Music Performance Certificates (MPC)

This intensive musical performance preparation program is designed for the student who wishes further musical study before auditioning for entrance as an applied music major at a four-year college or music conservatory. In addition to musical performance preparation, the program provides foundations in music theory and history and freshman-level English language skills.

This program is not designed as a substitute for the freshman year at a four-year college or conservatory, but some of the credits may be accepted for transfer credit by some colleges. Students should contact the college they plan to enter for its transfer policy.

A Certificate is awarded upon completion of the requirements for this program.

Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Music Performance (MPC) will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in music dictation and sight-reading.

  • Demonstrate conventional music theory analysis and writing.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the major trends in Western music history.

  • Demonstrate technical proficiency on an instrument or voice.

  • Demonstrate appropriate performance technique in an ensemble setting.

Courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

First Semester

Course No.

Descriptive Title

Credit Hours

ENG 101

Composition I

3

MUS 113

Aural Skills I

1

MUS 115

Theory I

3

MUS 201

History of Music I

3

MUS 210

Advanced Music Performance I

3

*Choice of at least one, but not more than two:

 

MUS 121

Chorus I

 

MUS 131

Jazz Ensemble I

 

MUS 136

Orchestra I

 

MUS 143

Guitar Ensemble I

 

MUS 153

Show Choir I

1-2

TOTAL

 

14-15


Second Semester

Course No.

Descriptive Title

Credit Hours

ENG 102

Composition II

3

MUS 114

Aural Skills II

1

MUS 116

Theory II

3

MUS 202

History of Music II

3

MUS 211

Advanced Performance II

3

*Choice of at least one, but not more than two:

 

MUS 122

Chorus II

 

MUS 132

Jazz Ensemble II

 

MUS 137

Orchestra II

 

MUS 144

Guitar Ensemble II

 

MUS 154

Show Choir II

1-2

TOTAL

 

14-15

 

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS

30 


* MPC students who play standard orchestral instruments must choose MUS 136 Orchestra I and MUS 137 Orchestra II as their required ensemble. MPC students who play saxophone, drum set or electric bass must choose MUS 131 Jazz Ensemble I and MUS 132 Jazz Ensemble II as their required ensemble. MPC students who play guitar must choose MUS 143 Guitar Consort I and MUS 144 Guitar Consort II as their required ensemble. All MPC voice majors must choose MUS 121 Chorus I and MUS 122 Chorus II as their required ensemble.

NOTE: Students enrolled in a Certificate program must complete at least 50% of the program credits at DCC.* Students must earn an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in order to be awarded the certificate.

*Certain courses may be required to be taken at DCC; check your specific program for these exceptions.