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Performance
Certificate
California College of Music’s Performance Certificate equips students with the technical and collaborative skills essential for thriving in today’s music industry.
12 MONTH PROGRAM
60 CREDITS
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Performance Certificate
At CCM's Apprentice in Performance Program, you'll immerse yourself in mastering bass, drums, keys, guitar, and voice. Develop your technical skills, refine your artistry, and build a solid foundation in music theory and ear training. Through live performances, ensemble workshops, and one-on-one mentorship, you'll gain the confidence and expertise needed to excel on stage and beyond.
California College of Music / Performance Program / Certificate
As a graduate of the California College of Music Songwriting & Production Program you'll be able to:
$23,880
Certificate
Tuition
Build a strong foundation
Gain a deep understanding of music theory, ear training, and rhythm to elevate your artistry.
Collaborate seamlessly
Join ensembles and connect with peers to explore diverse styles and create unforgettable music.
Shine on Stage
Develop stage presence and confidence through live performances and ensemble workshops.
Perfect your craft
Work one-on-one with expert mentors to hone your skills and achieve your artistic goals.
Prepare for the spotlight
Learn the essentials of recording and performance to thrive in professional music settings.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
12 MONTH PROGRAM
60 CREDITS
Bass
Drums
Keyboard
Guitar
Voice
Bass
• Popular Music Theory I (3 credits)
An introduction to the fundamentals of popular music theory, covering chord structures, scales, and basic harmony concepts.
• Ear Training I (2 credits)
Develops listening skills through interval recognition, melodic dictation, and rhythmic patterns.
• Sight-reading I (1 credit)
Focuses on reading and interpreting musical notation accurately and fluently.
• Rhythm Training I (1 credit)
Strengthens rhythmic precision and understanding through practical exercises.
• Piano Proficiency I (1 credit)
Provides foundational piano skills tailored for non-pianists, emphasizing practical music applications.
• Textures, Tones & Looping (1 credit)
Introduces creative sound layering techniques and looping for live and recorded performance contexts.
• Bass Technique I (1 credit)
Focuses on fundamental bass playing techniques, including finger placement, plucking, and posture.
• CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Hands-on performance experience with a focus on groove-based music styles in an ensemble setting.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Collaborative performance training, emphasizing teamwork and live performance preparation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance I (2 credits)
One-on-one bass instruction with personalized feedback and a jury performance evaluation at the end of the quarter.
• Popular Music Theory II (3 credits)
Builds on foundational theory concepts, introducing more advanced harmony, chord progressions, and modulation techniques.
• Ear Training II (2 credits)
Continues the development of aural skills, focusing on complex intervals, melodic dictation, and advanced rhythmic patterns.
• Sight-reading II (1 credit)
Advances the ability to interpret and perform written music with increased accuracy and fluency.
• Rhythm Training II (1 credit)
Expands on rhythmic exercises, focusing on syncopation and polyrhythms in various musical styles.
• Piano Proficiency II (1 credit)
Enhances basic piano skills, emphasizing chord voicings, inversions, and playing from lead sheets.
• Blues Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Analyzes the structure and style of blues music, complemented by practical application in a lab setting.
• Bass Technique II (1 credit)
Advances technical bass skills, introducing more intricate finger techniques, articulation, and dynamic control.
• CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Further development of ensemble skills with an emphasis on groove and stylistic diversity in live performance.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Continues ensemble collaboration, focusing on repertoire building and stage presence.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance II (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction tailored to individual progress, culminating in a jury performance evaluation.
• Extended Harmony (3 credits)
Explores advanced harmonic concepts such as secondary dominants, chromaticism, and modal interchange.
• Ear Training III (2 credits)
Further develops listening skills with a focus on complex melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation.
• Sight-reading III (1 credit)
Enhances sight-reading proficiency with more challenging musical passages and real-time interpretation.
• Piano Proficiency III (1 credit)
Builds on prior skills, introducing advanced techniques such as playing in different styles and improvisation.
• Applied Theory Lab I (1 credit)
Practical application of theoretical knowledge in performance settings, focusing on improvisation and arranging.
• Latin Styles Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Studies the structure and characteristics of Latin music genres with hands-on performance practice.
