Music, Associate in Arts
Music, Associate in Arts
The Associate in Arts in Music provides students with a comprehensive foundation in music theory, performance, musicianship, and musicology. Coursework includes studies in music theory, ear training, piano proficiency, and ensemble participation, along with private instruction in voice/instrumental performance or composition. Emphasizing both classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, the program develops technical skills, artistic expression, and an understanding of music history and culture.
The program is designed for students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution or pursue careers in music performance, education, and related fields. Students will gain practical experience through solo and ensemble performances, preparing them for continued study or professional opportunities in the music industry.
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| MUS V02A | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS V02B | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS V02C | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS V02D | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS V02AL | Musicianship I | 1 |
| MUS V02BL | Musicianship II | 1 |
| MUS V02CL | Musicianship III | 1 |
| MUS V02DL | Musicianship IV | 1 |
| Required Core Units | 16 | |
| Required Additional Courses | ||
| MUS V09A | Western Music History and Literature I: Antiquity to 1750 | 3 |
| MUS V09B | Western Music History and Literature II: 1750 to the Present | 3 |
| MUS V24A | Keyboards I | 2 |
| MUS V24B | Keyboards II | 2 |
List A: Select 1 course from the following and repeat it for four semesters: | ||
| MUS V31A | Private Lessons: Woodwinds | .5 |
| MUS V31B | Private Lessons: Brass | .5 |
| MUS V31C | Private Lessons: Strings | .5 |
| MUS V31D | Private Lessons: Keyboards | .5 |
| MUS V31E | Private Lessons: Classical Guitar | .5 |
| MUS V31F | Private Lessons: Orchestral Percussion Instruments | .5 |
| MUS V31G | Private Lessons: Music Composition | .5 |
| MUS V31V | Private Lessons: Voice | .5 |
List B: Select 4 units from the following (repeated courses are allowed): | ||
| MUS V10 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUS V11 | College Singers | 1 |
| MUS V12 | Community Choir | 1 |
| MUS V14A | Beginning Orchestra: Strings | 1 |
| MUS V14B | Beginning Orchestra: Winds | 1 |
| MUS V14C | Beginning Orchestra: Percussion | 1 |
| MUS V15 | Community Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS V17 | Jazz Band | 1 |
| MUS V18 | Symphonic Band | 1 |
| MUS V21A | Chamber Music: Woodwinds | 1 |
| MUS V21B | Chamber Music: Brass | 1 |
| MUS V21C | Chamber Music: Strings and Keyboards | 1 |
| MUS V22A | Advanced Chamber Music: Woodwinds | 1 |
| MUS V22B | Advanced Chamber Music: Brass | 1 |
| MUS V22C | Advanced Chamber Music: Strings and Keyboards | 1 |
| MUS V34 | Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS V45 | Beginning Opera/Music Theatre Workshop | 1 |
| MUS V46 | Intermediate Opera/Music Theatre Workshop | 1 |
| MUS V47 | Advanced Opera/Music Theatre Workshop | 1 |
List C: Select 2 courses from the following: | ||
| MUS V24C | Keyboards III | 2 |
| MUS V24D | Keyboards IV | 2 |
| MUS V03 | Introduction to World Music | 3 |
| MUS V06 | History of Rock and Roll | 3 |
| MUS V07 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS V105 | Queer Tunes: LGBTQIA+ Perspectives in Music | 3 |
| MUS V106 | History of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) | 3 |
| MUS V20 | Introduction to Music Business | 3 |
| MUS V25 | Introduction to Music Education | 2 |
| MUS V39 | Introduction to Music Technology | 3 |
| MUS V131 | Introduction to Conducting | 2 |
| Required Additional Units | 20-22 | |
| --------------------- | ||
| Total Major Units | 36-38 | |
| --------------------- | ||
| VC General Education Pattern* | ||
| Required Major Units | 36-38 | |
| VCCCD General Education Units | 24 | |
| Double-Counted Units | (3-6) | |
| Elective Units | 1-6 | |
| Total Units for the A.A. Degree | 60 | |
Recommended Elective Courses
When selecting elective courses, students are encouraged to select any courses from List D not already taken.
Recommendations Prior to Entering the Program
In addition to the required courses listed above, it is recommended that students who seek to pursue degree work in this field of study begin by taking MUS V01 Music Fundamentals (Units: 3) in the Summer semester preceding the first full semester term at Ventura College. Although this supplemental course may be of value to the student, please note that it does not satisfy the requirements for this degree.
*General Education Requirements:
The calculations above were completed using the local General Education (GE) pattern offered at Ventura College. Students may, however, choose the GE pattern--local Ventura College GE or CalGETC for transfer--that best aligns with their educational goals. Please consult with a counselor when selecting the general education pattern that is best for you and when identifying which classes fulfill which general education patterns.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Units/Hours | |
| MUS V02A | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS V02AL | Musicianship I | 1 |
| Select Course from Required Additional Courses, List A (Private Lessons) | .5 | |
| Select Course in Sequence from Required Additional Courses, List B (Music Ensemble) | 1 | |
| MUS V24A | Keyboards I | 2 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing (VC GE Area 1A) | 4 |
| Select Course...VC GE Area 1B | 3 | |
| Units/Hours | 14.5 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MUS V02B | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS V02BL | Musicianship II | 1 |
| Select Course from Required Additional Courses, List A (Private Lessons) | .5 | |
| Select Course in Sequence from Required Additional Courses, List B (Music Ensemble) | 1 | |
| MUS V24B | Keyboards II | 2 |
| Select Course...VC GE Area 2 | 4 | |
| Select Course...VC GE Area 7 | 3 | |
| Units/Hours | 14.5 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| Select Course...Elective MUS Course | 3 | |
| Select Course...Elective MUS Course | 1 | |
| Units/Hours | 4 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MUS V02C | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUS V02CL | Musicianship III | 1 |
| Select Course from Required Additional Courses, List A (Private Lessons) | .5 | |
| Select Course in Sequence from Required Additional Courses, List B (Music Ensemble) | 1 | |
| MUS V09A | Western Music History and Literature I: Antiquity to 1750 (VC GE Area 3 (Double Count)) | 3 |
| Select Course from Required Additional Courses, List C | 2-3 | |
| Select Course...VC GE Area 4 | 3 | |
| Select Course...VC GE Area 6 | ||
| Units/Hours | 13.5-14.5 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MUS V02D | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUS V02DL | Musicianship IV | 1 |
| Select Course from Required Additional Courses, List A (Private Lessons) | .5 | |
| Select Course in Sequence from Required Additional Courses, List B (Music Ensemble) | 1 | |
| MUS V09B | Western Music History and Literature II: 1750 to the Present | 3 |
| Select Course from Required Additional Courses, List C | 2-3 | |
| Select Course...VC GE Area 5 | 3 | |
| Units/Hours | 13.5-14.5 | |
| Total Units/Hours | 60-62 | |
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in music theory, aural skills, and sight-reading, applying these skills to analysis, composition, and performance.
- Develop technical and expressive proficiency on a primary instrument, voice, or composition through solo and ensemble performance, showcasing stylistic understanding across various musical genres.
- Analyze and articulate the historical, cultural, and stylistic significance of diverse musical traditions, demonstrating an understanding of music’s role in society and its influence on contemporary practices.