Transfer Degree-Emphasis

Music Emphasis, Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA)

Area of Study
Arts and Communication

Overview

Explore your love of music through this rich program of coursework in performance, practice, theory and appreciation. Complete your Associate in Arts Degree, Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) with an emphasis in music in preparation for transferring to a four-year university.

Sample Schedule

This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn the AA-DTA. The courses are designed with the appropriate number of credits to meet degree requirements and are organized in a recommended sequence. Please consult an advisor to schedule courses and develop a personalized educational plan.

      Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:

  • The quarter you begin
  • How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
  • Your math and English placement
  • If you have credits you have already taken and plan to transfer them
  • The college you are interested in transferring to
  • If you start in our Transitional Studies program

Sample Career Options 

  • Film composer
  • Music educator
  • Musician

Transfer and Degree Requirements 

Students working toward their transfer degree typically take a variety of courses designed to fulfill the general requirements of most four-year colleges and universities. Students intending to transfer to a four-year college for further training in music are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and transfer institution to explore the requirements of the college they wish to attend after Peninsula. For example, most institutions require proficiency tests in music theory, performance, piano courses, and may have separate admission criteria, which may be based on grades, prerequisite coursework, test scores, and other considerations. Our sample schedule is designed to provide you with faculty recommended courses to complete your AA-DTA degree with an emphasis in music, but is not a major ready pathway for every institution. 

Transfer Institution Information

Students must select credits from three distribution lists: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. A specific course may be credited toward no more than one distribution requirement. A minimum of fifteen credits in two separate subject areas must be selected from each list. For Natural Sciences, at least five credits must be a lab. For Humanities, no more than five credits can be a Humanities-Performance course and no more than five credits may be applied in world languages at the 100 level.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are listed on the Area of Study webpage.

First Quarter

Meet with your advisor to talk about your long-term schedule and create an educational plan to complete your degree.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

This course provides support, develops positive connections, and opens learning opportunities to help students identify and pursue their academic and career goals. Through a process of self-discovery, students cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves that highlights their unique strengths and identifies areas for growth. Students will also learn how to navigate college systems and understand its specialized vocabulary and procedures. Throughout, this course reassures students of all backgrounds and abilities that they belong. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

This class has a fee of $12.13.

Credits: 5

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5

Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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Humanities  +
5
Music Ensemble Elective  +
1 - 3
Sub-Total Credits
16-18

Humanities + Consider Music Appreciation (MUSC& 105) or History of Rock N Roll (MUSC 110).

Second Quarter

You’re doing it! Check in with your advisor to stay on track.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Reading and writing using analytical and critical approaches. One or more research papers. Builds on concepts introduced in ENGL& 101. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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5

A study of a variety of mathematical topics for non-science majors. The topics covered may differ between sections, but may include problem solving strategies, logic, set theory, number theory, mathematics of finance, probability and statistics, or geometry. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Credits: 5

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5

Develops musicianship through study and application of compositional elements. Emphasis on musical notation, aural skills, and aesthetic musical values. Each quarter prerequisite to the next or by permission of instructor. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Humanities, Elective)

Credits: 5

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Music Ensemble Elective  +
1 - 3
Sub-Total Credits
16-18

Third Quarter

Now is the time to explore transfer options. Make a transfer appointment with your advisor or the Career and Transfer Center.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
Humanities  +
5
Music Ensemble Elective  +
1 - 3
Natural Sciences  +
5
Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
16-18

Humanities + Choose a subject other than Music.
Social Sciences + Consider World Civilizations III (HIST& 128) or US History III (HIST& 148).

Fourth Quarter

Transfer applications are open. We are here to help with the transfer process.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
MUSC& 105 or MUSC 110  +
5
Music Ensemble Elective  +
1 - 3
Natural Sciences  +
5
Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
16-18

Elective + Consider Music Appreciation (MUSC& 105) or History of Rock N Roll (MUSC 110).
Natural Sciences + Choose a second subject area. One must be a lab.
Social Sciences + Consider Psychology (PSYC&) or Sociology (SOC&).

Fifth Quarter

You’re knocking on the door! Check your Degree Progress Report to avoid any surprises and then apply for graduation.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
Elective  +

Take any course 100 level or above.

5
Humanities  +
5
Music Ensemble Elective  +
1 - 3
Natural Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
16-18

Elective + Work with your advisor to choose an elective.

Sixth Quarter

You're almost done! Time to order that cap and gown. Good luck on your final quarter!

Catalog #
Title
Credits
Elective  +

Take any course 100 level or above.

5
Music Ensemble Elective  +
1 - 3
Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
11-13

Elective + Work with your advisor to choose an elective.

Total Credits
90