Music (MUS) at Northern Virginia Community College
Distance Learning
Time of Day
Term
- MUS 101 - Fundamentals of Music
- Provides the ability to read and identify basic fundamentals of music notation. Teaches major and minor scales, chords and basic harmonic progressions. Covers basic ear training and keyboard exercises. This is a UCGS transfer course.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 111 - Music Theory I
- Discusses elements of musical construction of scales, intervals, triads, and chord progressions. Develops ability to sing at sight and write from dictation. Introduces the analysis of the Bach chorale style. Expands facility with harmonic dictation and enables the student to use these techniques at the keyboard. Part I of II.Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 5 hours per week.
4 credits - MUS 112 - Music Theory II
- Discusses elements of musical construction of scales, intervals, triads, and chord progressions. Develops ability to sing at sight and write from dictation. Introduces the analysis of the Bach chorale style. Expands facility with harmonic dictation and enables the student to use these techniques at the keyboard. Part II of II.Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 5 hours per week.
4 credits - MUS 121 - Music in Society
- Explores the language of music through an introduction to basic elements, forms and styles across time. Acquaints students with composers' lives and influential creative individualities, discovering representative works and milestones in western society. Develops techniques for listening analytically and critically. Reviews historical development and significance of art music within the context of evolving societal structures. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 130 - Overview of the Recording Industry
- Introduces and surveys employment opportunities in the commercial music industry. Assists students in defining their professional goals.Lecture 1 hour per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.1 credits - MUS 131 - Class Voice I
- Introduces the many aspects of singing from the physical act through the aesthetic experience. The course is designed for the beginning singer who desires vocal improvement, and for the voice major as an addition to and extension of skills and knowledge necessary for artistic development. Introduces appropriate repertoire. Part I of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 132 - Class Voice II
- Introduces the many aspects of singing from the physical act through the aesthetic experience. The course is designed for the beginning singer who desires vocal improvement, and for the voice major as an addition to and extension of skills and knowledge necessary for artistic development. Introduces appropriate repertoire. Part II of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 133 - Recording Systems Services I
- Introduces the principles of recording systems and recording system designs. Provides the student with theoretical and practical site locations. Includes the study of sound studio design and construction, production costs, and retail distribution. Part I of II.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.3 credits - MUS 135 - Jazz Ensemble
- Consists of performance from Standard Jazz and American Songbook Repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques, interpretation, and improvisation. Divisional approval required. May be repeated for credit.Lecture 0, Laboratory 3-6 hours. Total 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 136 - Applied Music-Voice
- Teaches singing, proper breath control, diction, and development of tone. Studies the standard vocal repertoire. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. One or two half-hour lessons per week. Four to eight hours practice required.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week. Total 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 137 - Chorus Ensemble
- Ensemble consists of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. May be repeated for credit.Credits 1 - 2. Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 138 - Small Vocal Ensemble
- Ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. Divisional approval required. May be repeated for credit.Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 140 - Introduction to Recording Techniques
- Introduces students to the theory of and practices in digital audio. Describes basic background of the history of audio, culminating with hands-on operation of a digital audio workstation (DAW). The student is not expected to have any previous musical experience.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 141 - Class Piano I
- Offers the beginning piano student activities in learning musical notation, in accomplishing sight reading skills, and in mastering techniques of keyboard playing. Presents appropriate literature. Open to all students and may be used to fulfill applied minor instrument requirement for music major. Part I of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 142 - Class Piano II
- Offers the beginning piano student activities in learning musical notation, in accomplishing sight reading skills, and in mastering techniques of keyboard playing. Presents appropriate literature. Open to all students and may be used to fulfill applied minor instrument requirement for music major. Part II of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 143 - Chamber Ensemble
- Consists of performance in a select ensemble, designed for high-level, artistic, public performances of major literature strings, winds, brass, percussion, keyboard and voice. Membership in the Chamber Ensemble is open to any student who qualifies through audition. May be repeated for credit.Lecture 0, Laboratory 3-6 hours. Total 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 144 - Jazz Chamber Ensemble
