Appreciation of music styles through attendance at USC Upstate and approved community music performances. Students document concert attendance by submitting concert reflections. Attendance required at Music Friday performances, concerts by USC Upstate ensembles, and lectures and performances by guest artists. May be repeated for up to three credits. Pass/Fail credit.

Fundamentals of music theory such as pitches, intervals, chords, scales, solfege, and rhythms using musical notation and numerical representation. Topics related to reading musical notation such as note names, rhythms, treble and bass clefs, and key signatures are at an introductory level. No prior musical training or experience in reading music is required, so this course is open to all students. Required for music majors and minors who do not pass the theory portion of the musicianship placement exam.

Aural skills component to music theory fundamentals including solfege; singing and aurally identifying intervals, chords, and scales; and the dictation and performance of simple rhythms. No prior musical training or experience in reading music is required, so this course is open to all students. Required for music majors and minors who do not pass the aural skills portion of the musicianship placement exam.

Basic aural skills including singing and identifying intervals, solfege, and basic rhythmic dictation and performance. Required for those that do not pass the aural skills portion of the music theory and aural skills placement exam. Pass/Fail credit.

Comprehensive appreciation of music through intelligent listening to representative masterpieces of the various periods of musical composition. No previous study of music is required. Three class hours per week.

Individual study in bass performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study of performance on brass instruments (including, but not limited to, euphonium, horn, trombone, trumpet, and tuba) requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in composition requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of composing and score study. Portfolio may be required. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in percussion performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in guitar performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in piano performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in strings (violin, viola or cello) performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in voice performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study of performance on woodwind instruments (including, but not limited to, clarinet, flute, oboe and saxophone) requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in songwriting requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of study. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Music fundamentals review and an introduction to basic music theory concepts such as seventh chords, harmonic progressions and part writing, phrases, and simple syncopation, with related ear training and keyboard skills. The repertoire includes classical and commercial styles.

Basic music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology.

Basic and intermediate-level music theory topics such as diatonic progressions, non-chord tones, syncopation, triplets, and an introduction to chromatic harmony, with related musicianship skills (e.g., sight-reading, ear training) also applied to the student's primary instrument. Concurrent enrollment in applied lessons and an ensemble is highly recommended. The repertoire includes classical and commercial styles.

Basic and intermediate-level music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology.

Performance and instruction in the vocal jazz idiom. Rehearsals, clinics, and performances are designed to increase the students knowledge of the jazz language. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

Rehearsal and performance of jazz literature in a small ensemble setting. May be repeated for additional credit.

The directed performance of traditional and contemporary gospel music. No audition or prior experience is necessary.

Rehearsal and performance of choral literature that is representative of various musical styles including contemporary choral, jazz, pop, rock, musical theatre and classical. Students will study works for mixed choir, men's choir and women's choir. May be repeated for additional credit.

Rehearsal and performance of guitar ensemble literature including jazz, pop, and classical genres. Students gain experience through rehearsals, clinics, and live performance. Students must provide their own instruments. May be repeated for additional credit.

Rehearsal and performance of vocal and choral literature that is representative of various musical eras. Students will rehearse and study various techniques required for performance of choral literature not normally associated with larger choirs. Auditions may be required.

Rehearsal and performance of pep band literature including traditional and contemporary genres. Students gain experience through rehearsals, clinics, and live performance. Auditions may be required.

Rehearsal and performance in a variety of commercial music styles, including but not limited to rock, pop, R&B, soul, and country, in a small-ensemble setting. Topics covered include using live-audio technology such as digital-mixers, wireless microphones, in-ear monitor systems, and MIDI control devices, as well as how to read and prepare chord and lyric charts and how to read notated sheet music. This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Representative artists, social and cultural significance, and historical recordings in the development of American popular music from the Colonial era through the end of the twentieth century. Styles of music covered include early American folk, ragtime, tin-pan alley, Dixieland-jazz, swing-jazz, country, blues, rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll, psychedelic rock, heavy metal, punk/ new wave, soul, disco, funk, hip-hop, and electronic dance music.

Guitar instruction in a group setting focusing on traditional and contemporary music styles. Students provide their own instrument. May be repeated for additional credit.

