The College of San Mateo offers an associate degree in music that requires students to take core courses in theory and musicianship. Opportunities are available for students to participate in a jazz band, chorus or symphonic band. Students are also required to take classes in voice, guitar or piano. In order to graduate, students must also complete general education requirements in English, social science, humanities and mathematics.
The College of Performing Arts at Chapman University offers a Bachelor of Music in Performance. Numerous emphases are available in conducting, instrumental, instrumental-keyboard, collaborative arts and vocal. Students in these programs learn about reading music, playing instruments, singing in tune and performing in front of an audience. The program also requires students to take individual lessons with instructors. All seniors are given an opportunity to perform in a recital that is open to students, faculty and the public.
Students at California State University-Long Beach have the option of pursuing a Master of Music degree with concentrations in composition, composing, jazz studies, opera performance and instrumental/vocal performance. All students in the program must complete a thesis, project or recital. Students in these programs have an opportunity to learn how to write music, lead an orchestra, arrange jazz music and improve their instrument and vocal abilities. Applicants to the program must audition in front of faculty members.
The University of California-Santa Cruz offers a PhD in Music with several concentrations in the field, including Asian musics, Turkic musics, performance practices, gender studies and nationalism. While the program accepts applicants with either a bachelor's or master's degree, those with a bachelor's must complete additional coursework in tonal analysis, and music perception and cognition. Students must also complete a thesis project in their respective concentration. A dissertation must be presented and defended in front of faculty members.