Music – Associate in Arts Degree

Top Code:

1004.00

A degree in the Music major from Pasadena City College enables students to develop musical proficiency in Music Theory, Musicianship, Keyboard Harmony and Performance in preparation for transfer to Bachelor of Music degree programs at the university level or for their career goals in the field of music.

Music majors are expected to declare a primary performance area (instrument or voice), undertake applied lessons on their instrument, and perform in a large ensemble.

Please Note: The courses that universities and colleges require for transfer vary. When selecting courses for transfer purposes, students should consult with Counseling Services to determine the particular transfer requirements of specific transfer institutions.

Program Outcomes

  • Utilize theoretical principles in the analysis and composition of the music of the common-practice period.
  • Hear, internally, the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements of the common-practice period. Display the musicianship skills necessary to participate successfully in various musical endeavors, including performance and composition.
  • Present successful solo performances using appropriate repertoire for their chosen instrument/voice with technical proficiency, musicality and stylistic awareness.
  • Perform and/or participate successfully in small and large ensembles, using time management and interpersonal skills to assist in the production of a collaborative musical work.
  • Using standard music references and resources (reference works, periodicals, software, etc.), write analytical, historical, critical, biographical, and research oriented projects on topics in music.

Requirements for the Major

Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. All courses must be numbered 001–099. Students must complete all of the following courses:

MUSC 001AMUSIC THEORY I3
MUSC 001BMUSIC THEORY II3
MUSC 001CMUSIC THEORY III3
MUSC 001DMUSIC THEORY IV3
MUSC 002AMUSICIANSHIP I1
MUSC 002BMUSICIANSHIP II1
MUSC 002CMUSICIANSHIP III1
MUSC 002DMUSICIANSHIP IV1
MUSC 004AKEYBOARD SKILLS I1
MUSC 004BKEYBOARD SKILLS II1
MUSC 004CKEYBOARD SKILLS III1
MUSC 004DKEYBOARD SKILLS IV1
MUSC 007AMUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE: ANTIQUITY TO 17503
MUSC 007BMUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1750 TO THE PRESENT3
MUSC 010CONCERT MUSIC (must be completed 4 times)2
Required Electives
Select four units from the following options:4
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION I
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION II (CLASSICAL)
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION II (JAZZ/COMMERCIAL)
Select two units from the following options:
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION III (CLASSICAL)
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION III (JAZZ/COMMERCIAL)
Select four additional units from the following courses:4
PIANO ENSEMBLE
PIANO ACCOMPANYING
VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE
JAZZ COMBO
LANCER JAZZ BIG BAND
STUDIO JAZZ ENSEMBLE
SWING BAND
JAZZ GUITAR ENSEMBLE
LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE
COLLEGE/COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
LANCER MARCHING BAND
LANCER CONCERT BAND
CONCERT CHOIR
CHAMBER SINGERS
MADRIGALS
OPERA WORKSHOP
MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOP
GUITAR READING ENSEMBLE
Total Units36

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree