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Music

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Music

Completion of this degree provides a foundation in music. Program offerings include coursework in music theory and aural skills, applied composition, instrumental and vocal instruction, and ensemble performance.

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Music at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (Pursuant to SB1440, §66746):
• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
• the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern
• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A ”P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUFHL 410 Music Theory and Musicianship III 4
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 41
MUIVI 411 Applied Music Practicum (1)
MUIVI 420 Applied Music (1)
MUIVI 421 Applied Music II (1)
MUIVI 422 Applied Music III (1)
MUIVI 423 Applied Music IV (1)
MUIVI 425 Applied Music - Jazz I (1)
MUIVI 426 Applied Music - Jazz II (1)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) (3)
MUFHL 311 Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present) (3)
MUFHL 411 Music Theory and Musicianship IV (4)
MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano (2)
MUIVI 341 Piano II (2)
MUIVI 350 Piano III (2)
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) (2)
Subtotal Units: 19
Guitarists/Pianists/Composers
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra (1 - 2)
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 321 Advanced Jazz Band (1 - 2)
MUP 323 Latin Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 324 Advanced Latin Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
MUP 331 Advanced Concert Band (1 - 2)
MUP 340 Symphonic Band (2)
MUP 341 Advanced Symphonic Band (1 - 2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 352 Advanced Concert Choir (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 361 Advanced Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 401 Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
MUP 420 Special Ensemble Participation (1 - 2)
Guitarists/Pianists/Composers Units: 8
Total Units: 27
Instrumentalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra (1 - 2)
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 321 Advanced Jazz Band (1 - 2)
MUP 323 Latin Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 324 Advanced Latin Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
MUP 331 Advanced Concert Band (1 - 2)
MUP 340 Symphonic Band (2)
MUP 341 Advanced Symphonic Band (1 - 2)
MUP 420 Special Ensemble Participation (1 - 2)
Instrumentalists Units: 8
Total Units: 27
Vocalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 323 Latin Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 324 Advanced Latin Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 352 Advanced Concert Choir (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 361 Advanced Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 401 Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
MUP 420 Special Ensemble Participation (1 - 2)
Vocalists Units: 8
Total Units: 27

1MUIVI 411 is repeatable four times for credit for a maximum of four units.

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze musical scores and compositions.
  • critique personal music performances and those of other musicians.
  • analyze and perform the elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, and form).
  • create derivative or original music at a level appropriate to the area of specialization.

Career Information

Individuals with four-year degrees in music may be placed in the K-12 educational field as well as performers in professional music ensembles, directors for religious and community music groups, private music studio instructors, composers for media and publishing, music therapists, and administrative staff for music organizations. Advanced degrees in music may lead to careers as educators at the college or university level, performers, music directors, and music editors and journalists.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Commercial Music: Business

This degree explores the inner workings of the music industry in areas such as publishing, entertainment, distribution, and music law. Course work addresses industry-specific issues such as copyright, record contracts, publishing agreements, artist management, promotion, and marketing.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 340 Business Law 3
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship 3
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship 3
MUFHL 330 World Music 3
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 111 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 112 The Business of Music/Artist Management 3
MUSM 113 The Business of Music/Promotion 3
MUSM 120 Contemporary Songwriting I 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUS 210 The Business Plan (1)
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses (1)
BUS 214 Financing a Small Business (1)
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business (1)
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business (1)
BUS 220 Retailing and Merchandising for the Small Business (1)
BUS 224 Customer Service (1)
BUS 228 Selling Techniques for the Small Business (1)
Total Units: 33

The Commercial Music: Business Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create a music business and marketing plan
  • organize an artist tour, assemble a promotional packet, create a publicity campaign, and develop media, industry, and fan lists
  • evaluate and implement recordkeeping systems for financial, employment, and tax records
  • demonstrate a basic knowledge of music fundamentals, cross-cultural influences from diverse geographical regions, and song composition/arranging techniques
  • analyze case problems and apply legal principles to interpret regulations, laws, and statutes related to the music industry
  • compare the job descriptions and duties of attorneys, publishers, merchandisers, record company personnel, agents, managers, and producers
  • assess record contract points, publisher-writer exclusive agreements, attorney-client contracts, as well as management and touring agreements

Career Information

Typical career options include booking agent, personal manager, business manager, concert promotion, studio owner/manager, music legal services, publicity writer/public relations, tour management, music retail, music publishing and distribution, and music licensing. The degree also prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution.


