MUS 101—Introduction to Music

Enjoyment of music through the study of basic musical concepts and acquisition of listening skills. Examines a wide variety of musical styles within their cultural contexts. (GE 7)

MUS 103—History of Western Music to 1750

A survey of the music of ancient cultures including Greece and Rome and the Early Christian, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Social, political, historical, and cultural influences are considered. This course includes extensive classroom listening to the music of the great composers culminating in the works of Bach and Handel. (GE 7)

MUS 104—History of Western Music from 1750

A survey of the music of the Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth century periods. Social, political, historical and cultural influences are considered. This course includes extensive classroom listening to the music of the great composers from Mozart and Beethoven to contemporary artists. (GE 7)

MUS 105—History of Jazz

A study of jazz from its origin to the present. An examination of the important musicians, styles, and influences through recorded examples of ragtime, blues, Dixieland, swing, bop, progressive jazz, third stream, and contemporary trends. (GE 7)

MUS 107—History of Rock Music

A survey of rock music from its origins in African-American and Anglo-American folk styles through the present. Examines the entire phenomenon of rock music, its relationship to other musical styles, the influence of social factors on the music, and the influence of the music, in turn, on society. (GE 7)

MUS 109—Music Business

An introductory course exploring practical, legal, and procedural problems encountered in the music industry. A variety of career areas are surveyed to provide an orientation for students preparing for a career in music as well as those planning to transfer to four-year programs in the music business and other fields.

MUS 111—Audio Engineering and Design for the Arts

This is a hands-on course designed to give students a basic working knowledge of sound technologies in the performing and presentational arts. Students will focus on the nature and physics of sound and its effect on the performance environment, the equipment that enhances and augments sound, and the design and implementation of sound in different performance media.

MUS 113—Introduction to Audio Recording

Introduction to the basic tools and techniques used in audio recording. Areas of study include signal path; microphone characteristics and application; Pro Tools software; outboard equipment; and the practical application of studio procedures in tracking, mixing, and editing a recording. (GE 8)

MUS 121—Fundamentals of Music

This course provides thorough groundwork in the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic elements of music. Topics include pitches in different clefs, accidentals, rhythm, simple and compound meter and meter signatures, major and minor scales and key signatures, the circle of fifths, intervals, chords, and chord progressions. (GE 8)

Note:

This course is not required for and cannot be counted toward the A.A.S. Performing Arts: Music degree, but does prepare students for that program. May be used toward fulfillment of the SUNY Arts or elective credit requirements for A.A. and A.S. degrees.

MUS 123—Basic Musicianship 1

An intensive course designed to enhance comprehension of musical concepts and develop skill in the handling of musical materials. Includes a review of music fundamentals, basic principles of part-writing, harmonization, and analysis. Studies integrate music theory, ear training, keyboard harmony, and sight singing to lay the groundwork for future study. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 121 or departmental placement

Corequisite:

Enrollment in a piano course

MUS 124—Basic Musicianship 2

A continuation of Basic Musicianship 1. Topics include triad inversion, secondary chords in a key, seventh chords, and nonharmonic tones correlated with more advanced ear training, keyboard harmony, and sight singing materials. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 123

Corequisite:

Enrollment in a piano course

MUS 131—Elementary Piano 1

Class instruction for beginners with no previous musical training and for those wishing a refresher in piano fundamentals. Emphasizes the development of basic keyboard skills, sight reading, and the use of basic chord patterns. (GE 8)

MUS 132—Elementary Piano 2

A continuation of MUS 131 which concentrates on the performance of more advanced materials. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 131

MUS 141—Group Voice 1

An introductory level course designed to develop vocal potential by learning proper vocal technique, studying musical notation and performing folk, musical theater and art songs in an individual setting. (GE 8)

MUS 142—Group Voice 2

An intermediate level course designed to continue individual vocal development by learning advanced vocal technique, increasing musical vocabulary and performing musical theater and foreign language art songs and arias in an individual setting. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 141 or permission of instructor

MUS 151—Chorus

This course provides choral performance experience. The repertoire includes selections from major choral works, music representing a variety of styles, and pieces in different languages. No audition is required. Participation in all concerts is mandatory. (GE 8)

Note:

Students may repeat course for a total of four credits

MUS 153—Madrigal Singers

A select vocal ensemble that performs a variety of advanced a cappella and accompanied pieces from choral repertoire composed throughout the centuries. Required audition is held the first week of each semester. Participation in concerts is mandatory. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Audition and permission of instructor

Corequisite:

MUS 151

Note:

Students may repeat course for a total of four credits

MUS 155—Orchestra

This course will provide a wide variety of instrumental experiences for those who enjoy playing an orchestral instrument. Standard orchestral repertoire will be studied, ranging from light to classical selections. Participation in public performances is mandatory. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Audition and permission of instructor

Note:

Students may repeat course for a total of four credits

MUS 157—Chamber Ensemble

A variety of instrumental ensembles will be organized: string, woodwind, brass and combinations. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Audition and permission of instructor

