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Academics

Commercial Music Courses

MUSIC (MUSC)

  • MUSC U100. Recital Attendance (1)
    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.

    MUSC U101. Fundamentals of Music Theory (2)
    Fundamentals of music including basic music reading such as rhythms, note names, treble and bass clefs, and key signatures, and basic theory topics such as intervals, solfege, chords and scales. Required for those that do not pass the theory portion of the music theory and aural skills placement exam. Pass/fail credit. 

    MUSC U102. Fundamentals of Aural Skills (2)
    Basic aural skills including singing and indentifying 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. 

    MUSC U110. Introduction to Music (3)
    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.

    MUSC U111A. Applied Music (1)
    Individual study in bass, brass, composition, percussion, guitar, piano, strings, voice, woodwinds, or songwritting

    MUSC U115. Commercial Music Theory and Aural Skills I (3)
    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. The repertoire includes classical and commercial styles. Prerequisites: MUSC U101 or successful completion of the Music Theory placement exam, and MUSC U102 or successful completion of the Aural Skills placement exam, or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U115L. Commercial Musicianship I Laboratory (1)
    Basic music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology. Prerequisite: MUSC U155 or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MUSC U115 or consent of instructor. 

    MUSC U116. Commercial Music Theory and Aural Skills II (3)
    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, 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. Prerequisites: C or better in MUSC U115, MUSC U115L, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MUSC U116L or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U116L. Commercial Musicianship Laboratory II (1)
    Basic and intermediate-level music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology. Prerequisite: MUSC U115L, MUSC U155, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MUSC U116 or consent of instructor. 

    MUSC U126. Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)
    Performance and instruction in the vocal jazz idiom. Rehearsals, clinics, and performances are designed to increase the students knowledge of the jazz language. Prerequisite: Basic music reading skills and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U127. Jazz Combo (1)
    Rehearsal and performance of jazz literature in small ensemble setting. Prerequisite: Basic music reading skills and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U128. Gospel Music Workshop (1)
    The directed performance of traditional and contemporary gospel music. No audition or prior experience is necessary.

    MUSC U129. Upstate Vocal Ensemble (1)
    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 and women's choir. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U131. Guitar Ensemble (1)
    Rehearsal and performance of guitar ensemble literature including jazz, pop, and classical genres. Students gain experience through rehearsals, clinics, and live performance. Prerequisite: Basic music reading skills and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Students must provide their own instruments. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U132. Chamber Choir (1)
    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. Prerequisite: Performance ability commensurate with music to be performed and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required.

    MUSC U133. Pep Band (1)
    Rehearsal and performance of pep band literature including traditional and contemporary genres. Students gain experience through rehearsals, clinics, and live performance. Prerequisite: Basic music reading skills and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Auditions may be required.

    MUSC U134. Commercial Music Combo (1)
    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.

    MUSC U140. History of American Popular Music (3)
    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.

    MUSC U145. Group Guitar (2)
    Guitar instruction in a group setting focusing on traditional and contemporary music styles. Students provide their own instrument. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U155. Group Piano I (1)
    Basic piano skills including note-reading, rhythmic studies, intervals, chords, scales, technique, and simple piano literature. May be repeated for elective credit.

    MUSC U156. Group Piano II (1)
    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. Co-requisite: MUSC U115 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: MUSC U155 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U162. Intro to Music Technology (3)
    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.

    MUSC U165. Singing Master Class (2)
    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.

    MUSC U166. Class Voice (2)
    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.

  • MUSC U215. Commercial Music Theory and Aural Skills III (3)
    Intermediate-level music theory topics such as secondary dominants, modulation, modes, syncopation, compound meter, and an introduction to advancedlevel playbacks, 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. Prerequisites: C or better in MUSC U116, MUSC 116L, or consent of instructor. Corequisite MUSC U215L or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U215L. Commercial Musicianship III Laboratory (1)
    Intermediate-level music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology. Prerequisite: MUSC U116L, MUSC U155, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MUSC U215 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U216. Commercial Music Theory and Aural Skills IV (3)
    Upper-intermediate to advanced-level music theory topics such as form, extended chords, chromatic harmony, 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. Prerequisites: C or better in MUSC U215, MUSC U215L, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MUSC U216L or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U216L. Commercial Musicianship IV Laboratory (1)
    Upperintermediate to advanced-level music theory and aural skills applied to piano, notation software, and other music technology. Prerequisite: MUSC U215L, MUSC U155, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: MUSC U216 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U255. Group Piano III (1)
    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. Co-requisite: MUSC U116 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: MUSC U115 and MUSC U156, or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U256. Group Piano IV (1)
    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. Co-requisite: MUSC U215 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: MUSC U116 and MUSC U255, or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U266. Class Voice (2)
    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.

  • MUSC U301. Music History I (3)
    A review of music from the Middle Ages through the classic era of the early nineteenth century focusing on composers and musical genres. Prerequisite: MUSC U110 and ENGL U102 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U302. Music History II (3)
    A review of music from the early nineteenth century through contemporary music focusing on composers and musical genres. Prerequisite: MUSC U110 and ENGL U102 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U303. Western Music History and Repertoire (3)
    Review of Western art music from antiquity through the late twentieth century focusing on the development of contemporary genres and techniques through historical and analytical examination of representative composers and musical works of the past. Genres covered include the symphony, the opera, the mass, popular song, dance music, and film music. Prerequisite: MUSC U110, MUCS U115 and ENGL U102 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U310. Jazz History (3)
    Origin, development, and styles of jazz music and its innovators. Cultivation of critical listening skills and study of classic and contemporary jazz recordings. Prerequisite: ENGL U102.

    MUSC U311A. Applied Music in Bass (1)
    Individual study in bass performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311B. Applied Music in Brass (1)
    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. Prerequisite: Intermediate to Advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311C. Applied Music in Composition (1)
    Individual study in composition requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of composing and score study. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced level composition skill and consent of instructor. Portfolio may be required.

    MUSC U311D. Applied Music in Percussion (1)
    Individual study in percussion performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311G. Applied Music in Guitar (1)
    Individual study in guitar performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311I. Applied Music in Improvisation (1)
    Individual study in music improvisation requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for 12 weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. An additional fee is assessed. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311P. Applied Music in Piano (1)
    Individual study in piano performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311R. Applied Music in Strings (1)
    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. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311V. Applied Music in Voice (1)
    Individual study in voice performance requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of practice. Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311W. Applied Music in Woodwinds (1)
    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. Prerequisite: Intermediate to Advanced performance ability and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U311Z. Applied Music in Songwriting (1)
    Individual study in songwriting requiring weekly 30-minute lessons for twelve weeks and an additional four hours per week of study. Prerequisite: Intermediate to Advanced songwriting skill, MUSC U115, and consent of instructor. Portfolio may be required.

    MUSC U312. Applied Music for Non-Majors (1)
    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.

    MUSC U315. Analysis of Popular Music (3)
    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. Prerequisite: MUSC U140 and MUSC U216, or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U325. Jazz Theory (3)
    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. Prerequisites: C or better in MUSC U215 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U326. Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)
    Performance and instruction in the vocal jazz idiom. Rehearsals, clinics, and performances are designed to increase the student's knowledge of the jazz language. Prerequisite: Intermediate music reading skills and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Auditions may be required.

    MUSC U327. Jazz Combo (1)
    Rehearsal and performance of jazz literature in a small ensemble setting. Prerequisite: Intermediate music reading, performance ability commensurate with music to be performed, and consent of instructor. Auditions may be required. May be repeated for additional credit.

    MUSC U328. Gospel Music Workshop (1)
    The directed performance of traditional and contemporary gospel music. Prerequisite: Previous gospel choir experience and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Auditions may be required.

    MUSC U329. Upstate Vocal Ensemble (1)
    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.

    MUSC U331. Guitar Ensemble (1)
    Rehearsal and performance of guitar ensemble literature including jazz, pop, and classical genres. Prerequisite: Intermediate music reading skills and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Auditions may be required.

    MUSC U332. Chamber Choir (1)
    Small performing vocal group for men and women. Prerequisite: Intermediate music reading and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Auditions required.

    MUSC U333. Pep Band (1)
    Rehearsal and performance of pep band literature, including traditional and contemporary genres. Students gain experience through rehearsals, clinics, and live performance. Prerequisite: Intermediate music reading skills and performance ability commensurate with music to be performed. Auditions may be required.

    MUSC U334. Commercial Music Combo (1)
    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. Prerequisite: Audition and MUSC U134, or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U335. Singing Master Class (3)
    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 commercial singing. Performance work culminates in a public presentation. Recommended for commercial music majors and minors. Auditions may be required.

    MUSC U339. Musical Theatre Voice (3)
    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.

    MUSC U345. Jazz Improvisation I (3)
    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. Prerequisite: MUSC U325 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U346. Jazz Improvisation II (3)
    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. Prerequisite: MUSC U345 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U361. Music Business (3)
    Publishing, licensing, booking, copyrights, contracts, artist management, promotional materials, royalties, and press kits applicable to the music industry. Prerequisite: ENGL U102 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U362. Music Technology (3)
    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. Prerequisite: MUSC U101 and MUSC U162 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U364. Music Entrepreneurship (3)
    Career choices and portfolio development in the commercial music industry. Prerequisite: Junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.

    MUSC U365. Songwriting (3)
    Methods of writing melodies, lyrics, and chord progressions with an emphasis on contemporary commercial music styles. Prerequisite: MUSC U115 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U366. Composition (3)
    Developing thematic material with contemporary and traditional techniques. Ability to read music required. Prerequisite: MUSC U216 or MUSC U325 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U367. Arranging for Ensembles (3)
    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. Prerequisite: MUSC U216 or MUSC U325 or consent of instructor.

    MUSC U398. Selected Topics in Music (3)
    Reading and research on selected topics in music. Prerequisite: ENGL U102.

    MUSC U399. Independent Study in Music (1-3)
    An individualized program of study in the student's area of interest and in consultation with a faculty member. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

  • MUSC U490. Senior Seminar in Commercial Music (3)
    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. Prerequisite: SPCH U201, lower division Music core completed, 12 credits of upper-division Music core, 9 credits in upper division Commercial Music Emphasis, and demonstrated performance ability at an upper-intermediate level. Department permission required.

    MUSC U499. Internship in Commercial Music (1-3)
    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. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing, minimum overall GPA 2.0, minimum 2.0 in major, and consent of the faculty supervisor.