Course Descriptions
The following is a complete listing of courses offered at MCC. You can also visit our Programs of Study page for a list of course requirements necessary to complete your degree.
Click on the blue arrow to expand the list of courses for each area.
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3 Credits Interest, taste and discrimination in music and its relationship to other art forms; survey of style periods of Western Music; Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century; survey of musical forms, instruments of the orchestra, and music in national cultures; biographical sketches of composers; listening to records essential. Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-H - Humanities (SHUM) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) |  | |||
1 Credit Performance of a wide variety of choral music. Musical selections range from traditional to contemporary and include such diverse styles as madrigals, songs, chorales, folk music, jazz and rock. (May be repeated 4 times for a total of 4 credits). New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
4 Credits Instruction in music theory, ear-training, and sight-singing based on the techniques of the Common Practice Period. Activities include: sight-singing of diatonic melodies, melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation, study of intervals, scales, triads, the dominant seventh chord and non-harmonic tones in analysis, and the connection of triads in four-voice writing. Computer software is incorporated to reinforce music theory concepts and for ear training practice. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
4 Credits This course is a continuation of the ear training, sight singing and written materials of MUS 109 in greater depth and detail. Instruction is based on the techniques of the Common Practice Period. Principles of harmonic progression, diatonic common chord modulation, non-harmonic tones, the Classic Period, developmental techniques and small homophonic forms. Computer software is incorporated to reinforce music theory concepts, for ear training practice, and to typeset homework assignments. Prerequisite: MUS 109 or permission of the instructor. | | |||
MUS 114 - Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble 1 Credit Performance of the genre of contemporary a cappella music. Musical selections will range from a variety of contemporary popular genres such as Rhythm and Blues, Rock, Alternative, Soul, Fusion, and Hip Hop. (May be repeated 4 times for a total of 4 credits.). Audition or permission of instructor required. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
3 Credits A survey of musicals, revues, and Broadway shows represents the growth and development of American musical theatre as an art form and its influence on American society. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Humanities Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-H - Humanities (SHUM) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
MUS 119 - Music in World Cultures 3 Credits A diverse overview of classical, popular, and folk music traditions comprising various world cultures. The objectives of the course are to closely examine how we define what music is and what social and cultural roles it serves in our lives. Students will listen to music from other cultures and analyze how the music reflects differences in the way that another society defines music and its role in their lives. Through well-reasoned arguments, students will compare and contrast both cultures and their music, examining cultural bias as it relates to their own music and culture. The course will also explore the role of music as ritual, mode of communication, work accompaniment and artistic expression. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Critical Thinking and Reasoning Competency, SUNY - World History and Global Awareness Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-OWC - Other World Civilizations (SOW2) MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD) | | |||
MUS 120 - Jazz in American Society 3 Credits A survey course in the evolution of jazz in America. Historical significances are identified and traced from rhythmic work songs and spirituals of the late 1800s through avant-garde jazz of the 1970s. Specific concentration as to personalities and musical styles occurs for the major eras and trends in jazz; e.g., Ragtime, Dixieland, Swing, Bebop, Progressive, Modern, Third Stream, Rock, Jazz. Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-H - Humanities (SHUM) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
3 Credits Group instruction in fundamental piano technique designed for the beginner. Pupils learn to read music, improvise chordal accompaniments, and develop technical proficiency through performance of elementary piano music. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
3 Credits An introductory course in the fundamentals of guitar playing, designed for the beginning student. A dual approach to the instrument will be taught: 1) as an accompaniment for singing; the student will learn chords, progressions, strums, and finger-picking; 2) as a solo instrument; the student will learn the fundamentals of reading music, as applied to the guitar; e.g. staff-notation, meters, rhythms, scales, positions with emphasis on developing dexterity. Students must provide their own guitars. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
MUS 126 - Applied Piano Minor I 1 Credit A practical course in piano skills (scales, arpeggios, improvisation and accompanying) designed for students currently studying a major applied instrument or major vocal applied. Students should possess skills in music theory and be able to read music. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. | | |||
MUS 127 - Applied Piano Minor II 1 Credit A continuation of MUS 126 for students currently studying voice or an instrument. Prerequisite: MUS 126 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. | | |||
MUS 129 - MIDI Recording Techniques 3 Credits An introductory course in computer-assisted music production. Students will learn the fundamentals of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) as they pertain to MCC's own MIDI studio. Using a weighted piano keyboard controller connected via USB to an Apple computer running Digital Performer software, students will produce high quality music audio files. Prerequisite: Basic keyboard proficiency or permission of instructor. MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL) | | |||
3 Credits Designed to give the students practical experience in recording live music using digital multi-track recorders. The students will understand the use of microphones, mixers, multi-effects units and MIDI (Musical Instruments Digitally Interfaced) applications. Students will be given an overview of how past, present and future technological changes in the music industry impact recording techniques. MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL) | | |||
1 Credit Rehearsal and performance of jazz, Latin, and pop instrumental, music for big band (piano, bass, drums, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and guitar). Rehearsals include study of playing with good time, intonation, jazz inflections, articulations, and correct interpretation of classic jazz literature to modern styles. Concert performances include major concerts twice each semester in MCC's Theatre, and there is the potential for additional on-campus or off-campus performances. (This course may be repeated 4 times for a total of 4 credits.) Prerequisite: Prior experience in a jazz band or permission of instructor. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