A.A. in Commercial Music: Recording

This degree provides students the core skills needed to enter a career in audio engineering. Foundational classes in the theory and art of recording are coupled with significant laboratory experiences in order to prepare the student for further study at a four-year institution or for an entry-level career position.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 120 Contemporary Songwriting I 3
MUSM 140 Concert Sound Reinforcement 2
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 342 Recording Studio Techniques I 3
MUSM 344 Recording Studio Techniques II 3
MUSM 350 Recording Studio Techniques III 3
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
MUSM 357 Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools 1.5
MUSM 362 Mixing and Mastering Music Projects 3
MUSM 367 Audio for Video Post Production 3
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship (3)
MUFHL 330 World Music (3)
MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano (2)
MUSM 361 Advanced Studio Sessions (3)
Total Units: 37

The Commercial Music: Recording Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze the signal flow and understand the operation of electrical components found in a typical recording studio.
  • set up and employ the use of mixing consoles, multi-track recorders, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and sound reinforcement systems.
  • select and set up outboard signal processing hardware and software plug-ins for audio enhancement.
  • explain music fundamentals, cross-cultural influences from diverse geographical regions, and song composition/arranging techniques.
  • create Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) sequencing and notation projects utilizing music keyboard input devices and various software packages.
  • design and equip a fully-functioning and acoustically-sound recording studio.
  • formulate and implement effective musical and technical recording session techniques.

Career Information

Typical career paths include recording engineer, broadcast engineer, live sound reinforcement, post-production audio, sound effects editor, multi-media/internet audio, and audio/music education.


A.A. in Jazz Studies

This degree provides a rigorous curriculum of jazz theory, history, performance groups, improvisation, piano, and individual applied instruction.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 315 Jazz History 3
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUFHL 410 Music Theory and Musicianship III 4
MUFHL 420 Beginning Jazz Theory 2
MUIVI 385 Jazz Styles and Improvisation I (2) 2
   or MUIVI 390 Jazz and Popular Vocal Styles and Improvisation I (2)
MUIVI 400 Beginning Jazz Piano 2
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 323 Latin Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 41
MUIVI 411 Applied Music Practicum (1)
MUIVI 420 Applied Music (1)
MUIVI 421 Applied Music II (1)
MUIVI 425 Applied Music - Jazz I (1)
MUIVI 426 Applied Music - Jazz II (1)
Total Units: 33

1MUIVI 411 may be taken four times for credit.

The Jazz Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze musical scores and compositions from the jazz idiom.
  • critique personal music performances and those of other musicians.
  • analyze and perform the basic elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, and form).
  • create (compose and improvise) jazz music appropriate to the area of specialization.
  • compare and contrast the characteristics of various historical periods of jazz.
  • arrange compositions and assemble musicians for a performance.

Career Information

This degree prepares a student for careers in performance (concert and studio), education, arranging/composing, and the music industry. It also prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution.


A.A. in Music

The Music degree includes vocal and instrumental components, as well as courses in music, history, and theory. The general program is designed to provide students with a foundation in music theory and history. Performance opportunities in both vocal and instrumental music enhance a student's understanding and skill levels.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) 3
MUFHL 311 Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present) 3
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUFHL 410 Music Theory and Musicianship III 4
MUFHL 411 Music Theory and Musicianship IV 4
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 41
MUIVI 411 Applied Music Practicum (1)
MUIVI 420 Applied Music (1)
MUIVI 421 Applied Music II (1)
MUIVI 422 Applied Music III (1)
MUIVI 423 Applied Music IV (1)
Subtotal Units: 26
Guitarists/Pianists/Composers
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
MUP 340 Symphonic Band (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
Guitarists/Pianists/Composers Units: 8
Total Units: 34
Instrumentalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
MUP 340 Symphonic Band (2)
Instrumentalists Units: 8
Total Units: 34
Vocalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
Vocalists Units: 8
Total Units: 34

1MUIVI 411 may be taken four times for credit.

