1. College Success

• COLLG 110 College Success (3 credits)

• Course purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

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• Note: 

  • Successfully completing either COLLG 110 or COLLG 115 will fulfill the College Success requirement. 
  • A COLLG 110 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 110 course and a COLLG 115 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 115 course. 

2. Music Theory

Take one course each quarter until sequence is finished.

• MUSC& 141 Music Theory I (5 credits)
• MUSC& 142 Music Theory II (5 credits)
• MUSC& 143 Music Theory III (5 credits)
• MUSC& 241 Music Theory IV (5 credits)
• MUSC& 242 Music Theory V (5 credits)
• MUSC& 243 Music Theory VI (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Music theory teaches you how to read music, how to analyze patterns to facilitate reading and understanding, and prepares students aural skills for future theory classes, performances, and interpretations of repertoire. The music theory program at Pierce College covers material from the first two years of a four-year institution. A music student interested in pursuing a degree in music must take these courses to stay on track and not fall behind when transferring.

3. Private Instruction

Choose one private instruction type for 6 credits. Year 1 repeat 100 Level course each quarter. Year 2 repeat 200 level course each quarter.

• MUSC 160 Private Instruction: Arranging (1 credit)
• MUSC 161 Private Instruction: Improvisation (1 credit)
• MUSC 162 Private Instruction: Brass (1 credit)
• MUSC 262 Private Instruction: Brass (1 credit)
• MUSC 163 Private Instruction: Woodwinds (1 credit)
• MUSC 263 Private Instruction: Woodwind (1 credit)
• MUSC 164 Private Instruction: Percussion (1 credit)
• MUSC 264 Private Instruction: Percussion (1 credit)
• MUSC 165 Private Instruction: Voice (1 credit)
• MUSC 265 Private Instruction: Voice (1 credit)
• MUSC 166 Private Instruction: Orchestral Strings (1 credit)
• MUSC 266 Private Instruction: Orchestral Strings (1 credit)
• MUSC 167 Private Instruction: Keyboard (1 credit)
• MUSC 267 Private Instruction: Keyboard (1 credit)
• MUSC 168 Private Instruction: Plectrum Strings (1 credit)
• MUSC 268 Private Instruction: Plectrum Strings (1 credit)

• Course purpose: You must receive individual lesson time with a teacher on their primary instrument. Private instruction includes guidance through repertory, improving technique, and preparing the you for a career in music through advising and mentorship.

Action Item: Meet with Advisor

Use your Success Network! In your first quarter, meet with your advisor to revisit your career and transfer path, make adjustments to your goals as needed, and plan for your next steps.

4. Class Piano

Take one course each quarter until sequence is finished.

• MUSC 181 Beginning Class Piano (1 credit)
• MUSC 182 Intermediate Class Piano (1 credit)
• MUSC 183 Advanced Class Piano (1 credit)

• Course purpose: Understanding and performing basic keyboard skills are a requirement for all music programs. The keyboard provides examples of concepts found in theory classes, improves ear training, and makes a perspective musician more applicable for jobs in education and performance.

5. Ensemble Course Recommendation

Register for the ensemble group that fits your area of study. Take the 100 level ensemble for 3 quarters (i.e. fall, winter, spring) and the 200 level for the next 3 quarters (i.e. fall, winter, spring of the following year).

6. Math Course Recommendation

The math course you select will depend on the transfer institution you plan to attend and your math placement.  Your advisor will assist you in selecting the appropriate course(s).

Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning (Math) Course Distribution List  

7. English Composition I

• ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Writing is a necessary skill for building a career as a performer and communicating.

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• Note: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course. 

Action Item: Develop List of Music Programs

After the first year of classes at Pierce College, you should develop a list of music programs for which you are interested in applying in the coming year. You will need to find information on audition and other requirements for the specific programs to which you plan to transfer. You will then work with private instruction teachers to prepare for auditions. 

8. English Composition Course Recommendation

Choose one

• ENGL& 102 Composition II: Argumentation and Research (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Research and writing is a necessary skill for building a career as a performer, especially with considerations of performance practice and cultural context.

• ENGL 107 Research and Argumentation about Literature (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Movements in literature throughout history have often been connected to style changes in music. A better understanding literature will improve understanding of cultural context and aesthetic of music from the same time period.

Action Item: Apply for Graduation

Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the Pierce College Graduation website for details.

9. History Course Recommendation

Choose one

• HIST& 127 World Civilizations II (5 credits)
• HIST& 128 World Civilizations III (5 credits)

• Course purpose: The study of music requires historical context when preparing interpretation or preparing a career in music education.

10. Physics for Non-Science Majors

• PHYS& 110 Physics for Non-Science Majors (5 credits)

• Course purpose: A basic understanding of physics can be helpful in any career, and musicians benefit from knowledge of acoustics and waves.

11. Humanities Course Recommendation

Choose one

• ART& 100 Art Appreciation (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Comparing the history and interpretations of another art form can be extremely helpful and constructive for the growing musician. Learning to make connections and communicate about the arts is essential to the performer and educator.

• CMST& 220 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Music educators should be prepared to teach and rehearse large groups of people. Learning to speak confidently and comfortably in front of others and in situations of high pressure will be very helpful if you are interested in directing ensembles.

• ENGL& 111 Introduction to Literature (5 credits)

• Course purpose: If you have any interest in literature or English, we encourage you to take English classes. The study of literature, composition, and critical commentary is relatable and will help put many ideas in music history and composition into context.

• FRCH& 121 French I (5 credits)
• GERM& 121 German I (5 credits)

• Course purpose: A majority of the vocal music, and everything associated with it, will be in another language. French, German, and Italian are among the most useful languages for vocalists (and instrumentals) to study during college.

12. Introduction to Business

• BUS& 101 Introduction to Business (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Musicians need to understand the basics of starting a personal business and learn how to promote themselves. Many musicians lead lives where they must be self-employed and treat their career as a personal business.

13. Survey of Biology

• BIOL& 100 Survey of Biology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: The human body is the primary instrument of a musician and needs to be understood and properly cared for. Music educators also need to teach students how to use and take care of their bodies when practicing and performing.

14. Survey of Economics

• ECON 110 Survey of Economics (5 credits)

• Course purpose: In a career that can be financially demanding, it is helpful for perspective musicians to have background in supply and demand, as well as an understanding of their country’s economic climate.

15. Natural Science Course Recommendation

Choose one

• ANTH& 205 Biological Anthropology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Evolution and the development of peoples can provide new historical and biological context to the history of artists and their roles in society.

• ENVS& 100 Survey of Environmental Science (5 credits)

• Course purpose: The environmental sciences provide inspiration for action and perspective for the artist. We believe that it is important that future artists understand basic environmentalism as it is a growing social and cultural issue.

Total Credits 104