets for two hours per week.

MU 175

Classic Guitar 1 (1/2)

Fundamentals of playing the instrument. Emphasis on building a workable foundation for using guitar as effectively as possible in a variety of musical styles. Music majors with guitar emphasis may be placed in MU 175 in place of applied music 143. Meets two hours a week.

MU 177

Beginning Guitar (1/2)

Fundamentals in the use and performance of the guitar as an accompaniment instrument. Designed for the person interested in performing appropriate chordal backgrounds on guitar. Proper guitar techniques, chords and chord theory, and accompaniment patterns and styles will be taught and analyzed through instruction and listening.

MU 178

Aural Comprehension 1 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 100 or pretest
Co-requisite: MU 101

The students will develop their aural capacity through exercises in beginning melodic and rhythmic dictation, mastery of solfegio and Curwin hand signs while singing melodies at sight will be studied. This is the first of two courses in freshman aural skills designed to transfer to the four-year institution. Objectives of this course are concurrent with and complementary to MU 101. Additional Music Lab hours are required each week.

MU 179

Aural Comprehension 2 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 178
Co-requisite: MU 102

The student will continue developing aural capacity through exercises in intermediate melodic and rhythmic dictation, mastery of solfeggio and Curwin hand signs while singing intermediate melodies at sight. This is the second of two courses in freshman aural skills designed to transfer to the four-year institution. Objectives of this course are concurrent with and complementary to MU 102. Additional Music Lab hours are required each week.

MU 189

Kent Philharmonia (1/3)

The Kent Philharmonia is a community orchestra that consists of adult musicians and college students on a credit basis. The Philharmonia performs four concerts of major orchestral literature per year and is open by audition only. Students desiring to play should contact the conductor or manager in advance of registration.

MU 191

Choir (1/3)

College Choir is a singing organization which focus on great choral classics, sacred and secular. Membership is open to any GRCC student without audition and may be taken for college credit or for no credit.

MU 192

Madrigal Singers (1/2)

A select group of vocalists who perform literature from many centuries. This organization also combines with instrumental ensembles. An active performance schedule is maintained throughout the year. Auditions are held at the beginning of the fall semester. Contact department head for more information.

MU 194

College Orchestra (1/2)

The College Orchestra studies and performs works from all periods of music, appropriate to the instrumentation of the ensemble. MU 194 is required of music majors whose primary instrument is violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Wind players may enroll with permission of the instructor. Non-music majors are encouraged to play in the ensemble and may or may not enroll for credit.

MU 195

College Band (1/3)

The College Band will perform works for Wind Ensemble from original and transcribed sources. MU 195 is required of instrumental music education majors who play a band instrument.

MU 196

Jazz Ensemble (1/2)

Membership by audition held at the beginning of the Fall semester. The jazz ensemble will rehearse and perform pieces in various styles and from various periods in jazz and big-band developments. Improvisation will be taught and emphasized in performance. Contact department head for more information concerning the audition.

MU 197

Guitar Ensemble (1/2)

The Guitar Ensemble studies and performs works from original and transcribed sources. Repertoire ranges from Renaissance through modern music. The ensemble has from 2 to 4 performances per semester. It is open to any student with a nylon string guitar who reads music. This course satisfies the ensemble requirement for students pursuing degrees in Music Merchandising or Recording Technology.

MU 200

Music for Classroom Teachers (3/4)

Designed for elementary education students without regard to previous musical training. Students are prepared to use music functionally in the elementary classroom through singing, responding to music rhythmically, listening activities, and basic keyboard and informal instrument experience. Three hours lecture/one hour lab. Service Learning component required.

MU 201

Advanced Music Theory 1 (3/3)

Prerequisite: MU 102
Co-requisite: MU 208

This course is a continuation of MU 102. It extends the student’s knowledge of species counterpoint, voice leading, and chromatic harmony as well as introducing the study of small part forms and larger complex forms. Students are expected to take MU 208 Aural Comprehension 3, concurrently with MU 201.

MU 202

Advanced Music Theory 2 (3/3)

Prerequisites: MU 201
Co-requisite: MU 209

This course is a continuation of MU 201. It extends student’s knowledge of species counterpoint, voice leading and chromatic harmony as well as introducing the study of the harmonic, rhythmic and melodic materials of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Students are expected to take MU 209-Aural Comprehension 4, concurrently with MU 202.

MU 208

Aural Comprehension 3 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 179
Co-requisite: MU 201, Department consent required

An advanced continuation of the aural skills learned in MU 179. Emphasis is on singing, aural identification and dictation of scales, intervals, harmonic progressions, melodic patterns, rhythmic patterns, triads and seventh chords. Development of intermediate sight-singing techniques as well as skills in notating performed melodic and harmonic musical examples. Weekly Music Lab requirement. Lab fee.

MU 209

Aural Comprehension 4 (1/2)

Prerequisite: MU 208 and MU 201
Co-requisite: MU 202

An advanced continuation of the aural skills learned in MU 208. Emphasis is on singing, aural identification and dictation of scales, intervals, harmonic progressions, melodic patterns, rhythmic patterns, triads and seventh chords. Development of intermediate/advanced sight-singing techniques as well as skills in notating performed melodic and harmonic musical examples. Weekly Music Lab requirement. Lab Fee.