- Consists of performance from the standard jazz small group repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques, improvisation, and arranging. Divisional approval and performing experience required. May be repeated for credit.Lecture 0, Laboratory 3-6 hours. Total 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 145 - Applied Music - Keyboard
- Teaches piano, organ, harpsichord, or synthesizer. Studies the standard repertoire. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. 1-2 half-hour lessons per week, 4-8 hours practice (laboratory) required.Laboratory 4-8 hours. Total 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 147 - Applied Music Composition
- Teaches the fundamentals of music composition, including score notation software. Introduces basic manipulation of melodic and motivic composition devices, conscious use of texture, and basic knowledge of orchestration.Lecture 0, Laboratory 3-6 hours. Total 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 148 - Orchestra Ensemble
- Ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. Divisional approval required. May be repeated for credit.Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 149 - Band Ensemble
- Ensemble consists of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. Divisional approval required. May be repeated for credit.Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 155 - Applied Music - Woodwinds
- Teaches fundamentals of the woodwind instruments. Studies the standard repertoire. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. 1-2 half-hour lessons per week, 4-8 hours practice (laboratory) required.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week. Total 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 157 - Sound Studio Design
- Introduces the theory and practice of sound studio design. Provides a basic understanding of acoustics and the acoustical properties of construction materials. Allows the student practical opportunities in designing sound studios.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.3 credits - MUS 158 - Recording Studio Electronics: Theory and Maintenance
- Introduces the practices used in maintaining professional recording equipment and basic electronic theory used within the recording industry. Provides the skills and knowledge necessary to perform routine maintenance and to repair recording and related equipment. Designed to prepare the student for position as entry-level technician or apprentice recording engineer.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.3 credits - MUS 159 - Improvisational Techniques
- Introduces the principles of improvisation using harmonic structures and progressions from the period of common practice. Includes listening to and performing music of the standard jazz and popular repertoire. Develops performance skills utilizing specific improvisational devices employed in different historical periods.Credits 3. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 161 - Class Strings
- Offers the beginning string student activities in learning musical notation, in accomplishing sight reading skills, and in mastering techniques of specific string instruments. Presents appropriate literature.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 163 - Guitar Theory and Practice I
- Studies the fundamentals of sound production, music theory, and harmony as they apply to guitar. Builds proficiency in both the techniques of playing the guitar and in the application of music fundamentals to these techniques. Presents different types of guitars and related instruments. Emphasizes music as entertainment and as a communication skill. Part I of II.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 5 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 164 - Guitar Theory and Practice II
- Studies the fundamentals of sound production, music theory, and harmony as they apply to guitar. Builds proficiency in both the techniques of playing the guitar and in the application of music fundamentals to these techniques. Presents different types of guitars and related instruments. Emphasizes music as entertainment and as a communication skill. Part II of II.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 5 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 165 - Applied Music - Strings
- Teaches fundamentals of string instruments, harp, or guitar. Studies the standard repertoire. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. 1-2 half-hour lessons per week, 4-8 hours practice (laboratory) required.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week. Total 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 175 - Applied Music - Brass
- Teaches fundamentals of brass instruments. Studies the standard repertoire. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. 1-2 half-hour lessons per week, 4-8 hours practice (laboratory) required.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week. Total 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 179 - Music Copyright Law
- Introduces the legal problems and normal conventions practiced within the commercial music industry. Provides a basic understanding of national and international music copyright laws.Lecture 1 hour per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.1 credits - MUS 185 - Applied Music - Percussion
- Teaches fundamentals of percussion instruments. Studies the standard repertoire. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. 1-2 half-hour lessons per week, 4-8 hours practice (laboratory) required.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week. Total 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 198 - Seminar and Project
- Requires completion of a project or research report related to the student's occupational objectives and a study of approaches to the selection and pursuit of career opportunities in the field.May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.
