MUSE 160: Standard Percussion Instrumentation/Techniques

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2020
Credits: 1
Total Contact Hours: 44
Lecture Hours : 18
Lab Hours: 26
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 36
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course, for the percussionist, introduces appropriate exercises in rhythm, technique and consistency. Special selected studies including specific techniques and rhythmic patterns are chosen to advance the student's proficiency on the standard percussion instruments. Study of solo and ensemble literature from different periods of music chosen to suit the student's performance level. 18 lecture hours, 26 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and marimba.
  • Sight-read material at the student's technical proficiency level.
  • Control tone and pitch at various dynamic levels on the standard percussion instruments.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of music theory and its application to ensemble playing.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction of techniques on the standard percussion instruments.
  2. Introduction of resources for development of technique.
  3. Introduction of vocabulary of rudiments of percussion technique and appropriate musical contexts.
  4. Listening to current and past percussion ensemble repertoire.
  5. Essay on approved topic in classical percussion.

Lab Content

  1. Assessment of student’s present level
  2. Self-paced weekly assignments focusing on improvement of basic musicianship skills, technical skills, ear training, and repertoire development
  3. Assignment of rudiments
  4. Assignment of reading material
  5. Demonstration of percussion instruments and techniques applicable for proper use of percussion instruments
  6. Review and critique of assignments
  7. Rehearsal techniques and small group rehearsals and instruction

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Handouts and literature relevant to percussion provided by professor and online web sources

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Analysis of percussion aspects from listening and live settings

Examples of Outside Assignments

Personal practice of written literature, rudiments and listening to music relevant to standard percussion techniques

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab