Field of Interest
The Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA), Emphasis in Music degree is designed for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges and universities with majors in the Fine/Performing Arts. The degree is designed to prepare students to meet selective admission criteria for programs, such as the Bachelor of Music, which may require an audition. Embedded areas of emphasis include choral, instrumental, guitar and popular music performance.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Type
- Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA)
- Academic Plan
- Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Music (DEG)
- Academic Plan Code
- 8313
- Total Credits Required
- 60-64
- Catalog Year
- 2026-2027
- Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.
In most cases, courses used to satisfy the AAFA, Emphasis in Music will apply to general university graduation requirements of related majors; however, students need to be aware of any specific lower division requirements of their intended focus at the university to be sure they select courses that will meet those requirements.
Some courses may require permission of instructor and/or audition for placement.
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Critically analyze music according to historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts in order to understand how musical composition changes over time and how it impacts current practice both in music creation and performance.
- Perform with an appropriate tone quality, pitch, rhythm, expression, and articulation/diction in a historically and stylistically informed manner.
- Use self-evaluation, critical feedback, and aural diagnosis to improve personal performance and instruction and that of others in both solo and group settings.
- Demonstrate an ability to use self-management and self-discipline to align personal choices and behaviors with the achievement of personal goals in the field of music.
- Demonstrate accountability and professionalism to prepare for further study in music.
- Communicate effectively in verbal, written, nonverbal, and expressive forms to musicians and laypersons.
- Collaborate with a diverse group of individuals to rehearse, perform, create, and instruct.
- Utilize technology to support composition, performance, instruction, and general communication.
- Explain how music reflects, shapes, creates, and disseminates culture.
- Locate and evaluate multiple sources of information to inform performance from varied historical contexts and genres.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this degree may lead to
employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related
occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for
this degree. Education requirements vary for the
occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some
of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program
director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding
education level, wages, and employment information.
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$28.95
Annual Median Wage
$60,222
Number of People Employed
14,403
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 1.4 %
Play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$26.79
Annual Median Wage
$55,740
Number of People Employed
1,843
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 4.8 %
Write and transcribe musical scores.
Typical Education Level
some college
Hourly Median Wage
$22.53
Annual Median Wage
$46,876
Number of People Employed
493
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 9.1 %
Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$22.53
Annual Median Wage
$46,876
Number of People Employed
493
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 9.1 %
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$33.26
Annual Median Wage
$69,191
Number of People Employed
826
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 23.4 %
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.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$35.16
Annual Median Wage
$73,152
Annual Job Openings
2,449
Number of People Employed
28,271
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 11.0 %
Sing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$26.79
Annual Median Wage
$55,740
Number of People Employed
1,843
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 4.8 %
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data,
reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s
proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers
including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Pathway Map Options
There are multiple options available for this pathway map.
These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.
These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework
may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of
courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below.
The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.
The list of courses below has been updated
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
| Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) |
|
Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include:
- Oral Communication [OCM] (3 Credits)
- Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] (3 Credits)
- Institutions in the Americas [IAM] (3 Credits)
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:
- Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] (3 Credits)
- Computers/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] (3-5 Credits)
- Cultural, Global, and Historical Awareness Areas [C, G, H] (0-3 Credits)
- Subject Options -AGEC-S only (8 Credits)
For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage.
|
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device,
some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this
page on a device with a larger screen.
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Term 1
Term 1
Term 1
Term 1
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
ENG101 or
ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL |
Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097 or WAC101, or a grade of B or better in ALT100, or (a grade of C in ALT100 AND Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL OR WAC101 OR ENG100A+). |
Critical course
|
FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM |
3 |
| MTC105 |
Music Theory/Aural Perception I |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101 or permission of instructor. Corequisites: MTC106. |
Critical course
Gateway course
|
|
3 |
AHM and
MHL+++ |
Arts and Humanities and Any approved MHL Music: History/Literature course |
|
Any approved MHL Music: History/Literature course in the Arts and Humanities [AHM] area. To be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.
