The MJC Music Program offers courses for students wishing to earn an associate’s degree in music, general education courses for non-music majors, and courses designed for community members. These include a comprehensive curriculum of music theory and musicianship. Ensemble and production courses include Concert and Symphonic Bands, Day and Evening Jazz Bands, Concert and Chamber Choirs, Masterworks Chorus, Community Orchestra, Guitar Orchestra, opera/musical theatre productions, chamber music performances, and electronic music productions. The program also offers applied studies in piano, organ, harpsichord, guitar, voice, violin/viola, cello/bass, woodwinds, and brass/percussion, as well as survey courses such as Music Appreciation, Introduction to World Music, Introduction to American Popular Music, and History of Western Music.
A.A. Degree: Music
To earn an Associate in Arts Degree in this major, the student must complete the requirements detailed in the Career Technical Education Pathway (p.71) or the University Preparation Pathway (p. 69) which include completion of the requirements below (except where listed as recommended). Students who plan to transfer to a four-year school are strongly advised to meet with a member of the music faculty.
PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
MUST 101 [P] Music Fundamentals 1 (3) OR
MUST 111 [P] Music Theory Review (1) OR
SATISFACTORY SCORE on music theory placement examination offered during the first meeting of MUST 111 and/or MUST 121. Students who do not meet entrance proficiencies will be encouraged to enroll in MUST 101 or MUST 111 prior to enrollment in MUST 121.
RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES
MUST 116 [P] Rhythmic Skills (1)
REQUIRED COURSES IN MUSIC THEORY- COMPLETE 20 UNITS
MUST 121 [1] Music Theory 1 (3)
MUST 131 [1] Aural Skills 1 (1)
MUST 122 [2] Music Theory 2 (3)
MUST 132 [2] Aural Skills 2 (1)
MUST 123 [3] Music Theory 3 (3)
MUST 133 [3] Aural Skills 3 (1)
MUST 124 [4] Music Theory 4 (3)
MUST 134 [4] Aural Skills 4 (1)
MUST 135 [1] Practica Musica (4)
ENSEMBLE-complete 4 or 8* units
Any of the following* (repeated individually, or combined with each other to equal the required number of units-see Repeat Limitations above)
MUSE 145 [NP] Guitar Orchestra (1)
MUSE 155 [NP] Concert Choir (1)
MUSE 161 [NP] Community Orchestra (1)
MUSE 175 [NP] Symphonic Band (2)
MUSE 185 [NP] Jazz Band (1)
*Students whose primary instrument is woodwinds, brass, or percussion and who intend to participate in the Symphonic Band as their primary ensemble must enroll for a total of 8 units.
APPLIED MUSIC - Complete 4 units
Any course listed under the Applied Music heading (MUSA) in the Catalog of Courses* (repeated individually, or combined with each other to equal the required number of units-see Repeat Limitations above)
*Music majors will typically combine ensembles and applied studies according to their primary instrument/voice. Vocalists will enroll in Concert Choir and the appropriate applied voice course. Orchestral instrumentalists will enroll in Community Orchestra and the appropriate applied strings course. Band instrumentalists will enroll in Symphonic Band and/or Jazz Band and applied woodwinds or brass/percussion. Guitarists will enroll in Guitar Orchestra and the appropriate applied guitar class. Students are strongly advised to seek the advice of a music faculty member specializing in his/her primary instrument/voice when choosing ensemble and applied music courses.
PIANO** - Complete 2 units
Any of the following (repeated individually, or combined with each other to equal the required number of units-see Repeat Limitations above)
MUSA 121 [NP] Elementary Piano (1)
MUSA 122 [NP] Piano Enrichment (1)
MUSA 123 [NP] Intermediate Piano (1)
MUSA 124 [NP] Advanced Piano (1)
**Students whose primary instrument is piano may count their applied studies in piano toward this requirement.
TOTAL UNITS IN THE A. A. MAJOR IN (30 or 34)
RECOMMENDED MUSIC ELECTIVES
ENSEMBLE-Complete 1 -2 units
Any ensemble other than the student's primary ensemble. (Students are advised to seek the advice of a faculty member directing that ensemble to determine if he/she has the appropriate experience to succeed in the ensemble.)
APPLIED MUSIC- Complete 1-2 units
Any applied music course other than that in the student's primary instrument/voice. (Students are advised to seek the advice of a faculty member specializing in that instrument/voice to determine which level of course is appropriate.)
OTHER- Complete 1-3 units
MUSG 121 [NP] History of Western Music 1 (3)
MUSG 122 [NP] History of Western Music 2 (3)
MUSE 191 [NP] Conducting 1 (1)
MUSE 192 [NP] Conducting 2 (1)
MUSP 151 [NP] Musical Theatre Workshop (1)
MUSP 153 [NP] Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop (1)
TOTAL OPTIONAL MUSIC ELECTIVES (3-7)
Consult the MJC College Catalog for the latest listing of degree and skills recognition award requirements.
To learn more contact:
Arts, Humanities & Communications Division Office
Performing and Media Arts Center 205 - East Campus
Modesto Junior College
435 College Ave
Modesto CA 95350
209.575.6081
