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Music, Professional

Associate in Arts Degree

The Performing Arts Department offers a comprehensive music program designed with pathways to provide a wide variety of musical experience for students seeking to transfer to baccalaureate programs in Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Music Education, Jazz Performance, Music for Media Writing, Music Industry Studies, and General Music Studies for a career as a performing musician, music educator, recording engineer, composer, music producer, or other areas of commercial music. The goal of the Associate of Arts in Music, Professional is to prepare students to transfer to a School of Music or conservatory to pursue a BA, BM, or BFA in Music. Courses required in Associate of Arts in Music, Professional lay a foundation for success in upper-division music coursework. Careers in music include: A. Music Teacher (Vocal, Instrumental, General Music): Community School, Parks & Rec Program, Public/Private K-12 School, College or University, and Private Music Teacher. B. Band, Orchestral, Choral Music Director: K-12 school ensemble director, College, Conservatory & University ensemble director, and Community ensemble director. C. Church or Synagogue Music Director: Cantor (Church, Synagogue) and Church Organist. D. Conductor (Vocal or Instrumental): Educational Settings (K-12, College, University), Church & Community Settings, and Community Choirs. E. Music Director (Musical Theater): K-12 school musical theater director, College, Conservatory & University musical theater director, and Community musical theater director. F. Composer or Arranger: Film, TV, Gaming, Commercial jingles, Songwriter, and Lyricist. G. Symphony Orchestra musician: Ballet: Orchestra musician, Conductor, Concertmaster (Orchestra), Section Leader (Orchestra), Section Member (Orchestra), and Orchestra Manager. H. Musical Theater Singer: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Touring Shows, National, Regional, Local, Concerts and Recitals: Performer, Producer, Floor Shows (Hotels, Casinos, Clubs), and Band Member (Vocalist). I. Opera Singer: Productions, Concerts and Recitals, National, Regional, Local Collaborative Pianist (Accompanist), Music Librarian, Music Therapist, Sound Designer, Sound Technician, Recording Artist, Studio Musician, Music Publisher, Music Copyist, Music Licensing Consultant, Music Producer, Radio Music Director, Music Store Manager, Music Instrument Sales Representative, Music Instrument Repair and Restoration Specialist, Music Instrument Builder/Designer, and Piano Tuner/Technician. Music majors should meet with a full-time faculty member for advising and planning for timely completion of the AA degree in Music. NOTES: 1. Music majors with prior piano experience may meet the Piano Proficiency requirement (MUSC 031A/B) via credit by examination. Music majors with no prior piano experience should enroll in Beginning Piano (MUSC 030A/B) using elective units, to remediate prior to enrolling in Intermediate Piano (MUSC 031A/B). 2. Music majors deficient in knowledge of scales, key signatures, intervals, and chords are advised to take Fundamentals of Music (MUSC 005) to remediate prior to enrolling in Theory Level 1 (MUSC 003A). 3. Audition is required for admission to large ensembles (MUSC 042, 048, 049), and the Applied Music program (MUSC 039A–G). Admission is based on the skill level and likelihood the student will be able to meet transfer audition requirements two years hence. 4. This is a high-unit program due to multiple, sequential subject matter courses beginning in the first semester in accordance with NASM standards. Students may need to take classes during Winter and/or Summer intersessions in order to complete the program, including all transfer GE requirements, in two years.

Major Core Requirements (16 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
Select one:
MUSC002
MUSC002H

Music History: Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Periods
Honors Music History: Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Periods

3 units
3 units
MUSC003AMusic Theory Level 13 units
MUSC020AMusicianship Level 11 unit
MUSC020BMusicianship Level 21 unit
MUSC020CMusicianship Level 31 unit
MUSC031AIntermediate Piano, Level 31 unit
MUSC031BIntermediate Piano, Level 41 unit
Select 2 units from the following. Units must be from the same course.
MUSC039A
MUSC039B
MUSC039C
MUSC039D
MUSC039E
MUSC039F
MUSC039G

Applied Music: Brass
Applied Music: Woodwind
Applied Music: Strings
Applied Music: Percussion
Applied Music: Piano
Applied Music: Guitar
Applied Music: Voice

1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
MUSC066Digital Audio and Notation1 unit
Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC042
MUSC048
MUSC049

Concert Choir
Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band

1 unit
1 unit
1 unit

Select an emphasis: (21 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
Instrumental Performance emphasis:

Select one:
MUSC001
MUSC001H

MUSC003B
MUSC004A
MUSC004B
MUSC020D

Select 2 units from the following. Units must be from the same course.
MUSC039A
MUSC039B
MUSC039C
MUSC039D
MUSC039E
MUSC039F

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC042
MUSC048
MUSC049

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC043A
MUSC043B

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC048
MUSC049
MUSC051
MUSC053A
MUSC053B
MUSC053C
MUSC053D
MUSC056



Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods
Honors Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods

Music Theory Level 2
Music Theory Level 3
Music Theory Level 4
Musicianship Level 4


