Degrees & Certificates

The Music Department offers three programs of study: Audio Arts, Commercial Music, and Music Studies.

Need help? Contact the Music Department Chair, Dr. Karen Marston (kmarston1@mtsac.edu) or the Coordinator of Audio Arts/Commercial Music, Dr. Nathan Tharp (ntharp@mtsac.edu).

- Audio Arts Degrees & Certificates
  The Audio Arts program is for students interested audio production, engineering, live sound reinforcement, multimedia, and the business of music. Students in the Audio Arts program can pursue either an Associate in Science degree or two Certificates of Achievement.
  For more information on the Audio Arts program, contact Dr. Nathan Tharp.
- Commercial Music Degrees & Certificates
  The Commercial Music program is for students interested in the performance or composition of popular music. Students in the Commercial Music program can pursue either an Associate of Science degree or a Certificate of Achievement.
  - Commercial Music AS Degree (S0876)
  - Commercial Music Certificate (T0874)
  For more information on the Commercial Music program, contact Dr. Nathan Tharp.
- Music Studies Degrees & Certificates
  The Music Studies program is for students interested in teaching music, performing classical or jazz, conducting, composing, or working as a music therapist. Completing the Music Studies course of study prepares a student for transfer to a baccalaureate music degree program (BA or BM) at a CSU, UC, or private college or university. Past students in the Music Studies program have transferred to Azusa Pacific University, CSUF, CSULB, CSUN, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB, USC, and other colleges and universities to major in Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Therapy.
  
  Students in the Music Studies program can pursue the Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer in Music as well as several Certificates of Achievement. The Music AA-T and Level 1 certificate are available now; the Level 2 certificates are expected to be available by the 2023-24 academic year.
  Coming soon, additional certificate programs in composition and performance.
  The Music Department faculty recommends that students in the Music Studies program first complete the Music Studies Level 1 certificate, then complete the Level 2 certificate corresponding to their focus. By combining these two certificates with the CSU GE requirements, a student also qualifies for the Associate of Arts Transfer Degree.
  
  Need help?
  - General inquiries about the music program: Dr. Karen Marston, kmarston1@mtsacedu.
  - Music theory and musicianship sequence: Dr. Robert Bowen, rbowen@mtsac.edu.
  - Ensembles or individual instruction, contact the faculty member most closely associated with your area of focus.
  - Class piano or lessons: Dr Tiffany Kuo, tkuo@mtsac.edu.