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Music

Overview

The Folsom Lake College music curriculum includes vocal and instrumental components, as well as courses on music and music history. The curriculum in music is designed to provide students with a foundation in music to gain an appreciation of, and an interest in, pursuing music as a hobby or career.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A.-T. in Music
  • A.A. in Commercial Music, Entrepreneurship
  • A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities
  • Commercial Music: Live Sound Technician Certificate
  • Commercial Music: Multimedia Music Composition Certificate
  • Commercial Music: Music Entrepreneurship Certificate
  • Commercial Music: Performance Certificate
  • Commercial Music: World Music Certificate

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Music

Completion of this degree provides a basic foundation in music. Program offerings include course work in music theory and aural skills, applied instrumental and vocal instruction, and ensemble performance.

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (CAL-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

AA-Ts also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUFHL 410 Music Theory and Musicianship III 4
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 41
MUIVI 420 Applied Music (1)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
MUFHL 411 Music Theory and Musicianship IV (4)
MUIVI 345 Beginning Piano I (1 - 2)
MUIVI 346 Beginning Piano II (1 - 2)
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) (2)
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) (3)
   or MUFHL 311 Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present) (3)
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 424 Commercial Music Ensemble (2)
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra (1 - 2)
Total Units: 27

1Students must enroll in and complete MUIVI 420 each semester for 4 semesters.

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Pass audition for MUIVI 420 (given the 1st week of classes.)
  • Pass music literacy test (given the first day of MUFHL 400.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • perform harmonic analysis of musical compositions and scores including advanced harmonies with borrowed chords, secondary dominants, chromatic mediants, higher tertian, augmented 6th chords and harmonic modulation.
  • perform music on 1 primary instrument/voice at a level appropriate to the area of specialization.
  • perform critical analysis of musical performances.
  • demonstrate advanced aural skills in rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation and sight-singing.
  • understand, identify and recognize the elements of music including melody, rhythm, harmony, formal structures and cadences.

Career Information

Individuals with four-year degrees in music may teach in the K-12 educational field as well as perform in professional music ensembles, direct religious and community music groups, instruct in private music studios, compose for media and publishing, engage in music entrepreneurship endeavors, and serve as administrative staff for music organizations. Advanced degrees in music may lead to careers as educators at the college or university level, performers, music directors, music editors, ethnomusicologists, and music journalists.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Commercial Music, Entrepreneurship

This program is designed to prepare students for the multiple musical and business skills required in the modern music industry including live-performance, self-producing audio and video recordings, touring, merchandising, marketing and promotion. It also prepares students to integrate emergent technologies into their music revenue models and to monetize musical products and services through internet applications.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 111 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 306 Live Sound Reinforcement 3
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
MUFHL 308 Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll (3) 3
   or MUFHL 315 Jazz History (3)
   or MUFHL 330 World Music (3)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
MUIVI 420 Applied Music (1)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra (1 - 2)
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 424 Commercial Music Ensemble (2)
MUP 426 World Music Ensemble (1)
Total Units: 31.5

The Commercial Music, Entrepreneurship Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete an audition for Applied Music prior to the 1st semester of enrollment.
  • Meet eligibility for enrollment in MUFHL 400 by taking MUFHL 321 (offered each summer) or passing the challenge exam.
  • Enroll in an ensemble course (MUP series) each semester of enrollment in the program.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Contact Music Dept. Chair to schedule audition for MUIVI 420.
  • Enroll in MUFHL 321 or contact Music Dept. Chair to take challenge exam prior to beginning of Fall term.
  • Meet with counseling staff to declare major.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Perform/record a variety of solo and ensemble repertoire representative of several different genre.
  • Develop a comprehensive marketing plan for a music ensemble or business that utilizes online marketing tools and incorporates multiple revenue streams and expanding areas of geographic impact.
  • Produce a 3-track demo recording (audio) incorporating recorded live (human) instrumentals/vocals, digitally sequenced backing tracks and edited using pro audio software applications.
  • Produce a marketing video for a musical performance/product/tour for use in online marketing campaigns.