Applied Music: Brass
Applied Music: Woodwind
Applied Music: Strings
Applied Music: Percussion
Applied Music: Piano
Applied Music: Guitar


Concert Choir
Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band


Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation


Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band
Jazz Band
Chamber Music: Early
Chamber Music: Classical
Chamber Music: Modern
Chamber Music: World
Percussion Ensemble



3 units
3 units

3 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


2 units
2 units


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
Vocal Performance emphasis:

Select one:
MUSC001
MUSC001H

MUSC003B
MUSC004A
MUSC004B
MUSC020D
MUSC035A
MUSC035B

Complete 2 units from the following:
MUSC039G



Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods
Honors Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods

Music Theory Level 2
Music Theory Level 3
Music Theory Level 4
Musicianship Level 4
Diction for Singers: Italian, English & Latin
Diction for Singers: German, French & Spanish


Applied Music: Voice



3 units
3 units

3 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


1 unit
Complete 2 units from the following:
MUSC042

Concert Choir

1 unit
Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC040
MUSC043A
MUSC043B
MUSC044A
MUSC044B
MUSC044C
MUSC044D
MUSC052A
MUSC052B
MUSC052C
MUSC052D
MUSC053A
MUSC053B
MUSC053C
MUSC053D

Chamber Singers
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation
Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Comic Opera
Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Verismo Opera
Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Mid-20th Century Musicals
Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Modern Musicals
Jazz Combo: Early
Jazz Combo: Swing
Jazz Combo: Bebop
Jazz Combo: Fusion
Chamber Music: Early
Chamber Music: Classical
Chamber Music: Modern
Chamber Music: World

1 unit
2 units
2 units
2 units
2 units
2 units
2 units
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
Music Education emphasis:

Select one:
MUSC001
MUSC001H

MUSC003B
MUSC004A
MUSC004B
MUSC006
MUSC020D

Select 2 units from the following. Units must be from the same course.
MUSC039A
MUSC039B
MUSC039C
MUSC039D
MUSC039E
MUSC039F
MUSC039G

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC042
MUSC048
MUSC049

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC032A
MUSC032B
MUSC033A
MUSC033B
MUSC035A
MUSC035B
MUSC036A
MUSC036B
MUSC036C
MUSC036D
MUSC040
MUSC043A
MUSC043B
MUSC052A
MUSC052B
MUSC052C
MUSC052D
MUSC053A
MUSC053B
MUSC053C
MUSC053D
MUSC056



Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods
Honors Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods

Music Theory Level 2
Music Theory Level 3
Music Theory Level 4
Introduction to Music Education
Musicianship Level 4


Applied Music: Brass
Applied Music: Woodwind
Applied Music: Strings
Applied Music: Percussion
Applied Music: Piano
Applied Music: Guitar
Applied Music: Voice


Concert Choir
Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band


Beginning Voice, Level 1
Beginning Voice, Level 2
Intermediate Voice, Level 3
Intermediate Voice, Level 4
Diction for Singers: Italian, English & Latin
Diction for Singers: German, French & Spanish
Beginning Guitar - Level 1
Beginning/Intermediate Guitar - Level 2
Intermediate Guitar - Level 3
Intermediate/Advanced Guitar - Level 4
Chamber Singers
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Combo: Early
Jazz Combo: Swing
Jazz Combo: Bebop
Jazz Combo: Fusion
Chamber Music: Early
Chamber Music: Classical
Chamber Music: Modern
Chamber Music: World
Percussion Ensemble



3 units
3 units

3 units
3 units
3 units
2 units
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
2 units
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
Jazz Performance emphasis:
MUSC003B
MUSC004A
MUSC004B
MUSC009
MUSC020D

Select 2 units from the following. Units must be from the same course.
MUSC039A
MUSC039B
MUSC039C
MUSC039D
MUSC039E
MUSC039F
MUSC039G

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC042
MUSC048
MUSC049

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC043A
MUSC043B

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC051
MUSC052A
MUSC052B
MUSC052C
MUSC052D

Music Theory Level 2
Music Theory Level 3
Music Theory Level 4
Jazz Music History
Musicianship Level 4


Applied Music: Brass
Applied Music: Woodwind
Applied Music: Strings
Applied Music: Percussion
Applied Music: Piano
Applied Music: Guitar
Applied Music: Voice


Concert Choir
Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band


Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation


Jazz Band
Jazz Combo: Early
Jazz Combo: Swing
Jazz Combo: Bebop
Jazz Combo: Fusion

3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


2 units
2 units


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
Music for Media Writing emphasis:
MUSC003B
MUSC004A
MUSC004B
MUSC020D
MUSC067A
MUSC067B

Complete 2 units from the following:
MUSC039H

Select 3 units from the following:
MUSC007
MUSC055

Music Theory Level 2
Music Theory Level 3
Music Theory Level 4
Musicianship Level 4
Creating Music for Film, TV, and Gaming: Foundations
Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming: Techniques


