Skagit Valley College (SVC) offers a number of music courses for the major and non-major.
The student who wishes to major in music should meet with Dr. Diane Johnson and plan
a two-year program that will meet his or her transfer needs. Be aware that when transferring
to a four-year school or to a music conservatory, students will be asked to take a
music theory placement test as well as a piano proficiency examination. Your academic
preparation for a music major should include music theory and piano study as well
as ear training. Music majors are expected to practice their craft all four years
of college and not just in junior and senior years as with some other majors. Because
of this, careful academic planning is advised.
Our Music, Associate in Music, Direct Transfer Agreement, DTA/MRP degree, based on
the statewide DTA/MRP music degree, is especially designed for music majors.
Performing ensembles are also an important part of your musical development. SVC offers
many opportunities to perform on campus as well as out in the community with some
of our community ensembles. Contact Dr. Diane Johnson at diane.johnson@skagit.edu or 360.416.7655 for more details.
For non-music majors who love to sing or play an instrument, we offer 2 choirs: MUSC 137 and MUSC 138 (auditioned only), a Mariachi Ensemble MUSC 165 , and a number of music classes in various areas that include MUSC 128 - Jazz: America’s Artform; MUSC 127 - History of Rock and Roll; and MUSC 129 - World Music. These music courses may satisfy some of your required 15-20 credits of studies in
the arts. Check with your counselor for more details.
Sample Career Options
Students completing the Associate in Music DTA/MRP who have also met any specific
institutional GPA, performance, and audition requirements will be regarded as having
met the minimum preparation for consideration for admission to a baccalaureate Music
program. Performance requirements refers not only to performance on instrument or
voice, but also mastery of theoretical concepts and piano skills often acquired through
private lessons. Although this degree will be granted to SVC students completing a
cumulative 2.0 GPA, minimum grade-point average requirements are established by each
institution. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Music
programs are competitive and may require a higher GPA overall, a higher GPA in a selected
subset of courses or a specific minimum grade in one or more courses.
- Admission application deadlines vary; students must meet the deadline for the university
or universities to which they plan to apply for transfer admission.
- Certain schools may have additional “university-specific” requirements for admission
to the institution that are not prerequisites specifically identified in the DTA requirements.
- Certain colleges and university might have “university-specific” requirements for
graduation (ex: institutional residency requirements). Students are advised to consult
their destination college or university.
This SVC Music DTA/MRP transfers to Central Washington, Eastern Washington, UW Seattle, Western Washington, WSU Pullman, and other private colleges such as University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University, dependent on successful audition.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most
up to date information.