CC transffering to USC Popular Music Program

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>I spoke to USC Thornton for a long time asking so many questions. They told me-THAT IT ISNT SUTIABLE TO COMPLETE 64 UNITS AT A CC FOR IT WONT TRANSFER ALL AND WILL MAKE ME STUCK AT THRONTON FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS.
"Cause most of the classes arent transferrable to USC especially the music classes. They have thier own standars and requirments. They want it thought at their school."</p>

<p>The person mentioned its better to complete the USC GenEd and have all 30+ units and transfer as early as possible so my time would not go to waste. Cause regardless of how many units i complete at a CC, it would not mean it would be credited and place me on a junior level. So its better to transfer as early completing my GENED classes.</p>

<p>The problem:</p>

<p>Im just concerned cause I do not know how i should transfer and when would be the best time. Ive been reading the site but i need some advice on what should i do for my case.</p>

<p>Its my first time at a CC this Fall semester and im taking 12 units. They arent general ed requirements for usc but 3 of them are tranferrable</p>

<p>English 101 (transferrable)</p>

<p>Communication 101 (transferrable)</p>

<p>Counseling (transferrable)</p>

<p>Math lower level prereq (not transferrable)</p>

<p>so i know i have a long way to go to... But i know that it isnt mandatory to complete a certain amount of units to get in at USC, but i would really like to complete all of my GENed requirements by that time so i dont have to take them anymore there.</p>

<p>my main question is: When should i apply??</p>

<p>If i apply this december, my units/credit aren't really worth looking at. By Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall 2009 - I have probably completed all my GEN ed classes (one from each category in the USC sheet including Writing Composition II)</p>

<p>So i dont know if its possible if i could apply this December and still get a chance for them to still look at my application.. I rougly estimate that 37 units will be completed by next fall 09...</p>

<p>Cause my worry is; if i apply next Dec 1 2009 for the next Fall10, the wait for a year wouldnt really help by taking extra elective classes to add up my units. They wont tranfer!</p>

<p>I dont know if am making sense..Iits all about the units and timing of application i am worried about...</p>

<p>If i apply next year for fall 2010- then those units (60+) wouldnt all transfer -
instead of transferring with minimum of 30+ and being on the right track. I hope theres an advice you could give me...</p>

<p>I dont know if it possible that i apply and (if ever get admitted) ill defer the fall09 to spring10 so i can still finish my remaining GENed by the fall09...Cause ill be completing all of it by fall09.....I hope you can give me an advice. Im sorry for writing in a very strange way. I am just really concered about this Program i would really like to get it. I dont want to finish 2 years at a CC (and expect junior admission at USC) because it will still take 3 to more years to graduate
(cause i know the music programs they offer are very rigourous and strict to what courses transfer form a CC)...</p>

<p>So it doesnt mean that transffering with 64 would place me on a junior level. I will have to take their classes there which would take me three or more years. The lady said its good to transfer within 30 units and complete your remaining major courses at usc.</p>

<p>I hope someone could help me out. I dont want to waste my time. if theres a way i could graduate faster, then its better. If units wont matter when transffering, why bother complete 64 if it wont count to your major right???</p>

<p>thank you all!</p>

2

<p>I'm not at all familiar with USC transfer requirements, but from what I have read/gleaned is that they have fairly structured relationships with a number of CA CC's. I would suggest finding the counselor at your cc most versed in USC transfer general requirements. Structure your schedule to fit in as many as possible and apply to USC as a transfer as a cc entering sophomore (30ish credits under your belt) for admission after you've completed 2 years at cc. </p>

<p>Now your cc counselor may well tell you otherwise, and I'd be inclined to follow their advice. Stress though you would transfer a music student. Most counselors are unaware of what is required in a performance program. I would balance your cc schedule with at least one music type course, be it performance, theory, ensemble participation just to keep you involved and active.</p>

<p>Forget that these may not transfer. MOST music programs, including the conservatories are quite adamant about not transferring alot of music credits, even if they are from a peer institution of equal renown and stature. Many music transfers find an extra semester or year is required.</p>

<p>A low cost way to pick up additional credits is to take one or two general ed USC "guaranteed" transfer courses during summer sessions if your cc offers them. This might minimalize additional time you need to fulfill USC criteria once there.</p>

<p>Again, nothing really concrete here, just some directions to head towards.</p>

<p>Perhaps USC could put you in touch with one or two current USC music transfers with cc backgrounds. Listening to their experiences in relation to your situation may prove helpful. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

3

<p>thanks violadad.. </p>

<p>Im taking all the gen ed classes for usc... and that will rougly take me until next fall09 to complete at around 30+...But i really want to geto ut of it. I mean, whats thr purpose of staying and taking extra units to get "64" if youll still end up having 3 or more yeard to complete at USC.</p>

<p>The lady mentioned its better to transfer as earlyyouve completed my Gen Ed classes. But i enroll next december 09, i have a year vacant (for extra classes not needed)... I rather transfer as early if it will keep me on the right track. The lady mentioned its not important to get all the music classes casue they will really teach it there, unless you find that it will help you for youraudition and musicality. But my point is, i dont want to spend 2 years at a CC that USC wouldn't accept all units. 30 is what i need specifically for my major and no prereqs too. So as soon as i gtransfer with finishing my GENED- im focused on my major right away. (besides 2 GENED classes that are required to take at USC for writing/social issues)</p>

<p>But after that, your into the degree youare aiming for... Too bad they dont accept spring.. Cause waiting a year can be a waste of time.</p>

4

<p>In general, a number of music programs don't accept spring admits period, not just spring admit transfers. It's pretty widespread, especially in performance and music ed programs, less so in theory and history concentrations. Ed programs are pretty structured and sequenced in terms of curriculum so coming in "off-cycle" can wreak havoc with your course schedule for a year or two. Performance transfers can be instrument/level of talent specific, and ensemble pairings, orchestration, studio size load may already be made or at maximum capacity. However if they lose a bassonist, they MAY make an acception for a bassoon spring transfer to rebalance their need.</p>

<p>There are some that do, but it is really school specific, and one needs to check for that.</p>

<p>It may make sense to apply for transfer at the point you're comfortable that your 30 ish general ed requirements are done or are "in the bag". This is where your cc counselor versed in USC transfer can help with timing, but you need to balance this with what USC requires if it is an adition based program. You need to audition within the period that coincides with a fall admit.</p>

<p>Am I making sense?</p>

5

<p>kind of... cause if apply next year.... it would be dumb for me to stop school and wait for the decision og my acceptance; for sure i will be taking more and more classes till the next fall (if i get admitted). But they dont accept the extra units... 30+ (gened and extras) is better than 64 units cause regardless, youll be completing the degree within 3 to even more years. Whats the use if it wont help youtransfer the units for your major right? And it will less likely help you t omove faster andn ot stay more than 3 to 4 years to graduate.</p>

<p>Like i said, if ill complete by the fall09 all my cgened class plus electives that owuld consume 30+, should i consider transffering this Dec08 or 09? Cause if i enroll and get accepted for next Fall09, i would less likely defer it (admisisons said its possible) cause fall09 will be needed for me to complete my units.</p>

<p>If i apply dec09 for fall2010, than whats the use of waiting any longer. ive completed all the requirements and 64 units wont really transfer all.... you get me????</p>

6

<p>Have you considered applying to a CSU instead, or in addition? Long Beach and Northridge, among others, have full music programs. They would probably be easier to get into and are more likely to accept transfer credits from a California community college. They are also cheaper- unless you qualify for a large amount of financial aid - and, as a transfer student that may be more difficult (I don't know USC's policy.)</p>

7

<p>they dont offer performance for pop music. i dont sing classical. I only dreamed of USC though.</p>

8

<p>Have you investigated the music programs at the CSU's? For instance this is on the Cal State LA music Dept site:
whether your music career goals are in jazz, AfroLatin music, mariachi, classical chamber music, solo performance, composition, music education, or emerging fields in commercial music, CalStateLA offers you a personally fulfilling educational environment where you will have direct contact with faculty who are respected working professionals in their area of musical expertise.</p>

<p>And here's from CSU Long Beach: the largest undergraduate voice department in the state of California, CSULB Choral, Vocal, and Opera Studies supports seven ensembles, the CSULB Opera Institute, weekly master-classes, international tours, and significant scholarship to all voice majors. Whether your dream is to sing with the Metropolitan Opera, win a Grammy, perform with a world-class orchestra, run a top-notch University choral program, teach school, lead musical worship, or perform on Broadway, CSULB is a fantastic place to get an education. We’re glad to tell you about our program and our alumni—CSULB grads who have done all of the above.</p>

9

<p>thats nice. thanks for the info. But theres something in me leading to USC. Its been my dream school. CSUs are all far from me.. UCLA and USC are the lcosest. I dont wanna move far..... thanks though...</p>

10

<p>Kathy,</p>

<p>Forgive me if I've stated the obvious below, but none of your posts have discussed your musical background. Ignore the following if not relevant! </p>