The Music Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze musical scores and compositions.
  • critique personal music performances and those of other musicians.
  • analyze and perform the elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, and form).
  • create derivative or original music at a level appropriate to the area of specialization.
  • compare and contrast the characteristics of various musical cultures and historical periods from the origin of music history to the present.

Career Information

The Music degree prepares students for careers in music performance, education, composition, conducting, retail music industry, music publishing, and music therapy. The degree also prepares students for further study at a four-year institution.

Certificates of Achievement

Commercial Music: Business Certificate

This certificate explores the inner workings of the music industry in areas such as publishing, entertainment, distribution, and music law. Course work addresses industry-specific issues such as copyright, record contracts, publishing agreements, artist management, promotion, and marketing.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 300 Introduction to Business 3
BUS 340 Business Law 3
BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship 3
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship 3
MUFHL 330 World Music 3
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 111 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 112 The Business of Music/Artist Management 3
MUSM 113 The Business of Music/Promotion 3
MUSM 120 Contemporary Songwriting I 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUS 210 The Business Plan (1)
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses (1)
BUS 214 Financing a Small Business (1)
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business (1)
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business (1)
BUS 220 Retailing and Merchandising for the Small Business (1)
BUS 224 Customer Service (1)
BUS 228 Selling Techniques for the Small Business (1)
Total Units: 33

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create a music business and marketing plan
  • organize an artist tour, assemble a promotional packet, create a publicity campaign, and develop media, industry, and fan lists
  • evaluate and implement recordkeeping systems for financial, employment, and tax records
  • demonstrate a basic knowledge of music fundamentals, cross-cultural influences from diverse geographical regions, and song composition/arranging techniques
  • analyze case problems and apply legal principles to interpret regulations, laws, and statutes related to the music industry
  • compare the job descriptions and duties of attorneys, publishers, merchandisers, record company personnel, agents, managers, and producers
  • assess record contract points, publisher-writer exclusive agreements, attorney-client contracts, as well as management and touring agreements

Career Information

Typical career options include booking agent, personal manager, business manager, concert promotion, studio owner/manager, music legal services, publicity writer/public relations, tour management, music retail, music publishing and distribution, and music licensing.


Commercial Music: Recording Certificate

This certificate provides the core skills needed to enter a career in audio engineering. Foundational classes in the theory and art of recording are coupled with significant laboratory experiences in order to prepare the student for further study at a four-year institution or for an entry-level career position.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 120 Contemporary Songwriting I 3
MUSM 140 Concert Sound Reinforcement 2
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 342 Recording Studio Techniques I 3
MUSM 344 Recording Studio Techniques II 3
MUSM 350 Recording Studio Techniques III 3
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
MUSM 357 Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools 1.5
MUSM 362 Mixing and Mastering Music Projects 3
MUSM 367 Audio for Video Post Production 3
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship (3)
MUFHL 330 World Music (3)
MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano (2)
MUSM 361 Advanced Studio Sessions (3)
Total Units: 37

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze the signal flow and understand the operation of electrical components found in a typical recording studio.
  • set up and employ the use of mixing consoles, multi-track recorders, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and sound reinforcement systems.
  • select and set up outboard signal processing hardware and software plug-ins for audio enhancement.
  • explain music fundamentals, cross-cultural influences from diverse geographical regions, and song composition/arranging techniques.
  • create Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) sequencing and notation projects utilizing music keyboard input devices and various software packages.
  • design and equip a fully-functioning and acoustically-sound recording studio.
  • formulate and implement effective musical and technical recording session techniques.

Career Information

Typical career paths include recording engineer, broadcast engineer, live sound reinforcement, post-production audio, sound effects editor, multi-media/internet audio, and audio/music education.


