The new program represents the first fine arts degree to be offered at ARCC, and one of the first three two-year music degree programs to be offered by a Minnesota college. The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) program has two tracks: one in general music or music education, and one in music industry/business.

“The AFA degree fits well with Anoka Ramsey Community College’s mission of developing articulate, critical and creative thinkers who are responsible contributors to the community,” says ARCC President Patrick Johns. “It offers students another solid career option.”

An articulation agreement has been established with Minnesota State University, Mankato. Agreements with Augsburg University, Bemidji State University and the University of Wisconsin, River Falls are also being planned. These agreements help ensure that students’ coursework will be accepted by each schools’ music departments when they transfer into their four-year degree programs.

Recent data suggest music majors in Minnesota have had success entering the music field. Minnesota State University, Mankato reports that 100 percent of their music education graduates and 95 percent of their music industry graduates find jobs in their respective fields. Furthermore, the National Center for Education Statistics 2000 survey reports a shortage in prepared music teachers in the Midwest including Minnesota.

Local music professionals have assisted in the design of the new degree program.

“An advisory committee made up of area music education and music industry professionals has helped by reviewing the program for its relevancy and applicability to the marketplace,” says ARCC Dean of Educational Services Mary Raeker-Rebek. “Members of that committee will also help review student portfolios.”

While the AFA degree program is new at ARCC, its music department has a well-developed reputation for providing solid instruction and a supportive environment. Many performance opportunities exist, including the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir and Chamber Singers on the Coon Rapids campus, and the Concert Choir on the Cambridge campus.

Como High School Choral Director Carole Whitney, a former ARCC student agrees. “I found that I was extremely well-prepared for transfer into the U’s School of Music,” Whitney says. “The small classes and individual instruction really gave me the knowledge I needed, both for the professional world and for college.”

The ARCC Music Department encourages anyone interested in enrolling in the new AFA in Music degree program to call for more information. Contact the department at 763.422.3534, or 763.422.3328.