Menu
Playing Instrument

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

Laney College offers four Music A.A. Degrees and a variety of Certificates of Achievement. Current degree summaries and course requirements are linked below. Be sure to consult with a counselor and the Music Department Chair when beginning a new program. Those interested in completed the AA-T should enroll in Music 150 instead of piano, voice, guitar, or percussion classes. Look for the section of Music 150 that meets at the same time as the piano, voice, guitar, or percussion class it replaces.

Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)

The Chinese Music A.A. recognizes mastery of Chinese Music essentials. Students will examine basic music theory, solo performance techniques, Chinese Music History; Jianpu notation, instrumentation, Chinese Opera traditions, and ensemble playing techniques. After completing this program, students will be able to play concerts, compose music, participate in recording sessions, or continue with their studies by transferring to a four-year Music program, especially in Ethnomusicology.

Career Opportunities

Performer, instructor, coach, conductor, recording artist, lecturer.

Course Sequence

Survey of Chinese Music (3 units)
MUSIC 53BMusic of China3
Performance (8 units from the following)
Courses in this category may be repeated 3 times.
MUSIC 32Chinese Orchestra1
MUSIC 54Chinese Small Ensemble1
Theory, Skills, and Piano (5 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 130Elementary Piano Method I1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:16
General Education Requirements:19
Elective courses to meet 60
Total Units60

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Employ proper instrumental or vocal technique to construct properly prepared musical phrasing.
  • Apply basic music theory and skills.
  • Synthesize music skills ability, music theory knowledge, and instrumental or vocal technique into informed performances.

The Associate in Arts Degree in Music Industry Studies is designed for music students whose career goals are focused on the recording industry, concert promotions, and other commercial ventures. Students will explore aspects of the music production process including: recording, marketing, and distribution.

Career Opportunities

Audio Engineer, Digital Sound Editor, Small Business Entrepreneur, Concert Promoter, Manager, EventProducer, Arranger, Songwriter.

Course Sequence

Group 1: Core Courses (11 units)
MUSIC-CM 1ABeginning MIDI and Electronic Music3
MUSIC-CM 2AIntroduction to Songwriting3
MUSIC 149Music Business3
MUSIC-CM 3AIntroduction to Live Sound Systems2
Group 2: Electives (9 units from the following)
MUSIC-CM 460Occupational Work Experience in Commercial Music1-4
MEDIA 111Basic Audio Production3
MEDIA 122Music Video Production3
MEDIA 150Pro Tools: Sound Design/Aesthetics for Video, Broadcast and Digital Cinematography3
MEDIA 155Basic Sound Recording and Music Video3
MEDIA 156Sound Mixing and Mastering3
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 105Classic Guitar I1
MUSIC 117Voice I1
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 130Elementary Piano Method I1
MUSIC-CM 1BIntermediate MIDI and Electronic Music3
MUSIC-CM 1CAdvanced MIDI and Electronic Music3
MUSIC-CM 2BIntermediate Songwriting3
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
MUSIC-CM 3BIntermediate Sound Systems2
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:20
General Education Requirements:19
Elective courses to meet 60
Total Units:60

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Students will employ proper audio engineering and midi techniques to produce sound recording projects.
  • Students will create original music projects in line with current industry standards.
  • Analyze a situation in the music industry and recommend a solution or plan for improvement.

The Jazz Associate in Arts 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. After completing this program, students will be able to play concerts, compose music, participate in recording sessions, or continue with their studies towards a baccalaureate degree.

Career Opportunities

Performer, recording artist, arranger, composer, music teacher, promoter, arts management, arts administration, music critic, music consultant.

Course Sequence

Group 1: Jazz History - (6 units)
MUSIC 15AJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
MUSIC 15BJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
Group 2: Jazz Piano - Select a minimum of two units from the following (2 units)
MUSIC 138Jazz Piano I1
MUSIC 139Jazz Piano II1
MUSIC 140Jazz Piano III1
MUSIC 141Jazz Piano IV1
Group 3: Jazz Ensemble Performance - Select a minimum of four units from the following (4 units)
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
Group 4: Music Theory (12 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 102Music Theory and Culture II3
MUSIC 103Music Theory and Culture III3
MUSIC 104Music Theory and Culture IV3
Group 5: Musicianship (Music Skills) (4 units)
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 122Music Skills II1
MUSIC 123Music Skills III1
MUSIC 124Music Skills IV1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:28
General Education Requirements:19
Electives to Meet 60 Units:
Total Units:60

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Identify, construct, and play elements of Jazz Theory including: Chord construction, proper use of Alphabet Chord Symbols, use of Medieval church modes, diminished scales, whole tone scales, Lydian dominants, Blues scales, and melodic minor modes. 
  • Jazz History: Successful students will identify, explain, and analyze concepts from the history of Jazz.
  • Performance: Successful students will synthesize their knowledge of style (Jazz history), theory (use of correct modes and chord voicings), and other improvisation techniques into live public performances.

Courses in the Music Department are designed to fulfill the needs of music majors, professional musicians,
and those whose interest is vocational. Students are encouraged to contact the department chairperson for specific guidance when planning to transfer to a four- year institution in this major.

Career Opportunities

Academic and Performing Careers in Music and Music Related Fields such as: Arts Administration, Music Journalism, Recording Industry, Musical Instrument Sales and Repair, Private Instruction etc.

Course Sequence

Group 1: Music Theory (12 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 102Music Theory and Culture II3
MUSIC 103Music Theory and Culture III3
MUSIC 104Music Theory and Culture IV3
Group 2: Music Skills (4 units)
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 122Music Skills II1
MUSIC 123Music Skills III1
MUSIC 124Music Skills IV1
Group 3: Music History (6 units)
MUSIC 8AMusic History: Antiquity Through the Renaissance3
MUSIC 8BMusic History: The Baroque and Classical Eras3
MUSIC 8CMusic History: The Romantic Era3
MUSIC 8DMusic History: The Twentieth Century Through the Present3
MUSIC 51AMusic History I: Antiquity to 17503
MUSIC 51BMusic History II: 1750 to Present3
Group 4: Performance and Applied Music – Select a minimum of four units from the following (4 units)
MUSIC 32Chinese Orchestra1
MUSIC 52AOrchestra1
MUSIC 105Classic Guitar I1
MUSIC 106Classic Guitar II1
MUSIC 107Classic Guitar III1
MUSIC 108Classic Guitar IV1
MUSIC 113Beginning Percussion I1
MUSIC 114Beginning Percussion II1
MUSIC 115Beginning Percussion III1
MUSIC 116Beginning Percussion IV1
MUSIC 117Voice I1
MUSIC 118Voice II1
MUSIC 119Voice III1
MUSIC 120Voice IV1
MUSIC 125Chorus1
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 128Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 130Elementary Piano Method I1
MUSIC 131Elementary Piano Method II1
MUSIC 132Elementary Piano Method III1
MUSIC 133Elementary Piano Method IV1
MUSIC 134Intermediate Piano Literature I1
MUSIC 135Intermediate Piano Literature II1
MUSIC 136Intermediate Piano Literature III1
MUSIC 137Intermediate Piano Literature IV1
MUSIC 138Jazz Piano I1
MUSIC 139Jazz Piano II1
MUSIC 140Jazz Piano III1
MUSIC 141Jazz Piano IV1
MUSIC 142Instrumental Ensemble1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 146Advanced Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:26
General Education Requirements:19
Electives to meet 60 units
Total Units: 60

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Employ proper instrumental or vocal technique to construct properly prepared musical phrasing.
  • Apply basic music theory and skills.
  • Synthesize music skills ability, music theory knowledge, and instrumental or vocal technique into informed performances.

Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree (AA-T)

The Associate in Arts Degree in Music for Transfer (AA-T MUSIC) is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer with junior status and priority admission to their CSU campus to a program or major in Music or similar major for completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Students are required to complete:

  • Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

  • Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
  • No more than 60 semester units are required.

The Associate in Arts Degree in Music for Transfer (AA-T MUSIC) will also assist Music major students to transfer to a U.C. or other baccalaureate institutions. Students are advised to consult with a counselor to verify transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Academic and Performing Careers in Music and Music Related Fields such as: Arts Administration, Music Journalism, Recording Industry, Musical Instrument Sales and Repair, Private Instruction etc.

Course Sequence

Core Courses (12 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 102Music Theory and Culture II3
MUSIC 103Music Theory and Culture III3
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 122Music Skills II1
MUSIC 123Music Skills III1
List A: (4 units)
MUSIC 51AMusic History I: Antiquity to 17503
MUSIC 51BMusic History II: 1750 to Present3
MUSIC 104Music Theory and Culture IV3
MUSIC 124Music Skills IV1
Applied Music (4 units)
MUSIC 150Applied Music *1
Ensemble Music (4 units)
MUSIC 032Chinese Orchestra1
MUSIC 52AOrchestra1
MUSIC 125Chorus1
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 128Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 142Instrumental Ensemble1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 146Advanced Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:24
IGETC or CSU GE-Breadth Education pattern:37 - 39
Total Units:60
* Students must enroll in Music 150 a minimum of four times to meet the requirement.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Synthesize knowledge of performance skills, theory, and music history into an informed performance of music
  • Demonstrate competency in aural skills.
  • Analyze musical examples for their formal and harmonic structure.

