Course descriptions for Music Performing Arts

Introduces the student to music terminology and fundamental concepts in music theory. Course is highly recommended for students wishing to further their studies in music (Offered every semester.)

Fundamentals of music and notation. Major, minor scales, intervals, triads, and inversions, root-position 7th cords, and the beginning harmonic analysis. Emphasis on the development of the ear and exercises of pulse, rhythm, pitch, and coordination. Dictation and sight singing. Requires basic music skills as evidenced by having completed MPA 100 or equivalent. Students who have not taken the prerequisite coursework can take an assessment test to measure their basic musical skills, and, with a satisfactory grade on that test, have the requirement waived. (Offered fall semester.)

Triads and 7th chords and their inversions. Introduces modes, melodic and harmonic analysis, four-part harmony, and keyboard harmony. Sight singing, ear training, and dictation. Knowledge of musical notation and scales required. (Offered spring semester.)

Studies larger tonal forms, chromatic chord vocabulary, upper partial chords, and introduction to counterpoint and compositional techniques of the 20th Century. Continued exercises in composition. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Piano instruction includes techniques, repertoire and keyboard harmony. (Offered fall semester)

Fundamental-level studies on the playing of a musical instrument or voice. Requires an audition or tape of performance to determine placement. May be repeated. Non-vocal students provide own instruments. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Studies a particular topic in the music and performing arts major. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Individualizes student placement for field study as related to Music & Performing Arts. Offered as interest warrants.

Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)

A continuation of Keyboard I with instruction on techniques, repertoire, and keyboard harmony. (Offered spring semester.)

Studies the fundamentals in learning how to play the Guitar. Students will progress from basic note reading to learning the basic techniques of how to play the guitar. No prerequisite ability is necessary for this course. (Offered fall semester.)

Studies in the playing of the guitar, at the Intermediate level. Note: May be required to provide an audition or tape of performance. Prerequisite(s): ability to read and play guitar music and knowledge of fundamentals of music. (Offered spring semester.)

Students will progress from an intermediate to an advance level of guitar playing. Prerequisite(s): perform at an intermediate level on the guitar and knowledge of fundamentals of music. (Offered fall semester.)

Emphasizes the study, rehearsal, and performance of works from the Renaissance to the present, depending on student abilities, including music composed for the jazz guitar and transcriptions. Prerequisite(s): ability to read music and perform at an intermediate level on the guitar and knowledge of fundamentals of music. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Intermediate-level studies on the playing of a musical instrument or voice. Requires an audition or tape of performance to determine placement. May be repeated. Non-vocal students provide own instruments. (Offered every semester.)

A Music appreciation course chronicling the development of Western and World music--in its many forms and cross hybridizations--from the Medieval Era to the 21st Century. (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Inspires, motivates, and challenges students to expand their cultural world creatively through movement. Teaches the historical and cultural roots, traditions, and basic techniques and styles of different Mexican dances. (Offered fall semester.)

Offers students the skills and movement at the high-energy caliber of the jazz flavor. Incorporates the cultural perspective of movement and dance. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Continues the study of jazz dance techniques at an advanced level. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Explores the expressive nature of the human being through the study of visual art, music, dance, and theater. Examines myth and ritual through history as it relates to today. Students receive four weeks of study in each area. (Offered every semester.)

Introduction to Theatre Performance: Students will be involved in group theater exercises, individual and group rehearsals, research, and technical rehearsals in the creation of public theatrical performances.

A survey course of the development of American Musical Theatre from the early 20th Century to the Present. Course will examine the composers and their productions songs, stories/storylines and cultural/social/political references that impacted American musical theatre history. (Credit/ No Credit Available)

The course is called Active Storytelling, indicating how storytelling remains a vital part of our world in practically every aspect of human experience, including politics, business, law, science, mass media, communications, and the performing arts, to name a few. Through our use of vocal, physical, and expressive skills, Active Storytelling is an art that everyone can become familiar with and apply to whatever professional goals they choose.

A Theater appreciation course, summarizing the development of Western and World Theater as a mirror to the development of human society and culture from the ancient Greeks to the present.

The course will introduce students to an exploration of human intention, as revealed in behavior, to be accomplished through a study of the techniques of acting, the interpretation of conflict, and the analysis of character as a form of public dialogue in Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed. Initial exercises will focus on developing the individual studentÀs ability to use acting techniques as effective tools of social and political change.

