Peter Buck, B.M., M.M.

I have been a professional musician in Los Angeles for almost 25 years. I have had the opportunity to tour throughout most of the world, performing with famous artists and many more not-so-famous artists. Although I have played virtually every style of music, I consider myself to be a jazz musician and have released two CDs, “Buck’s Vibe” and “Buck’s Vibe 2” which feature my original compositions. I have been a music professor here at Cypress College since the beginning of 2005, and I absolutely love sharing my musical expertise and life experiences in order to further the education of my students.

Education

• Master of Music-Jazz Studies
  University of Southern California
  Pi Kappa Lambda Honors
• Bachelor of Music-Percussion Performance
  Berklee College of Music
  Magna Cum Laude

Teaching

• Adjunct Professor – Cypress College (January 2005-present)
  • Jazz History
  • Music Appreciation
  • Applied Music Coordinator
  • Jazz Band
  • Swing Band
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Jazz Improvisation
  • Music Fundamentals
  • Applied Music Lessons
  • Music Theory

Jazz History MUS 113

This is a survey course which traces the history and development of jazz music from its inception to the present day. The music, both live and from recordings, is studied from a cultural, musical, historical, and sociological standpoint. Concert attendance is required.

MUS 116 Music Appreciation

Course Description

A survey of music literature from the Middle Ages to the present. Students will gain an understanding of music as an art form through listening and discussion of choral, orchestral, solo, opera, chamber and jazz works. Concert attendance is required. Open to all students, but designed for the non-music major.

Course Structure

This is a web enhanced course. In addition to our class meetings, you will participate in the course using Cypress College’s course management system called Canvas available at Cypress College Canvas.

Basic computer skills will be necessary in order to be successful in this course. Students should be comfortable with web browsing, word processing, sending and receiving email, and saving work on a computer. If you do not have access to a computer off campus, there are many computer labs on campus you can use to participate in the course. Most public libraries also have computers with internet access that you can use for free.

Students will be required to log into the course website in order to complete assignments related to the online lectures, reading, and listening examples before the designated deadlines.

Textbook/Supplies

Required textbook: Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, el Sistema, and the Transformative Power of Music, by Tricia Tunstall.

Publisher: W. W. Norton and Company

• Ken Burns Jazz
  Explore this great documentary on the history of jazz.
• Jazz Musicians
  Learn about the groundbreaking performers of this American art form.