The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer degree (AA-T in Music degree) is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the California State University system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Music or similar major. Students completing the AA-Tin Music degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular CSU campus or major. The AA-T in Music degree provides students with the knowledge and experience for a broad understanding of the musical arts. The program is divided into four core subsections: Music Theory, Music History and Literature, Instrumental Performance, and Vocal Performance. Students interested in obtaining a AA-T in Music degree are required to enroll in the core courses designed around their individual selected emphasis of study. AA-T in Music degree students are expected to have a breadth of knowledge of tonal harmony based on the common practice period; Western history and literature from the Middle Ages to current practice; intermediate skills in piano proficiency; individual lessons with students selected instrument of major; and performance experience with ensembles. Upon completion of the core courses, students are encouraged to enroll in the advance course of Music Theory, Ethnomusicology, Jazz studies, Music Technology, or Performance. In all courses, students are expected to develop critical thinking skills, evaluate their own beliefs and assumptions through the Musical Arts, as well as broaden their creative capabilities.

To assist students in accomplishing and developing their skills, the department has several performing ensembles, including: three levels of vocal ensembles, a symphony orchestra, chamber music ensembles, jazz band, opera and musical theater. The Ventura College Department of Music has been the catalyst in developing The Ventura Music Festival, New West Symphony, and Ventura Master Chorale and it continues to be the center of the musical arts in Ventura County.

To earn an Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer degree, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units including both of the following:

   1. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements.

   2. The coursework required for the AA-T in Music as listed in the Ventura College catalog.

2. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a “pass-no-pass” is allowed (Title 5 §55062), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C).

3. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information. 

4. Complete requirements in residency. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 semester units must be completed in residence within the college district. 

See a counselor or consult assist.org, especially if you plan to transfer to a UC campus or a college or university other than CSU

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Apply lessons of assigned course work and or knowledge and skills attained throughout the course work to new and varied subjects.
• Generate new ideas, express their selves creatively, or solve complex problems in an original way
• Use course work and information taught throughout the course to draw conclusions or create new sources of information that can be shared with others.