The content on this page is provided as an example of a "Start Here" page from Music 5R: A Sound in Time

Welcome to MUS 5R - A Sound in Time

This course is an examination and exploration of the art and science of music-making. Topics include acoustics, improvisation, composition, and electronic and popular forms. There will be required listening, reading, and creative assignments. No previous musical background is required.

History of the Course

The genesis of this course, “Sound in Time - Music 5R” goes back to the founding member of the UC San Diego Department of Music, Will Ogden, who in 1965 created the course “Nature of Music.” Experimentalism is at the core of the history of UC San Diego's Music department. As a research institution, the Department of Music has built an international reputation as one of the premier institutions in the world for contemporary music. You will participate in the continuation of this tradition and engage with its core principles.

About This Course

Course Format

MUS 5R is fully asynchronous, meaning there are no required live sessions. However, there are weekly Office Hours and live sessions available through Zoom. During each weekly live session, we will go over the upcoming assignments and content for the week. You are strongly recommended to join if you have questions about the content or assignments.

Each week, you will be expected to log into Canvas and participate in the weekly assignments:

Read the required text, watch pre-recorded lecture videos, and listen to selected musical pieces
Participate in discussions that probe your reaction to the topics considered
Complete weekly assignments
Participate in collaborative music making with your classmates

If you are new to this learning environment, take a moment to get acquainted with the learning management system and make sure you have all the necessary materials and resources to succeed in this course.

First Day: To Do

Read the Course Syllabus

The course syllabus will provide you with the schedule, objectives, explanations of assignments and assessments, grading policies, and instructor contact information. Please read it carefully. You should have a deep familiarity with the schedule and process of the course.

Access Course Materials

Reading and Listening:

All reading and listening files are provided via Canvas. You will not have to purchase any materials for this course.
Lecture Videos:

Each week, you will watch short lecture videos that align with your readings and listenings. The videos are already linked within the modules in the order you should watch them. You can also access all course videos in the course's Media Gallery.

Safari and Chrome Users

You may see an error message when you first access lecture videos. Follow the instructions on the error message pop-up and click the link to kaltura.com. Once you open the link, you can refresh the Canvas page and view the videos.

Zoom Video Conference:

We will be using Zoom for office hours and optional just-in-time sessions. Please be sure to download Zoom if you haven't already.Links to an external site.

Complete the Getting Started module items

You will need to view all the module items and post to the Introduce Yourself discussion board to unlock the rest of the course.

Financial Aid - First Day Survey

The #FinAid First Day Survey is a required activity for all UC San Diego students receiving Financial Aid. YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BEFORE THE END OF WEEK 1.