Music Department

MUSC 122 - Music Theory I  (3 Credit Hours)

The first is in a four-semester sequence of courses in which music majors must enroll each term of the freshman and sophomore years. The courses include introductory through advanced materials in diatonic and chromatic harmony, introduction to form and analysis, and 20th-century compositional methods. For music majors and minors, concurrent enrollment in MUSC 137 and MUSC 141 is required.

MUSC 123 - Music Theory II (3 Credit Hours)

The second is in a four-semester sequence of courses in which music majors must enroll each term of the freshman and sophomore years. The courses include introductory through advanced materials in diatonic and chromatic harmony, introduction to form and analysis, and 20th-century compositional methods. Basic keyboard skills are included and support the sequential development of functional knowledge of the keyboard and playing skills sufficient to handle practical situations, including harmonization, transposition, sight-reading, improvisation, accompanying, ensemble playing, and keyboard literature appropriate to the level of the course. For music majors and minors, concurrent enrollment in MUSC 138 and MUSC 142 is required. Prerequisite: MUSC 122 with a grade of C or better.

MUSC 132 - Diction I (2 Credit Hours)

A fundamental course designed to give singers, vocal coaches, and choral conductors the skills needed to sing in English, Latin and Italian languages with ease, accuracy, and expression. The International Phonetic Alphabet will serve as a basic tool for pronunciation study. This course will also give the students a rudimentary understanding of English, Latin and Italian languages to translate and thus interpret vocal literature. The course's activities will include preparing and presenting spoken and sung excerpts from English, Latin, and 200 Italian recitative, song, and operatic repertoire from all historical style periods. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

MUSC 133- Diction II (2 Credit Hours)

A fundamental course designed to give singers, vocal coaches, and choral conductors the skills needed to sing in French and German languages with ease, accuracy, and expression. The International Phonetic Alphabet will serve as a basic tool for pronunciation study. This course will also give the students a rudimentary understanding of French and German languages to translate and thus interpret vocal literature. The course's activities will include preparing and presenting spoken and sung excerpts from French and German recitative, song, and operatic repertoire from all historical style periods.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of MUSC 132.

MUSC 137 - Aural Skills I (1 Credit Hour)

Examine the theoretical knowledge and skills needed for success in music performance, education, or composition, Diatonic Sight-singing, dictation, computer-assisted instruction in major and minor keys, and simple meters.

MUSC 138 - Aural Skills II (1 Credit Hour)

Continuation of MUSC 137. Develop sight singing and dictation skills necessary for the performance and teaching of tonal music. Focuses on rhythmic performance and drills intervals, scales, triads, and simple melodies. Prerequisite: MUSC-137 with a grade of C or better.

MUSC 141 - Class Piano I  (1 Credit Hour)

Group approach to teaching the fundamentals of piano playing. For students with little or no previous piano study. Sight-reading, harmonization, transposition, improvisation, technical studies, solo repertoire, and ensemble literature.

MUSC 142 - Class Piano II (1 Credit Hour)

Continuation of MUSC 141. Emphasis on developing technique, functional use of chords, and study of piano literature in a wider range of different styles and periods. Prerequisite: MUSC 141 or equivalent.

MUSC 201 - Aural Skills III (1 Credit Hour)

Continuation of MUSC 138. Develop sight singing and dictation skills necessary for the performance and teaching of tonal music. Focuses on rhythmic performance and drills intervals, scales, triads, and simple melodies. Introduces Chromaticism, Syncopation, Secondary Function Chords, and Modulation. Prerequisite: MUSC- 138 with a grade of C or better.

MUSC 202 - Aural Skills IV (1 Credit Hour)

Continuation of MUSC 201. Develop sight singing and dictation skills necessary for the performance and teaching of tonal music. Focuses on rhythmic performance and drills intervals, scales, triads, and simple melodies. Introduces Neapolitan, Augmented Chords, Asymmetrical Meters, Medieval Modes, and Twentieth Century Melodies. Prerequisite: MUSC-201 grade of C or better.

MUSC 207 - Introduction to Music History and Literature (3 Credit Hours)

The historical development of Western music, including various musical styles and periods, and the contributions of key composers, conductors, and performers in shaping the Western musical tradition. Emphasizes concepts, structure, musical idioms, and aesthetics. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

MUSC 222 - Music Theory III (3 Credit Hours)

The third is in a four-semester sequence of courses in which music majors must enroll each term of the freshman and sophomore years. The courses include introductory through advanced materials in diatonic and chromatic harmony, introduction to form and analysis, and 20th-century compositional methods. For music majors and minors, concurrent enrollment in MUSC 201 and MUSC 241 is required. Prerequisite: MUSC 123 with a grade of C or better.

MUSC 223 - Music Theory IV  (3 Credit Hours)

The fourth is in a four-semester sequence of courses in which music majors must enroll each term of the freshman and sophomore years. The course includes introductory through advanced materials in diatonic and chromatic harmony, form and analysis, and 20th-century compositional methods. For music majors and minors, concurrent enrollment in MUSC 202 and MUSC 242 is required. Prerequisite: MUSC 222 with a grade of C or better.

MUSC 241 - Class Piano III  (1 Credit Hour)

The third level in a sequence of four courses designed to build a solid foundation of keyboard study. Group approach to teaching the fundamentals of piano playing. Sight-reading, harmonization, transposition, improvisation, technical studies, solo repertoire, and ensemble literature. Prerequisite: MUSC 142 or equivalent.

