Music Department
Music at American River College
Our department provide students with a foundation in music theory, history, performance, and production; a core curriculum that is essential to the professional life of the musician. Students may select between two degree tracks: A.A. in Music or A.A. in Jazz Studies and each having an emphasis of either - Instrumental or Vocal.
We offer a wide variety of concerts and special events during the spring and fall semesters. Explore the calendar below and enjoy a YouTube playlist with highlights from some of our concerts.
The Commercial Music Program is designed to prepare those who are seeking an exciting and rewarding career in the music industry. Students have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, while earning A.A.Degrees and Certificates in either Recording or Music Business.
Visit the Commercial Music Program website for more information.
Music Program Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Ensembles
Through its concerts both on- and off-campus, the Choral program offers the vocal performer the opportunity to sing in an ensemble of dedicated and committed musicians. Music from the Renaissance to the 21st Century provides a repertoire of exciting literature for the serious and amateur vocalist.
ARC Music Department Fall 2021 Concert Series (Concert Choir):
The Studio Jazz Ensemble brings together skilled musicians who are interested in the “Big Band” idiom, while the Latin Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Combos round out the instrumental jazz program by providing the opportunity for students to experience other jazz genres.
ARC Music Department Fall 2021 Concert Series (Jazz Band and Jazz Combos)
 |
| The Concert & Symphonic Band is for those who have previous experience playing a brass, percussion, or woodwind instrument. All styles of music are performed including classics, pops, and marches. Emphasis is on learning instrumental techniques and enjoying music making. |
 |
| The seventy-piece Orchestra performs literature from all musical eras. They often team up with some of Sacramento’s finest instrumental soloists to perform works ranging from symphonies and concertos to film scores and jazz standards. |
 |
| These ensembles have developed an outstanding reputation for their superb vocal jazz stylings. They perform jazz vocal arrangements of jazz standards mostly in the Swing, Hard Bop, and Contemporary styles. Singing in 5-part harmony, the ensemble blends this arranged writing with improvisation and solo work. |
Donate to support ARC's Music program
Donations help keep the music programs running and pay for instruments and equipment for students.
"Being a music major at ARC is legitimate, and it’s a blast! When you put in the hard work, all of the instructors give you the right tools to succeed."
Alyssa Abbott
Student / Music / American River College
I am enrolled in the music program here at ARC as a saxophone player. I’m very passionate about sharing music with others and performing, and am splitting my areas of focus between music education and performance. Sharing music is powerful and doesn’t just teach you scales or chords, but life lessons, such as responsibility, vulnerability and empathy. Being a music major at ARC is legitimate, and it’s a blast! When you put in the hard work, all of the instructors give you the right tools to succeed. ARC is a gorgeous campus filled with resources and information. A great sense of community exists and the music program is amazing. My instructors have pushed my musical skills and have given me several opportunities to perform outside of school. I see ARC as my launching pad for the next chapter of my life. My parents have always supported my goals and ambitions, and are both extremely hard workers who encourage me to work hard as well. I enjoy working with others and teaching, and making music is something I always want as a part of my life. Currently I teach beginning guitar and theory to elementary and middle school students and plan to be a music educator at the high school or college level. I plan to get an AA degree in music and then audition at universities in California such as Northridge, UOP and Long Beach.