Catalog 2023-2024

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Music

Music Department Mission Statement

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 ProgramAward TypeRequirements
Music, Professional Associate in Arts Degree 68 - 70 units
Music Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer 60 units
Commercial Music Certificate of Achievement 16 - 18 units

MUSIC: Transfer: For transfer information see assist.org and/or consult with a counselor.

The Faculty

Esther Archer-Lakhani
Troy Davis
Lou De La Rosa
Jeff Forehan
Robert Sinclair

Highlights

  • Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, NASM
  • All Steinway School
  • Performance opportunities in large and small choral and instrumental ensembles
  • National and International Concert Tours in 2006, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022 & 2024
  • Digital Music Center: 30 Digital Audio Workstations featuring Ableton, Sibelius & Logic Pro and Recording Studio with Editing Suites & World Class Microphone Cabinet
  • Professional teaching faculty perform with world-class classical and jazz ensembles
  • Artists in Residence and visiting professionals provide masterclasses and workshops
  • Performing Arts annual musical theater production
  • WVC Music alumni have graduated from prestigious universities and conservatories around the world and are currently performing and teaching
  • WVC Commercial Music and Creating Music alumni are working in the music industry across the West Coast
  • A wide variety of Career & Technical Education, General Education, and transfer music courses.

Career Options

• Music Teacher (Vocal, Instrumental, General Music) 
     • Community School 
     • Parks & Rec Program 
     • Public/Private K-12 School 
     • College or University 
     • Private Music Teacher 
• Band, Orchestral, Choral Music Director 
     • K-12 school ensemble director 
     • College, Conservatory & University ensemble director 
     • Community ensemble director 
     • Church or Synagogue Music Director 
• Cantor (Church, Synagogue) 
• Church Organist 
• Conductor (Vocal or Instrumental) 
     • Educational Settings (K-12, College, University) 
     • Church & Community Settings 
     • Community Choirs 
• Music Director (Musical Theater) 
     • K-12 school musical theater director 
     • College, Conservatory & University musical theater director 
     • Community musical theater director 
• Collaborative Pianist (Accompanist) 
• Composer or Arranger 
     • Film, TV, Gaming, Commercial jingles 
     • Songwriter 
     • Lyricist 
• Symphony Orchestra musician 
     • Ballet: orchestra musician, conductor 
     • Concertmaster (Orchestra) 
     • Section Leader (Orchestra) 
     • Section Member (Orchestra) 
     • Orchestra Manager 
• Musical Theater Singer 
     • Broadway, Off-Broadway, Touring Shows 
     • National, Regional, Local 
     • Concerts and Recitals: performer, producer 
     • Floor Shows (Hotels, casinos, clubs) 
     • Band Member (Vocalist) 
• Opera Singer 
     • Productions, Concerts and Recitals 
     • National, Regional, Local 
• Music Librarian 
• Music Therapist 
• Sound Designer 
• Sound Technician 
• Recording Artist 
• Recording Engineer
• 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 
• Piano Tuner/Technician
View Courses
  • Dean
    Shannon Price
  • Department Chair
    Lou De La Rosa
  • Department Chair Phone
    408-741-4663
  • Department Chair Email
    Lou.DeLaRosa@westvalley.edu
Last Updated 7/19/23