Music

The study of music provides students with the opportunity to develop skills and theory in instrumental, vocal, and composition. Students select many of their own courses based on their own goals for musical growth. All students, however, need a foundation of theory, musicianship, and keyboarding proficiency, as well as private study and ensemble participation, and departmental placement exams are available for incoming students needing to assess their levels. Individual instruction is administered through the Performance Lab course sequence, which is the center of the Music program. Through that sequence, students receive advisement and transfer guidance throughout their college career. The Music program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in music. This degree prepares music performance, education, composition, and therapy majors for transfer. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.