Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.1008

Music majors acquire valuable skills that are useful in pretty much any field. You can highlight these skills when you're applying for a job or graduate program. The Shasta College Music Department offers a wide variety of music classes, and is dedicated to serving all student clientele, including music majors, pre-music majors, general education students, and community / returning students.

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer Degree is designed to prepare the student for transfer to four-year institutions of higher education and specifically intended to satisfy the lower division requirements for the Baccalaureate in Arts in Music at the California State University. This degree is designed to prepare students to demonstrate competence and discipline in the study of music theory, music analysis, music composition, and musicianship skills, and to demonstrate proficiency in ensemble skills and solo performance skills. Completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the serious study of Music in practice and in theory and provide comprehensive preparation for upper-division work

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

15.5 Units Total
MUS 2
Core 4
Diatonic Harmony/Musicianship
MUS 2
Units 4
Advisory: MUS 1 with a grade of C or higher.

A study of scales and modes, key signatures and intervals, handwritten notation of pitch, and rhythms of simple and compound meters. Anatomy of harmony and melody. Four part harmonic writing, basic progressions, cadential formulas and integration of both with ear training and sight-singing. Analysis of music and composition will be concurrent with materials studied, which include phrase structure, figured bass symbols, and introductory dominant sevenths. Course is designed for the Music Core Program and is the first course of the four semester music theory sequence required to satisfy the Music Core Program and lower division music transfer. Course may be challenged and is transferable.
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MUS 48
Core 0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
Units 0.5
Limitation on Enrollment: Student must be a declared Music major, enrolled in a Music Theory class (MUS 2-5), and enrolled in a large music ensemble (MUS 31-47).

This course consists of individualized instrumental or vocal study using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a CSU/UC music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance by audition. Note: This course may be repeated three times for a total of four enrollments since skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice.
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MUS 10
GE 3
Music Appreciation
MUS 10
Units 3
A survey course that introduces the elements of music and music terminology, proceeding through principal composers and the chief features of six historical periods of music, from the Medieval Era to the present. Students learn about orchestral, acoustic and electric instruments, and new technologies including digital media. Students will attend concerts and listen to recordings. Recommended for AA Humanities elective, CSU General Ed Arts elective and Pre-Music Program. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ENGL 1A
GE 4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Units 4
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of this course. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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CMST 60
GE 3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Choose One Ensemble
M 1
Large Ensemble
Choose One Ensemble
Units 1
Large Ensemble (4 semesters, 1 unit each from the following):

MUS 31 Chamber Choir (1)
MUS 33 Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 35 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 40 Concert Choir (1)
MUS 42 Shasta College Chorale (1)
MUS 43 Shasta College Symphony Orchestra (1)
MUS 44 Shasta College Concert Orchestra (0.5-1)
MUS 46 Shasta College Symphonic Band (1)
MUS 47 Shasta College Jazz Ensemble (1)

*Large Ensembles, 1 unit per ensemble, required one ensemble per semester but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.

Please view Course Catalogs & Class Schedules for more information. You can also Search Courses & Sections in the guest Course Catalog.
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Spring Semester, First Year

14.5 Units Total
MUS 3
Core 4
Adv Diatonic Harm/Musicianshp
MUS 3
Units 4
This course is designed for the Music Core Program. It is the second course of the four-semester Music Theory Sequence required to satisfy the Music Core Program and lower division music transfer, may be challenged and is transferable. Course content includes idiomatic work from selected historical periods with a critical approach to stylistic analysis. All diatonic chords through the introduction of the V7, the first truly chromatic chord, will be studied. Introduction to two part counterpoint. The syntax of all diatonic chords and their hierarchy in the harmonic language will be learned, along with all inversions. This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music 2 through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 48
Core 0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
Units 0.5
Limitation on Enrollment: Student must be a declared Music major, enrolled in a Music Theory class (MUS 2-5), and enrolled in a large music ensemble (MUS 31-47).

This course consists of individualized instrumental or vocal study using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a CSU/UC music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance by audition. Note: This course may be repeated three times for a total of four enrollments since skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice.
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MATH 13
GE 3
College Algebra/Liberal Arts
MATH 13
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This is a college level course that introduces functions and function algebra for majors in the Liberal Arts. The main focus is on linear, polynomial, rational, radical, absolute value, logarithmic and exponential functions and equations. Students will learn algebraic techniques, modeling techniques and technology-based techniques for solving equations and inequalities involving these functions and for investigating the graphs of these functions. This course also covers systems of equations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 17A
GE 3
United States History - 17A
HIST 17A
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
GE 3
Intro to American Government
POLS 2
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. An examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy, this course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Choose One Ensemble
M 1
Large Ensemble
Choose One Ensemble
Units 1
Large Ensemble (4 semesters, 1 unit each from the following):

MUS 31 Chamber Choir (1)
MUS 33 Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 35 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 40 Concert Choir (1)
MUS 42 Shasta College Chorale (1)
MUS 43 Shasta College Symphony Orchestra (1)
MUS 44 Shasta College Concert Orchestra (0.5-1)
MUS 46 Shasta College Symphonic Band (1)
MUS 47 Shasta College Jazz Ensemble (1)

*Large Ensembles, 1 unit per ensemble, required one ensemble per semester but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.

Please view Course Catalogs & Class Schedules for more information. You can also Search Courses & Sections in the guest Course Catalog.
Apply Now

Fall Semester, Second Year

14.5 Units Total
MUS 4
Core 4
Chromatic Harmony
MUS 4
Units 4
This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music 3 through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This is the third course of the four semester music theory sequence required to satisfy the Music Core Program and lower division music transfer, may be challenged and is transferable. It must be taken for a grade by music majors. Study chromatic alterations as used during the 18th and 19th Centuries, and the concept of Sonata-Allegro form in an overview of larger forms. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 48
Core 0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
Units 0.5
Limitation on Enrollment: Student must be a declared Music major, enrolled in a Music Theory class (MUS 2-5), and enrolled in a large music ensemble (MUS 31-47).

This course consists of individualized instrumental or vocal study using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a CSU/UC music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance by audition. Note: This course may be repeated three times for a total of four enrollments since skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice.
Apply Now
MUS 11
GE 3
History of Jazz and Early Rock
MUS 11
Units 3
A survey course that covers the characteristics of jazz forms, including ragtime, Dixieland, blues, swing, progressive jazz and rock. Course gives the student the opportunity to become familiar with all of the various styles of jazz and provides an understanding of the social and technical influences that cause stylistic change. This course is designed to create an interest in music for the non-music major. Course is recommended for the Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ANTH 1
GE 3
Physical Anthropology
ANTH 1
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher.

This course introduces students to human evolutionary biology. It includes an introduction to the history of evolutionary thought; basic human genetics and molecular biology; human variation and adaptation; evolutionary influences on behavior; the anatomy, ecology, and behavior of the nonhuman primates; and the evolution of our lineage as reflected in the hominid fossil record. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ENGL 1C
GE 3
Critical Reasoning/Read/Write
ENGL 1C
Units 3
Course focuses on critical thinking skills, close textual analysis, and expository and argumentative writing. Students apply critical thinking skills in reading non-fiction and fiction, and in writing essays of definition, cause/effect analysis, argumentation, refutation, and advocacy. Students will learn to use research strategies in analyzing others' ideas and supporting their own. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Choose One Ensemble
M 1
Large Ensemble
Choose One Ensemble
Units 1
Large Ensemble (4 semesters, 1 unit each from the following):

MUS 31 Chamber Choir (1)
MUS 33 Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 35 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 40 Concert Choir (1)
MUS 42 Shasta College Chorale (1)
MUS 43 Shasta College Symphony Orchestra (1)
MUS 44 Shasta College Concert Orchestra (0.5-1)
MUS 46 Shasta College Symphonic Band (1)
MUS 47 Shasta College Jazz Ensemble (1)

*Large Ensembles, 1 unit per ensemble, required one ensemble per semester but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.