 

Certificates of Achievement (CA)

The Certificate of Achievement in Chinese Music recognizes mastery of Chinese music essentials. Students will examine basic music theory, solo performance techniques, Chinese Music History; Jianpu notation, instrumentation, Chinese Opera traditions, and ensemble playing techniques. After completing this program, students will be able to play concerts, compose music, participate in recording sessions, or continue with their studies towards an associate degree.

Career Opportunities

Performer, instructor, coach, conductor, recording artist, lecturer.

Course Sequence

Survey of Chinese Music (3 units)
MUSIC 53BMusic of China3
Performance (8 units from the following)
Courses in this category may be repeated 3 times.
MUSIC 32Chinese Orchestra1
MUSIC 54Chinese Small Ensemble1
Theory, Skills, and Piano (5 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 130Elementary Piano Method I1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:16

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Employ proper instrumental or vocal technique to construct properly prepared musical phrasing.
  • Apply basic music theory and skills.
  • Synthesize music skills ability, music theory knowledge, and instrumental or vocal technique into informed performances.

The Music Industry Studies Certificate of Achievement is designed for music students whose career goals are focused on the recording industry, concert promotions, and other commercial ventures. Students will explore aspects of the music production process including: recording, marketing, and distribution.

Career Opportunities

Audio Engineer, Digital Sound Editor, Small Business Entrepreneur, Concert Promoter, Manager, Event Producer, Arranger, Songwriter. Students who receive this degree will be Career opportunities.

Course Sequence

Group 1: Core Courses (11 units)
MUSIC-CM 1ABeginning MIDI and Electronic Music3
MUSIC-CM 2AIntroduction to Songwriting3
MUSIC 149Music Business3
MUSIC-CM 3AIntroduction to Live Sound Systems2
Group 2: Electives (9 units from the following)
MEDIA 111Basic Audio Production3
MEDIA 122Music Video Production3
MEDIA 150Pro Tools: Sound Design/Aesthetics for Video, Broadcast and Digital Cinematography3
MEDIA 155Basic Sound Recording and Music Video3
MEDIA 156Advanced Music Video Production III: Mixing and Mastering3
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 105Classic Guitar I1
MUSIC 117Voice I1
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 130Elementary Piano Method I1
MUSIC-CM 1BIntermediate MIDI and Electronic Music3
MUSIC-CM 1CAdvanced MIDI and Electronic Music3
MUSIC-CM 2BIntermediate Songwriting3
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
MUSIC-CM 3BIntermediate Sound Systems2
MUSIC-CM 460Occupational Work Experience in Commercial Music1-4
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:20

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Students will employ proper audio engineering and midi techniques to produce sound recording projects.
  • Students will create original music projects in line with current industry standards.
  • Analyze a situation in the music industry and recommend a solution or plan for improvement.

The Jazz Certificate of Achievement 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. After completing this program, students will be able to play concerts, com- pose music, participate in recording sessions, or continue with their studies towards an associate degree.

Career Opportunities

Music teacher, performer, recording artist, promoter, arts management, arts administration

Course Sequence

Group 1: Jazz History (6 units)
MUSIC 15AJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
MUSIC 15BJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
Group 2: Jazz Piano - Select a minimum of one unit from the following (1 unit)
MUSIC 138Jazz Piano I1
MUSIC 139Jazz Piano II1
MUSIC 140Jazz Piano III1
MUSIC 141Jazz Piano IV1
Group 3: Jazz Ensemble Performance - Select a minimum of four units from the following (4 units)
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 226Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:11

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Identify, construct, and play elements of Jazz Theory including: Chord construction, proper useof Alphabet Chord Symbols, use of Medieval church modes, diminished scales, whole tone scales, Lydian dominants, Blues scales, and melodic minor modes.
  • Jazz History: Successful students will identify, explain, and analyze concepts from the history of Jazz.
  • Performance: Successful students will synthesize their knowledge of style (Jazz history), theory (use of correct modes and chord voicings), and other improvisation techniques into live public performances. 

The Music History Certificate of Achievement covers a survey of over five thousand years of music history are its relevance to today’s music. Students will examine musical and social developments, major composers, technical developments, stylistic trends, and economic changes related to music. After completing this program, students will be to teach private lessons, compose music, or continue with their studies towards an associate degree.

Career Opportunities

Music teacher, performer, recording artist, promoter, arts management, arts administration.

