Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer Degree (AA-T) | Time to Complete: 2 years | Download Program of Study

The Associate in Arts Degree in Music for Transfer Degree (AA-T in Music) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a Bachelor's degree in General Music or equivalent major at a CSU campus. Students completing the AA-T in Music are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not necessarily to a particular CSU campus or major of their choice. Students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements, as this AA-T in Music may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a college or university that is not part of the CSU system.

Students declared as a Music Major intending to complete the AA-T in Music must apply and audition for the Applied Music course (MUS M30).  Applied Music is individual instruction on your voice or instrument of proficiency and must be taken four consecutive semesters in order to complete the degree.  If you have any questions about Applied Music, please contact the Applied Music Coordinator, David Castillo (dcastillo@vcccd.edu).

Certificate of Achievement in Music Technology (COA) | Time to Complete: 1 year | Download Program of Study

The Music Technology Certificate of Achievement is designed for students seeking a career as a professional musician. It will better prepare a student to secure a job in the music industry by building skills related to music technology. After successfully completing this certificate a student could be hired as a composer, recording artist, music production assistant, assistant audio engineer, audio technician, assistant music supervisor, or artists & repertoire (A&R) assistant.  If you have any questions about the Music Technology Certificate of Achievement, please contact Professor Nathan Bowen (nbowen@vcccd.edu). 

The Music Department at Moorpark College has three main program areas.  Learn more about each of the programs below:

• Music Theory & Technology
• Choral & Vocal Program
• Instrumental Program
• General Music Studies

Each of these programs is coordinated by a faculty member and offer a variety of courses.  Students are encouraged to explore all program areas, and there is frequent collaboration between programs. 

Those interested in becoming a music major must audition to be placed in Applied Music.  Auditions take place each fall and spring.  Click on the "Music Major Application" button to apply now! 

Applied Music is a core component of the Associate in Arts Degree in Music for Transfer (AA-T in Music) and is reserved for students intending to complete the degree. Students are placed into one of seven sections of MUS M30 (Applied Music) depending on their primary instrument or voice type. Students must complete four consecutive semesters of Applied Music study as part of the AA-T in Music requirements. Applied Students must follow the course of study outlined in the college catalog, to include: the Music Theory and Musicianship sequence, performing ensemble participation, as well as all General Education requirements.

The AA-T Music major is a rigorous program for students intending to transfer to a 4-year institution to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Music or the Bachelor of Music in Performance.  Degree completion takes 2 years of full-time study or 3 years of part-time study. 

All students must prepare two contrasting selections of their choice.  The repertoire and performance must demonstrate a level of preparation appropriate for collegiate study.  To demonstrate this preparation, students should be prepared to perform their appropriate selections from memory.  For voice students, you should have an accompanist binder to provide legible and clearly marked scores for the accompanist.  Students should also be prepared to demonstrate their musicianship skills through sight singing.  Students accepted as Music Majors will receive 26 hours of Applied Music instruction each semester, which is a combination of individual instruction and studio class instruction.  For more information about the Music Major and AA-T in Music, please contact the Applied Music Coordinator, David Castillo (dcastillo@vcccd.edu). 

The Moorpark College Choral & Vocal Program offers three distinctly different ensemble opportunities.  In all courses, we embody the belief that singing transforms lives and anyone can sing!  Learn more about each ensemble here.  

MUS M10: Concert Choir

• The audition process is very approachable.  You will not be asked to sing individually.  Rather, you will be asked to sing in a small group with other students.  That's it!  All students are welcome, and no prior singing experience is required.  

MUS M12: Vocal Ensemble

• Considered the most advanced collegiate ensemble, audition for this ensemble is more intensive.  All members audition every semester, and students must guarantee a year-long commitment to the ensemble (Fall and Spring).  You are asked to prepare one vocal selection with piano accompaniment that best demonstrates your vocal ability (any genre or style, though classical is preferred).  In addition to singing, you will be asked to sight-sing and answer a few questions to assess your musicianship skills.  This audition occurs in front of existing members.  Don't worry!  It's a very supportive environment.

MUS M34: Contemporary Vocal Ensemble

• Our competition a cappella/jazz ensemble is limited in enrollment due to competition regulations.  All members audition every semester, and students must guarantee a year-long commitment to the ensemble (Fall and Spring).  Students must demonstrate appropriate skill in singing, improvisation, and movement.  You are asked to prepare one vocal selection, a cappella, that best demonstrates your vocal ability (any genre or style, though contemporary pop or jazz is preferred).  In addition to singing, you will be asked to sight-sing, improvise, and there may also be a brief choreography routine for you to learn and perform.  

The Moorpark College Instrumental Program offers three ensemble opportunities.  

MUS M18: Jazz Ensemble

• Auditions consist of memorized scales, a prepared piece, and sight reading. Students will also be asked to demonstrate improvisation. 

MUS M21: Wind Ensemble

• Auditions consist of memorized scales, a prepared piece, and sight reading. 

MUS M23: Moorpark College Symphony Orchestra

• Prepare two contrasting pieces, movements, or excerpts that best represents your preparation for playing in a college orchestra.  One should be a lyrical selection while the other should showcase your technical precision abilities.  Two contrasting movements from a Sonata or a Concerto would work, or contrasting orchestral excerpts would suffice, as well.

AA-T Music Majors enrolled in Applied Music (MUS M30A-G) will be provided with access to MyMusicStaff.  This service is offered at no expense to students and provides the following benefits:

• Lesson and studio class scheduling with text reminders.
• Practice log tracking.
• Lesson notes from students and instructors.
• Repertoire list tracking.
• Online resources.

If you are a current music major and are having difficulty accessing MyMusicStaff, please contact Professor Brandon Elliott. 

MyMusicStaff Login

All AA-T Music Majors in Applied Music receive advising from faculty in partnership with the Moorpark College Counseling Department.  While there is some crossover between counseling and advising, counseling will offer practical guidance on course registration.  Advising will offer guidance on identifying possible transfer institutions, audition planning, and career guidance.  Together, our Music Majors receive a strong wrap-around support service to succeed!

AA-T Music Majors are encouraged to book their 30-minute Faculty Advisor appointment as early as possible each semester.  You can book your appointment here. 

Moorpark College offers an impressive array of ensembles to cater to a variety of musical interests and genres:

• MUS M10: Concert Choir
• MUS M34: Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
• MUS M18: Jazz Ensemble (A/B)
• MUS M23: Moorpark College Symphony Orchestra
• MUS M12: Vocal Ensemble
• MUS M21: Wind Ensemble

Auditions take place on the first instructional day of each term.  Specific audition requirements vary by ensemble, and that information is included on our website.  However, if you have specific questions, please contact the director as listed on the course schedule.

Students are strongly encouraged to enroll for the ensemble(s) of their choice as soon as possible.  If the instructor determines you are not able to continue in the ensemble after your audition, the instructor will assist you in finding another ensemble or course to help you continue your vocal or instrumental technique.