Music
Program Description
An Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Music provides students with a foundational understanding of music theory and in voice or instrumental performance training. The Music program prepares students to transfer to a university where students can specialize in the music major of their choice.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Describe foundational music theory concepts
- Demonstrate basic skills in voice or instrumental performance
- Demonstrate basic abilities in dictation and sight-reading
Degree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Music - A.A. Transfer Degree | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Duties/Tasks
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
- Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
- Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
- Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
- Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Description
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Duties/Tasks
- Design or provide music therapy experiences to address client needs, such as using music for self-care, adjusting to life changes, improving cognitive functioning, raising self-esteem, communicating, or controlling impulses.
- Design music therapy experiences, using various musical elements to meet client's goals or objectives.
- Sing or play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments.
- Communicate with clients to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to musical experiences.
- Customize treatment programs for specific areas of music therapy, such as intellectual or developmental disabilities, educational settings, geriatrics, medical settings, mental health, physical disabilities, or wellness.
- Establish client goals or objectives for music therapy treatment, considering client needs, capabilities, interests, overall therapeutic program, coordination of treatment, or length of treatment.
- Document evaluations, treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.
- Assess client functioning levels, strengths, and areas of need in terms of perceptual, sensory, affective, communicative, musical, physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, or other abilities.
- Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to music therapy.
- Improvise instrumentally, vocally, or physically to meet client's therapeutic needs.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$65,330
$65,330
Entry Level Salary
$37,620
$37,620
Mid Level Salary
$60,570
$60,570
Expert Level Salary
$102,320
$102,320
Average Hourly Wage
$31.41
$31.41
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.09
$18.09
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$29.00
$29.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$49.19
$49.19
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Duties/Tasks
- Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
- Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
- Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
- Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
- Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
- Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
- Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
- Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
- Play from memory or by following scores.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
N/A
N/A
Entry Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Mid Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$39.11
$39.11
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$12.15
$12.15
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$23.00
$23.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Liberal Arts & Education
Hours of Operation
- Normal Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodney Abriol, DMA | Professor of Music - Piano | (928) 317-6019 | rodney.abriol@azwestern.edu |
| William Blomquist, MFA | Professor of Visual Arts-2D | (928) 317-6060 | william.blomquist@azwestern.edu |
| Julie Floss, MFA | Professor of Visual Arts-2D, SYC | (928) 314-9434 | julie.floss@azwestern.edu |
| Deltrina Grimes, MM | Professor of Music: Voice | (928) 344-7574 | deltrina.grimes@azwestern.edu |
| Brad Pease, MFA | Professor of Computer Graphics and Visual Arts | (928) 344-7707 | brad.pease@azwestern.edu |
| Louis Pollard III, DMA | Professor of Instrumental Music | (928) 344-7573 | Shawn.Pollard@azwestern.edu |
| Rebecca Shelby, MFA | Professor of Visual Arts-3D | (928) 344-7756 | Rebecca.Shelby@azwestern.edu |