Music Degree Requirements

West Valley College offers two Associate degrees in Music:

  • 70-unit Associate of Arts Degree in Music, Professional
  • 60-unit Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT or AA-T)

Successful completion of the lower unit AA-T in Music guarantees admission to a CSU campus, though not necessarily of the student's choice. In addition, this degree does not guarantee acceptance into the specific program of specialty.

The higher-unit AA in Music, Professional provides a comprehensive music education in music history, piano and additional elective units in music above and beyond the music theory, musicianship, applied music and ensemble provided by the AA-T.

The Music faculty strongly recommends students pursue the 70-unit degree, which provides a complete music education, equivalent or exceeding the experience at a four-year institution. The Music faculty also recommends simultaneously applying for the 60-unit degree, the requirements of which will automatically be completed with the completion of the 70-unit degree.

Following these recommendations will give students the advantage of a comprehensive music education from the AA in Music, Professional that prepares students for transfer auditions and placement tests, with the fallback of guaranteed CSU acceptance from the AA-T.

Associate of Arts Degree in Music, Professional

The Department of Music and Dance offers a comprehensive program designed to provide a wide variety of musical experience for the student seeking to transfer to a baccalaureate program in performance or music education for a career as a musician or music teacher. 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 or BM in Music. Courses required in Associate of Arts in Music lay a foundation for success in upper-division music coursework.

Students who complete the Associate of Arts in Music will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency on voice or instrument in final jury, incorporating accurate performance practice based on historical eras and diverse musical styles;
  • Perform standard solo and ensemble repertoire appropriate to the performance area;
  • Demonstrate the ability to hear, identify and work conceptually with the elements of music, through sight-reading and musical analysis in placement exams;
  • Critique musical performances with an awareness of vocabulary, musical style, performance practice, and interpretation suitable for transfer to a school of music;
  • Create derivative or original music in extemporaneous and/or written form;
  • Develop and demonstrate informed artistic choices in performance.
  1. Music Teacher (Vocal, Instrumental, General Music)
    1. Community School
    2. Parks & Rec Program
    3. Public/Private K-12 School
    4. College or University
    5. Private Music Teacher
  2. Band, Orchestral, Choral Music Director
    1. K-12 school ensemble director
    2. College,Conservatory & University ensemble director
    3. Community ensemble director
  3. Church or Synagogue Music Director
    1. Cantor (Church, Synagogue)
    2. Church Organist
  4. Conductor (Vocal or Instrumental)
    1. Educational Settings (K-12, College, University)
    2. Church & Community Settings
    3. Community Choirs
  5. Music Director (Musical Theater)
    1. K-12 school musical theater director
    2. College, Conservatory &University musical theater director
    3. Community musical theater director
  6. Collaborative Pianist(Accompanist)
  7. Composer or Arranger
    1. Film, TV, Gaming, Commercial jingles
    2. Songwriter
    3. Lyricist
  8. Symphony Orchestra musician
    1. Ballet: orchestra musician, conductor
    2. Concertmaster (Orchestra)
    3. Section Leader (Orchestra)
    4. Section Member (Orchestra)
    5. Orchestra Manager
  9. Musical Theater Singer
    1. Broadway, Off-Broadway, Touring Shows
    2. National, Regional, Local
    3. Concerts and Recitals: performer,producer
    4. Floor Shows (Hotels, casinos, clubs)
    5. Band Member (Vocalist)
  10. Opera Singer
    1. Productions,Concerts and Recitals
    2. National, Regional, Local
  11. Music Librarian
  12. Music Therapist
  13. Sound Designer
  14. Sound Technician
  15. Recording Artist
  16. Studio Musician
  17. Music Publisher
  18. Music Copyist
  19. Music Licensing Consultant
  20. Music Producer
  21. Radio Music Director
  22. Music Store Manager
  23. Music Instrument Sales Representative
  24. Music Instrument Repair and Restoration Specialist
  25. Music Instrument Builder/Designer
  26. Piano Tuner/Technician
  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 31A/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 42, 48, 49), 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.

