Core Curriculum

Core curriculum for Music majors/minors, transferrable to the CSU/UC

Music Theory (MUSIC 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) and Musicianship (MUSC 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D)Musicianship class session

Music Theory 1 and Musicianship 1 are the first courses for aspiring Music majors. While the curriculum starts at the beginning to address any gaps in students’ training, these courses are fast-paced and assume that incoming students have some prior ability to read music. If you have no prior music-reading experience (or if you find the pace of Theory & Musicianship 1 too fast), you may wish to enroll in Music Fundamentals (MUSC 1) first. If you have already taken the equivalent of Theory & Musicianship 1 at another school (or through private study), you may wish to challenge the prerequisite and enroll directly in Theory & Musicianship 2.

Theory and Musicianship courses are currently offered on a rotating basis:

  • Theory & Musicianship 1 (MUSC 2A/3A): Fall and Spring semesters
  • Theory & Musicianship 2 (MUSC 2B/3B): Spring semester only
  • Theory & Musicianship 3 (MUSC 2C/3C): Fall semester only
  • Theory & Musicianship 4 (MUSC 2D/3D): Spring semester only

Credit by Examination

If you have extensive prior training in Music Theory and/or Musicianship (such as high school AP Music courses or extensive private lessons) you may wish to pursue Credit by Examination for Music Theory 1 (MUSC 2A) and/or Musicianship 1 (MUSC 3A). The exams are given the on first Friday of each semester. Students wishing to “test out” of MUSC 2A and/or MUSC 3A should see Dr. Mark Anderman [ manderman@santarosa.edu|profile] to complete the appropriate paperwork and register for the exams beforehand. Upon completion of the exam, you will receive a letter grade for MUSC 2A and/or MUSC 3A based on your exam score.

You can read more here: Credit by Examination

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|profile] 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:

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.

For more information, contact the Music Department at 707.527.4249