Careers
The Pierce College Music program is well-equipped to prepare you for a career or further education in music. Our excellent faculty and curriculum are among the best in the region. Courses are offered in music theory, audio production, music appreciation, class piano, class guitar, private instruction, and vocal and instrumental performance groups both large and small.
Transfer
Students working toward their transfer degree typically take a variety of courses designed to fulfill the general requirements of most four-year colleges and universities. Students intending to transfer to a four-year college for further training in music are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to ensure they meet the requirements of the college they wish to attend after Pierce. For example, most institutions require proficiency tests in music theory, performance, and piano courses.
Transfer Institution Information
Course Maps
At Pierce, the faculty-student ratio is small. As a result, you can work closely with instructors who show personal concern for your academic and musical progress. Students succeed because faculty are there to help motivate and deal with unanswered questions.
We recommend that you review the catalog information and consult with a Music program advisor.
About the Program
The Pierce College Music Department offers opportunities for everyone who is interested in music:
- Courses in performance, practice, theory and appreciation
- Performance groups open to students and the public
- Concerts and CDs for the discerning listener
Performance Possibilities
Throughout the year, our vocal and instrumental performance groups perform in a variety of settings, from the quarterly concerts on campus to festivals and tours around the nation. Our performances are open to the public. The Washington two-year college choir festival is frequently hosted at Pierce College Puyallup, and our orchestra has collaborated with Pacific Lutheran University's orchestra and other special guest performers.
Check the Pierce Events calendar for upcoming performances.
Concert Band
The Pierce College Concert Band was formed in 1973 shortly after the creation of the Pierce College Music Department. The band performs in early December, mid-March, and early June, as well as at occasional special events throughout the year.
Concert Orchestra
The Pierce College Orchestra is comprised of qualified students and area community musicians. They perform a variety of music for string orchestra in quarterly concerts.
Concert Choirs
The Concert Choirs at Pierce College are non-audition ensembles at both the Puyallup and Fort Steilacoom campuses. The groups range from 35 to 50 singers, although at times can be as large as 75. In addition to working on a variety of choral literature, the choir learns to sight read.
Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir at Pierce College Puyallup is an auditioned ensemble of select music students. The chamber choir tours biennially, and performs in the community regularly and on campus each quarter. Students do not need be music majors to audition.