Music

Music Fundamentals

MUSC100

Music Fundamentals introduces basic musical concepts, develops rudimentary skills in musicianship, and functions as a precursor to the study of music theory and ear training.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

This course is a listening-based survey of Western art music from Gregorian chant to the present, including a study of basic acoustics and musical notation. Subject matter includes representative composers, their lives, times, and works, as well as musical instruments, styles, genres, and forms presented in an historical context.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

World Music

MUSC103

Beginning with a preliminary study of music fundamentals and an overview of societal contexts of music and musicians, this listening-oriented survey of traditional and popular music from around the world employs the ethnomusicological approach to explore the diverse musical heritages of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

American Music

MUSC105

This course is a listening-based survey of American music from Colonial times to the present, including a study of basic acoustics and musical notation. Subject matter includes representative American composers, their lives, times, and works, as well as musical instruments, styles, genres, and forms presented in an historical context.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

History of Jazz

MUSC106

This course surveys the development of jazz from its origins to the present time, investigates representative composers, and examines the musical characteristics, compositional practices, and instrumental/vocal techniques associated with ragtime, blues, bebop, swing, progressive, and other styles.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Music Theory I

MUSC111

Music Theory I explores elements of diatonic harmony (including triads, chord progressions, cadences, and part-writing principles). This course, intended for music majors, must be taken in conjunction with MUSC115 Ear Training I.

3 credits
Prerequisite: By qualifying exam
Corequisite: MUSC115 Ear Training I

Music Theory II

MUSC112

Music Theory II explores elements of diatonic harmony (including qualities and inversions of triads and seventh chords, non-harmonic tones, and modulation to closely related keys). A continuation of Music Theory I and intended for music majors, MUSC112 must be taken in conjunction with MUSC116 Ear Training II.

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC111 (C or better) and by qualifying exam
Corequisite: MUSC116 Ear Training II

Ear Training I

MUSC115

Ear Training I applies the aural skills of sight-singing, rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation in diatonic relationships (including triads, chord progressions and cadences). This course, intended for music majors, must be taken in conjunction with MUSC111 Music Theory I.

3 credits
Prerequisite: By qualifying exam
Corequisite: MUSC111 Music Theory I

Ear Training II

MUSC116

MUSC116 applies sight-singing and dictation to diatonic relationships (including qualities and inversions of triads and seventh chords, non-harmonic tones and modulation to closely related keys). A continuation of Ear Training I and intended for music majors, MUSC116 must be taken in conjunction with MUSC112 Music Theory II.

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC115 (C or better ) and by qualifying exam
Corequisite: MUSC112 Music Theory II

Music Technology

MUSC124

Following a general historical survey of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology, this course examines entry, transmission, and editing of MIDI data and its musical notation via industry standard software and hardware. Students apply music technology in creative projects ranging from song writing to film scoring to studio preproduction.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Digital Recording Technology

MUSC129

In this studio course students utilize a hands-on approach in applying principles and techniques of studio configuration, microphone placement, digital recording, digital signal processing, editing digital audio, and mixing.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Music Education for Early Childhood

MUSC130

This course provides early childhood educators with the essential background for teaching music to young children. Course content includes the pedagogy of teaching singing, basic instrument playing, listening, rhythm, and movement to young children via developmentally appropriate activities.

3 credits
Prerequisite: None

Music Styles and Literature: Music before 1750

MUSC201

This course is an historical and analytical study of Western music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Periods. Students explore lives and works of prominent composers in an historical context, while examining representative forms, styles, genres, and compositional techniques of the respective musical eras in both written and aural contexts.

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC112 (C or better)
Corequisite: None

Music Styles and Literature: Music after 1750

MUSC202

This course is an historical and analytical study of Western music of the Classical, Romantic, and Modern Periods. Students explore lives and works of prominent composers in an historic context, while examining representative forms, styles, genres, and compositional techniques of the respective musical eras in both written and aural contexts.

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC112 (C or better)
Corequisite: None

Jazz Improvisation:Theory and Ear Training

MUSC206

This course provides the essential techniques needed for jazz improvisation. Students develop improvisational skills through applicable jazz theory, ear training, and performance-based exercises in both solo and small group settings.

3 credits
Prerequisite: Audition
Corequisite: None

Music Theory III

MUSC211

Music Theory III explores Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century chromaticism (including secondary dominants, primary, secondary, and double mixture, Neapolitan chords, and related chromatically altered sonorities). A continuation of Music Theory II and intended for music majors, MUSC211 must be taken in conjunction with MUSC215 Ear Training III.

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC112 (C or better) and by qualifying exam
Corequisite: MUSC215 Ear Training III

Music Theory IV

MUSC212

Music Theory IV explores Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century chromaticism (including secondary dominants, primary, secondary, and double mixture, Neapolitan chords, and augmented sixth chords), Twentieth-Century techniques. Students analyze stylistically representative repertoire.

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC211 (C or better) or by Departmental placement exam
Corequisite: MUSC216 Ear Training IV

Ear Training III

MUSC215

Ear Training III applies sight-singing and dictation to chromatic tonal relationships (including modal mixture and secondary dominants). A continuation of Ear Training II and intended for music majors, MUSC215, must be taken in conjunction with MUSC211 Music Theory III.

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC116 (C or better) and by qualifying exam
Corequisite: MUSC211 Music Theory III

Ear Training IV

MUSC216

Ear Training IV applies sight-singing and dictation to chromatic tonal relationships (including secondary dominants, modal mixture, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords), modes, and non-diatonic scales (pentatonic, octatonic, and whole tone).

3 credits
Prerequisite: MUSC215 (C or better) or by Departmental placement exam
Corequisite: MUSC212 Music Theory IV

Concert Choir (formerly MUSA101)

MUSE101

Concert Choir is a mixed vocal ensemble that prepares stylistically diverse musical repertoire for one or more public performances each semester. It is open to all students.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition Required
Corequisite: None

Jazz Orchestra (formerly MUSA115)

MUSE115

Jazz Orchestra is an instrumental jazz ensemble (�big band�) that prepares diverse musical repertoire for one or more public performances each semester. It is open to all students.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition Required
Corequisite: None

Bucks County Community College Symphony (formerly MUSA121)

MUSE121

The Bucks County Community College Symphony is an instrumental ensemble consisting of students, community members, professional musicians, and, by special arrangement, the Newtown Chamber Orchestra. It prepares stylistically diverse repertoire for public performance.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Entrance is by audition only. Entrance is limited to ten (10) students.
Corequisite: None

Percussion Ensemble

MUSE140

Percussion Ensemble provides students opportunity to study the full-range of pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments in a group setting. The ensemble performs percussion music of varied historical, cultural, and stylistic backgrounds and genres.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition Required
Corequisite: None.

Chamber Ensemble: Classical

MUSE151

This course addresses the unique dynamic of small group performance in the Classical idiom and provides students with a venue for rehearsing and performing the wealth of repertoire specifically composed for Classical chamber ensembles.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition

Chamber Ensemble: Jazz

MUSE155

This course addresses the unique dynamic of small group performance in the Jazz idiom and provides students with a venue for rehearsing and performing the wealth of repertoire specifically composed for Jazz chamber ensembles.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition

Madrigal Singers

MUSE201

Madrigal Singers is a select vocal ensemble that specializes in the performance of advanced repertoire representing diverse historical, cultural, and stylistic backgrounds and genres.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition

Group Instruction in Piano Level I (Formerly MUSA165)

MUSG165

This course offers group instruction in piano and introduces fundamental concepts of music reading. Students practice proper fingering and hand position in the contexts of sight-reading, performance of elementary repertoire, and execution of scales and simple chord progressions.

1 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Group Instruction in Piano, Level II (formerly MUSA166)

MUSG166

This course, which is a continuation of MUSG165, offers group instruction in piano and develops concepts of music reading. Students practice proper fingering and hand position in the contexts of sight-reading, performance of intermediate repertoire, and execution of scales and simple chord progressions.

1 credits
Prerequisite: MUSG165 (C or better) or Permission of the Department of the Arts
Corequisite: None

Group Instruction in Guitar (Formerly MUSA167, Guitar Minor I)

MUSG175

This course offers group instruction in guitar and introduces music reading of standard notation. Students practice right and left hand techniques, including strumming/plectrum and finger-picking styles as applied to scales and melodies, provide primary chord accompaniment for melodies, and perform simple works for the solo guitar.

1 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None

Preparatory Lessons

MUSL100

MUSL100 is private applied instruction at the Preparatory Lesson level. Students develop technical competency, learn representative musical repertoire, and advance performance skills in their chosen area of emphasis.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition, Departmental Placement Exam, Enrollment in Music Transfer Major (curriculum code: 1019) and permission of the Department of the Arts.

Secondary Lessons

MUSL101

MUSL101 is private applied instruction at the Secondary Lesson level. Students develop technical competency, learn representative musical repertoire, and advance performance skills in their secondary area of emphasis.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition, Departmental Placement Exam, Enrollment in Music Transfer major (curriculum code: 1019) and permission of the Department of the Arts
Corequisite: None

Performance Class

MUSL110

Students of the same applied instrument perform solo repertoire from their lessons and develop critical listening skills by evaluating the performances of their peers.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department of the Arts and current enrollment in Program of Study (1019) - Music
Corequisite: Concurrent registration in one of the following private lesson courses: MUSL100, MUSL111, MUSL112, MUSL211, or MUSL212

Principal Lesson I

MUSL111

MUSL111 is private applied instruction on the student's principle instrument. Students develop technical competency, learn representative musical repertoire, and advance performance skills in their chosen area of emphasis.

1 credits
Prerequisite: Audition
Departmental Placement Exam
Enrollment in Music Transfer major (curriculum code: 1019)
Permission of the Department of the Arts
Corequisite: Students must be registered in both Music Theory and Ear Training course sequences and an MUSE music ensemble course.

Principal Lesson II

MUSL112

MUSL112, a continuation of MUSL111, is private applied instruction on the student's principle instrument. Students develop technical competency, learn representative musical repertoire, and advance performance skills in their chosen area of emphasis.

1 credits
Prerequisite: MUSL111
Audition
Department Placement Exam
Enrollment in Music Transfer Major (curriculum code: 1019)
Permission of the Department of the Arts
Corequisite: Students must be registered in both Music Theory and Ear Training course sequences and an MUSE ensemble course.

Principal Lesson III

MUSL211

MUSL211, a continuation of MUSL112, is private applied instruction on the student's primary instrument. Students develop technical competency, learn representative musical repertoire, and advance performance skills in their chosen area of emphasis. This course includes a weekly master class.

2 credits
Prerequisite: MUSL112
Audition
Departmental Placement Exam
Enrollment in Music Transfer Major (curriculum code: 1019)
Permission of the Department of the Arts
Corequisite: Students must be registered in both Music Theory and Ear Training course sequences and an MUSE music ensemble course.

Principal Lesson IV

MUSL212

MUSL212, a continuation of MUSL211, is private applied instruction on the student's primary instrument. Students develop technical competency, learn representative musical repertoire, and advance performance skills in their chosen area of emphasis. This course includes a weekly master class.

2 credits
Prerequisite: MUSL211
Audition
Departmental Placement Exam
Enrollment in Music Transfer Major (curriculum code: 1019)
Permission of the Department of the Arts
Corequisite: Students must be registered for both Music Theory and Ear Training course sequences and an MUSE ensemble course.