Music

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

MUS 106: Intro to Music Literature

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DH
Elements, styles, and forms of music, from the listener’s standpoint. Focus on classical music literature. Concert attendance and written critique required for two live performances during semester.
Course Outcomes
  • Identify masterpieces of classical music repertoire.
  • Distinguish the essential compositional characteristics of the several stylistic periods in music/art history and representative composers from each period, which help place unfamiliar repertoire into familiar periods.
  • Contrast/compare music of any type (i.e., classical, popular, ethnic, seasonal) for texture, form, melodic contour, harmonic orientation and time of composition.
  • Compare/contrast the live performances seen during the semester.
  • Define the elements that make up classical performance tradition and etiquette.

MUS 107: Music in World Cultures

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DH
Music as organized sound and as a cultural object. Role of music in various societies: ancient and modern, sophisticated and non-sophisticated, child and adult, Western and non-Western. Representative styles and regional characteristics viewed in terms of musical characteristics and related cultural factors; a conceptual introduction to music and culture. Attendance at one ethnic performance is required.
Course Outcomes
  • Describe the role of music in different cultures.
  • Describe the distinctive aural features and music aesthetics of a music culture.
  • Describe the historical, religious, social, and political aspects of a society that contribute to the development of a music culture.
  • Affirm the validity of other music traditions.
  • Contrast/compare one’s own music within the broader context of other music traditions.

MUS 108: Music Fundamentals

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DA
A basic music theory course. Emphasis on learning basic concepts involved in reading and writing music. Notation and reading of simple and compound rhythm, pitch, intervals and triads. Application to performance.
Course Outcomes
  • Read and write music (pitch and rhythm) in conventional notation.
  • Identify and write major and minor key signatures and scales; intervals, triads.
  • Apply knowledge to performance on a primary instrument.
  • Apply knowledge of solfege to diatonic melodies in major and minor keys.

MUS 114: College Chorus

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Rehearsal and performance of choral literature. Open to all students. No previous choral experience required. Attendance at class concerts is required. Repeatable for up to 8 credits.
Course Outcomes
  • Read pitch and rhythmic notation in choral parts.
  • Demonstrate musicianship in ensemble singing and professional performance practices.

MUS 121B: Voice 1

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Performance class in vocal production and literature for voice. No previous vocal training required. Repeatable for up to 4 credits.
Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate basic vocal techniques of physical alignment, breath support, breath control, and tone production inperformances of several songs.
  • Apply basic concepts of rhythm and pitch accuracy in performances.
  • Employ basic concepts of sight reading in learning music for performance.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices

MUS 121C: Piano 1

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Basic principles of performance. Relevant problems in piano literature at elementary level. MUS 121C, 122C must be taken in sequence. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Course Outcomes
  • Identify and write the basic concepts of music notation.
  • Demonstrate basic concepts, such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances.
  • Analyze history of piano development.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 121D: Guitar 1

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Basic principles of classical guitar performance; relevant problems in literature. Repeatable for up to 4 credits.
Course Outcomes
  • Identify and write the basic concepts of music notation.
  • Demonstrate basic concepts, such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances.
  • Analyze history of guitar development.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 121F: Slack Key Guitar 1

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Basic principles of performance; relevant problems in literature. Student learns to play two slack key tunings. This course is intended for students with little or no background in this style of guitar playing. Ability to read music is not required. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the history of slack key guitar development.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts, such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances.
  • Use knowledge of slack key techniques and music concepts (music theory) to complete in-class recitals.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 121G: Hawaiian Steel Guitar 1

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

Introductory course in Hawaiian Steel guitar. Basic principles of performance; history and development of the steel guitar and playing methods. Focus on principles of performance. The course is intended for students with little or no experience in playing the ukulele. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the history and development of the steel guitar.
  • Demonstrate basic concepts, such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances.
  • Perform chords and vamps in multiple keys.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 121H: Hawaiian Singing

