Jazz Performance - Major #5812

Certificate Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


This program satisfies the music course requirements for the Certificate in Jazz Performance which provides the fundamental skills necessary for the jazz performer.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Perform jazz music by reading notated music scores.
  2. 2. Distinguish historical jazz styles and its chronological musical development reflecting American society.
  3. 3. Distinguish the harmonic, melodic and formal structures of jazz music.
  4. 4. Perform improvisations at an intermediate to advanced level.
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester

Certificate Requirements 

12 units

Jazz Improvisation

2 units

MUS 10A
Beginning Jazz Improvisation

2 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
In this course, students will study and demonstrate the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, including scales, modes, the blues, and simple chord progressions. Students will engage in ear training and learn to develop melodic ideas through guided practice and analysis. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory:
or

MUS 10B
Intermediate/Advanced Jazz Improvisation

2 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
In this course, students will study and perform music involving intermediate and advanced concepts in jazz improvisation. Topics include altered scales, chordal extensions, alterations, substitutions, and the analysis and performance of complex jazz compositions. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MUS 10A
  2. Advisory:

MUS 16
Jazz History and Appreciation

3 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
In this course, students will explore vocal and instrumental jazz music from the 1890s to the present day. Attendance at concerts is required as part of the curriculum. It is designed for both general education students and those pursuing commercial music studies. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: ENGL C1000

Theory and Composition

3 units

Select 3 units from the following: 

MUS 1A
Music Theory I

3 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
In this course, students are introduced to the fundamentals of Western music theory, including music notation, rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, and triads. The student will explore diatonic harmony, Roman numeral analysis, cadences and nonharmonic tones. This course provides the theoretical foundation necessary for continuation into Music Theory II. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 7A: Ear Training I is required. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
  2. Advisory: MUS 3

MUS 1AE
Music Theory I-Extra

3 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
In this course, students are introduced to the fundamentals of Western music theory, including music notation, rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, and triads. The student will explore diatonic harmony, Roman numeral analysis, cadences and nonharmonic tones. This course provides the theoretical foundation necessary for continuation into Music Theory II. This course covers the content of MUS 1A with extra lab time and guided practice. Appropriate for students desiring extra support due to no prior music experience. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 7A: Ear Training I is required. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
  2. Advisory: MUS 3

MUS 3
Music Fundamentals

3 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
This course covers the fundamentals of music theory, including pitch, rhythm, meters, scales, keys, key signatures, and intervals, as well as rhythm and scale dictation. It is designed for the general student, the music major with limited music theory experience, the commercial music student, and the classroom teacher. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:

    Ensembles

    4 units

    Select 4 units from the following: 

    MUS 41
    Jazz Ensemble

    1-2 units
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    Students will study and perform a broad range of jazz ensemble literature, including repertoire from various historical periods and diverse world cultures. Participation in concerts and jazz festivals is required as part of the course. Students pursuing the Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T) are advised to enroll in only one unit of this course.(A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 47A
    Jazz Combo A

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    In this course, students will participate in small-group jazz performances that include standard repertoire, informal 'head' arrangements, and original student compositions or arrangements. These performances will take place both in class and in public settings. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 47B
    Jazz Combo B

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    In this course, students will study and perform contemporary and mainstream jazz literature arranged for small ensembles consisting of three to seven members. Participation in concerts and jazz festivals is a required component of the course. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 54
    Latin Jazz Ensemble

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    In this course, students will study and perform both traditional and contemporary music rooted in shared African and Latin American influences and heritage. Students are required to participate in concerts as part of the curriculum. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 55
    Latin Jazz Workshop

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    In this course, students will study and perform traditional and contemporary music that reflects the shared influences and cultural heritage of African and Caribbean communities. Students are required to participate in concerts as part of the course experience. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 72
    Jazz Composer's Orchestra

    1-2 units
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    In this course, students will study and perform modern jazz ensemble literature that is complex, compositionally advanced, and at a professional level. Students are expected to participate in concerts and festivals as a required component of the course. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:
    Total: 12 units