USC Performance (Studio Guitar)
Transfer Requirements and Classes
The major preparation USC lists for Performance (Studio Guitar) transfers starts with WRIT 150, WRIT 340 and MUEN 326; the full list is below.
81 California community colleges have a current transfer agreement with USC for this major. Pick yours below to see which of its classes count.
Your community college
Which classes count at your community college?
Pick your college to see its class for each USC requirement.
Major Requirements
USC Performance (Studio Guitar) Major Preparation
The courses USC lists as Performance (Studio Guitar) major preparation for transfer applicants, for the 2026-27 academic year. Course numbers are USC's own; pick your community college above to see the matching class there.
Writing
Complete all of these
- WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches
- WRIT 340 Advanced Writing and Critical Engagement
Music Ensembles (10 units)
Required
- MUEN 326 Guitar Ensemble
Program Intensive Courses (27 units)
Complete all of these
- MPGU 158 Guitarists in the U.S.
- MPGU 159 Functional Skills for Studio Guitarists I
- MPGU 258 Functional Skills for Studio Guitarists I
- MPGU 358 Performance Practices for Studio Guitarists
- MPGU 415 Studio Guitar Pedagogy
- MPGU 416 Evolution of the Guitar in the United States
- MPGU 426 Classical Guitar History and Literature
- MPGU 428a Improvisation and Arranging for Guitarists
- MPGU 428b Improvisation and Arranging for Guitarists
- MPGU 458 Current Electric Guitar Styles
Core Thornton Academic Courses (40 units)
Complete all of these
- MPKS 250a Keyboard Instruction I
- MPKS 250b Keyboard Instruction I
- MUCD 343 Instrumental Conducting I
- MUCO 132a Aural Skills I
- MUCO 132b Aural Skills I
- MUCO 133a Theory I
- MUCO 133b Theory I
- MUCO 232a Aural Skills II
- MUCO 232b Aural Skills II
- MUCO 233a Theory II
- MUCO 233b Theory II
- MUCO 338x Elementary Orchestration
- MUHL 250g Music and Ideas
- MUHL 350g Western Art Music History I
- MUHL 351 Western Art Music History II
Writing
Complete all of these
- WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches
- WRIT 340 Advanced Writing and Critical Engagement
Music Ensembles (10 units)
Required
- MUEN 326 Guitar Ensemble
Program Intensive Courses (27 units)
Complete all of these
- MPGU 158 Guitarists in the U.S.
- MPGU 159 Functional Skills for Studio Guitarists I
- MPGU 258 Functional Skills for Studio Guitarists I
- MPGU 358 Performance Practices for Studio Guitarists
- MPGU 415 Studio Guitar Pedagogy
- MPGU 416 Evolution of the Guitar in the United States
- MPGU 426 Classical Guitar History and Literature
- MPGU 428a Improvisation and Arranging for Guitarists
- MPGU 428b Improvisation and Arranging for Guitarists
- MPGU 458 Current Electric Guitar Styles
Core Thornton Academic Courses (34 units)
Complete all of these
- MUCD 343 Instrumental Conducting I
- MUCO 132a Aural Skills I
- MUCO 132b Aural Skills I
- MUCO 133a Theory I
- MUCO 133b Theory I
- MUHL 250g Music and Ideas
- MUJZ 141a Basic Keyboard Skills for the Improviser
- MUJZ 141b Basic Keyboard Skills for the Improviser
- MUJZ 305a Advanced Jazz Theory
- MUJZ 305b Advanced Jazz Theory
- MUJZ 350g A History of Jazz Music
- MPPM 350g A History of Popular Music
- MUHL 350g Western Art Music History I
- MUHL 351 Western Art Music History II
- MUSC 102gw World Music
- MUSC 115gp Western Music as Sounding History
- MUSC 200gmw The Broadway Musical: Reflections of American Diversity
- MUSC 210g Electronic Music and Dance Culture
- MUSC 250gmw The Music of Black Americans
- MUSC 320gmw Hip-hop Music and Culture
- MUSC 371g Musical Genre Bending
- MUSC 372g Music and Politics
- MUSC 373g Writing About Popular Music
- MUSC 460 Film Music: History and Function from 1930 to the Present
- MUSC 465 Music, Television and American Culture
Complete 2 units from these
- MTEC 245 Introduction to MIDI Sequencing
- MTEC 246 Introduction to Audio Recording and Editing
- MUCO 338x Elementary Orchestration
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USC have a Performance major for transfer students?
Yes. USC offers Performance (Studio Guitar) and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.
What classes do I need to transfer to USC for Performance?
USC's Performance (Studio Guitar) major preparation includes WRIT 150, WRIT 340, MUEN 326, MPGU 158, MPGU 159 and MPGU 258, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.
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Related Transfer Requirements
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