Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-1001
Credits: 3

Course Description
Applied Theory Lab 2 continues with the five primary elements of Applied Theory 1. Diatonic harmony, chord construction and progressions as well as chromaticism are introduced. Added requirements for ear training will be chord progression and chord recognition dictation. Students are asked to perform on the piano all ear training material to better comprehend the information. Computer notation is introduced. This course consist of four weekly, one-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Theory Lab 1.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-145
Credits: 1

Course Description
The Playing Techniques courses aim to study everything pertaining to the proper technical performance of music at the drum set, or what is referred to as the “nuts and bolts” of drum set playing skills. This series is at the center of the LACM drum program, and prepares students for all other core and performance-oriented classes. Topics covered are proper limb motions (hands and feet), sticking types, the importance of balance and coordination, touch and sound, developing vocabulary, and much more. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Playing Technique 1.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-1042
Credits: 1

Course Description
Applied Sight Reading (ASR) 2 continues in the development of the drum student’s rhythmic and rudimental reading abilities. ASR drills the material in a group format so all students are engaged and playing together. Students begin by focusing on single line reading and notation theory, and are introduced to rudimental etudes that continue throughout the course and gradually increase in difficulty. Students are also introduced to orchestral snare drum etudes, which are drilled each day. This course meets weekly for one-hour and two half-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Sight Reading 1.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-1043
Credits: 1

Course Description
This two level course explores the historical evolution of jazz from early Dixieland, to Bebop and beyond, in an effort to reinforce the stylistic attributes of jazz. Famous jazz drummers such as Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey and Max Roach will be studied both through listening and transcriptions. Through this course’s series of levels, students develop their facility and vocabulary by studying basic jazz techniques, including ride patterns and left hand comping, basic independence and coordination, brush technique, and ensemble interaction. In addition, focus will be placed on soloing concepts and procedures, the study and recognition of song forms, 3/4 time and other odd times, and more advanced independence and 4-way jazz coordination. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-1025D
Credits: 1.5

Course Description
Jazz 1 Ensemble Workshop focuses on the primary repertoire, stylistic characteristics and authenticity of Jazz styles. Artists studied include: Sonny Rollins, Billie Holiday, Joe Henderson and Ella Fitzgerald. Each week a new song is studied and performed. This course has two components: an instrument specific lecture and an ensemble workshop where students play with professional musician accompanists. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture and one-hour lab. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-1025L
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
Jazz 1 Student Ensemble Lab places students from all music performance departments together in directed combos. Repertoire from the Jazz 1 Ensemble Workshop class is rehearsed and performed. Students focus on performing as a band in the authenticity of the style. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lab.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-108
Credits: 1

Course Description
The History of Jazz 1 will examine jazz from its origins thru the 1940’s. Special attention will be given to such artists as Scott Joplin (the Joplin Rag), Jelly Roll Morton, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Louis Armstrong. Class time will be spent listening to and analyzing a wide variety of recordings as well as watching video presentations. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-127D
Credits: 2

Course Description
Throughout each level of this course, students meet one hour per week in a one-on-one setting for private instruction. Private lesson instruction is designed to reinforce and complement the variety of subjects and techniques encountered in the program, as well as to allow the student to explore more specific topics in depth with their instructor. Students are given the opportunity to change private instructors every six months, if so desired. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Music Tech
Course Number: PROD-306
Credits: 3

Course Description
This class explores the vast creative options of Ableton Live. This DAW is designed for creating musical ideas, turning them into finished songs, and even taking them onto the stage. It is a fast, fun, intuitive way to make music with efficient workflow enhancements to audio improvements and a new technology called Link which works under the hood, allowing you to instantly play in perfect sync with multiple instances of Live as well as a growing number of iOS apps. There are numerous creative projects culminating to creating a fully produced demo of an original song. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

Competency: Ensemble
Credits: 1

Course Description
This course will consist of student ensembles, each being led by one faculty member. The student ensembles are drawn from the performance departments. The faculty member may perform with the ensemble. The focus is on the group dynamic and is repertoire based of both previously recorded works and original compositions. This course consists of one weekly, two-hour rehearsal.

