The Associate of Arts Degree in Music is a two-year program designed to prepare students for the continued study of music and/or future professional employment in the field of music. Students entering the program with the intent to perform and/ or compose will gain valuable experience and performance skills performing in, and composing for our various choirs and our unique multi-instrument ensembles. The various levels of study in vocal, instrumental, theory, musicianship, keyboard skills, music technology, and composition will supply students with the necessary abilities to excel in those areas when they complete the music program at Rio Hondo College.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
MUST 101 - Introduction to Music TechnologyM | 3.0 | |
MUST 101 - Introduction to Music Technology (3.0 units) Advisory:READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed for the student who wants to learn the terminology, equipment, techniques, and concepts of music technology. Focus will be on principles and practices of sound, digital audio, synthesis, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), MIDI sequencing, notation software, and audio recording utilizing hardware and software platforms. Lab activities will place an emphasis on the operation and components of the typical MIDI and digital audio lab (hardware and software). Students will complete independent projects demonstrating hands-on knowledge. | ||
MUS 103 - Music Theory IM | 3.0 | |
MUS 103 - Music Theory I (3.0 units) Corequisite: MUS 106 This course, through guided composition and analysis, incorporates the following concepts: rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; diatonic chords, basic cadential formulas and phrase structure; dominant seventh; figured bass symbols; and non-harmonic tones. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. | ||
MUS 106 - Musicianship IM | 1.0 | |
MUS 106 - Musicianship I (1.0 units) Corequisite: MUS 103 This course is designed for the student who wants to develop beginning aural skills, sight-reading, sight-singing, as well as dictation and rhythmic interpretation skills. It is recommended for all instrumentalists, singers and composers and required of all music majors. | ||
Select One: MUS 134 / MUS 216 / MUS 234 M | 1.0† | |
Notes: Choose 1 course from the following. This course must be taken 4 times. MUS 134 - Chamber Singers (1.0 units) Advisory:READ 043 or appropriate placement, MUS 120 This course is designed for students who seek to broaden their understanding of choral literature by performing increasingly difficult choral works. Attention is given to the refinement and polishing of technique through rehearsal and performance of choral music from various musical periods and styles. Enrollment criteria include an audition. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 4 units. MUS 216 - Industrial Orchestra (2.0 units) Prerequisite:Successful audition with instructor approval required prior to enrollment to demonstrate proficiency of entry skills. This course is designed for the advanced electric, acoustic instrumental, and vocal students to broaden their abilities to perform in an ensemble as well as record in the studio. The ensemble content will be arranged for the instrumental and vocal makeup of the class and will include a diversity of styles that include contemporary classical, popular, film and video game music, and electroacoustic music. Rio Hondo composition students may also arrange and compose for this performance group. This course may be taken for credit up to four times for a total of 8 units. MUS 234 - Advanced Chamber Singers (2.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 134 with a grade of "C" or better This course is designed for students with advanced skills in rehearsing and performing choral music. A wide variety of music selected from different musical periods and styles will be selected for study and performance. Enrollment criteria includes successful completion of MUS 134. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 8 units. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchGE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This is a composition course that enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary to academic and professional success. Students will become proficient in research techniques, learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections, and apply these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills. Students will complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
ElectiveEL | 1.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.5† | |
2nd Semester | ||
MUS 104 - Music Theory IIM | 3.0 | |
MUS 104 - Music Theory II (3.0 units) Prerequisite:MUS 103 with a grade of "C" or better This course incorporates the concepts from Music Theory I. In addition, through guided composition and analysis, the course will include: an introduction to two-part counterpoint; voice leading involving four-part chorale writing; diatonic harmony; and an introduction to secondary/applied chords and modulation. | ||
MUS 107 - Musicianship IIM | 1.0 | |
MUS 107 - Musicianship II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 106 This course is designed for the student who wants to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory II through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course is required of all music majors. | ||
MUS 145 - Piano IM | 1.0 | |
MUS 145 - Piano I (1.0 units) Advisory: READ 043 or appropriate placement This class is for the student interested in beginning piano skills, and in the understanding of music through the study of simple piano pieces. The development of skills at the beginning level may be used in the playing of various styles including Classical, Pop, Jazz and Rock. Individual pieces are performed in class. No previous experience is necessary. | ||
Select one: MUS 134 / MUS 216 / MUS 234 M | 1.0† | |
Notes: Choose 1 course from the following. This course must be taken 4 times. MUS 134 - Chamber Singers (1.0 units) Advisory:READ 043 or appropriate placement, MUS 120 This course is designed for students who seek to broaden their understanding of choral literature by performing increasingly difficult choral works. Attention is given to the refinement and polishing of technique through rehearsal and performance of choral music from various musical periods and styles. Enrollment criteria include an audition. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 4 units. MUS 216 - Industrial Orchestra (2.0 units) Prerequisite:Successful audition with instructor approval required prior to enrollment to demonstrate proficiency of entry skills. This course is designed for the advanced electric, acoustic instrumental, and vocal students to broaden their abilities to perform in an ensemble as well as record in the studio. The ensemble content will be arranged for the instrumental and vocal makeup of the class and will include a diversity of styles that include contemporary classical, popular, film and video game music, and electroacoustic music. Rio Hondo composition students may also arrange and compose for this performance group. This course may be taken for credit up to four times for a total of 8 units. MUS 234 - Advanced Chamber Singers (2.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 134 with a grade of "C" or better This course is designed for students with advanced skills in rehearsing and performing choral music. A wide variety of music selected from different musical periods and styles will be selected for study and performance. Enrollment criteria includes successful completion of MUS 134. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 8 units. | ||
RHC GE 2 - Math CompetencyGE | 3.0† | |
