Davidson Music Center (45), Room 129
Phone: 805.756.2406; Fax: 805.756.7464
Email: music@calpoly.edu
music.calpoly.edu
Department Chair: Alicia M. Doyle
Academic Programs
Program name | Program type |
---|---|
Music | BA, Minor |
The Bachelor of Arts in Music introduces a student to the role of music in today's world, helps form personal goals, and provides the discipline, skills and knowledge to accomplish those goals. The program develops musical skills, encourages creativity, and cultivates vision for the future. The University's polytechnic emphasis also provides an excellent opportunity to explore music in conjunction with a wide range of other fields. Graduates are prepared to begin specialized study at the graduate level and to enter a wide variety of professional careers.
The Music Department is a valuable resource for the non-music major. Its courses and performing ensembles are open to all students who wish to enrich their lives through music. Qualified students may explore the subject in depth by minoring in music.
The Music Department also serves as a cultural center for both the university and the community through a program of public performances by student and faculty groups and through clinics, workshops, concerts, and lectures by outstanding individuals from outside the university.
Acceptance into the music major program requires a demonstrated ability on an instrument, in voice, or talent through other musical media, plus the ability to read music at a fundamental level.
Undergraduate Programs
BA Music
Designed for the student who wants a broad education in music, the Bachelor of Arts degree offers a balanced program of study in a wide range of subjects. In addition to the traditional emphasis on music theory, history, and performance, Cal Poly's program includes American music, music of non-Western cultures, and the application of sound design. The program provides a large number of elective courses which allows the student to concentrate in a particular area or combine music with other subjects.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
- All new students will take placement examinations in piano skills, music theory, and musicianship. Students who audition in person for the major will take the placement exams at the time of their audition. Students who submit a recording with their application will be contacted by the Music Department to schedule the placement exams during the application period. Separate auditions are required for assignment to performing ensembles. Students who wish to take piano, theory, or musicianship courses beyond the beginning level must pass the appropriate placement test. Regardless of courses taken prior to coming to Cal Poly, students are required to remedy deficiencies before enrolling in advanced music theory or music history courses.
- Each music major must be enrolled in at least 6 units of music courses each quarter, including a performance ensemble and lessons, until curricular requirements are met. (See the Department for details regarding appropriate ensembles and applied study policies.) Each student enrolled in private instruction must take an applied music jury at the end of Spring Quarter.
- Each student is required to attend a minimum of 6 concerts per quarter.
- At the end of the sixth quarter of enrollment a student must take a mid-point evaluation to verify progress and potential in music. External transfer students must take the theory and musicianship portions of the mid-point evaluation at the beginning of their first quarter of enrollment; they must take performance skills (jury) and piano proficiency exams by the end of their third quarter of enrollment. The testing timetable for internal transfers will be established on a case-by-case basis. The mid-point evaluation includes the following:
- individual performance skills (should be at the MU 250 level; tested through a jury)
- musicianship skills up through the level of Musicianship III
- knowledge of music theory up through the level of Theory II
- piano proficiency (see No. 5 below)
- Each student must pass examinations in six areas of piano proficiency (repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, score-reading) as part of the mid-point evaluation.
- Use of Music Department instruments, scheduled practice rooms, electronic studio, or lockers requires a Music Use Fee. See the Music Department Office for details.
- It is important that each student stay closely in touch with his/her advisor in order to progress through the music major program in the most efficient manner.
- The Music Department is not able to offer the full complement of performing ensembles and private instruction during the Summer Quarter; it is important to take this into consideration when planning coursework for completion of the major.
A music major handbook giving complete details of the program, policies, and forms is available from the Music Department.
Degree Requirements and Curriculum
Music Minor
A minor is available to students who desire documented competency in music. An individualized curriculum (incorporating theory, history, and performance) based on the following guidelines is developed in consultation with a member of the music faculty. Students must complete one academic music lecture course at Cal Poly, such as MU 101 or MU 120, before applying for the minor. Information and application forms for the declaration of a Music minor are available in the Music Department Office, as well as online at music.calpoly.edu.
Minor Requirements
MU Courses
MU 101. Introduction to Music Theory. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area C1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C3
Introduction to materials of music and their use by composers and performers in diverse cultural contexts. Notation of dynamics, pitch, rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, and chords. Analysis of musical syntax based on these elements. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
MU 103. Music Theory I: Diatonic Materials. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W
Prerequisite: MU 101 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor.
Introduction to species counterpoint, structure of tonality, four-part writing of root position and inverted triads, dominant seventh chord, phrase structure, harmonic progressions, harmonization of a melody and nonharmonic tones. Composition project. 4 lectures.
MU 104. Musicianship I. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MU 101; Music majors may be concurrently enrolled in MU 101 and MU 104.
Introductory sightsinging in the major mode; rhythmic performance and dictation in simple and compound meters; identification and performance of melodic and harmonic intervals and triads; dictation of major diatonic melodies and chord progressions using the primary triads. 2 activities.
MU 105. Music Theory II: Chromatic Materials. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
Prerequisite: MU 103 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor.
Construction and resolution of diatonic seventh chords, secondary dominants, augmented sixth, and Neapolitan chords. Modal mixture and modulation to closely-related keys. Binary, ternary, and variation forms. Introduction to 18th-century counterpoint. Composition project. 4 lectures.
MU 106. Musicianship II. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 104 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MU 103.
Sightsinging and dictation in major and minor modes; performance and dictation of one- and two-part rhythms in simple and compound meters; syncopation; identification of compound intervals, triad inversions, and cadence types; harmonic dictation using diatonic root-position triads and the dominant seventh. 2 activities.
MU 108. Musicianship III. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 106 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor.
One- and two-part sightsinging and melodic dictation; alto and tenor clefs; one- and two-part rhythmic performance and dictation including syncopation and triplets; harmonic dictation including diatonic triads in all inversions and dominant and supertonic seventh chords; identification of phrase structure. 2 activities.
MU 114. Introduction to Composing. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 101 or consent of instructor.
Fundamental concepts in music composition. Creative projects. Compositional techniques, development, and structure. Analysis of examples from the literature. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 120. Music Appreciation. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area C1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C3
Explores the elements of music with emphasis on Western tradition. Language of music, the role of music in society. Historical context and major composers from the Middle Ages to the present. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as HNRS/MU 120. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
MU 121. Introduction to Non-Western Musics. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 104 or consent of instructor.
Survey of selected non-Western music cultures. Emphasis on listening and understanding the ensemble type, aesthetic principle, musical style, and performance practice of each. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 150. Applied Music. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on repertoire, technical skills, style, and interpretation. Total credit limited to 6 units. The Class Schedule will list topic selected.
MU 151. Beginning Class Piano. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Beginning piano for student with no background in keyboard instruments. Includes fundamentals of notation, keyboard techniques, tone production, sightreading and facility. 1 lecture, 1 activity.
MU 152. Elementary Class Piano. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 151 or consent of instructor; for non-music majors.
Continuation of MU 151. Piano for students with the ability to play a simple Bach or Mozart Minuet. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity.
MU 154. Beginning Voice. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Beginning study of vocal and performance technique for the untrained singer. Includes the beginning study of the vocal mechanism and the fundamentals of notation. 1 activity.
MU 155. Beginning Guitar. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Fundamentals of guitar technique and performance. Elements of classical, pop, and folk styles. Basics of staff and chord notations. No previous experience necessary. 1 activity.
MU 161. Piano Skills I. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Music major or consent of instructor.
Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody, score-reading. 1 activity.
MU 162. Piano Skills II. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 161 or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MU 161. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody, score-reading. 1 activity.
MU 163. Piano Skills III. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 162 or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MU 162. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody, score-reading. 1 activity.
MU 168. Piano Accompanying. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Corequisite: MU 253 or piano topic in any of the following courses: MU 150, MU 250, MU 350 or MU 450; or consent of instructor.
Preparation and performance of vocal and instrumental music written with piano accompaniment. Choral rehearsal accompanist techniques. Open to students who are proficient on piano at a collegiate level. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 170. University Jazz Band. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Rehearsal and public performance of jazz big band repertoire. Open to qualified students who sing or who play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, vibes, bass, drums, or congas. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 171. Instrumental Ensembles. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Faculty-supervised small ensembles (e.g., string quartets, brass quintets), as permitted by departmental staffing. Performances take place in student recitals, large-ensemble concerts, and/or other university events. Open to students concurrently participating in large ensembles. Interested students should contact instrumental ensemble directors. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 172. Wind Orchestra. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of music written for large wind band. Open to all qualified students who perform on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 173. Wind Ensemble. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of music written for wind bands with limited doubling and flexible instrumentation. Open to all students who perform on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments on an advanced collegiate level. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 174. Symphony Orchestra. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, based on audition.
Preparation and performance of orchestral music, including both standard repertoire and current works in various genres. Open to all qualified students who perform on string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Field trip required. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 176. Mustang Band. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Public performance of music and specially-designed shows written for marching band (woodwinds, brass, percussion, and flag team auxiliary). Limited to those students who have had marching experience with wind and percussion instruments, or flag, rifle or dance lines. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 177. Chamber Winds. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of chamber music written for woodwinds, brass, or percussion. Open to all instrumentalists who have high school or college level performance experience. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 178. Field Show Marching Skills. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F
Study and application of advanced field show marching techniques used in performance by the Cal Poly Mustang Band and other university bands. Limited to those students who have experience performing on a wind/percussion instrument, or in a marching band flag/dance team auxiliary. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 181. PolyPhonics. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced study and public performance of music for mixed chorus. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 182. Cantabile. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced study and public performance of music for soprano and alto chorus. A variety of styles of choral literature specifically intended for treble voices from various time periods is explored. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 183. Vocal Ensemble. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Open to qualified singers. Rehearsal and performance of specialized vocal music. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 185. University Singers. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of music for large mixed chorus. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 186. Chamber Choir. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced study and public performance of music for small ensemble.This ensemble focuses on music of the Renaissance, Baroque and Modern Eras. A variety of styles of choral literature, specifically intended for a small performing ensemble, is explored. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 188. Arab Music Ensemble. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Rehearsal and performance of instrumental and vocal repertoire drawn from art and popular music of wide-ranging Arabic-speaking societies and historically related cultures. Accompanying music theories, instrumental techniques, and performance practices, with presentation of seminal works in public concerts. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 189. Vocal Practicum. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: MU 150, MU 250, MU 350 or MU 450, or consent of instructor.
Study and implementation of performing techniques used by vocalists in a recital or concert setting. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 200. Special Problems for Undergraduates. 1-2 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.
MU 210. Musicianship IV. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MU 108 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MU 105.
Continuation of MU 108. Sightsinging and melodic dictation using chromatic tones; rhythmic performance in changing meters; harmonic dictation including seventh chords, secondary dominants, and modulation to closely-related keys; seventh chord inversions; and aural identification of binary and ternary forms. 1 activity.
MU 211. Musicianship V. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 210 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MU 210. Sightsinging using chromatic tones; rhythmic performance and dictation in changing and asymmetric meters; harmonic dictation including Neapolitan triads, augmented sixth chords, modal mixture, and modulation to closely-related keys; aural identification of sonata, rondo, and variation forms. 1 activity.
MU 212. Musicianship VI. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 211 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MU 211. Emphasis on previously acquired skills, plus sightsinging, melodic dictation, and harmonic dictation using modulation to foreign keys; performance and dictation of cross-rhythms and complex beat divisions; tempo modulation; aural identification of contrapuntal genres; and modulatory melodic dictation in two parts. 1 activity.
MU 221. Jazz Styles. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area C1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C3
USCP
Survey of Jazz as a significant American art form from 1900 to the present; its historical background and development in the United States; key elements, leading performers, and significant compositions in each style. Emphasis on listening skills. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
MU 227. Popular Music of the USA. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area C1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C3
USCP
Study of popular music of the USA from the nineteenth century to contemporary times. Emphases include cultural identity, social diversity, musical aesthetics, artistic significance, ethnic relations, gender issues, religious expression, performance practice, technological development, modernization, commodification, and political empowerment. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
MU 228. Music of the 60's: War and Peace. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Explores wide spectrum of rock, folk and pop styles of the 60s. Relates music to social turmoil and historical trends, including Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement, American Indian Movement, Chicano Movement, Free Speech Movement. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 250. Applied Music. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: 3 units of MU 150 and consent of instructor.
Individual instruction in performance with emphasis on repertoire, technical skills, style, and interpretation. Total credit limited to 6 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule.
MU 253. Advanced Class Piano. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 153 or consent of instructor; for non-music majors.
Advanced level piano techniques with emphasis on style, interpretation, sightreading, basic performance practices and the solution to general musical problems. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity.
MU 259. Beginning Jazz Improvisation. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Facility on a musical instrument or singing ability; MU 101 or consent of instructor.
Development of fundamentals of jazz improvisation including scales, arpeggios, patterns, swing feel, expressiveness, and motifs through in-class performance of written materials and improvisations with play-along recordings. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 activities.
MU 261. Piano Skills IV. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MU 163 or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MU 163. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, and improvisation of a melody, score-reading. 1 activity.
MU 262. Piano Skills V. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 261 or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MU 261. Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody, score-reading. 1 activity.
MU 263. Piano Skills VI. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 262 or consent of instructor.
Continuation of MU 262. Completion of this course with a C- or better represents fulfillment of the Piano Proficiency Examination. Study of piano repertoire, sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, improvisation of a melody, score-reading. 1 activity.
MU 265. Accelerated Piano Skills. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Preparation for Piano Proficiency Examination. For students with an extensive piano repertoire background but needing focused preparation in sightreading, transposition, harmonization of a melody, accompanying, and score reading. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1 activity.
MU 270. Selected Topics. 1-4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Open to undergraduate students and consent of instructor.
Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.
MU 301. Counterpoint. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 105.
Counterpoint as a compositional technique. Modal, tonal, and post-tonal practices. Composition project. 4 lectures.
MU 303. Music Theory III: Advanced Chromaticism. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MU 105 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of instructor.
Compositional procedures employed by composers of the Classical and Romantic periods. Chromatic third-related harmony, linear chromaticism, and extended tertian chords. Chromatic and enharmonic modulation to distantly-related keys. Sonata and rondo forms. Composition project. 4 lectures.
MU 305. Music Theory IV: Contemporary Practices. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 303 or permission of instructor.
Examination of 20th- and 21st-century compositional practices including impressionism, developments in rhythm, polytonality, non-serial atonality, serialism, timbre and form, neoclassicism, minimalism, and the new eclecticism. Analysis and creative projects. 4 lectures.
MU 311. Introduction to Recording, Synthesis, and Production. 4 units
Fundamental tools of electroacoustic music. Concepts and application of music studio procedure, recording, synthesis, and MIDI. Studio projects. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 312. Advanced Recording, Synthesis, and Production. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 311 or permission of instructor.
Exploring creative and interactive uses of recording and synthesis. Analysis and creative projects. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 320. Music Research and Writing. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and MU 105 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor.
Methodology for researching, analyzing, and writing about music. Exploration of investigative tools including library resources, periodicals, bibliographic tools, computerized search methods. Performance practice. 4 lectures.
MU 324. Music and Society. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one course in GE Area C.
Exploration into the role of music historically and culturally. Emphasis on deeper understanding and appreciation of the context of music through topics of special interest. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
MU 325. America's Music. 4 units
Explorations of the many styles of America's music through lectures, readings, sound recordings, musical scores, and performance. Includes "Native American," "folk," "popular," and "fine art" traditions. How American music reflects the different cultural heritages, social contexts, and philosophies of its creators. 4 lectures. Fulfills USCP.
MU 326. Cultural Concepts and Structures in Music. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 121 or consent of instructor.
Exploring the definition, concepts, and structures of music in terms of theory, performance practice, and compositional procedures of selected non-Western cultures. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 328. Women in Music. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area C
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area C4
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one course in GE Area C.
Survey of women's contributions as composers and performers of western art and popular music; historical overview of the experiences and perception of women as musicians. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.
