The DMACC Music Program curriculum includes courses for all students, whether they are music majors or not.
Humanities Core Courses
Music Appreciation (MUS 100) - classroom and online
A survey of the development of western art music through study of representative compositions of many periods and styles; includes definitions of musical terminology and a major emphasis on listening. This course is offered face-to-face and online.
Music Fundamentals (MUS 102 - 3 Humanities Core credits)
This course introduces students to the elements of music through how those elements are taught at various levels of schooling from pre-school through the upper elementary grades. Students will learn about music education philosophies and will be required to role play as young students and as music teachers. All students will be required to learn the basic elements of playing a keyboard instrument. This course is offered face-to-face only.
World Music (MUS 202 - 3 Humanities Core credits)
This course is a survey of musical styles from countries whose music is primarily based on concepts that are not part of the Western culture music tradition. The list of cultures whose music will be studied includes, but is not limited to African, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, cultures from the Near East, and indigenous cultures from the Americas. This course is offered face-to-face and online.
World Music (MUS 202 - 3 Humanities Core and/or Diversity credits)
This course is a survey of musical styles from countries whose music is primarily based on concepts that are not part of the Western culture music tradition. The list of cultures whose music will be studied includes, but is not limited to African, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, cultures from the Near East, and indigenous cultures from the Americas.
Jazz History and Appreciation (MUS 205 - 3 elective credits)
This course is a survey of the development of American jazz from the late 19th century to the present, with emphasis on its ethnic origins, cities where jazz developed, styles that evolved, and the influential composers and performers who created the various jazz styles.
Music Theory I (MUS 106) 4 elective credits - meets five days a week - classroom
Music Theory - All aspects of music theory will be introduced and explored with the experienced music student. Activities will include ear training, sight singing, keyboard training and written theory assignments.
Music Theory II (MUS 107) 4 elective credits - meets five days a week - classroom
As a sequel to Materials of Music I, this course will examine music theory in greater complexity and will emphasize the harmonic aspects of music. Activities will include ear training, sight singing, keyboard skills and written theory assignments. PREREQUISITE: MUS 106
The History of Rock and Rock (MUS 204 - 3 elective credits.)
This course is a survey of the development of Rock and Roll music from the mid-1950's to the present, with emphasis on its development from other music styles, its place in the culture, musical styles that developed as part of the culture, and influential promoters, producers, composers and performers.
Applied (Private) Lessons
Applied Voice (MUA 101)
Applied Piano (MUA 121)
Applied Instrumental (MUA 147 A-E) (Guitar, Violin/Viola, Woodwind, Percussion, Upper Brass)
Applied lessons carry one elective credit. Lessons are 30 minutes long during fall and spring semesters and 45 minutes long during the summer semester. Students are accepted at all levels of experience. Grading is based on attendance and technical/musical progress.
Students may enroll in applied lessons as many times as they want. However, only four semesters credit may be used as elective credit toward a DMACC degree.
Performing Ensembles (Choral and Jazz)
Concert Choir (MUS 143 - 3 elective lecture credits). There is no audition for this choir, however singers are expected to be able to learn and sing well the choral parts to which they are assigned. Singers follow regular DMACC registration procedures. Concert Choir meets 3 times a week (MWF) from 11:15 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. and performs on two major concerts each semester and at DMACC Commencement in May.
This information applies to the DMACC Ankeny Campus. Concert Choir is also offered on the DMACC Boone Campus; please check contact that campus for more information. There is no limit as to the number of times a student may register to sing in this choir; however, only the most recent four semesters' credit may be used towards a DMACC degree.
Chamber Ensemble (MUS 275 - 3 elective lecture credits). This choir is open by audition only to all DMACC students. Auditions are held the first two days of each semester. Singers who audition successfully follow regular DMACC registration procedures, using an add slip provided by the choral conductor. Chamber Ensemble meets 3 times a week (MWF) from 12:50 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. and performs on two major concerts each semester with Concert Choir. Additional performances may be arranged, if singer availability allows. This information applies only to the DMACC Ankeny Campus. There is no limit as to the number of times a student may register to sing in this choir; however, only the most recent four semesters' credit may be used towards a DMACC degree.
DMACC Instrumental Jazz Ensemble (MUS 502-100, Continuing Education)
The ensemble rehearses one evening each week during the regular full-term schedule. It is expected that persons who register for this ensemble will have prior experience playing in the jazz styles and that they play at or near an advanced level. The ensemble rehearses Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. To register for this ensemble, call the DMACC Office at 515-964-6800.
DMACC Vocal Jazz Ensemble (MUS 503-100, Continuing Education)
The ensemble rehearses one evening each week during the regular full-term schedule. It is expected that persons who register for this ensemble will have prior singing experience in jazz ensembles or prior singing experience and a strong desire to learn about jazz ensemble singing. The ensemble rehearses Monday evenings from 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. To register for this ensemble, call the DMACC Continuing Education Office at 515-964-6800.