• Music Technology I (1 credit)
Introduces basic music production tools and techniques, including DAWs, MIDI, and audio recording.
• Bass Technique III (1 credit)
Continues to refine bass-playing techniques with a focus on speed, accuracy, and stylistic adaptability.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Deepens ensemble skills, emphasizing cohesion, dynamics, and group improvisation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance III (2 credits)
Advanced private instruction focusing on technical mastery and artistry, culminating in a jury performance evaluation.
• Advanced Musicianship (3 credits)
Focuses on refining musical skills, including advanced harmonic analysis, improvisation, and stylistic interpretation.
• Piano Proficiency IV (1 credit)
Completes the piano proficiency series, emphasizing fluidity in performance and playing across diverse genres.
• Applied Theory Lab II (1 credit)
Expands on theoretical knowledge with practical exercises in arranging, transcribing, and composing for various settings.
• Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts I (1 credit)
Introduces the basics of music publishing, copyright law, and understanding contracts relevant to musicians.
• R&B/Soul Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Studies the structure and stylistic nuances of R&B and Soul genres, complemented by hands-on lab sessions.
• Music Technology II (1 credit)
Advances music production skills, focusing on audio editing, mixing, and integrating virtual instruments.
• Bass Technique IV (1 credit)
Mastery-level bass technique development, including advanced articulation, phrasing, and tone control.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Continues ensemble training with emphasis on performance confidence, cohesion, and musical interpretation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance IV (2 credits)
Individual instruction focusing on achieving professional-level performance skills, concluding with a jury evaluation.
• Popular Music History I (2 credits)
Explores the evolution of popular music, focusing on influential genres, artists, and cultural impact from early 20th century to mid-century.
• Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts II (1 credit)
Delves deeper into music publishing, rights management, and contract negotiation strategies.
• Studio Recording Techniques (1 credit)
Introduces the fundamentals of studio recording, including microphone techniques, signal flow, and basic tracking.
• Arranging for Modern Band (1 credit)
Teaches techniques for arranging music for contemporary ensembles, focusing on harmony, instrumentation, and stylistic authenticity.
• Rhythm Section Tracking (1 credit)
Covers collaborative performance and recording techniques for rhythm sections in studio settings.
• CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Provides hands-on experience performing jazz repertoire in a group setting, with emphasis on improvisation and ensemble dynamics.
• CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits)
Focuses on performing modern music styles in a collaborative group environment, preparing students for live and studio work.
• Private Lesson & Showcase Prep (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction aimed at preparing students for a professional showcase performance.
• Popular Music History II (2 credits)
Continues the exploration of popular music history, focusing on genres, artists, and cultural movements from the mid-20th century to the present.
• Getting Started in the Music Business (1 credit)
Provides an introduction to the business side of music, including marketing strategies, networking, and career planning.
• Studio Recording Sessions (2 credits)
Focuses on hands-on recording experience in a professional studio environment, emphasizing session workflow and collaboration.
• CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Advanced ensemble training in jazz, emphasizing improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and group cohesion.
• 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 performance event where students demonstrate their skills in a professional showcase and jury evaluation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance V (2 credits)
Final one-on-one instruction focusing on advanced technique and artistry, culminating in a jury evaluation.
Drums
.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.
• 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.
.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.
.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.
• 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.
• 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.
Keyboard
• Popular Music Theory I (3 credits)
Introduction to the basics of music theory, focusing on scales, chords, and harmonic structures relevant to popular music.
• Ear Training I (2 credits)
Develops listening skills for recognizing intervals, melodies, and rhythms by ear.
• Piano Proficiency I (1 credit)
Foundational skills for playing the piano, including hand coordination, sight-reading, and basic chord progressions.
• Keyboard Technique I (1 credit)
Focuses on proper hand posture, fingering, and technical exercises to build dexterity and precision.
• Keyboard Sight-reading I (1 credit)
Introduces sight-reading techniques specific to keyboard players, emphasizing real-time music interpretation.
• Music Technology I (1 credit)
Basic training in digital audio workstations (DAWs), MIDI programming, and using technology in live and studio performance.
• CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Hands-on ensemble performance focused on groove-based music styles, developing rhythmic and collaborative skills.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Collaborative workshop emphasizing group dynamics and live performance preparation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance I (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction in keyboard performance, culminating in a jury evaluation to assess progress.
1. Popular Music Theory II (3 credits)
Builds upon foundational theory, introducing advanced harmonic progressions, modulation techniques, and analysis of popular music styles.
2. Ear Training II (2 credits)
Enhances aural skills, focusing on more complex intervals, rhythms, and melodic dictation.
3. Piano Proficiency II (1 credit)
Advances piano playing skills, emphasizing chord inversions, lead sheet reading, and performance fluency.
4. Keyboard Technique II (1 credit)
Develops more intricate technical skills, including scales, arpeggios, and dynamic control for expressive playing.
5. Keyboard Sight-reading II (1 credit)
Focuses on improving the ability to read and perform music at sight, including chord symbols and notation.
6. Music Technology II (1 credit)
Explores intermediate-level DAW techniques, MIDI sequencing, and incorporating technology into live performances.
7. CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Continued ensemble experience emphasizing rhythm, groove, and teamwork in group performance settings.
8. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Further collaboration in ensemble settings, focusing on live performance skills and repertoire development.
9. Private Lesson & Jury Performance II (2 credits)
Personalized keyboard instruction tailored to individual progress, culminating in a jury performance evaluation.
1. Extended Harmony (3 credits)
Explores advanced harmonic concepts, such as secondary dominants, chromaticism, and modal interchange, applied to contemporary music.
2. Ear Training III (2 credits)
Further develops aural skills with a focus on complex harmonic progressions, rhythmic patterns, and melodic dictation.
3. Piano Proficiency III (1 credit)
Enhances piano fluency with an emphasis on stylistic interpretation, voicings, and solo performance skills.
4. Keyboard Technique III (1 credit)
Focuses on advanced technical exercises, including complex scales, arpeggios, and improvisation techniques.
5. Keyboard Sight-reading III (1 credit)
Improves real-time interpretation of advanced music charts and compositions, focusing on both classical and modern styles.
6. Applied Theory Lab I (1 credit)
Practical application of music theory through transcription, arranging, and improvisation exercises.
7. Latin Styles Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Studies rhythmic and harmonic elements of Latin music styles, with hands-on performance practice.
8. CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Hands-on performance with an ensemble, focusing on groove, rhythm, and blending in a live band context.
9. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Advanced ensemble collaboration focusing on musical interaction, stage presence, and repertoire preparation.
10. Private Lesson & Jury Performance III (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction emphasizing advanced techniques and artistry, culminating in a jury evaluation.
• Advanced Musicianship (3 credits)
Focuses on advanced musical concepts, including improvisation, complex rhythms, and stylistic interpretation across genres.
• Piano Proficiency IV (1 credit)
Final course in the piano proficiency series, emphasizing advanced voicings, stylistic diversity, and fluency in performance.
• Keyboard Technique IV (1 credit)
Continues to refine advanced technical exercises, focusing on speed, dynamics, and articulation for professional-level performance.
• Keyboard Sight-reading IV (1 credit)
Mastery of sight-reading complex charts, including lead sheets, orchestral scores, and modern arrangements.
• Applied Theory Lab II (1 credit)
Builds on the first lab with more advanced exercises in arranging, transcription, and harmonization.
• Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts I (1 credit)
Introduces music industry essentials, covering copyright law, publishing practices, and contract negotiation.
• R&B/Soul Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Studies the harmonic, rhythmic, and stylistic elements of R&B and Soul music, paired with practical lab exercises.
• CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Continued focus on playing in an ensemble, emphasizing groove, interaction, and stylistic adaptability.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Collaborative workshop aimed at preparing students for live performances, focusing on repertoire building and cohesion.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance IV (2 credits)
Advanced individual instruction tailored to professional-level goals, culminating in a jury performance.
1. Popular Music History I (2 credits)
Explores the evolution of popular music, focusing on genres, influential artists, and cultural movements from the early 20th century to mid-century.
2. Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts II (1 credit)
Provides deeper insights into music publishing, copyright management, and advanced contract negotiations.
3. Studio Recording Techniques (1 credit)
Teaches the fundamentals of studio recording, including microphone techniques, tracking, and working with recording engineers.
