Ensembles
Career Opportunities
Jazz - A.A. Degree
This Degree recognizes mastery of Jazz essentials. Students will examine basic Jazz theory, performance techniques, improvisation skills, and Jazz history; chord voicings, alphabet system, evolution of styles from Blues and Ragtime to the present; ensemble playing techniques including: blending, tone production, chart reading, and solo improvisation.
Jazz - Certificate of Achievement
This Certificate recognizes mastery of Jazz essential. Students will examine basic Jazz theory, performance techniques, improvisation skills, and Jazz History; Chord voicings, Alphabet System, evolution of styles from Blues and Ragtime to the present; ensemble playing techniques including: blending, tone production, chart reading, and solo improvisation.
Music Appreciation - Certificate of Achievement
This Certificate is designed for students who pursue studies in Music Appreciation and Music History. Students will explore universal aspects of music as well as genre-specific histories. Related careers include: Music Journalism, Music Consultant, Pre-School and Elementary Music Education. Recommended for students with disabilities.
Chinese Music
Founded in 1973 by Sherlyn Chew, Laney College’s Chinese music program offers classes for all ages, including the Great Wall Youth Orchestra, which performs throughout the Bay Area. Students learn traditional instruments like the erhu, dizi, yangqin, and guzheng. Directed by Lu Peng, the Chinese Small Ensemble provides additional opportunities for skill-building and performance.
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Guitar
Welcoming students from beginning to advanced our Guitar courses emphasize classical technique and music reading, while exploring a diverse repertoire, including folk music, popular songs, and classical arrangements. Students learn to play by ear and from written music, with theory and improvisation introduced as they progress. We accommodate multiple levels by rotating students through practice rooms and the main classroom, ensuring everyone receives both lecture and lab hours.
Jazz
Since it’s founding, our department has offered students the opportunity to work with mentors who are both seasoned performers and highly trained educators. We offer Jazz Piano & Jazz Combos, which include a Jazz AA and Jazz Certificate of Achievement, which can be earned along side either the AA or AA-T in Music, without duplicating coursework.
Some students may also want to take advantage of courses in our Music Industry Program, including: Electronic Music and MIDI, Songwriting, Music Business, and Live Sound.
Music Skills & Theory
Offering s a full range of Theory, Music Skills, and Music History classes both for students planning to transfer to four year programs and for musicians seeking to broaden their professional skills.
It is highly recommended that students take the corresponding level of Music Skills along with each theory class.
Piano
Offering a variety of piano classes with individualized instruction. Students are encouraged to pursue their musical interests, while learning fundamental skills, including performance and music reading.
Our electronic piano lab allows for in-depth individual and group instruction. In addition, there are practice rooms with acoustic pianos available for use by Laney College music students.
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Voice
Voice Classes introduce singers to basics of tone production, song preparation and stage presence. Singers practice vocal exercises (warm ups), and learn assigned songs in a variety of styles. Instructors share their experience and passion for vocal music. This class is an excellent companion to the Laney College Choir or Music Skills classes.
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Transfer To A University
Laney College's AA-T and AS-T degrees guarantee junior standing admission to the CSU system, with priority for local CSU campuses in similar programs. Consult a counselor or transfer specialist for details.
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Meet With A Counselor
Counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to outline the courses needed for an Associate’s degree, transfer, or certificate, even if you're unsure of your educational goals.
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Uncertain About Your Career Path?
We provide support with career exploration, self-assessment as well as the major and career decision making process to help all Laney students achieve career satisfaction and success.