MU 235

History of Music 1 (3/3)

The study of music in the Western world from its origins; Greek, Hebrew, Early Christian, plain-song, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music to the 1770s. Readings, listening, score study, and listening laboratory assignments are required. This course counts toward the Group I (humanities) requirementfor the associate degree.

MU 236

History of Music 2 (3/3)

Prerequisite: MU 235

The study of the music in the Western World in the high Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Readings, listening, score study and laboratory listening assignments are required. This course counts toward the Group I (humanities) requirement for the associate degree.

MU 237

History of Music 3 (3/3)

Prerequisite: MU 236

The study of music in the contemporary era. Additional units tracing the history of music in America and women in music will also be included. Readings, listening, score study, and laboratory listening assignments are required. Introduction to music research and a research paper. This course counts toward the Group I (humanities) for the associate degree.

MU 239

Chamber Music 1 (1/1)

Small chamber music ensembles in woodwind, brass, voice, keyboard and percussion in both traditional and jazz modes. At least four and no more than sixteen members make up each ensemble. MU 239 and MU 240 may be taken twice each for credit.

MU 240

Chamber Music 2 (1/1)

Small chamber music ensembles in woodwind, brass, voice, keyboard and percussion in both traditional and jazz modes. At least four and no more than sixteen members make up each ensemble. MU 239 and MU 240 may be taken twice each for credit.

MU 250

Cabaret Class and Tour (4/4)

Students will be shown how to prepare musical cabaret material and will work on solo, duet, and group material. The class will consist of a ten-week preparatory section (rehearsal/classwork) followed by a six-week “performance” tour of area middle and high schools.

MU 254

Advanced Studio Techniques 1 (3/4)

Prerequisite: MU 155

Advanced Studio Techniques 1 develops advanced recording skills utilizing multiple microphone techniques while simultaneously recording multiple instrumentalists. Capturing sound using multiple microphones also improves mixing console skills. The objective of this course is to provide the student with practical hands on experience via recording in stereo, medium sized musical ensembles in digital surround sound. As well, stereo music mixing skills will be broadened. Students will receive a one hour private lecture/lesson each week that must be arranged with the instructor. This course requires a separate lab. There is a required lab fee and applied music fee charged for this course. Independent study.

MU 255

Advanced Studio Techniques 2 (3/4)

Prerequisite: MU 254, MU 102

Advanced Studio Techniques 2 cultivates multi-track recording skills augmented with soundtrack “lock to picture” post-production. Incorporating recording skills studied in pre-requisite semesters, “Radio, Television and Corporate Industrial” production will be explored. Theories and practices pertaining to various “end-user” formats will be covered. As well, this course enables the student to summarize and incorporate skills and concepts established throughout the entire recording technology curriculum. The objective of this course is to merge various recording technology skills into a single craft. This course requires a separate lab. There is a required lab fee and applied music fee charged for this course. Independent study.

MU 263

Introduction to Jazz Improvisation (1/1)

Prerequisite: One year of music theory or equivalent; evidence of skill or potential in performance, Department consent required

Practicum in technique of jazz improvisation in jazz and other popular music styles and standard works. Emphasis is upon chord progression, melodies and phrase construction, and practice procedure in instrument or voice.

MU 283

Basic MIDI Sequencing (3/3)

Prerequisite: MU 102, MU 155, and MU 172

Basic MIDI Sequencing develops introductory skills in MIDI sequencing. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the fundamentals and applications of MIDI technology, including sequencing software, MIDI interfaces, sound modules, MIDI sync, as well as uses un-related to music. This course introduces MIDI technology to the Recording Technology student. This course requires a separate lab. There is a required lab fee charged for this course.

MU 284

Advanced MIDI Sequencing (3/3)

Prerequisite: MU 283, MU 172, and MU 102

Advanced MIDI Sequencing utilizes MIDI technology to develop musical arranging skills. Various categories of MIDI arranging will be covered including, pop, rock and classical as well as music production for radio and television. The objective of this course is to integrate musical and technical MIDI skills into the complete, artistic craft of recording technology. Incorporating digital audio with MIDI sequencing will examine file importing, exporting and exchange between the PC and Macintosh formats. This solidifies that MIDI technology is an integral part of music production and the recording studio control room.

MU 294

Shades of Blue (1/1)

Shades of Blue is a vocal jazz ensemble. The primary concern of this course is artistic and creative vocal jazz for ensemble performance. Advanced solo experience, microphone techniques, and vocal improvisation are part of the course offering. Students who audition will prepare a vocal solo from the Broadway, pop, vocal, or vocal jazz idiom. Students will also sing segments of the ensemble music.

MU 298

Independent Study in Music 1 (1/1)

Readings, research or independent study performed under the guidance of a faculty member. Students may propose projects in any area of music and must have the written permission of the supervising instructor, the appropriate Department Head/Program Director, and the appropriate Dean before they register for this course. Students electing independent study for the first time should take MU 298. No student may earn more than two credits in independent study.

MU 299

Independent Study in Music 2 (1/1)

Readings, research or independent study performed under the guidance of a faculty member. Students may propose projects in any area of music and must have the written permission of the supervising instructor, the appropriate Department Head/Program Director, and the appropriate Dean before they register for this course. Students electing independent study for the first time should take MU 298. No student may earn more than two credits in independent study.

Updated on 04-NOV-05
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