1-5 credits - MUS 211 - Advanced Music Theory I
- Increases facility in the analysis and usage of diatonic and chromatic harmonies. Continues harmonic analysis of Bach style. Includes exercises in sight-singing, ear-training, and keyboard harmony. Part I of II.Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 5 hours per week.
Prerequisite: MUS 111- MUS 112 or equivalent.4 credits - MUS 212 - Advanced Music Theory II
- Increases facility in the analysis and usage of diatonic and chromatic harmonies. Continues harmonic analysis of Bach style. Includes exercises in sight-singing, ear-training, and keyboard harmony. Part II of II.Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 5 hours per week.
Prerequisite: MUS 111-MUS 112 or equivalent.4 credits - MUS 213 - Composition I
- Requires the writing of short compositions in several styles, ranging from the 18th to the 20th century, for various instrumental of vocal combinations. Individualized instruction meets the special need of each student. Score analysis forms an important part of this course. Part I of II.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.3 credits - MUS 214 - Composition II
- Requires the writing of short compositions in several styles, ranging from the 18th to the 20th century, for various instrumental of vocal combinations. Individualized instruction meets the special need of each student. Score analysis forms an important part of this course. Part II of II.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.3 credits - MUS 221 - History of Western Music Prior to 1750
- Presents the chronology of musical styles and significant composers from Antiquity through the Pre-Classical era. Relates the development of music from a socio-historical perspective including parallel movements within the arts. Develops techniques for listening analytically and critically to music. MUS 221 and 222 may transfer as the same course. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 222 - History of Western Music 1750 to Present
- Presents the chronology of musical styles and significant composers from the Classical Period through the Modern era. Relates the development of music from a socio-historical perspective including parallel movements within the arts. Develops techniques for listening analytically and critically to music. MUS 221 and 222 may transfer as the same course. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 225 - The History of Jazz
- Studies the underlying elements of jazz, concentrating on the socio-cultural and historical development from earliest stages to the present. Explores key figures and significant works instrumental in the development and evolution of jazz.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits - MUS 227 - Editing and Mixdown Techniques
- Introduces the theory and practice of digital editing and mixdown techniques. Provides the skills necessary to edit, mixdown, externally reprocess, and otherwise manipulate multi-track original recordings into finished master recordings.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Recording Technology Certificate program and completion of all 100 level recording certificate courses.3 credits - MUS 231 - Advanced Class Voice I
- Continues MUS 131-132. Continues the expansion of appropriate vocal repertoire. Part I of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 232 - Advanced Class Voice II
- Continues MUS 131-132. Continues the expansion of appropriate vocal repertoire. Part II of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 235 - Advanced Recording Techniques
- Introduces advanced digital recording techniques that lead to mix downs and digital masters for commercial CD duplication, other digital media and on-line distribution. Provides knowledge and skills in refined areas of digital multi track recording and mixdown techniques. Includes a study of the process which converts finished digital masters to compact discs and digital files suitable for retail release. Studies trouble shooting skills pertaining to digital audio workstations.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: MUS 140, Introduction to Recording Techniques or division approval.3 credits - MUS 236 - Advanced Applied Music - Voice
- Continues MUS 126. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. Laboratory 1-2 hours per week. & MUS 237 CHORUS (1 CR.) Continues MUS 137. Courses in ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. May be repeated for credit.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week.
