Course Syllabus

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SAC LogoMusic Appreciation (MUS 101) Syllabus

IMPORTANT NOTE: While the information listed directly on this page is important, it is not the complete syllabus. To read the entire syllabus, scroll down to the "Course Syllabus Document" link and download the file.

Course Description:  In this course we will study Western music history from the Middle Ages up to the present time.  In addition to learning that history, we will train our ears to recognize the musical elements that make up the pieces we'll study as well as the music you listen to on a daily basis.  For a detailed description of course expectations, assignments, and grading scale please see the Course Syllabus Document (attached below).

Textbook Information:  This course will make use of open educational resources (OER) in place of published course materials.  For reading assignments you will be provided with downloadable documents or links to websites.  For listening assignments we will use Spotify.  You will need a free Spotify account – a paid account is not necessary.

Course Learning Objectives:  This course is designed to increase your understanding of music, with an emphasis on the music of the European "classical" tradition.  No prior musical experience is necessary to succeed in the course.


Student Learning Objectives:   By the end of the class you will be able to:

  • Define important musical terms and use those terms accurately in your own vocabulary.

  • Identify the musical characteristics represented by those terms in a piece of music.

  • Identify specific pieces, periods, and genres based on musical characteristics observed.

  • Demonstrate understanding of the historical developments in Western music.

Meet Your Instructor:

Michael Briones Contact Info

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Michael Briones is a trombonist with experience in several styles of music. He plays several different styles of music and has performed with artists, such as the Backstreet Boys, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Matthew Morrison from “Glee”, and Earl Klugh. He has performed at the Hollywood Bowl and at several major jazz festivals, including the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival. His TV appearances include The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and The Voice, as well as appearing in The Muppet Movie. His touring extends from U.S. and Canada to Europe, Japan, and Indonesia.

Briones earned his Bachelor of Music from California State University, Long Beach and his Master of Music from Azusa Pacific University studying music performance at both schools. He coaches at several high schools in and out of Santa Ana, he has given several master classes, and he has several students who have achieved honor groups, including the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

Briones has worked at Santa Ana College since 2013 and has been involved with Santa Ana College since 2000. He coordinates Instrumental Music groups at SAC as well as the Applied Music program. He specifically directs the SAC Big Band and SAC Concert Band. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons.


Course Syllabus Document:  MUS 101-63382 Briones Michael SPRING 2019.pdf

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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