Question 1

Quarter 01

Accepted Answer

.Popular Music Theory I (3 credits)
Introduction to the fundamentals of popular music theory, covering chord progressions, scales, and basic harmonic analysis.
1. Ear Training I (2 credits)
Develops the ability to recognize intervals, rhythms, and melodies by ear, essential for musicianship.
2. Piano Proficiency I (1 credit)
Foundational keyboard skills tailored for drummers, focusing on understanding harmony and basic piano performance.
3. Music Technology I (1 credit)
Introduction to music production tools, including DAWs, MIDI, and basic audio recording techniques.
4. Hand Percussion (1 credit)
Exploration of hand percussion techniques, instruments, and styles from various cultures.
5. Drumset Technique I (1 credit)
Focus on essential drumming techniques, including grip, stroke, coordination, and fundamental grooves.
6. Drumset Sight-reading I (1 credit)
Develops reading skills for drum charts, rhythmic notation, and common drum parts.
7. CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Practical experience playing in an ensemble, focusing on groove, dynamics, and timekeeping.
8. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Collaborative performance training in a live band setting, emphasizing group dynamics and repertoire building.
9. Private Lesson & Jury Performance I (2 credits)
One-on-one drum instruction with personalized feedback, culminating in a jury performance evaluation.

Question 2

Quarter 02

Accepted Answer

• Popular Music Theory II (3 credits)
Expands on foundational theory concepts, covering advanced chord progressions, modulation, and harmonic analysis.
 • Ear Training II (2 credits)
Continues aural skill development, focusing on more complex melodies, rhythms, and harmonic recognition.
 • Piano Proficiency II (1 credit)
Builds on keyboard skills, emphasizing playing scales, chord inversions, and reading lead sheets.
 • Music Technology II (1 credit)
Introduces intermediate techniques in digital audio workstations (DAWs), audio editing, and MIDI sequencing.
 • Blues Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Examines the structure and style of blues music, with practical application through performance in a lab setting.
 • Drumset Technique II (1 credit)
Advances drumming techniques, focusing on speed, dynamics, and developing a consistent groove.
 • Drumset Sight-reading II (1 credit)
Further develops the ability to read and interpret drum charts, emphasizing real-world application.
 • CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Continued participation in groove-based ensemble work, emphasizing stylistic versatility and rhythm section cohesion.
 • Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Builds on ensemble collaboration skills, preparing students for live performance settings.
 • Private Lesson & Jury Performance II (2 credits)
Personalized drum instruction tailored to individual progress, culminating in a jury performance evaluation.

Question 3

Quarter 03

Accepted Answer

.Extended Harmony (3 credits)
Introduces advanced harmonic concepts, including secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and modal interchange.
 • Ear Training III (2 credits)
Enhances aural recognition of complex harmonic progressions, rhythms, and melodies, with a focus on accuracy.
 • Piano Proficiency III (1 credit)
Advances piano skills, emphasizing fluency in chord voicings, lead sheet reading, and stylistic playing.
 • Applied Theory Lab I (1 credit)
Focuses on practical application of music theory, including transcribing, arranging, and improvisation.
 • Latin Styles Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Explores the structure and rhythmic elements of Latin music, with hands-on performance practice.
 • Drumset Technique III (1 credit)
Focuses on advanced drumming techniques, including complex grooves, polyrhythms, and dynamic control.
 • Drumset Sight-reading III (1 credit)
Develops the ability to interpret advanced drum charts and rhythmic notation in real-time.
 • Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Advanced ensemble training with emphasis on musical interaction, stage presence, and repertoire development.
 • Private Lesson & Jury Performance III (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction focused on refining technique and artistry, culminating in a jury evaluation.

Question 4

Quarter 04

Accepted Answer

.Advanced Musicianship (3 credits)
Develops advanced musical skills, including improvisation, complex rhythm exercises, and stylistic interpretation.
 • Piano Proficiency IV (1 credit)
Completes the piano series, emphasizing advanced playing techniques, sight-reading, and stylistic versatility.
 • Applied Theory Lab II (1 credit)
Builds on the first lab, focusing on arranging, transcription, and harmonization in practical music settings.
 • Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts I (1 credit)
Introduces music industry basics, including intellectual property rights, copyright laws, and contract fundamentals.
 • R&B/Soul Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Examines the key elements of R&B and Soul music, paired with practical performance in a lab setting.
 • Drumset Technique IV (1 credit)
Focuses on advanced techniques, including phrasing, speed, and developing a unique voice on the drumset.
 • Drumset Sight-reading IV (1 credit)
Sharpens advanced sight-reading skills with challenging charts and complex rhythms.
 • Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Enhances ensemble skills, emphasizing communication, interpretation, and performance preparation.
 • Private Lesson & Jury Performance IV (2 credits)
Advanced private instruction tailored to individual growth, culminating in a jury evaluation to assess progress.

Question 5

Quarter 05

Accepted Answer

• Popular Music History I (2 credits)
Explores the evolution of popular music, focusing on influential genres, artists, and movements from the early 20th century to mid-century.
 • Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts II (1 credit)
Delves deeper into music industry practices, including advanced copyright issues, licensing, and negotiation strategies.
 • Studio Recording Techniques (1 credit)
Provides foundational knowledge and practical experience in recording studio operations, including mic techniques and drum tracking.
 • Arranging for Modern Band (1 credit)
Teaches techniques for arranging music for contemporary ensembles, with an emphasis on rhythm section integration.
 • Rhythm Section Tracking (1 credit)
Focuses on studio techniques for rhythm section recording, emphasizing communication and precision in tracking sessions.
 • CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Provides hands-on experience in jazz ensemble playing, focusing on improvisation, dynamics, and ensemble interaction.
 • CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits)
Develops skills for performing modern music styles in an ensemble, preparing students for live and studio work.
 • Private Lesson & Showcase Prep (2 credits)
One-on-one drum instruction with an emphasis on preparing for a professional showcase performance.

Question 6

Quarter 06

Accepted Answer

• Popular Music History II (2 credits)
Continues the study of popular music history, focusing on key developments, genres, and artists from the mid-20th century to the present.
 • Getting Started in the Music Business (1 credit)
Offers insights into career-building strategies, marketing, and networking in the music industry.
 • Studio Recording Sessions (2 credits)
Provides hands-on experience in a professional studio setting, emphasizing drum recording and collaborative techniques.
 • CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Advanced jazz ensemble training with a focus on improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and dynamic group performance.
 • CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits)
Final ensemble experience, preparing students for professional performance and collaboration in contemporary music genres.
 • Professional Showcase & Jury (2 credits)
A capstone event where students present their skills in a professional showcase and undergo a jury evaluation.
 • Private Lesson & Jury Performance V (2 credits)
Advanced one-on-one instruction aimed at refining technique and artistry, culminating in a final jury assessment.

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California College of Music’s Apprentice in Performance course equips students with the technical and collaborative skills essential for thriving in today’s music industry.

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