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 may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Musicians and Singers *
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
*
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning. 
$36,500
Audio and Video Technicians
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
$44,330
Sound Engineering Technicians
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
$51,550
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
Install, repair, or adjust audio or television receivers, stereo systems, camcorders, video systems, or other electronic entertainment equipment in homes or other venues. May perform routine maintenance.
$53,270
Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research
$64,920
Music Directors and Composers
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
$66,560

* Wages for some occupations that do not generally work year-round, full time, are reported either as hourly wages or annual salaries depending on how they are typically paid. 

Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the above for additional information.

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 Email
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
Ann Wilkinson, MFA Professor of Theatre (928) 344-7592 ann.wilkinson@azwestern.edu