Music Associate of Arts

The curriculum in Music is designed to provide the student the opportunity to achieve an Associate degree. While a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering professional careers related to this field, earning the Associate degree will demonstrate commitment to the major, and attainment of a degree which can support attempts to gain entry-level employment. However, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution may need to take additional classes as preparation for transfer. Transfer students should consult their transfer institutions of choice for further information on specific lower-division Music Major requirements.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Transcribe and sight read both diatonic and chromatic music
Demonstrate a working knowledge of musical analysis and harmonic theory applicable to their area of specialization
Demonstrate a working knowledge of repertoire and performance practice applicable to their area of specialization
Perform standard repertoire appropriate to their performance area, as individuals or as members of ensembles
Demonstrate a working knowledge of music technology and its application to their area of specialization
Create original music in improvised and/or written form
Demonstrate the ability to listen critically to musical performance
Demonstrate an ability to place composers, works and musical styles within an historical context, both in terms of musical and societal history

Required Courses:

The following course of study must be completed to fulfill major requirements for the Associate Degree in Music:

MUS 10 HARMONY I 3 Units *
MUS 11 HARMONY II 3 Units *
MUS 12 HARMONY III 3 Units *
MUS 92 MUSICIANSHIP I 1 Unit *
MUS 93 MUSICIANSHIP II 1 Unit *
MUS 94 MUSICIANSHIP III 1 Unit *
MUS 54A BEGINNING PIANO I (or proficiency exam) 0-2 Units
MUS 54B BEGINNING PIANO II (or proficiency exam) 0-2 Units*
MUS 55A INTERMEDIATE PIANO I (or proficiency exam) 0-2 Units*
MUS 55B INTERMEDIATE PIANO II (or proficiency exam) 0-2 Units*

Ensemble Requirement: Complete four semesters (4-8 units) from the following (including repeated classes)

MUS 35 CONTEMPORARY CHOIR 2 Units *
MUS 39 COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE 2 Units *
MUS 41 SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE 2 Units *
MUS 42 SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA 2 Units *
MUS 47 SADDLEBACK COLLEGE BIG BAND 2 Units *
MUS 61 INTERMEDIATE CLASSICAL GUITAR 1 Unit *
MUS 62 ADVANCED CLASSICAL GUITAR 2 Units *
MUS 64 PIANO ENSEMBLE 1.5 Units *
MUS 65 PIANO ACCOMPANYING 1.5 Units *
MUS 66 CHAMBER MUSIC 2 Units *
MUS 140 IMPROVISED MUSIC IN A JAZZ COMBO 2 Units *
MUS 148 JAZZ ENSEMBLE 2 Units
MUS 182 SOUL MUSIC ENSEMBLE 2 Units *
MUS 184 ELECTRONIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE 2 Units *
MUS 197 REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE (JAZZ STUDIES) 1 Unit *

Restricted Electives: Select 4-6 units from the following courses

MUS 14 JAZZ COMPOSITION AND ARRANGING 3 Units *
MUS 15 MUSIC COMPOSITION 3 Units *
MUS 50 APPLIED MUSIC 1 Unit *
MUS 18 ADVANCED MUSIC COMPOSITION 3 Units *
MUS 117 POPULAR SONGWRITING 3 Units *
MUS 118 DIGITAL MULTI-TRACK MUSIC RECORDING 2.5 Units
MUS 130 MUSIC PRODUCTION I 2.5 Units
MUS 132 INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 2 Units

Total Units for the Major: 20-34

*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.

Refer to Graduation Requirements for specific information regarding unit, scholarship, residence, and general education requirements.

Associate of Arts Degree

Completion of the required courses in the major and a minimum of 60 units including the general education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 qualifies the student for the Associate of Arts degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees

Refer to the Graduation Requirements or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.