4. Arranging for Modern Band (1 credit)
Focuses on creating arrangements for contemporary music ensembles, emphasizing rhythm section integration and stylistic authenticity.
5. Rhythm Section Tracking (1 credit)
Hands-on training in collaborating with rhythm sections during studio recording sessions, focusing on timing and cohesion.
6. CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Provides practical experience performing in a jazz ensemble, emphasizing improvisation, dynamics, and ensemble interplay.
7. CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits)
Prepares students for live and studio performance in modern music styles, focusing on collaboration and repertoire development.
8. Private Lesson & Showcase Prep (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction aimed at preparing students for their professional showcase performance, with individualized coaching.
1. Popular Music History II (2 credits)
Continues the study of popular music history, focusing on key genres, artists, and cultural developments from mid-20th century to the present.
2. Getting Started in the Music Business (1 credit)
Offers practical advice and strategies for launching a career in the music industry, including marketing, networking, and career planning.
3. Studio Recording Sessions (2 credits)
Provides advanced, hands-on experience in a professional recording studio, focusing on keyboard tracking and session workflow.
4. CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Advanced training in jazz ensemble performance, emphasizing improvisation, stylistic nuances, and group dynamics.
5. CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits)
Final ensemble experience, preparing students for professional-level live and studio performance in contemporary music genres.
6. Professional Showcase & Jury (2 credits)
A capstone event where students demonstrate their skills in a professional showcase performance and undergo a final jury evaluation.
7. Private Lesson & Jury Performance V (2 credits)
Advanced one-on-one instruction tailored to refining technique, artistry, and professional readiness, culminating in a jury assessment.
Guitar
1. Popular Music Theory I (3 credits)
Introduction to the fundamentals of music theory, focusing on chords, scales, and harmonic analysis specific to popular music styles.
2. Ear Training I (2 credits)
Develops aural skills through interval recognition, melodic dictation, and rhythmic exercises.
3. Sight-reading I (1 credit)
Introduces reading and interpreting standard music notation, focusing on rhythmic and melodic accuracy.
4. Rhythm Training I (1 credit)
Strengthens rhythm-reading skills, focusing on timing, subdivision, and syncopation.
5. Piano Proficiency I (1 credit)
Basic keyboard skills for understanding harmony and developing general musicianship.
6. Textures, Tones & Looping (1 credit)
Explores creative sound layering techniques using guitar effects, tones, and live looping.
7. Guitar Technique I (1 credit)
Focuses on foundational guitar techniques, including finger placement, picking, and posture.
8. CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Hands-on performance in an ensemble, focusing on groove-based styles and rhythm section collaboration.
9. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Collaborative performance experience with live band training, emphasizing repertoire building and stage dynamics.
10. Private Lesson & Jury Performance I (2 credits)
Personalized one-on-one guitar instruction, culminating in a jury evaluation to assess progress and technique.
• Popular Music Theory II (3 credits)
Builds upon foundational theory concepts, focusing on advanced chord progressions, modulation, and harmonic structures.
• Ear Training II (2 credits)
Continues the development of aural skills, with more complex intervals, melodies, and rhythmic dictation.
• Sight-reading II (1 credit)
Advances the ability to interpret and perform written music notation with greater fluency and accuracy.
• Rhythm Training II (1 credit)
Expands on rhythmic concepts, focusing on syncopation, odd time signatures, and groove variations.
• Piano Proficiency II (1 credit)
Enhances keyboard skills, emphasizing chord inversions, scales, and stylistic playing.
• Blues Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Studies the structure and stylistic elements of blues music, complemented by hands-on lab exercises.
• Guitar Technique II (1 credit)
Advances technical guitar skills, focusing on speed, accuracy, and expressive techniques.
• CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Further experience in ensemble performance, focusing on groove, dynamics, and stylistic adaptability.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Continued collaboration in ensemble settings, preparing students for live and studio performances.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance II (2 credits)
Personalized instruction tailored to individual goals, culminating in a jury evaluation to assess progress.
• Extended Harmony (3 credits)
Explores advanced harmonic concepts, including secondary dominants, chromatic harmony, and modal interchange.
• Ear Training III (2 credits)
Develops advanced aural skills, focusing on complex harmonic progressions, rhythmic patterns, and melodic dictation.
