Music Courses for Non-Majors

Music at MSU Denver offers many music courses for non-majors. Our general studies courses are designed for non-musicians interested in developing an appreciation and deeper understanding of music.

We also offer beginning instruction on select instruments, and invite all students at MSU Denver to join a music ensemble!

MUS 1000: Introduction to Music * (3 credit hours)
MUS 1040: Music, Race, & Power */** (3 credit hours)
MUS 1050: History of Rock and Roll * (3 credit hours)
MUS 3015: Global Pop Music */*** (3 credit hours)
MUS 3020: History of Jazz * (3 credit hours)
MUS 3050: Musics of the World */*** (3 credit hours)
MUS 3051: From Blues to Hip Hop */** (3 credit hours)
MUS 3099: The Beatles: Music and Culture * (3 credit hours)
MUS 4000: Musics of Latin America */*** (3 credit hours)

* Course satisfies General Studies Arts and Humanities credit requirement
** Course satisfies General Studies Ethnic Studies & Social Justice credit requirement
*** Course satisfies General Studies Global Diversity credit requirement

MUS 1060: Basic Music Production (2 credit hours)
MUS 3030: Traditional American Improvised Styles (3 credit hours)
MUS 3070: Songwriting (2 credit hours)
MUS 3895/AAS 3920: Hip-Hop Culture and Rap Music (3 credit hours)

Class Instruction

MUS 161A: Class Voice I
MUS 161B: Class Piano I
MUS 161L: Class Guitar I

Students who play an instrument or sing are highly encouraged to join a music ensemble.

• Our ensembles are open to all MSU Denver students
• Students in an ensemble have access to our two practice room suites.
• Students are provided an instrument locker in the Arts Building.
• Instruments are provided for free to those in need.
• Some ensembles are offered as zero-credit courses to non-majors (MUS 082x)

No Audition Required:

MUS 0821 / 3821: University Treble Choir
MUS 0822 / 3822: University Basso Choir
MUS 0824 / 3824: Symphonic Band
MUS 3818: Mariachi Ensemble
MUS 3831: Percussion Chamber Ensemble
MUS 3834: Gamelan Ensemble
MUS 3835: African Drum and Dance Ensemble
MUS 3816: Early Music Ensemble (not offered every semester)

Audition Required

To audition, contact the course instructor unless otherwise indicated.

MUS 0820 / 3820 Chorale (mixed choir): Sign up online to audition for Chorale
MUS 0827 / 3827 Symphony Orchestra: Submit Orchestra audition video online
MUS 0828 / 3828 Jazz Ensemble
MUS 3819 Chamber Music
MUS 3825 Wind Ensemble
MUS 3829 Jazz Combo
MUS 3830 Guitar Ensemble
MUS 3832 Collaborative Piano
MUS 3833 Opera
MSU Denver Pep Band: Basketball season only, non-credit, paying gig! Visit the Pep Band page for more information.