IVC offers a spectrum of music theory classes for all levels. Students may complement their studies with The Basics of Music (MUS 1). This course is designed primarily for the general education student and is transferable to both the UC and CSU systems. The department also offers the traditional lower division of Music Theory/Harmony (MUS 3, MUS 4, MUS 5, MUS 6). This is a four-semester sequence designed primarily for the serious music student and music major with comprehensive training in musical structures, harmony, ear training, sight-singing, dictation, and keyboard harmony, and spans the Baroque through contemporary periods of music.
The Department of Music promotes and includes student and professional composition in each of its areas, disciplines, and performance ensembles. Composition is taught across the Music Theory curriculum. IVC music students have won state composition contests, participated in composition conferences, and been accepted at the region's major universities. Music alumni are published professional composers in the classical, pop, film, radio, and television industries. Moreover, IVC music students develop their creative knowledge and artistic skills in a supportive environment and have numerous opportunities for performances and readings of their music in concerts, recitals and rehearsals.
These activities include annual extracurricular events promoting new music and original music by students, including the Midnight Blue concert and guest artist lectures on new music every fall, a student composer concert every spring, and student composition readings by major IVC music ensembles each semester. Finally, a yearly composition competition motivates IVC music students to compete and earn cash prizes at the IVC Music Student Composers Competition.