MUSC 242 - Class Piano IV (1 Credit Hour)

Continuation of MUSC 241. Emphasis on developing technique, functional use of chords, and study of piano literature in a wider range of different styles and periods. Prerequisite: MUSC 240 or equivalent. MUSC-245 

MUSC 290 - Introduction to Conducting (2 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to introduce basic conducting skills with an emphasis on the art and study of conducting. Emphasis is placed on the baton technique, left-hand technique, non-verbal communication, leadership, conducting terminology, transpositions, and score reading. Students will practice with choral and instrumental recordings and/or live groups. Prerequisite: A "C" or better in MUSC 122, MUSC 123, MUSC127, and MUSC 138.

MUSC 299 - AFA Portfolio (1 Credit Hour)

This course is the culmination of two years of an Associate in Fine Arts degree. Students will create a portfolio using a current form of media technology. This course will include a half-recital or project of similar scope, as appropriate to the student's focus and as approved by the instructor. Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor.

MUSC 103 - Orchestra (1 Credit Hour)

This course includes the study of and participation in orchestral techniques and performances. It may be repeated three times for a maximum of four semester hours applicable toward a degree. 

MUSC 105 - Concert Band (1 Credit Hour)

This course includes the study of and participation in band techniques and performances. Out-of-class performances may be scheduled at the instructor's discretion and are an integral part of the course. Students are required to audition for the instructor. It may be repeated three times for a maximum of four semester hours applicable toward a degree. 

MUSC 113 - String Ensemble (1 Credit Hour)

This course is organized to offer further study in specialized types of string music. Students are required to audition for the instructor. It may be repeated three times for a maximum of four semester hours applicable toward a degree. 

MUSC 117 - Stage Band (1 Credit Hour)

This course includes the study of and participation in jazz ensemble techniques and performances. Students are required to audition for the instructor. Out-of-class performances may be scheduled at the instructor's discretion and are an integral part of the course. It may be repeated three times for a maximum of four semester hours applicable toward a degree.

MUSC 118 - Jazz Ensemble (1 Credit Hour)

The jazz ensemble offers students opportunities to study and perform jazz. The ensemble utilizes traditional small ensemble instrumentation and configuration. A primary goal of the course is to provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of the skills required to teach and perform music in various jazz styles and idioms. 

MUSC 119 - Instrumental Ensemble (1 Credit Hour)

Organized to offer further study in specialized types of instrumental music. Students are required to audition for the instructor. It may be repeated three times for a maximum of four semester hours applicable toward a degree. 

MUSC 121 - Pep Band  (1 Credit Hour)

The ensemble utilizes traditional and non-traditional pep-band instrumentation to attain the highest possible performance standard through different styles of music. Members are an important part of the community in regard to public performances at athletic competitions and on-campus events. Students may enroll for one semester hour at a time for a maximum of four credit hours. This course also provides group practice to complement individual music instruction and music theory courses. 

MUSC 131 - Percussion Ensemble (1 Credit Hour)

Weekly rehearsals will be utilized to teach percussion techniques and chamber percussion performance skills. The literature will cover standard works, avant-garde, commercial/jazz, transcriptions, and arrangements. Membership and exact instrumentation will vary according to the specifications of each work studied and/or performed. It may be repeated three times for a maximum of four semester hours applicable toward a degree.

MUSC 161 - Drumline (1 Credit Hour)

This course is a survey of marching percussion and will primarily focus on rudimental drumming.  Areas that will be addressed include technique, listening, rehearsal etiquette, writing, and arranging.  The class is open to any student who demonstrates basic music reading skills. Students will perform on campus and throughout the district as determined by the instructor.  Prerequisite: Audition with Instructor

MUSC 100 - Concert Choir (1 Credit Hour)

Develops artistic choral singing through the performance of a wide range of choral literature, including folk songs, spirituals, and popular materials, as well as the works of the great masters from the Renaissance to contemporary classics. Audition or consent of instructor required. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. Participation in routine practice sessions is necessary. It may be repeated for a maximum of 4-semester hour credit.

MUSC 104 - Community Chorale (1 Credit Hour)

Develops artistic choral singing through the performance of a wide range of choral literature, including folk songs, spirituals, and popular materials, as well as the works of the great masters from the Renaissance to contemporary classics. Audition or consent of instructor required. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. It may be repeated for a maximum of 4 semester hours of credit. Offered as non-credit CMS 404 with no fee.

MUSC 106 - KC Blues (Jazz/Show Choir) (1 Credit Hour)

Develops artistic choral singing through the performance of vocal jazz, popular song, and Broadway music. Open to any full-time Kaskaskia College student through audition or consent of instructor. It may be repeated for a maximum of 4 semester hours of credit.

MUSC 114 - Madrigal Singers (1 Credit Hour)

Develops artistic choral singing through the performance of madrigals and other early music. Open to any full-time Kaskaskia College student through audition or consent of instructor. It may be repeated for a maximum of 4 semester hours of credit. Concurrent enrollment in MUSC 100 or 104 is required.

MUSC 139 - Chamber Singers (1 Credit Hour)

Chamber Singers are a select group of singers chosen by audition. Ensemble members will be chosen based on sight-reading skills, musicianship, balance, and blend. Membership is limited to a suitable number of singers for a small ensemble, as determined by the director. Repertoire for the ensemble will vary from early Renaissance through contemporary styles. This ensemble performs for concerts and public events on and off campus. Prerequisite: Audition Only