Digital Audio Production Certificate

This certificate is intended to provide a practical foundation in audio production skills, provide suitable preparation to begin work in the recording and sound production industry, or to serve as a foundation for further study. It also enables people currently employed in the field of audio recording and other associated fields a means to upgrade and expand their skills.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 342 Recording Studio Techniques I 3
MUSM 344 Recording Studio Techniques II 3
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
MUSM 357 Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools 1.5
MUSM 366 Pro Tools 201, Advanced Pro Tools (1.5) 1.5 - 3
   or MUSM 350 Recording Studio Techniques III (3)
Total Units: 12.5 - 14

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create, arrange, and notate music using standard Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) software
  • produce audio recordings, music mixes, and audio post-production projects using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
  • evaluate various formats and platforms of digital audio recording hardware and software
  • integrate outboard signal processing equipment and plug-ins into the audio signal path for audio enhancement
  • formulate and implement effective recording session techniques
  • analyze the fundamental process and sequence involved in the production of digital audio

Career Information

Typical career paths include post-production audio, broadcast engineer, sound effects editor, multimedia/Internet audio, professional recording studio engineer, and owner/engineer of a smaller demo production studio.


Music Management and Promotion Certificate

This certificate offers an overview of the core skills essential to enter the music industry in careers such as artist and music facility management, concert promotion, marketing, and publishing. It also assists those who wish to pursue a career as an independent artist, set up their own record label, or manage their own career.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 111 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 112 The Business of Music/Artist Management 3
MUSM 113 The Business of Music/Promotion 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate and critique recording, management, publishing, and other music industry contracts
  • propose and employ networking skills and tools to develop contacts in the music industry
  • compare and contrast traditional and alternative music distribution channels
  • research merchandising considerations including design, pricing, manufacturing, and distribution
  • create marketing and business plans
  • describe emerging trends, models, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the music industry
  • assess promotion tools such as radio, television, and new media, such as YouTube, social networking, and viral campaigns

Career Information

Typical career options include booking agent, personal manager, business manager, concert promotion, studio owner/manager, music legal services, publicity writer/public relations, tour management, music retail, music publishing and distribution, and music licensing.

Certificates

Music Instructional Assistant Certificate

The certificate is an introductory program for students planning careers in music education for grades K-12

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUIVI 200 Introduction to Music Education 0.5
MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano 2
MUIVI 420 Applied Music 1
A minimum of 1 unit from the following: 1
MUIVI 298 Work Experience in Instrumental/Voice Instruction (0.5 - 4)
MUIVI 498 Work Experience in Instrumental/Voice Instruction (0.5 - 4)
Subtotal Units: 8.5
Guitarists/Pianists/Composers
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 323 Latin Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
MUP 340 Symphonic Band (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
Guitarists/Pianists/Composers Units: 2
Total Units: 10.5
Instrumentalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 323 Latin Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
MUP 340 Symphonic Band (2)
Instrumentalists Units: 2
Total Units: 10.5
Vocalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
Vocalists Units: 2
Total Units: 10.5

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • three years of experience in any band or choir

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • interpret a music score and play a melody with accompanying block chords (I, IV, V7)
  • evaluate the playing of others
  • recommend and demonstrate good practice habits
  • formulate practice routines specific to an instrument
  • create basic lesson plans for beginning instrumental or choral ensembles
  • evaluate and critique performance ensembles
  • select appropriate teaching materials for beginning band or choral ensembles
  • compose for various instrumental and vocal combinations
  • apply effective leadership styles at work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity

Career Information

This certificate prepares a student for careers in music education, grades K-12, in paraprofessional roles such as a docent, tutor, or instructional assistant.


Studio Jazz/Pop Voice Instructor Certificate

This certificate offers an overview of the skills essential to enter the studio jazz/pop voice teaching profession as either a member of a retail studio or as an independent voice instructor, coach, consultant, or tutor.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUIVI 310 Voice Class I 2
MUIVI 311 Voice Class II 2
MUIVI 390 Jazz and Popular Vocal Styles and Improvisation I 2
MUIVI 391 Jazz and Popular Vocal Styles and Improvisation II 2
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble 2
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship (3) 2 - 3
   or MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano (2)
   or MUIVI 385 Jazz Styles and Improvisation I (2)
   or MUIVI 400 Beginning Jazz Piano (2)
   or MUIVI 370 Beginning Guitar (2)
Total Units: 12 - 13

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • diagnose poor vocal habits.
  • formulate a pedagogical plan to resolve poor vocal habits.
  • evaluate a voice student's vocal skills.
  • devise a pedagogical plan to develop or improve basic vocal skills.
  • devise a pedagogical plan to develop or improve jazz/pop style.
  • assess a vocalist's ability to maintain independence in a harmonic setting.
  • devise and implement a pedagogical plan to develop or improve a vocalist's ability to maintain independence in a harmonic setting.
  • demonstrate the basic skills necessary to sing with appropriate breath support and jazz/pop tone quality.
  • demonstrate the basic skills necessary to expand the vocal range and flexibility.

