At Laney College, music education reflects the diversity, creativity, and global influence of Oakland itself. From Chinese instrumental traditions to Jazz performance, from Western Classical symphony to Commercial Music and industry training, Laney’s Music Department offers one of the most dynamic and accessible programs in the region.
Led by Department Chair John Reager, the department provides an affordable, supportive environment where students at every level — aspiring professionals, transfer students, and community musicians — can develop their craft.
A Rare Jazz Degree at the Community College Level
Laney offers a dedicated Jazz A.A. Degree, a distinction that remains uncommon among community colleges and even many four-year institutions. Rather than treating jazz as simply a concentration, Laney provides focused study in improvisation, ensemble performance, theory, and jazz history.
Students perform in Jazz Combos and the Jazz Orchestra (Big Band), gaining real-world performance experience while working with seasoned performers and educators.
Commercial Music: Preparing Students for the Industry
Laney’s Commercial Music A.A. Degree and Certificate of Achievement prepare students for careers in recording, production, songwriting, live sound, and music business.
Commercial Music courses include:
- Electronic Music and MIDI
- Songwriting
- Music Business
- Live Sound
- Audio
Under the guidance of Kevin Martin, students begin to build professional portfolios designed to position them for real opportunities in the field. Instructor Martin brings global touring and production. Previously centered in Nashville, he has a background in songwriting, composition and major label music industry experience.
“Students today need both artistry and industry knowledge,” said Martin. “We’re helping them understand how to create, produce, protect, and market their work. It’s about empowering them with the tools to sustain a career.”
The program also benefits from Darcee Olson, an attorney and copyright specialist who teaches music business courses on contracts, licensing, and intellectual property. Her professional background — including work with Fox Television and the Motion Picture Association of America — gives students rare, practical insight into the legal realities of the creative industries.
Faculty member Franklin Miller further strengthens the Commercial Music offerings.
Chinese Music: A Unique Cultural Tradition
Laney’s Chinese Music program, founded in 1973, is one of the longest-running of its kind in the region. Students study both modern and traditional repertoire on instruments such as the erhu, dizi, yangqin, and guzheng. The Great Wall Youth Orchestra, directed by Lu Peng, performs throughout the Bay Area, and the Chinese Small Ensemble provides additional opportunities for performance and skill-building.
Mandarin fluency is not required — the program is open to all students interested in exploring this rich musical tradition.
“Music at Laney reflects Oakland,” Reager said. “It’s global. It’s layered. It’s rooted in history and open to experimentation.”
Western Classical & Core Music Studies
Laney offers strong foundations in Music Skills & Theory, designed for both transfer students and musicians seeking to deepen their professional abilities. Students are encouraged to pair theory courses with corresponding music skills classes to strengthen musicianship.
The department also supports performance in the Orchestra, offering study and presentation of Western symphonic repertoire.
In addition, students can pursue focused instruction in:
- Guitar – from beginning to advanced levels
- Piano – supported by an electronic piano lab and acoustic practice rooms
- Voice – covering tone production, song preparation, and stage presence
The Laney College Choir focuses on a variety of musical genres including classical, spirituals, jazz and world music.
Contemporary Performance & Campus Energy
The Pop Music Ensemble, which began as a student club, has grown into one of Laney’s most requested campus performance groups. Covering genres from 1950s pop to today’s streaming hits, the ensemble performs widely throughout Laney and the Peralta Community College District.
From culturally rooted traditions to cutting-edge industry preparation, Laney College’s Music Department offers a comprehensive, inclusive, and performance-driven musical education.
“At the end of the day,” Martin added, “we’re building musicians who understand both the art and the world they’re stepping into.”
Whether students aim to transfer, enter the music industry, perform professionally, or simply grow as artists, Laney provides the mentorship, performance opportunities, and creative space to make it possible.
