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Music Pathways
Click on each music pathway to see the recommended quarter-by-quarter classes and other recommendations.
These pathways assume:
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
The first pathway also assumes you will be a full-time student.
If not, you can still complete a music pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the Associate in Music transfer degree and prepares you for a university major in music. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Scroll to the end for course suggestions.
Quarter 1 (15 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
MUSC& 141 Music theory I (5 credits)
MUSC 160 Class piano I (2 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study and rehearse.
- Attend music, dance and drama performances at WCC.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
Math (5 credits): a 100-level MATH course or PHIL& 117 Traditional logic
If you're not ready for 100-level math or math-oriented logic, start the math sequence leading to it.
MUSC& 142 Music theory II (5 credits)
MUSC 161 Class piano II (2 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Career exploration:
- Compare the different music majors and combined majors at universities you're interested in.
- Meet with the music faculty lead to talk about career and transfer possibilities.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work. Ask your instructors for tips.
- Attend music, dance and drama performances at Western Washington University.
Action items:
- If you plan to major in applied music, reach out to an applied music instructor at the universities you're interested in.
- If you plan to major in music education, reach out to the coordinator of music education at universities you're interested in.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
Lab science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS l" at the end of the course description
MUSC& 143 Music theory III (5 credits)
MUSC 162 Class piano III (2 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied Music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Career exploration:
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Create a performance bio.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
- Attend music, dance and drama performances in the community.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entrance requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
- Put the dates of university music department auditions on your calendar.
Summer (5 credits)
Science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description
Quarter 4 (18 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description, but not a music course.
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
MUSC& 241 Music theory IV (5 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about music or the kind of music career you're aiming for.
- Begin preparing for your transfer audition.
- Create a music resume.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (18 credits)
An ENGL course with "CC" at the end of the course description (5 credits)
or an oral communication skills course (5 credits). See the list below for the "OC" courses you can choose from.
Social science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
MUSC& 242 Music theory V (5 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Career exploration:
- Create and/or record your own music.
- Create a promo kit.
Action items:
- Apply to graduate.
- Take auditions at university music programs.
Quarter 6 (18 credits)
Math/Science (5 credits): a course with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description. It can be a science, an additional 100-level math course, or a programming course.
Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description.
MUSC& 243 Music theory VI (5 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied Music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
Course Suggestions
Oral communication skills courses
- CMST& 101 Intro to communication
- CMST& 102 Intro to mass media
- CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (recommended for students interested in music education or private teaching)
- CMST& 230 Small group communication (recommended for students interested in music education or private teaching)
- CMST 245 Intro to organizational communication
Humanities (non-MUSC) courses
- FRCH& 121 French I
or GERM& 121 German I
Recommended for students interested in vocal performance or choral education
- DRMA& 101 Acting I
Recommended for students interested in music education or performance
- IDS 140 Making musical instruments
Recommended for any music student
Social science courses
- ANTH& 206 Cultural anthropology
Recommended for any student interested in a career in the arts
- BUS& 101 Intro to business
Recommended for students interested in music entrepreneurship
- EDUC& 202 Intro to education
Recommended for students interested in music education
- PSYC& 101 General psychology
or PSYC& 210 Child development
Recommended for students interested in music education or private teaching
Science courses
Recommended for any music student
- IDS 161 Literature, science and gender (note: not a lab course)
- IDS 210 Science, economics and politics of sustainable resources (note: not a lab course)
- PHYS& 110 Physics for non-science majors
This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the Associate in Music transfer degree and prepares you for a university major in music. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Scroll to the end for course suggestions.
Quarter 1 (8 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study and rehearse.
- Attend music, dance and drama performances at WCC.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (8 credits)
MUSC 160 Class piano I (2 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
Social science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
Optional:
Performance ensemble (no credit)
Participate in a performance ensemble by signing up through Community Education.
Career exploration:
- Compare the different music majors and combined majors at universities you're interested in.