Competency: Ensemble
Credits: 1

Course Description
This course will consist of student ensembles, each being led by one faculty member. The student ensembles are drawn from the performance departments. The faculty member may perform with the ensemble. The focus is on the group dynamic and is repertoire based of both previously recorded works and original compositions. This course consists of one weekly, two-hour rehearsal.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-1002
Credits: 3

Course Description
Applied Theory 3 continues to build on the five primary elements of Applied Theory 1 and 2. Minor keys/scales, modes, progressions in major and minor tonality, modulation, constitutes some of the new information in Applied Theory 3. Melodies, rhythms, intervals, progressions, chord qualities continue to grow in complexity as we move through these upper levels of Applied Theory 3. This course consist of four weekly, one-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Theory Lab 2. 

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-146
Credits: 1

Course Description
The Playing Techniques courses aim to study everything pertaining to the proper technical performance of music at the drum set, or what is referred to as the “nuts and bolts” of drum set playing skills. This series is at the center of the LACM drum program, and prepares students for all other core and performance-oriented classes. Topics covered are proper limb motions (hands and feet), sticking types, the importance of balance and coordination, touch and sound, developing vocabulary, and much more. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Playing Technique 2.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-1044
Credits: 1

Course Description
Applied Sight Reading (ASR) 3 continues in the development of the drum student’s rhythmic and rudimental reading abilities. ASR drills the material in a group format so all students are engaged and playing together. Students begin by focusing on single line reading and notation theory, and are introduced to rudimental etudes that continue throughout the course and gradually increase in difficulty. Students are also introduced to orchestral snare drum etudes, which are drilled each day. This course meets weekly for one-hour and two half-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Sight Reading 2.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-1045
Credits: 1

Course Description
This two level course explores the historical evolution of jazz from early Dixieland, to Bebop and beyond, in an effort to reinforce the stylistic attributes of jazz. Famous jazz drummers such as Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey and Max Roach will be studied both through listening and transcriptions. Through this course’s series of levels, students develop their facility and vocabulary by studying basic jazz techniques, including ride patterns and left hand comping, basic independence and coordination, brush technique, and ensemble interaction. In addition, focus will be placed on soloing concepts and procedures, the study and recognition of song forms, 3/4 time and other odd times, and more advanced independence and 4-way jazz coordination. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Jazz Drums 1.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-1026D
Credits: 1.5

Course Description
Jazz 2 Ensemble Workshop builds on the repertoire studied in Jazz 1. This course focuses on the primary repertoire, stylistic characteristics and authenticity of Jazz styles. Artists studied include: Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker. This course has two components: an instrument specific lecture and an ensemble workshop where students play with professional musician accompanists. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture and one-hour lab. This course may be taken as an elective.

Prerequisite: Jazz 1 Ensemble Workshop

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-1026L
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
Jazz 2 Student Ensemble Lab places students from all music performance departments together in directed combos. Repertoire from the Jazz 1 Ensemble Workshop class is rehearsed and performed. Students focus on performing as a band in the authenticity of the style. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lab

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-109
Credits: 1

Course Description
The History of Jazz 2 surveys the development of jazz music from the 1950’s and 1960’s, investigates representative composers, and examines the musical characteristics, compositional practices, and instrumental/vocal techniques associated with Be Bop, Cool and Modal jazz. Students will study such artists as Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Chet Baker, Stan Getz and Miles Davis. These topics will be explored via lectures, reading and research assignments, listening exercises and YouTube videos. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-128D
Credits: 2

Course Description
Throughout each level of this course, students meet one hour per week in a one-on-one setting for private instruction. Private lesson instruction is designed to reinforce and complement the variety of subjects and techniques encountered in the program, as well as to allow the student to explore more specific topics in depth with their instructor. Students are given the opportunity to change private instructors every six months, if so desired. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-2000
Credits: 3

Course Description
Applied Theory 4 continues to build on the five primary elements of Applied Theory 1, 2 and 3. Tri-tone substitutions, composition, atonal music, modal interchange and secondary dominants are some of the new concepts in Applied Theory 4. Upon completion of Applied Theory 4, the student should arrive at level of musicianship expected of a working professional. This course consist of four weekly, one-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Theory 3. 

