Music
42 courses · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
MUS 1 Introduction to Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 100
Music for enjoyment and understanding through informed listening, analysis, evaluation and discernment of musical elements, forms, and repertoire. Live concert attendance may be required.
MUS 3 World Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The study of the folk and art music of world cultures. Includes the traditional music of Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, China, Japan, Indonesia, India, Latin America, Europe, and Native America.
MUS 4 Jazz in American Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MIS 130
History, trends and influences of the phenomenon of jazz through integration of the cultures of (but not limited to) African-American, European-American and the Latin-American communities. Required listening, reading and concert attendance will guide the student to value jazz as a form of self-expression and improve the ability to listen and understand the various eras in jazz from pre-Dixieland to present day.
MUS 5 American Cultures in Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MIS 130
Music in twentieth century United States through the study of contributions of five selected groups from the following: African-Americans, Latin-Americans, Asian-Americans, European-Americans, and Native Americans. Emphasis on understanding diverse styles, and on integrating these styles into American music. Concert, religious, and folk-pop music will be included.
MUS 6 Basic Music Skills
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 110
Essentials of music through notation, time elements, melody, harmony, and tonality, texture, dynamics and knowledge of the keyboard. Sight singing and ear training.
MUS 8A Music Theory and Musicianship 1
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 120, MUS 125
Elements of diatonic harmony through part writing and ear training exercises as typified by musical practice from 1600 to the present. Includes keys, modes, scales, tonality, intervals, solfeggio, consonance/dissonance, rhythmic organization, chord structures, chord and interval recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation, voice leading principles, non-chord tones, four-part voice leading with selected primary and secondary chords, and figured bass realization.
MUS 8B Music Theory and Musicianship 2
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 8A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 130, MUS 135
Continues diatonic harmony through part writing and ear training exercises as typified by musical practice from 1600 to the present, continues solfeggio, chord recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation, voice leading involving four-part choral writing, and figured bass realization. Introduces harmonic dictation, cadential elaboration, non-dominant seventh chords, and an introduction to secondary/applied chords and modulation
MUS 10A Music Theory and Musicianship 3
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 8B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 140, MUS 145
This course incorporates the concepts from the Mus 8 series. In addition, through analysis and composition, the course will include: introduction to chromatic harmony; secondary/applied chords; modulation; borrowed chords; introduction to Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords. Mus 10A also applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of the musicianship portion of Mus 8 series through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation.
MUS 10B Music Theory and Musicianship 4
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 10A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 150, MUS 155
This course incorporates the concepts from Music 10A. In addition, the course will include: post-Romantic techniques such as borrowed chords and modal mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, altered chords and dominants; and 20th century techniques such as: Impressionism, dodecaphony, pandiatonicism, and polytonality. This course also applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Mus 10A through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation.
MUS 11 Commercial Music Combo
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 185
For instrumentalists and vocalists who want experience in performing and interpreting small-group commercial music literature. Emphasis will be on articulations, stylistic differences, composition, arranging, and common performance practices.
MUS 13 History of Rock & Roll
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MIS 130
A cultural survey of original American music traditions, forms and trends influenced by cultural, socio-economic, socio-political and economic changes including blues, jazz, early rock, the “British invasion,” rap, hip hop culture, Latino rock, heavy metal, jazz-rock fusion, electronic, modern rock, and pop
MUS 14 Jazz Workshop
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
Reading, preparation and performance of contemporary Jazz music. Opportunity to apply improvisation techniques in a group setting.
MUS 15 Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of standard jazz ensemble literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. New literature will be studied each term so that different technical and artistic issues are addressed. Opportunities to arrange and compose for the ensemble as well as to conduct. Opportunity to apply improvisation techniques in a group setting.
MUS 16 Philharmonic Orchestra
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of the standard Classical orchestra literature, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature is studied each semester so that different technical, historical and artistic issues are addressed. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required.