Required Core: Theory, Musicianship, History, Piano, Digital Notation (25 units)

Credit by examination available for MUSC 031A and/or MUSC 031B to those students possessing prior piano experience.

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 1 Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods 3 units
MUSC 2 Music History: Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Periods 3 units
MUSC 3A Music Theory Level 1 3 units
MUSC 3B Music Theory Level 2 3 units
MUSC 4A Music Theory Level 3 3 units
MUSC 4B Music Theory Level 4 3 units
MUSC 20A Musicianship Level 1 1 unit
MUSC 20B Musicianship Level 2 1 unit
MUSC 20C Musicianship Level 3 1 unit
MUSC 20D Musicianship Level 4 1 unit
MUSC 31A Intermediate Piano, Level 3 1 unit
MUSC 31B Intermediate Piano, Level 4 1 unit
MUSC 66 Digital Audio and Notation 1 unit

Required Core: Large Ensemble (4 units)

Complete four semesters of the same course appropriate to major instrument of study, as determined by music faculty.

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 42 Concert Choir 1 unit
MUSC 48 Symphony Orchestra 1 unit
MUSC 49 Symphonic Band 4 units

Required Core: Applied Music (4 units)

Complete four semesters in the same course based on major instrument of study. Changing instrument and/or course will delay completion of this requirement.

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 39A Applied Music: Brass unit
MUSC 39B Applied Music: Woodwind 1 unit
MUSC 39C Applied Music: Strings 1 unit
MUSC 39D Applied Music: Percussion 1 unit
MUSC 39E Applied Music: Piano 1 unit
MUSC 39F Applied Music: Guitar 1 unit
MUSC 39G Applied Music: Voice 1 unit

Recommended Electives (4 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 5 Fundamentals of Music 3 units
MUSC 6 Introduction to Music Education 2 units
MUSC 7 Film Music Appreciation 3 units
MUSC 9 Jazz Music History 3 units
MUSC 10 Music Appreciation 3 units
MUSC 26 Techniques of Jazz: Rock Guitar 2 units
MUSC 27 Introduction to Jazz Piano 2 units
MUSC 30A Beginning Piano, Level 1 1 unit
MUSC 30B Beginning Piano, Level 2 1 unit
MUSC 32A Beginning Voice, Level 1 1 unit
MUSC 32B Beginning Voice: Level 2 1 unit
MUSC 33A Intermediate Voice, Level 3 1 unit
MUSC 33B Intermediate Voice, Level 4 1 unit
MUSC 35A Diction for Singers: Italian, English, and Latin 1 unit
MUSC 35B Diction for Singers: German, French, Spanish 1 unit
MUSC 36A Beginning Guitar, Level 1 1 unit
MUSC 36B Beginning/Intermediate Guitar, Level 2 1 unit
MUSC 36C Intermediate Guitar, Level 3 1 unit
MUSC 36D Intermediate/Advanced Guitar, Level 4 1 unit
MUSC 39H Applied Music: Composition 1 unit
MUSC 40 Chamber Singers 2 units
MUSC 42 Concert Choir 1 unit
MUSC 43A Introduction to Jazz Improvisation 2 units
MUSC 43B Jazz Improvisation 2 units
MUSC 44A Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Comic Opera 2 units
MUSC 44B Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Verismo Opera 2 units
MUSC 44C Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Mid-20th Century Musicals 2 units
MUSC 44D Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Mid-20th Century Musicals 2 units
MUSC 48 Symphony Orchestra 1 unit
MUSC 49 Symphonic Band 1 unit
MUSC 51 Jazz Band 2 units
MUSC 52A Ensemble Performance: Early 1 unit
MUSC 52B Ensemble Performance: Swing 1 unit
MUSC 52C Ensemble Performance: Bebop 1 unit
MUSC 52D Ensemble Performance: Fusion 1 unit
MUSC 53A Chamber Music: Early 1 unit
MUSC 53B Chamber Music: Classical 1 unit
MUSC 53C Chamber Music: Modern 1 unit
MUSC 53D Chamber Music: World 1 unit
MUSC 54 History of Rock and Roll Music 3 units
MUSC 55 World Music 3 units
MUSC 56 Percussion Ensemble 1 unit
MUSC 57 History and Culture of Hip Hop 3 units
MUSC 61 Jazz Singers 2 units
MUSC 62A Solo Performance in Jazz and Popular Music 1 unit
MUSC 63A Introduction To Music Production 3 units
MUSC 63B Commercial Music Production 3 units
MUSC 64 Sound Design 3 units
MUSC 65A Recording Arts I 3 units
MUSC 65B Recording Arts II 3 units
MUSC 65C Audio Mixing & Production 3 units
MUSC 67A Creating Music for Film, TV, and Gaming: Foundations 3 units
MUSC 67B Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming: Techniques 3 units
MUSC 69A Songwriting, Level 1 3 units
MUSC 69B Songwriting, Level 1 3 units
MUSC 70 Music Business 3 units

