MUS: Music — General

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The courses listed below are part of Hawkeye's course catalog. The course cost is subject to change, and the listing does not confirm that the course is currently available. To see currently available courses and sections, visit the course search.

If you plan to transfer courses back to your current college or university, make sure the courses you want to take at Hawkeye will transfer. To confirm, meet with your advisor at your current school or, if you're attending the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, or Iowa State University, visit www.TransferinIowa.org.

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MUS-100 Music Appreciation

3 credits—An introduction to the musical arts through listening to and studying the music of various periods. Some sections of the course may be presented by live musicians. Allied arts, including dance, painting, and literature, may be used to demonstrate the relatedness of music to the larger scope of human experience.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

MUS-102 Music Fundamentals

3 credits—This course will introduce basic concepts of music theory, aural skills, and vocabulary for non-majors with limited background in music fundamentals or as preparation for music major theory courses. Topics such as clefs, staff, key signatures, notation, meter, rhythm, and simple chords as well as basic sight singing, ear training, and keyboard harmony will be covered.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

MUS-106 Music Theory I

4 credits—Music Theory I is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of music theory. This course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to read and write musical notation, understand basic harmony and analyze simple pieces. Topics covered include: pitch and rhythm notation, scales and modes, chords and harmony, counterpoint and part writing, form and analysis, and sight-singing and ear training. Through a combination of class discussion, ear training exercises, and written assignments, students will develop a solid foundation in music theory. This course is recommended for music majors, as well as anyone interested in a deeper understanding of music.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

MUS-107 Music Theory II

4 credits—Music Theory II builds on the concepts covered in Music Theory I, and focuses on more advanced topics in music theory. This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of harmony, counterpoint, and analysis. Topics covered include: figured bass, seventh chord, non-harmonic tones, modulation, chromatic harmony, and the analysis of more complex pieces. Through a combination of class discussion, ear training exercises, and written assignments, students will develop a more advanced understanding of music theory.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MUS-106

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

MUS-154 Chorus

1 credits—This course is designed for students to perform accompanied and unaccompanied vocal ensemble music, ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. The group meets regularly and presents a wide variety of choral literature in on and off campus performances throughout the year. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00

MUS-162 Instrumental Ensembles

1 credits—This course offers two one-hour periods of group instruction per week. Individual needs are met based upon the student's background in playing technique, musicianship, and performance. Students advance their skills through multiple rehearsals with colleagues. Additional outside practice/preparation is required. This course will contain multiple sections to reflect alternate ensemble possibilities, such as: guitar ensemble, string orchestra, or small string chamber ensemble. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00

MUS-202 World Music

3 credits—This course is an exploration and comparative examination of non-western music and cultural traditions. Formatted for the general student and music major, the course will include fundamentals of music, basic elements of global music, and study of societal and cultural influence of music traditions on a nation/country.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00