Music: AA-T Degree
This degree option provides a comprehensive foundation in music preparation for transfer to Baccalaureate programs for instrumental or vocal music majors in the California State University system.
The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Music. California Community College students who are awarded an Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU institution or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or institutions.
To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required and elective courses in the area of emphasis and Cal-GETC pattern requirements totaling no more than 60 semester CSU-transferable units.
Additional NVC graduation requirements do not apply to this degree. Students must successfully pass all courses in the area of emphasis with a minimum of “C” (or “P”) and maintain an overall minimum 2.0 GPA. Additionally, students pursuing this degree option must work with a counselor and faculty advisor to ensure appropriate elective course selections for their intended area of emphasis for the baccalaureate degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Hear, identify and manipulate with fluency in sound and notation the elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre, and texture.
- Demonstrate proficiency in solo and collaborative performance including technical competency, sight-reading, interpretive skill and artistic self-expression.
- Think, speak and write clearly and effectively about music.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (18-21 units) | ||
| MUSI-121 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUSI-122 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUSI-221 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUSI-120A | Aural Skills I | 1 |
| MUSI-120B | Aural Skills II | 1 |
| MUSI-120C | Aural Skills III | 1 |
| MUSI-116 | Applied Music: Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Piano, Voice 1 | 2 |
| Major Ensemble and/or Specialized Ensemble 2 | ||
| MUSI-152 | Guitar Ensemble | 4 |
| or MUSI-160 | College Chorale | |
| or MUSI-176 | Repertory Orchestra | |
| or MUSI-179 | Repertory Wind Ensemble | |
| or MUSI-181 | Jazz Ensemble | |
| Required Electives: List A | ||
| Complete 3-4 units from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Aural Skills IV | ||
| Survey & Appreciation of Music | ||
| Music Theory IV | ||
| Total Units | 21-22 | |
- 1
MUSI-116 must be completed for four semesters at 0.5 units for a total of 2 units.
- 2
Major Ensemble and/or Specialized Ensemble: Students must complete 4 semesters, minimum 1 unit each for a total of 4 units.
To receive an Associate Degree for Transfer, students must complete 60 CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0, and the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) beginning fall 2025. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.