Course Numbering The 100- and 200-numbered courses are lower division courses. The 300- and 400-numbered courses are upper division courses.
MUS100A, MUS100B, MUS200A and MUS200B Ear Training and Sight-Singing 3 credits, 3 hours lecture/lab
A four-semester course designed to develop aural and visual perception of rhythmic, melodic and harmonic components of music. Course material is jazz-based.
MUS101 Keyboard Proficiency — Piano for Non-Pianists 1 credit, 1 hour lecture/lab Entry-level keyboard technique for non-pianists covering scales, reading and playing basic repertoire. Serves as prerequisite for MUS201.
MUS102 Individual Tutorial 1 credit, 1 hour lecture/lab Individual supplemental instruction in a wide range of areas, including but not limited to a secondary instrument, musicianship, theory, harmony, composition, arranging and history. Students may take up to 4 elective credits of MUS102. Please note: MUS102 may not substitute for a requirement.
MUS103 Introductory Music Theory and Ear Training 3 credits, 3 hours lecture/lab An introductory elective course taken on a pass/no pass basis designed to strengthen knowledge of music theory and aural skills. Successful completion of this course qualifies students for enrollment in THE100A and MUS100. Highly recommended for drummers and vocalists.
MUS104 Drum Set Technique for Non-Drummers 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab Basic drum set technique as applied to jazz and related styles of music. All instruments and voice.
MUS105 Introduction to Mallet Percussion 1 credit, 1 hour lecture/lab A hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of mallet percussion technique. Topics covered include basic types and styles of strokes, bar placement, and vibraphone pedaling and dampening, as applied to both two- and four-mallet playing. Prerequisites: MUS101 or equivalent. No prior stick technique required.
MUS201 Keyboard Proficiency — Jazz Piano for Non-Pianists 1 credit, 1 hour lecture/lab An introduction to jazz piano technique addressing voicings, voice leading, soloing and comping, as applied to standard jazz repertoire. Useful for composing and arranging. Prerequisites: MUS101 or consent of instructor.
MUS202 Sight Reading Workshop 1 credit, 1 hour lab A lab focusing on developing sight reading skills relevant to the jazz music genre. Open to instrumentalists and vocalists.
MUS204 The Application of Eurhythmics to Jazz Repertoire 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab Interpreting distinct rhythmic and melodic aspects of select repertoire through coordinated physical movement and the voice. Instrumentalists and vocalists gain a deeper understanding of the rhythmic and melodic underpinnings of significant jazz and related repertoire to facilitate performance. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing to class.
MUS205 Chart Reading Workshop for Drummers 3 credits, 3 hours lecture/lab A hands-on workshop for drummers designed to develop proficiency in sight reading and interpreting standard lead sheets and drum charts for both large and small ensemble. Students work with pre-recorded jazz, funk, Latin, pop, rock, fusion and show arrangements. Covers articulations, set-ups, fills, tempo modulation, negotiating stick changes and utilizing the click track.
MUS207 Double Bass Ensemble Workshop 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab A course designed to develop technical facility through select repertoire for double bass ensemble.
MUS208 Gypsy Jazz Guitar Styles and Techniques 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab Analysis and practical application of the stylistic and technical aspects of gypsy jazz guitar style from Django Reinhardt to the present.
An acoustic guitar (played with a pick) is required. MUS209A and MUS209B Practical Applications for the Rhythm Section 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab A two-semester hands-on, interactive course for pianists, guitarists, bassists and drummers focusing on rhythmic considerations relevant to the rhythm section. Course covers the role of the individual and the rhythm section as applied to jazz, Afro- Caribbean, South American and World music styles past and present.
MUS300A and MUS300B Advanced Musicianship 3 credits, 3 hours lecture/lab A continuation of MUS200B. Designed to further develop aural and visual perception of advanced rhythmic, melodic and harmonic material. Includes sight singing, sight reading, rhythm, interval and chord recognition, and transcription. Prerequisite: MUS200B.
MUS301 Improvisation “Games” 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab Exercises in “game” form designed to develop creative and conceptual approaches to improvisation.