1 Credit A select group of singers rehearsing and performing vocal music from the Medieval and Renaissance time periods. Emphasis will be on developing musicianship and ensemble singing with the goal of understanding these musical styles and experiencing the joy of public performance. May be repeated 4 times for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
3 Credits A select group of actor/singers and musicians whose main goal is to rehearse and perform a Broadway musical production. Students will learn the vocal and dance portion of performing in a full scale musical production. Students will experience costumed and staged live performances. May be repeated 4 times for a total of 12 credits. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor. | | |||
1 Credit Rehearsal and performance of traditional jazz standards, Latin, avant-garde and pop instrumental, music for small combo (piano, bass, drums, guitar, and some horns such as saxophone and trumpet). Rehearsals include study of playing compositions with an emphasis on improvising in a small group format. Correct interpretation of classic jazz literature to modern styles is studied in this context of a small combo. Concert performances include major concerts twice each semester in MCC's Theatre, Atrium, or Student Center and there is the potential for additional on-campus or off-campus performances. (This course may be repeated 4 times for a total of 4 credits.) Prerequisite: Prior experience improvising in a jazz band or permission of instructor; corequisite: MUS 143/MUS 144 is highly recommended New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
MUS 146 - Vocal Jazz/Show Choir 1 Credit A select group of singers and instrumentalists rehearsing and performing vocal music from the jazz and show choir repertoire. Emphasis will be on developing musicianship and ensemble singing with the goal of understanding these musical styles and experiencing the joy of public performance. May be repeated 4 times for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
MUS 150 - History of Rock 'n Roll 3 Credits A survey course that traces the roots of rock 'n roll from its origins in blues and rock 'a billy through to present day styles. In addition to the musical styles, the course will also look at the cultural, economic and social influences that shaped this American musical phenomenon. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH) | | |||
MUS 151 - Music Performance and Lessons 2 Credits Provides students with an opportunity to develop their music abilities through solo or ensemble performances before college audiences, through individualized private study of instrumental or vocal music under the supervision of qualified teachers. A recital is performed during the semester in class and a jury (musical exam) is performed for the music faculty during exam week. A minimum of twelve (12) one-hour lessons is required. Cost of lessons is not included in MCC tuition. Technology of recording is studied including selection and placement of microphones, mixing of tracks to a digital computer program, and conversion to MP3s to create an audio portfolio. (May be repeated 4 times for a total of 8 credits.). Prerequisite: Music Department audition. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART) MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL) | | |||
1 Credit This course reinforces Music Theory concepts and develops skills in sight singing as well as melodic and rhythmic dictation. | | |||
1 Credit This course is a continuation of Aural Skills I. It reinforces Music Theory concepts and develops skills in sight singing as well as melodic and rhythmic dictation. Prerequisite: MUS 159 or permission of instructor; corequisite: MUS 110 or permission of instructor | | |||
MUS 177 - Diverse Music and Social Justice 3 Credits Cultures are constantly evolving due to their relationships with a diverse population. This course provides an overview of the impact of music, from popular genres such as the blues, to cultural examples such as the Cuban song "Patria Y Vida," on the individual's perception of global and social events, both implicitly and explicitly.In analyzing music of social justice movements, which will or may include Critical Race Theory, students evaluate strategies to address global inequalities including class, gender, and global racism. Students also assess their individual ideology in terms of their connection with diverse cultures. New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice | | |||
3 Credits Music from antiquity through 1750, covering Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque style periods; essential score reading and listening to records outside of class. Prerequisites: Completion of a music theory course or music appreciation, and elementary skill in music reading or permission of the instructor. Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-WC - Western Civilization (SWCV) MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD) | | |||
3 Credits Music from 1750 through the present covering Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century style periods; essential score reading and listening to records outside of class. Prerequisite: MUS 201 or permission of the instructor. | | |||
4 Credits A study of diatonic seventh chords, borrowed chords, secondary dominants, augmented sixth chords, chromatic and in harmonic modulation and musical forms of the Classic and Romantic Periods, sight-singing and harmonic and melodic dictation related to chromatic harmony, early 20th century techniques. Computer software is incorporated to reinforce music theory concepts, for ear training practice, and to typeset homework assignments. Prerequisite: MUS 110 or permission of the instructor. | | |||
4 Credits Studies of 20th century techniques, with student compositions performed and evaluated in class. Computer software is incorporated to reinforce music theory concepts, for ear training practice, and to typeset homework assignments. Prerequisite: MUS 209 or permission of the instructor. | | |||
MUS 226 - Applied Piano Minor III 1 Credit A course designed to increase essential keyboard skills and score reading; improve technique through the study and performance of collegiate level intermediate difficulty piano studies; and provide instruction in proper methods of accompanying, melodic and harmonic improvisation, and transposition. Prerequisite: MUS 127 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. | | |||
MUS 227 - Applied Piano Minor IV 1 Credit A continuation of practical keyboard studies at the advanced intermediate (collegiate) level of study. Continued development of keyboard skills including SATB vocal score reading, harmonization, improvisation, transposition, and modulation. Instrumental score reading and instrumental accompaniment. Prerequisite: MUS 226 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. | | |||
3 Credits This course will introduce the student to the different facets of the music business. The course will aim to increase the participant's knowledge of the inner workings of the business, as well as how they relate to one another. Areas of concentration are music publishing, income sources, recording studios, copyrights, recording companies, and other related avenues. Whether the student wants a career in teaching or performing, this course will give an overview of some of the things to expect. MCC General Education: MCC-VE - Values and Ethics (MVE) | | |||
1 Credit This course is a continuation of Aural Skills II. It reinforces Music Theory concepts and develops skills in sight singing as well as melodic and rhythmic dictation. Prerequisite: MUS 160 or permission of instructor; corequisite: MUS 209 or permission of instructor | | |||
1 Credit This course is a continuation of Aural Skills III. It reinforces Music Theory concepts and develops skills in sight singing as well as melodic and rhythmic dictation. Prerequisite: MUS 259 or permission of instructor; corequisite: MUS 210 or permission of instructor | | |||
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