Applied Music Program

three musicians on stage with soft lighting and background

Introduction

The Cerritos College Applied Music program is designed to prepare committed music students for transfer to a four-year institution as a music major. Students will learn in an environment modeled after leading four-year music institutions. Students will be required to perform a recital and a jury examination in front of music faculty each semester. Students must also meet curriculum and practice requirements each semester in order to remain in the program. Admission into the program is by audition only.

Auditions

Auditions for Applied Music must be submitted online at this time. You will need to prepare a music selection that best displays your skills and abilities. Instrumental auditions much include two scales in different keys. Students will take a theory placement exam to determine whether they are prepared to enroll in Music Theory I, MUS 180. For more information about the audition, please follow the link on the left.

Curriculum

Students will enroll in the required Applied Music class for their level. Students are required to attend a mandatory one-hour online meeting each week. Students will receive a total of 14 one-hour lesson each week during the semester. Students are responsible for managing their own practice time and complete the required work from their private instructor each week.

Students must enroll in an ensemble each semester they are here. Please follow the links on the left to learn more about our ensemble options and requirements.

Students must also fulfill the academic requirements of the Applied Music program. Applied Music students must complete four semesters of Music Theory while in the Applied Music program. Students must take Music Theory concurrently with the Applied courses. Students must successfully complete each level of Music Theory in order to remain in the Applied Music program.

It is strongly recommended that non-piano Applied Music students complete at least four semesters of piano class in order to prepare for the piano proficiency exam that all four-year music universities require.

Music AA-T Degree 

All Applied Music students will follow the academic requirements for the Music AA-T degree. This degree option ensures that students complete all the required General Education courses required for transfer. Specific requirements for this degree are listed in the Cerritos College Catalog. Please speak to a counselor in Admissions regarding the General Education courses you should take for this degree.

General Education Requirements

Students pursuing transfer to a four-year institution must complete General Education requirements as specified by the College. Students should consult the music faculty and college counselors to design an academic plan that will ensure that they complete their degree requirements in a timely manner.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Andrew Maz
Chair, Music Department

amaz@cerritos.edu