Required Major Total: 37 units

Completion of GE pattern (CSU or IGETC): 37-39 units (Double counting: 6 units)

Total Units: 68–70 units

Fall, Year 1 (9 units)

Theory, Musicianship, History, Piano, Digital Notation

  • MUSC 3A: Music Theory Level 1
  • MUSC 20A: Musicianship Level 1
  • MUSC 1: Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods

Applied Music

  • MUSC 39A: Applied Music – Brass
  • MUSC 39B: Applied Music – Woodwind
  • MUSC 39C: Applied Music – Strings
  • MUSC 39D: Applied Music – Percussion
  • MUSC 39E: Applied Music – Piano
  • MUSC 39F: Applied Music – Guitar
  • MUSC 39G: Applied Music – Voice

Large Ensemble

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Spring, Year 1 (8-10 units)

Theory, Musicianship, History, Piano, Digital Notation

  • MUSC 3B: Music Theory Level 2
  • MUSC 20B: Musicianship Level 2
  • MUSC 66: Digital Audio and Notation

Large Ensemble (Total 1)

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Applied Music (Total 1)

  • MUSC 39A: Applied Music – Brass
  • MUSC 39B: Applied Music – Woodwind
  • MUSC 39C: Applied Music – Strings
  • MUSC 39D: Applied Music – Percussion
  • MUSC 39E: Applied Music – Piano
  • MUSC 39F: Applied Music – Guitar
  • MUSC 39G: Applied Music – Voice

Music Electives (1-3 units)

Fall, Year 2 (11-13 units)

Theory, Musicianship, History, Piano, Digital Notation

  • MUSC 4A: Music Theory Level 3
  • MUSC 20C: Musicianship Level 3
  • MUSC 31A: Intermediate Piano Level 3
  • MUSC 2: Music History: Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Periods

Large Ensemble (Total 1)

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Applied Music

  • MUSC 39A: Applied Music – Brass
  • MUSC 39B: Applied Music – Woodwind
  • MUSC 39C: Applied Music – Strings
  • MUSC 39D: Applied Music – Percussion
  • MUSC 39E: Applied Music – Piano
  • MUSC 39F: Applied Music – Guitar
  • MUSC 39G: Applied Music – Voice

Music Electives (Total 1-3)

Spring, Year 2 (10 units)

Theory, Musicianship, History, Piano, Digital Notation

  • MUSC 4B: Music Theory Level 4
  • MUSC 20D: Musicianship Level 4
  • MUSC 31B: Intermediate Piano Level 4

Applied Music

  • MUSC 39A: Applied Music – Brass
  • MUSC 39B: Applied Music – Woodwind
  • MUSC 39C: Applied Music – Strings
  • MUSC 39D: Applied Music – Percussion
  • MUSC 39E: Applied Music – Piano
  • MUSC 39F: Applied Music – Guitar
  • MUSC 39G: Applied Music – Voice

Large Ensemble (Total 1)

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Music Electives (Total 1-3)

