Music Department
Music Composition at Saddleback College
Saddleback College offers a unique opportunity to study music composition, both in the area of concert music and popular songwriting. The composition program at Saddleback College is one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind in the state, and has produced many students who have gone on to four-year programs in composition as well as successful careers in music.
Music 15 - The emphasis in this class is on original composition for traditional orchestral instruments. Students have the opportunity to write for performing musicians, and hear all of their compositions performed live. This class may be taken twice. Students registering for Music 15 must be able to read music.
Music 117 - The emphasis in this class is on all aspects of popular songwriting, from the lyrics to the music to the creation of a demo.
Theory and Musicianship at Saddleback College
Saddleback College offers a comprehensive program in music theory and musicianship. The program is designed for music majors and minors, as well as students simply looking to develop their music reading, analysis, and musicianship skills.Music 10/11/12 - This three semester sequence covers diatonic and chromatic harmony, voice leading, and analysis of appropriate literature. It is highly recommended that music majors register for Music 10 their first semester of studies.
Music 92/93 - This two semester sequence covers sight singing and dictation of rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials. Music 92 focuses on basic diatonic materials; Music 93 covers more advanced diatonic music. Music 92 is designed to be taken simultaneously with, or after, Music 10. Music 93 should be taken simultaneously with, or after, Music 11.
Norman Weston- Director of Theory and Composition
Norman Weston has been on the faculty of Saddleback College since 1989. An active composer whose music is widely performed, he received his B.M. and M.M. from Indiana University and his D.M.A. from Northwestern University. In 2006 Mr. Weston was named both Saddleback College Professor of the Year and Orange County Community College Professor of the Year.
