We provide degrees/certificates and core curriculum for students seeking transfer to the CSU and/or UC as Music majors or minors, along with General Education survey courses and other opportunities for the general student.
Our performing groups include Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, and other ensembles that concertize both on campus and out in the community on a regular basis. Our outstanding Applied Music program provides opportunities for individual instruction and recital performance.
The Department regularly hosts performances and master classes by renowned guest artists, and we are closely allied with other musical groups in the community including the Santa Rosa Symphony, the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus, and various music teacher organizations such as MACCC, CAPMT, and MTAC.
For more information, contact the Music office at 707.527-4249.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available free of charge for students enrolled in Music Fundamentals and/or Music Theory courses. Appointments are on a first-come first-served basis in the Tutorial Center on the ground floor of the Doyle Library.
Piano Proficiency
Piano proficiency is a standard requirement for Music majors at most colleges, universities, and conservatories. Music majors and other serious Music students should enroll in a piano course. If you have no prior experience with either piano or reading music, you may wish to begin with Music Fundamentals (MUSC 1). If you already read music and have some prior (even minimal) keyboard experience, you should enroll in Class Piano 1 (MUSCP 11A). Experienced pianists may be able to skip ahead into Class Piano 2, 3, or 4 (MUSCP 11B, C, or D). If you are uncertain about which Piano course to take, consult with Dr. Rudolf Budginas (rbudginas@santarosa.edu) for placement.
Performance Ensembles
All Music majors must be enrolled in a performance ensemble each semester. Contact the appropriate director for audition information or with any questions:
- Concert Choir (MUSCP 21A–D): Jody Benecke
- Chamber Singers (MUSCP 23A–D): Jody Benecke
- Symphonic Band (MUSCP 30A–D): Dr. Jerome Fleg
- Jazz Band (MUSCP 32A–D): Pete Estabrook
- Orchestra (MUSCP 33A–D): Dr. Jerome Fleg
- Jazz Combo Ensemble (MUSCP 42A–D): Bennett Friedman
Applied Music
Music majors and other serious music students should be enrolled in Applied Music. Individual lessons are available to college-level performers by audition. Auditions are typically held the first Friday of the semester. You can read more here.
Practice Rooms
Any student enrolled in a Music course may use the practice rooms in Forsyth Hall. Most rooms contain pianos and are accessible whenever the building is open. Applied Music students have priority for usage (with assigned times), otherwise they are available on a first-come first-served basis. There are two rooms upstairs with higher-quality pianos that are only available to students enrolled in advanced piano courses.
To obtain a key, first go to the Accounting office in Bailey Hall and pay the key deposit (currently $20), then bring your deposit receipt and class schedule to the Music Department Office. Deposits are refunded after keys are returned in usable condition.
Lockers
Any student enrolled in a Music course may sign up to use a locker in Forsyth Hall free of charge. Preference is given to students enrolled in instrumental classes, with larger lockers reserved for students with larger instruments. Otherwise, locker sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, contact the Music Department at (707) 527-4249.