Music

Division: Fine Arts

The COS Music Department provides career preparation and/or personal enrichment. Students can pursue a music degree or commercial music certificate while enjoying excellent preparation towards college transfer or a music career. Students completing the degree will possess a foundation in music theory, applied music, and ensemble performance.

Participate in a variety of ensembles and performance courses such as Band, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Voice, and Piano. Enrich your music technology knowledge through Recording Arts, Computerized Audio Production, and Music Business courses. Explore music history/theory in Music Appreciation, History of Rock & Roll, Jazz Appreciation, World Music, and Music Fundamentals.

Contact Information

Vocal Music Faculty Contact 

John Sorber | (559) 730-3871 | johnso@cos.edu

Instrumental Music Faculty Contact 

Michael Tackett | (559) 730-3772 | michaelt@cos.edu

Keyboards Faculty Contact 

Chaumonde Porterfield | (559) 730-3810 | chaumondep@cos.edu

Music Theory Faculty Contact

Brian Johnson | (559) 730-3758 | brianjo@cos.edu

Fine Arts Division Chair

Chris Mangels | (559) 730-3865 | chrism@cos.edu
Sawtooth: 320 D | Visalia Campus  

Dean of Arts and Letters

Richard Lubben | (559) 730-3735 | richardl@cos.edu
Tule: 550 | Visalia Campus 

Associate Degrees

Certificate

For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES

MUS 001 Music Fundamentals 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
The basic elements of music are studied: pitch and rhythm notation, scales, major and minor keys and key signatures, transposition, intervals, chords, elementary acoustics, and an introduction to the keyboard. This is a course designed for the non-major, the elementary or secondary school teaching credential candidate, and the music major who seeks remedial instruction prior to beginning the Comprehensive Musicianship sequence. (C-ID MUS110)
MUS 004 Theory and Musicianship 1 4 unit(s)
Hours: 3.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1.5 Lab
This is the first in a series of four courses intended primarily for music majors. The course will include a review of music fundamentals; an introduction to triads and seventh chords; figured bass and lead-sheet symbols; principles of voice leading; harmonic progression; nonchord tones and basic elements of musical form. All analytical concepts will be developed and applied through ear training, sight-singing, dictation and rhythmic performance.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: MUS 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C. (C-ID MUS120 and MUS125)
MUS 005 Theory and Musicianship 2 4 unit(s)
Hours: 3.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1.5 Lab
This is the second in a series of four courses, intended primarily for music majors. The course will include: musical form; non-chord tones; an introduction to two-part counterpoint; voice leading involving four-part choral writing; diatonic seventh chord functions; secondary function chords and modulation. All analytical concepts will be developed and applied through ear training, sight-singing, dictation and rhythmic performance. (C-ID MUS130 and MUS135)
Prerequisites: MUS 004 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
MUS 006 Theory and Musicianship 3 4 unit(s)
Hours: 3.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1.5 Lab
This is the third in a series of four courses, intended primarily for music majors. The course will focus on chromatic harmony and will include: secondary functions; modulations of all types; analysis of larger forms; mode mixture, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords. All analytical concepts will be developed and applied through ear training, sight singing, dictation and rhythmic performance. (C-ID MUS140 and MUS145)
Prerequisites: MUS 005 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
MUS 007 Theory and Musicianship 4 4 unit(s)
Hours: 3.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1.5 Lab
This is the fourth in a series of four courses, intended primarily for music majors. The course will incorporate analysis and writing of mode mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented sixth chords, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, altered dominants and the common-tone diminished seventh chord. Compositional topics will include enharmonic modulation, Impressionism, pandiatonicism, polytonality, atonal theory, twelve-tone serialism, and 20th century approaches to rhythm and meter. (C-ID MUS150 and MUS155)
Prerequisites: MUS 006 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
MUS 010 Music Appreciation 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Designed to aid the student in developing an understanding and an enjoyment of music. Includes the elements of music and a chronological survey of music and composers from the Middle Ages to the present. No previous musical training is necessary. (C-ID MUS100)
MUS 011 Music Appreciation/Jazz 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course is designed to aid the student in developing an understanding and enjoyment of jazz and music in general. Includes the elements of music and a chronological survey of jazz performers and composers from the 1890s to the present. No previous musical training is necessary.
