Music, AA (Associate of Arts in Music Studies, Manchester)

Program Description

The Associate of Arts in Music Studies degree program offers rigorous academic and performance courses comparable to the first two years of area baccalaureate music degree programs. It provides a comprehensive foundation in which students receive individual attention within their private lessons and interact with other performers in classroom and large ensemble settings. The music program emphasizes ensemble and solo performance with additional study of music theory, ear- training, keyboard skills, and music history. Musicians of all capabilities and experience can prepare for their particular musical goals including seasoned musicians as well as the talented beginner exploring music for the first time.

Music majors completing the program gain knowledge and skills required for:

1. direct employment in music-related careers (i.e. musical instrument service and sales, faith-based music worship services) or
2. for transferring to a baccalaureate music degree in performance, education, composition, audio recording, concert sound reinforcement, commercial production, church music, arts management, etc.

The Associate of Arts in Music Studies also serves an ever-expanding population of diverse students seeking personal enjoyment in the study of music. Students may enroll in the program full or part time.

Students transferring from music programs, including NASM accredited institutions, must undergo a music audition and theory placement exam to verify the knowledge and skills obtained from music theory courses taken at the prior institution and provide proper placement within the degree.

CT State Manchester is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and in good standing.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate of Arts in Music Studies requirements, graduates will:

1. Demonstrate a historical/cross-cultural awareness and appreciation of Western European and American contemporary music.
2. Demonstrate skills and techniques that reflect an understanding of the theoretical aspect of music, including: an understanding of music theory fundamentals; exploration and development of voice leading principles; formal analysis/genres; aural skills and keyboard techniques.
3. Demonstrate an ability to perform solo music selections and within a music ensemble group (vocal or instrumental).
4. Demonstrate technical facility and knowledge on specified instrument or voice
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate and express through the medium of music

Admission Process

Proper advisement prior to entering the music studies program is crucial to ensure students commence their studies on the right track to completing the degree successfully. In compliance with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accrediting standards, students interested in pursuing the CT State Manchester Associate of Arts in Music Studies are required to audition to determine their level of instrumental or vocal music proficiency. Auditions must be in person and are scheduled for 30 minutes. Students are required to perform scales and two contrasting pieces.

The audition process, application and scheduled dates can be found on the Manchester campus Music Studies web page under Audition Information. Students who indicate prior music instruction may have the option to be tested (Credit by Examination) and receive credit for Music Theory, Ear Training, and Group Piano courses.

Degree Requirements

Designated Electives

Some courses may only be offered at specific campus locations.

Notes: Music major students are required to take 4 semesters of Ensembles (Vocal, or instrumental: Classical or Jazz).

Group Piano I and Applied Lessons level I courses require permission of the Music department. As in all nationally accredited music programs, students declaring Music as their major must do an interview/audition with the music faculty prior to registering for any music courses for the first time. This audition is not a pass or fail. It is simply a method of assessment, so faculty can better advise them and direct them in the right direction from the beginning of their music studies. The Piano lab has limited seat capability, thus Group Piano courses can only be open to music majors. MUS 1300 Beginning Piano is a Beginning Piano course open to any student at the college. Occasionally, non-music majors want to continue studying the instrument. If there are seats available in the class 2-3 days before classes begin, the instructor might grant them permission to register.