Music

Program Purpose: The music program is designed to assist student to: Apply lessons of assigned course work and or knowledge and skills attained throughout the course work to new and varied subjects. Use course work and information taught throughout the course to draw conclusions or create new sources of information that can be shared with others. Generate new ideas, express their selves creatively, or solve complex problems in an original way.

Program Description: The Music Program offers a diverse curriculum, designed for both music–majors as well as non-majors. The overall program provides students with the knowledge and experience for a broad understanding of the musical arts. The program is divided into four core subsections, “Music Theory, Music History and Literature, Instrumental Performance, and Vocal Performance. Students wanting to major in music are required to enroll in the core courses designed around their individual selected emphasis of study. Majors are expected to have a breadth of knowledge of Tonal Harmony based on the common practice period, Western History and Literature from the Middle Ages to current practice, Intermediate skills in piano proficiency, Individual lessons with students selected instrument of major, and performance experience with ensembles. Upon completion of the core courses, students are encouraged to enroll in the advance course of Music Theory, Ethnomusicology, Jazz studies, Music Technology, or Performance. In all course students are expected to develop critical think skills, evaluate through the Musical Arts their own beliefs and assumptions, as well as broadening their creative capabilities. To assist students to accomplish and develop their skills, the department has several performing ensembles, including, three levels of Vocal Ensembles, a Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music Ensembles, Jazz Band, Opera and Musical Theater. The Ventura College Department of Music has been the catalyst in developing, The Ventura Music Festival, New West Symphony, Ventura Master Chorale and continues to be the center of the musical arts in Ventura county. Students graduating with an Associate of Arts in Music degree or the Associate of Arts Transfer degree may transfer to a four-year institution to complete a Bachelor’s Degree. Career opportunities for music majors includes, performing artists with Symphony Orchestra, Opera and Musical Theater, studio musician, solo artist, composer, film and television composer, recording engineer, teacher in music, arts management, music librarian, orchestration and producer and executive director of musical events and organizations.

Department Chair: Robert Lawson
Phone: 805-289-6020
Office: PAC-145

Area Dean: Dr. Tim Harrison
Phone: (805) 289-6121
Office: AEC-212

​Administrative Assistant: Natawni Pringle
Phone: (805) 289-6040
Office: PAC-143

The Music Department enables students to complete the equivalent of the first two years of a college of university music education.

The Music Department has a diverse instructional program and it is divided into three subsections:

  1. the history of music, literature, and world cultures;
  2. a comprehensive study of theoretical practices of music composition, encompassing the periods between 15th century to the present, which includes ear training, music dictation, and sight singing; and
  3. performance practice, which includes choirs, orchestras, chamber music ensembles, opera, jazz ensembles, and early music groups.

The Music department includes an annual summer music academy housed on the campus of Ventura College Performing Arts Center, providing professional instruction and leadership to students that register for courses and music ensembles designed to educate and enhance the knowledge of instrumental music.

Courses are designed to develop and introduce Chamber Music and Orchestral instrumental music skills, attract advanced young artists, developing musicianship through many types of ensembles. Students will study with music faculty who are Internationally recognized experts in their field.

 The Music Department enables students to complete the equivalent of the first two years of a college or university music education. Many of the courses offered are required courses for a general liberal arts and sciences degree in humanities. This also includes a private lesson program, where students work with individual instructors.

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