Courses and Descriptions
MUS 100 Popular Music Lab 0 Credits
Popular Music Lab is a required course for all Popular Music majors. Meetings include information sessions, guest speakers, and the sharing of student work.
MUS 105 Survey of Music History I 3 Credits
A chronological survey of Western music from the Medieval through the Baroque periods stressing the origin and evolution of musical forms, musical styles, and the important composers before 1750. The relation between the music and the aesthetic movements of each period is studied.
MUS 106 Survey of Music History II 3 Credits
A chronological survey of Western music from the classical through the contemporary periods stressing the origin and evolution of musical forms, musical styles, and the important composers since 1750. The relation between the music and the aesthetic movements of each period is studied.
MUS 109S Basic Music Theory 3 Credits
This is a beginner’s course in music theory. It familiarizes the student with the basic elements (e.g., staff, clefs, time signatures, musical notation, intervals, triads and chords). This course is ideal for both the student wanting to know only the essential, or the student wanting to go on to develop their theoretical skills. For non-music majors, MUS 109S counts toward graduation and grades are awarded on an A-F basis. For music majors, MUS 109S does not count toward graduation, and grading is on a pass (“Y”) or fail (“Z”) basis.
MUS 110 Music Theory I 3 Credits
A practical introduction to the basic elements of music, beginning with the reading of music notation. Practice in scales and chords; ear-training in rhythm and pitch. Techniques may be applied to the student’s own instrument (e.g., guitar, piano, winds) if he or she plays one. Prerequisite(s): MUS 109S or placement.
Corequisite(s): MUS 110L.
MUS 110L Music Theory I Lab 1 Credits
Dictation, aural skills training, sight singing, and keyboard skills to accompany MUS 110 (Music Theory I). Prerequisite(s): MUS 109S or placement.
Corequisite(s): MUS 110.
MUS 111 Music Theory II 3 Credits
Continuation of MUS 110,leading to some original composition. Prerequisite(s): MUS 110 and MUS 110L.
Corequisite(s): MUS 111L.
MUS 111L Music Theory II Lab 1 Credits
Dictation, aural skills training, sight singing, and keyboard skills to accompany MUS 111 (Music Theory II). Prerequisite(s): MUS 110 and MUS 110L or placement.
Corequisite(s): MUS 111.
MUS 113 Popular Music Theory I 3 Credits
Popular Music Theory I covers basic elements of music, including the reading of music notation in traditional formats as well as in audio wave form and in the visualization of standard Digital Audio Workstations. Practice in scales and chords; ear-training in rhythm, pitch, and timbre. Techniques may be applied to the student’s own instrument (e.g., guitar, piano, voice)
Corequisite(s): MUS 113L.
MUS 113L Popular Music Theory Lab I 1 Credits
Taken in conjunction with Popular Music Theory I, the lab applies theoretical concepts in a performance context. Applied aural training and improvisation skills on primary and secondary instruments.
Corequisite(s): MUS 113.
MUS 114 Popular Music Theory II 3 Credits
A continuation of Popular Music Theory I, progressing to intermediate elements of music, including the reading of music notation in traditional formats as well as in audio wave form and in the visualization of standard Digital Audio Workstations. Practice in scales and chords, ear-training in rhythm, pitch, and timbre. Techniques may be applied to the student’s own instrument (e.g., guitar, piano, voice).
MUS 114L Popular Music Theory Lab II 1 Credits
Taken in conjunction with Popular Music Theory II, the lab applies theoretical concepts in a performance context. Applied aural training and improvisation skills on primary and secondary instruments.
MUS 116 Digital DJing 3 Credits
Digital DJing is a software-based course that develops musical mixing skills for the purpose of creating the kinds of DJ sets one may play on the radio or at live events. Includes repertory building across several popular and dance genres.
MUS 120 Music and Society 3 Credits
Introduction to the basic elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, etc.) and the appreciation of representative types of music from all historical periods.
MUS 127 Pop, Rock & Hip-Hop Ensemble 1 Credits
This is a dynamic group rehearsal, performance and discussion of contemporary popular music of any genre including but not limited to: the blues, soul, country, gospel, pop, prog. rock, reggae, disco, punk, grunge, new wave, dub, rap and hip hop.