Basic piano skills including note-reading, rhythmic studies, intervals, chords, scales, technique, and simple piano literature. May be repeated for elective credit.

Piano skills including harmonic progressions, seventh chords, scales, realizing chord charts, harmonizing melodies, sight-reading, playbacks, technique, and simple piano literature. May be repeated for elective credit.

The basics of music production using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) sequencing, including hardware and software setup, audio and MIDI recording, editing, arranging, mixing, and exporting, information-technology skills related to the distribution of digital content using online platforms, and writing about the aesthetic effects of different music production choices and techniques.

Vocal technique practicum including tone production, breath management, technical studies and song literature in diverse styles. Lectures explore diverse topics related to commercial singing. Performance work culminates in a public presentation of talent. Recommended for Commercial Music majors, minors and non-majors.

Vocal technique practicum including tone production, breath management, technical studies, and song literature in diverse styles. Lectures explore diverse topics related to commercial singing. The course culminates in a public performance incorporating newly acquired skills. Recommended for commercial music majors, minors and non-majors.

Intermediate-level music theory topics such as secondary dominants, modulation, modes, syncopation, compound meter, and an introduction to advanced-level playbacks, with related musicianship skills (e.g., sight-reading, ear training) also applied to the student's primary instrument. Concurrent enrollment in applied lessons and an ensemble is highly recommended. The repertoire includes classical and commercial styles.

Intermediate-level music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology.

Upper-intermediate to advanced-level music theory topics such as form extended chords, chromatic theory, and irregular meters, with related musicianship skills (e.g., sight-reading, ear training, etc.) also applied to the student's primary instrument. Concurrent enrollment in applied lessons and an ensemble is highly recommended. The repertoire includes classical and commercial styles.

Upper-intermediate to advanced-level music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology.

Piano skills including scales, diatonic and non-diatonic harmonic progressions, realizing chord charts, harmonizing melodies, intermediate-level sight reading, improvisation, playbacks, and simple piano literature. May be repeated for elective credit.

Piano skills including scales, diatonic and non-diatonic harmonic progressions, realizing chord charts, harmonizing melodies, intermediate-level sight reading, improvisation, playbacks, and simple piano literature. May be repeated for elective credit.

Vocal technique practicum including tone production, breath management, technical studies, and song literature in diverse styles. Lectures explore diverse topics related to commercial singing. The course culminates in a public performance incorporating newly acquired skills. Recommended for commercial music majors, minors and non-majors.

Terminology, citation and writing styles, and research techniques appropriate for music. Concert reports, essay, program notes, and other forms of music writing will be assigned. Required attendance at approved live music performance on- and off-campus. May be repeated for up to three credits.

A review of music from the Middle Ages through the classic era of the early nineteenth century focusing on composers and musical genres.

A review of music from the early nineteenth century through contemporary music focusing on composers and musical genres.

Overview of Western music from antiquity through the late twentieth century, focusing on how contemporary genres and techniques have developed from musical styles of the past. Includes historical and analytical examination of representative composers and musical works of the past. Genres explored include film soundtracks, musical theatre, worship music, popular song, and dance music.

The development of African American music from the antebellum period to the late 20th century, including blues, jazz, R&B, soul, and hip-hop. Use critical listening and historical readings to explore how artists and audiences have used music to express Black cultural values and demand social justice.

The intersections between music, gender, and sexuality in popular and classical music traditions. Topics will include feminist and queer music history, and how music can communicate issues of gender, sexuality, identity, and desire. We will study songs in a variety of genres including musical theatre, rock, folk, dance music, symphony, and opera.

Individual study in bass performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study of brass instruments (including, but not limited to, euphonium, horn, trombone, trumpet, and tuba) requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in composition requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of composing and score study. Portfolio may be required. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in percussion performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in guitar performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in music improvisation requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for 12 weeks and an additional 4 hours per week of practice. An additional fee is assessed. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in piano performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in strings (violin, viola or cello) performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in voice performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study of performance on woodwind instruments (including, but not limited to, clarinet, flute, oboe, and saxophone) requiring 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in songwriting requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of study. Portfolio may be required. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Individual study in composition, songwriting, or performance on brass, percussion, piano/keyboards, strings, voice, or woodwind instruments requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of composing, songwriting, or practicing. Designed for non-majors; music majors may only take this course for elective credit. May be repeated up to eight times for additional credit. PLEASE NOTE: Students who withdraw from this course will not receive a tuition or fee reimbursement or refund.

Techniques for analyzing various styles of popular music. The methodologies may include formal, harmonic, musicological, rhythmic, textural, and timbral analysis, for which aural and transcription skills at an intermediate-level are required. Additional approaches may include cultural studies and music perception at the discretion of the instructor.

Elements of jazz composition and improvisation such as chords, chord voicings, harmonic function, reharmonization, scales and modes, chord/scale relationships, form, swing rhythm, and related ear training.

Performance and instruction in the vocal jazz idiom. Rehearsals, clinics, and performances are designed to increase the student's knowledge of the jazz language. Auditions may be required.

Rehearsal and performance of jazz literature in a small ensemble setting. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

The directed performance of traditional and contemporary gospel music. Auditions may be required.

Rehearsal and performance of choral literature that is representative of various musical styles including contemporary choral, jazz, pop, rock, music theatre and classical. Students will study works for mixed choir, men's choir and women's choir. Audition may be required.

Rehearsal and performance of guitar ensemble literature including jazz, pop, and classical genres. Auditions may be required.

Small performing vocal group for men and women. Auditions required.

Rehearsal and performance of pep band literature, including traditional and contemporary genres. Students gain experience through rehearsals, clinics, and live performance. Auditions may be required.

Rehearsal and performance in a variety of commercial music styles, including but not limited to rock, pop, R&B, soul and country, in a small ensemble setting. Topics covered include using live-audio technology such as digital mixers, wireless microphones, in-ear monitor systems, and MIDI control devices, as well as how to read and prepare chord and lyric charts and notated sheet music, and how to lead an ensemble. This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Vocal technique practicum including tone production, breath management, vocal anatomy and hygiene, technical studies and song literature in diverse styles. Lectures explore diverse topics related to commerical singing. Performance work culminates in a public presentation. Recommended for commercial music majors and minors. Auditions may be required.

Study, rehearsal and performance of musical theatre vocal literature with emphasis on musical theatre style, stage movement, vocal technique, and scene study. Recommended for music majors. Auditions may be required.

Principles of improvisation including idiomatic chord progressions, blues scales, patterns, melodic development, and tune styles. This is primarily a lecture class; however, students may be required to demonstrate improvisational skills on their instrument.

Advanced principles of improvisation including idiomatic chord progressions, formal analysis of tunes, modal scales, melodic development, and aural skills. This is primarily a lecture class; however, students may be required to demonstrate improvisational skills on their instrument.

Publishing, licensing, booking, copyrights, contracts, artist management, promotional materials, royalties, and press kits applicable to the music industry.

Intermediate-level recording, editing, and arranging of music using digital audio workstation (DAW) software, MIDI / software instruments, and music notation software. Topics covered include the use of music notation software, intermediate-level software synthesis and sampling, and intermediate-level digital audio production techniques such as microphone placement, plug-in processing, and post-production mastering.

Career choices and portfolio development in the commercial music industry.

Methods of creating melodies, lyrics, and chord progressions with an emphasis on contemporary commercial music styles.

Developing thematic material with contemporary and traditional techniques.

Methods and resources needed to create music for jazz bands, vocal groups, and other ensembles with an emphasis on both traditional and contemporary music styles.

Reading and research on selected topics in music.

An individualized program of study in the student's area of interest and in consultation with a faculty member.

Research and study on selected music topics designed to integrate knowledge, develop a career portfolio, use technology, and gain experience in public presentation. The study topic will be presented as a lecture-recital. Only open to approved Commercial Music majors. Department permission required.

Supervised work experience in commercial music outside the classroom. For three credit hours, a student is to work 135 hours; for two credit hours, 90 hours; for one credit hour, 45 hours. A contract must be signed by the student and appropriate faculty/administrators. Only open to Commercial Music majors or minors.