Music

The Rhythmn of Learning

At Southwestern College, Music is a comprehensive and multi-faceted discipline where students can explore the varied fields of music that interest them. Music theory provides students with an opportunity to study the fundamentals of music in the Western tradition. This includes notation, melody, harmony, rhythm and form. Music performance allows students to develop their technical and expressive skills as a vocalist or instrumentalist in ensembles that include choir, symphony orchestra, band, jazz/vocal jazz, mariachi and gospel. In music appreciation, students can learn history and develop critical listening skills in Western classical music, global music, as well as jazz, rock and pop.

Program Awards

Our Music programs are included in the Arts, Communication, Design, and Media field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation -  Music	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation - Music---Mariachi Specialization	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Certificate of Achievement	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Certificate of Proficiency	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the music major. A few of the these require an associate in arts degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: soloist, conductor, composer, private music teacher, high school or college instructor, music librarian, recording technician, band performer, backup artist, music critic, church music director, administrator, studio performer, record/CD producer, accompanist, arranger, copyist, publisher, and music therapist.

The average annual salary in this field is $47.04 per hour for occupations like Muscian, Singer, Music Director or Composer.

Typical Duties

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Performing General Physical Activities
  Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.