Associate of Fine Arts
Degree in Music
The AFA degree in Music prepares students for a career in musical performance, teaching and entrepreneurship. After completing the degree, some students begin their careers in music while many transfer to a four-year college as a junior. Because our program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), graduates of our program can easily transfer to most 4-year institutions in Minnesota to attain higher degrees in Music Education, Music Business, Music Therapy, Music Performance, composition, conducting and more.
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•Music Theory
- Music Theory and Aural Comprehension I (fall semester)
- Music Theory and Aural Comprehension II (spring semester)
- Advanced Music Theory and Aural Comprehension I (fall semester, year two)
- Advanced Music Theory and Aural Comprehension II (spring semester, year two)
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• Keyboard Skills
- Keyboard Skills for Majors I (fall semester)
- Keyboard Skills for Majors II (spring semester)
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•Music History
- Music History I (fall semester)
- Music History II (spring semester)
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•Ensemble Participation (four semesters of a large ensemble and two semesters of a small ensemble are required)
Large Ensembles
- Concert Band
- Concert Choir
- String Orchestra
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Small Ensembles
- Jazz Ensemble
- Chamber Singers
- Musical Theater Ensemble
- Chamber Ensembles
- Guitar Ensemble (counts as a large ensemble for guitar majors)
- World Drumming Ensemble
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•Applied Lessons (four semesters, choose your primary instrument)
- Piano
- Brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba)
- Strings (violin, viola, cello, bass)
- Woodwind (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone)
- Percussion
- Guitar
- Voice
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•Music Electives (one semester, choose one of the following)
- Introduction to Music Therapy
- Introduction to Music Business
- Introduction to Music Education
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The AFA-Music degree focuses on 6 key areas in music education:
Music Theory, Keyboard Skills, Music History, Ensemble Participation, Applied Lessons and Music Electives
For more information concerning the AFA-Music degree:
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See Requirements for music degree and the Music department handbook
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Or simply register for classes!