We refer to the “songs” of birds and whales, but in truth, humans are the only musical beings on Earth. The range of our individual musical gifts is wide, but in order to fully experience what it means to be human, all people should receive music education to express their musical thoughts and appreciate those of others. In the West Valley College Music Department, we provide music instruction to meet the needs from basic to conservatory preparation. From transfer courses and programs providing the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in music, to career technical education (CTE) programs in Commercial Music, to learning how to sing or play an instrument, the Music program in the Cilker School of Art & Design has you covered.
Degrees and Certificates
| Degree or Certificate Program | Award Type | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Music, Professional | Associate in Arts Degree | 68 - 70 units |
| Commercial Music | Certificate of Achievement | 16 - 19 units |
| Music | Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer | 60 units |
MUSIC: Transfer: For transfer information see assist.org and/or consult with a counselor.
The Faculty
Esther Archer-LakhaniTroy Davis
Lou De La Rosa
Jeff Forehan
Robert Sinclair
Highlights
• One of two California Community Colleges accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music• The only community college in the South Bay offering weekly one-on-one, hour-long lessons, known as applied music lessons. Designed for music majors, these lessons are available to non-majors who audition, are accepted, and enroll in a major ensemble
• An All-Steinway School since 1998. All practice rooms and classrooms are outfitted with Steinway pianos
• Performance opportunities in large and small choral and instrumental ensembles
• Major Ensembles: Concert Choir | Symphonic Band
• Other Ensembles: Chamber Singers | Chamber Music | Jazz Band | Jazz Combo | Musical Theater & Opera Scenes | Musical Theater Production | The Winchester Orchestra of San Jose, in residence at West Valley College
• National and International Concert Tours:
• 2005 – China, Jazz
• 2006 – Austria & Czech Republic, Choir
• 2009 – Carnegie Hall, Choir
• 2014 – England & France, Choir
• 2016 – Ireland, Choir
• 2018 – Baltics (Finland, Estonia, Latvia), Choir
• 2022 – Carnegie Hall, Choir
• 2024 – Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Choir
• 2024 – Spain & Portugal, Band
• Digital Music Center: 29 state-of-the-art digital audio workstations featuring Ableton, Logic Pro, and Reaper
• A dedicated Recording Studio with sound isolation booths and a control room large enough for a class
• Artists in Residence and visiting professionals provide masterclasses and workshops
• Performing Arts musical theater production in Spring
• WVC Music alumni have graduated from prestigious universities and conservatories and currently perform, compose, record, produce, and teach around the world