MUSIC
Associate in Arts for Transfer
Program Details
The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T in Music) degree program covers music theory, performance experiences and private lessons. A student earning this degree will utilize the theoretical elements of music to improve performance; perform music with regard to good use of pitch, tone, balance and expression; read and memorize music; improvise (as appropriate) and interpret music. The AA-T in Music is designed to prepare students to transfer to the CSU but will also prepare students for performance or transfer to many four year colleges. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system, although not necessarily to a specific campus or major. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program. To earn the AA-T in Music a student must meet the following: (1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: (A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). (B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district. (2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. (3) Earn a “C” or better grade in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.
MUSIC Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Actors
No high school diploma/GED, Bachelor's degree
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 0
- High salary: 0
- Average salary: 0
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Master's degree, Doctoral degree
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 47,040
- High salary: 194,530
- Average salary: 80190
Choreographers
High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 33,080
- High salary: 94,090
- Average salary: 55600
All Careers in MUSIC (11)
| Media Programming Directors | Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 83,480 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media Technical Directors/Managers | Bachelor's degree | Rising | 83,480 |
| Producers and Directors | Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 83,480 |
| Talent Directors | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Rising | 83,480 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Master's degree, Doctoral degree | Stable | 80,190 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Declining | 64,580 |
| Music Directors and Composers | Master's degree, Bachelor's degree | Stable | 63,670 |
| Choreographers | High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school | Stable | 55,600 |
| Actors | No high school diploma/GED, Bachelor's degree | Stable | |
| Dancers | High school diploma/GED, No high school diploma/GED | Rising | |
| Musicians and Singers | - n/a | Declining |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Improvise (as appropriate) and interpret music.
- Perform music with regard to good use of pitch, tone, balance and expression.
- Read and memorize music.
- Utilize the theoretical elements of music to improve performance.
