Class Information
Classes & Lessons:
In addition to the ensemble opportunities available, Lone Star College–Montgomery also offers a wide variety of music classes and lessons. If you’re thinking about music for the first time, consider taking one of our introductory courses! If you've had more experience in music, or are considering majoring in it, you'll want to take some classes from our core curriculum.
Introductory Courses -- Music Major Core Curriculum -- Electives -- Lessons -- Ensembles
Introductory Courses:
Music Appreciation (MUSI 1306): A survey of music through reading and listening, designed to provide students with the understanding necessary for greater enjoyment of music. Do you enjoy listening to music, but find that you don’t really know what to listen for? This is the class for you. Fullfills associates of arts Visual & Performing Arts requirement. Online and evening sections available.
Music Fundamentals (MUSI 1301): Learn to read and write music! The focus of this class is music literacy and basic music theory. It is perfect for the non-music major or classroom teacher, or for music majors who have had little experience with music theory. Fullfills associates of arts Visual & Performing Arts requirement. Online and evening sections available.
Class Voice (MUSI 1183): Ever wanted to learn to sing? Learn the basics of breathing, vocal production, and diction in a comfortable, small group setting.
Class Piano (MUSI 1181): Ever wanted to learn to play the piano? This class is designed for adult beginners who can already read some music. It is required for music majors whose primary instrument is not piano.
Class Guitar (MUSI 1192): Learn the basics of guitar -- includes chords, tablature, and standard notation, as well as the basics of reading rhythm.
Music Majors Core Curriculum: Music majors should check the degree information page for specific information on what classes to register for.
Class Piano I-IV: Music majors complete the four-semester class piano sequence. This progression leads from the very basics of playing piano to more advanced topics. In adition to learning to read music at the piano, this sequence includes exercises in harmonizing melodies at sight. (Piano majors or students with significant piano experience may place out of some or all of this sequence -- contact Greg Ristow.)
Music Literature I & II: A study of western classical music from the Baroque through Modern eras. Through reading and listening, you’ll learn the style traits of music of many different eras and get to know some of the greatest pieces ever written! (Required for music majors.)
Music Theory I – IV: An in depth study of harmony, composition, and form. Learn to speak the language of music through part writing, stylistic model composition, and analysis of great works. (Must be taken with the corresponding ear training section. Required for majors.)
Ear Training & Sight Singing I – IV: Learn to hear music from the page and write down the music you hear! Ear training connects the ear and the eye, and teaches you to be able to play by ear, sight sing music, and recognize harmony in the music you hear. (Must be taken with the corresponding music theory section. Required for majors.)
Private Lessons: Available for most instruments and voice. See below for more information.
Music Electives:
Electronic Music: An introduction to the use of synthesizers, computers, sequencing and other music software, as well as the use of multitrack recording and other MIDI devices in the notation, arrangement, composition, and performance of music.
Popular Song Writing: Instruction in music composition, including small popular forms, in both traditional forms and styles of the student’s choice. Focus on lyrics, harmonies, arrangements, performance, and studio recording.
Private Lessons:
Private lessons are available for music majors and other advanced music students. (Beginning or intermediate students should consider class piano, class voice, or class guitar instead.) Students must be registered for one other MUSI or MUEN section while taking private lessons. Permission is required for lessons for music majors, contact Gregory Ristow for more information or permission.