Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Music

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Learn more about the Music Performance program.

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Field of Interest

The Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA), Emphasis in Music degree is designed for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges and universities with majors in the Fine/Performing Arts. The degree is designed to prepare students to meet selective admission criteria for programs, such as the Bachelor of Music, which may require an audition. Embedded areas of emphasis include choral, instrumental, guitar and popular music performance.

Details

Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest

Visual and Performing Arts

Type

Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA)

Academic Plan

Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Music (DEG)

Academic Plan Code

8313

Total Credits Required

67-83

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Notes

In most cases, courses used to satisfy the AAFA, Emphasis in Music will apply to general university graduation requirements of related majors; however, students need to be aware of any specific lower division requirements of their intended focus at the university to be sure they select courses that will meet those requirements.

Some courses may require permission of instructor and/or audition for placement.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges to earn a degree with this emphasis.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Critically analyze music according to historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts in order to understand how musical composition changes over time and how it impacts current practice both in music creation and performance.
Perform with an appropriate tone quality, pitch, rhythm, expression, and articulation/diction in a historically and stylistically informed manner.
Use self-evaluation, critical feedback, and aural diagnosis to improve personal performance and instruction and that of others in both solo and group settings.
Demonstrate an ability to use self-management and self-discipline to align personal choices and behaviors with the achievement of personal goals in the field of music.
Demonstrate accountability and professionalism to prepare for further study in music.
Communicate effectively in verbal, written, nonverbal, and expressive forms to musicians and laypersons.
Collaborate with a diverse group of individuals to rehearse, perform, create, and instruct.
Utilize technology to support composition, performance, instruction, and general communication.
Explain how music reflects, shapes, creates, and disseminates culture.
Locate and evaluate multiple sources of information to inform performance from varied historical contexts and genres.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Elementary School Teachers

$51,226 Show expanded career information for Elementary School Teachers

Instrumental Musicians

$55,740 Show expanded career information for Instrumental Musicians

Music Composers and Arrangers

$46,876 Show expanded career information for Music Composers and Arrangers

Music Directors

$46,876 Show expanded career information for Music Directors

Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

$72,944 Show expanded career information for Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

Singers

$55,740 Show expanded career information for Singers

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Music
Transfer Plan 1: Classical Music Performance and Music Education
Transfer Plan 2: Popular Music
Transfer Plan 3: Jazz Music

Full-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
MTC105	Music Theory I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101 or permission of instructor. Corequisites: MTC106.	Critical course Gateway course		3
MTC106	Aural Perception I	Corequisites: MTC105.	Critical course Gateway course		1
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course	FYC or FYC	3
MTC180 or CS	Computer Literacy for Musicians or Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application [CS]	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101, or MTC105, or Corequisites: MTC105, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites	Classical Music Performance and Music Education Specialization select any CS; Popular Performance Specialization select MTC180	CS or None	3
Specialization	Specialization Option		Private Instruction Coursework		2
Specialization	Specialization Option		Ensemble Coursework		1–2
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3
CS	Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application		MTC180 Recommended	CS	3
MUP102++	Private Instruction				2
Ensemble	Large Music Ensembles course		Choose from the list of Musical Ensemble courses based on area of emphasis. Any substitutions require official approval of program director. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit.		1–2
MUP131	Class Piano I		Student`s level and number of credits of class piano required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition		0–1
MHL+++ or MTC+++ or MUC+++ or MUE+++ or MUP+++	Any MHL Music: History/Literature course(s) not counted in Required Courses Area		Students should choose from the list of options that best align with their academic and professional goals. Courses should be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program.		1–3
MTC180	Computer Literacy for Musicians	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101, or MTC105, or Corequisites: MTC105, or permission of Instructor.		CS	3
MUP101++ or MUP102++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP101++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2
MUC109 or MUC110	Music Business: Content Creation and Copyright or Music Business: Marketing and Monetization				3
MUP101++ or MUP102++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP101++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of six (6) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2
MUP164	Jazz Improvisation I				2

Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
MTC155	Music Theory II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC105. Corequisites: MTC156.			3
MTC156	Aural Perception II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC106. Corequisites: MTC155.			1
MAT14+	College Mathematics		OR Higher level mathematics [MA] course	MA	3–6
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites	Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously	SB or SB or L or SB	0–3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor).	OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment	L	0–3
L	Literacy & Critical Inquiry Course		Recommend selecting a course that satisfies L and COM or L and CRE101 requirements simultaneously.		3
SB	Social and Behavioral Sciences Course				3
Specialization	Specialization Option		Private Instruction Coursework		2
Specialization	Specialization Option		Ensemble Coursework		1–2
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
MUP152++	Private Instruction				2
Ensemble	Large Music Ensembles course		Choose from the list of Musical Ensemble courses based on area of emphasis. Any substitutions require official approval of program director. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit.		1–2
MUP132	Class Piano II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP131 or permission of Instructor.	Student`s level and number of credits of class piano required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition		0–1
MHL+++ or MTC+++ or MUC+++ or MUE+++ or MUP+++	Any MHL Music: History/Literature course(s) not counted in Required Courses Area		Students should choose from the list of options that best align with their academic and professional goals. Courses should be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program.		1–3
MUP151++ or MUP152++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP151++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2
MUP151++ or MUP152++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP151++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of six (6) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2
MTC130	Jazz Theory	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (MTC101 and MTC103), or permission of Instructor.			2

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
MHL194 or MHL241	Music and Culture or Music History and Literature to 1750	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101 or a higher level MTC course; or Corequisites: MTC105 and MTC106 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites or Corequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC155 and MTC156, or permission of Instructor.	Complete MHL194 if transferring to ASU and NAU Complete MHL241 if transferring to NAU and Ottawa	G, HU or HU	3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
SQ	Natural Sciences Quantitative			SQ	4
Specialization	Specialization Option		Private Instruction Coursework		2
Specialization	Specialization Option		Ensemble Coursework		1–2
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
MUP202++	Private Instruction				2
Ensemble	Large Music Ensembles course		Choose from the list of Musical Ensemble courses based on area of emphasis. Any substitutions require official approval of program director. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit.		1–2
MUP231	Class Piano III	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP132 or permission of Instructor.	Student`s level and number of credits of class piano required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition		0–1
MTC205	Music Theory III	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC155. Corequisites: MTC206.			3
MTC206	Aural Perception III	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC156. Corequisites: MTC205.			1
MHL+++ or MTC+++ or MUC+++ or MUE+++ or MUP+++	Any MHL Music: History/Literature course(s) not counted in Required Courses Area		Students should choose from the list of options that best align with their academic and professional goals. Courses should be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program.		1–3
MUP201++ or MUP202++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP201++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2
MUP100 or MUC195 or MUC195AA or MUC197 or MUC193 or MUC281	Introduction to Digital Musicianship or Studio Music Recording I or Studio Music Recording I or Live Sound Reinforcement I or Computer-Based Sound Synthesis or Electronic Music III	No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC191 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUC192.			2–3
MUC140 or MUC191	Songwriting or Electronic Music I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101, or MTC105, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites			3
MUP201++ or MUP202++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP201++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of six (6) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2
MUP100 or MUC195 or MUC195AA or MUC197	Introduction to Digital Musicianship or Studio Music Recording I or Studio Music Recording I or Live Sound Reinforcement I				2–3
MUP298AA	Special Projects	Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor.			1

