Music
The El Camino College Music Department offers a comprehensive foundation in the theory, history, and performance of music to students seeking a degree, preparing to transfer to a four-year degree programs, or taking courses for musical training. Music students receive a structured program of training in a variety of solo performance media, large and small ensembles, music theory and musicianship, basic vocal, keyboard, and instrumental skills in a variety of historical styles and genres.
Applied Music
Music majors and students pursuing a transfer option in music have a unique opportunity to audition and study individually with our music faculty through the Applied Music program. Applied Music is a workshop/recital class which includes weekly individual music lessons in all performing media.
What We Offer
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE
Upon completion of the required courses, students can earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Music with several options for emphasis. To earn a degree, students complete core degree courses and select an option path. Option paths include: voice, instrumental, keyboard, commercial music, and general music.
Specific major requirements for all degrees and certificates can be found in the College Catalog.
Preparation for the Transfer Major
For information on specific university major requirements, please obtain a transfer curriculum guide sheet in Counseling Services, consult with your counselor, or visit the Transfer Center.
Our Courses
Music Appreciation • Theory and Musicianship • Music History • Sightsinging • Jazz • Voice • Opera • Piano • Guitar • Choir • Band • Orchestra • Private Lessons (in all performing media)
Course descriptions can be found in the College Catalog. To view current class offerings, refer to Online Class Schedule.
Performance Opportunities
There are numerous performing groups that offer student and community participation, including orchestra, concert band, jazz band, small ensembles, chorale, concert choir, community choir, and women's choir.
Master Classes and Events
Many classes include the opportunity to attend performances by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists that are presented by the El Camino College Center for the Arts. This also includes opportunities to participate in or observe master classes presented by the visiting artists.
Music Commons, Formerly known as Music Library
The Music Commons contains over ten thousand items of performance-oriented music scores, sound recordings, and video products, as well as online products for easy access by students. In addition, the Music Commons provides computer-based listening and media stations, equipment to assist learning (such as metronomes), and practice facilities, many with grand pianos.
Our Facilities
The Music Department has classrooms complete with audio and video technology, 14 practice rooms with pianos and sound systems, two piano labs, a large instrumental music rehearsal hall, a choral rehearsal room, and three concert venues. Music instruments are available for student use in select instrumental performing ensembles.
Career Paths
Our music classes can be a student’s first step towards a variety of careers in music including:
Musician/performer (Classical, Jazz, Pop, Church Music) • Conductor • Composer • Arranger • Film music editor • Commercial music • Music educator • Music therapist • Private Teacher • Music technology • Recording technician• Music retail • Music software programmer