Frequently Asked Questions

The MCC Music Department offers a range of performance opportunities for students and members of the public.

General Questions

Where are you located?

The Performing Arts and Production Department has offerings at multiple campus locations:

Building MU-43

The MU houses the department's main office, the Piano, Guitar, and Music Industry Programs, as well as Music Theory and Class Piano classes, which are required for all music majors. 

Performing Arts Center - 1520 S Longmore

Most performances for Dance, Instrumental and Vocal Music, and Music Theatre can be found here. 

Most instrumental, jazz, and vocal ensembles rehearse here. 

Building 46 - HEAP

Most dance classes occur here (please note that the dance program director's office is in MU-43)

Building TH-29 - Theatre

Theatre productions (excluding Musical Theatre) occur here, as well as technical theatre classes.

See the map of campus locations for all of our locations.

How can I get help via phone?

The main office number is 480-461-7575. You can also reach individual staff and faculty members, see our staff listing here.

What are your hours?

The Performing Arts and Production Department office is open Mon-Thu: 9 – 5 and Fri: 8–5 during the school year and Mon-Thu: 9 – 6 during the summer. Classes and performances are held 7 days per week. The Performing Arts and Production Department follows the campus calendar for holiday closures including Thanksgiving and Christmas break.

How do I get started?

Your first step to taking classes at MCC is to be admitted as a student. Steps for admission to MCC are located here. Once you are an official student with a MEID number, you can seek advising assistance and enroll in classes. 

Reach out to your program director before enrolling in classes:

Instrumental Music: John Davenport

Vocal Music: Mark Simmons

Music Theatre: Darin Shryock

Theatre: Kara Thomson

Dance: Sara Malan McDonald

Music Industry: Ron Marschall

Where do I go for departmental advising?

The Performing Arts and Production Department  offers several avenues for academic advising. Please reach out to your Program Director for more information, or contact Alma Quiros to be connected with  to your Program Director

Program Directors

Music Performance/Education

John Davenport: Director of Instrumental Studies

Paul Brewer: Director of Jazz Studies, also offers Transfer Advising

Radmila Stojanovic Kiriluk: Piano Program Director

Mark Simmons: Director of Choral Activities

Darin Shryock: Music Theatre Program Director, Department Chair

Music Industry

Ron Marschall: Music Industry Program Director

Theatre

Kara Thomson: Theatre Program Director

Adriana Diaz: Technical Theatre

Dance

Sara Malan McDonald: Dance Program Director

What types of degrees do you offer?

The MCC Music Department offers several degrees and certificates including: Audio Production Technology, Music Business or Disc Jockey Techniques; the Academic Certificate in Electronic Music; the Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Piano Pedagogy, Audio Production Technology, Music Business and Disc Jockey Techniques. We also have four year transfer degree opportunities in Music, Music Education, Jazz Performance and more.

Are your classes open to the public?

MCC supports career readiness, workforce development, and life-long learning. Members of the public, at all ability levels, are welcome to take classes at MCC. You must enroll as a student at MCC in order to take classes. You do not need to be pursuing a degree in music to participate in music classes.

How can my child/teen sign up for music classes?

The Performing Arts and Production Department offers opportunities for learners of all ages and abilities. Teens may take dual enrollment or Early College concurrent enrollment classes while still enrolled in High School. See more information here. Requests for Concurrent Enrollment must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the course. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing. We also offer Summer Camps in Musical Theater, and Instrumental Music (Band/Orchestra and Jazz)

What types of financial aid or scholarship support are available?

In addition to federal financial aid, MCC offers several scholarship opportunities. General scholarship information is available from the Financial Aid office. The Performing Arts and Production Department also offers a variety of department based scholarships. 

The Private Instruction Course Fee Scholarships are available to help cover the cost of private instruction for full-time and part-time music majors. See more information here.

What types of performance opportunities are available?

MCC offers a range of performance opportunities including a variety of Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles, Theatre and Music Theatre productions, and a Contemporary Dance Performing Ensemble. 

Theater, Music Theatre and Dance auditions are open to all members of the community. You do not need to be a student at MCC to audition. However, if you are cast in a production, you must register for the associated course.

Instrumental and Vocal Performing Ensembles are open to students (regardless of degree program) and community members alike. Participants must register for the associated class. 

Are there any entrance requirements to enroll in music classes?

Yes, some courses do require entrance exams or auditions. Please review the requirements for participation in each music program by visiting the links in the left navigation of the Music Department page or contact 480-461-7575 for more information.

For Band and Instrumental ensemble opportunities click here.

Choral/Vocal students can obtain more information here.

How do I enroll in Music classes?

Instrumental and vocal classes require that you visit with a Music program advisor and participate in auditions prior to enrollment in performance classes. You may self-enroll in Music Humanities, Audio Production, Disc Jockey and Music Business classes. Degree-seeking students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor.