Music
From music therapy to private instrument lessons, explore new or favorite musical outlets at Bucks.
Music and the Mind: Understanding Why We Love Sound RMUSC 8828 C01
We will explore the fascinating intersection of music, psychology, and neuroscience through the lens of Daniel Levitin’s groundbreaking book This Is Your Brain on Music. You will examine how the brain perceives, processes, and responds to music, drawing connections between cognitive science, music theory, and human emotion. Topics include the neurological basis of rhythm, melody, and harmony; the role of memory and expectation in
musical experience; and the cultural and personal impact of music on identity and learning. Through readings, listening assignments, class discussions, and creative projects, you will gain a deeper understanding of how music shapes the mind and how the mind, in turn, shapes our experience of music.
Conversations on Ethics for Harp Therapists WSMCE 4020 C20
This course will explore the ethical dilemmas inherent in the field of harp therapy. Using the text, The Ethics of Touch, by Ben E. Benjamin, Ph.D. and Cherie Sohnen-Moe, you will learn key terms, read codes of ethics for other fields, understand the concepts of self-accountability, values, ethical dilemmas and core psychological concepts. Areas to be highlighted are: Boundaries, Dynamics of Effective Communication, Dual Relationships, and Business Ethics.
Guitar for the Adult Beginner RMUSC 1168 C02
Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Here is your chance to learn to play chords, simple strumming patterns and easy blues scales to get started. No experience reading music necessary! Must provide own guitar.
Guitar for Beginners: Lower Bucks Campus RMUSC 8016 C51
This course is tailored for beginners to learn the basics of guitar technique. Music theory will not be covered, and reading traditional notation is not required. Instead, we will use an easy to- understand system called tablature. The focus will be on getting students to play songs as quickly as possible, including strumming chords and combining them with simple melodies. The instructor encourages students to bring their phones to record videos of the assignments and to see the easiest ways to play the songs. An optional book is available for purchase. Students should bring unlined computer paper for taking notes and pencils for writing down illustrations from the blackboard.
Must provide own guitar.
Solo Jazz Guitar RMUSC 8019 C50
This course is designed to help intermediate and advance guitarists to play and ultimately create sole chord/melody arrangements in the jazz idiom. A working knowledge of guitar fingerboard is required.
Jazz and the Great American Songbook RMUSC 8014 CPV1
Jazz is a uniquely American musical form – using improvisation to create art on the spot. Taking examples from the Great American Songbook, we will explore how jazz musicians have used the music of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and others to create many different interpretations of these popular songs. No previous knowledge of jazz is necessary, just an interest in learning about this exciting and fun music.
Jazz Around the World RMUSC 8829 C01
Jazz was rooted in Black Africa but took shape in New Orleans. It was a uniquely American art form. Today jazz can be heard all over the world, much of it originating with American musicians and American ideas but quickly assimilating local themes and influences. In these classes we will listen to jazz from around the world and explore how different countries and cultures each bring their own unique interpretations to the wonderful world of jazz.
Meet the Beatles - The Middle Years (1965 - 1967) RMUSC 8830 C01
Meet the Beatles
The Beatles’ music is fun and light-hearted, it is serious and cynical, it is frightening and dark; it embraces many preceding genres of music and spins them afresh. Most know the Beatles’ hits, but few know the fascinating story that framed their music. Together, we’ll listen to their songs, watch video clips, and hear many interviews from this era. “The deeper you go, the higher you fly!” Scott McLaren
The Middel Years (1965 – 1967)
Session One: Explore the Beatles from late 1965 through 1966, focusing on the groundbreaking music of Rubber Soul and Revolver. We'll discuss how the band, their music, and the recording studio evolved, along with the influences of touring, the media, Bob Dylan, drugs, and their personal relationships.
Session Two: Covering late 1966 through 1967, we'll examine the band's decision to stop touring, their growing individual interests, changing dynamics, and the loss of their manager. We'll also explore the inspiration behind Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour.
Meet the Beatles - The Final Years (1968 - 1970) RMUSC 8831 C01
Meet the Beatles
The Beatles’ music is fun and light-hearted, it is serious and cynical, it is frightening and dark; it embraces many preceding genres of music and spins them afresh. Most know the Beatles’ hits, but few know the fascinating story that framed their music. Together, we’ll listen to their songs, watch video clips, and hear many interviews from this era. “The deeper you go, the higher you fly!”
The Final Years (1968-1970)
Session one will cover the Beatles during 1968, focusing on their retreat in India to study Transcendental Meditation and its impact on them. We’ll discuss the formation of and motivation for Apple Corps, their business venture. We’ll discuss songs of The Beatles (aka White) album, the “Get Back” sessions and the increasing tension within the group.
Session two will cover the Beatles from 1969-1970, wrapping up our discussion of the “Get Back” sessions, which later became the "Let It Be" album/motion picture. We’ll discuss the implosion of Apple Corps and their actions to resolve, each’s wives and the music of their brilliant swansong album, "Abbey Road." Lastly, we’ll end with events leading to and finalizing their break up.
Private Lessons
Interested in receiving private lessons? Call 215-968-8409 for more information.