Music Majors Advisement Alert: Because of the sequential nature of many of the Fine Arts courses, students must meet during their first semester at Georgia Perimeter College with a Fine Arts advisor on the Clarkston Campus to plan their course of study. Fine Arts majors need to start their major area course in their first semester in order to complete the two-year sequence.
 
The Music program of the college is designed to meet freshman and sophomore music requirements established by most schools for students wishing to make music a career. Students who complete the recommended transfer music curriculum will be prepared to enter as juniors and meet the lower-division requirements for music majors at most four-year institutions. In addition, the Music program strives to provide to all students of the college the opportunity to develop their musical knowledge and performance skills through a well-rounded program of course and performance ensemble offerings.
 
All courses listed below are open to any student who meets the prerequisites. In all sequential course offerings in the Music program, a student must make a grade of “C” or better in each course before registering for the next course in the sequence.
 
Note: Courses marked with * next to their title indicate the course is not required for the associate degree at the college, but this course will be required in order to transfer to most four-year institutions at the junior level.
 
Music Theory Placement Examination
Every student registering for MUSC 1611 for the first time who has not completed MUSC 1708 will be given the Music Theory Placement Examination to ensure that he or she begins in the course best suited to background and prior study. In addition, upon request by the student, the Music Theory Placement Examination may be given for the purpose of exempting specified music theory courses. Passing the examination allows the student to enroll in the next sequential course, but no credit is given for exempted courses.
 
Arrangement and Scheduling of Music Courses
Students who desire to become professional musicians and are accepted as music majors must begin their musical studies the first semester they enroll. Because the music curriculum must continue throughout an entire four-year college program, it is necessary that general education courses be met over the four-year period instead of during the first two years, as is the usual proce­dure. Students whose program of study is music are strongly urged to consult a music advisor prior to each semester of registration to ensure they register for the necessary courses to complete the asso­ciate’s degree program in two years.
 
Area of Concentration
The first two years of musical study are basically the same for all areas of concentration. Therefore, by fulfilling these course requirements and recommendations, students will be prepared to enter any area of specialization beginning the junior year. Students planning to work toward a Bache­lor of Music degree in applied music (performance) should contact the Fine Arts department chair for special advising and arrangement of a special entrance audition.
 
MUSC 1301 - Music Appreciation (3)
This course is designed for students who wish to deepen their enjoyment of music through better understanding. A study of the evolution of musical style as revealed in the major compositions of representative composers of each major period is offered. No prior knowledge of music is required. This course is not intended for music majors.

MUSC 1301H - Music Appreciation (Honors) (3)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program
This course is MUSC 1301 for Honors students.

MUSC 1303 - Understanding Jazz (3)
This course is designed for students who wish to broaden their knowledge of American Jazz music. It comprises a study of the evolution of Jazz music as revealed in the compositions and performances of representative musicians of the Jazz idiom. No prior knowledge of music or Jazz is required.

MUSC 1607 - Concert Attendance (0)
Students registering for any of the Music Theory courses must concurrently register for MUSC 1607 until four semesters of MUSC 1607 have been satisfactorily completed. To complete the course satisfactorily, the student must attend ten approved concerts during the semester in which the course is taken; of these, six must be events sponsored by the college's Fine Arts Department, except in the instances that will present a severe hardship, in which cases the department chair may approve suitable substitutes. Students may receive only one concert credit for a concert in which they are performing that semester.

MUSC 1611 - Music Theory I (2)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1708 or successful performance on the Music Theory Placement Examination
Co-requisites: MUSC 1621 and MUSC 1607
This is the first of a four-semester sequence of courses intended to introduce the student to the principles of music through visual analysis and parallel keyboard harmony skills. Topics covered include rudiments of notation, intervals, basic elements of meter and rhythm, major and minor scales and key signatures, diatonic triads and seventh chords in major and minor keys, with the introduction to principles of voice leading, harmonic progression, figured bass, and cadences, with the analysis of simple piano works and chorale examples.