MUS 17 Jazz Combo
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180, MUS 185
For instrumentalists who want experience in performing and interpreting small-group literature. Covers important aspects of small jazz band development and works of many styles and periods. Emphasis will be on improvisation, stylistic differences, arranging, and common performance practices of the various periods of jazz music.
MUS 18A Jazz/Pop Piano 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Voicings, chords, and guidelines for interpretation of lead sheets in a variety of genres for the contemporary pianist. Emphasis on improvisation, accompaniment, bass lines, grooves, and performance.
MUS 18B Jazz/Pop Piano 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 18A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Building on the content offered in Music 18A, this course offers more advanced voicings, chords, and guidelines for interpretation of lead sheets in a variety of genres for the contemporary pianist. The student learns chords and chord progressions used in jazz and popular music styles as applied to the keyboard, focusing on chromatic seventh chords and sequences, chord extensions and advanced rhythmic concepts.
MUS 19 Music Composition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUS 6 or MUS 8A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will compose individual pieces to be performed by professional or college-based music ensembles. Presents a technical and historical analysis of works in diverse musical languages.
MUS 21A Beginning Piano
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 170
Group instruction in piano for the absolute beginner with emphasis on developing technique, reading music, and performing.
MUS 21B Intermediate Piano
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 21A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 171
Group instruction in piano for the intermediate pianist with emphasis on developing technique, reading music, and performance.
MUS 22A Scoring for Film and Multimedia 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUS 6 or MUS 8A or MUS 35, may be taken concurrently.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Applications and techniques of composition and sound effects for visual media such as film, video game, TV and podcast. Musical and technical elements of producing digital audio tracks are covered.
MUS 22B Scoring for Film and Multimedia 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUS 22A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Building on material covered in Scoring for Film and Multimedia 1, students will continue to hone compositional technique for film and other visual media. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to enter the media music industry with necessary skill sets to succeed.
MUS 23A Elementary Voice
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Group singing with an emphasis on healthy vocal production, solo performance opportunities, breathing, diction, sight singing, and the study of vocal anatomy.
MUS 23B Intermediate Voice
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 23A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Further development of skills learned in Music 23A. Emphasis on continued development of vocal production, solo performance practice, sight singing, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and interpretation of non-English literature.
MUS 25 Teaching Beginning Piano
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles of successful piano teaching with emphasis upon development of technique and reading ability in beginner level students; private and group piano teaching methods; personal development as teacher and musician. Observation of piano lessons or classes and supervised practice teaching private or group piano students may be required. Intended for pianists with intermediate or advanced skills.
MUS 27 Teaching Intermediate Piano
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles of successful piano teaching with emphasis upon continued development of technique and reading ability in intermediate level students; private and group piano teaching methods; selection of intermediate literature; Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century styles; studio organization and personal development as teacher and musician. Observation of piano lessons or classes and supervised practice teaching of private or class piano students may be required. Intended for pianists with intermediate or advanced skills.
MUS 28 Keyboard Skills
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Group instruction in piano for the consummate pianist with emphasis on developing technique, reading music, analysis, and performance.
MUS 31 Study of Piano
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 21B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Group instruction in piano for the advanced pianist with emphasis on developing technique, reading music, and performance.
MUS 34 Music in Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The class traces the history and development of film music through reading, lecture and film viewing. The class studies the process of film scoring and how music and its relationship to film have changed over the last century. Class includes discussion and evaluation of different compositional styles and learning to listen critically to film scores while viewing movies.
MUS 35 Introduction to Music Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- MIS 110
This course introduces the following aspects of music technology: music notation, principles of sound and acoustics, MIDI, digital audio manipulation, recording and production using a digital audio workstation, and microphone functionality and placement.
MUS 36 Intermediate Music Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUS 35
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- MIS 111
This course is the 2nd level course in the music technology series. Topics include intermediate/advanced computer skills, software-based sequencing, synthesis, MIDI, sampling, notation, principles of sound, microphones, digital audio, signal processing, mixing, recording principles, cables and interconnects, and audio in live performance.
MUS 37 Music Business
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- MIS 120
Career opportunities and business practices in the music industry. Focus on career options and development, artist management, unions, music merchandising, music for film and digital media, and concert promotion.
