Music
Music Theory and Composition
Sound Recording Technology
Additional Information
The Associate of Arts degree is offered with specializations in instrumental, vocal, and theory/composition.
Students majoring in areas outside of music may elect courses in music and may participate in music ensembles. Instruction in applied music is also provided for students in other divisions of the College.
Opportunities are provided for interested adults and pre-college students to participate in various music courses, private lessons and College-sponsored performance groups.
Program Requirements/Restrictions
- Due to falling under the same primary degree plan, students may earn only one when deciding between the following Associate options in Music: (1) Music - Instrumental, (2) Music - Vocal, or (3) Music Theory and Composition.
Scholarships
Scholarships in music are available for prospective music majors on all band and orchestral instruments, guitar, piano, voice, theory, composition and sound recording technology. Some participation awards are available to non-music majors who qualify for the Del Mar Concert Band, Choir, Orchestra or Mariachi. Awards are made on the basis of ability and need. All applicants for scholarship grants are expected to audition in person unless travel distance makes appearing in person impossible, in which case a recording may be presented.
Music scholarship forms and additional information regarding financial aid are available in the music office (Fine Arts Center Music Building room MUSA 210) or on the Music Department section of the Del Mar College website (https://www.delmar.edu/music).
Applied Music
All music majors shall enroll in applied music appropriate to their primary areas of performance each semester. The Applied Music curriculum is designed to foster maximum development of skill and insight in musical performance. Students have an opportunity to gain experience in performing before an audience through participation in weekly recital programs held throughout the school year.
Entering students, on the basis of their musical background, results of auditions and tests, recommendations of previous teachers, and individual counseling, are classified in one of these two series: MUAP 1101–1199 and 2101–2199, 1201–1299 and 2201–2299. See course descriptions section under MUSIC, APPLIED. Upon beginning study, a student improperly classified will be re-registered at the proper level during the first week of the semester. Students must receive a grade of "C" or higher to progress to the next level.
Students taking applied music at the 1201–1299 and 2201–2299 levels are required to attend a weekly performance lab or solo class recital and be currently enrolled in the appropriate large ensemble.
Applied Music Examinations
To receive credit, all majors taking applied music courses must appear for a jury examination by the faculty of each applied music area at the end of each semester. In order to be eligible for examination, a student must satisfy the recital attendance and public performance requirements and must have received a minimum of 12 one-hour lessons.
Specific examination requirements for each classification are determined by the faculty of each applied music area in consultation with the chairperson, Department of Music. These requirements are subject to periodic review.
Applied music credit may be earned for summer study only in the 1101–1199, 2101–2199 series. There are no set performance requirements.
Courses of Study
Students who plan to obtain a bachelor's degree should arrange their programs to meet the requirements of the college to which they intend to transfer.
Ensembles
All music majors enrolled in degree-track applied lessons are required to enroll in the appropriate major ensemble. Appropriate ensembles are:
- Voice - MUEN 1141 Concert Choir
- Winds and Percussion - MUEN 1121 Concert Band
- Strings - MUEN 1122 Concert Orchestra
- Piano - MUEN 1136 Piano Accompanying
- Guitar - MUEN 1135 Classical Guitar Ensemble
Exceptions and substitutions may be granted with the joint consent of the department chair, the ensemble director and the student's applied instructor. Music major students are highly encouraged to further develop their solo and ensemble skills by enrollment in a chamber ensemble specific to their applied study (Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Singer's Theater, etc.). All ensemble courses grant one hour of credit each semester.
Non-majors are invited to audition for any of the following ensembles: Concert Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Concert Orchestra, Piano Accompanying, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensembles, Chamber Singers, Master Chorus, Singer's Theater, Jazz Combo, String Ensembles, Classical Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble and Woodwind Ensembles.
Grade Requirements
Students must receive a grade of "C" or better to progress to the next sequential course in the following areas: Applied Music, Sight Singing/Ear Training, Class Piano, Music Technology, Musical Composition and Music Theory.
Secondary Piano Requirements
All music majors, other than piano majors, are required to take four semesters of secondary piano. Class piano is recommended for students with no piano background (MUSI 1181, MUSI 1182, MUSI 2181, MUSI 2182). Private lessons are recommended for students with previous piano experience. Students with special needs or with schedule conflicts may also study privately with the advice of the piano faculty or chairperson.
All music majors, except piano majors, must pass all areas of the piano proficiency exam at the end of the fourth semester of keyboard study. Those students who do not pass the piano proficiency exam will receive the grade of Incomplete (I) for Piano IV.
Student Organizations
Del Mar College was the first community college in the United States to receive a chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the national professional music fraternity. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is dedicated to the advancement of music and to brotherhood among its members engaged in music activities.
Phi Sigma, an honorary professional music sorority, aims to foster excellence in music performance and scholarship and to provide a social outlet for its members. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Sigma regularly serve as hosts for receptions and other musical events.