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
MHL+++	Any MHL Music: History/Literature course with [HU] designation		Any additional MHL Music: History/Literature course with [HU] designation	HU	3
SG or SQ	Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative			SG or SQ	4
SB	Social & Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
Specialization	Specialization Option		Private Instruction Coursework		2
Specialization	Specialization Option		Ensemble Coursework		1–2
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
Specialization	Specialization Option				0–3
MUP252++	Private Instruction				2
Ensemble	Large Music Ensembles course		Choose from the list of Musical Ensemble courses based on area of emphasis. Any substitutions require official approval of program director. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit.		1–2
MUP232	Class Piano IV	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP231 or permission of Instructor.	Student`s level and number of credits of class piano required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition		0–1
MTC255	Music Theory IV	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC205. Corequisites: MTC256.			3
MTC256	Aural Perception IV	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC206. Corequisites: MTC255.			1
MHL+++ or MTC+++ or MUC+++ or MUE+++ or MUP+++	Any MHL Music: History/Literature course(s) not counted in Required Courses Area		Students should choose from the list of options that best align with their academic and professional goals. Courses should be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor. A total of four (4) credits are required for the program.		1–3
MUP298AA	Special Projects	Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor.			1
MUP251++ or MUP252++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP251++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of four (4) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2
MUC181 or MUC192	Popular Music Orchestration and Arranging or Electronic Music II	Prerequisites or Corequisites: (MTC155 or higher level of MTC music theory course) and MTC180. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUC191.			3
MTC180	Computer Literacy for Musicians	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101, or MTC105, or Corequisites: MTC105, or permission of Instructor.		CS	3
MUC181 or MTC203 or MUP165	Popular Music Orchestration and Arranging or Jazz Composition or Jazz Improvisation II	Prerequisites or Corequisites: (MTC155 or higher level of MTC music theory course) and MTC180. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC155, or MUP165, or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP164 or permission of Instructor.			2–3
MUP251++ or MUP252++	Private Instruction or Private Instruction		If MUP251++ is selected, it must be completed twice.		2
Ensemble	Performance Ensemble Coursework		A total of six (6) credits are required for the program. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.		1–2

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Credits
MUP150	Community Chorus			1
MUP153	Concert Choir		MUP153 is recommended for Choral students (or, if unavailable, MUP150)	1
MUP159	Community Orchestra			1
MUP160	Orchestra		MUP160 is recommended for Strings students (or, if unavailable, MUP159)	1
MUP161	Community Band			1
MUP162	Band		MUP162 is recommended for Instrumental students (or, if unavailable, MUP161)	1
MUP163	Jazz Ensemble		MUP163 (limited to Jazz Big Bands) is recommended for Jazz students	1
MUP169	Guitar Ensemble		MUP169 is recommended for students interested in transfer to Ottawa University for Guitar (or, if unavailable, any other approved ensemble)	1
MUP181	Chamber Music Ensembles		MUP181 (limited to Piano Ensembles only) is recommended for Piano majors.	1
MUP217	Music Theatre: Broadway Solos			1
MUP/THP273	Musical Theatre Production	Prerequisites: By audition.		1
MUP150	Community Chorus			1
MUP153	Concert Choir			1
MUP154AA	Jazz Vocal Ensemble	Prerequisites: Auditions required or permission of Instructor.		1
MUP154AB	Jazz Vocal Ensemble	Prerequisites: Auditions required and two semesters in A Cappella Choir or permission of Instructor.		2
MUP158	Rock Band	Prerequisites: Auditions are required.		1
MUP159	Community Orchestra			1
MUP160	Orchestra			1
MUP161	Community Band			1
MUP162	Band			1
MUP163	Jazz Ensemble			1
MUP169	Guitar Ensemble			1
MUP181	Chamber Music Ensembles			1
MUP190	Percussion Ensemble			1
MUP163	Jazz Ensemble			1
MUP181	Chamber Music Ensembles			1
MUP183	Jazz Combo			1

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Program Information

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Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

C = Cultural Diversity in the US
CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
FYC = First Year Composition
G = Global Awareness
H = Historical Awareness
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design

L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
MA = Mathematics
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=188783).

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) in Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Music

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