• Sight-reading III (1 credit)
Enhances proficiency in reading and performing challenging guitar charts and musical notation.
• Piano Proficiency III (1 credit)
Advances piano playing techniques, emphasizing fluency in chord voicings, soloing, and stylistic performance.
• Applied Theory Lab I (1 credit)
Practical application of music theory, focusing on improvisation, arranging, and transcription exercises.
• Latin Styles Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Studies the rhythmic and harmonic elements of Latin music, with hands-on performance practice.
• Guitar Technique III (1 credit)
Focuses on refining guitar techniques, including alternate picking, legato phrasing, and advanced articulation.
• CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Hands-on performance in a groove-based ensemble, emphasizing rhythm section interplay and dynamics.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Further development of ensemble skills, focusing on stage presence, repertoire building, and live performance preparation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance III (2 credits)
Individualized instruction aimed at refining artistic expression and technical mastery, culminating in a jury performance.
• Advanced Musicianship (3 credits)
Develops advanced skills in music interpretation, improvisation, and complex rhythmic and harmonic concepts.
• Piano Proficiency IV (1 credit)
Final course in the piano proficiency series, focusing on advanced playing techniques, sight-reading, and stylistic versatility.
• Applied Theory Lab II (1 credit)
Builds on the first lab with advanced exercises in arranging, transcription, and harmonization, tailored for guitarists.
• Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts I (1 credit)
Introduces music industry basics, including intellectual property, copyright law, and contract negotiation.
• R&B/Soul Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Examines the key elements of R&B and Soul music, paired with hands-on performance practice in a lab setting.
• Guitar Technique IV (1 credit)
Focuses on advanced techniques, including speed, tone control, and developing a personal playing style.
• CCM Groove Ensemble (1 credit)
Continued ensemble experience with an emphasis on groove, collaboration, and rhythm section dynamics.
• Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Advanced collaborative performance training, focusing on live performance skills and musical interpretation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance IV (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction to further refine technical and artistic abilities, culminating in a jury evaluation.
• Popular Music History I (2 credits)
Studies the evolution of popular music, focusing on influential genres, artists, and cultural movements from the early 20th century to mid-century.
• Publishing, Copyright, and Contracts II (1 credit)
Delves deeper into music publishing, licensing, and advanced contract negotiations, tailored to the modern musician.
• Studio Recording Techniques (1 credit)
Provides foundational knowledge in studio recording, focusing on mic techniques, tracking, and working with recording engineers.
• Arranging for Modern Band (1 credit)
Teaches arranging skills for contemporary music ensembles, emphasizing rhythm section integration and stylistic authenticity.
• Rhythm Section Tracking (1 credit)
Offers hands-on experience collaborating with rhythm sections during studio recording sessions, focusing on timing and group cohesion.
• CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Provides practical experience performing jazz repertoire, emphasizing improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and group dynamics.
• CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits)
Focuses on performing modern music styles in an ensemble setting, preparing students for live and studio work.
• Private Lesson & Showcase Prep (2 credits)
One-on-one instruction focused on preparing students for their professional showcase performance, with personalized coaching.
• Popular Music History II (2 credits)
Continues the exploration of popular music history, focusing on genres, artists, and cultural developments from the mid-20th century to the present.
• Getting Started in the Music Business (1 credit)
Offers practical strategies for launching a music career, including networking, marketing, and industry-specific best practices.
• Studio Recording Sessions (2 credits)
Hands-on recording experience in a professional studio setting, focusing on guitar tracking, tone, and session workflow.
• CCM Jazz Ensemble (1 credit)
Advanced training in jazz ensemble performance, emphasizing improvisation, stylistic nuances, and group dynamics.
• CCM Contemporary Ensemble (2 credits)
Final ensemble experience, preparing students for professional live and studio performances in modern music styles.
• Professional Showcase & Jury (2 credits)
Capstone event where students demonstrate their performance skills in a professional showcase and undergo a jury evaluation.
• Private Lesson & Jury Performance V (2 credits)
Final one-on-one instruction aimed at refining technical and artistic skills, culminating in a jury performance evaluation.
Voice
1. Popular Music Theory I (3 credits)
Introduction to the fundamentals of music theory, focusing on scales, chords, and harmonic analysis relevant to popular music.