Note:

Students may repeat course for a total of four credits

MUS 159—Band

The SUNY Orange Symphonic Band offers the student a variety of instrumental experiences. Music programmed during the semester explores a variety of original and arranged works for symphonic and concert band, from traditional and contemporary classical concert works to more popular numbers as well as suites from Broadway and Hollywood scores. The minimum performance level expected is NYSSMA Level 3. Participation in performances is mandatory. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Audition and permission of instructor

Note:

Students may repeat course for a total of four credits

MUS 160—Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Students will study and perform compositions in the vocal jazz idiom. Principles of group performance are presented with emphasis on balance, intonation, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, expression, interpretation and stage presence. Participation in all performances is mandatory. Students may repeat course for a total of four credits. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Permission of instructor

MUS 161—Jazz Ensemble

The study of performance of compositions in the jazz idiom. Principles of group performance are presented with emphasis on balance, phrasing, interpretation and other factors important to the development of jazz performance techniques. Participation in performance is mandatory. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Audition and permission of instructor

Note:

Students may repeat course for a total of four credits

MUS 163—Jazz Improvisation 1

Basic techniques of jazz improvisation. Chord usage, scales, arpeggios are used to color standard tunes and strengthen weak progressions. Students are expected to bring their instruments to class and practice assignments at home. Class time is allocated for individual and group instruction and analyzing recorded solos by noted artists. (GE 8)

MUS 164—Jazz Improvisation 2

Improvisation approached as spontaneous composition with emphasis on melodic and rhythmic principles. The ability to read music is necessary. Students explore different stylistic approaches to reading and phrasing. Listening, discussion, demonstration and performance are required. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 163 or permission of instructor

MUS 165—Jazz Keyboard Harmony

This is a functional keyboard class designed primarily to assist students with the assimilation of concepts and skills taught in Jazz Improvisation and Elements of Arranging, but is open to any student with permission of the instructor. The course focuses on jazz harmonization techniques with an emphasis on harmonizing and performing tunes from the standard jazz repertoire at the piano.

Prerequisite:

MUS 231 or permission of instructor

MUS 167—Jazz/Commercial Guitar 1

A study of Jazz/Commercial Guitar styles covering nomenclature, modes, diatonic and altered chord voicings, improvisation, chord melody and basic repertoire.

Prerequisite:

Permission of instructor or department chair

MUS 169—Jazz/Commercial Drumming

A study of jazz and commercial drumset styles covering nomenclature, sticking and brush patterns, phrasing, coordination techniques, rhythm reading and drum chart reading, with an emphasis on current swing, Latin, fusion and ballad styles.

Prerequisite:

Permission of instructor or department chair

MUS 170—Private Instruction: Strings

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 171—Private Instruction: Woodwinds

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 172—Private Instruction: Brass

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 173—Private Instruction: Percussion

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 174—Private Instruction: Piano/Organ

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 175—Private Instruction: Guitar

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 176—Private Instruction: Voice

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 177—Private Instruction: Theory/Composition

Students are responsible for arranging private music lessons with an instructor approved by the Arts and Communication Department and for paying an additional fee to the instructor. Forms available from the Arts and Communication Department must be obtained during the first week of classes and completed no later than the third week. End-of-semester jury examination is required of all Private Instruction students. May be repeated progressively. Special fee. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of course coordinator or department chair

MUS 221—Songwriting

An introduction to the art and craft of songwriting. Includes analysis of existing songs written in various styles in terms of the fundamental musical elements: rhythm, form, melody, harmony, timbre, dynamics, texture and text. Analytic and creative exercises and projects enable students to acquire skill in evaluating and critiquing songs and in producing original work.

Prerequisite:

Music major or permission of instructor

MUS 223—Advanced Musicianship 1

Advanced harmony, ear training, sight singing, harmonization at the keyboard and writing of original compositions. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 124

Corequisite:

Enrollment in a piano course

MUS 224—Advanced Musicianship 2

A continuation of Advanced Musicianship I. Topics include chorale harmonization, ninth chords, altered chords, modulation to distant keys. Score analysis and composition projects. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 223

Corequisite:

Enrollment in a piano course

MUS 226—Elements of Arranging

Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of scoring for various instrumental combinations with particular attention to range, color, transposition, and technical capabilities of individual instruments. The course includes planning and writing arrangements for various ensembles with focus on the jazz idiom. Creative projects to be performed when possible by SUNY Orange ensembles. (GE 8)

Corequisite:

MUS 224

MUS 231—Intermediate Piano 1

Materials are drawn from classic, romantic and contemporary composers. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 132

MUS 232—Intermediate Piano 2

Emphasis on technique, sight reading, pedaling, phrasing and interpretation. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 231

MUS 233—Advanced Piano 1

Materials of medium grade difficulty. Compositions for piano ensemble. Technical studies. Memorization of at least two selections. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 232

MUS 234—Advanced Piano 2

Materials of increasing difficulty for solo and ensemble. (GE 8)

Prerequisite:

MUS 233