Music Theory and Composition

About the Program

Program Goal: Local

GE Pattern(s): None

Program Code: 44823.00CA

The Certificate of Achievement in Music Theory and Composition prepares students for composing music in various genres and/or transferring into a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with a focus on Music Composition. Throughout the program, students will cultivate their music composition portfolios and enhance their resumes. The certificate encompasses intermediate skills in music theory, musicianship, jazz idioms, as well as foundational skills in arrangement, composition, and music in multimedia.

Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Compose and arrange for solo and ensembles of various sizes, including jazz big band, and computer music.
2. Identify historically important musical eras and their stylistic components.
3. Distinguish between various musical forms used in classical music composition, jazz, and commercial music.
4. Demonstrate ability to compose fully notated music for Western instruments.
5. Demonstrate understanding of jazz theory and lead sheet notation.
6. Demonstrate ability to transcribe music using staff notation.
7. Demonstrate understanding of Tonal Harmony.