Music
Associate in Arts Performing Arts · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Music Associate in Arts Degree prepares students for transfer to a California State University, University of California, private university or conservatory that offers a Bachelor of Music Degree or Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music.
Learning Outcome(s):
- Identify and evaluate the elements of live musical performance that contribute to student's aesthetic and cultural growth.
- Perform and/or participate successfully in small and large ensembles, using time management and interpersonal skills to assist in the production of a collaborative musical work.
- Utilize a variety of technological resources and tools to enhance their composing, performance and music production skills
- Recognize, write and utilize the fundamental aspects and principles of music, including music theory, notation, form and performance practice.
- Acquire proficient musicianship skills including keyboard skills and the ability to perform and transcribe rhythms and diatonic and chromatic melodies in various meters.
- Present successful solo performances using appropriate repertoire for their chosen instrument/voice with technical proficiency, musicality and stylistic awareness.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Program Requirements | 22 | |
| MUS 100 | Music Appreciation | 3 |
| MUS 105 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS 106 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUS 110 | Music Skills I | 1 |
| MUS 111 | Music Skills II | 1 |
| MUS 180 | Computer Music I | 3 |
| MUS 210 | Advanced Harmony | 3 |
| MUS 211 | Counterpoint | 3 |
| MUS 215 | Music Skills III | 1 |
| MUS 216 | Music Skills IV | 1 |
| Piano Proficiency (Select a minimum of .5 - 2.5 units) | 0.5-2.5 | |
| MUS 115 | Basic Keyboard I | 0.5 |
| MUS 116 | Accelerated Basic Keyboard | 1 |
| MUS 117 | Basic Keyboard II | 0.5 |
| MUS 119 | Piano Skills I | 0.5 |
| MUS 224 | Introduction to Jazz Piano | 0.5 |
| MUS 225 | Piano Skills II | 0.5 |
| Choose One Emphasis | 6 | |
| Choose One Emphasis | 6 | |
| Emphasis in Composition and Theory (Students must take MUS 184 for three semesters, and MUS 220 and 222 for two semesters, plus a minimum of 2 units from the Performance Course List.) | 6 | |
| MUS 181 | Computer Music II | 3 |
| MUS 184 | Electronic Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 187 | Computer Music Composition | 1 |
| MUS 220 | Applied Music | 1 |
| MUS 222 | Performance Studies | 0.5 |
| Emphasis in Performance (Students must complete four semesters of MUS 220 and 222, plus a minimum of 4 units from the Performance Course List.) | 6 | |
| orMUS 220 | Applied Music | 1 |
| MUS 222 | Performance Studies | 0.5 |
| Emphasis in General Music (Select 6 units, plus a minimum of 4 units from the Performance Course List.) | 6 | |
| orMUS 101 | Survey of 20th Century Music | 3 |
| MUS 102 | Introduction to Jazz | 3 |
| MUS 130 | Fundamental Vocal Skills | 0.5 |
| MUS 131 | Vocal Literature and Performance | 0.5 |
| MUS 169 | History of Rock Music | 3 |
| MUS 171 | World Music | 3 |
| MUS 175 | Beginning Guitar | 0.5 |
| MUS 176 | Intermediate Guitar | 0.5 |
| MUS 181 | Computer Music II | 3 |
| MUS 184 | Electronic Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 187 | Computer Music Composition | 1 |
| Performance Course List (See Emphasis for minimum unit requirements) | 2-4 | |
| MUS 130 | Fundamental Vocal Skills | 0.5 |
| MUS 131 | Vocal Literature and Performance | 0.5 |
| MUS 137 | Cuban and Brazilian Drumming I | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 138 | Cuban and Brazilian Drumming II | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 148 | Palomar Chorale | 1 |
| MUS 150 | Musical Theatre - Vocal | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 151 | Concert Band | 1 |
| MUS 152 | Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 155 | Chamber Ensemble - Brass | 1 |
| MUS 158 | Chamber Singers | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 159 | Musical Theatre Orchestra | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 161 | Summer Concert Band | 0.5 |
| MUS 172 | Repertory Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 173 | Musical Theatre Scenes I | 1 |
| MUS 175 | Beginning Guitar | 0.5 |
| MUS 176 | Intermediate Guitar | 0.5 |
| MUS 184 | Electronic Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 198 | Palomar Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 251 | Master Class in Keyboard Literature, Analysis and Performance | 0.5-3 |
| Total | 30.5-34.5 | |