MU 331. Music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 320 with a grade of C- or higher or consent of instructor. Recommended: MU 120.
Musical literature, styles, composers, theory, genres and notation of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Relationship to historical trends. 4 lectures.
MU 332. Music of the Baroque and Early Classic Eras. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 320 with a grade of C- or higher or consent of instructor. Recommended: MU 120.
Survey of the history of western art music from 1600 to 1780. 4 lectures.
MU 336. Jazz History and Theory. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 105.
Survey of Jazz theoretical techniques. Emphasis upon historical context and development of Jazz through study and analysis of scores and historical performances. 4 lectures.
MU 340. Conducting: Fundamentals. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MU 105 or consent of instructor.
Principles and techniques of conducting with experience in score reading. 2 activities.
MU 341. Conducting: Choral. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 340.
Continuation of MU 340. Emphasis on choral literature. Score reading, rehearsal techniques, and musical details associated with vocal music. 2 activities.
MU 342. Conducting: Instrumental. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 340.
Continuation of MU 340. Emphasis on band and orchestra literature. Score reading, rehearsal techniques, and musical details associated with instrumental music. 2 activities.
MU 350. Applied Music. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual instruction in performance and composition. Total credit limited to 6 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule.
MU 351. Jazz and Popular Music Arranging. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 105.
Arranging for small and large jazz ensembles. Score and part preparation. 2 activities.
MU 352. Orchestration. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 105.
Ranges, transposition, technical capabilities, and scoring of vocal ensembles, band, and orchestra instruments. Creative project. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 360. Music for Classroom Teachers. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 101.
Development of skills for fostering creative music experiences in the classroom. Exploration of various approaches to motivating children musically. Study of folk songs for singing, playing instruments, and learning about music as well as for their ethnic and cultural significance. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 361. Instruments. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Fundamentals of playing and teaching woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 368. Piano Accompanying. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and MU 168 or consent of instructor.
Preparation and performance of vocal and instrumental music written with piano accompaniment. Choral rehearsal accompanist techniques. Open to students who are proficient on piano at a collegiate level. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 370. University Jazz Band. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Rehearsal and public performance of jazz big band repertoire. Open to qualified students who sing or play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, vibes, bass, drums, or congas. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 371. Instrumental Ensemble. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Faculty-supervised small ensembles (e.g., string quartets, brass quintets), as permitted by departmental staffing. Performances take place in student recitals, large-ensemble concerts, and/or other university events. Open to students concurrently participating in large ensembles. Interested students should contact instrumental ensemble directors. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 372. Wind Orchestra. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of music written for large wind band. Open to all qualified students who perform on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 373. Wind Ensemble. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of music written for wind band with limited doubling and flexible instrumentation. Open to all students who perform on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments on an advanced collegiate level. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 374. Symphony Orchestra. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor, based on audition.
Preparation and performance of orchestral music, including both standard repertoire and current works in various genres. Open to all qualified students who perform on string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Field trip required. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 376. Mustang Band. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Public performance of music and specially-designed shows written for marching bank (woodwinds, brass, percussion, and flag team auxiliary). Limited to those students who have had marching experience with wind and percussion instruments, or flag, rifle or dance lines. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 377. Chamber Winds. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of chamber music written for woodwinds, brass, or percussion. Open to all instrumentalists who have college level performance experience. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 378. Field Show Marching Skills. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MU 178 or consent of instructor.
Study and application of advanced field show marching techniques used in performance by the Cal Poly Mustang Band and other university bands. Limited to those students who have experience performing on a wind/percussion instrument, or in a marching band flag/dance team auxiliary. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 381. PolyPhonics. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Advanced study and public performance of music for mixed chorus. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 382. Cantabile. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Advanced study and public performance of music for soprano and alto chorus. A variety of styles of choral literature specifically intended for treble voices from various time periods is explored. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 383. Vocal Ensemble. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Open to qualified singers. Rehearsal and performance of specialized vocal music. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 385. University Singers. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Study and public performance of music for large mixed chorus. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 386. Chamber Choir. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Advanced study and public performance of music for small ensemble. This ensemble focuses on music of the Renaissance, Baroque and Modern Eras. A variety of styles of choral literature, specifically intended for a small performing ensemble, is explored. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 388. Arab Music Ensemble. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: MU 188 or consent of instructor.
Rehearsal and performance of instrumental and vocal repertoire drawn from art and popular music of wide-ranging Arabic-speaking societies and historically related cultures. Accompanying music theories, instrumental techniques, and performance practices, with presentation of seminal works in public concerts. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 laboratory.
MU 389. Vocal Practicum. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: MU 150, MU 250, MU 350 or MU 450, or consent of instructor.
Study and implementation of performing techniques used by vocalists in a recital or concert setting. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1 activity.
MU 400. Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates. 1-2 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of department head.
Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.
MU 411. Sonic Interactions with Technology. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: MU 312.
Performative and compositional applications of synthesis and recording techniques. Creative projects. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 412. Sculpting Experience with Sound. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 312.
Production of electroacoustic music in media. Program analysis, technical planning, composition, and product development. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 431. Music of the Classic and Romantic Eras. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: MU 303; and MU 320 with a grade of C- or higher or consent of instructor. Recommended: MU 120.
Survey of the history of western art music from 1780 to 1900. 4 lectures.
MU 432. Music of the Modern Era. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
Prerequisite: MU 303; and one of the following courses with a grade of C- or better: MU 331, MU 332, or MU 431, or consent of instructor. Recommended: MU 305.
Composers, important works, and significant trends in the Western European and American classical tradition during the 20th and 21st Centuries. 4 lectures.
MU 450. Applied Music. 1 unit
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual instruction in performance and composition. Total credit limited to 6 units. Specific areas of study are listed in the Class Schedule.
MU 461. Senior Project. 3 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing and consent of department head.
Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Minimum of 90 hours total time. Results presented in a recital, creative work, formal report, or a combination of all three.
MU 465. Choral Literature and Rehearsal Techniques. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: MU 341, or consent of instructor.
Survey of choral literature especially suited for secondary schools. Philosophy and strategy for developing a school program. Musical as well as non-musical techniques for effective rehearsal. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 466. Instrumental Literature and Rehearsal Techniques. 4 units
Survey of instrumental literature written for orchestras, bands, solo instrument, and chamber ensembles. Philosophy and strategy necessary for developing a professional, semi-professional, or school instrumental music program. Musical as well as non-musical techniques for effective rehearsal. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
MU 470. Music History: Selected Advanced Topics. 4 units
Intensive study of selected topics in music history through the use of readings, recordings, scores, and class presentations. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
David A. Arrivee
B.A., Princeton University, 1993; M.Mu., Boston University, 1995; D.M.A., Northwestern University, 2004.
Jamaal Baptiste
B.M., Indiana University, 2014; M.M. Indiana University, 2016; M.A., Indiana University, 2018.
Antonio G. Barata
B.A., Towson State University, 1977; M.M., Northwestern University, 1979; D.M.A., University of Illinois, 1985.
Meredith Brammeier
B.A., Princeton University, 1992; M.M., Eastman School of Music, 1995; D.M.A., University of Southern California, 2000.
Alicia M. Doyle
B.M., University of Southern California, 1991; M.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 1997; Ph.D., 2000.
Scott Glysson
B.M., George Mason University, 2007; M.M., University of Arizona, Tucson, 2012; D.M.A., University of Arizona, Tucson, 2014.
Kenneth Habib
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 1983; M.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 1995; Ph.D., 2005.
Julie Herndon
B.A., St. Mary's College of Maryland, 2008; M.A., Mills College, 2015; D.M.A., Stanford University, 2022.
Alyson McLamore
B.A., University of California at Los Angeles, 1982; M.A., 1985; Ph.D., 1991.
Nicholas P. Waldron
B.M.E., Indiana University, 2011; M.M., Indiana University, 2016; D.M.A., University of Kansas, 2019.
Christopher J. Woodruff
B.M.E., Louisiana State University, 1991; M.M., Northwestern University, 1996.