Proposed Sequence

MUSC 003A is an advisory for MUSC 003B

MUSC 003B is a prerequisite for MUSC 004A

MUSC 004A is a prerequisite for MUSC 004B

MUSC 020A is a corequisite with MUSC 003A

MUSC 020B is a corequisite with MUSC 003B

MUSC 020C is a corequisite with MUSC 004A

MUSC 020D is a corequisite with MUSC 004B

MUSC 030B is a prerequisite for MUSC 031A

MUSC 039A or B or C or D or E or F or G must be taken 4 times concurrently with MUSC 042 or 048 or 049

MUSC 042 or 048 or 049 are corequisites to MUSC 039A-G

Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer degree (AA-T in Music) is a 60 unit program which provides students the lower division coursework required for transfer to a CSU institution for the major in Music for the goal of the non-professional BA in Music. MUSC 042 or 048 or 049 are 1 unit courses that must be repeated 4 times to meet the CSU transfer requirement as appropriate to the student's course of study. MUSC 039ABCDEFG is a genre-specific 1 unit course that must be repeated 4times to meet the CSU transfer requirement as appropriate to the student's course of study. Students who complete the Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer degree(AA-T in Music) will be able to demonstrate the ability to hear, identify and work conceptually with the elements of music through sight-reading and musical analysis;perform standard solo and ensemble repertoire appropriate to their performance area at a collegiate level; create derivative or original music in extemporaneous and/or written form; demonstrate a working knowledge of music history and performance practices within their area of specialization.

Students must complete the following requirements:

  • 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
  • the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)pattern.
  • a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.
  • obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
  • earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

NOTE: Though the AA-T provides seamless transfer to a CSU institution, students must still audition for acceptance and placement within the corresponding Music program,per NASM accreditation standards. In accordance with the TMC in Music, Music majors will be required to pass a Piano Proficiency Examination prior to graduation from the transfer institution which may include: sight reading a two-part grade 1 selection; playing two stylistically contrasting pieces from Bartok's Mikrokosmos Book IIor equivalent; transposing a simple chorale at sight; harmonizing a melody; improvising a melody from a given chord progression. Students who do not possess these proficiencies are encouraged to enroll in MUSC 031A/B Beginning Piano and/or MUSC 031A Intermediate Piano, using available elective units.

Required Core Courses

Course Number Course Title Units C-ID Descriptor
MUSC 003A Music Theory Level 1 3 units MUS 120
MUSC 003B Music Theory Level 2 3 units MUS 130
MUSC 004A Music Theory Level 3 3 units MUS 140
MUSC 020A Musicianship Level 1 1 unit MUS 125
MUSC 020B Musicianship Level 2 1 unit MUS 135
MUSC 020C Musicianship Level 3 1 unit MUS 145

Large Ensemble Requirement

Complete a total of 4 units over a minimum of 4 semesters from the following list (4 semester, 1 unit each - MUSC 42,48, and 49 are 1 unit courses that must be repeated 4 times to meet CSU transfer requirement).

Course Number Course Title Units C-ID Descriptor
MUSC 042 Concert Choir 1 unit MUS 180
MUSC 048 Symphony Orchestra 1 unit MUS 185
MUSC 049 Symphonic Band 1 unit MUS 185

Applied Music Requirement

Complete a total of 4 units taken over a minimum of 4 semesters of one strand of MUSC 039ABCDEFG. (MUSC 039ABCDEFG is a 1 unit course, specific to instrument types, that must be repeated 4 times to meet CSU transfer requirement.)

Course Number Course Title Units C-ID Descriptor
MUSC 039A Applied Music: Brass 1 unit MUS 160
MUSC 039B Applied Music: Woodwind 1 unit MUS 160
MUSC 039C Applied Music: Strings 1 unit MUS 160
MUSC 039D Applied Music: Percussion 1 unit MUS 160
MUSC 039E Applied Music: Piano 1 unit MUS 160
MUSC 039F Applied Music: Guitar 1 unit MUS 160
MUSC 039G Applied Music: Voice 1 unit MUS 160

List A Requirement (3-4 units)

Course Number Course Title Units C-ID Descriptor
MUSC 001 Music History: Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Periods 3 units MUS 105, 106
MUSC 002 Music History: Classical, Romantic and Contemporary Periods 3 units MUS 105, 106
MUSC 004B Music Theory Level 4 3 units  MUS 150
MUSC 010 Music Appreciation 3 units  MUS 100
MUSC 020D Musicianship Level 4 1 unit MUS 155
MUSC 030A Beginning Piano, Level 1 1 unit MUS 170
MUSC 030B Beginning Piano, Level 2 1 unit MUS 171
MUSC 031A Intermediate Piano Level 3 1 unit MUS 172

Major Requirements: 23 - 24 units

CSU GE Breadth or IGETC for CSU Requirements: 37 or 39 units

Elective Units As Needed To Total 60 CSU Transferable Units

Fall, Year 1 (6 units)

Required Core Courses

  • MUSC 20A: Musicianship Level 1
  • MUSC 3A: Music Theory Level 1

Large Ensemble

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Applied Music

  • MUSC039A: Applied Music - Brass
  • MUSC039B: Applied Music - Woodwind
  • MUSC039C: Applied Music - Strings
  • MUSC039D: Applied Music - Percussion
  • MUSC039E: Applied Music - Piano
  • MUSC039F: Applied Music - Guitar
  • MUSC039G: Applied Music - Voice

Spring, Year 1 (6 units)

Required Core Courses

  • MUSC 03B: Music Theory Level 2
  • MUSC 20B: Musicianship Level 2

Large Ensemble

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Applied Music

  • MUSC 39A: Applied Music – Brass
  • MUSC 39B: Applied Music – Woodwind
  • MUSC 39C: Applied Music – Strings
  • MUSC 39D: Applied Music – Percussion
  • MUSC 39E: Applied Music – Piano
  • MUSC 39F: Applied Music – Guitar
  • MUSC 39G: Applied Music – Voice

Fall, Year 2 (6 units)

Required Core Courses

  • MUSC 4A: Music Theory Level 3
  • MUSC 20C: Musicianship Level 3

Applied Music

  • MUSC 39A: Applied Music – Brass
  • MUSC 39B: Applied Music – Woodwind
  • MUSC 39C: Applied Music – Strings
  • MUSC 39D: Applied Music – Percussion
  • MUSC 39E: Applied Music – Piano
  • MUSC 39F: Applied Music – Guitar
  • MUSC 39G: Applied Music – Voice

Large Ensemble

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Spring, Year 2 (6 units)

List A

  • MUSC 20D: Musicianship Level 4
  • MUSC 04B: Music Theory Level 4

Applied Music

  • MUSC 39A: Applied Music – Brass
  • MUSC 39B: Applied Music – Woodwind
  • MUSC 39C: Applied Music – Strings
  • MUSC 39D: Applied Music – Percussion
  • MUSC 39E: Applied Music – Piano
  • MUSC 39F: Applied Music – Guitar
  • MUSC 39G: Applied Music – Voice

Large Ensemble

  • MUSC 42: Concert Choir
  • MUSC 48: Symphony Orchestra
  • MUSC 49: Symphonic Band

Commercial Music Production Certificate of Achievement

The West Valley College Commercial Music Production Certificate of Achievement requires the successful completion of eight 3-unit courses for a total of 24 units and focuses on the recording arts, music technology, and commercial music production. This is a comprehensive curriculum covering electronic music/sound design, recording arts, commercial music theory, songwriting, MIDI/Digital audio, and audio for visual media. Featuring state-of-art facilities and ‘cutting-edge’ hardware and software, the courses are designed for students of all levels, providing hands-on experience and thorough training in the creative and technical challenges specific to commercial music production.

