About the Music Program
The music curriculum at Santa Monica College provides educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of students who wish to explore and expand their knowledge, performance skills and appreciation of music. This is fulfilled through a program that includes applied and group music instruction, history, vocal and instrumental ensembles, theory and musicianship. The curriculum is intended to serve music majors, general education transfer students, vocationally oriented students, and the community.
Contact the Music Department
Administrative Assistant: Lori Geller
- Email: geller_lori@smc.edu
- Phone: 310-434-4323
- Office Hours (PAC 211): Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Department Chair: Brian Driscoll
- Email: driscoll_brian@smc.edu
- Phone: 310-434-3478
Music Performances
Full Music Calendar
Friday Night Jazz Series: Bob Reynolds
SMC Symphony Orchestra
Degrees and Certificates
Music
The Music Associate in Arts degree provides educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of students who wish to explore and expand their knowledge, performance skills, and appreciation of music.
Applied Music
This Certificate program develops a student’s musical skills through one-on-one instruction and regular performance opportunities. Areas of study include instrumental, vocal, and composition.
Guitar
This Certificate program develops a student’s guitar performance skills with strumming and fingerstyle techniques in a variety of styles, technical knowledge of the instrument, familiarity with the repertoire, and skills in collaborative performance.
Piano
This Certificate program develops a student’s upper-intermediate to early-advanced piano skills, including technique, familiarity with standard repertoire, stylistic interpretation of works of various historical style periods, sight reading ability, performing collaboratively, and balancing parts within a musical texture.
Voice
Available Fall 2026
The Music Department's Voice Certificate of Achievement can be awarded to students who complete 6 units of voice classes, 2 units of specified choral ensembles, and 4 elective units of vocal ensembles.