Transfer Preparation

Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.

Degrees and Certificates

Associate in Arts Degree - Music

39 units + General Education Requirements

The Music Associate in Arts degree provides educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of students who wish to explore and expand their knowledge, performance skills and appreciation of music. There are two options for this degree:

  1. General Music - a broad musical training that can be the foundation for the pursuit of various musical careers
  2. Applied Music - as part of the Applied Music Program, by audition; includes the same as above, plus private instruction in a specialized area of study (Composition, Voice, Instrumental; European Classical and Jazz) and performance classes in a supportive multi-cohort peer environment

Both program options include group music instruction, history, vocal and instrumental ensembles, piano, and theory and musicianship.

View Requirements Program Map Music Advisement Guide

Areas of Study

The Music Department offers classes that meet the transfer requirements of most four-year universities for a music major. This includes a four-semester sequence of music theory and musicianship, class instruction of instruments and voice, personal instruction of instruments and voice for applied program students, as well as music history and appreciation.
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