Career Information

Students completing the Commercial Music Entrepreneurship Degree will have numerous career opportunities aligned with the 21st century music industry, the gig economy and the multiple revenue stream model of employment, including (but not limited to): performer, arranger, composer, producer, sound engineer, live sound technician, music agent, promoter, music educator and music business owner.


A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who seek a greater understanding of disciplines within the arts and humanities. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Arts and Humanities. These courses emphasize the study of cultural, literary, and humanistic activities and artistic expression of human beings. Students will evaluate and interpret the ways in which people throughout the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and expression (Arts and Humanities). Students will learn to value aesthetic understanding and incorporate these concepts when constructing value judgments (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: Art, English, Foreign Language, Humanities, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, and Theatre Arts).

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
ANTH 330 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I (3)
ART 302 Drawing and Composition II (3)
ART 304 Figure Drawing I (3)
ART 308 Perspective Drawing (3)
ART 310 Pen and Ink Drawing (3)
ART 312 Portrait Drawing (3)
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3)
ART 323 Design: Color Theory (3)
ART 327 Painting I (3)
ART 332 Oil Painting (3)
ART 334 Acrylic Painting (3)
ART 336 Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 337 Intermediate Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 361 Printmaking: Survey (3)
ART 370 Three Dimensional Design (3)
ART 372 Sculpture (3)
ART 373 Intermediate Sculpture (3)
ART 383 Metal Design: Emphasis In Fabrication (3)
ART 386 Intermediate Metal Design: Emphasis in Fabrication (3)
ART 387 Intermediate Metal Design: Emphasis in Forming (3)
ART 390 Ceramics (3)
ART 402 Beginning Clay Sculpture (3)
ART 404 Intermediate Clay Sculpture (3)
ART 430 Art and Children (3)
ARTH 300 Art Appreciation (3)
ARTH C1100 Survey of Art from Prehistory to the Medieval Era (3)
ARTH 304 Ancient Art (3)
ARTH 306 Medieval Art (3)
ARTH 307 Italian Renaissance Art (3)
ARTH 309 Art Survey: Renaissance to 19th Century (3)
ARTH 311 Art Survey: Modern Art (3)
ARTH 312 Women in Art (3)
ARTH 318 History of American Art (3)
ARTH 324 Art of the Americas (3)
ARTH 325 Native American Art History (3)
ARTH 328 Survey of African Art (3)
ARTH 330 Survey of African-American Art (3)
ARTH 332 Asian Art (3)
ARTH 333 Introduction to Islamic Art (3)
COMM 305 Oral Interpretation (3)
DANCE 380 World Dance History (3)
ECE 361 Introducing Young Children to Visual Arts (3)
ECE 363 Music and Movement with Young Children (3)
ENGCW 400 Creative Writing (3)
ENGCW 410 Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
ENGCW 420 Poetry Writing Workshop (3)
ENGCW 430 Creative Non-Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
ENGLT 303 Introduction to the Short Story (3)
ENGLT 305 Introduction to the Novel (3)
ENGLT 310 English Literature I (3)
ENGLT 311 English Literature II (3)
ENGLT 319 Introduction to English Epic Poetry (3)
ENGLT 320 American Literature I (3)
ENGLT 321 American Literature II (3)
ENGLT 330 African American Literature (3)
ENGLT 339 Postmodern American Fiction (3)
ENGLT 340 World Literature I (3)
ENGLT 341 World Literature II (3)
ENGLT 345 Mythologies of the World (3)
ENGLT 359 Prison Writings: The Rhetoric of Resistance (3)
ENGLT 360 Women in Literature (3)
ENGLT 370 Children and Literature (3)
ENGLT 402 Introduction to Shakespeare and Film (3)
ENGL 301 College Composition and Literature (3)
ENGL 481 Honors College Composition and Literature (3)
FREN 401 Elementary French (4)
FREN 402 Elementary French (4)
FREN 411 Intermediate French (4)
FREN 412 Intermediate French (4)
HIST 301 History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3)
HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST C1001 United States History to 1877 (3)
HIST C1002 United States History since 1865 (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368 History of France (3)
HUM 300 Classical Humanities (3)
HUM 301 Introduction to the Humanities (3)
HUM 310 Modern Humanities (3)
HUM 320 Asian Humanities (3)
HUM 325 Arts and Humanities of the Islamic World (3)
HUM 332 American Humanities (3)
HUM 370 Women and the Creative Imagination (3)
MUFHL 300 Introduction to Music (3)
MUFHL 308 Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll (3)
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) (3)
MUFHL 311 Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present) (3)
MUFHL 315 Jazz History (3)
MUFHL 321 Basic Musicianship (3)
MUFHL 330 World Music (3)
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I (4)
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II (4)
MUFHL 410 Music Theory and Musicianship III (4)
MUFHL 411 Music Theory and Musicianship IV (4)
MUIVI 310 Voice Class I (2)
MUIVI 345 Beginning Piano I (1 - 2)
MUIVI 370 Beginning Guitar (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
PHIL 300 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
PHIL 330 History of Classical Philosophy (3)
PHIL 331 History of Modern Philosophy (3)
PHIL 350 Philosophy of Religion (3)
PHIL 352 Introduction to World Religions (3)
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography (3)
PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3)
SILA 305 American Sign Language 1 (4)
SILA 306 American Sign Language 2 (4)
SILA 315 American Sign Language 3 (4)
SILA 316 American Sign Language 4 (4)
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
SPAN 402 Elementary Spanish II (4)
SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre (3)
TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I (3)
TA 303 History and Theory of the Theatre II (3)
TA 304 Women in Theatre (3)
TA 308 Diversity in American Theatre (3)
TA 340 Beginning Acting (3)
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I (3)
TA 351 Theory and Techniques of Acting II (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film (3)
TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film (3)
TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres (3)
TAFILM 330 Film Making (3)
TAFILM 360 Screenwriting (3)
TAP 300 Modern Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 310 Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 320 Classical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 330 Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 340 Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 350 Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 360 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 370 Children's Theatre Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 380 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 390 Repertory and Touring Technical Production I (1 - 3)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate and interpret the ways in which people throughout the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and expression (Arts and Humanities).