MUS 128 Choir 1 Credits
Rehearsal and performance of multi-era Western and non-Western repertoire. Instruction in music fundamentals and vocal production. Pitch matching and part-singing abilities must be demonstrated in the first-week sectional hearing.
MUS 129 Contemporary Vocal Ensemble 1 Credits
The objective of the contemporary vocal ensemble course is to allow students to experience the aesthetics of popular music through the study, interpretation and performance of the music. Students will develop their ensemble skills, independent part singing, as they experience a wide range of popular music genres (jazz, pop, R&B, world, etc.) Students must pass an audition to participate in this course.
MUS 130 Music in Children's Lives 3 Credits
Students in this course will study how music interacts in the lives of children as they sing, listen, play instruments and move. Song repertoire and selections for listening and moving from the American, European and non-Western cultures will be introduced. Playing recorder as well as pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments will be demonstrated.
MUS 131 Beginning Piano I 2 Credits
Class approach to learning to play the piano. How to read music, basic piano technique, and appropriate piano pieces and songs are studied.
MUS 132 Beginning Piano II 2 Credits
Continuation of MUS 131. Emphasis on further development of technique and the ability to interpret piano music from a variety of styles.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 131 or equivalent.
MUS 133 Class Voice I 2 Credits
Class approach to learning pop vocals. How to read music, basic vocal production technique and appropriate vocal pieces and songs are studied, especially in popular genres.
MUS 134 Class Voice II 2 Credits
Continuation of class approach to learning pop vocals started in Class Voice I. Intermediate vocal technique for popular music
Prerequisite(s): MUS 133 or placement exam.
MUS 135 Class Guitar I 2 Credits
Class approach to learning to play the guitar. How to read tablature, basic guitar technique, and appropriate guitar pieces and songs are studied, especially in popular genres. Students must provide their own guitars; if electric, they should provide their own amps, too.
MUS 136 Class Guitar II 2 Credits
Continuation of class approach to learning to play the guitar started in Class Guitar I. Intermediate guitar technique for popular music. Students must provide their own guitars; if electric, they should provide their own amps, too.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 135 or placement exam.
MUS 168S Applied Voice Studio 0 Credits
MUS 178A Applied Flute 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit required lesson. Included in tuition – no extra charge.
MUS 178B Applied Flute 1 Credits
Half-hour, 1-credit required lesson. Included in tuition – no extra charge.
MUS 178C Applied Flute 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit elective lesson. Not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 178D Applied Flute 1 Credits
Half-hour, 1-credit elective lesson. Not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 178E Applied Flute 2 Credits
Part-time Students: One-hour, 2-credit required or elective lesson – fee charged per semester.
MUS 178F Applied Flute 1 Credits
Part-time students: Half-hour, 1-credit required or elective lesson – fee charged per semester.
MUS 178G Applied Flute 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit required/elective lesson. Half-hour is required and is included in tuition. The second half-hour is elective and is not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 188A Applied Percussion 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit required lesson. Included in tuition – no extra charge.
MUS 188B Applied Percussion 1 Credits
Half-hour, 1-credit required lesson. Included in tuition – no extra charge.
MUS 188C Applied Percussion 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit elective lesson. Not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 188D Applied Percussion 1 Credits
Half-hour, 1-credit elective lesson. Not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 188E Applied Percussion 2 Credits
Part-time students: One-hour, 2-credit required or elective lesson – fee charged per semester.
MUS 188F Applied Percussion 1 Credits
Part-time students: Half-hour, 1-credit required or elective lesson – fee charged per semester.
MUS 188G Applied Percussion 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit required/elective lesson. Half-hour is required and is included in tuition. The second half-hour is elective and is not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 198A Applied Guitar 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit required lesson. Included in tuition – no extra charge.
MUS 198B Applied Guitar 1 Credits
Half-hour, 1-credit required lesson. Included in tuition – no extra charge.
MUS 198C Applied Guitar 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit elective lesson. Not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 198D Applied Guitar 1 Credits
Half-hour, 1-credit elective lesson. Not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 198E Applied Guitar 2 Credits
Part-time students: One-hour, 2-credit required or elective lesson – fee charged per semester.
MUS 198F Applied Guitar 1 Credits
Part-time students: Half-hour, 1-credit required or elective lesson – fee charged per semester.
MUS 198G Applied Guitar 2 Credits
One-hour, 2-credit required/elective lesson. Half-hour is required and is included in tuition. The second half-hour is elective and is not included in tuition – fee charged per semester.
