Music Composition & Songwriting

Antelope Valley College offers a comprehensive Music Composition & Songwriting Certificate program is a focused and intensive course of study typically spanning one year. It is tailored to individuals who have a passion for creating music and wish to pursue careers as composers or songwriters. Students will elevate musical talents through rigorous training in composition, in addition to complementary courses in music theory, musicianship, piano, performance, and a composition emphasis (popular songwriting, composing for media, and composing using Sibelius, leading to preparation to take the AVID Sibelius Certification exam). Additionally, students will cap their studies through the work study program in an effort to demonstrate industry competency.

Average of 4-5 completion of the MUSC certs for the past 4 years.

The Music Composition & Songwriting Certificate program at Antelope Valley College (AVC) aligns harmoniously with both the mission, curriculum, and master planning of the institution and the broader goals of higher education in California.

Mission of Antelope Valley College:

AVC's mission emphasizes accessibility, academic excellence, and community enrichment. The Music Composition & Songwriting Certificate program embodies these principles by offering accessible, high-quality education to a diverse community of aspiring musicians and songwriters. It directly supports AVC's commitment to providing a platform for students to explore their creative passions in the arts, fostering cultural enrichment in the Antelope Valley.

Curriculum and Program Design:

The program offers a focused curriculum that emphasizes creative expression and musical skill development. By providing students with a comprehensive education in music composition, songwriting, and music technology, it aligns with California's broader objectives in higher education—equipping students with practical skills and knowledge relevant to the modern music industry.

Community Engagement and Master Planning:

AVC's master planning considers the evolving needs of the local community. The Music Composition & Songwriting Certificate program is responsive to these needs, providing opportunities for students to engage with the local music scene, collaborate with fellow artists, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the region.

Higher Education in California:

In the context of higher education in California, this program supports the state's commitment to accessible, quality education and the development of a skilled workforce. It nurtures the creative talents of students, preparing them for careers in music composition, songwriting, and music production—a sector vital to the state's cultural and economic landscape.

In summary, the Music Composition & Songwriting Certificate program at AVC aligns seamlessly with the college's mission, delivers a specialized curriculum, meets community needs, and contributes to the broader goals of higher education in California by fostering creativity, cultural enrichment, and workforce readiness in the music industry. It serves as a valuable asset, nurturing artistic talent within the Antelope Valley and beyond.

Students enrolled in the Music Composition & Songwriting Certificate will take a breadth of courses enhancing fluency and literacy, including theory, musicianship, and piano. Additionally, students will receive individualized and class instruction in composition, training in industry legalise, and complete a capstone work experience course.

Certificate in Music Composition & Songwriting (20)

MUS 120 Music Theory I                                           3

MUS 130 Music Theory II                                         1

MUS 125 Musicianship I                                           1

MUS 135 Musicianship II                                          1

MUS 131 Piano I                                                        1

MUS 132 Piano II                                                       1

MUSC 104 Music Industry                                        3

MUS 291ABCD Applied Music (0.5 x 2)                   1

MUS 290 Concert Hour (0 x 2)                                 0

MUSC 199 Work Experience                                     1

Two units from the following (2)                                                                        

MUS 160 Symphonic Band                                                    1

MUS 166 Orchestra                                                                1

MUS 181 Master Chorale                                                       1

MUS 170 Marching Marauders                                              1

MUS 220 Popular Music Ensemble                                       1

MUS 173 Jazz Ensemble B                                                    1

MUS 273 Jazz Ensemble A                                                    1

Three units from the following (3)                                         3

MUSC 150A Popular Songwriting                                         3

MUSC 150B Media Scoring                                                  3

            MUSC 150C Sibelius                                                             3

Certificate in Music Composition & Songwriting (20)

MUS 120 Music Theory I                                           3, S1

MUS 130 Music Theory II                                         1, S2

MUS 125 Musicianship I                                           1, S1

MUS 135 Musicianship II                                          1, S2

MUS 131 Piano I                                                        1, S1

MUS 132 Piano II                                                       1, S2

MUSC 104 Music Industry                                        3, S1

MUS 291ABCD Applied Music (0.5 x 2)                   1, S1, S2

MUS 290 Concert Hour (0 x 2)                                 0, S1, S2

MUSC 199 Work Experience                                     1, S2

Two units from the following (2), S1, S2                                                                        

MUS 160 Symphonic Band                                                    1

MUS 166 Orchestra                                                                1

MUS 181 Master Chorale                                                       1

MUS 170 Marching Marauders                                              1

MUS 220 Popular Music Ensemble                                       1

MUS 173 Jazz Ensemble B                                                    1

MUS 273 Jazz Ensemble A                                                    1

Three units from the following (3), S2                                         3

MUSC 150A Popular Songwriting                                         3

MUSC 150B Media Scoring                                                  3

            MUSC 150C Sibelius                                                             3