2. Ear Training I (2 credits)
Develops listening skills for recognizing intervals, rhythms, and melodies by ear, essential for singers.
3. Rhythm Training I (1 credit)
Strengthens rhythmic accuracy and timing through practical exercises.
4. Sight-reading I (1 credit)
Focuses on reading and interpreting musical notation, specifically for vocalists.
5. Piano Proficiency I (1 credit)
Basic keyboard skills for singers, emphasizing harmony, scales, and sight-reading.
6. Vocal Technique I (1 credit)
Introduces foundational vocal techniques, including breath control, tone production, and diction.
7. Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit)
Provides hands-on training in vocal performance, focusing on stage presence and interpretation.
8. CCM Pop Choir (1 credit)
Ensemble singing experience focusing on harmonization, vocal blending, and group dynamics.
9. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Collaborative performance training in a live band setting, emphasizing teamwork and repertoire building.
10. Private Lesson & Jury Performance I (2 credits)
One-on-one voice instruction tailored to individual needs, culminating in a jury evaluation to assess progress.
1. Popular Music Theory II (3 credits)
Builds on foundational music theory, introducing advanced chord progressions, harmonic analysis, and modulation techniques.
2. Ear Training II (2 credits)
Enhances aural recognition skills with more complex melodies, rhythms, and harmonic progressions.
3. Rhythm Training II (1 credit)
Expands rhythmic skills, focusing on syncopation, odd time signatures, and advanced rhythmic patterns.
4. Sight-reading II (1 credit)
Advances sight-reading proficiency, emphasizing fluency in reading vocal parts and interpreting phrasing.
5. Piano Proficiency II (1 credit)
Develops keyboard skills for singers, focusing on playing chord progressions and accompanying themselves.
6. Vocal Technique II (1 credit)
Focuses on advancing vocal technique, including dynamic control, range expansion, and vocal agility.
7. Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit)
Continued training in vocal performance, focusing on interpretation and emotional delivery of songs.
8. CCM Pop Choir (1 credit)
Further ensemble experience, emphasizing tight harmonization and vocal blending in contemporary styles.
9. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Collaborative workshop where students work on live band performances, refining stage presence and teamwork.
10. Private Lesson & Jury Performance II (2 credits)
Personalized vocal instruction aimed at refining technique, with a jury performance to assess progress.
1. Extended Harmony (3 credits)
Introduces advanced harmonic concepts, including chromaticism, modal interchange, and secondary dominants.
2. Ear Training III (2 credits)
Develops advanced aural skills, focusing on complex melodic dictation, harmonic progressions, and rhythm recognition.
3. Piano Proficiency III (1 credit)
Builds on prior piano skills, emphasizing advanced chord voicings, accompaniment, and improvisation.
4. Latin Styles Analysis & Lab (1 credit)
Studies the rhythmic and harmonic elements of Latin music genres, with practical application in performance.
5. Vocal Technique III (1 credit)
Focuses on refining vocal tone, increasing stamina, and developing advanced techniques such as vibrato control and dynamics.
6. Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit)
Hands-on training in vocal performance, emphasizing expression, phrasing, and stage confidence.
7. CCM Pop Choir (1 credit)
Continued participation in ensemble singing, focusing on more intricate harmonies and stylistic variety.
8. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Advanced collaborative performance training, emphasizing musical interaction and repertoire development.
9. 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.
1. Advanced Musicianship (3 credits)
Focuses on advanced music concepts, including improvisation, stylistic interpretation, and performance practice across genres.
2. Piano Proficiency IV (1 credit)
Final course in the piano proficiency series, emphasizing fluency in accompaniment, advanced voicings, and performance.
3. 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.
4. Vocal Technique IV (1 credit)
Focuses on mastery of vocal techniques, including dynamic control, tone consistency, and preparing for professional performance.
5. Vocal Performance Workshop (1 credit)
Advanced training in vocal performance, focusing on emotional delivery, connection with the audience, and stylistic versatility.
6. 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).
7. CCM Pop Choir (1 credit)
Further ensemble work, emphasizing advanced harmonization, vocal blending, and stage presence.
8. Ensemble Performance Workshop (or CE) (2 credits)
Advanced ensemble collaboration, focusing on live performance preparation, interaction, and stagecraft.
9. 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.
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