Music Education Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Fine and Performing Arts – Music Education Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music education or a related field leading to teacher certification.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in music theory, musicianship, performance, and music history while preparing students for entry into teacher preparation programs. Students develop technical proficiency, aural skills, and performance experience through individual and ensemble study. Coursework emphasizes both artistic development and the academic skills necessary for success in upper-level music education programs.
The program combines performance-based learning with a liberal arts foundation, supporting students as they prepare for careers in teaching and music leadership.
Transfer Information
The Music Education concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in music education and related teacher preparation pathways. Students intending to pursue teacher certification should work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework meets transfer and certification requirements at their intended institution.
Many four-year music education programs require an audition for admission. Early and ongoing preparation is strongly recommended. Teacher preparation programs may also have GPA standards and additional admission requirements.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Career Information
The A.A. in Fine and Performing Arts – Music Education Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program are required to become a certified music teacher.
With a bachelor’s degree and certification, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Elementary or Secondary Music Teacher
- Choral or Instrumental Director
- Band or Orchestra Director
- Music Program Coordinator
- Private Music Instructor
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to map out transfer requirements and certification pathways. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to explore career options in music education and related fields.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MUSC 120 | Individual Applied Music Lessons I | 2 |
| MUSC 190 | Introduction to Music Appreciation | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 1 | |
| Jazz Band I | ||
| Vocal Ensemble I | ||
| Concert Band I | ||
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| MUSC 121 | Individual Applied Music Lessons II | 2 |
| MUSC 194 | Introduction to World Music | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 1 | |
| Jazz Band II | ||
| Vocal Ensemble II | ||
| Concert Band II | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| MUSC 220 | Individual Applied Music Lessons III | 2 |
| MUSC 101 | Music Fundamentals | 3 |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| HIST 191 | African-American History | 3 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 1 | |
| Jazz Band III | ||
| Vocal Ensemble III | ||
| Concert Band III | ||
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| MUSC 221 | Individual Applied Music Lessons IV | 2 |
| EDUC 178 | Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Students | 3 |
| MUSC 181 | Theory of Music I | 3 |
| PSYC 173 or PSYC 273 | Child Psychology or Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 1 | |
| Jazz Band IV | ||
| Vocal Ensemble IV | ||
| Concert Band IV | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |