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Music

What will I learn?

After completing an Associate in Arts degree, with an emphasis in Music, you will be able to:

  • exhibit technical and artistic competence in the performance of music, sensitivity to musical style, and broad knowledge of music and music literature
  • understand the historical development of music and the role of music in society
  • understand the theoretical and analytical basis of music necessary for composition and the expressive musical performance
  • demonstrate a mastery of the materials of music that are required for a successful career in music

What is the occupational outlook?

Because music majors develop diverse sets of skills, employment is possible in many different areas, including teaching, performing, composing and arranging, broadcasting, recording industry, entertainment industry, music ministry, music business, private music instruction, music therapy, and arts administration.

Jobs in music performance are predicted to rise as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. The rate of job growth will be slower for self-employed musicians.1 Jobs in teaching music will increase at a rate faster than the average for all occupations through 2014.2 Jobs in musical instrument and equipment repair will grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2014.3

What are my options?

You can earn credits in Music at HCC to transfer to a four year school toward a Music major.

You can take various kinds of Music courses at HCC to explore the field and consider which area of Music interests you the most: performance, theory, history, composition, technology, business, or therapy.

You can take Music courses simply to develop your ability to perform, understand, and write music for cultural and personal enrichment.


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos095.htm (visited July 9, 2007)
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Teachers–Self-Enrichment Education, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos064.htm (visited July 9, 2007)
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos199.htm (visited July 9, 2007)