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

This class is a performance and history course that focuses on different Hawaiian singing styles and qualities of voice. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate proper vocal techniques for Hawaiian Singing.
  • Demonstrate proper pronunciation of Hawaiian Language music.
  • Discuss different styles of Hawaiian vocal production and qualities of voice.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 121Z: ‘Ukulele 1

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Introductory course in ‘ukulele. Basic principles of performance; history and development of ‘ukulele playing methods. Focus on principles of performance. Course is intended for students with little or no experience in playing the ukulele. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.
Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the history of ‘ukulele development.
  • Demonstrate basic concepts, such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances.
  • Strum chords in different keys, applying music theory applications.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 122B: Voice 2

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Performance class in vocal production and literature for voice. Class is designed for students with previous vocal experience or training. May be repeated up to 4 credits.
Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in MUS 121B or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the origin and development of vocal music.
  • Demonstrate intermediate level vocal techniques of diction, tone production, and breath control in performance situations.
  • Sight read and learn music at an intermediate level.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 122C: Piano 2

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Designed for further study of principles and basic skills of piano performance established in first semester piano. Continues the group participation chord approach with greater emphasis on ensemble playing and improvisation. MUS 121C and 122C must be taken in sequence. Repeatable for up to 4 credits.
Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in MUS 121C or consent of the instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Incorporate additional theoretical concepts in the performance of piano music.
  • Demonstrate musical concepts such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances of the level-two repertoire.
  • Sight read music with increasing accuracy and musicianship.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices with level-two repertoire.

MUS 122D: Intermediate Classical Guitar

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

Continuation of MUS 121D. Increased emphasis on guitar literature. Recommended that students register for MUS 101 concurrently. 

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Credit for MUS 121D or consent of instructor. 

Course Outcomes
  • Incorporate additional theoretical concepts in the performance of classical guitar music.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of intermediate level concept in performances.
  • Sight read music with increasing accuracy and musicianship.
  • Exhibit greater confidence in performing level-two repertoire. 

MUS 122F: Slack Key Guitar 2

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Intermediate slack key guitar: level I. Student learns to play solos in C tunings and intermediate solos at level I in tunings learned in the elementary class. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Prerequisites

Credit for MUS 121F or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Incorporate additional theoretical concepts in the performance of slack key music.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of intermediate level concepts on performances.
  • Sight read tablature notation with increasing accuracy and musicianship.
  • Exhibit greater confidence in performing level-two repertoire.

MUS 122H: Hawaiian Singing 2

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

This class is a performance and history course that focuses on different Hawaiian singing styles and qualities of voice at an intermediate level. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in MUS 121H or instructor consent.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the origins and development of vocal techniques for Hawaiian Singing.
  • Demonstrate intermediate level vocal techniques of diction, tone production, and breath control in Hawaiian Language music performance.
  • Demonstrate different styles of Hawaiian vocal production and qualities of voice.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 122Z: ‘Ukulele 2

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

Continuation of MUS 121Z. Increased emphasis on ‘ukulele literature. Focus on principles of performance. Emphasis on ensemble playing. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.

Prerequisites

Grade of “C” or better in MUS 121Z or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Incorporate additional theoretical concepts in the performance of ‘ukulele music.
  • Demonstrate intermediate level concepts in performances, e.g., triplets, arpeggios.
  • Sight-read tablature with increasing accuracy and musicianship.
  • Exhibit greater confidence in performing level-two repertoire.

MUS 130F: Slack Key Guitar Ensemble

Discipline
Credits 2
Studio Hours
3
Designation
DA
Continuation of Music 122F. Increased emphasis on slack key literature, techniques, and tunings. Advanced intermediate techniques of slack key guitar as applied to ensemble playing.
Prerequisites

Credit for MUS 122F.

Course Outcomes
  • Analyze repertoire for articulation, phrasing and fingering difficulties.
  • Incorporate intermediate level theoretical and technical concepts in the performance of chosen repertoire.
  • Sight read tablature notation with greater accuracy and musicianship.
  • Exhibit confidence in performing intermediate-level repertoire.

MUS 140: Introduction to Audio Production

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3

Introduction to the process of audio engineering for live concerts and performances. Students learn the proper usage of audio production tools in both the analog and digital formats through lecture and hands-on projects. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.

Course Outcomes
  • Describe the fundamental physics of sound.
  • Operate various audio equipment components.
  • Employ procedures and methods used in live sound engineering.
  • Discuss best practices for professional sound engineers.

MUS 166: Popular Music in America

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DH
A survey of Pop Music (including Blues, Jazz, Rock and Folk), in the United States in the twentieth century. Activities will include listening to recordings, writing lyrics and tunes and learning various aspects of the business of music. Fieldtrips and concert attendance required.
Course Outcomes
  • Describe the role of music in different communities.
  • Describe and compare the distinctive aural features and music aesthetics of the various style of popular music.
  • Describe the historical, religious, social and political aspects of a society that contribute to the development of diverse musical styles.
  • Compare/contrast different styles of popular music.

MUS 177: Intro to Hawaiian Music

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DH

A survey of Hawaiian music from Polynesian origins and pre- contact traditional forms to acculturated and contemporary forms and expressions including vocal, instrumental and dance music in their social, cultural and religious contexts.

Course Outcomes
  • Identify and define the basic concepts, terminology and distinguishing features of Western European and Hawaiian music.
  • Identify the distinguishing features of indigenous and post-contact Hawaiian music and musical instruments.
  • Discuss the functions of music in pre-contact Hawaiian society and in contemporary Hawai‘i.
  • Discuss important events and personalities in the evolution of Hawaiian music.

MUS 211: Intro to Hawaiian Ensemble

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Performance of Hawaiian music for groups of various sizes at an introductory level. Exploration of basic principles of history and development of ensemble performance. Students learn to play while singing. Ability to read music is not required. Repeatable up to 6 credits.
Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in MUS 121Z, MUS 121F, MUS 121D, OR by instructor consent.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the history of Hawaiian music.
  • Apply basic musical concepts in accurate solo and ensemble performances.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 212: Polynesian Music

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1

Performance of Polynesian music for groups of various sizes. Exploration of basic principles, histories, and techniques for different Polynesian styles of music. Students learn to play while singing. Ability to read music is not required. Repeatable up to 6 credits. (1 hour lecture, 2 hour lecture/lab)

Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in MUS 121Z, MUS 121F, MUS 121D, or MUS 211; or by instructor consent.

Course Outcomes
  • Discuss the music history and techniques of different Polynesian islands.
  • Demonstrate basic concepts, such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances.
  • Perform songs from 3 different Polynesian Islands.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 221C: Piano 3

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Continuation of MUS 122C. Increased emphasis on piano literature up to the intermediate level. Repeatable for up to 4 credits.
Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in MUS 122C or consent of the instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Incorporate additional theoretical concepts in the performance of piano music.
  • Demonstrate musical concepts such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances of the level-three repertoire.
  • Sight read music with increasing accuracy and musicianship.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices with level-three repertoire.

MUS 221F: Slack Key 3

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

Continuation of MUS 122F. Increased emphasis on Slack Key literature up to the intermediate level. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in MUS 122F or MUS 211.

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate additional techniques in the performance of slack key music.
  • Demonstrate musical concepts such as rhythm, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances of the level-three repertoire.
  • Perform in two slack key tunings.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 221Z: ‘Ukulele 3

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

Continuation of MUS 122Z. Increased emphasis on ‘Ukulele literature up to the intermediate level. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.

Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in MUS 122Z or MUS 211.

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate additional techniques in the performance of ‘ukulele music.
  • Demonstrate musical concepts such as rhythm, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances of the level-three repertoire.
  • Discuss improvisation techniques.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 222C: Piano 4

Discipline
Credits 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA
Continuation of MUS 221C. Increased emphasis on piano technique and literature up to the intermediate level. Introduction to accompanying. Repeatable for up to 4 credits.
Prerequisites

Grade of C or better in MUS 221C or consent of the instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Apply, analyze, and discuss the form, articulation, rhythm, and phrasing of performance repertoire.
  • Provide logical fingering for repertoire pieces.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices with level-four repertoire.