Applied Music: Commercial Music Production


Film Music Appreciation
World Music

3 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit
3 units
3 units


1 unit


3 units
3 units
Music Industry Studies emphasis:
MUSC054
MUSC063A
MUSC063B
MUSC070
MUSC039H

Select 3 units from the following:
MUSC065A
MUSC065B

Select 5 units from the following:
MUSC005
MUSC009
MUSC030A
MUSC030B
MUSC039H
MUSC052A
MUSC052B
MUSC052C
MUSC052D
MUSC055
MUSC064
MUSC067A
MUSC069

History of Rock and Roll Music
Introduction To Music Production
Commercial Music Production
Music Business
Applied Music: Commercial Music Production


Recording Arts I
Recording Arts II


Fundamentals of Music
Jazz Music History
Beginning Piano, Level 1
Beginning Piano, Level 2
Applied Music: Commercial Music Production
Jazz Combo: Early
Jazz Combo: Swing
Jazz Combo: Bebop
Jazz Combo: Fusion
World Music
Sound Design
Creating Music for Film, TV, and Gaming: Foundations
Songwriting

3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit


3 units
3 units


3 units
3 units
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
General - no emphasis

Select one:
MUSC001
MUSC001H

MUSC003B
MUSC004A
MUSC004B
MUSC020D

Select 2 units from the following. Units must be from the same course.
MUSC039A
MUSC039B
MUSC039C
MUSC039D
MUSC039E
MUSC039F
MUSC039G

Select 2 units from the following:
MUSC042
MUSC048
MUSC049

Select 4 units from the following:
MUSC005
MUSC006
MUSC007
MUSC009
MUSC030A
MUSC030B
MUSC032A
MUSC032B
MUSC033A
MUSC033B
MUSC035A
MUSC035B
MUSC036A
MUSC036B
MUSC036C
MUSC036D
MUSC039H
MUSC040
MUSC042
MUSC048
MUSC043A
MUSC043B
MUSC049
MUSC051
MUSC052A
MUSC052B
MUSC052C
MUSC052D
MUSC053A
MUSC053B
MUSC053C
MUSC053D
MUSC054
MUSC055
MUSC056
MUSC063A
MUSC063B
MUSC064
MUSC065A
MUSC065B
MUSC065C
MUSC067A
MUSC067B
MUSC069
MUSC070



Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods
Honors Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods

Music Theory Level 2
Music Theory Level 3
Music Theory Level 4
Musicianship Level 4


Applied Music: Brass
Applied Music: Woodwind
Applied Music: Strings
Applied Music: Percussion
Applied Music: Piano
Applied Music: Guitar
Applied Music: Voice


Concert Choir
Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band


Fundamentals of Music
Introduction to Music Education
Film Music Appreciation
Jazz Music History
Beginning Piano, Level 1
Beginning Piano, Level 2
Beginning Voice, Level 1
Beginning Voice, Level 2
Intermediate Voice, Level 3
Intermediate Voice, Level 4
Diction for Singers: Italian, English & Latin
Diction for Singers: German, French & Spanish
Beginning Guitar - Level 1
Beginning/Intermediate Guitar - Level 2
Intermediate Guitar - Level 3
Intermediate/Advanced Guitar - Level 4
Applied Music: Commercial Music Production
Chamber Singers
Concert Choir
Symphony Orchestra
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Jazz Improvisation
Symphonic Band
Jazz Band
Jazz Combo: Early
Jazz Combo: Swing
Jazz Combo: Bebop
Jazz Combo: Fusion
Chamber Music: Early
Chamber Music: Classical
Chamber Music: Modern
Chamber Music: World
History of Rock and Roll Music
World Music
Percussion Ensemble
Introduction To Music Production
Commercial Music Production
Sound Design
Recording Arts I
Recording Arts II
Audio Mixing & Production
Creating Music for Film, TV, and Gaming: Foundations
Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming: Techniques
Songwriting
Music Business



3 units
3 units

3 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


1 unit
1 unit
1 unit


3 units
2 units
3 units
3 units
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
2 units
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
1 unit
3 units
3 units
1 unit
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
3 units

Total Major Units: 37 units

To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:

  1. Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
  2. Completion of WVC, CSU-Breadth, or IGETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree should complete the CSU-Breadth or IGETC General Education pattern.
  3. Complete additional degree applicable units to meet the minimum 60-unit Associate Degree requirements.
  4. Total degree units: 68-70

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Perform standard solo and ensemble repertoire appropriate to the performance area
  • Demonstrate proficiency on voice or instrument in final jury, incorporating accurate performance practice based on historical eras and diverse musical styles
  • Develop and demonstrate informed artistic choices in performance
  • Critique musical performances with an awareness of vocabulary, musical style, performance practice, and interpretation suitable for transfer to a school of music
  • Demonstrate the ability to hear, identify, and work conceptually with the elements of music, through sight-reading and musical analysis in placement exams
  • Create derivative or original music in extemporaneous and/or written form
Last Updated 6/28/24