Music Degrees The Music Department offers two distinct programs for music majors pursuing a two-year degree. Learn more about the Herb Alpert Music Center
AA Degree
AA-T Degree
Associate of Arts Degree in Music (AA)
The Music Associate of Arts degree provides the student with practical skills in theory, musicianship, piano, and performance. The degree may serve as a basis for further undergraduate education in music or prepare the student for entry into the music industry.
View the AA Degree Program Map
Recommended first-term courses include:
- Music 152-1 Current Musical Events I
- Music 200 Introduction to Music Theory (or higher level, pending placement assessment)
- Music 311 Piano I (or higher level, pending placement assessment)
- Performance Ensemble course
- General Education course
Features of the AA Degree in Music
- 60 units (minimum)
- Sets aside 13 units for Music electives
- Several options available:
- Two-year terminal degree in Music at LACC
- Complete the two-year degree as well as one or more Certificates of Achievement simultaneously
- Optional private lessons and/or audition for the Applied Music Program (AMP) and transfer
Associate of Arts for Transfer Degree in Music (AA-T)
The Music Associate in Arts (AA-T) transfer degree prepares the student to transfer seamlessly to California State University (CSU) schools through courses that provide practical skills in theory, musicianship, piano, and performance. To earn the AA-T, students must meet the following requirements: (a) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University by completing the following: The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements; and a minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as approved by the CCC Chancellor's Office. (b) Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major and minimum grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students completing this degree will have satisfied the lower division major preparation and transfer requirements for priority admission consideration to a local CSU campus.
View the AA-T Degree Program Map
Recommended first-term courses include:
- Music 152-1 Current Musical Events I
- Music 200 Introduction to Music Theory (or higher level, pending placement assessment)
- Music 311 Piano I (or higher level, pending placement assessment)
- Music 181 & Music 180-1 Applied Music I and Applied Music Laboratory I
- These courses are closed to students prior to acceptance in the HAMC Applied Music Program (AMP).
- Performance Ensemble course
- General Education course
Features of the AA-T Degree in Music
- 64 units (minimum)
- Priority consideration for admission to a California State University program as a Music Breadth Studies major
- Flexible General Education choices through the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
- Music Certificate of Achievement programs may be completed simultaneously
- Optional private lessons