JAZZ STUDIES
Associate in Arts Music · Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Jazz Studies is a unique program offering training in the style of jazz with a particular emphasis on the skill of improvisation. The mission of the Jazz Studies department is excellent education and training of students to build in them the abilities, knowledge, sensibility, and technical skill necessary to succeed in professional performance and/or transfer to complete higher degrees.
Learning Outcome(s):
- Analyze the theoretical elements of a solo or piece of music.
- Practice effectively.
- Improvise and respond to aesthetic content.
- Work effectively as a team/ensemble.
- Perform well in terms of stating melodies well, intonation, groove and ensemble playing.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (22 credits) | 22 | |
| MUS 204A | MUSIC THEORY II | 3 |
| MUS 205A | MUSICIANSHIP II | 1 |
| MUS 204B | MUSIC THEORY III | 3 |
| MUS 205B | MUSICIANSHIP III | 1 |
| MUS 204C | MUSIC THEORY IV | 3 |
| MUS 205C | MUSICIANSHIP IV | 1 |
| MUS 212 | APPLIED MUSIC (PRIVATE LESSONS) | 8 |
| MUS 232 | BEGINNING JAZZ IMPROVISATION | 2 |
| orMUS 233 | JAZZ IMPROVISATION | 2 |
| Plus 8 credits from the following: | 8 | |
| MUS 223 | VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE | 2-3 |
| MUS 231 | JAZZ ENSEMBLE (BIG BAND) | 1.5-3 |
| MUS 245 | JAZZ WORKSHOP | 2 |
| Plus 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| MUS 224A | BEGINNING VOCAL JAZZ WORKSHOP | 2 |
| MUS 224B | INTERMEDIATE VOCAL JAZZ WORKSHOP | 2 |
| MUS 238 | MUSIC APPRECIATION: JAZZ HISTORY | 3 |
| MUS 257 | ELEMENTARY PIANO FOR MUSICIANS | 1 |
| MUS 259 | INTERMEDIATE PIANO | 1-2 |
| MUS 234 | ARRANGING, SCORING, AND ORCHESTRATION | 2 |
| MUS 232 | BEGINNING JAZZ IMPROVISATION | 2 |
| orMUS 233 | JAZZ IMPROVISATION | 2 |
| Total | 34 | |