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-249
Credits: 1

Course Description
The Playing Techniques courses aim to study everything pertaining to the proper technical performance of music at the drum set, or what is referred to as the “nuts and bolts” of drum set playing skills. This series is at the center of the LACM drum program, and prepares students for all other core and performance-oriented classes. Topics covered are proper limb motions (hands and feet), sticking types, the importance of balance and coordination, touch and sound, developing vocabulary, and much more. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Playing Technique 3

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-2037
Credits: 1

Course Description
Applied Sight Reading (ASR) 4 is a continuation of Applied Sight-Reading 3 and is designed to aid in the development of the drum student’s rhythmic and rudimental reading abilities. ASR drills the material in a group format so all students are engaged and playing together. Students begin by focusing on single line reading and notation theory, and are introduced to rudimental etudes that continue throughout the course and gradually increase in difficulty. Students are also introduced to orchestral snare drum etudes, which are drilled each day. This course meets weekly for one-hour and two half-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Sight Reading 3.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-245
Credits: 1

Course Description
This series of courses teach proper phrasing and chart interpretation in small and large ensemble performances. Great focus is placed on the reading and practice of written rhythmic phrases in jazz, rock, and latin styles, including section and ensemble figures, and chart interpretation and terminology. Play-along recordings are used in class, as well as numerous ensemble performance examples for demonstration and reinforcement. Further focus is given to the recognition and understanding of song forms and basic ‘road map’ charts, during which students are taught how to hear form without reading it, and transcribe the music heard. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-2020D
Credits: 1.5

Course Description
Rock and Pop 1 Ensemble Workshop focuses on the primary repertoire, stylistic characteristics and authenticity of these styles. Artists studied include: Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. This course has two components: an instrument specific lecture and an ensemble workshop where students play with professional musician accompanists. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture and one-hour lab. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-2020L
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
Rock and Pop 1 Student Ensemble Lab places students from all music performance departments together in directed combos. Repertoire from the Rock and Pop 1 Ensemble Workshop class is rehearsed and performed. Students focus on performing as a band in the authenticity of the style. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lab.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-110
Credits: 1

Course Description
History of Rock and Pop Music 1 focuses on the beginnings of Rock & Roll music. Students will study Rock Music in the 1950’s with artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry. Rock History 1 then moves to the “Golden Age” of rock music and focus on the 1960’s and the British Invasion, Folk Rock and Psychedelic Rock movements. This course finishes with the 1970’s and Classic Rock, Glam Rock and Prog (progressive) Rock. These topics will be explored via lectures, reading and research assignments, listening exercises and YouTube videos. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-225D
Credits: 2

Course Description
Throughout each level of this course, students meet one hour per week in a one-on-one setting for private instruction. Private lesson instruction is designed to reinforce and complement the variety of subjects and techniques encountered in the program, as well as to allow the student to explore more specific topics in depth with their instructor. Students are given the opportunity to change private instructors every six months, if so desired. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Music Tech
Course Number: PROD-107
Credits: 2

Course Description
Level 1 of this course serves as an introduction to MIDI and virtual instrument-based composition using a digital audio workstation (Pro Tools). Students are taught both the best practices and the workings of MIDI systems, which subsequently lays the groundwork for their own MIDI-based productions. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture and two-hour lab. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-2001
Credits: 3

Course Description
Applied Theory 5 is project based to ensure that all the information disseminated through levels 1-4 have been completely absorbed and understood. Tasks will include piano performance, composition, transcription, orchestration, transposition, analysis and computer notation. This course consist of four weekly, one-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Theory 4. 

