Associate in Arts for Transfer in Music

Program Overview

Music at Cerritos College

Associate in Arts for Transfer

The Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer in Music (AA-T) is designed to prepare you for transfer to a four-year institution as a music performance major. You will learn in an environment modeled after leading four-year music universities. At the same time, you will be exposed to new technologies in music and develop professional skills to help you design and achieve your music career. The Music program offers individual instruction on a variety of instruments and voices in classical and contemporary styles such as pop, rock, and jazz. You have a choice of ensembles to perform in that best suit your interests and abilities.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $27,000 to over $239,000 with an average salary of $85,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Self-Enrichment Teachers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +3.2%
  • Average Salary: $59k
  • Salary Range: $38k - $69k
• Actors
  • Education Level: Some college, no degree
  • Job Growth: +3.2%
  • Average Salary: $49k
  • Salary Range: $29k - $127k
• Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.2%
  • Average Salary: $127k
  • Salary Range: $79k - $162k
• Choreographers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +5%
  • Average Salary: $70k
  • Salary Range: $52k - $80k
• Dancers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +5.3%
  • Average Salary: $64k
  • Salary Range: $31k - $123k
• Miscellaneous Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers
  • Education Level: No formal educational credential
  • Job Growth: +33.8%
  • Average Salary: $37k
  • Salary Range: $27k - $116k
• Music Directors and Composers
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +1.1%
  • Average Salary: $115k
  • Salary Range: $51k - $168k
• Musicians and Singers
  • Education Level: No formal educational credential
  • Job Growth: +1.2%
  • Average Salary: $79k
  • Salary Range: $33k - $239k+
• Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +5.9%
  • Average Salary: $105k
  • Salary Range: $50k - $165k
• Producers and Directors
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +6.7%
  • Average Salary: $132k
  • Salary Range: $79k - $156k
• Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +1%
  • Average Salary: $105k
  • Salary Range: $78k - $127k

Program Map

Music - Full-time

• Associate in Arts for Transfer
  • 63.0 - 72.5 Units

Fall 2024 - 1st Term

• 16.0 - 17.5 UNITS
  • MAJ MUS 180 - Music Theory/Musicianship I (4.0 Units)
  • MAJ MUS 148 - Applied Music I (1.0 Units)
  • MAJ Music Ensemble (1.0 Units)
  • GEN English Composition (4.0 - 4.5 Units)
  • GEN Oral Communication (3.0 Units)
  • GEN Arts (3.0 - 4.0 Units)

Spring 2025 - 2nd Term

• 16.0 - 18.0 UNITS
  • MAJ MUS 181 - Music Theory/Musicianship II (4.0 Units)
  • MAJ MUS 149 - Applied Music II (1.0 Units)
  • MAJ Music Ensemble (1.0 Units)
  • GEN Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (4.0 - 5.0 Units)
  • GEN Critical Thinking (3.0 - 4.0 Units)
  • GEN U.S. History (3.0 Units)

Fall 2025 - 3rd Term

• 15.0 - 17.0 UNITS
  • MAJ MUS 280 - Music Theory/Musicianship III (4.0 Units)
  • MAJ MUS 150 - Applied Music III (1.0 Units)
  • MAJ Music Ensemble (1.0 Units)
  • GEN U.S. Government (3.0 Units)
  • GEN Ethnic Studies (3.0 Units)
  • GEN Physical and Biological Sciences (3.0 - 5.0 Units)

Spring 2026 - 4th Term

• 16.0 - 20.0 UNITS
  • MAJ MUS 281 - Music Theory/Musicianship IV (4.0 Units)
  • MAJ MUS 151 - Applied Music IV (1.0 Units)
  • MAJ Music Ensemble (1.0 Units)
  • GEN Physical and Biological Sciences (3.0 - 5.0 Units)
  • GEN Laboratory Science (1.0 Units)
  • GEN Social and Behavioral Sciences (3.0 Units)
  • GEN Arts and Humanities (3.0 - 5.0 Units)

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program structure: The program focuses on preparing students for transferring to a four-year institution as a music performance major.
It aims to emulate the learning environment of leading music universities while introducing students to new music technologies and professional skills for career development.
• Course schedule: The program map outlines a possible pathway through the program, consisting of four terms spread across two academic years.
Each term comprises a combination of major, general education, and elective courses.
• Individual modules:
• Major courses:
• Music Theory/Musicianship I & II (MUS 180 & 181): Foundational music theory and musicianship skills.
• Music Theory/Musicianship III & IV (MUS 280 & 281): Advanced music theory and musicianship skills.
• Private Study/Technique & Musical Preparation & Performance Practice (MUS 148, 149, & 150): Individual instruction on a chosen instrument or voice.
• Private Study/Recital Preparation (MUS 151): Preparation for performance recitals.
• Music Ensembles: Participation in various ensemble groups tailored to individual preferences and performance levels.
• General education courses:
• English Composition: Developing writing and communication skills.
• Oral Communication: Enhancing public speaking and communication abilities.
• Arts: Exploring various art forms and their significance.
• Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning: Applying mathematical skills in real-world scenarios.
• Critical Thinking: Developing analytical and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. History & U.S. Government: Understanding American history and political systems.
• Ethnic Studies: Examining the experiences and contributions of diverse ethnic groups.
• Physical and Biological Sciences & Laboratory Science: Exploring scientific concepts and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Understanding human behavior and social interactions.

Teaching:

• Learning environment: The program strives to emulate the environment of leading music universities, providing students with a rigorous and supportive learning experience.
• Unique approaches: The program incorporates new music technologies and professional development opportunities to prepare students for diverse career paths.

Careers:

• Salary range: The program equips students for careers with a salary range of $27,000 to over $208,000, with an average salary of $71,000.
• Growth: Career opportunities in this field are expected to grow nationwide by 19.7% from 2019 to 2029.
• Potential careers: The program prepares students for diverse careers in the music industry, including:
• Self-Enrichment Teachers
• Actors
• Art, Drama, and Music Teachers (Postsecondary)
• Choreographers
• Dancers
• Miscellaneous Entertainers and Performers (Sports and Related Workers)
• Music Directors and Composers
• Musicians and Singers
• Postsecondary Teachers (All Other)
• Producers and Directors
• Secondary School Teachers (Except Special and Career/Technical Education)

Other:

Combining rigorous academics with hands-on training and career preparation, the program equips graduates for diverse opportunities in the music industry.