Music, AFA

Associate of Fine Arts in Music

The East Central College Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Music is designed to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs for students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Music, a Bachelor of Music (BM), or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music. The curriculum provides general education courses required of liberal arts students and music specialization courses required by four year institutions. The purpose of the AFA degree is to provide the first two years of preparation (assuming appropriate placement scores) for those students interested in careers in performance, music theory/composition, music therapy, and music business. The AFA curriculum aligns with the first two years of the transfer institution’s degree program. It provides students the flexibility and optimal opportunity to work with their respective four year degrees. The degree consists of nearly over 50% of music courses. East Central College is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Extra-Curricular/Co-curricular Opportunities at ECC: The department offers a variety of performance opportunities through student recitals and ensemble concerts.  The college is recognized as a center of artistic excellence in the community offering a rewarding cultural and intellectual learning environment. Students have the opportunities to attend on-campus performances, lectures and master classes by world-class artists. Numerous performance ensembles are available to all East Central College students and community members: College Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, College Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble

East Central College is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Special Notes:

• Piano majors who do not need to take Class Piano I should take an equivalent of three credit hours of electives.
• In lieu of Class Piano, piano majors must take total of six hours of applied lessons and pass the piano proficiency exam
• Freshmen students who are taking one credit hour of Applied Lessons must enroll in MUA 100 Studio Performance Class

UMSL Transfer Considerations:

• Transfer students must audition on their major instrument/ voice before being accepted as a music major or minor at UMSL.
• Vocal majors must take 10 hours of foreign language (German or French – these courses may be taken at ECC)
• Students should select appropriate ensemble base on their major performance area.