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-250
Credits: 1

Course Description
The Playing Techniques courses aim to study everything pertaining to the proper technical performance of music at the drum set, or what is referred to as the “nuts and bolts” of drum set playing skills. This series is at the center of the LACM drum program, and prepares students for all other core and performance-oriented classes. Topics covered are proper limb motions (hands and feet), sticking types, the importance of balance and coordination, touch and sound, developing vocabulary, and much more. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Playing Technique 4.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-2038
Credits: 1

Course Description
Applied Sight Reading (ASR) 5 continues the development of the drum student’s rhythmic and rudimental reading abilities. ASR drills the material in a group format so all students are engaged and playing together. Students begin by focusing on single line reading and notation theory, and are introduced to rudimental etudes that continue throughout the course and gradually increase in difficulty. Students are also introduced to orchestral snare drum etudes, which are drilled each day. This course meets weekly for one-hour and two half-hour labs.

Prerequisite: Applied Sight Reading 4.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-246
Credits: 1

Course Description
This series of courses teach proper phrasing and chart interpretation in small and large ensemble performances. Great focus is placed on the reading and practice of written rhythmic phrases in jazz, rock, and latin styles, including section and ensemble figures, and chart interpretation and terminology. Play-along recordings are used in class, as well as numerous ensemble performance examples for demonstration and reinforcement. Further focus is given to the recognition and understanding of song forms and basic ‘road map’ charts, during which students are taught how to hear form without reading it, and transcribe the music heard. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Ensemble Reading Technique 1.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-2021D
Credits: 1.5

Course Description
Rock and Pop 2 Ensemble Workshop focuses on the primary repertoire, stylistic characteristics and authenticity of these styles. Artists studied include: The Police, Van Halen, U2, Nirvana and Incubus. This course has two components: an instrument specific lecture and an ensemble workshop where students play with professional musician accompanists. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture and one-hour lab. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-2021L
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
Rock and Pop 2 Student Ensemble Lab places students from all music performance departments together in directed combos. Repertoire from the Rock and Pop 2 Ensemble Workshop class is rehearsed and performed. Students focus on performing as a band in the authenticity of the style. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lab.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-111
Credits: 1

Course Description
History of Rock 2 is a survey of Rock music from the 1980’s to present. Students will study music starting with the Hair Bands of the 80’s, New Wave and Pop music. Then the focus will shift to Seattle and the Grunge scene with bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden. Rock history 2 will conclude by studying modern Alternative Rock with Artists and bands such as Jack White, Radiohead, the Foo Fighters and Muse. These topics will be explored via lectures, reading and research assignments, listening exercises and YouTube videos. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-226D
Credits: 2

Course Description
Throughout each level of this course, students meet one hour per week in a one-on-one setting for private instruction. Private lesson instruction is designed to reinforce and complement the variety of subjects and techniques encountered in the program, as well as to allow the student to explore more specific topics in depth with their instructor. Students are given the opportunity to change private instructors every six months, if so desired. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.

Competency: Music Tech
Course Number: PROD-113
Credits: 3

Course Description
A successful producer must truly know the tools used in production, and this course introduces students to the primary building blocks used in signal processing. Topics include compression/limiting, reverb, pitch-based effects, and delay/echo. This course consists of a weekly, three-hour lecture. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Entrepreneurship
Course Number: IND-100
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course provides a thorough overview of the evolution of the recorded music industry. It will cover all of the major events and breakthroughs that started the industry and has continued to evolve it for the past 80+ years. Topics covered include: first recordings, beginning of record companies and their evolution, early recording contracts to present day, creation of music industry revenue streams, professional roles in the music industry, music retail then and now, creation and development of the tour industry. This course consists of one two-hour weekly lecture.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-251
Credits: 1

Course Description
The Playing Techniques courses aim to study everything pertaining to the proper technical performance of music at the drum set, or what is referred to as the “nuts and bolts” of drum set playing skills. This series is at the center of the LACM drum program, and prepares students for all other core and performance-oriented classes. Topics covered are proper limb motions (hands and feet), sticking types, the importance of balance and coordination, touch and sound, developing vocabulary, and much more. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture.

