Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Music AA-T Degree
Provides students with a common core of lower division courses required to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Music in the CSU system.
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 TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.
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 the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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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 the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS 11
GE
3
History of Jazz and Early Rock
MUS 11
This is a survey course that covers the characteristics of jazz forms, including ragtime, Dixieland, blues, swing, progressive jazz and rock. This 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. It is recommended for the Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 17A
GE
3
United States History
HIST 17A
Advisory: ENGL 1A with a grade of C 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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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.
MUS 2
M
4
Diatonic Harmony and Musicianship
MUS 2
Advisory: MUS 1 with a grade of C or higher.
This course is a study of the fundamental elements of music, which include scales, modes, and key signatures; chords; melodic and harmonic intervals; and the handwritten notation of pitch and rhythms of simple and compound meters. This course also studies the structural elements of music including the anatomy of harmony and melody; four part harmonic writing; non-harmonic tones; basic chord progressions; and cadential formulas. This course also includes the integration of both 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. This 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. This course may be challenged and is transferable.
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This course is a study of the fundamental elements of music, which include scales, modes, and key signatures; chords; melodic and harmonic intervals; and the handwritten notation of pitch and rhythms of simple and compound meters. This course also studies the structural elements of music including the anatomy of harmony and melody; four part harmonic writing; non-harmonic tones; basic chord progressions; and cadential formulas. This course also includes the integration of both 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. This 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. This course may be challenged and is transferable.
MUS 48
M
0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
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 31-51 or 300- 303). Entrance is by audition only. See Music 48 coordinator for audition scheduling.
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS 40
M
1
Concert Choir
MUS 40
This course is interchangeable with any course between MUS 31- MUS 47.
Large Ensembles (MUS 31 - MUS 47) are 1 unit per semester. One ensemble per semester is required but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.
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Spring Semester, First Year
14.5 Units TotalMATH 13
3
College Algebra for Liberal Arts
MATH 13
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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ENGL 1B
GE
3
Literature and Composition
ENGL 1B
This course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills through close study of the major genres of literature: poetry, drama, short story and novel. Students receive further instruction and practice in analytical writing, developing arguments about literary works and the critical reception of those works. In discussion and writing, students will also examine arguments as such, learning to identify sound as well as fallacious reasoning in critical assessments of literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
GE
3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: ENGL 1A or English Placement Level 7 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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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.
MUS 3
M
4
Advanced Diatonic Harmony & Musicianship
MUS 3
This course is the second course of the four-semester music theory sequence. Course content includes idiomatic work from selected historical periods with a critical approach to stylistic analysis. All diatonic chords and the introduction of the V7, along with their inversions will be studied. This course will include an introduction to two-part species counterpoint and will apply and develop 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
M
0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
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 31-51 or 300- 303). Entrance is by audition only. See Music 48 coordinator for audition scheduling.
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS 31
M
1
Chamber Choir
MUS 31
This course is interchangeable with any course between MUS 31 - MUS 47.
Large Ensembles (MUS 31 - MUS 47) are 1 unit per semester. One ensemble per semester is required but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.
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Fall Semester, Second Year
14.5 Units TotalASTR 2
GE
3
Stellar Astronomy
ASTR 2
This course is a survey course designed to introduce the science of astronomy concentrating on celestial bodies and phenomena beyond the solar system. This course covers aspects of the history of astronomy, light, telescopes, prominent scientists, the sun, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, gravity wave astronomy, and the possibility of other life forms in the Universe. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ETHS 11
GE
3
Intersctnality of Race/Ethnicity/Health
ETHS 11
This course introduces the student to the field of Ethnic Studies with a focus on the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and health. The course explores such core concepts as colonization, racialization, the structures of racism, and how health is impacted by structural racism. The core concepts are explored by examining their impacts on African American and Native American communities. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an 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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MUS 4
M
4
Chromatic Harmony
MUS 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.
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MUS 48
M
0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
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 31-51 or 300- 303). Entrance is by audition only. See Music 48 coordinator for audition scheduling.
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS 33
M
1
Jazz Ensemble
MUS 33
This course is interchangeable with any course between MUS 31 - MUS 47.
Large Ensembles (MUS 31 - MUS 47) are 1 unit per semester. One ensemble per semester is required but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.
Apply Now
Spring Semester, Second Year
15.5 Units TotalAGNR 60
GE
3
Environmental Science
AGNR 60
Advisory: Students who wish to add a lab component to this class should co-enroll in AGNR 61.
This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 61
GE
Lab
1
Environmental Science Laboratory
AGNR 61
This is a laboratory course designed to complement AGNR 60 and to acquaint the students with some of the more common laboratory and field tests and procedures utilized in environmental science. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 2
GE
3
Exploring the Humanities
HUM 2
This course is designed to explore the humanities by examining expression of human values, ideas, concerns, and experience through the arts, literature, media and the social sciences. The reading of important works in the humanities, written analysis, and attendance at selected performances are major requirements of this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 10
GE
3
Music Appreciation
MUS 10
The course is a survey of the six historical periods of Western Music, from the Medieval Era to the 21st Century. Students will learn the elements of music, the physical aspects of sound, and the classifications and timbres of common instruments and digital media. Students will learn how music from the past reflects the ideas, art, and politics of the time. This course is 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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MUS 5
M
4
Twentieth Century Harmony
MUS 5
This course is a study of the composition techniques and harmonic practices of the Twentieth Century and the development of critical judgments about the Century's styles. Material for this class includes: post-Romantic techniques such as modal mixture, chromatic mediants, Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, extended chords (9th, 11th and 13th), altered dominant chords; 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 will also study the large forms found in music such as sonata, rondo, and variation form. This is the final course of the four-semester music theory sequence and may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 48
M
0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
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 31-51 or 300- 303). Entrance is by audition only. See Music 48 coordinator for audition scheduling.
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice 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 is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS 35
M
1
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
MUS 35
This course is interchangeable with any course between MUS 31 - MUS 47.
Large Ensembles (MUS 31 - MUS 47) are 1 unit per semester. One ensemble per semester is required but students are strongly encouraged to take multiple ensembles each semester.
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:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
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