|
AHM |
3 |
FYE101 or
FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success |
|
|
|
1–3 |
| Plan Elective |
Plan Course Elective |
|
|
|
2–6 |
| MUP102++ |
Private Instruction |
Prerequisites: Student must be 18 years or older. |
|
|
2 |
| MUP131 |
Class Piano I |
|
Student`s level and number of credits required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition
|
|
0–1 |
| Music Ensemble |
Large Music Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
1 |
MUC140 or
MUC191 |
Songwriting or Electronic Music I |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC101, or MTC105, or permission of Instructor. or No requisites |
|
|
3 |
MUP101++ or
MUP102++ |
Private Instruction or Private Instruction |
|
MUP101++ Must be completed for credit twice
|
|
2 |
| Performance Ensemble |
Performance Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
1–2 |
| MUP164 |
Jazz Improvisation I |
|
|
|
2 |
MUP101++ or
MUP102++ |
Private Instruction or Private Instruction |
|
MUP101++ Must be completed for credit twice
|
|
2 |
| Performance Ensemble |
Performance Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
1–2 |
| MUP102++ |
Private Instruction |
|
|
|
2 |
| MUP131 |
Class Piano I |
|
Student’s level and number of credits required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition
|
|
0–1 |
| Large Music Ensemble |
Large Music Ensemble |
|
Choose any two (2) credits from the Ensemble Coursework List
|
|
1 |
| Related Area |
Related Area |
|
Students should choose four (4) additional credits from MUP218, MUP270, THP+++, DAN+++ that best align with their academic and professional goals. Course(s) selected must be different from those used to fulfill a requirement of the AGEC-A and/or those used to fulfill Required Courses and should be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.
|
|
1–2 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Term 2
Term 2
Term 2
Term 2
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
ENG102 or
ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL |
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107. |
|
FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC |
3 |
| MTC155 |
Music Theory/Aural Perception II |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC105. Corequisites: MTC156. |
|
|
3 |
| OCM |
Oral Communication |
|
|
OCM |
3 |
| SCB |
Social and Behavioral Sciences |
|
|
SCB |
3 |
| Plan Elective |
Plan Course Elective |
|
|
|
2–6 |
| MUP152++ |
Private Instruction |
Prerequisites: Student must be 18 years or older. |
|
|
2 |
| MUP132 |
Class Piano II |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP131 or permission of Instructor. |
Student`s level and number of credits required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition
|
|
0–1 |
| Music Ensemble |
Large Music Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
1 |
MUC181 or
MUC192 |
Popular Music Orchestration and Arranging or Electronic Music II |
Prerequisites or Corequisites: (MTC155 or higher level of MTC music theory course) and MTC180. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC191. |
|
|
3 |
MUP151++ or
MUP152++ |
Private Instruction or Private Instruction |
|
MUP151++ Must be completed for credit twice
|
|
2 |
| Performance Ensemble |
Performance Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
1–2 |
MTC203 or
MUC181 or
MUP165 |
Jazz Composition or Popular Music Orchestration and Arranging or Jazz Improvisation II |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC155, or MUP165, or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites or Corequisites: (MTC155 or higher level of MTC music theory course) and MTC180. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP164 or permission of Instructor. |
|
|
1–3 |
MUP151++ or
MUP152++ |
Private Instruction or Private Instruction |
|
MUP151++ Must be completed for credit twice
|
|
2 |
| Performance Ensemble |
Performance Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
1–2 |
| MUP152++ |
Private Instruction |
|
|
|
2 |
| MUP132 |
Class Piano II |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP131 or permission of Instructor. |
Student’s level and number of credits required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition
|
|
0–1 |
| Large Music Ensemble |
Large Music Ensemble |
|
Choose any two (2) credits from the Ensemble Coursework List
|
|
1 |
| Related Area |
Related Area |
|
Students should choose four (4) additional credits from MUP218, MUP270, THP+++, DAN+++ that best align with their academic and professional goals. Course(s) selected must be different from those used to fulfill a requirement of the AGEC-A and/or those used to fulfill Required Courses and should be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.
|
|
1–2 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Term 3
Term 3
Term 3
Term 3
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| MAT14+ |
College Mathematics |
|
OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206.
|
QNR |
3–6 |
| IAM |
Institutions of the Americas |
|
|
IAM |
3 |
| NSI |
Natural Sciences |
|
|
NSI |
4 |
| Plan Elective |
Plan Course Elective |
|
|
|
2–6 |
| MUP202++ |
Private Instruction |
Prerequisites: Student must be 18 years or older. |
|
|
2 |
| MTC205 |
Music Theory III |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MTC155. Corequisites: MTC206. |
|
|
3 |
| MUP231 |
Class Piano III |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP132 or permission of Instructor. |
Student`s level and number of credits required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition
|
|
0–1 |
| Music Ensemble |
Large Music Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
1 |
MUP201 or
MUP202 |
Private Instruction |
|
MUP201++ Must be completed for credit twice
|
|
2 |
| Performance Ensemble |
Performance Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
0–1 |
| MTC130 |
Jazz Theory |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (MTC101 and MTC103), or permission of Instructor. |
|
|
2 |
MUP201++ or
MUP202++ |
Private Instruction or Private Instruction |
|
MUP201++ Must be completed for credit twice
|
|
2 |
| Performance Ensemble |
Performance Ensemble |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the Ensemble Coursework list
|
|
0–1 |
| MUP202++ |
Private Instruction |
|
|
|
2 |
| MUP231 |
Class Piano III |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MUP132 or permission of Instructor. |
Student’s level and number of credits required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition
|
|
0–1 |
MUP/THP273 or
MUP270AA |
Musical Theater Production or Musical Theatre Workshop |
|
Production courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Any substitutions require official approval of a program director.
