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.
Degrees and Certificates
| Degree or Certificate Program | Award Type | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Music | Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer | 60 units |
| Commercial Music | Certificate of Achievement | 16 - 18 units |
| Music, Professional | Associate in Arts Degree | 68 - 70 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
• The only community college in the Bay Area offering weekly, one-on-one, hour-long applied voice or instrument lessons for the cost of a 1-unit class• Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, NASM
• All Steinway School since 1998, first community college west of Mississippi
• Opportunities to perform in award-winning bands, choirs and orchestra, open to music majors, non-music majors, and community members
• Performance opportunities in large and small choral and instrumental ensembles
• National and International Concert Tours:
o 2005 – China, Jazz
o 2006 – Austria & Czech Republic, Choir
o 2009 – Carnegie Hall, Choir
o 2014 – England & France, Choir
o 2016 – Ireland, Choir
o 2018 – Baltics (Finland, Estonia, Latvia), Choir
o 2022 – Carnegie Hall, Choir
o 2024 – Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Choir
o 2024 – Spain & Portugal, Band
• Digital Music Center: 29 Digital Audio Workstations featuring Ableton, Sibelius, Logic Pro
• Recording Studio dedicated to Music program (opening 2025)
• Professional teaching faculty perform with world-class classical and jazz ensembles
• Artists in Residence and visiting professionals provide masterclasses and workshops
• Performing Arts musical theater production
• WVC Music alumni have graduated from prestigious universities and conservatories and currently perform and teach around the world
• WVC Commercial Music and Creating Music alumni work in the music industry across the West Coast