Performance Skills for All Professions: Provided an overview and application of performance techniques and communication skills used in professions as diverse as business, law, politics, entertainment, communications, science, technology, health care, and many more. Through presentations to large audiences or communication to select groups, basic performance techniques assist the student in the development of personal communication skills that enhance a speaker's ability to develop rapport with and encourage participation from diverse audiences.

The course will introduce students to basic principles of stage voice and movement normally associated with the art of acting but also valuable in a number of professional situations where voice and movement enhance the range of a speakerÀs vocal and expressive skills. Initial exercises will focus on the individual studentsÀ creative process, then explore its application through the voice and body.

The purpose of the course is to teach students the basic tools and principles of playwriting with a particular emphasis on language, dramatic scenes and dialogue, setting, and the development of an analytical approach to solving script problems. By emphasizing the craft of scriptwriting for the stage, students will be encouraged to see the script as a plan for the creative project before anything is committed to production.

This course is designed to foster the Music and non-Music major's ability to observe and be able to objectively critique the Arts- in all its standard and contemporary presentations and forms. It is a course generally taken in conjunction with a specific subject Music course.

Studies a particular topic in the Music and Performing Arts academic program. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered as interest warrants.) (Credit/NoCredit Available)

Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Helps the student acquire and develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to fulfill major specific learning outcomes. Acquaints students with the theories, values, and models relevant to the Music and Performing Arts program. Provides insight into possible careers. Develops a community of learners to assist students in completing their Individual Learning Plans (ILP). Should be taken in the junior year. (Offered fall semester.)

Provides an overview of musical materials, concepts, and skills appropriate for teaching music in elementary school classrooms. Teaches music fundamentals with the applied development of basic skills on such instruments as guitar and piano. (Offered spring semester.)

Music and Computers: MIDI, Digital Audio and Sound Creation: This course combines elements of MIDI and digital audio. Waveform theory, sample rates, quantization, conversion, file formats, digital signal processing and other digital audio theory will be studied and applied through the recording of performances, sound design and scoring. Students will study the fundamentals of MIDI sound Production using virtual synthesizers, samplers, and sequencing by using Reason music production software. Students will be introduced to digital audio production using Pro Tools and music notation software using Sibelius. (Offered fall semester)

Course will study production techniques using both analogue and digital technologies. Students will study the recording, mixing and multi-tracking of live instruments and voice. Intermediate audio theory, signal flow, acoustics, digital and analogue signal processing, and analysis of compositions will be studied. Provides an introduction to the MTA 980 mixing console. Each student must play an instrument or sing. DIAGNOSTIC AUDITION REQUIRED. (Offered spring semester)

Analogue Mixing and Digital Editing: This course builds on the knowledge acquired in through MPA 306 and 307. Students will study advanced analogue mixing on the MTA 980. Analogue signal routing, inserts, auxiliary sends, equalization, sub-mixing and signal processing principles will be combined with advanced digital production and editing within Pro Tools. (Offered fall semester.)

Studies percussion rhythms from around the globe. Students learn hands-on, African, Afro Cuban, Latino, and Caribbean rhythms. Introduces the rhythms of India, Japan, and Pacific Islands through guest artists and lecturers. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Studies the performance, practice, and historical evolution of contemporary Gospel music in America via the performance medium. Must be repeated twice for credit. Off campus performances may be required. (Offered every semester.)

An in-dept exploration of composers, aesthetic considerations, and myriad developments of music in film, from the silent era to the present. Introduces feature films whose groundbreaking, innovative use of music plays a crucial role in qualifying them as examples of Richard Wagner's revolutionary concept of total artwork.(Offered fall semester.)

Using principles of theater and active storytelling, students will create a narrative idea for a musical performance before a live audience, based on principles of dramatic structure and using production elements such as stage setting, lighting, incidental sound, and visual effects. Through practical experimentation, students will create a music CD, however, the project can be stored on a DVD or video that can be fully realized in their capstone.

Advanced-level studies on the playing of a musical instrument or voice. Requires an audition or performance tape to determine placement. May be repeated. Non-vocal students provide own instruments. (Offered every semester.)

This course fosters the development of arts education programs in local communities. Students will employ a combination of community organizing skills and arts teaching strategies to facilitate arts education programs at specific sites. Students provide one-on-one or group tutoring and utilize a variety of learned skills to facilitate arts education. Students become self-reflective, culturally aware and responsive community participants through reciprocal service and learning projects.

Studies and performs vocal repertoire for small ensembles including solo song, oratorio, opera, and ensemble music. Emphasizes the development of effective performance skills culminating in public performance. Must be repeated twice for credit. Off-campus performances may be required. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Studies the basic techniques of tone production, breathing, and related skills in interpreting vocal music of various periods and styles. Suggested course sequence MPA 330 and MPA 332. Off-campus performances may be required. (Offered fall semester.)