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

  • Demonstrate multi-track digital audio workstation (DAW) skills specific to MIDI, sequencing, and composition.
  • Demonstrate multi-track digital audio workstation (DAW) skills specific to recording and mixing.
  • Demonstrate a conceptual and practical understanding of the basics of audio engineering and sound design.
  • Identify, read and write simple rhythms, scales, key signatures, melodic and harmonic intervals, and triads.
  • Write a composition in a commercial song format.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of business and marketing strategies in the music industry.

Potential careers specific to these skills include but are not limited to: Recording Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Pro-Tools Certified Programmer/Technician, Logic PRO Certified Programmer/Technician, Composer, Performer, Producer, Game Audio Designer/Composer, Film and TV Sound Designer, Sound Editor, Session Musician, Audio Technician, Songwriter, Music Supervisor, Backup Musician, Arranger, Live Sound/ FOH/Monitors Music Technician, Designer, or Repair person, DJ, Music Director.

Required Courses (24 units)

Recording Arts Component

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 65A Recording Arts I 3 units
MUSC 65B Recording Arts II 3 units
MUSC 65C Recording Arts III 3 units

Music Production Component

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 63A Introduction to Music Production 3 units
MUSC 63B Commercial Music Production 3 units
MUSC 69A Songwriting, Level 1 3 units
MUSC 69B Songwriting, Level 2 3 units

Music Business Component

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 70 Music Business 3 units

Fall, Year 1 (6 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
MUSC 65A Recording Arts I 3 units
MUSC 69A Songwriting, Level 1 3 units

Spring, Year 1 (12 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
MUSC 63A Introduction to Music Technology 3 units
MUSC 65B Recording Arts II 3 units
MUSC 69B Songwriting, Level 2 3 units
MUSC 70 Music Business 3 units

Fall, Year 2 (6 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
MUSC 63B Commercial Music Production 3 units
MUSC 65C Recording Arts III 3 units

Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming Certificate of Achievement

The Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming Certificate of Achievement requires the successful completion of 2 semesters, 18 units. This program provides Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities in creating music for film, TV and gaming. This curriculum covers areas in, but not limited to, music theory, electronic and acoustic music composition, songwriting and arranging, cinematic orchestration, software music notation, MIDI sequencing, and digital audio sequencing and editing. Featuring state of the art facilities, industry-standard hardware and software, the courses are designed for students of all levels, providing hands-on experience and thorough training in the creative and technical challenges specific to creating music for film, TV and gaming. Upon completion, certificate students will have acquired skills in composing, cinematic orchestration, digital audio sequencing and editing, MIDI programming, and digital music notation.

These skills are specific to careers in, but not limited to, TV composer, commercial composer, film composer, video game composer, app composer, web composer, music editor, music supervisor, digital audio workstation operator, songwriter, orchestrator, copyist, and music licensor.

After completing the Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming certificate, a student will be able to:

  • Compose a music cue for film, TV or gaming in a selected genre.

Required Courses (18 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 5 Fundamentals of Music (Online) 3 units
MUSC 7 Film Music Appreciation (Online) 3 units
MUSC 30A Beginning Piano, Level 1 1 unit
MUSC 39H Applied Music: Composition 1 unit
MUSC 63A Introduction to Music Technology 3 units
MUSC 66 Digital Audio and Notation (Online) 1 unit
MUSC 67A Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming: Foundations 3 units
MUSC 67B Creating Music for Film, TV, and Gaming: Techniques 3 units

Fall – Semester 1

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 63A Introduction to Music Technology (Online or Evening) 3 units
MUSC 67A Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming: Foundations (Online or Evening) 3 units
MUSC 30A Beginning Piano (Online or Evening) 1 unit
MUSC 5 Fundamentals of Music (Online or Evening) 3 units

Spring – Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 7 Film Music Appreciation (Online) 3 units
MUSC 66 Digital Audio and Notation (Online) 1 unit
MUSC 67B Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming: Techniques (Online or Evening) 3 units
MUSC 39H Applied Music: Composition (Private Lesson) 1 unit

Certificate of Achievement in Musical Theater: Music Focus

The Certificate of Achievement in Musical Theater with Music concentration is a 44-unit CTE program that will prepare students for careers in the musical theater industry. The purpose of the Certificate in Musical Theater, Music is to prepare students to succeed in auditions for regional and national shows. Students must complete the program earning a grade of C or better in all required courses.

