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Encore Program – Noncredit Adult Education

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Your Next Chapter Begins with Encore

Free classes designed for Older Adults — learn new skills, stay active, and connect with your community at Golden West College. 

Contact us if you have questions.

Apply to GWC

Complete the Noncredit Application online

It takes about 15 minutes

You can skip ID.Me by clicking "Verify Later" and "Decline Verification" 

Select Golden West College

Choose the current term/semester

IMPORTANT: Save your Confirmation number and CCCID

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Why Encore?

Learning doesn’t have a finish line.


The Encore Program at Golden West College is built for adults who are ready to explore something new — whether that’s picking up a practical skill, discovering a creative outlet, or simply staying engaged and connected. Our classes are designed to be welcoming, supportive, and completely free.

Current Offerings

Classes built around your interests.


Every Encore class is free, with no tuition costs and no prerequisites. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn.

Internet Basics – CBA G014N

Category: Technology

Learn about internet terms, search engines, artificial intelligence (AI), viruses and security, and cloud storage services. Whether you’re new to the internet or want to feel more confident online, this class has you covered.

Introduction to Microsoft Office Suite – CBA G012N

Category: Technology

Learn how to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as email best practices. A hands-on class that gives you the skills to stay organized and communicate with confidence.

Singing for Lifelong Learners – MUS G012N

Category: Music

Learn vocal techniques and songs in a class setting in preparation to perform for your peers. No experience necessary — just a love of music and a willingness to sing.

Healthy Aging for Lifelong Learners – HLED G001N (Coming Soon)

Category: Health & Wellness

Learn practical skills and information about diet, nutrition, disease prevention, fall prevention, and how to apply these principles to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Fall 2026 Offerings (Starting August 24th, 2026)

Classes built around your interests.


Every Encore class is free, with no tuition costs and no prerequisites. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn.

Symphonic Band Lifelong Learning - MUS G002N

Category: Music

This noncredit course is designed to further the skills of experienced musicians who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Students will explore new band literature as well as techniques and methods for improving and maintaining performance success oriented toward older adults.

Piano for Lifelong Learners – MUS G003N

Category: Music

This noncredit course is designed to develop the skills of older adults who want to learn to play piano or improve their piano skills. Students will practice technical skills and explore piano literature in a variety of styles. Students will also increase mental acuity through the memorization of song and practicing sight reading skills. This class will develop self-confidence, socialization skills, and provide an outlet for creative expression.

Guitar for Lifelong Learners – MUS G004N

Category: Music

This noncredit course is designed for older adults who want to play guitar. Students will work on guitar techniques in a class setting. Students will benefit from stretching exercises to develop hand and finger flexibility. Students will also increase mental acuity through practice of chords, finger-picking, and single line melodies. This class will develop self-confidence, socialization skills, and provide an outlet for creative expression.

Choral Singing for Lifelong Learners – MUS G005N

Category: Music

This noncredit course is designed for older adults who want to sing in a choral ensemble. Students will work on songs in a class setting in preparation for concert performances. Emotional communication through song will be explored as students learn the ways that tone, pitch, and dynamics shape vocal expression. Students will benefit from breathing and stretching exercises to develop vocal flexibility and lung capacity. Students will also increase mental acuity through the memorization of songs and practicing sight reading skills. This class will develop self-confidence, socialization skills, and provide an outlet for creative expression. 

Singing for Lifelong Learners – MUS G0012N

Category: Music

This noncredit course is designed for older adults who want to sing. Students will work on songs in a class setting in preparation for performance for their peers. Emotional communication through song will be explored as students learn the ways that tone, pitch, and dynamics shape vocal expression. Students will benefit from breathing and stretching exercises to develop vocal flexibility and lung capacity. Students will also increase mental acuity through the memorization of song and practicing sight reading skills. This class will develop self-confidence, socialization skills, and provide an outlet for creative expression.

We’d love to hear from you

Click here and Fill Out Our GWC Interest Form 

Phone: (714) 684-1809

Email: noncredit@gwc.cccd.edu

Location: Communications Building, Room 106

Campus: Golden West College, 15744 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

 

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