Course Sequence

Music History (12 units)
MUSIC 8AMusic History: Antiquity Through the Renaissance3
MUSIC 8BMusic History: The Baroque and Classical Eras3
MUSIC 8CMusic History: The Romantic Era3
MUSIC 8DMusic History: The Twentieth Century Through the Present3
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:12

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Analyze and examine the relationship between socio-economic forces and musical developments.
  • Analyze recorded musical examples for historical relevance.
  • Distinguish major developments, people, and events of Music History

The Music Certificate of Achievement provides a foundation in music theory, music skills (musicianship), solo performance, and ensemble performance. These fundamental skills promote success in music careers and artistic endeavors. After completing this program, students will be able to play concerts, compose music, participate in recording sessions, or continue with their studies towards an associate degree.

Career Opportunities

Academic and Performing Careers in Music and Music Related Fields such as: Arts Administration, Music Journalism, Recording Industry, Musical Instrument Sales and Repair, Private Instruction etc.

Course Sequence

Group 1: Music Theory-All of the following (12 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 102Music Theory and Culture II3
MUSIC 103Music Theory and Culture III3
MUSIC 104Music Theory and Culture IV3
Group 2: Musicianship (Music Skills) – All of the following (4 units)
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 122Music Skills II1
MUSIC 123Music Skills III1
MUSIC 124Music Skills IV1
Group 3: Performance Ensemble – Select a minimum of 4 units from the following (4 units)
MUSIC 32Chinese Orchestra1
MUSIC 52AOrchestra1
MUSIC 125Chorus1
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 128Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 142Instrumental Ensemble1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 146Advanced Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
Group 4: Applied Music – Select a minimum of 4 units from the following (4 units)
MUSIC 105Classic Guitar I1
MUSIC 106Classic Guitar II1
MUSIC 107Classic Guitar III1
MUSIC 108Classic Guitar IV1
MUSIC 113Beginning Percussion I1
MUSIC 114Beginning Percussion II1
MUSIC 115Beginning Percussion III1
MUSIC 116Beginning Percussion IV1
MUSIC 117Voice I1
MUSIC 118Voice II1
MUSIC 119Voice III1
MUSIC 120Voice IV1
MUSIC 130Elementary Piano Method I1
MUSIC 131Elementary Piano Method II1
MUSIC 132Elementary Piano Method III1
MUSIC 133Elementary Piano Method IV1
MUSIC 134Intermediate Piano Literature I1
MUSIC 135Intermediate Piano Literature II1
MUSIC 136Intermediate Piano Literature III1
MUSIC 137Intermediate Piano Literature IV1
MUSIC 138Jazz Piano I1
MUSIC 139Jazz Piano II1
MUSIC 140Jazz Piano III1
MUSIC 141Jazz Piano IV1
MUSIC 150Applied Music1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:24

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Synthesize knowledge of performance skills, theory, and music history into an informed performance of music.
  • Demonstrate musicianship skills
  • Apply basic music theory to music works and performances.

The Musicianship and Performance Certificate of Achievement recognizes mastery of essential musicianship and music skills classes and in public performances. Students will employ Solfège, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, melodic analysis, interval recognition, key signatures, time signatures, metric modulation, poly-rhythms. After completing this program, students will be to teach private lessons, perform in concerts, or continue with their studies towards an associate degree.

Career Opportunities

Music teacher, performer, recording artist, promoter, arts management, arts administration.

Course Sequence

Group 1: Music Skills All of the following (4 units)
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 122Music Skills II1
MUSIC 123Music Skills III1
MUSIC 124Music Skills IV1
Group 2: Ensemble Performance - Select a minimum of 4 units from the following (4 units)
May include repeatable courses for a total of 4 units
MUSIC 32Chinese Orchestra1
MUSIC 52AOrchestra1
MUSIC 125Chorus1
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 128Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 142Instrumental Ensemble1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 146Advanced Choral Repertoire1
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:8

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Employ proper use of Solfège.
  • Accurately take melodic and harmonic dictation.
  • Perform in public concerts.

The Music Theory Certificate of Achievement recognizes mastery of essential music theory. Students will employ harmonic analysis using both Roman Numeral and Alphabet Chord systems, figured-bass, voice-leading, chord construction, inversion, harmonic progression, scales, and modes, introduction to atonal theory. After completing this program, students will be to teach private lessons, compose music, or continue with their studies towards an associate degree.

Career Opportunities

Music teacher, performer, recording artist, promoter, arts management, arts administration.

Course Sequence

Music Theory (12 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 102Music Theory and Culture II3
MUSIC 103Music Theory and Culture III3
MUSIC 104Music Theory and Culture IV3
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS:12

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Harmonic analysis: Using both Roman Numeral and Alphabet Chord systems, successful students will analyze given excerpt of music related to the Jazz repertoire.
  • Chord construction: Successful students will explain, construct, and employ proper chord voicings, including inversions, and harmonic progressions. All common chord structures from triads to 13th chords will be included.
  • Music Composition: Under the guidance of the instructor, successful students will compose original compositions demonstrating principals of harmony and voice leading as presented in class.