MUSC 1612 - Music Theory II (2)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1611 with a “C” or better
Co-requisites: MUSC 1622 and MUSC 1607
This course is a continuation of MUSC 1611. Topics covered include non-chord tones, first and second inversion of triads, intermediate voice leading and harmonization using diatonic seventh chords and non-chord tones, with the introduction of basic formal (phrase and period structure) analysis of binary and ternary forms in simple piano works and chorale examples. Keyboard harmony skills parallel these topics.

MUSC 1621 - Ear Training I (1)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1708 or successful performance on Music Theory Placement Examination
Co-requisites: MUSC 1611
Through the use of CAI and programmed audio tapes, this course develops aural skills in sight singing (scale degree numbers-movable DO), dictation, and error detection. Topics covered include major and minor scales, major and minor triads, melodic and harmonic intervals, simple rhythmic patterns, single line melodic dictation, and dictation of root position major triads.

MUSC 1622 - Ear Training II (1)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1621 with a “C” or better
Co-requisites: MUSC 1612
This course is a continuation of MUSC 1621. Through the use of CAI and programmed audio tapes, it continues to develop aural skills in sight singing (scale degree numbers-movable DO), dictation, and error detection. Topics include all intervals (melodic and harmonic), advanced rhythmic patterns, single line and intermediate melodic dictation, dictation of root position major and minor triads and root position seventh chords, intermediate sight singing, and dictation of elementary harmonic progressions.

MUSC 1708 - Music Fundamentals (3)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental technical aspects of music. Topics covered include notation, intervals, scales, rhythm, and meter. Elementary ear training and basic keyboard harmony are also incorporated. This course is not intended for music majors, but may be taken in preparation for MUSC 1611 and MUSC 1621 by prospective majors needing preparatory strengthening in these areas and by non-majors starting applied music study.

MUSC 1741 - Survey of Music Literature (3)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1611
Co-requisites: MUSC 1607
A survey of the major genres and composers from 1400 to the present is offered with emphasis on style features, form, and terminology.

MUSC 1780 – Diction for Singers I (1)
This course is one of two courses which, through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet, serve to introduce the principles of diction for singers. All aspects are approached from the perceptive of the special problems encountered in singing in Italian and English.
 
MUSC 1782 – Diction for Singers II (1)
This course is one of two courses which, through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet, serve to introduce the principles of diction for singers. All aspects are approached from the perspective of the special problems encountered in singing in German and French.

MUSC 2613 - Music Theory III (2)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1612 with a “C” or better
Co-requisites: MUSC 2623 and MUSC 1607
This course is a continuation of MUSC 1612. Topics covered include secondary functions, modulation to closely related keys, advanced voice leading, analysis of Bach chorales, modes, borrowed chords, Neapolitan chords, augmented sixth chords, altered dominants, and ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords. The sonata-allegro form will be introduced and its analysis in early works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Additional form study includes the analysis of rondo, scherzo, minuet-trio, and simple song forms as well as the continuation of analysis of the Bach chorale style. Keyboard harmony skills parallel these topics.

MUSC 2614 - Music Theory IV (2)
Prerequisites: MUSC 2613 with a “C” or better
Co-requisites: MUSC 2624 and MUSC 1607
This course is a continuation of MUSC 2613. Topics covered include the harmonic elements of the late romantic, impressionistic, and contemporary periods. Analysis includes works from the romantic period by Brahms, Chopin, Schumann, and from the contemporary period by Cowell, Cage, Crumb, Schoenberg, Bartok, Messiaen, Hanson, and Hindemith, as well as brief views of their theoretical and compositional techniques. Projects include analysis of full symphonic score examples from the classical period and the completion of a composition using techniques of the contemporary period. Keyboard harmony skills parallel these topics.