MUS 38 Applied Lessons
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in one music theory class (MUS 8A, MUS 8B, MUS 10A or MUS 10B) and one performing ensemble (MUS 11, MUS 15, MUS 16, MUS 17, MUS 41, MUS 44, MUS 45, MUS 46 or MUS 48).
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 160
Individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire for the specific instrument, voice, or composition being studied. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance or composition. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Enrollment subject to a standardized audition demonstrating basic competencies in technique and musicianship in a student's major performance or composition medium.
MUS 41 Instrumental Chamber Music
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 185
This course is an instrumental music ensemble that performs selections from the standard classical repertoire, as well as modern compositions. Students develop all aspects of instrumental performance including technique, sight-reading, intonation, rhythmic interpretation, ensemble balance, and stylistic interpretation. Musical instruments may include members of the brass, woodwind, string, percussion, and keyboard families.
MUS 44 Concert Choir
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
This course offers an opportunity for students to study, interpret, and perform vocal ensemble music in a variety of styles. Emphasis is placed on building ensemble singing experience and techniques towards a successful audition into higher-level ensembles. Designed for students of all backgrounds and experience levels. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 6 (Basic Music Skills) is highly recommended.
MUS 45 Chamber Choir
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 9 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
A performance-based class furthering the effective study, interpretation, and presentation of choral literature. Designed for vocalists with previous classical ensemble experience. Performs multiple times per semester.
MUS 46 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 9 hours lecture,, 81 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 180
An advanced performance-based class exploring jazz voice in an ensemble setting. Course emphasizes the study of a variety of jazz and pop/rock styles, overall healthy vocal technique, use of microphones and an active sound system, vocal improvisation, and overall musicianship. Singing and ensemble experience highly recommended, as the class requires strong sense of intonation, rhythm, and vocal blend. Performs multiple times per semester.
MUS 48 Improvisation Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MUS 185
This course exposes students to the fundamental concepts and skills needed for improvising in a group setting. The course is open to instrumentalists or vocalists at any level of proficiency, with no audition or prior improvisation experience required. The course is intended to expose students to the role of improvisation in a variety of music genres, and to provide experience playing in different-sized ensembles. The course prepares students for established advanced jazz ensembles in the department like Jazz Combos, Jazz Ensemble, and Vocal East. Emphasis will be on group activities, individual projects, independent listening and practice, basic theory concepts, and performance.
MUS 50 Live Concert Sound
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is intended to provide students with an overview of live concert sound reinforcement with a heavy focus on hands-on training on industry-standard sound equipment in a variety of settings. Topics include basic sound system theory and its application as well as the operation of individual sound system components such as microphones, mixers, effects, amplifiers, and speaker arrays. Focus will be on sound checking, troubleshooting, mixing, and recording sound for live performance applications.
MUS 145 Piano Technology 1
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
This is the first of a 3-semester sequence that introduces students to Piano Tuning, Repair, Voicing, and Regulation in an immersive, hands-on program in which students will apply techniques on LPC pianos. Topics include tuning, pitch raising, voicing, string repair, key easing, re-bushing, upright and grand piano action regulation, common repairs such as repairing broken parts, re-shaping hammers, reconditioning and limited rebuilding of piano actions.
MUS 146 Piano Technology 2
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 145
This is the second course of a 3-semester sequence that continues instruction on Piano Tuning, Voicing, Repair and Regulation in an immersive, hands-on program using LPC Pianos. At the end of the one-year program, diligent participants will be able to tune a piano, initiate common repairs in the Field and be prepared to successfully complete Piano Technicians Guild Examinations.
MUS 147 Piano Technology 3
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- MUS 146
This is the final course of a 3-semester sequence that continues instruction on Piano Tuning, Voicing, Repair and Regulation in an immersive, hands-on program using LPC Pianos. At the end of the program, participants will be able to tune a piano, initiate common repairs in the field and be more prepared to successfully complete Piano Technicians Guild Examinations.