Music
Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) Music · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Music Department offers a comprehensive program designed to provide a wide variety of musical experience for both the general college student, and the student seeking a career as a professional musician. It provides the music major with a thorough basis in the creative (theory, composition, interpretation) and interpretive (performance, applied music, history, and appreciation) process. The facilities at SBCC feature the finest in performance and rehearsal areas, no-cost use of musical instruments, individual practice rooms, and an array of special resources and equipment designed to aid students in their musical studies and achievements.
The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer degree (AA-T in Music) provides students with the foundational knowledge to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate degree in Music at any of the CSU campuses. Students develop musical proficiency in theory, musicianship and performance on their primary instrument or voice.
The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Music provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree at any of the CSU campuses. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program. Visit https://adegreewithaguarantee.com/ for more information about these degrees.
Requirements
Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or "P" in each course.
- Cal-GETC pattern.
- At least 60 CSU transferable semester units.
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| MUS 102A | Basic Musicianship | 3 |
| MUS 102B | Basic Musicianship | 2.5 |
| MUS 104A | Beginning Theory | 3 |
| MUS 104B | Beginning Theory | 3 |
| MUS 202A | Intermediate Musicianship | 2.5 |
| MUS 204A | Intermediate Theory | 3 |
| Applied Music: Complete 4 semesters, 0.5 unit each semester | 2 | |
| MUS 185 | Applied Music | |
| Ensemble: Complete 4 semesters, 1 unit each semester | 4 | |
| MUS 160 | College Choir | |
| MUS 160B | College Choir B | |
| MUS 160C | College Choir C | |
| MUS 160D | College Choir D | |
| MUS 162 | Chamber Singers | |
| MUS 163 | Quire Of Voyces | |
| MUS 164 | Vocal Jazz Ensemble | |
| MUS 165 | Beginning Jazz Improvisation | |
| MUS 166 | Intermediate-Advanced Jazz Improvisation | |
| MUS 167 | Beginning Jazz Ensemble | |
| MUS 168 | Intermediate Jazz Ensemble | |
| MUS 169 | Advanced Jazz Ensemble | |
| MUS 170 | Symphony Orchestra | |
| MUS 171 | Chamber Music of the Baroque Era | |
| MUS 172 | Intermediate Orchestra | |
| MUS 174 | Chamber Music | |
| MUS 175 | Chamber Music of the Modern Era | |
| MUS 176 | Concert Band | |
| MUS 177 | Symphonic Band | |
| MUS 178 | Wind Ensemble | |
| List A - Complete 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | |
| MUS 114A | Survey of Music History | |
| MUS 114B | Survey of Music History | |
| MUS 120A | Sound Recording And Electronic Music | |
| MUS 140A | Beginning Piano | |
| MUS 140B | Beginning Piano | |
| MUS 142A | Intermediate Piano | |
| MUS 202B | Intermediate Musicianship | |
| MUS 204B | Intermediate Theory | |
| Total Units | 26.00 | |
Students are advised to consult the CSU ADT Major & Campus Search database to determine which bachelor's degree programs offered by the CSU campuses are deemed similar to the AA-T in Music. Students are also advised to consult ASSIST (www.assist.org) and to meet with an academic counselor to discuss the best combination of courses to take for their AA-T to ensure they receive the admission benefits associated with it, and to meet the requirements of the transfer institution to which they are intending to transfer.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in the rehearsal, collaboration, and performance of music across a wide range of compositional styles and in a variety of venues.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the analysis and composition of tonal music.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the dictation and sight singing of tonal music.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental aspects and principles of music, including but not limited to: music theory, notation, chord structures, form, instrumental/vocal technique, performances practices.
- Perform in an ensemble with a diverse group of people, including those of a variety of performance abilities and backgrounds.
- Present successful solo performances using appropriate repertoire for their chosen instrument/voice with technical proficiency, musicality and stylistic awareness.
- 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.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.