MUS 222F: Slack Key 4

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

Continuation of MUS 221F. Increased emphasis on Slack Key literature up to the advanced level. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in MUS 221F.

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate additional techniques in the performance of slack key music.
  • Demonstrate musical concepts such as rhythm, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances of the level-four repertoire.
  • Perform in three slack key tunings.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 222Z: ‘Ukulele 4

Discipline
Credits 2 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 1
Designation
DA

Continuation of MUS 221Z. Increased emphasis on ‘ukulele literature up to the advanced level. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

A grade of C or better in MUS 221Z.

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate additional techniques in the performance of ‘ukulele music.
  • Demonstrate musical concepts such as rhythm, dynamics, and expression in accurate performances of the level-four repertoire.
  • Create an instrumental solo
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices.

MUS 231B: Applied Music, Western (Voice)

Discipline
Credits 1 6
Designation
DA

This course provides individual instruction in vocal performance. The course covers intermediate vocal technique paced to an appropriate level for each student’s experience. Applied Voice is a performance class. The emphasis will be toward developing vocal technique that focuses on breath technique, expression, movement, clarity, dynamics, diction and musicianship. May be repeated up to 4 credits. (1 hour individual instruction)

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate basic vocal techniques of physical alignment, breath support, breath control, and tone production
  • Apply basic concepts of rhythm and pitch accuracy in performances.
  • Employ basic concepts of sight reading in learning music for performance.
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices

MUS 231C: Applied Music, Western (Piano)

Discipline
Credits 1 6
Designation
DA

This course provides individual instruction in piano performance, covering intermediate and advanced piano technique paced to an appropriate level for each student’s experience. Applied piano instruction is a performance class. The emphasis will be toward developing piano technique that has clarity, flexibility, dynamic intensity, and sensitivity of phrasing for expressive musicianship through increasingly more confident and skillful performances. Pedaling, theory, sight-reading, and learning/ practicing/ memorization/ performing techniques will also be covered. May be repeated up to 4 credits. (1 hour Individual Instruction)

Course Outcomes
  • Incorporate additional theoretical concepts in the performance of piano music.
  • Demonstrate musical concepts such as rhythm, notation, dynamics, and expression in accurate performance of selected repertoire
  • Sight read music with increasing accuracy and musicianship.
  • Learn and demonstrate professional performance practices

MUS 231F: Applied Music, Western (Slack Key Guitar)

Discipline
Credits 1
Designation
DA

This course provides individual instruction in slack key guitar. The course covers slack key techniques that are appropriate for the student's experience. Applied slack key guitar is a performance class. The emphasis will be toward developing guitar playing technique that focuses on expression, dynamics, rhythmic stability and musicianship. May be repeated up to 4 credits. (1 hour individual instruction)

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate musical concepts
  • Demonstrate basic slack key techniques
  • Sight read tablature
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices
  • Discuss the history of slack key guitar development

MUS 231Z: Applied Music, Western (‘Ukulele)

Discipline
Credits 1
Designation
DA

This course provides individual instruction in ‘ukulele. The course covers ‘ukulele techniques that are appropriate for the student's level of experience. Applied ‘ukulele is a performance class. The emphasis will be toward developing playing techniques for the ‘ukulele that focus on expression, dynamics, rhythmic stability and musicianship. May be repeated up to 4 credits. (1 hour individual instruction)

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate musical concepts
  • Demonstrate right and left hand techniques on the ‘ukulele
  • Sight read tablature
  • Demonstrate professional performance practices
  • Discuss the history of the ‘ukulele

