Music Certificates of Achievement
Certificate of Achievement programs are designed for students seeking instruction with a high degree of specialization. Music Certificates may be pursued either as a sole focus, or alongside one of the AA Degree, AA-T Degree, or Applied Music pathways. Many music majors earn one or more while also completing degrees. Learn more about each of our Certificate programs below.
Certificate programs are part of Career Technical Education (CTE). CTE at Los Angeles City College demonstrates a lasting dedication to the education and economic wellbeing of students and the LACC community at large. The Office of Economic Development and Workforce Education strives to meet diverse student, public, and workforce needs with quality curricula that combine a foundation of academic learning with relevant occupational and technical training.
Instrumental Performer
23-26 units
The Instrumental Performer Certificate of Achievement provides the student a pathway to a career in teaching courses in music, directing and conducting instrumental groups, and playing the chosen instrument in solo or ensemble performance. The student will gain knowledge and practical and technical skills in their chosen instrument (piano, guitar, or percussion), theory, musicianship, and ensemble performance.
View the program map for the complete course list.
Instrumental Performer: Guitar
Students may focus in classical, jazz, or popular music guitar.
Recommended first term courses include:
- Music 200 Introduction to Music Theory
- Music 311 Piano I
- Music 650 Beginning Guitar
- Performance Ensemble (choose one or more)
- Music 702 World Music Ensemble
- Music 705 Chamber Music
- Music 781 Jazz Band
- Music 782 Jazz Combos
- Music 783-1 Pop Music Workshop I
Instrumental Performer: Percussion
Students may focus in a variety of percussion instruments, including drum kit, world percussion, or classical percussion.
Recommended first term courses include:
- Music 200 Introduction to Music Theory
- Music 311 Piano I
- Music 631 Percussion Instrument Instruction I
- Performance Ensemble (choose one or more)
- Music 702 World Music Ensemble
- Music 705 Chamber Music
- Music 751 Wind Ensemble
- Music 765 Percussion Ensemble
- Music 781 Jazz Band
- Music 782 Jazz Combos
- Music 783-1 Pop Music Workshop
Instrumental Performer: Piano
Students may focus in classical, jazz, or popular music piano.
Recommended first term courses include:
- Music 200 Introduction to Music Theory
- Music 311 Piano I or Music 361-1 Commercial Piano Techniques I (for experienced players)
- Performance Ensemble (choose one or more)
- Music 702 World Music Ensemble
- Music 705 Chamber Music
- Music 781 Jazz Band
- Music 782 Jazz Combos
- Music 783-1 Pop Music Workshop I
Music Technology
29-30 units
The Music Technology certificate of achievement provides the student a pathway to a career using audio and video equipment, and operating equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music. The student will gain knowledge and practical and technical skills in music technology, music business, and theory.
Recommended first term courses include:
- Music 161 Introduction to Music Technology
- Music 200 Introduction to Music Theory
- Music 311 Piano I
View the program map for the complete course list.
Songwriting & Composition
33 units
The Music Songwriting and Composition certificate of achievement provides the student a pathway to a career in teaching music and writing and transcribing musical scores. The student will gain knowledge and practical and technical skills in composition, theory, musicianship, piano, and the music business.
Recommended first term courses include:
- Music 200 Introduction to Music Theory
- Music 311 Piano I
- Performance Ensemble (any)
View the program map for the complete course list.
