The music program offers a variety of courses for college credit,
ranging from introductory courses in history and theory to vocal and
instrumental performance ensembles. Advanced courses examine various
contemporary topics from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. The performance
ensembles present a number of concerts each semester, both in Socorro and
in nearby communities.
100-Level Music Courses
The following courses may be used to fulfill the Humanities
requirement of the general degree requirements.
MUS 101, Survey of Music, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs
A survey of musical evolution from antiquity to the beginning of the
Romantic period. Use of representative works in manuscripts and recordings
to illustrate important stylistic/historical trends.
MUS 102, Survey of Music, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs
A survey of musical evolution from the early Romantic period to the
present. Use of representative works in manuscripts and recordings to
illustrate important stylistic/historical trends.
MUS 105, Fundamentals of Music, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs
An introduction to the basic materials of music: tones, rhythm,
notation, singing, and composition.
200-Level Music Courses
The following courses may be used to fulfill the Humanities
requirement of the general degree requirements.
MUS 201, Comprehensive Musicianship I, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs
A detailed study of notation, keys, scales, intervals,
chords, clefs, and transpositions. Practical application to keyboard,
instruments, and voice.
MUS 202, Comprehensive Musicianship II, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs
Prerequisite:
MUS 201 or its equivalent
Survey and application of the fundamentals of theory,
harmony, form, ear training, and composition of music. Techniques of
simple four-part harmony studied and practiced. The development of
skills with harmonic and melodic forms are applied toward creative
compositional efforts for keyboard and/or various ensembles.
300-Level Music Courses
The following courses may be used to fulfill the Humanities
requirement of the general degree requirements.
MUS 301, Music and Technology, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs, 1 lab hr
An exploratory survey of the impact of technology on music.
Mechanical development of acoustic instruments. Evolution of
computer-synthesized sound. Aesthetics and psychological perception of
western musics.
MUS 301L, Music and Technology Lab, 1 cr, 3 lab hrs
Hands-on experience with the electronic production and
recording of music in the electronic music studio.
MUS 311, Opera, 3 cr, 3 class hours, 3 lab hrs
Prerequisites:
MUS 101,
MUS 102,
MUS 105, or consent of instructor
A musical and socio-historical exploration of selected great
operatic works. A complete opera will be viewed weekly during the lab
sessions.
400-Level Music Courses
MUS 401, Interconnections of Music and Science, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs
Prerequisites:
MUS 101,
MUS 102,
MUS 105, or consent of instructor
A discussion of elements connecting music and science in theory and
practice. Readings will be selected from a variety of contemporary
musicological, scientific, and philosophical sources.
Performance Music Courses
The following performance ensembles may be taken for elective credit
only. Auditions for new members are required and willl be held the first
week of the semester. These courses may be repeated for credit as
determined by the instructor.
MUS 331-332, Chamber Choir, 2 cr, 3 cl hrs
MUS 333-334, Concert Chorus, 1 cr, 2 cl hrs
The Concert Chorus performs large-scale choral works independently and together with the Chamber Orchestra. Interested students without prior singing experience are encouraged to audition.
MUS 341-342, Jazz Ensemble, 1 cr, 2 cl hrs
MUS 351-352, Chamber Orchestra, 1 cr, 3 cl hrs
MUS 361-362, Chamber Music, 1 cr, 3 cl hrs
Prerequsite: consent of instructor