Certificates of Achievement

Commercial Music: Live Sound Technician Certificate

This certificate is designed to train students in live sound reinforcement for preparation for employment as live sound technicians in concert halls, at music venues, theaters, houses of worship, music festivals and other locations where public address systems are utilized.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUSM 306 Live Sound Reinforcement 3
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
TA 422 Stage Lighting 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
MUSM 498 Work Experience in Music Specializations (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 16.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • run a public address system for live performances in a variety of settings.
  • design and build an onstage live sound set-up utilizing mixers, speakers, sub-woofers, monitors, microphones and amplifiers.
  • diagnose and address problems with feedback, unwanted distortion, equipment buzzing and other extraneous sound to maximize amplification while minimizing noise.

Career Information

Students who complete the program will be prepared for employment as live sound technicians in concert halls, music venues, theaters, houses of worship, at music festivals and for other events utilizing a public address system.


Commercial Music: Multimedia Music Composition Certificate

This certificate offers training in music composition geared towards gainful employment in the television, film, video gaming, internet and commercial music industries.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUFHL 410 Music Theory and Musicianship III 4
MUFHL 411 Music Theory and Musicianship IV 4
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
MUSM 320 Contemporary Songwriting 3
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 424 Commercial Music Ensemble (2)
MUP 426 World Music Ensemble (1)
Total Units: 24.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compose music for a variety of commercial applications, utilizing composition techniques from a range of musical styles and periods.
  • sync original music with video footage of film, television, animation and video game applications.
  • create an online portfolio of original music representing a variety of multimedia modalities.