Students who complete the Certificate in Musical Theater, Music will be able to:

  • Demonstrate acting, singing, and dancing proficiency suitable for a musical theater audition
  • Perform standard musical theater repertoire, solo and ensemble, at a collegiate level
  • Read music notation with a proficiency level suitable to learn new music quickly
  • Apply musical theater, music, dance and acting terminology and language to critiques of musical theater performances
  • Develop and demonstrate informed artistic choices in performance
  • Analyze musical theater literature
  • Demonstrate collaboration and team building skills
  • Creatively solve problems

Careers in musical theater include:

  • Musical Theater Singer, Actor, Dancer
  • Floor Shows (Hotels, casinos, clubs)
  • Band Member (Vocalist)
  • Broadway, Off-Broadway, Touring Shows: National, Regional, Local
  • Studio Musician (Vocal TV jingles)
  • Recording Artist • Productions, Concerts and Recitals: performer
  • Music Director (Musical Theater)
  • Community musical theater music director
  • Musical Theater Music Teacher: Community School; Parks & Rec Program

Music Core: Theory & Musicianship (12 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 3A Music Theory Level 1 3 units
MUSC 3B Music Theory Level 2 3 units
MUSC 20A Musicianship Level 1 1 unit
MUSC 20B Musicianship Level 2 1 unit
MUSC 70 Music Business 3 units
MUSC 30A Beginning Piano, Level 1 1 unit
  OR  
MUSC 30B Beginning Piano, Level 2 1 unit
  OR  
MUSC 31A Intermediate Piano Level 3 1 unit
  OR  
MUSC 31B Intermediate Piano Level 4 1 unit

Music Core: Applied Voice Lessons (4 units)

Complete four semesters of MUSC 39G.

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 39G Applied Music: Voice 1 unit

Music Core: Ensemble Performance (5 units)

Complete three semesters of MUSC 042 and 1 semester of MUSC 044A or B or C or D.

Course Number Course Title Units
MUSC 42 Concert Choir 1 unit
MUSC 44A Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Comic Opera 2 units
  OR  
MUSC 44B Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Verismo Opera 2 units
  OR  
MUSC 44C Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Mid-20th Century Musicals 2 units
  OR  
MUSC 44D Musical Theater & Opera Scenes: Modern Musicals 2 units

Theater Core: Technique & Production (18 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
THEA 12 Survey of Musical Theater 3 units
THEA 35A Voice Production and Articulation 3 units
THEA 40A Acting One 3 units
THEA 40B Acting Two 3 units
THEA 70A Mainstage Theater Production Workshop: American Representational 3 units
THEA 70D Mainstage Theater Production Workshop: Musical and Children's Theater 3 units

Dance Core (5 units)

Complete 2 units of Ballet, 2 units of Tap, and 1 unit of Jazz or Modern.

Course Number Course Title Units
DANC 1 Ballet: Beginning Level 1 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 2 Ballet: Beginning Level 2 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 3 Ballet: Intermediate Level 3 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 4 Ballet: Advanced Level 4 1 unit
  AND  
DANC 31 Tap for Musical Theatre: Beginning Level 1 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 32 Tap for Musical Theatre: Beginning Level 2 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 33 Tap for Musical Theatre: Intermediate Level 3 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 34 Tap for Musical Theatre: Advanced Level 4 1 unit
  AND  
DANC 11 Jazz Dance: Beginning Level 1 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 12 Jazz Dance: Beginning Level 2 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 13 Jazz Dance: Intermediate Level 3 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 14 Jazz Dance: Advanced Level 4 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 21 Modern Dance: Beginning Level 1 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 22 Modern Dance: Beginning Level 2 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 23 Modern Dance: Intermediate 1 unit
  OR  
DANC 24 Modern Dance: Advanced Level 4 1 unit

Total Certificate Units: 44 units

Last Updated 8/18/22