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Music

Program Information

The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Music degree program is designed for transfer to a bachelor’s degree in music. Students may choose an elective course related to music education, music therapy, or music business. For assistance in program planning, or to explore additional transfer options, students should schedule a time to meet with an academic advisor. This degree may transfer in part or in its entirety to baccalaureate institutions. Students should meet with a representative of the transfer institution when planning their program.

Developmental Courses

Some students may need preparatory courses in the areas of English, mathematics, or reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward this degree.

Piano Proficiency

Two semester sequence of Keyboard lab prepares students for the piano proficiency exam at a transfer institution. Keyboard competency exam may be administered on an individual basis, contact the piano faculty for testing.

  • By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

    1. Demonstrate a required level of artistry and technical proficiency on their instrument.
    2. Demonstrate a required level of music analytical competence.
    3. Demonstrate a required level of aural recognition.
    4. Understand the historical and cultural development of music throughout the ages.
    5. Communicate informed personal reactions to recorded and live music.
    • A minimum of 68 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all MnTC courses.
    • Satisfy residency requirements.
    • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program requirements.
    • Completion of specific degree requirements.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.

     

    NOTE: You are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at 763-433-1230 for course planning assistance and information about transfer credit evaluation and transfer options.

  • 35 credits

    MUSC 1101 World Music (included in the MnTC) 3
    MUSC 1113  Introduction to Music Technology I 1
    MUSC 1116 Music Theory I (included in MnTC) 3
    MUSC 1117* Aural Comprehension I 2
    MUSC 1121 Keyboard Skills for Majors I  2
    MUSC 1122 Keyboard Skills for Majors II  1
    MUSC 1126* Music Theory II 3
    MUSC 1127* Aural Comprehension II 2
    MUSC 2201  Music History and Literature I (included in the MnTC)  3
    MUSC 2202  Music History and Literature II (included in the MnTC)  3
    MUSC 2216* Advanced Music Theory I 3
    MUSC 2217* Advanced Music Aural Comprehension I 2
    MUSC 2226* Advanced Music Theory II 3
    MUSC 2227* Advanced Music Aural Comprehension II 2
    Music Large Ensemble Credits+ 4
    MUSC 1106 Concert Band 0-1
    MUSC 1107 String Orchestra 0-1
    MUSC 1108 Concert Choir 0-1
    Music Small Ensemble Credits+ 2
    MUSC 1145 World Drumming Ensemble 0-1
    MUSC 1146 Jazz Ensemble 0-1
    MUSC 1147^ Musical Theatre Ensemble 0-1
    MUSC 1148^ Chamber Singers 0-1
    MUSC 1149 Guitar Ensemble 0-1
    MUSC 2145 Chamber Ensembles 0-1
    Music Applied Lesson Credits 8
    MUSC 2150 AFA Applied Lesson (3 semesters at 2 credits each)** 6
    MUSC 2175^ AFA Recital Applied Lesson** 2
    MUSC 2151 AFA Performance Hour (4 semesters)  0
    Program Electives 3
    MUSC 1120
    OR MUSC 2115 OR MUSC 2135
    Introduction to Music Business
    OR Introduction to Music Education
    OR Introduction to Music Therapy, Techniques and Materials
    3
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
    +Ensemble credits (1 per course) are to be chosen from the options listed, performing on major instrument, and courses may be repeated (See ARCC Music Department Student Planner for recommendations.)
    **All four semesters of applied lessons (MUSC 2150 & 2175) and the sophomore recital are to be focusing on the same instrument, the student's "major" instrument.
    ^Course requires Instructor permission.
  • 30 CREDITS

    Complete at least 30 credits in courses from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), including all courses that are listed. You must complete at least one course in six of the ten goal areas. One course may satisfy more than one goal area, but the course credits may be counted only once.

    1.  Communication
      A. ENGL 1120* OR 1121* 4
    2.  Critical Thinking 
    3.  Natural Science 
      BIOL 1104 recommended   
    4.  Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
    5.  History/Social/Behavioral Sciences
      PSYC 1110 recommended  
    6.  Humanities/Fine Art 
      MUSC 1116  3
      MUSC 2201 3
    7. Human Diversity
      MUSC 1101 3
    8. Global Perspective 
      MUSC 2202 3
    9. Ethical/Civic Responsibility
      PSYC 2250 recommended  
    10.  People and the Environment

    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.

  • The sequence that follows is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this program.
    FIRST YEAR
    Fall Semester   
        Spring Semester  
    MUSC 1116/1117    5       MUSC 1101        3
    MUSC 1121    2    MUSC 1122   1 
    MUSC 2150/2151    2    MUSC 1126/1127    5 
    MUSC Large Ensemble    1    MUSC 2150/2151    2 
    ENGL 1121    4    MUSC Large Ensemble   1 
    General Ed or Electives         4    MnTC     4 
    TOTAL  18    TOTAL  16 

     

    SECOND YEAR
    Fall Semester
        Spring Semester    
    MUSC 2150/2151    2      MUSC 1113   1 
    MUSC 2201   3    MUSC 2175/2151   2 
    MUSC 2216/2217   5   MUSC 2202   3
    MUSC Large Ensemble   1   MUSC  2226/2227   5 
    MUSC Small Ensemble   1    MUSC Large Ensemble   1
    General Ed          6   MUSC Small Ensemble   1 
          MUSC Elective    3 
    TOTAL  18    TOTAL  16 
  • *Some occupations may require advanced education

    • Arranger
    • Booking Manager
    • Choral Director
    • Concert Manager
    • Conductor
    • Instrumental Musician
    • Instrument Repairer/Tuner
    • K-12 Music Teacher
    • Music Critic
    • Music Store Owner
    • Music Therapist
    • Private Tutor/Teacher
    • Radio Announcer
    • Recording Engineer
    • Sales/Marketing/Promotion
    • Singer
    • Sound/Audio Technician
    • Sound Mixing
    • Theater/Media Director
    • Writer/Composer

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