Career Information

Typical career options include employment as owner or employee of a private voice studio and vocal consultant to local recording studios, bands, and music troupes.


Studio Music Instructor Certificate

This certificate focuses on studio music teaching and prepares students for employment as an owner or employee of a private or public music studio. It includes tutoring and coaching students/clients in basic instrumental/vocal technique with an emphasis on performance pedagogy.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship 3
MUIVI 200 Introduction to Music Education 0.5
MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano 2
MUIVI 420 Applied Music 1
MUIVI 421 Applied Music II 1
A minimum of 1 unit from the following: 1
MUIVI 298 Work Experience in Instrumental/Voice Instruction (0.5 - 4)
MUIVI 498 Work Experience in Instrumental/Voice Instruction (0.5 - 4)
Subtotal Units: 8.5
Guitarists/Pianist/Composers
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra (1 - 2)
MUP 321 Advanced Jazz Band (1 - 2)
MUP 324 Advanced Latin Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
MUP 331 Advanced Concert Band (1 - 2)
MUP 341 Advanced Symphonic Band (1 - 2)
MUP 352 Advanced Concert Choir (2)
MUP 361 Advanced Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 401 Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
Guitarists/Pianist/Composers Units: 2
Total Units: 10.5
Instrumentalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra (1 - 2)
MUP 321 Advanced Jazz Band (1 - 2)
MUP 324 Advanced Latin Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
MUP 331 Advanced Concert Band (1 - 2)
MUP 341 Advanced Symphonic Band (1 - 2)
Instrumentalists Units: 2
Total Units: 10.5
Vocalists
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 352 Advanced Concert Choir (2)
MUP 361 Advanced Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 401 Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1 - 2)
Vocalists Units: 2
Total Units: 10.5

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • three years of experience in either band or choir.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply effective leadership styles at work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity
  • design and implement an effective practice routine
  • interpret a music score and play a melody with accompanying block chords (I, IV, V7)
  • compare and contrast music from different musical eras written for instrument/voice
  • analyze music performance skills
  • demonstrate the skills needed to play simultaneously with other pianists/musicians
  • demonstrate individual musical skills commensurate with the Level I & II National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) guidelines
  • analyze basic music form and structure
  • construct scales, chords, harmonic progressions and rhythms

Career Information

This certificate offers an overview of the skills essential to enter the music teaching profession as either a member of a retail studio or as an independent music instructor, coach, consultant, or tutor.


Studio Voice Instructor Certificate

This certificate offers an overview of the skills essential to enter the studio voice teaching profession as either a member of a retail studio or as an independent voice instructor, coach, consultant, or tutor.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUIVI 310 Voice Class I 2
MUIVI 311 Voice Class II 2
MUIVI 320 Voice Class III 2
MUIVI 321 Voice Class IV 2
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship (3) 2 - 3
   or MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano (2)
   or MUIVI 370 Beginning Guitar (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2) 2
   or MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
   or MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
Total Units: 12 - 13

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • diagnose poor vocal habits.
  • formulate a pedagogical plan to resolve poor vocal habits.
  • evaluate a voice student's vocal skills.
  • devise a pedagogical plan to develop or improve basic vocal skills.
  • classify voice types based upon range.
  • assess a vocalist's ability to maintain independence in a harmonic setting.
  • devise and implement a pedagogical plan to develop or improve a vocalist's ability to maintain independence in a harmonic setting.
  • demonstrate the basic skills necessary to sing with appropriate breath support and tone quality.
  • demonstrate the basic skills necessary to expand the vocal range and flexibility.

Career Information

The Studio Voice Instructor will find employment as owner or employee of a private voice studio. This position will include coaching students/clients in basic vocal technique with an emphasis on traditional vocal pedagogy.