Music Program Map

Award type:

Certificate of Achievement
AA Degree

(Not Eligible for Financial Aid) The Certificate of Achievement in Music provides students with a broad foundation in music that will enable them to pursue a variety of musical paths including performance, composition, and music education. Students will develop performance skills through applied lessons and participation in ensembles, combined with a sequence of music theory and aural skills. Students who complete the curriculum can seek entry-level employment as music educators, performers, music assistants, or other aspects of the music industry. Prior to beginning the coursework in this program, students should have at least some experience in reading printed music and playing an instrument/voice.

Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Community of interest: BCAD Business, Cosmetology, Arts & Design
Award: Certificate of Achievement
Program code: 44753.00CA
Department: Music
CIP code: 50.0901: Music, General.
TOP code: 1004.00 - Music

Map Class Schedule

Program Schedule Report Meet with a counselor

Music

Certificate of Achievement

A career-aligned credential built around a specific field of study or area of emphasis. Faster to complete than a degree, and the coursework typically stacks into a related AS or AA later if you choose to continue.

See the 2025-26 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

1.5–2 units

MUS 88

Applied Music

0.5 units

This course consists of individualized study of the appropriate techniques and repertoire for the specific instrument or voice being studied through private instruction. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 160).

Corequisite: MUS 60, MUS 61, MUS 63, MUS 64, MUS 70 or Other ensemble

Select one:

Required

1–1.5 units

Choose one of 9 choices

MUS 60
Orchestra
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 61
Pop Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the popular music ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to sing or play at least one instrument. Audition required
+−
MUS 63
Symphonic Band
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in the wind band; audition required
+−
MUS 64
Jazz Ensemble
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of jazz literature with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large jazz ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in jazz ensemble. Audition required
+−
MUS 65
Jazz Combo
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the small jazz combo, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 67
Percussion Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the percussion ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a percussion ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 68
Guitar Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the guitar ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a guitar ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play the guitar. Audition required.
+−
MUS 69
Chamber Music
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the chamber ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 70
Choir
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition Required
+−

Term 2

Class Schedules

5.5–6 units

MUS 80

Theory & Musicianship I

4 units

A comprehensive study of diatonic harmony and musicianship, including principles of voice leading in four-part texture, harmonic analysis, melody harmonization, non-chord tones, and basic forms (strophic, binary, ternary). Musicianship component develops skills in sight singing and dictation, including rhythmic exercises, interval recognition, melodic reading and dictation in major and minor scales, and basic harmonic dictation. (C-ID MUS 120/MUS 125).

MUS 88

Applied Music

0.5 units

Corequisite: MUS 60, MUS 61, MUS 63, MUS 64, MUS 70 or Other ensemble

Select one:

Required

1–1.5 units

Choose one of 9 choices

MUS 60
Orchestra
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 61
Pop Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the popular music ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to sing or play at least one instrument. Audition required
+−
MUS 63
Symphonic Band
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in the wind band; audition required
+−
MUS 64
Jazz Ensemble
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of jazz literature with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large jazz ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in jazz ensemble. Audition required
+−
MUS 65
Jazz Combo
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the small jazz combo, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 67
Percussion Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the percussion ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a percussion ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 68
Guitar Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the guitar ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a guitar ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play the guitar. Audition required.
+−
MUS 69
Chamber Music
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the chamber ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 70
Choir
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition Required
+−

Term 3

Class Schedules

5.5–6 units

MUS 82

Theory & Musicianship II

4 units

This course incorporates and further develops the concepts from Theory & Musicianship I and introduces chromatic harmony. Topics include seventh chords and their inversions, secondary chords, modulation techniques, and musical forms (theme and variations, rondo, sonata). Musicianship component develops advanced skills in sight singing and dictation, including compound rhythms, alto and tenor clefs, compound melodies, and harmonic dictation using diatonic triads and seventh chords. (C-ID MUS 130/MUS 135).

Prerequisite: MUS 80

MUS 88

Applied Music

0.5 units

Corequisite: MUS 60, MUS 61, MUS 63, MUS 64, MUS 70 or Other ensemble

Select one:

Required

1–1.5 units

Choose one of 9 choices

MUS 60
Orchestra
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 61
Pop Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the popular music ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to sing or play at least one instrument. Audition required
+−
MUS 63
Symphonic Band
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in the wind band; audition required
+−
MUS 64
Jazz Ensemble
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of jazz literature with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large jazz ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in jazz ensemble. Audition required
+−
MUS 65
Jazz Combo
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the small jazz combo, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 67
Percussion Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the percussion ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a percussion ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 68
Guitar Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the guitar ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a guitar ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play the guitar. Audition required.
+−
MUS 69
Chamber Music
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the chamber ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 70
Choir
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition Required
+−

Term 4

Class Schedules

8.5–10 units

MUS 84

Theory & Musicianship III

4 units

This course incorporates and further develops the concepts from Theory & Musicianship II and explores advanced chromatic harmony. Topics include borrowed chords, Neapolitan chord, augmented sixth chords, altered chords, chromatic modulation techniques, and an introduction to post-tonal music. Musicianship component develops advanced skills in sight singing and dictation, including decorative chromaticism, altered chords, modulation to closely related keys, and irregular meters. (C-ID MUS 140/MUS 145).