MUS 013 Music of the World 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
MUS 013 includes a study of the elements of music as they pertain to the world's musical traditions and styles, and a survey of world music from selected regions and genres.
MUS 014 History of Rock and Roll 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course is a general overview of rock and roll music and includes study of the impact of rock and roll on social, economic, cultural and political structures, as well as a chronological history of rock music. No previous musical training is necessary.
MUS 020AD Piano 2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
2 Lab
For a student without prior piano training who would like to learn to read music and to identify musical symbols on sight while performing a repertoire encompassing all periods of music. This course may be repeated three times and is required for all music majors.
MUS 030 Beginning Voice 2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1.5 Lab
Studies in the technical, stylistic, and aesthetic components of singing, designed to help the individual student improve his/her voice and develop solo vocal repertoire.
MUS 031 Intermediate Voice 2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
1.5 Lab
Studies in the technical, stylistic, and aesthetic components of singing. Intermediate Voice is a continuation of Beginning Voice (MUS 030) and will require that the student have good singing and musical skills already established. Emphasis will be placed upon singing in Italian, German, and English.
Prerequisites: MUS 030 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
MUS 034AD Concert Choir 1,2 unit(s)
Hours: 3,6 Lab
MUS 034AD offers a study and the performance of choral literature from the Renaissance to Contemporary with emphasis on vocal production and tone quality, balance and blend, and musical precision and accuracy for singing in a large choral ensemble. Participation in public performance is required. Students working toward the Music AA-T degree must enroll in the 1-unit option.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department. (C-ID MUS180)
MUS 036 Chamber Singers Renaissance 2 unit(s)
Hours: 6 Lab
MUS 036 is designed to provide an environment for study and performance of Renaissance choral music and techniques for the experienced singer. This course focuses on choral works written before 1600.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department
MUS 037 Chamber Singers Classical 2 unit(s)
Hours: 6 Lab
MUS 037 is designed to provide an environment for study and performance of Baroque and Classical chamber music and techniques for the experienced singer. This course focuses on choral works written between 1600 - 1820.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department
MUS 038 Chamber Singers Romantic 2 unit(s)
Hours: 6 Lab
MUS 038 is designed to provide an environment for study and performance of Romantic choral music and techniques for the experienced singer. This course focuses on choral works written between 1815-1910.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department
MUS 039 Chamber Singers 20th Century 2 unit(s)
Hours: 6 Lab
MUS 039 is designed to provide an environment for study and performance of 20th Century choral music and techniques for the experienced singer. This course focuses on choral works written after 1900.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department
MUS 041AD Applied Music Lessons 1 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lab
This course is intended to give individual instruction for advanced music students on their respective instrument or voice. Students will be expected to pass playing exams and perform in student recitals.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department. (C-ID MUS160)
MUS 054AD Symphony Orchestra 1 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lab
The study and public performance of symphony orchestra music. Orchestral works are chosen to enhance and develop the knowledge and performing abilities of experienced orchestral musicians.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department (C-ID MUS180)
MUS 072AD Jazz Orchestra 2 unit(s)
Hours: 6 Lab
A study and performance of Jazz Orchestra repertory with special attention to interpretation, tone, technique, improvisation and general effect. All basic concepts of musicianship will be stressed through lecture, discussion, and rehearsals with the final goal of performing in public concerts. Participation in public performance is required. (C-ID MUS180)
MUS 074AD Symphonic Band 1,2 unit(s)
Hours: 3,6 Lab
A study and performance of standard symphonic band repertory with special attention to interpretation, tone, technique, and general effect. All basic concepts of musicianship will be stressed through lecture, discussion, and rehearsals with the final goal of performing in public concerts. Participation in public performance is required. This course can be repeated three times. (C-ID MUS180)
MUS 091 Music Theatre Orchestra 2 unit(s)
Hours: 7 Activity
Music Theatre Orchestra will emphasize the rehearsal and performance techniques necessary to accompany the production of a musical.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by Department