Studies intermediate/advanced techniques of vocal production, expressive interpretation, and vocal repertoire from various music styles and periods. Off-campus performances may be required. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Studies the materials and methodology of electronic music as a contemporary art form. Draws a historical survey of the literature and applications of electronic music and related theoretical issues from the fields of physics, acoustics, psycho acoustics, and digital audio, including the MIDI communication protocol. (Offered fall semester.)

This survey course is designed to provide an overview of American popular music from 1900 to the present. The course focuses on a broad spectrum of popular music, including sacred and secular genres i.e. jazz, pop, gospel, rock, soul, folk, fun, Latin, classical, show tunes and Native American chants. Through lectures, listening sessions, and film screenings, course content emphasizes the social, economic, cultural, technological, political, and aesthetic development of American popular music.

An overview of jazz development from its roots in African music and American spirituals to the funeral bands of New Orleans - with an examination of the work and stylistic contributions of the great jazz originators - from King Oliver to Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. Emphasis on the social, cultural, and economic circumstances that influenced the art form called jazz. (Offered as interest warrants.)

A stylistic survey of music of the tonal era, 500-1750, with emphasis on aural and visual identifications of the principal musical styles of the standard western music repertoire. (Offered fall semester.)

A stylistic survey of music of the tonal era, 1750-1900, with emphasis on aural and visual identifications of the principal musical styles of the standard western music repertoire. (Offered spring semester.)

Surveys the solo vocal repertoire from the early Renaissance to the present, with special emphasis on extant repertoire of the Classical and Romantic eras. Required for voice concentration music majors. (Offered fall semester.)

Student bands and solo artists develop their sound, song writing, production skills, stage presence, and other assets required to be successful in the music business. Students are required to record and produce. Students provide own instruments. Music Majors Only. (Offered spring semester.)

Designed specifically for singers to address music reading problems specific to singers (text-note relationships, interval negotiation problems, etc.) Required for voice concentration music majors. (Offered fall semester.)

Addresses problems in score reading and increases large-score reading (orchestral, chamber, concert scores) skills for singers and other musicians. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Examines the technique and performance practice of jazz improvisation from 1927 to the present. Students gain a greater understanding of, sensitivity to, and greater skills in the practice of improvisation. Particular emphasis is placed on each student acquiring and developing critical listening skills. All students must have a basic proficiency on their chosen musical instrument and a basic knowledge of scales, key signatures, intervals, and chords. Vocalists are accepted. (Offered spring semester.)

Emphasizes the study, rehearsal, and preparation of professional level materials for performance for the large jazz ensemble. Includes classic pieces from historical jazz to contemporary developments in the jazz form. May include off-campus performances and performances at collegiate jazz festivals throughout California. May be repeated for credit. Students provide own instruments. (Offered spring semester.)

Introduces non-Western music and arts within global sociocultural context, with an emphasis on indigenous, folk, and classical music as art forms. All work is conducted online except for four class meetings that take place on the first Tuesday of each month. (Offered every semester.)

Introduces non-Western music and arts within global sociocultural context, with an emphasis on indigenous, folk, and classical music as art forms. All work is conducted online except for four class meetings that take place on the first Tuesday of each month. (Offered every semester.)

Explores the mechanics of music composition and arranging by examining component parts in detail including melody, rhythm, and harmony. Further exploration of this subject includes examination and critical analysis of various musical works past and present. Students are encouraged to develop these critical listening faculties in the search for compositional and arranged material that they will use in their individual compositions. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Further develops skills in composition, arranging, and orchestration. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Examines the evolution of theater from its ancient roots to the present in different cultures and societies throughout the world. Discusses selected dramatic theories and play examples. A key feature is the examination of how theater has reflected changes in world civilization over time.

A lecture/demonstration course featuring vital theatres whose work is engaged in living community interaction; work which serves as a galvanizing agent for social and political activism. Includes guest speakers, video and live presentations of theatrical work. Explores how to entertain, instruct, and catalyze change. Students research, create, and perform their own theatre as social action. (Offered spring semester.)

Provides fundamental concepts and techniques of performing. An essential foundation for anyone wanting to act on stage and for the camera. Involves acting exercises, scene work, monologues, theatre games, reading, text analysis, and processes for creating character and creating a role. Also essential for those needing to know how to work with actors, directors, and producers of theatre, film, television, and radio

For actors performing in professionally directed plays on the World Theatre stage or other campus venues, student productions, staged readings, and teledramatic projects. (Offered fall semester.)