MUS 240: Introduction to Digital Music

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DA
Introduction to digital music and sound production on the Macintosh platform: MIDI sequencing, audio recording, music arranging, editing, mixing and mastering; preparing audio files for CD, video and web applications; sound synthesis and programming using virtual instruments. (Cross-listed as CM 240.)
Prerequisites

MUS 108, 121 (alpha) or 253; or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Use MIDI sequencing and audio recording software, and/or notation software, as tools for music composition, arranging and performance.
  • Apply basic skills in MIDI sequencing and editing, and digital audio recording and editing to audio mixing and mastering projects.
  • Prepare audio files for CD burning, and video and web applications.
  • Apply understanding of sound synthesis to create original sounds for music projects.
  • Transfer skills to other MIDI sequencing and digital audio software programs across PC and Mac platforms.

MUS 241: Digital Music Production II

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Continuation of principles and skills introduced in MUS 240. Digital music composition and audio production on the Macintosh platform with emphasis on advanced MIDI and mixing techniques, audio editing, sound synthesis, and programming of virtual instruments and effects.
Prerequisites

MUS 240 or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Advanced use of MIDI sequencing and audio recording software, or notation software, as tools for music composition, arranging and performance.
  • Apply advanced skills in MIDI sequencing and editing, and digital audio editing to music composition projects.
  • Effectively mix, bounce and prepare audio files for appropriate media and applications.
  • Create and edit original sounds and effects for music projects.
  • Transfer skills to other MIDI sequencing and digital audio software programs across PC and Mac platforms.

MUS 253: Elementary Music in Action

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DA
Deals with musical concepts, philosophy & pedagogy; the use of media, singing, movement, and instruments; and resources for an active elementary classroom. Presents correlation between music and brain development in early childhood. Intended for Education majors. Music is a vital stimulus to the developmental process and contributes to the emergence of positive self-esteem. Elementary education candidates learn to apply appropriate strategies in order to provide music making as part of everyday classroom activities.
Course Outcomes
  • Identify and write the basic components of Western music notation.
  • Apply basic theoretical components of Western music notation to written examples of music.
  • Notate and read basic rhythm and melodic patterns, both in simple and compound meters.
  • Apply basic knowledge of basic theoretical concepts to performance on various instruments.
  • Teach a mini model lesson, demonstrating a grade-appropriate musical concept.
  • Harmonize simple melodies.

MUS 277: Mele, Mo‘olelo, and Motion

Discipline
Credits 3 6 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DH

This is a music class that focuses on Hawaiian songs, the stories that accompany those songs, and how the motions of the hula interact with both the lyrics and the stories. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Course Outcomes
  • Explain the connection between Hawaiian music lyrics, the stories, and the hula motions.
  • Discuss meaning of Hawaiian lyrics and poetry.
  • Demonstrate motions and steps that would be appropriate for the chosen mele.
  • Demonstrate correct pronunciation of Hawaiian music lyrics.

MUS 280: Basic Theory and Aural Skills

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DA
Basic Theory and Aural Skills develops students’ skills in music reading and music perception through notation, sight singing and dictation exercises. Students learn how to notate simple rhythms in simple and compound time; learn to recognize intervals, scales, triads, seventh chords and harmonic functions; and learn how to analyze non-modulating harmonic progressions in root position.
Prerequisites

Credit for MUS 108

Course Outcomes
  • Explain and use musical terminology at a beginning level.
  • Identify and use basic elements of music (pitch, scales, intervals, rhythm, meter) to create music at a beginning level.
  • Analyze music for its melodic, harmonic, rhythmic and formal qualities at a beginning level.

MUS 296: Special Topics in Music

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Students will investigate important topics in music, such as specific people, genres, or periods. Classes may include a performance component. Specific course information will be made available in the schedule of classes. May be repeated up to 9 credits with different topics.
Course Outcomes
  • Identify the important concepts and facts particular to the selected course topic.
  • Analyze and interpret the nature and significance of the selected course topic.
  • Investigate connections between the selected course topic and contemporary events and issues.