Please view Course Catalogs & Class Schedules for more information. You can also Search Courses & Sections in the guest Course Catalog.
Apply Now

Spring Semester, Second Year

15.5 Units Total
MUS 5
Core 4
Twentieth Century Harmony
MUS 5
Units 4
A study of the composition techniques and harmonic practices of the Twentieth Century and the development of critical judgments about the Century's styles. Not only does this course incorporate the concepts from Music 4, but also in addition, through writing and analysis, it will include: post-Romantic techniques such as borrowed chords and modal mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, altered chords and dominants; and 20th Century techniques such as: Impressionism, tone rows, set theory, pandiatonicism and polytonalism, meter, rhythm, and minimalistic ideas. This course applies and develops the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music 4 through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. The course may culminate in the writing of a composition, probably theme and variations. This course utilizes a lab period to build and apply, sight singing dictation and rhythm skills. This is the fourth semester music theory sequence required to satisfy the Music Core Program and lower division music transfer. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
MUS 48
Core 0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
Units 0.5
Limitation on Enrollment: Student must be a declared Music major, enrolled in a Music Theory class (MUS 2-5), and enrolled in a large music ensemble (MUS 31-47).

This course consists of individualized instrumental or vocal study using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a CSU/UC music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance by audition. Note: This course may be repeated three times for a total of four enrollments since skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice.
Apply Now
CMST 10
GE 3
Interpersonal Communication
CMST 10
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CHEM 10
GE 3
Chemistry for the Liberal Arts
CHEM 10
Units 3
Note: CHEM 10 will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if taken with CHEM 11.

This course is an introduction to the major concepts of chemistry, involving minimal, student-friendly math, with attention to their relevance to practical and societal problems. This course is intended for non-science majors who wish to gain an appreciation for the application of chemistry to everyday living. The course includes such topics as nuclear energy and energy alternatives, health issues of drugs, food additives, nutrition, hormones, chemicals for household use, chemicals in the environment, and synthetics. This course may be offered in a distance education format. This course will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if it is taken with CHEM 11.
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CHEM 11
GE Lab 1
Chemistry Lab for Liberal Arts
CHEM 11
Units 1
Note: CHEM 10 taken with CHEM 11 meets GE requirement in science. Students must provide those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.

Laboratory experiments and activities covering the basic concepts of the lecture course, CHEM 10. The activities are designed to help students see chemistry in action and learn how to use various chemicals around us, safely and effectively. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ENGL 10A
GE 3
World Literature (to 1650)
ENGL 10A
Units 3
This course introduces students to some representative masterpieces in world literature beginning with the ancient world and continuing to 1650. A majority of the works will be selected from non-Western literary traditions. The course involves critical analysis of these works within the context of the culture and time in which they were written. Emphasis centers on identifying and analyzing important themes that shape and define the human experience. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Choose One Ensemble
M 1
Large Ensemble
Choose One Ensemble
Units 1
Large Ensemble (4 semesters, 1 unit each from the following):

MUS 31 Chamber Choir (1)
MUS 33 Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 35 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (1)
MUS 40 Concert Choir (1)
MUS 42 Shasta College Chorale (1)
MUS 43 Shasta College Symphony Orchestra (1)
MUS 44 Shasta College Concert Orchestra (0.5-1)
MUS 46 Shasta College Symphonic Band (1)
MUS 47 Shasta College Jazz Ensemble (1)

*Large Ensembles, 1 unit per ensemble, required one ensemble per semester but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.

Please view Course Catalogs & Class Schedules for more information. You can also Search Courses & Sections in the guest Course Catalog.
Apply Now

Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

  • Music AA-T - Full-Time Pathway (PDF)

*These printouts are currently not yet available, but they will be linked as soon as they're ready!

Visual & Performing Arts Interest Area Counselors

Brian Spillane

Faculty Contact Info
Position Educational Counselor
Location Redding Main Campus | Room 130
Degree Ph.D., University of Dallas
Language Fluent in Spanish

Corrinne Minnard

Faculty Contact Info
Position Counselor - General Counseling
Location Redding Main Campus | Room 134
Degree M.S.W,, University of Washington
For Appointments (530) 242-7724

Academic/Instructional Division Office

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