- Meet with the music faculty lead to talk about career and transfer possibilities.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work. Ask your instructors for tips.
- Attend music, dance and drama performances at Western Washington University.
Action items:
- If you plan to major in applied music, reach out to an applied music instructor at the universities you're interested in.
- If you plan to major in music education, reach out to the coordinator of music education at universities you're interested in.
Quarter 3 (9 credits)
MUSC& 141 Music theory I (5 credits)
MUSC 161 Class piano II (2 credits)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Optional but highly encouraged:
Continue your individual applied music studies (not for credit this quarter)
Career exploration:
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
- Attend music, dance and drama performances in the community.
Quarter 4 (13 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
An ENGL course with "CC" at the end of the course description (5 credits)
or an oral communication skills course (5 credits). See the list below for the "OC" courses you can choose from.
Math (5 credits): any 100-level MATH course or PHIL& 117 Traditional logic
If you're not ready for 100-level math or math-oriented logic, start the math sequence leading to it.
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about music or the kind of music career you're aiming for.
- Create a performance bio.
Action items:
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (12 credits)
MUSC& 142 Music theory II (5 credits)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description, but not a music course
Optional but highly encouraged:
Continue your individual applied music studies (not for credit this quarter)
Career exploration:
- Create and/or record your own music.
Quarter 6 (13 credits)
MUSC& 143 Music theory III (5 credits)
MUSC 162 Class piano III (2 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied Music (1 credit)
Lab science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS l" at the end of the course description
Optional:
Performance ensemble (no credit)
Participate in a performance ensemble by signing up through Community Education.
Career exploration:
- Create a music resume.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entrance requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
- Put the dates of university music department auditions on your calendar.
Quarter 7 (13 credits)
MUSC& 241 Music theory IV (5 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Social science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Begin preparing for your transfer audition.
- Create a promo kit.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 8 (13 credits)
Science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description
MUSC& 242 Music theory V (5 credits)
MUSC 150 or MUSC 250 Applied music (1 credit)
MUSC 165 Collegiate choir (2 credits)
or MUSC 174 Chamber music ensemble (2 credits)
or MUSC 175 Jazz band (2 credits)
or MUSC 184 Ensemble performance (2 credits)
or MUSC 186 Contemporary music ensemble (2 credits)
Action items:
- Apply to graduate.
- Take auditions at university music programs.
Quarter 9 (15 credits)
Math/science (5 credits): a course with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description. It can be a science, an additional 100-level MATH course, or a programming course.
Social science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description.
If your first two social sciences were from the same discipline, choose a different one this time.
MUSC& 243 Music theory VI (5 credits)
Optional:
Performance ensemble (no credit)
Participate in a performance ensemble by signing up through Community Education.
Optional but highly encouraged:
Continue your individual applied music studies (not for credit this quarter)
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
Course Suggestions
Oral communication skills courses
- CMST& 101 Intro to communication
- CMST& 102 Intro to mass media
- CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (recommended for students interested in music education or private teaching)
- CMST& 230 Small group communication (recommended for students interested in music education or private teaching)
- CMST 245 Intro to organizational communication
Humanities (non-MUSC) courses
- FRCH& 121 French I
or GERM& 121 German I
Recommended for students interested in vocal performance or choral education
- DRMA& 101 Acting I
Recommended for students interested in music education or performance
- IDS 140 Making musical instruments
Recommended for any music student
Social science courses
- ANTH& 206 Cultural anthropology
Recommended for any student interested in a career in the arts
- BUS& 101 Intro to business
Recommended for students interested in music entrepreneurship
- EDUC& 202 Intro to education
Recommended for students interested in music education
- PSYC& 101 General psychology
or PSYC& 210 Child development
Recommended for students interested in music education or private teaching
Science courses
Recommended for any music student
- IDS 161 Literature, science and gender (note: not a lab course)
- IDS 210 Science, economics and politics of sustainable resources (note: not a lab course)
- PHYS& 110 Physics for non-science majors