Music (Career Pathway)

The Associate in Arts in Music (Career Pathway) is designed to prepare students for careers upon graduation to perform as instrumentalists and vocalists, to work as classified or private music educators, to write music (popular, concert, or for media), or to produce live and/or recorded music. Students are trained in a breadth of musical concepts, including theory, musicianship, piano, music technology, and music history. Additionally, students choose an emphasis in performance and education, composition and songwriting, or technology, production, and management.

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

An Associate of Arts (AA) in Music (Career Pathway) program at Antelope Valley College plays a crucial role in fulfilling the mission, curriculum, and master planning of the college as well as higher education in California. Here's how such a program aligns with these aspects:

1. Mission of Antelope Valley College:
   • Access to Education: AVC's mission often emphasizes providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. An AA in Music caters to students who have a passion for music and wish to pursue higher education, contributing to the college's goal of serving the community.
   • Excellence in Learning: Offering a comprehensive music program reflects AVC's commitment to academic excellence by providing students with a well-rounded education in the arts.
   • Cultural Enrichment: A music program aligns with AVC's mission of enriching the cultural life of the community. It provides opportunities for students to engage in artistic expression, fostering cultural appreciation.
2. Curriculum:
   • Broad Educational Offering: An AA in Music program typically includes courses in music theory, history, performance, and composition. These courses contribute to a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness.
   • Transferability: Many AVC students aim to transfer to four-year institutions. An AA in Music offers students a structured pathway with coursework that often aligns with lower-division requirements at California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses, facilitating a smooth transition to bachelor's degree programs (although it's not a requisite for completing the degree)
   • Professional Development: The program can offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience, perform in ensembles, and work with experienced faculty, preparing them for further study or careers in the music industry.
3. Master Planning of AVC:
   • Meeting Local Needs: AVC's master plan considers the educational needs of the local community. If music and the arts are valued and in demand in the Antelope Valley region, an AA in Music would serve as an essential component in fulfilling these needs.
   • Student Success: AVC's master plan includes goals related to student success and completion rates. An AA in Music can contribute to this by providing students with clear academic pathways and support services.
   • Community Engagement: Music programs often engage the community through concerts, workshops, and cultural events. This can align with AVC's community engagement initiatives as outlined in its master plan.
4. Higher Education in California:
   • Transfer Pathways: The AA in Music program aligns with the broader California higher education system's efforts to create seamless transfer pathways from community colleges to four-year institutions. This is in line with the state's commitment to affordability and accessibility in higher education.
   • Cultural Diversity: California prides itself on its cultural diversity, and a music program contributes to preserving and celebrating this diversity by offering opportunities for students to explore various musical traditions and genres.

In summary, an AA in Music (Career Pathway) at Antelope Valley College not only aligns with the college's mission, curriculum, and master planning but also supports the broader goals of higher education in California by providing accessible and quality education, promoting cultural enrichment, and facilitating student success and transferability. It serves as a valuable asset to both the college and the local community.

Completion of the AA in Music (Career Pathway) requires a balanced approach to music theory, musicianship, piano, technology, industry processes, and history/appreciation. Additionally, students will choose an emphasis in performance & education, composition & songwriting, or technology, production, & management

AA in Music (Career Pathway) (32-33)

Core (20)

            MUS 120 Music Theory I                                           3

            MUS 130 Music Theory II                                         3

            MUS 125 Musicianship I                                           1

            MUS 135 Musicianship II                                          1

            MUS 131 Piano I                                                        1

            MUS 132 Piano II                                                       1

            MUS 231 Piano III                                                     1

            MUSC 100 Introduction to Music Technology          3

            MUSC 104 Music Industry                                        3

Complete the following 4 times        

            MUS 290 Concert Hour                                             0

Select one of the following (3 units)                                      3

            MUS 101 Music Appreciation                                                3

            MUS 105 World Music                                                           3

            MUS 106 African American Music                                        3

            MUS 107 Latin American Music                                           3

            MUSC 102 History of Jazz                                                    3

            MUSC 103 History of Rock                                                   3

            MUSC 107 History of Women in Rock                                 3

            MUSC 108 History of Hip Hop                                             3

            MUSC 109 History of Motown                                              3

Complete One Elective Group (12-13)

Performance & Education (12)

MUS 140 Music Theory III                                        3

MUS 145 Musicianship III                                         1

MUS 291ABCD Applied Music (0.5 x 4)                  2

MUSC 124 Improvisation (1 x 2)                               2

Four units from the following (4)                               4                                

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

Composition & Songwriting (13)

MUS 140 Music Theory III                                        3

MUS 145 Musicianship III                                         1

MUS 291ABCD Applied Music (0.5 x 4)                  2

One of the following (3)                                             3

            MUSC 150A Popular Songwriting                             3

            MUSC 150B Media Scoring                                      3

                        MUSC 150C Sibelius                                       3

Four units from the following (4)                               4                                

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

Technology, Production, & Management (12)

MUSC 130A Music Production I                               3

MUSC 130B Music Production II                              3

MUSC 120 Live Sound                                              2

MUSC 141 Concert Management                              2

Two units from the following (2)                               2                                 

MUS 121 Voice Class                                                 1

MUS 126 Guitar                                                         1

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

Performance & Education Emphasis

Composition & Songwriting Emphasis

Technology, Production, & Management Emphasis