Apprentice of Performance | California College of Music

Apprentice of Performance.

6 months / 2 quarters

Popular Music Theory I (3 credits) Introduction to the fundamentals of music theory, focusing on scales, chords, and harmonic analysis relevant to popular music.
Ear Training I (2 credits) Develops listening skills for recognizing intervals, rhythms, and melodies by ear, essential for singers.
Rhythm Training I (1 credit) Strengthens rhythmic accuracy and timing through practical exercises.
Sight-reading I (1 credit) Focuses on reading and interpreting musical notation, specifically for vocalists.
Piano Proficiency I (1 credit) Basic keyboard skills for singers, emphasizing harmony, scales, and sight-reading.
Vocal Technique I (1 credit) Introduces foundational vocal techniques, including breath control, tone production, and diction.
Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit) Provides hands-on training in vocal performance, focusing on stage presence and interpretation.
CCM Pop Choir (1 credit) Ensemble singing experience focusing on harmonization, vocal blending, and group dynamics.
Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits) Collaborative performance training in a live band setting, emphasizing teamwork and repertoire building.
Private Lesson & Jury Performance I (2 credits) One-on-one voice instruction tailored to individual needs, culminating in a jury evaluation to assess progress.

Popular Music Theory II (3 credits) Builds on foundational music theory, introducing advanced chord progressions, harmonic analysis, and modulation techniques.
Ear Training II (2 credits) Enhances aural recognition skills with more complex melodies, rhythms, and harmonic progressions.
Rhythm Training II (1 credit) Expands rhythmic skills, focusing on syncopation, odd time signatures, and advanced rhythmic patterns.
Sight-reading II (1 credit) Advances sight-reading proficiency, emphasizing fluency in reading vocal parts and interpreting phrasing.
Piano Proficiency II (1 credit) Develops keyboard skills for singers, focusing on playing chord progressions and accompanying themselves.
Vocal Technique II (1 credit) Focuses on advancing vocal technique, including dynamic control, range expansion, and vocal agility.
Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit) Continued training in vocal performance, focusing on interpretation and emotional delivery of songs.
CCM Pop Choir (1 credit) Further ensemble experience, emphasizing tight harmonization and vocal blending in contemporary styles.
Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits) Collaborative workshop where students work on live band performances, refining stage presence and teamwork.
Private Lesson & Jury Performance II (2 credits) Personalized vocal instruction aimed at refining technique, with a jury performance to assess progress.

Extended Harmony (3 credits) Introduces advanced harmonic concepts, including chromaticism, modal interchange, and secondary dominants.
Ear Training III (2 credits) Develops advanced aural skills, focusing on complex melodic dictation, harmonic progressions, and rhythm recognition.
Piano Proficiency III (1 credit) Builds on prior piano skills, emphasizing advanced chord voicings, accompaniment, and improvisation.
Latin Styles Analysis & Lab (1 credit) Studies the rhythmic and harmonic elements of Latin music genres, with practical application in performance.
Vocal Technique III (1 credit) Focuses on refining vocal tone, increasing stamina, and developing advanced techniques such as vibrato control and dynamics.
Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit) Hands-on training in vocal performance, emphasizing expression, phrasing, and stage confidence.
CCM Pop Choir (1 credit) Continued participation in ensemble singing, focusing on more intricate harmonies and stylistic variety.
Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits) Advanced collaborative performance training, emphasizing musical interaction and repertoire development.
Private Lesson & Jury Performance III (2 credits) One-on-one instruction tailored to individual goals, culminating in a jury performance to assess technical and artistic growth.

Advanced Musicianship (3 credits) Focuses on advanced music concepts, including improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and performance practice across genres.
Piano Proficiency IV (1 credit) Final course in the piano proficiency series, emphasizing fluency in accompaniment, advanced voicings, and performance.
Soul/R&B Analysis & Lab (1 credit) Explores the key elements of Soul and R&B music, including vocal styles, phrasing, and rhythmic grooves, with hands-on lab sessions.
Vocal Technique IV (1 credit) Focuses on mastery of vocal techniques, including dynamic control, tone consistency, and preparing for professional performance.
Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit) Advanced training in vocal performance, focusing on emotional delivery, connection with the audience, and stylistic versatility.
Music Technology II (1 credit) Expands on previous music tech skills, focusing on recording vocals, using effects, and creating tracks with digital audio workstations (DAWs).
CCM Pop Choir (1 credit) Further ensemble work, emphasizing advanced harmonization, vocal blending, and stage presence.
Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits) Advanced ensemble collaboration, focusing on live performance preparation, interaction, and stagecraft.
Private Lesson & Jury Performance IV (2 credits) One-on-one voice instruction tailored to professional-level goals, culminating in a jury evaluation.

Popular Music History I (2 credits) Examines the evolution of popular music, focusing on key genres, influential artists, and cultural movements from the early 20th century to mid-century.
Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts II (1 credit) Provides deeper insights into music publishing, copyright laws, and the business side of managing intellectual property.
Studio Recording Techniques (1 credit) Introduces the fundamentals of recording vocals in a studio setting, including mic techniques, tracking, and working with producers.
Arranging for Modern Band (1 credit) Focuses on arranging music for contemporary bands, emphasizing rhythm section integration and vocal arrangement techniques.
Intro to Songwriting (2 credits) Teaches the basics of songwriting, including melody creation, lyric development, and crafting memorable hooks.
Intro to Lyric Writing (1 credit) Focuses on developing lyrical content, emphasizing storytelling, emotion, and rhyme.
Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit) Continues refining vocal performance skills, emphasizing advanced interpretation, phrasing, and stage presence.
CCM Pop Choir (1 credit) Ensemble experience focusing on tight harmonies, vocal blending, and delivering powerful group performances.
CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits) Performance training in contemporary music styles, preparing students for live and studio work.
Private Lesson & Showcase Prep (2 credits) One-on-one vocal instruction with a focus on preparing for a professional showcase performance.

Popular Music History II (2 credits) Continues the study of popular music history, focusing on key developments, artists, and genres from mid-20th century to the present.
Getting Started in the Music Business (1 credit) Provides practical strategies for building a career in the music industry, including marketing, networking, and brand development.
Studio Recording Sessions (2 credits) Hands-on experience in professional studio recording, focusing on vocal tracking, tone control, and collaboration with producers and engineers.
Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit) Advanced vocal performance training, focusing on refining emotional delivery, audience connection, and professional presentation.
CCM Pop Choir (1 credit) Final ensemble experience in the Pop Choir, emphasizing performance techniques, harmonization, and group cohesion.
CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits) Advanced performance training in contemporary music styles, preparing students for professional live and studio performances.
Professional Showcase & Jury (2 credits) A capstone event where students present their skills in a professional showcase and undergo a final jury evaluation to assess their progress and readiness for the industry.
Private Lesson & Jury Performance V (2 credits) Final one-on-one voice instruction focused on polishing technique and artistry, culminating in a jury evaluation.