Students are part of and participate in a fullscale musical production. Open auditions for all roles and technical crew. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Provides overview of technical and production support for live productions, capstones, staged readings, and projects produced by TAT/MPA. Provides experience in supporting, mounting, and crewing productions. Introduction to set design and construction, lighting design, props, makeup, sound design, crewing shows as stage hands, stage management, production assisting, production organization, and related technical support areas. (Offered fall semester.)

For experienced students of acting, performing in live theater, capstone projects, staged readings, and projects performed by TAT/MPA [Theater, Music, Dance].

Provides the technical and production support for live theatrical productions, capstone productions, staged readings, and projects performed by TAT/MPA. (Offered spring semester.)

Studies a particular topic in the music and performing arts major. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Individualizes student placement for field study as related to Music & Performing Arts. Offered as interest warrants.

Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Seeks to foster the development of arts education programs in the local communities. Students employ a combination of community organizing skills and arts teaching strategies to facilitate arts education programs at specific sites. Students provide one-on-one or group tutoring to sites and utilize a variety of learned skills to facilitate arts education in surrounding communities. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Emphasizes the study, rehearsal, and preparation of professional level materials for performance for the large jazz ensemble. Includes classic pieces from historical jazz to contemporary developments in the jazz form. May include off-campus performances and performances at collegiate jazz festivals throughout California. May be repeated for credit. Students provide own instruments. (Offered spring semester.)

Designed to introduce and have students become competent in basic ensemble conducting techniques. Required for voice concentration major. (Offered fall semester.)

Rehearsal and performance ensemble contributing music to campus and community events. Open to students, faculty, and staff. Directed by one faculty advisor and one student conductor/coordinator. Although auditions are not required for membership, members should have some experience in high school or college bands and read music. Students provide own instruments.(Offered fall semester.) (Formerly known as MPA 410, Instrumental Music, Pep Band.)

In-depth analysis of the blues, rhythm changes, bi-tonal and polytonal chords and free improvisation. Includes in-depth study and analysis of work from renowned jazz heritage composers to contemporary jazz. A strong emphasis is placed on solo construction and development. Students provide own instruments. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Students learn advanced mixing and mastering techniques while creating projects with experimental audio. In-depth study and application of effects processing, dynamics processing, analogue routing and mixing, and mastering are studied. During various critical listening assignments students will be required to write analysis and commentary. (Offered spring semester.)

Studies the fundamentals in the playing of a musical instrument such as guitar, piano, woodwinds, bass, brass, or percussion. Note: May be required to provide an audition or tape of performance. Students provide own instruments. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Continuation of advanced studies on the playing of a musical instrument or voice. Requires an audition or tape of performance to determine placement. May be repeated. Non-vocal students provide own instruments. (Offered every semester.)

Nuovo Plaisir is an advanced performance ensemble for singers. Students perform a varied repertoire of jazz and classical music. (Offered every semester.)

Music presentations or lecture demonstrations. These classes/workshops help students develop the means of achieving an original "voice."" Periodically

Provides advanced study of and practice in the actor's process and includes such elements as style, movement, advanced text work, and acting for the camera. (Offered spring semester.)

Practical aspects of stage direction, involving choice of material for production, budget management, script analysis, auditions, and casting. Practice in the evolution of a production concept from idea to performance: Early collaboration with a production team, building the rehearsal schedule, fundamentals of composition, movement, stage business, and characterization. (Offered fall semester.)

Students develop a live performance or presentation in the area of concentration, showing utilization of skills and competencies developed while at CSUMB. Must be taken for two semesters in sequence. Recording students must complete MPA 408, contemporary students must complete MPA 401. (Offered every semester.)

Studies a particular topic in music and performing arts. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered as interest warrants.)

The study of American musical theatre from the early 1900's to present. Scene performance required. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Students conduct directed research, observation, or experience in a specific area of music concentration. May be repeated for a total of six credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Studies a particular topic in music and performing arts. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Individualizes student placement for field study as related to Music & Performing Arts. Offered as interest warrants.

Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Designed to be team-taught by specialists such as a musician, an artist, and a dramatist with special focus on an interdisciplinary approach to extending arts across the curriculum. Students learn to use and develop theater, mime, roleplaying, dramatics, music, visual art, and movement as vehicles for the development of instruction. They integrate the arts as a natural base for instruction and develop public presentation skills that focus on diverse audiences. (Offered as interest warrants.)