Career Information

Composer for Film, TV, Radio, Commercials, Video Games and Websites; Songwriter.


Commercial Music: Music Entrepreneurship Certificate

This program is designed to provide students with the diverse set of skills required of musicians in the rapidly evolving music industry, including performing, composing, recording, promotion, marketing and management.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 111 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 320 Contemporary Songwriting 3
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
MUIVI 380 Improvisation Workshop I 2
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 311 Advanced Orchestra (1 - 2)
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
MUP 424 Commercial Music Ensemble (2)
MUP 426 World Music Ensemble (1)
A minimum of 1 unit from the following: 1
MUSM 498 Work Experience in Music Specializations (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 25.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a mastery of commercial music styles on one primary instrument/voice including demonstrating an ability to improvise solo passages.
  • understand key developments in the music industry and the related economic opportunities created by these emerging technologies and revenue streams.
  • evaluate the relative advantages of professionally produced audio recordings/media vs. "do-it-yourself" recordings/media and describe the industry applicability of both.
  • construct a business marketing plan for a performing artist/ensemble based upon models of expanding local, regional and national industry markets.
  • explain the processes of protecting intellectual property in the music industry including song registration, copyrighting original works and trademark registration.

Career Information

Career opportunities include multiple aspects of the music industry including live performance, composition, concert promotion, music marketing, artist management, recording and audio production.


Commercial Music: Performance Certificate

This program is designed to prepare students to embark on industry careers in music performance and/or to transfer to four-year programs with an emphasis in Music Performance.

Due to the MUIVI 420 requirement in this program, students are advised to contact the music department chair and schedule an audition for MUIVI 420 immediately upon enrolling in this program of study.

Additionally, students are required to be enrolled in an FLC performance ensemble each semester that they are enrolled in this certificate program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 401 Music Theory and Musicianship II 4
MUSM 110 The Business of Music 3
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUIVI 380 Improvisation Workshop I 2
MUIVI 381 Improvisation Workshop II 2
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUIVI 420 Applied Music (1)
A minimum of 1 unit from the following: 1
MUSM 498 Work Experience in Music Specializations (0.5 - 4)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
   or MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
   or MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
   or MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
   or MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
   or MUP 400 Vocal Jazz Ensemble (2)
   or MUP 422 Special Ensemble Participation (0.5 - 2)
   or MUP 424 Commercial Music Ensemble (2)
   or MUP 426 World Music Ensemble (1)
Total Units: 24

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate performance ability on a chosen voice or instrument(s) in a variety of musical genre.
  • prepare an audition for music industry employment and/or admission to a transfer institution.
  • produce a demo tape consisting of three contrasting selections.
  • demonstrate a knowledge of evolving music industry economic models and means of gaining employment through them.

Career Information

This program will prepare students for performance careers in a variety of 21st century industry leading music genre including acid-jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, and alternative/indie.


Commercial Music: World Music Certificate

This certificate is designed to prepare students for employment in the field of World Music performance and/or transfer to undergraduate programs in ethnomusicology.

It is a requirement that students be enrolled in MUP 426 during each semester until they complete the program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 330 World Music 3
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 2
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools 1.5
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUP 426 World Music Ensemble (1)
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
MUIVI 420 Applied Music (1)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
MUSM 498 Work Experience in Music Specializations (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 17.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate performance ability in a variety of World Music genre.
  • synthesize knowledge of performance practices within various World Music traditions with performance techniques on both Western and World Music instruments.
  • analyze economic models of globalization and determine impacts upon the music industry.
  • produce a demo CD of 3 contrasting World Music selections.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for a variety of careers in the fields of World Music and ethnomusicology including performer, producer, concert promoter, radio/internet DJ and entrepreneur.

Catalog