Prerequisite: MUS 82

MUS 88

Applied Music

0.5 units

Corequisite: MUS 60, MUS 61, MUS 63, MUS 64, MUS 70 or Other ensemble

Select 3-4 units:

1–4 units

Choose 3 of 5 choices

MUS 1
Music Appreciation
3 units
course details
A survey of art music in western civilization. Topics studied include but are not limited to elements of music, basic musical forms, music periods, styles, and the role of music and musicians in the western world. Students will develop active listening skills and explore music's connections to history, culture, other art forms, and the interplay of global musical traditions. (C-ID MUS 100).
+−
MUS 40
Piano I
1 units
course details
A first-level introductory course in piano, open to both music and non-music majors. This course provides instruction in elementary music-reading and beginning keyboard skills, including basic piano technique, major and minor five-finger patterns, major scales, keyboard harmony, and sight-reading through beginning piano repertoire. (C-ID MUS 170).
+−
MUS 41
Piano II
1 units
course details
A second-level introductory course in piano, open to both music and non-music majors. This course continues instruction in music-reading and keyboard skills, including piano technique, major scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, keyboard harmony, and basic transposition skills through upper-beginning piano repertoire. (C-ID MUS 171).
Prerequisite: MUS 40
+−
MUS 42
Piano III
1 units
course details
An intermediate-level piano course, open to both music and non-music majors. This course continues instruction in advancing keyboard skills, including piano technique, major and minor scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, expanded keyboard harmony, and transposition skills through intermediate piano repertoire. (C-ID MUS 172).
Prerequisite: MUS 41
+−
MUS 86
Theory & Musicianship IV
4 units
course details
This course incorporates and further develops concepts covered in Theory & Musicianship III. Through guided composition and analysis, the course will include late Romantic, Neo-Romantic, and Modernist harmonic and rhythmic structures and techniques. In addition, rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials are applied and developed through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. Activities in class may include performing exercises on piano and sight-singing rhythmic and melodic exercises. (C-ID MUS 150/MUS 155).
Prerequisite: MUS 84
+−

Select one:

Required

1–1.5 units

Choose one of 9 choices

MUS 60
Orchestra
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 61
Pop Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the popular music ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to sing or play at least one instrument. Audition required
+−
MUS 63
Symphonic Band
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student's identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in the wind band; audition required
+−
MUS 64
Jazz Ensemble
1.5 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of jazz literature with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large jazz ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified major instrument or voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least one instrument commonly used in jazz ensemble. Audition required
+−
MUS 65
Jazz Combo
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the small jazz combo, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 67
Percussion Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the percussion ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a percussion ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Audition required
+−
MUS 68
Guitar Ensemble
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the guitar ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a guitar ensemble. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play the guitar. Audition required.
+−
MUS 69
Chamber Music
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the chamber ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a specialized ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 185).
Prerequisite: Ability to play an instrument or sing; audition required
+−
MUS 70
Choir
1 units
course details
This course is for the study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to the ensemble, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within a large ensemble. Different literature will be studied each semester. Choice of ensemble is based on each student’s identified voice. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Music. (C-ID MUS 180).
Prerequisite: Audition Required
+−

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset point cleanly to an immediate 2-year outcome for this program.

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

Example roles: 2

Secondary School Teachers
Musicians and Singers

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Local Job Market

Secondary School TeachersSOC 25-20313 nearby openings

Search keyword used: secondary teacher · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius

Top employers in sample

Amergis 3

Where the postings are

Linda, Yuba County 2
Thermalito, Butte County 1

Sample current postings

SPED Teacher for Yuba/Marysville/Chico - PAY up to $70hrAmergis · Linda, Yuba County · today
Special Education TeacherAmergis · Thermalito, Butte County · 2 weeks ago
Mod/Severe SPED Teachers Needed in Yuba / Sutter County!Amergis · Linda, Yuba County · 2 weeks ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Musicians and SingersSOC 27-20424 nearby openings

Search keyword used: musician · Search window: last 60 days, 50-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $106,654/yr

Top employers in sample

County of Nevada 4

Where the postings are

Nevada City, Nevada County 4

Sample current postings

Program ManagerCounty of Nevada · Nevada City, Nevada County · 5 days ago
Behavioral Health Therapist II - $1,000 - $5,000 NEW HIRE BONUSCounty of Nevada · Nevada City, Nevada County · 4 weeks ago
Behavioral Health Therapist I - $1,000 - $5,000 NEW HIRE BONUSCounty of Nevada · Nevada City, Nevada County · 4 weeks ago
Behavioral Health Therapist-Licensed - $1,000 - $5,000 NEW HIRE BONUSCounty of Nevada · Nevada City, Nevada County · 4 weeks ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Posting counts come from Adzuna's index of US job boards, covering the last up to 60 days within up to 50 miles of ZIP 95965. Coverage and salary visibility vary by employer. Empty searches expand the radius and posting window before the section gives up.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

Live wage data was not available from the BLS helper for the mapped occupations, so some pay fields may be blank.

Last generated 2026-06-12T23:24+00:00

Program Snapshot

Next Steps

2-Year Degree Paths

4-Year Degree Paths

Graduate School Paths

Top employers in sample

Where the postings are

Sample current postings

Top employers in sample

Where the postings are

Sample current postings

Source Notes