Music Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Fine and Performing Arts – Music Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music or a related field.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in music theory, musicianship, performance, and music history. Students develop technical proficiency, aural skills, and an understanding of musical structure and cultural context. Coursework emphasizes individual and ensemble performance, critical listening, and artistic interpretation while building the analytical and discipline-specific skills required for advanced study.
The program combines performance-based learning with a broad liberal arts foundation, preparing students for transfer into programs in performance, music education, music industry studies, composition, or related disciplines.
Transfer Information
The Music concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in music and related fields. Students intending to transfer should work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework aligns with their intended major and institution.
Many four-year music programs require an audition for admission. Early preparation and consistent performance development are strongly recommended.
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 Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in music, and some careers may require advanced study or specialized training.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Professional Performer
- Music Educator (with certification)
- Music Director or Conductor
- Composer or Arranger
- Music Industry Professional
- Arts Administrator
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services as they explore long-term academic and career goals. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research music-related professions and academic pathways.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MUSC 120 | Individual Applied Music Lessons I | 2 |
| MUSC 190 | Introduction to Music Appreciation | 3 |
| Social Science 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 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 1 | |
| Jazz Band II | ||
| Vocal Ensemble II | ||
| Concert Band II | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| MUSC 101 | Music Fundamentals | 3 |
| MUSC 220 | Individual Applied Music Lessons III | 2 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Technology 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 |
| MUSC 181 | Theory of Music I | 3 |
| MUSC 177 or GHUM | Ear Training and Sight Singing I or | 3 |
| HIST 191 or SOCI 238 | African-American History or Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| Social Science 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 | |
- 1
PHIL 191 is preferred.