MUS 199 The Arts in Contemporary Civil 3 Credits
An integrated study of the arts and their place in contemporary American life. Includes attendance at several events in art, music, and drama.
MUS 201 Skills Ensemble I 1 Credits
A Contemporary Performance skills ensemble focusing on interactive musicianship, composition, ear training, transcription, and notation, for popular music studies majors. Students will develop proficiency in the following areas:
• Developing ensemble skills
• Preparing and rehearsing original compositions
• Recognizing scales, intervals and chords
• Harmonic, Melodic, and Rhythmic Transcription
• Recognizing basic structural elements in different musical genres: Pop(Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock)/Jazz/Classical as well as understand their basic vernacular
• Writing legible and clear musical scores (charts).
MUS 204 Jazz History 3 Credits
Survey from 19th C. roots to 21st C. styles. Development of listening skills and overview of musical skills used by jazz performers. Exploration of the relationship between jazz and poetry, race relations, and the reputation of jazz in popular culture.
MUS 205 History of Pop and Rock Part I 3 Credits
This course charts the history of popular music from its origins until the 1960s. Looking at performers, song-writers, bands and pop genres we will chart the dynamic evolution of popular music from its roots in the blues, early jazz, ragtime and military band marches to the music of Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. We look at the recording industry and the advent of he gramophone record and the important role of radio and television in expanding the reach of popular music directly into the home, creating a vibrant soundtrack for peoples lives.
MUS 206 History of Pop and Rock Part 2 3 Credits
Description: This course charts the history of popular music from the 1960s to todays. Looking at performers, song-writers, bands and pop genres we will chart the dynamic evolution of popular music through Acid Rock, Progressive (Prog) Rock, Hard Rock, Singer-Songwriters, Disco, Reggae, Funk, Punk, Heavy Metal, New Wave, Grunge, Electronica and Rap & Hip-Hop. We look at the development of analog and digital media and how new forms of delivery of product shapes the business model of the industry and beyond.
MUS 207 Masterworks in Music 3 Credits
Major works by great composers from different historical periods Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Wagner, among others are studied. Up to 10 compositions by six composers are covered, with an emphasis on listening to recorded and live performances of representative works.
MUS 208 Music of the Theater 3 Credits
A study of music drama both historical and contemporary covering European opera of the Baroque, classical and romantic periods, and the American musical theatre, especially the contemporary Broadway musical.
MUS 209 Great Composers 3 Credits
A study of selected major composers life, works, and historical significance with an emphasis on the listening experience. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, or others.
MUS 210 Music Theory III 3 Credits
Analysis of musical forms, including binary, rounded binary, ternary, and popular song. Identification of techniques that support musical form, including harmonic language, contrast/repetition, compositional process. Advanced sight singing and aural drills.
MUS 211 Music Theory for Music Theater 3 Credits
Analysis of music theater songs, scenes and scores. Various techniques, placement of examples into historical, musical, artistic, and literary perspective. Reading of full and piano/vocal scores, conducting, orchestration and harmonic language will be emphasized.
MUS 212 Cartoon and Anime Culture 3 Credits
This course investigates the music and culture of animated films and television shows, anime, animated shorts including cartoons, and related incidental music for documentary films.
MUS 213 Digital Composition of Popular Music 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to making music in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Students learn software techniques by composing in multiple genre styles.
MUS 214 Writing about Music 3 Credits
This course instructs students in the art of writing about music, from small-form criticism to large scale scholarship, focusing especially on the ability to translate what one hears into engaging prose.
Prerequisite(s): CMP 120 and 125, MUS 110, 110L, and MUS 213.
MUS 215 Music & Technology in a Mobile Society 3 Credits
This course compares the recent history of music technology to past innovations, focusing on the aesthetic implications and ideological influences of an increasingly mobilized musical milieu.
MUS 217 Black Music in America 3 Credits
This course covers the history of music made by and/or about African Americans, from minstrel shows to hip-hop and everything in between.
MUS 218 Postmodernism & Popular Culture 3 Credits
This course considers music in light of the ideological trends of postmodernism in order to better understand contemporary music in its cultural context.
MUS 220 Songwriting 3 Credits
The Songwriting course is an introduction to songwriting in popular music styles. Students will learn to compose music by themselves and collaboratively. This course will develop comprehensive musicianship and compositional techniques, as well as further software skill development.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 113.