† some classes may have higher units. Note: Students intending to transfer should begin at transfer level math. Transfer math courses are numbered 100+. Please meet with a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 12.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE | 4.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one Natural Science with Lab: | ||
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 7.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
MUS 105 - Music Theory IIIM | 3.0 | |
MUS 105 - Music Theory III (3.0 units) Prerequisite:MUS 104 with a grade of "C" or better This course incorporates the concepts from Music Theory II. In addition, through writing and analysis, the course will include: introduction to chromatic harmony; secondary/applied chords; modulation; borrowed chords; introduction to Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords. | ||
MUS 156 - Musicianship IIIM | 1.0 | |
MUS 156 - Musicianship III (1.0 units) Prerequisite:MUS 107 This course is designed for the student who wants to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory III through ear training, sight singing analysis and dictation. This course is required of all music majors. | ||
MUS 146 - Piano IIM | 1.0 | |
MUS 146 - Piano II (1.0 units) Advisory: READ 043 or appropriate placement This class is for the student interested in beginning piano skills, and in the understanding of music through the study of simple piano pieces. The development of skills at the beginning level may be used in the playing of various styles including Classical, Pop, Jazz and Rock. Individual pieces are performed in class. This course is a continuation of materials learned in Piano I. | ||
Select one: MUS 134 / MUS 216 / MUS 234 M | 1.0† | |
Notes: Choose 1 course from the following. This course must be taken 4 times. MUS 134 - Chamber Singers (1.0 units) Advisory:READ 043 or appropriate placement, MUS 120 This course is designed for students who seek to broaden their understanding of choral literature by performing increasingly difficult choral works. Attention is given to the refinement and polishing of technique through rehearsal and performance of choral music from various musical periods and styles. Enrollment criteria include an audition. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 4 units. MUS 216 - Industrial Orchestra (2.0 units) Prerequisite:Successful audition with instructor approval required prior to enrollment to demonstrate proficiency of entry skills. This course is designed for the advanced electric, acoustic instrumental, and vocal students to broaden their abilities to perform in an ensemble as well as record in the studio. The ensemble content will be arranged for the instrumental and vocal makeup of the class and will include a diversity of styles that include contemporary classical, popular, film and video game music, and electroacoustic music. Rio Hondo composition students may also arrange and compose for this performance group. This course may be taken for credit up to four times for a total of 8 units. MUS 234 - Advanced Chamber Singers (2.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 134 with a grade of "C" or better This course is designed for students with advanced skills in rehearsing and performing choral music. A wide variety of music selected from different musical periods and styles will be selected for study and performance. Enrollment criteria includes successful completion of MUS 134. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 8 units. | ||
RHC GE 8b - Communication/Analytical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
MUS 206 - Music Theory IVM | 3.0 | |
MUS 206 - Music Theory IV (3.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 105 This course is designed for the student who wants an introduction to the materials and the major trends and movements of the 20th- and 21st-Centuries. Students will gain techniques for motivic and harmonic analysis, improvisation, and listening strategies for addressing this repertoire, and will both compose and perform as a class works following the models of masterworks of the last 100 years. | ||
MUS 157 - Musicianship IVM | 1.0 | |
MUS 157 - Musicianship IV (1.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 156 This course is designed for the student who wants to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory IV through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course is required of all music majors. | ||
MUS 147 - Piano IIIM | 1.0 | |
MUS 147 - Piano III (1.0 units) Advisory: READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed for students seeking to broaden their knowledge and understanding of piano literature. Varied works of intermediate difficulty will be introduced. Attention is given to the refinement and polishing of technique through scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, interpretation and tone production. | ||
Select one: MUS 134 / MUS 216 / MUS 234 M | 1.0† | |
Notes: Choose 1 course from the following. This course must be taken 4 times. MUS 134 - Chamber Singers (1.0 units) Advisory:READ 043 or appropriate placement, MUS 120 This course is designed for students who seek to broaden their understanding of choral literature by performing increasingly difficult choral works. Attention is given to the refinement and polishing of technique through rehearsal and performance of choral music from various musical periods and styles. Enrollment criteria include an audition. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 4 units. MUS 216 - Industrial Orchestra (2.0 units) Prerequisite:Successful audition with instructor approval required prior to enrollment to demonstrate proficiency of entry skills. This course is designed for the advanced electric, acoustic instrumental, and vocal students to broaden their abilities to perform in an ensemble as well as record in the studio. The ensemble content will be arranged for the instrumental and vocal makeup of the class and will include a diversity of styles that include contemporary classical, popular, film and video game music, and electroacoustic music. Rio Hondo composition students may also arrange and compose for this performance group. This course may be taken for credit up to four times for a total of 8 units. MUS 234 - Advanced Chamber Singers (2.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 134 with a grade of "C" or better This course is designed for students with advanced skills in rehearsing and performing choral music. A wide variety of music selected from different musical periods and styles will be selected for study and performance. Enrollment criteria includes successful completion of MUS 134. This course may be taken up to four times for a total of 8 units. | ||
RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.0† | |
Total Units for Music AA program | 60.5† | |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Students will demonstrate a second-year undergraduate level competency in piano performance and piano literature.
Students will demonstrate the ability to perform in a large ensemble, chamber group, or as a soloist through blending, playing in tune and adhering to articulations and dynamics while conducting or being conducted in many different styles and periods.
Students will demonstrate a second-year undergraduate level competency in music theory and musicianship through four-part chorale writing, analysis, audiation, and dictation of baroque through contemporary music styles.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, socioeconomic, and political implications of music history from antiquity through contemporary music styles.
Students will demonstrate a basic understanding and practical knowledge of music technology.
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
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Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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