Music

Program Description

Whether your goal is a career in music, to transfer into a four-year university as a music major, or simply to further your musical skill and understanding, the MSJC music program welcomes you! As a college-trained musician, you can find careers in a wide variety of fields from teaching and performing to song-writing/composing, recording/production, and music therapy. The skills and abilities you will gain can also be applied in other majors ranging from early childhood education to digital media to performing arts management.

In a community of fellow music-lovers, you will develop the skills needed to succeed as a musician: reading music, understanding the nuts and bolts of what makes music work, performing confidently both as a soloist and in groups, and composing your own music. In addition to interactive courses and ensemble rehearsals, music majors receive one-on-one, personalized instrumental or voice lessons. You will also have an opportunity to explore the rich diversity of global musical traditions, stories, and cultures to broaden your artistic inspiration and personal growth. 

The music faculty specialize in a wide range of musical styles and interests from traditional Western art music, to jazz, to cultural studies.  Most of our music faculty remain highly active and in demand as performers, composers, clinicians, and promoters of music in the local community and across Southern California.

Music Department Page

Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.  

Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.  

Related-Content Groups

(4 attempts within a related-content group/each course 1 time for credit)

Course Title Credits
Ensembles:
Instrumental
MUS-201Orchestra 11
MUS-203Concert Band 11
MUS-212Instrumental Chamber Music 11
MUS-214Guitar Ensemble 11
Jazz
MUS-210Jazz Ensemble I 11
MUS-211Jazz Ensemble II 11
Vocal
MUS-205College Singers 11
MUS-206Chamber Choir 11
Group Lessons
MUS-114Jazz Improvisation1
MUS-115Beginning Voice Class - Breath/Tone2
MUS-116Beginning Voice Class - Diction and Expression2
MUS-125Guitar I1
MUS-127Guitar II1
MUS-150 (thru SU20)
Keyboard Skills
MUS-111Beginning Piano1
MUS-112Intermediate Piano1
Musical Theater Production
DAN/MUS/THA-209 (thru SU16)
DAN-216Musical Theater Production: Dance1-3
MUS-216Musical Theater Production: Music1-3
THA-216Musical Theater Production: Theater 11-3

 1 Repeatable 4 times for credit

Contact Information

San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Vanessa Fountain (951) 487-3641
vfountain@msjc.edu 

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
John Tribelhorn (951) 639-5668
jtribelhorn@msjc.edu

Degrees

Transfer Degree

  • Build performance skills in instrumental music, voice, piano, and/or guitar.
  • Discover how musical works are composed through the study of foundational elements: melody, harmony, rhythm, form, instrumentation, and texture.
  • Develop an awareness of the aesthetic values in music and the roles music plays in the aesthetics of various time periods, styles, and world regions.
  • Explore how music has evolved throughout history, and in specific styles and world regions.
  • Explore various career paths in music and the expectations of each field.
  • Enrich the community through interaction in the Arts.

Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests!  See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.

Career/Industries CA Annual Median Salary or Range Employment Demand or Opening CA
Secondary School Teacher (B+) $92,850 3,824
Musicians Instrumental (B, M) $29,015-$90,458 2,964
Sound Engineering Technicians (C, A, B) $62,417 620
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners (C, SM) $37,138 118
Media Technical Director/Manager (B) $114,351 5,048

(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)