The Career
Employment in the field of music takes a variety of forms in classical performance, contemporary entertainment, composition, training and education. ECC students who complete their associate of fine arts degree in music are prepared to enter an undergraduate degree program leading to careers in many areas.
Employment Opportunities
More specifically, related jobs include:
- Arts administrator
- Certified music teacher or professor
- Choral, band or ensemble director
- Church music director
- Composer
- Conductor
- Music therapist
- Private lesson instructor
- Recording engineer
- Singer
- Solo instrumentalist or vocalist
- Symphony, band, choir, orchestra or small ensemble member
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in music should:
- Possess sufficient musical talent or ability
- Have the discipline and perseverance for ongoing practice and training
- Possess analytical skills to study and perform musical selections
- Understand and promote the intrinsic values of music and the impact it has on history, culture and society
- Have good interpersonal communication skills
Career Outlook
In May 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nationwide there were 167,400 jobs for professional musicians and singers, 77,600 for composers and directors and 179,650 selfenrichment teaching positions (which includes private lesson instructors). Overall, the music industry is projecting a 5 percent growth by 2022. Salaries vary by location, education and experience.
The Program
The East Central College Associate of Fine Arts in Music is a viable transfer program which prepares students to pursue their Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Music and related degrees. Assuming appropriate placement scores, the program takes two years to complete, with flexibility to customize it toward the student’s chosen career.
The AFA degree offers students a highly-concentrated course of study in music theory, history, applied lessons and performance, plus core general education requirements. Students benefit from curriculum based on National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) standards instructed by ECC’s experienced and award-winning faculty. The college has institutional accreditation from NASM.
In addition, the college provides various music activities. Students regularly perform in recitals and band, choral and chamber ensemble concerts. Each year, they also benefit from on-campus performances, lectures and master classes by internationally-renowned artists.
ECC also offers an Associate of Arts in Music degree.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation to be sent to the Registration Office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and universities. Transferring credit is decided solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution.
Students should communicate often with their faculty advisors and the East Central College transfer advisor. They should also make early contact with the four-year institution of their choice regarding the transferability of ECC credits and coursework.
Moreover, students pursuing this degree will benefit from the articulation agreement the college has with the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Articulated Through University of Missouri-St. Louis #
Accreditation
East Central College has institutional accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, Virginia 20190-5248
703-437-0700
http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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