Music AS

Master an instrument you choose, study music theory, and perform for live audiences. No audition required—we help every musician reach their goals. Prepare for music school, conservatory, and more.

Associate Degree

63 Credit Hours

In-Person

Program Overview

Learn about music theory, history, and composition in small classes taught by experienced musicians. Connect with our music recording technology students to create albums, record live sessions, and develop creative projects together. You'll study music from different time periods, practice your keyboard skills, and train your ear to identify pitch, melody, rhythms, and more.

By the end of the program, you'll be ready to transfer to a four-year school and further refine your area of expertise.

Career Outlook

Transform your passion for music into a career in performance, teaching, composing, or other related work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for music industry jobs to grow 9% by 2030, which is faster than the overall job growth rate. The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $49,130 in 2021 and $79,640 for postsecondary teachers.

Music careers vary widely, and your decisions about how and where to continue your studies will be shaped by your career goals. Many professional musicians perform part-time while also working full-time in a related field, such as music education or music therapy.

Upon earning a bachelor's degree in music, you will be ready for a variety of careers, including:
- Composer
- Director
- Music Business
- Music Teacher
- Music Therapist
- Private Studio Instructor
Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more.

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.
- Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
- Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.
VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Many students in our Music program go on to complete a four-year degree at colleges such as:
- Berklee College of Music
- Buffalo State College
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Eastman School of Music
- Ithaca College
- Nazareth University
- Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
- SUNY Fredonia
- SUNY Geneseo
- SUNY Potsdam
- University at Buffalo
Hands-On Music Education

Learn to play an instrument of your choice with a focus on the genres and musical styles you love. Strengthen your musical talent through private lessons, group ensembles, and public performance opportunities. Our four-semester sequence of applied music electives ensures you receive the structure and support to grow as a well-rounded musician.
Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:
Music Theory Placement Exam

As you enter the program, you'll take a music theory placement exam that helps us determine your best course mix for the first semester. There is no audition required to enter the program.

Prepare for the Music Theory Placement Exam

Study for your music theory placement exam with our sample questions. You'll be tested on your ability to read sheet music, identify major and minor keys, interpret time signatures, and other foundational music skills.

Learn More About Placement Exams

FLCC performance of “A Tribute to Queen” at the 2019 Spring Arts Festival.

Student Performance Opportunities

Take your performance to the next level with our state-of-the-art music facilities. Learn in our auditorium, rehearsal hall, music classrooms, applied music studios, practice rooms, MIDI keyboard laboratories, and .

Perform in front of live audiences as part of a student ensemble. Join Finger Lakes Chorale, College Singers, Finger Lakes Camerata, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, or Guitar Ensemble, among others.

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What Our Students Say

The Music program had such a great community. Students would meet up and play. The person who writes song lyrics would talk to the person who plays the guitar, and so on. Someone else would perform a little piano piece while another student edited audio on Pro Tools. We would hang out and talk about music — then put on a concert at the end of the semester. It was so much fun.

Evan Williams '10

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost per credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. Our financial aid counselors will guide you through the process and help you understand college costs.

$5,376

per year for in-state tuition ($224 per credit hour).
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76%

of students are eligible for financial aid or scholarships.
Browse All Scholarships

$18M

in financial aid was disbursed to our students last year.
Learn About Financial Aid

Related Programs

Music

Program Overview

Career Outlook

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

Where Our Students Transfer

Hands-On Music Education

Sample Courses

Music Theory Placement Exam

Prepare for the Music Theory Placement Exam

Student Performance Opportunities

What Our Students Say

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Related Programs

Communications

Fine Arts

Graphic Design

Music

Music Recording Technology

New Media

Podcasting Microcredential

Technical Theatre