Prerequisite: Divisional approval required.1-2 credits - MUS 237 - Chorus Ensemble
- Courses in ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. May be repeated for credit. Continues MUS 137.Credits 1 - 2. Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 238 - Small Vocal Ensemble
- Ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. Divisional approval required. May be repeated for credit. Continues MUS 138.Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 239 - Advanced Jazz Ensemble
- Consists of performance from Standard Jazz and American Songbook Repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques, interpretation, and improvisation. Divisional approval and completion of Jazz Ensemble required. May be repeated for credit.Lecture 0, Laboratory 3-6 hours. Total 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 241 - Advanced Class Piano I
- Teaches advanced applications of keyboard fundamentals and technical skills. Includes exercises in intervals, triads, all major and minor scales, and simple and compound meters. Uses advanced repertoire. Part I of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 242 - Advanced Class Piano II
- Teaches advanced applications of keyboard fundamentals and technical skills. Includes exercises in intervals, triads, all major and minor scales, and simple and compound meters. Uses advanced repertoire. Part II of II.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
2 credits - MUS 243 - Advanced Applied Music Composition
- Teaches the advanced study of music composition and includes instruction using twentieth and twenty-first century compositional techniques. Studies complex compositional devices including advanced harmony, rhythm, texture, and orchestration.Lecture 1-2. Laboratory 0 hours. Total 1-2 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 245 - Advanced Applied Music - Keyboard
- Continues Applied Music - Keyboard MUS 145. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 248 - Orchestra
- Ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. Divisional approval required. May be repeated for credit. Continues MUS 148.Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 249 - Band Ensemble
- Ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. Divisional approval required. May be repeated for credit. Continues MUS 149.Laboratory 3-6 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 255 - Advanced Applied Music - Woodwinds
- Continues Applied Music - Woodwinds MUS 155. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 259 - Advanced Improvisational Techniques
- Extends the improvisational performance skills of the student in the standard jazz repertoire through the use of techniques based on harmonic progressions, rhythmic patterns, and scalar and arpeggio patterns. Includes the practical application of modal theory to standard jazz and popular repertoire.Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: MUS 159.3 credits - MUS 265 - Advanced Applied Music - Strings
- Continues Applied Music - Strings MUS 165. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week.
1-2 credits - MUS 275 - Advanced Applied Music - Brass
- Continues Applied Music Brass MUS 175. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. Laboratory 1-2 hours per week. & MUS 276 BRASS ENSEMBLE (1 CR.) Continues Brass Ensemble MUS 176. Courses in ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. May be repeated for credit.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week.
Divisional approval required.1-2 credits - MUS 285 - Advanced Applied Music - Percussion
- Continues Applied Music - Percussion MUS 185. Private lessons are available for either 1 or 2 hours of credit per semester. The length of the lessons will be 1/2 hour for 1 hour credit and 1 hour for 2 hours credit per semester. All courses in applied music may be repeated for a total of 8 hours for the major and 4 hours for the minor. Laboratory 1-2 hours per week. & MUS 286 PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (1 CR.) Continues Percussion Ensemble MUS 186. Courses in ensemble consist of performance from the standard repertoires, including study of ensemble techniques and interpretation. May be repeated for credit.Laboratory 4-8 hours per week.
Divisional approval required.1-2 credits - MUS 288 - Recording Problems Seminar
- Provides a seminar setting in which students may discuss recording problems with commercial music industry professionals. Introduces the student to professional organizations, libraries, and journals common to the recording industry.Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: divisional approval.2 credits - MUS 290 - Coordinated Internship
- Supervises on-the-job training in selected business, industrial or service firms coordinated by the college.Credit/practice ratio not to exceed 1:5 hours. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.
1-5 credits - MUS 293 - Studies In
- Covers new content not covered in existing courses in the discipline. Allows instructor to explore content and instructional methods to assess the course's viability as a permanent offering.Variable hours per week.
1-5 credits - MUS 297 - Cooperative Education
- Supervises in on-the-job training for pay in approved business, industrial and service firms, coordinated by the college's cooperative education office. Is applicable to all occupational- technical curricula at the discretion of the college.Credit/work ratio not to exceed 1:5 hours. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.
1-6 credits - MUS 298 - Seminar and Project
- Requires completion of a project or research report related to the student's occupational objectives and a study of approaches to the selection and pursuit of career opportunities in the field.May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.
1-5 credits - MUS 299 - Supervised Study
- Assigns problems for independent study incorporating previous instruction and supervised by the instructor.May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.
1-5 credits