<p>Are you currently working with a teacher or coach? As you know, the audition portion of any music school application will be a large factor in determining admission. If the faculty isn't interested in you based on your audition, you are won't be admitted.</p>

<p>My thought is that while it is important to figure out what academic credits to take at CC, it is even more important to have an experienced singer who can guide you in determining when the audition materials are ready. </p>

<p>Given that you are applying in Music, you might need two advisors - one at the CC for academics and a professional musician who can help you prepare for the audition.</p>

<p>I know it's frustrating to think that there will be five years instead of 4 to complete college, but in the long run of a professional life, I don't see it as a disadvantage! A very wise teacher pointed out to me once that much of applied music learning is skill building - you simply can't rush it.</p>

11

<p>fiddlestix, others interested in more background a few of the OP's initial posts on the subject are here:</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/569344-usc-ucla-non-classical-vocal-majors.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/569344-usc-ucla-non-classical-vocal-majors.html&lt;/a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/568720-usc-thorton-ucla-voice-program-biggest-questions.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/568720-usc-thorton-ucla-voice-program-biggest-questions.html&lt;/a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/569904-usc-will-soon-open-popular-music-program-how-true.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/569904-usc-will-soon-open-popular-music-program-how-true.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

12

<p>This is probably more of the same, but from my experience in higher education (I teach at a number of colleges as an adjunct), I have found that the music schools have a system for teaching certain topics in music (theory, for example) and that the classes must be taken in order. I know for music theory it is most of the time a three to four year commitment. This is what makes transfers so problematic. I personally went to a four year school but took a lot of general ed in the summers at a cc. So my vote would be to plan one year of cc and expect at least 3 years at USC.</p>

13

<p>ive had experience in singing... an ive had taringing lessons... i believe this is my craft and i cant see myself doing anything besides this. (thas how much im passionate with singing). you dont know how it feels unless youre in my shoes. It get really frustrating.</p>

<p>Im just wondering whats a good plan if i wont be able to apply with a lot of units...</p>

<p>What im tryingto really point out is, that i just started this fall 08.. if youre telling me to have one year at community college to get 30 units and complete usc's gened, then it means i should enroll now and not net year.. Cause it takes a year for admissions.... if i apply next fall2010 with 37 units, what will i do within the year after completing my geneds by fall09??? then it means ill still take classes that wont really transfer to usc?? its a waste of time... i just want to get in the program i dreamed of (cause it is new). Admissions said its useless to transfer with a lot (like 64) and even earn an AA degree at CC than transfer as a junior, cause you wont reallly be in a junior level in the music category... </p>

<p>when its experience in singing: i know this is my field... I sing pop and i know this is the right major for me... I mean why would i force myself to mjor on something i never got used to growing up right?</p>

14

<p>kathy, the admissions/transfer process covers about a year. You apply by Dec 1, often a bit later (Jan 1) for transfers. You hear sometime between March & April, you start the following September.
If you were a freshman at a CC when you applied, you'll be a year 2 student the following fall. This is the typical timeline, each school varies. You need to check USC specifics.</p>

<p>The issue is that as a freshman applying in Dec, you may not even have finished semester 1 at CC. There is no, or minimal academic record for your new school to base a admissions decision on. If USC is an audition based music admit, you'll be doing the audition sometime between Dec1 and mid Fed of your freshman year. </p>

<p>If you complete a full year at cc, you would be a sophmore when you apply for USC transfer, with about 3 semesters complete, 4 by the fall you begin USC. You say it's a waste of time; I see no learning as ever wasted, but that's another conversation. If you have to, take courses you enjoy, or more general knowledge, intro to business, history, art, yoga, etc.</p>

<p>This is an area that I think no one here has the experience and expertise to advise you specifically about transfer timing between USC and a cc. It's really a combination of specific information that can only be provided from both USC and your cc advisor. </p>

<p>From my limited knowledge, I can't see the benefit of applying as a transfer while a cc freshman, as there is just so little college academic record for USC to consider. Many schools will not accept transfer applications from freshmen. Now this may not have much of an effect on a USC music transfer, especially if it is an audition based admit, but in all likelyhold there is an academic minimum threshold. This is where you need real clarification and advice from someone close to the program.</p>

<p>I don't know what else to offer other than to get as much first hand info from both schools as possible by direct dialog with people within the actual process. Be a pain until you get your questions addressed to the point where you can make the right choices.</p>

<p>I wish you the best of luck.</p>