|
|
1 |
| Related Area |
Related Area |
|
Students should choose four (4) additional credits from MUP218, MUP270, THP+++, DAN+++ that best align with their academic and professional goals. Course(s) selected must be different from those used to fulfill a requirement of the AGEC-A and/or those used to fulfill Required Courses and should be selected in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.
|
|
0–1 |
Ensemble Coursework
A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| MUP150 |
Community Chorus |
|
Choose any four (4) credits from the following list of Musical Ensemble courses based on area of emphasis. Any substitutions require official approval of program director.
MUP153 is recommended for Choral students (or, if unavailable, MUP150), MUP160 for Strings students (or, if unavailable, MUP159), MUP162 for Instrumental students (or, if unavailable, MUP161), MUP163 (limited to Jazz Big Bands) for Jazz students, MUP169 for students interested in transfer to Ottawa University for Guitar (or, if unavailable, any other approved ensemble), and MUP181 (limited to Piano Ensembles only) for Piano majors. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit.
|
|
1 |
| MUP153 |
Concert Choir |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP159 |
Community Orchestra |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP160 |
Orchestra |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP161 |
Community Band |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP162 |
Band |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP163 |
Jazz Ensemble |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP169 |
Guitar Ensemble |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP181 |
Chamber Music Ensembles |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP217 |
Music Theatre: Broadway Solos |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP/THP273 |
Musical Theatre Production |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP154AA |
Jazz Vocal Ensemble |
Prerequisites: Auditions required or permission of Instructor. |
Choose any four (4) credits from the following list of Musical Ensemble courses. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.
|
|
1 |
| MUP154AB |
Jazz Vocal Ensemble |
Prerequisites: Auditions required and two semesters in A Cappella Choir or permission of Instructor. |
|
|
2 |
| MUP158 |
Popular Music Ensemble |
Prerequisites: Auditions are required. |
|
|
1 |
| MUP163 |
Jazz Ensemble |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP169 |
Guitar Ensemble |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP183 |
Jazz Combo |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP190 |
Percussion Ensemble |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP154AA |
Jazz Vocal Ensemble |
Prerequisites: Auditions required or permission of Instructor. |
Choose any four (4) credits from the following list of Performance Ensemble courses. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Select courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.
May be repeated for credit 4 times
|
|
1 |
| MUP154AB |
Jazz Vocal Ensemble |
Prerequisites: Auditions required and two semesters in A Cappella Choir or permission of Instructor. |
May be repeated for credit 2 times
|
|
2 |
| MUP158 |
Popular Music Ensemble |
Prerequisites: Auditions are required. |
May be repeated for credit 2 times
|
|
1 |
| MUP163 |
Jazz Ensemble |
|
May be repeated for credit 4 times
|
|
1 |
| MUP183 |
Jazz Combo |
|
May be repeated for credit 4 times
|
|
1 |
| MUP150 |
Community Chorus |
|
Choose any two (2) credits from the following list of Musical Ensemble courses. Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit. Any substitutions require official approval of a program director.
MUP153 is recommended for Music Theatre students (or, if unavailable, MUP150). Ensemble courses can be taken multiple times for credit.
|
|
1 |
| MUP153 |
Concert Choir |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP157 |
Treble Choir |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP182 |
Chamber Singers |
|
|
|
1 |
| MUP217 |
Music Theatre: Broadway Solos |
|
|
|
1 |
Pathway Map Option Details
No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway
map options listed above.
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Learn more about and find contact information for the Music Performance program.
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- AHM = Arts and Humanities
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- IAM = Institutions of the Americas
- NSI = Natural Sciences
- OCM = Oral Communication
- QNR = Quantitative Reasoning
- SCB = Social and Behavioral Sciences
- WCM = Written Communication
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/acres.woa/wa/customView?id=16462109.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) in Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Music