MUSC 2623 - Ear Training III (1)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1622 with a “C” or better
Co-requisites: MUSC 2613
This course is a continuation of MUSC 1622. Through the use of CAI and programmed audio tapes, it continues to develop aural skills in sight singing (scale degree numbers-movable DO), dictation, and error detection. Topics include sight singing and dictation of examples with modulations and melodic skips, triads and seventh chords in first inversion, advanced rhythmic patterns including two against three, and error detection in melodic and harmonic examples.

MUSC 2624 - Ear Training IV (1)
Prerequisites: MUSC 2623 with a “C” or better
Co-requisites: MUSC 2614
This course is a continuation of MUSC 2623. Through the use of CAI and programmed audio tapes, it continues to develop aural skills in sight singing (scale degree numbers-movable DO), with the introduction of four-part dictation with writing only soprano and bass lines, four-part dictation (all voices), and advanced error detection in melodic and harmonic examples. Sight singing and dictation also include some contemporary technique elements such as whole tone scales, atonal melodies, and complex rhythms.

MUSC 2739 - Composition (2)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1621 with a “C” or better and permission of the department chair. Composition may be elected upon presentation of adequate skills and knowledge to warrant admission into this course. Although the bulk of the student's work is devoted to original compositions for all media, analysis and consequent imitative studies are required. Consult the department chair to determine whether MUSC 2739 or MUSA 2739 is appropriate.
 
Performance Organizations and Ensembles
All music performance organizations and ensembles are open to any student in the college subject to restrictions indicated in the course description. Satisfactory participation carries the number of hours of credit indicated for each semester; any of these courses may be repeated for a maximum of four semesters. Music majors will need four semesters of credit for performance organizations (with 1600 numbers) in order to transfer to a four-year institution at the junior level.
 
MUSC 1652 - Chorus (1)
The Chorus provides the opportunity for students to participate in the performance of choral literature in concert. Standard literature and contemporary compositions constitute the Chorus repertory. (It is open without audition to any student.)

MUSC 1654 - Wind Ensemble (1)
The Wind Ensemble is a select group of students from the college and non-student residents of the community. Regular concerts are held on- and off-campus including a wide variety of standard and contemporary works for the medium. Advance audition and evening rehearsals are required.
 
MUSC 1656 - Orchestra (1)
Any student in the college may audition for membership in the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra based at the college. Regular concerts including subscription concerts with internationally known guest soloist are held on campus and in a variety of locations throughout the metropolitan area and state. Regular evening rehearsals and occasional out-of-town concerts are required.

MUSC 1701A - Piano Class (1)
This course is designed for students who have had little or no prior individual instruction in piano. The class introduces the student to beginning piano technique in such areas as posture, hand position, fingering, rhythm, and note reading (bass and treble clef). The course also includes instruction in practicing and in how to start memorizing music for performance. Students are expected to play individually as well as with the group during class time and for the final exam. Any student who wishes to register for individual lessons in a subsequent term must pass this course with a B or better. Not intended for music majors. There is no additional music fee for this class.

MUSC 1701B - Voice Class (1)
This course is designed for students who have had little or no prior individual instruction in voice. The class introduces the student to beginning vocal technique in such areas as posture, breathing, exercises, correct vowel formation, diction, rhythm, and pitch. The course also includes instruction in practicing and preparing songs to perform. Students are expected to sing individually as well as with the group during class time and for the final exam. Any student who wishes to register for individual lessons in a subsequent term must pass this course with a B or better. Not intended for music majors. There is no additional music fee for this class.

MUSC 1752 - Concert Band (1)
The Concert Band exists to provide students, other than music majors, with the opportunity to participate in group performance of instrumental music. A wide variety of band literature is prepared and performed in a variety of settings. Membership does not require audition, but basic proficiency on an appropriate instrument is required, and a placement audition will be scheduled. Not active every semester.