MUS 221 Popular Music Arranging 3 Credits
Pop Music Arranging explores the fundamental arranging techniques for popular music styles. Students will learn to arrange popular music for the standard instrumentation found in a pop/rock ensemble (bass guitar, drumset, rhythm guitar, and keyboard) and other ensemble instrumentations, as well. This course will develop comprehensive musicianship and fundamental arranging techniques, as well as develop skills as they relate to composition software platforms.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 113.
MUS 225 Hip Hop and American Culture 3 Credits
Explores hip-hop culture via the music, dance, art, and poetry created in some of the poorest and most segregated neighborhoods in America. Students will examine the social conditions that fostered the creation of hip-hop and delve into a range of issues confronted in hip-hop music and culture.
MUS 231 Music Production Workshop 1 Credits
Music Production Workshop is a 1 credit course that will meet as a specialized workshop for a total of 12 hours. The students will meet with a qualified professional in the field. An ideal example of such would be meetings with a professional record engineer in a professional recording studio for intensive sessions in recording/editing. Permission of instructor required.
MUS 233 Intermediate Piano 3-12 Credits
Continuation of MUS 132 with further development of reading skills, piano techniques and interpretation. Each student studies a set of pieces selected together with the instructor tailored specifically to the students’ needs and interests.
MUS 300 Beethoven and the Romantic Age 3 Credits
A study of the Romantic period with particular emphasis on Beethoven. The classical heritage, the transformation of that heritage into romantic terms, the prominent influence of Beethoven on 19th century musical style.
MUS 301 Skills Ensemble II 1 Credits
The Contemporary Performance Skills Ensemble II is a course whose focus is interactive musicianship, composition, ear training, transcription, and notation, for popular music studies majors. This course will require a higher level of musical ability, aptitude, and technical development than the Skills I Ensemble course. Students will develop proficiency in the following areas:
• Developing ensemble skills
• Preparing and rehearsing original compositions
• Recognizing scales, intervals and chords
• Harmonic, Melodic, and Rhythmic Transcription
• Recognizing basic structural elements in different musical genres: Pop(Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock)/Jazz/Classical as well as understand their basic vernacular
• Writing legible and clear musical scores (charts)
• Improvisation.
MUS 303 Music Literature: Baroque Era 3 Credits
A survey of European musical styles from c. 1600 to 1750, approached by listening to the music of the period, including Bach, Handel, and many lesser known masters. Topics include the development of modern musical sound, instrumental forms, Lutheran and Catholic church music, and the beginnings of dramatic music.
MUS 304 Music of the Beatles 3 Credits
This course is a very in-depth analysis of the music and personalities of the Beatles. The student will gain in depth insight to the Beatles songs and albums as the course proceeds through the music chronologically. This will be contextualized historically and sociologically where required.
MUS 305 Words and Music 3 Credits
A study of words and music.
MUS 306 Contemp Music Experience 3 Credits
A survey of European and American musical styles of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Topics include postromantic music, neoclassicism, serialism, electronic music, and the current avant garde.
MUS 307 The Music of Radiohead 3 Credits
This course investigates the music, lyrics, art and marketing strategies of the British so called ”alternative” band, Radiohead, moving song by song through their demos, videos and albums.
MUS 308 World Music 3 Credits
To understand world music as a means of appreciating and respecting our common inheritance as humans. To better understand in what ways music is a ‘language’ and how this functions within ‘community’ including aspect of ritual, celebration, religion and spirituality. The student will be expected to be able to discern between various genres of world music understanding the wider cultural context including, but not limited to, popular music within that same culture.
MUS 309 Film Music 3 Credits
A study of music in feature film, documentary film, and television. A chronological survey of film music from silent to contemporary film, animated shorts, and television, with emphasis on listening to recorded performance of representative works.