Prerequisite: Playing Technique 5.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-213D
Credits: 1.5

Course Description
This course instructs the musician in developing fluency while playing in odd-meter time signatures (e.g. 5/4, 7/4, 9/8, 11/8, 15/8 etc). The class is exposed to different feels and time concepts, and is challenged to play in a variety of odd, extended, or shifting meters, with the goal of applying these concepts to their own musical endeavors. Styles vary from standards performed in odd meters (as performed by artists such as Brad Mehldau) to contemporary fusion styles of players like John McLaughlin, John Scofield and Michael Brecker. This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and one-hour ensemble workshop.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-2039
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
This course introduces the student to music of a contemporary nature, featuring many artists and their music from the mid 1960’s to the present. Stylistically speaking, the music being studied and performed exemplifies the fusion of jazz, rock, R&B and Latin along with influences from the Middle East, India and, of course, Africa. In addition, a style known as ECM, which is actually the name of a German record company, will also be studied. The student will be presented with a tune each week that will be the topic for the lecture. The discussion will examine the traits of the music from all angles, including stylistic influences, form, performance factors, feel and finally how the drummer is interpreting the music. Then, the student will perform the tune with a professional guitar and bass player. The course begins by exploring and performing music with standard time signatures. Eventually, odd meters, atypical forms, etc. will be studied and performed. The goal is to make the student become a better interpreter of the music and introduce all the new contemporary styles that are important in today’s music. Artists to be studied include Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea and many more. This course consists of a weekly one-hour Ensemble Workshop.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-2022D
Credits: 1.5

Course Description
Gospel, R&B and Soul Ensemble Workshop focuses on the primary repertoire, stylistic characteristics and authenticity of the Gospel, R&B and Soul styles. Artists studied include: Aretha Franklin, Tower of Power, Marvin Gaye and The Temptations. Each week a new song is studied and performed. This course has two components: an instrument specific lecture and an ensemble workshop where students play with professional musician accompanists. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lecture and one-hour lab. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Ensemble
Course Number: MUS-2022L
Credits: 0.5

Course Description
Gospel, R&B and Soul Student Ensemble Lab places students from all music performance departments together in directed combos. Repertoire from the Gospel, R&B and Soul Ensemble Workshop class is rehearsed and performed. Students focus on performing as a band in the authenticity of the style. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour lab. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-104
Credits: 2

Course Description
This course is designed so that students gain the ability to arrange and orchestrate a coherent vocal/instrumental composition for a rhythm section with three horns (specifically: piano, bass, drums, guitar, trumpet, tenor sax, and trombone). Students learn the musical relationship between the rhythm and horn sections, various techniques used in voicing horns, as well as their appropriate ranges and transpositions. The class will also focus on the melodic and harmonic roles played by the rhythm and horn sections, and the various ways in which to score a horn section. By the conclusion of this course, each student will have arranged and orchestrated a musical composition and have it professionally recorded. This course consists of a weekly, two-hour lecture. This course may be taken as an elective.

Prerequisite: Applied Theory Lab 2. 

Competency: Musicianship
Course Number: MUS-106
Credits: 1

Course Description
Gospel, R&B and Soul are widely considered as some of the primary influences in the development of disco, rap, hip hop, fusion, and contemporary urban and modern R&B styles. This course will follow the trajectory of Gospel, R&B and Soul music from their roots in rhythm and blues through their classic formulation in the 1970s and will place them within their cultural and social context. This course will cover artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Big Joe Williams, Ray Charles, The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. This course consists of a hybrid combination of on campus meetings and online coursework. This course may be taken as an elective.

Competency: Instrument
Course Number: MUS-227D
Credits: 2

Course Description
Throughout each level of this course, students meet one hour per week in a one-on-one setting for private instruction. Private lesson instruction is designed to reinforce and complement the variety of subjects and techniques encountered in the program, as well as to allow the student to explore more specific topics in depth with their instructor. Students are given the opportunity to change private instructors every six months, if so desired. This course consists of a weekly, one-hour private lesson.

Prerequisite: Students must complete each level in order to continue into the subsequent level of the course.