MUSC 1754 - Jazz Lab Band (1)
The Jazz Lab Band functions as an instructional laboratory providing coaching in the stylistic elements of jazz including improvisation. No advance audition is required, but students are expected to possess basic proficiency on an appropriate instrument. Not offered every semester.

MUSC 1756 - Jazz Ensemble (1)
The ensemble is comprised of a group of students from the college and community residents, all selected through audition. Regular performances including the full range of jazz literature are held on- and off-campus. This course is not to be counted toward fulfillment of the Performance Organization requirement in area F for music majors. Evening rehearsals are required.

MUSC 1758 – Chamber Ensembles (1)
The Chamber Ensembles are designed for students who wish to participate in small-group performance of like and mixed instrumental and vocal ensembles. Students are admitted by audition or with the permission of the instructor. This course is not to be counted toward fulfillment of the Performance Organization requirement in area F for music majors. Not every ensemble is offered every semester.
 

 
 
Music, Applied (MUSA)
 
Individual Instruction Special Information

1.      See Applied Music Fees under Fees and Expenses in this Catalog for special fees related to individual instruction.

2.      A one-letter suffix is used with each of the applied music course numbers to indicate the performing medium being studied, as follows:

3.      A grade of “C” or better must be made in any individual applied music course before the student may advance to the next course. Advance permission from the instructor must be obtained to re-register for an applied music course in which a grade of less than “C” has been previously earned.

4.      Although any student at the college may register for applied music, in instances where enrollment must be limited, preference is given to students taking at least five credit hours in other music courses.

5.      Any student registering for any applied music course must pick up a copy of a special pamphlet on “Applied Music Procedures” and the “Student Schedule Form” from the Fine Arts office on the Clarkston Campus for further information.

 
Individual Practice and Practice Rooms
All students enrolled in applied music courses must practice a prescribed amount of time daily. Basic practice time should be a minimum of one hour per day per credit hour enrolled. Some practice rooms are available on the Clarkston Campus Monday-Friday during normal class hours for the use of students enrolled in Applied Music courses.
 
Applied Music Audition
Students planning to enroll in Principal Applied MUSA 1637 or Major Applied MUSA 1641 are required to audition on their principal instrument before the Music faculty. Students are expected to come prepared to play representative works from their repertoire. Auditions are usually held each semester on the first Friday of the first week of class and at the end of the term during the applied music juries. See the Fine Arts department chair for complete audition information. Transfer students should see the Fine Arts department chair for applied music placement information.
 
Applied Music Examinations and Recital Performances
Students enrolled in principal- or major-level applied music will perform excerpts from their repertoire before a faculty jury at the end of each semester. A grade of “C” or better must be earned on this examination for the student to receive a course grade of “C” or better. Prior to completion of MUSA 1638 and MUSA 2638, the student must have performed as a soloist at least once in a general student recital.
 
MUSA 1637 - Principal Applied I (2)
Prerequisites: Audition
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. This course is intended for music majors in their principal performing area. Audition is required. The course meets once a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 1638 - Principal Applied II (2)
Prerequisites: MUSA 1637 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. This course is intended for music majors in their principal performing area. Audition is required. The course meets once a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 1641 - Major Applied I (4)
Prerequisites: Audition
Intensive study in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. The course is intended for students planning to work toward a degree in applied music. Frequent participation in student recitals, accompanying, and the performance of at least one full public recital during the year are required. The course meets twice a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A special audition by the music faculty is required, and all examinations must be open to the entire music faculty.
 
MUSA 1642 - Major Applied II (4)
Prerequisites: MUSA 1641 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Intensive study in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. The course is intended for students planning to work toward a degree in applied music. Frequent participation in student recitals, accompanying, and the performance of at least one full public recital during the year are required. The course meets twice a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A special audition by the music faculty is required, and all examinations must be open to the entire music faculty.
 
