Music Classes offered in Fall 2024
Catalog Descriptions of all MUSI courses found here: http://catalog.napavalley.edu/courses/musi/
Fundamentals of Music:
MUSI 110 – (76571)
This course would be great for those just getting started with music reading. Any performer will benefit from being able to “de-code” your musical scores.
In Fall 2024, this class will be taught as a HYRBID which means that there are some scheduled class meetings and some lectures online which can be completed in the student’s own timing while completing the course requirements by the appropriate deadlines. The person who teaches this course is also our wonderful guitar instructor.
Survey & Appreciation of Music
MUSI 112 – (78147)
This course is recommended for all students who are interested in music and is particularly beneficial for any student intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree. This course is a survey of music history from the “classical” eras through modern popular music. It satisfies a core humanities requirement for any UC or CSU school.
In Fall 2024, this class will be taught as a HYRBID which means that there are some scheduled class meetings and some lectures online which can be completed in the student’s own timing while completing the course requirements by the appropriate deadlines.
Music Theory I –
MUSI 121 (78146)
This course is for those who already read music at a basic level and are ready to begin a more detailed study. This class is a requirement for any 4-year music major whether focused on music education, music performance or musical theater. It is also very helpful for anyone who is interested in song-writing since it focuses heavily on chords and chord progressions.
In Fall 2024, this class will be taught online asynchronously which means that there are no scheduled class meetings and students can watch lectures at times that work for them while completing the course requirements by the appropriate deadlines. This course is intended to have a zero-cost textbook in Fall of 2024.
Aural Skills I/II –
MUSI 120A (XXXXX)
MUSI 120B (XXXXX)
This course is an essential course for ANY musical path forward. This course trains the ear and the inner rhythmic senses. Anyone who takes this class will be most successful if they have a strong familiarity with musical notation and can already match pitch reasonably well. If needed, take MUSI 110 Music Fundamentals first. If you’re not sure, email me and let’s chat about it.
Musical Technique (playing or singing)
Individual Instruction
Applied Lessons:
MUSI 116 (see section codes below)
This course is for those who wish to study their voice/instrument in a one-on-one environment with individual attention to their unique developmental needs. It is recommended for those who are intending to major in music or musical theater. For a 4-year music degree, up to 8 semesters of Applied Lessons are a requirement. This course has a “Limitation on Enrollment: by audition” and is intended for those who have already been studying their instrument/voice. For those who are beginners, group instruction classes are more appropriate.
| Course Info. | Section code | Units |
| Online | 78059 | 1.00 |
| Online | 78060 | 0.50 |
| Vocal | 78061 | 1.00 |
| Vocal | 78062 | 0.50 |
| Instrumental | 79225 | 1.00 |
| Instrumental | 79226 | 0.50 |
Group Instruction
Voice Class:
Voice I/MT Voice I (71981/71982)
Upper Level Voice Classes
Voice II (74326)
MT Voice (76381)
Voice III (74327)
MT Voice (76382)
Voice IV (74328)
MT Voice IV (76383)
This “suite” of classes is for those who are interested in developing their vocal performance skills. Taught in a “masterclass” environment, it focuses on group lessons, individual performances and coachings. Students wishing to focus on individual technical development can also enroll in Applied Lessons (MUSI 116).
Voice I and MT Voice I are taught separately from the rest. Voice I is an introduction to the concepts, language, and expectations of singing. Most should begin with Voice I. (If you’re unsure, send me an email and let’s chat.) The “Upper Level” Voice classes all meet at the same time.
Piano Class:
MUSI-135 Class Piano 1 (78064)
MUSI-138 Class Piano II (78065)
MUSI-235 Class Piano III (78066)
MUSI-238 Class Piano IV (78067)
Piano class is another way to develop and solidify skills as a musician, particularly those of music reading and song-writing. If you have any interest in pursuing a music major, Piano Class will be well worth your time for that reason alone. All four sections meet at the same time, but it is best to start with Class Piano I and make your way through the sequence.
Guitar Class:
MUSI 140 Guitar I (78043)
MUSI 142 Guitar II (78044)
MUSI 240 Guitar III (78045)
MUSI 242 Guitar IV (78046)
This “suite” of classes is for those who are interested in developing their guitar skills. It focuses on group instruction. Students wishing to focus on individual technical development can also enroll in Applied Lessons (MUSI 116).
The first course teaches basic guitar technique, musicianship, chord and melody playing and accompaniments. Students then move through more advanced training as they progress in the series.
Ensembles
NVC Chorale
MUSI 160 (74234)
This class focuses on ensemble singing. It is a great option both for those just beginning vocal study and for those who are more advanced. For those early in their singing life, it provides the opportunity to be among others who are singing the same voice part which helps singers develop and solidify their ear (i.e. their ability to “audiate”). For those further along in their vocal development, in addition to strengthening the same skills mentioned above, it gives an opportunity to perform different styles of music and to learn to sing in a group.
This class satisfies the ensemble requirement for any music major (whether instrumental or vocal as primary instrument) and is repeatable. 4-year music degrees require as many as 8 semesters of music ensemble.
Jazz Ensemble
MUSI 181 (77412)
This ensemble focuses on jazz repertoire, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a jazz ensemble. Students who enroll in this ensemble are those who play an appropriate instrument for the ensemble. This class satisfies the ensemble requirement for any music major and is repeatable. 4-year music degrees require as many as 8 semesters of music ensemble.
Assessment of proficiency on traditional jazz instrument: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, drums is required.
NVC Orchestra
MUSI 176 (77910)
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of orchestral repertoire from the Baroque through the contemporary periods, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an orchestra. This class satisfies the ensemble requirement for any music major and is repeatable. 4-year music degrees require as many as 8 semesters of music ensemble. This ensemble enjoys a partnership with Napa Valley Youth Symphony.
Musical Theater
Onstage
Musical Theater Performance
MUSI 170 (77909)
This is the class that is associated with the Fall musical theater production of NVC’s mainstage musical. This class has a “Limitation on Enrollment: by audition.” Navigate to the page “Events/Auditions” for details on audition dates and requirements.
Orchestra Pit
Instrumental Performance Seminar
MUSI 280 (78063)
This course is the class associated with the orchestra pit for the Fall musical. Students enrolled in this class will prepare and perform the accompaniment to the onstage action. Performances will be November 15-24, 2024; dress rehearsals will be November 13-14, 2024 in the evening and November 9th in the morning. Other orchestra only rehearsals to be scheduled.