Music Theory - Major #5860

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.


The Music Theory Certificate Program ensures completion of the undergraduate music theory requirement necessary for the AA degree in Music and/or transfer to CSU, UC and some other public and private universities.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Compose and analyze chord progressions of the common practice period.
  2. 2. Analyze music scores for harmonic and formal structures of different historical, geographical, and cultural areas.
  3. 3. Write critically, synthesizing ideas and concepts about music while using correct terminology following attendance of a live music concert.
Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester

Certificate Requirements 

12 units

Music Theory

3 units

MUS 1A
Music Theory I

3 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
Writing and analysis; fundamentals of music. Designed for the music major. Introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music with regard to music from Western history and non-Western cultures: Examples from music literature will demonstrate staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. History and social context of the above concepts will be discussed. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
  2. Advisory: MUS 3
    1. CSU Transfer Course
      or

      MUS 1AE
      Music Theory I-Extra

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
      Course covers content of MUS 1A with extra lab time and guided practice. Appropriate for students desiring extra support due to no prior music experience. Writing and analysis; fundamentals of music. Designed for the music major. Introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music with regard to music from Western history and non-Western cultures: Examples from music literature will demonstrate staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. History and social context of the above concepts will be discussed. (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:
      1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
      2. Advisory: MUS 3
        1. CSU Transfer Course

          MUS 1B
          Music Theory II

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
          Writing and analysis; functional tonality, harmonization, diatonic and dominant seventh chords, and secondary function. Designed for the music major. (A, CSU, UC)
          Course Details:
          1. Prerequisite: MUS 1A
          2. Corequisite: MUS 7B
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              MUS 2A
              Music Theory III

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
              Writing and analysis; 2 voice counterpoint and fugue; chromatic harmony and forms of the 18th century; and reductive analysis. Emphasis on classical and early romantic periods. Designed for the music major. (A, CSU, UC)
              Course Details:
              1. Prerequisite: MUS 1B
              2. Corequisite: MUS 7C
                1. CSU Transfer Course

                  MUS 2B
                  Music Theory IV

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
                  Writing and analysis; late 19th and 20th century compositional practices including serial procedures and indeterminacy. Designed for the music major. (A, CSU, UC)
                  Course Details:
                  1. Prerequisite: MUS 2A
                  2. Corequisite: MUS 7D
                    1. CSU Transfer Course
                      Total: 12 units