Courses for Music Majors
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Overview
Mt SAC offers a two-year sequence of core courses for music majors, which mirrors the curriculum you would find in a university program. These credits count toward degrees and certificates here at Mt SAC, and will prepare you for successful transfer to a univeristy.
Since we offer the music core in sequence, fall-spring, it is important that you being these classes in your first semester at Mt SAC.
Music Major Core Classes span four semesters:
In semester one, Music Theory and Musicianship are combined into a single course: Music Fundamentals (MUS 110A). Starting in semester two, students enroll in a 3-unit music theory lecture and 1-unit musicianship lab.
To progress from one semester to the next, a grade of C or better is required. For semesters two, three, and four, this means a grade of C or better is required for both courses.
Managing schedules as a music major
Music Fundamentals, Music Theory, and Musicianship are always scheduled in the morning, between 8am and 11:10am. You'll spend afternoons in ensembles, with rehearsals starting 11:30am or later. Each individual ensemble is its own class, so you may participate in as many as your schedule will allow. Most music majors take 2-3 ensembles each semester.
In addition to classes and ensembles, you will take lessons on your voice or instrument. At the college level, lessons are a course (Individual Instruction, MUS 160), which is required for completion of your degree plan, and for success as a transfer student. You will take lessons every semester that you are a major in our program.
Lessons, musicianship, and piano skills require practice. This means you'll need to schedule time every day to work independently, either in a practice room here on campus, or at home. Managing your time as a music major is challenging, but you'll get the hang of it, and we are always here to help and support you along the way!
To build a foundation for long-term success, music majors also take MUS 70, Success for Musicians, where you'll explore effective practice strategies, goal setting, artistry, motivation, and the balance between music, school, and life.
Why do you need Music Theory and Musicianship?
Music Theory and Musicianship are at the core of every college music program. Together, they help musicians understand how music works, strengthen listening skills, and build the foundation needed for performing, composing, teaching, conducting, and creating music at a high level.
At Mt. SAC, music majors complete a sequence of courses in theory and musicianship that mirrors university training programs. These courses develop skills in music reading, analysis, ear training, sight singing, rhythm, and harmonic understanding — all essential for successful transfer and long-term musical growth.
Most importantly, universities expect transfer students to demonstrate proficiency in music theory and musicianship through coursework, placement exams, auditions, or a combination of all three. Completing the sequence at Mt. SAC helps prepare students for success at the next level.
The Music Theory and Musicianship sequence is required for all music degrees and certificates at Mt. SAC. These include:
- AA-T Music (Semesters 1, 2, 3, and 4*)
- Music Studies - Level 1 Certificate (Semesters 1 and 2)
- Music Education - Level 2 Certificate (Semesters 3 and 4)
- Music Performance - Level 2 Certificate (Semesters 3 and 4)
- Jazz - Level 2 Certificate (Semesters 3 and 4)
For the best preparation and long-term success as a music major, students are encouraged to take MUS 110A rather than MUS 110. MUS 110 does not include the musicianship training needed for success in the theory sequence.
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One or more courses from the sequence are also required for degrees and certificates in Audio Arts/Commercial Music. These include:
- Audio Arts - Level I Certificate (Semester 1)
- Audio Arts AS (Semester 1)
- Commercial Music AS (Semesters 1 and 2)
- Commercial Music Certificate (Semesters 1 and 2)
Music Theory and Musicianship: Fall to Spring
- The theory and musicainship sequence is scheduled so that a student who takes semester
1 in the fall can complete the sequence without interruption:
- Students also have the option of taking semester 1 in the spring. However, these students
must wait till the following spring to continue on to semester 2:
Questions? Email Department Chair, Dr. Karen Marston, at kmarston1@mtsac.edu.