MUS308 Drum Grooves and Solos in Odd Meters 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab A class focusing on grooves and solos over odd and mixed meters as applied to jazz and funk genres. Students study approaches embodied by groups including Dave Brubeck, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dave Holland, Sting, Brad Mehldau and the Pat Metheny Group among others.
MUS309 Fusion Drumming Styles and Techniques 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab Fusion drumming styles and techniques from the sixties to the present. Students learn the stylistic and technical approaches utilized by fusion masters Tony Williams, Steve Gadd, Dave Garibaldi, Bernard Purdie, Peter Erskine, Billy Cobham, Clyde Stubblefield, Alex Acuna, Steve Smith among others who blended the power of rock, the syncopation of funk and the finesse and technique of jazz into their respective personal styles. Techniques include odd meters, linear drumming, funk independence and the all-important ghost notes.
MUS110 Vocal Technique for Instrumentalists 1 credit, 1 hour lecture/lab An introduction to vocal technique and song interpretation. Repertoire includes the Great American Songbook and standard and contemporary jazz. Covers basic stage presence and microphone technique. Instrumentalists may take up to 2 credits of Vocal Technique for Instrumentalists.
MUS150 Introduction to North Indian Tabla 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab An introductory course focusing on proper posture, tone production and hand and finger techniques required for the practice of Indian percussion. Students learn the fundamentals of North Indian rhythmic concepts through exercises and classical compositions, and master complex Indian rhythmic cycles through the recitation of vocal percussion syllables. Soloing, arranging, and compositional concepts are also applied to jazz and other styles of music. Open to instrumentalists and vocalists. Prerequisites: Students must own or rent tabla. Tabla may be purchased or rented from the Ali Akbar College Store in Berkeley (aacmstore.org).
MUS130 Introduction to Afro-Latin Percussion Styles and Techniques 2 credits, 3 hours lab A hands-on introductory course focusing on Afro- Latin percussion styles and techniques. Emphasis on rhythms specific to Afro-Latin music as applied to congas, timbales, bongos, güiro, maracas, chekere, and cajón, among other Afro-Latin percussion instruments. Prerequisites: the ability to read rhythmic notation.
MUS240 Brazilian Jazz Guitar Styles and Techniques 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab elective The intersection of various styles of Brazilian music (samba, bossa nova, baião, frevo and choro among others) with jazz and their application to the guitar. Open to all guitarists: acoustic and electric, nylon and steel string, pick and fingerstyle.
MUS241 Brazilian Jazz Bass Styles and Techniques 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab elective A hands-on course focusing on essential Brazilian jazz bass styles, including samba, partido alto, samba funk, baião, maracatu and calango. Students also learn corresponding drum patterns. Repertoire by Brazilian masters, including Jobim, Regina, Donato, Pinheiro, Bosco, Moreira, Horta, Silva and more.
MUS250 North Indian Music Fundamentals Through Voice 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab A general overview of the styles, forms and practices of the traditional North Indian vocal tradition. Open to both vocalists and instrumentalists, this course includes participatory singing, familiarization with the Indian solfège system, exploration of the melodic concepts of raga, and the rhythmic concepts of tala. Prerequisites: Musicianship 100B.
MUS180 Roots Guitar Styles and Techniques for Non-Guitarists 1 credit, 2 hours lab An entry-level course in the fundamentals of roots guitar styles and techniques for non-guitarists.
MUS280 Traditional Fiddle Styles and Techniques 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab Traditional fiddle styles and techniques, including old-time, Celtic, Cajun and bluegrass. Open to violin, viola, cello and bass.
MUS190A and MUS190B Yoga for Musicians 1 credit, 1 hour lab A course for musicians to strengthen mind, body and spirit. Warm-ups, stretches and posture exercises alleviate the aches and pains that can result from playing; breathing techniques increase lung capacity and reduce stress; and meditation eases performance anxiety and promotes greater awareness of the moment.
MUS191 Alexander Technique 2 credits, 2 hours lecture/lab A hands-on introduction to the Alexander Technique, a method used by musicians worldwide to prevent and resolve playing-related injuries, pain and/or stage fright. Inappropriate muscular tension and unconscious habits of misuse can interfere with technical facility, sound quality, freedom of expression and the joy of playing music. The Alexander Technique enables instrumentalists and vocalists to develop poise and ease of movement in practice and performance.
