Yakima Valley College has a long history of providing opportunities to study and perform music, and Winter Quarter is no different. Whether you’re interested in a general survey course, just starting to study the fundamentals of music, or looking to build upon your existing musical knowledge and experience, there’s a class or performing group for you.
Registration is under way for Winter Quarter classes and classes begin January 6. Read on for our list of classes with a focus on music:
General music classes for all students, no prior musical experience is required.
MUS 100 Music Fundamentals: This course introduces the basic concepts of music theory and practice. A variety of musical traditions will be used to study rhythm, melody, harmony and form.
MUS 107 Beginning Piano: This course provides foundational instruction in piano playing skills. It also serves as a refresher course for students who have played or studied piano in the past.
MUS 113 Beginning Guitar: This course will introduce students to beginning concepts and techniques of guitar playing. Instruments may be available to borrow.
MUS 116 History of Rock and Roll: This course is a survey of the history of rock music, from the musical world before rock to the present day. The relationship between rock music and issues of race, age, gender, economics, and politics will be discussed.
MUSC& 105 Music Appreciation: This course is an introduction to the world of music, both as an art and as a vital component of human expression.
Performing opportunities
Some groups require an audition. Private lessons and talent grants are available to
students who participate in our performing ensembles, contact jnorwood@yvcc.edu or sslusher@yvcc.edu for more information.
MUS 130 College Chorus: This course introduces students to the preparation and performance of choral literature. Public performance required.
MUS 135 Chamber Singers: This course is a further exploration of the preparation and performance of choral literature via smaller group singing. Students interested in this course will be required to audition and to perform publicly.
MUS 142 Small Group Jazz: This course focuses on the preparation and performance of jazz in a small group setting. Students will be required to audition and to perform publicly.
MUS 149 Jazz Ensemble: This course focuses on the preparation and performance of jazz big band literature. Students will be required to audition and to perform publicly.
Transfer opportunities
Classes designed for music transfer students, contact jnorwood@yvcc.edu for prerequisite information.
MUS 108 Intermediate Piano: This course provides intermediate-level instruction in piano. The course can serve as a continuation of the skills and practices emphasized in MUS 107 or as a refreshment course for students who have studied piano in the past.
MUSC& 122 Ear Training 2: This course is designed to prepare students in singing, sight singing and dictation skills necessary for the performance and teaching of tonal music.
MUSC& 132 Music Theory 2: This course introduces basic theoretical concepts dealing with common-practice melody, harmony, and voice leading, and demonstrates their analytical and compositional uses.
View the full Winter 2025 class schedule.
No matter where you’re going, YVC is the place to start! With many academic options, you can earn the training, degree or certificate you need to get a great job, earn credits that transfer to a four-year university or just to brush up on skills in an area that interests you. YVC’s open-door policy enables all community members to enroll without regard for their past educational record.
Are you a first-time college student or transferring from another school and planning to earn a degree or certificate? New, transfer and returning degree-seeking students, visit our admissions website to apply and get started.
Are you interested in enrolling in a class or two for personal enrichment, professional development or just plain fun? Non-degree seeking students, those not intending to obtain a degree or certificate, are welcome to enroll in courses that total 11 credits or less per quarter. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid. Registration begins December 30 for part-time, non-degree/certificate-seeking students for Winter 2025.
Senior citizens, 60 years of age or older, who are Washington state residents can take advantage of the Gold Card Program. This program allows seniors to attend state supported classes at a reduced cost on a space-available basis. Gold Card participants may enroll on the third day of the quarter or when the class has met at least once, whichever is later.
YVC is a public institution of higher education dedicated to strengthening our communities by providing opportunities for personal enrichment, economic mobility and sociocultural engagement. Founded in 1928, YVC serves all students holistically, supports all students’ learning goals, and fosters achievement within career and educational pathways. As a federally designated Hispanic-serving Institution residing on the traditional homelands of the 14 Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, YVC cultivates equity and a culture of innovative and inclusive teaching and learning.
A new quarter starts soon! Take the first step today! Visit yvcc.edu/apply to get started.