MUS 310 The Film Music of Stanley Kubrick 3 Credits
This course is an in-depth study of the way in which music impacts society through the art of film. Focusing on the films of Stanley Kubrick (e.g. The Shining; 2001: A Space Odyssey; A Clockwork Orange; Full Metal Jacket; Eyes Wide Shut; Dr. Strangelove; Lolita) we will study a variety of strategies within which music integrates, counterpoints or ironically resists themes such as war, sex, politics, religion, gender etc. Also we will observe how music interacts with other aesthetics in film such as light, camera methods, 1. diegetic/source, 2. non-diegetic/underscore and 3. metadiegetic (i.e. 1. music in the film; 2. music only the audience can hear; 3. music that seems to be coming from the mind of a character in the film) method as part of the narrative itself. In this way we will investigate the way film both integrates aspects of society and also radiates messages, indeed challenges, to society, both as a mirror but also didactically—with the direct intent of creating change.
MUS 311 Unpacking Bruce Springsteen 3 Credits
This course will survey the music of Bruce Springsteen. It will 'unpack' Springsteen's musical development not only across his official career (i.e. from signing with Columbia for his first album 'Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey' in 1973 to the present) but also from his childhood through his youth in Freehold, NJ. By closely studying Springsteen's life, music and lyrics as well as the themes of each album the student will become an expert in understanding how The Boss was able to universalize the Jersey Shore as well as his personal concerns into vital musical messages of great value and import today. This will also involve looking at music as varied as The British Invasion (i.e. The Beatles, The Animals & the Rolling Stones et al); Motown; Country; Soul; Folk; Rock and the American Songbook.
MUS 312 The Arts Abroad 3 Credits
A two week trip abroad that includes a critical study of music and theater. Students are required to attend all performances, guided tours, and classes before and after the trip.
MUS 313 Digital Synthesis 3 Credits
This course continues with the software composition techniques begun in MUS 213. Students will create their own sounds through digital synthesis and incorporate those sounds into music composed in a variety of genre styles.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 213.
MUS 315 Black Music in America 3 Credits
This course covers the history of music made by and/or about African Americans, from minstrel shows to hip hop and everything in between.
MUS 316 Digital Mixing and Mastering 3 Credits
Digital Mixing and Mastering is a practical skills class focusing on post-production skills in software interfaces. Students will learn how to work with multiple editing softwares and plug-in tools to achieve balanced, lively, professional mixes.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 216.
MUS 319 Pop Music Arranging II 3 Credits
The Pop Music Arranging II course is the terminal course of a two-semester sequence whose goal is to explore the advanced arranging techniques for popular music styles. Students will learn to arrange popular music for the standard instrumentation found in a pop/rock ensemble (bass guitar, drumset, rhythm guitar, and keyboard). This course will develop comprehensive musicianship and advanced arranging techniques, as well as develop advanced skills as they relate to the utilization of the software platforms Logic Pro X and Finale notation.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 219.
MUS 320 Pop Songwriting II 3 Credits
The Pop Songwriting II course is a continuation of the songwriting course sequence whose goal is to explore advanced compositional techniques for popular music styles. Students will learn to compose music by themselves and collaboratively. This course will develop comprehensive musicianship and advanced compositional techniques, as well as develop advanced skills as they relate to the software platforms Logic Pro X and Finale notation.
Prerequisite(s): MUS 220.
MUS 490 Independent Research and Study 1-4 Credits
Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1 to 4 Credits. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to enrollment.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing; good academic standing.
MUS 491 Internship in Music 1-4 Credits
Provides junior or senior music majors with the opportunity to gain practical experience working within a professional music environment. Students must be sponsored by a music professor. For each academic credit, interns must work 48 hours for the semester, or approximately 3.7 hours each week.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.
MUS 493 Selected Topics in Music Perf 3 Credits
Intensive study of a particular topic in applied music for the intermediate to advanced student. Students are led to understand the historic and aesthetic elements in music through critical listening, performance, research, and class projects.
MUS 495 Selected Topics in Music 3 Credits
Studies specialized aspects of the literature, history, or theory of music, to supplement the established curriculum. Emphasis on creative investigative work and individual experiences in music.
MUS 498 Popular Music Culture Capstone 3 Credits
The capstone is an independent, student-led project resulting in a material product (recording/performance/event/presentation) that demonstrates a student's interests and skills in the area of popular music.
MUS 499 Senior Honors Program 3 Credits
A senior honors program may be submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for graduation with honors in fine arts. Honors work is limited to those departmental majors with a GPA of 3.5 in fine arts courses and cognates. The program, planned under the direction of a faculty advisor, represents a culmination of demonstrated excellence in a specific area of fine arts. Candidates for honors in fine arts must be approved by the department chairperson and the faculty.