Associate of Arts for Transfer in Music Ventura County Community College District - Ventura College, USA

The Ventura College Music Department offers a wide variety of classes designed for both the aspiring professional musician who wishes to continue studies at the university level and the knowledgeable amateur eager to understand and appreciate the important role music occupies in this society.  Committed to preparing our students for the study and performance of music from the past and shaping the music of the future, the Music Department offers a diverse array of courses from Classical Vocal Techniques to Electronic Music

Program Purpose- The music program is designed to assist student to: Apply lessons of assigned course work and or knowledge and skills attained throughout the course work to new and varied subjects. Use course work and information taught throughout the course to draw conclusions or create new sources of information that can be shared with others. Generate new ideas, express their selves creatively, or solve complex problems in an original way.

Program Description- The Music Program offers a diverse curriculum, designed for both music–majors as well as non-majors. The overall program 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 wanting to major in music are required to enroll in the core courses designed around their individual selected emphasis of study. Majors 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 course students are expected to develop critical think skills, evaluate through the Musical Arts their own beliefs and assumptions, as well as broadening their creative capabilities. To assist students to accomplish and develop 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, Ventura Master Chorale and continues to be the center of the musical arts in Ventura county. Students graduating with an Associate of Arts in Music degree or the Associate of Arts Transfer degree may transfer to a four-year institution to complete a Bachelor’s Degree. Career opportunities for music majors includes, performing artists with Symphony Orchestra, Opera and Musical Theater, studio musician, solo artist, composer, film and television composer, recording engineer, teacher in music, arts management, music librarian, orchestration and producer and executive director of musical events and organizations.