Music Department

Welcome to the Music Department

The West Valley College Music Department provides an exceptional education through coursework and opportunities for artistic pursuit at the highest level, embracing diversity, creativity, literacy, performance, technology, and engagement with the community. We strive to create consummate professionals by nurturing determination and discipline while supporting artistry and intellect. Our faculty create conservatory and commercial music experiences that foster lifelong learning, university transfer, and direct entry into the music industry workforce.

Calendar of Events

Choral & Vocal Music

Instrumental Music & Jazz Studies

Creating Music for Film, TV & Gaming

Recording Arts & Music Production

Student Testimonials

Land Acknowledgment

West Valley College rests on the land of the Muwekma Ohlone peoples, the original inhabitants of what is now known as Santa Clara Valley, colloquially Silicon Valley. The Ohlone inhabited the area along the coast from San Francisco Bay through Monterey Bay to the lower Salinas Valley.

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Career Opportunities

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