MUSA 1702 - Non-Major Applied (1)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1701A or MUSC 1701B (for Piano and Voice students only), or audition, or permission of the department chair
Individual instruction is offered in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and appropriate literature. This course is not intended for music majors. It meets once a week for 25 minutes during the semester. It may be repeated for four semesters.
 
MUSA 1705 - Non-Major Applied (2)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1701A or MUSC 1701B (for Piano and Voice students only), or audition, or permission of the department chair
Individual instruction is offered in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and appropriate literature. This course is not intended for music majors. It meets once a week for 50 minutes during the semester. It may be repeated for four semesters.
 
MUSA 1734 - Secondary Applied I (1)
Prerequisites: Admission as a music major
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and appropriate literature is provided. This course is intended for secondary-level instruction for music majors. The course meets once a week for 25 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 1735 - Secondary Applied II (1)
Prerequisites: MUSA 1734 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and
appropriate literature is provided. This is intended for secondary-level instruction for music
majors. The course meets once a week for 25 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 2637 - Principal Applied III (2)
Prerequisites: MUSA 1638 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. This course is intended for music majors in their principal performing area. Audition is required. The course meets once a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 2638 - Principal Applied IV (2)
Prerequisites: MUSA 2637 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. This course is intended for music majors in their principal performing area. Audition is required. The course meets once a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 2641 - Major Applied III (4)
Prerequisites: MUSA 1642 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Intensive study in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. The course is intended for students planning to work toward a degree in applied music. Frequent participation in student recitals, accompanying, and the performance of at least one full public recital during the year are required. The course meets twice a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A special audition by the music faculty is required, and all examinations must be open to the entire music faculty.
 
MUSA 2642 - Major Applied IV (4)
Prerequisites: MUSA 2641 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Intensive study in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. The course is intended for students planning to work toward a degree in applied music. Frequent participation in student recitals, accompanying, and the performance of at least one full public recital during the year are required. The course meets twice a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A special audition by the music faculty is required, and all examinations must be open to the entire music faculty.
 
MUSA 2644 - Principal Applied V (2)
Prerequisites: MUSA 2638 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. This course is intended for music majors in their principal performing area. Audition is required. The course meets once a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 2645 - Principal Applied VI (2)
Prerequisites: MUSA 2644 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. This course is intended for music majors in their principal performing area. Audition is required. The course meets once a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 2647 - Major Applied V (4)
Prerequisites: MUSA 2642 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Intensive study in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. The course is intended for students planning to work toward a degree in applied music. Frequent participation in student recitals, accompanying, and the performance of at least one full public recital during the year are required. The course meets twice a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A special audition by the music faculty is required, and all examinations must be open to the entire music faculty.
 
MUSA 2648 - Major Applied VI (4)
Prerequisites: MUSA 2647 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Intensive study in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and standard literature is provided. The course is intended for students planning to work toward a degree in applied music. Frequent participation in student recitals, accompanying, and the performance of at least one full public recital during the year are required. The course meets twice a week for 50 minutes during the semester. A special audition by the music faculty is required, and all examinations must be open to the entire music faculty.
 
MUSA 2734 - Secondary Applied III (1)
Prerequisites: MUSA 1735 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and appropriate literature is provided. This course is intended for secondary-level instruction for music majors. The course meets once a week for 25 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 2735 - Secondary Applied IV (1)
Prerequisites: MUSA 2734 with a “C” or better and jury recommendation
Individual instruction in the fundamentals of musical performance through technical studies and appropriate literature is provided. This course is intended for secondary-level instruction for music majors. The course meets once a week for 25 minutes during the semester. A jury examination is given at the end of each semester.
 
MUSA 2739 - Composition (2)
Prerequisites: MUSC 1621 and permission of the department chair
Composition may be elected upon presentation of adequate skills and knowledge to warrant admission into this course. Although the bulk of the student's work is devoted to original compositions for all media, analysis and consequent imitative studies are required. Consult the department chair to determine whether MUSC 2739 or MUSA 2739 is appropriate.