MUS 097 Music Theatre Voice 2 unit(s)
Hours: 7 Activity
Experience in singing, drama and theatre through active participation in major musical and dramatic productions. Includes training and experience in all facets of the theatre.
Limitation on Enrollment: Audition by department.
MUS 180 The Music Business 2 unit(s)
Hours: 2 Lecture/Discussion
This course is an introduction to the inner workings of the music industry. Intellectual property protections, management teams, recording contracts, publishing deals, and current industry trends will be studied and discussed. Career opportunities and employability enhancement will be explored. Guest speakers, as availability permits, may be a part of the course.
MUS 226 Computerized Audio 1: Pro Tools 2 unit(s)
Hours: 1 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
3 Lab
This course focuses on the use of a MIDI capable DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for the production of popular music. iMac computers, Yamaha keyboards, and Pro Tools software are used in conjunction to teach students the fundamentals of creating their own music.
MUS 227 Computerized Audio Production 2 2 unit(s)
Hours: 1 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
3 Lab
This is an intermediate course focusing on the use of a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for the production of music. iMac computers, Yamaha keyboards, and Pro Tools software and a variety of Virtual Instruments are used in conjunction to teach students intermediate and advanced techniques in Computer Audio production and editing.
Prerequisites: MUS 226 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
MUS 281 Recording Arts 1 2 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
2 Lab
Hands-on instruction for beginners in the use of multi-track recording systems, with emphasis on the development of critical listening and thinking skills related to sound, recording, reproduction and music technology.
MUS 282 Recording Arts 2 3 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion Hours:
4.5 Lab
Intermediate students will acquire hands-on multi-track recording technique in strategy with producers, studio musicians, and recording engineers. Course will cover advanced signal processing, recording production, and management procedures.
Prerequisites: MUS 281 or MUS 181 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
MUS 451 Senior Skills Symphony Orchestra 0 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lab
The study and public performance of symphony orchestra music for older adults. Orchestral works are chosen to enhance and develop the knowledge and performing abilities of experienced orchestral musicians. Creates opportunity for older adults to develop personal growth, creative expression, and community involvement. Participation in public performance is required. The course meets the needs of seniors by accommodating their physical abilities and utilizing their unique related experiences and knowledge.
MUS 471 Senior Skills Jazz Orchestra 0 unit(s)
Hours: 3 - 6 Lab
A study and performance of Jazz Orchestra repertory for older adults with special attention to interpretation, tone, technique, improvisation, and general effect. All basic concepts of musicianship will be stressed through lectures, discussions, and rehearsals with the final goal of performing in public concerts. Participation in public performance is required. Creates opportunities for older adults to develop personal growth, creative expression, and community involvement. The course meets the needs of seniors by accommodating their physical abilities and utilizing their unique related experiences and knowledge.
MUS 474 Senior Skills Symphonic Band 0 unit(s)
Hours: 3 - 6 Lab
A study and performance of standard symphonic band repertory with special attention to interpretation, tone, technique, and general effect. All basic concepts of musicianship will be stressed through lectures, discussions, and rehearsals with the final goal of performing in public concerts. Creates opportunities for older adults to develop personal growth, creative expression, and community involvement. Participation in public performance is required. The course meets the needs of seniors by accommodating their physical abilities and utilizing their unique related experiences and knowledge.
MUS 491 Senior Skills Music Theatre Orchestra 0 unit(s)
Hours: 7 Activity
Music Theatre Orchestra for older adults will emphasize the rehearsal and performance techniques necessary to accompany the production of a musical. Creates opportunities for older adults to develop personal growth, creative expression, and community involvement. Participation in public performance is required. The course meets the needs of seniors by accommodating their physical abilities and utilizing their unique related experiences and knowledge.

Music

Johnson, Brian
B.A., Illinois State University
M.M., Northern Illinois University

Porterfield-Pyatt, Chaumonde
A.A., College Of The Sequoias
B.S., California State University, San Francisco
M.A., California State University, San Francisco

Sorber, John
B.A., Fresno Pacific University
M.A., California State University, Fresno

Tackett, Michael
B.M., Bowling Green State University, Ohio
M.M., University Of Denver, Colorado