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 degree in music are prepared to enter an undergraduate degree leading to careers in these 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 level and experience.
The Program
The East Central College Associate of Arts in Music is a viable transfer program which prepares students to pursue their Bachelor’s of Arts in Music and related degrees. Assuming appropriate placement scores, music is a two-year program, with flexibility to customize it toward the student’s chosen career.
ECC’s music degree consists of the 43-credit hour general education core required of all transfer programs plus the necessary electives. The college’s experienced and award-winning faculty instruct students in general education, core music curriculum and performance fields.
Courses include music fundamentals, theory, history and appreciation classes, as well as applied music through vocal and instrumental lessons and ensembles. Curriculum is based on the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) standards. ECC 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.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation 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/or universities. Please note that transferring credit is decided by the bachelor degree granting institution.
Students seeking to transfer are advised to contact the four-year institutions regarding the transferability of the credits and coursework offered through East Central College.
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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