Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Music

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

Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree 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
67-83
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

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.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

What You'll Learn
  • 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. (MHL194, MHL241, MHL+++, MTC105, MTC130, MUC140, MTC155, MUC181, MTC203, MTC205, MTC255, MTC+++, MUC+++, MUC191, MUC192, MUC193, MUC195, MUC195AA, MUC281, MUC298AA, MUP100, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP164, MUP165, MUP169, MUP181, MUP183, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [FYC], [SQ], [SG], (CRE))
  • Perform with an appropriate tone quality, pitch, rhythm, expression, and articulation/diction in a historically and stylistically informed manner. (MHL194, MTC106, MTC156, MTC206, MTC256, MUE+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP132, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP169, MUP181, MUP183, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273), MUP298AA
  • Use self-evaluation, critical feedback, and aural diagnosis to improve personal performance and instruction and that of others in both solo and group settings. (MHL194, MTC106, MTC156, MTC206, MTC256, MUE+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP132, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP169, MUP181, MUP183, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP+++, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [FYC], [MA], (COM), (CRE))
  • 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. (MHL194, MTC105, MTC106, MTC130, MUC140, MTC155, MTC156, MTC180, MUC181, MTC203, MTC205, MTC206, MTC255, MTC256, MTC+++, MUC+++, MUC109, MUC110, MUE+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP132, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP164, MUP165, MUP169, MUP183, MUP190, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP181, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [FYC], [MA], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
  • Demonstrate accountability and professionalism to prepare for further study in music. (MHL194, MHL241, MHL+++, MTC105, MTC106, MTC130, MUC140, MTC155, MTC156, MUC181, MTC203, MTC205, MTC206, MTC+++, MUC+++, MTC255, MTC256, MUC109, MUC110, MUE+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP132, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP164, MUP165, MUP169, MUP181, MUP183, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [MA], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
  • Communicate effectively in verbal, written, nonverbal, and expressive forms to musicians and laypersons. (MHL194, MHL241, MHL+++, MTC180, MUC109, MUC110, MUE+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP132, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP169, MUP181, MUP183, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [FYC], [MA], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
  • Collaborate with a diverse group of individuals to rehearse, perform, create, and instruct. (MHL194, MHL241, MHL+++, MTC106, MTC156, MTC206, MTC256, MUE+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP132, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP169, MUP181, MUP183, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
  • Utilize technology to support composition, performance, instruction, and general communication. (MHL194, MHL241, MHL+++, MTC105, MTC106, MTC130, MUC140, MTC155, MTC156, MTC180, MUC181, MTC203, MTC205, MTC206, MTC255, MTC256, MTC+++, MUC+++, MUC109, MUC110, MUC197, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP131, MUP132, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP164, MUP165, MUP169, MUP181, MUP183, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP231, MUP232, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
  • Explain how music reflects, shapes, creates, and disseminates culture. (MHL194, MHL241, MHL+++, MUC109, MUC110, MUE+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP150, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP153, MUP154AA, MUP154AB, MUP158, MUP159, MUP160, MUP161, MUP162, MUP163, MUP183, MUP169, MUP181, MUP190, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP217, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP+++, MUP/THP273, MUP298AA, [FYC], [SQ], [SG], (CRE))
  • Locate and evaluate multiple sources of information to inform performance from varied historical contexts and genres. (MHL194, MHL241, MHL+++, MUP101++, MUP102++, MUP151++, MUP152++, MUP201++, MUP202++, MUP251++, MUP252++, MUP298AA, [FYC], (COM), (CRE))
Required courses
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:9-11
FYE101Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3)1-3
MTC105Music Theory I3
MTC106Aural Perception I1
MTC155Music Theory II3
MTC156Aural Perception II1

Course Sequence by Term

Restricted Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:23-28
Transfer Plan 1: Classical Music Performance and Music Education
MUP102++Private Instruction2
MUP152++Private Instruction2
MUP202++Private Instruction2
MTC205Music Theory III3
MTC206Aural Perception III1
MUP252++Private Instruction2
MTC255Music Theory IV3
MTC256Aural Perception IV1
Class Piano Credits:0-4
MUP131Class Piano I1
MUP132Class Piano II1
MUP231Class Piano III1
MUP232Class Piano IV1
(Student`s level and number of credits required for degree determined by piano instructor based on audition)0-4
Large Music Ensembles Credits:4
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.
MUP150Community Chorus1
MUP153Concert Choir1
MUP159Community Orchestra1
MUP160Orchestra1
MUP161Community Band1
MUP162Band1
MUP163Jazz Ensemble 1 (Jazz Big Bands only)
MUP169Guitar Ensemble1
MUP181Chamber Music Ensembles 1 (Piano Ensemble only)
MUP217Music Theatre: Broadway Solos1
MUP/THP273Musical Theater Production1
MUP153is 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.
Related Area Credits:4
Students should choose four (4) additional credits from the following list of options 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.
MHL+++ Any MHL Music: History/Literature course(s)
MTC+++ Any MTC Music: Theory/Composition course(s)
MUC+++ Any MUC Music: Commercial/Business course(s)
MUE+++ Any MUE Music: Education course(s)
MUP+++ Any MUP Music Performance course(s)
Transfer Plan 2: Popular Music
MUC140Songwriting (3) OR
MUC191Electronic Music I (3)3
MUC181Popular Music Orchestration and Arranging (3) OR
MUC192Electronic Music II (3)3
MUC109Music Business: Content Creation and Copyright (3) OR
MUC110Music Business: Marketing and Monetization (3)3
MUP100Introduction to Digital Musicianship (2) OR
MUC195Studio Music Recording I (3) OR
MUC195AAStudio Music Recording I (3) OR
MUC197Live Sound Reinforcement I (3) OR
MUC193Computer-Based Sound Synthesis (3) OR
MUC281Electronic Music III (3)2-3
MUC298AASpecial Projects1
MUP101++Private Instruction (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP102++Private Instruction (2)2
MUP151++Private Instruction (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP152++Private Instruction (2)2
MUP201++Private Instruction (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP202++Private Instruction (2)2
MUP251++Private Instructions (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP252++Private Instruction (2)2
Performance Ensemble Credits:4
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.
MUP150Community Chorus1
MUP153Concert Choir1
MUP154AAJazz Vocal Ensemble1
MUP154ABJazz Vocal Ensemble2
MUP158Rock Band1
MUP159Community Orchestra1
MUP160Orchestra1
MUP161Community Band1
MUP162Band1
MUP163Jazz Ensemble1
MUP169Guitar Ensemble1
MUP181Chamber Music Ensembles 1 (Jazz Combos)
MUP190Percussion Ensemble1
Transfer Plan 3: Jazz Music
MTC130Jazz Theory2
MUC181Popular Music Orchestration and Arranging (3) OR
MTC203Jazz Composition (3) OR
MUP165Jazz Improvisation II (2)2-3
MUP100Introduction to Digital Musicianship (2) OR
MUC195Studio Music Recording I (3) OR
MUC195AAStudio Music Recording I (3) OR
MUC197Live Sound Reinforcement I (3)2-3
MUP164Jazz Improvisation I2
MUP101++Private Instruction (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP102++Private Instruction (2)2
MUP151++Private Instruction (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP152++Private Instruction (2)2
MUP201++Private Instruction (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP202++Private Instruction (2)2
MUP251++Private Instructions (1) (Must be completed for credit twice) OR
MUP252++Private Instruction (2)2
MUP298AASpecial Projects1
Performance Ensemble Credits:6
Choose any six (6) 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.
MUP163Jazz Ensemble 1 (May be repeated for credit 4 times)
MUP181Chamber Music Ensembles 1 (May be repeated for credit 2 times)
MUP183Jazz Combo 1 (May be repeated for credit 2 times)
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
AGEC-ACredits: 35-44
A single course with an [HU], [SB], or [L] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s).
 
First-Year Composition [FYC]Credits: 6
ENG101First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG107First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
ENG102First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG108First-Year Composition for ESL (3)6
 
Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L]Credits: 3
Any approved general education course in the Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] area.
 
Mathematics [MA]Credits: 3-6
MAT140College Mathematics (5) OR
MAT141College Mathematics(4) OR
MAT142College Mathematics (3) OR
MAT145College Mathematics with Review (5) OR
MAT146College Mathematics with Review (6) OR
Higher level mathematics [MA] course3-6
 
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS]Credits: 3
Transfer Plan 1: Classical Music Performance and Music Education:
Any approved general education course in the Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] area.
(Recommended: MTC180 Computer Literacy for Musicians 3)
Transfer Plan 2: Popular Music
MTC180Computer Literacy for Musicians3
Transfer Plan 3: Jazz Music
MTC180Computer Literacy for Musicians3
 
Humanities, Arts and Design [HU]Credits: 6
MHL194Music and Culture (3) (Recommended for students transferring to ASU) OR
MHL241Music History and Literature to 1750 (3) (Recommended for students transferring to Ottawa/NAU)
AND
Any additional MHL+++ Music: History/Literature course with [HU] designation (3)6
 
Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB]Credits: 6
Any approved general education courses in the Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] area.
 
Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ]Credits: 8
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4) AND
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4).8
 
Awareness AreasCredits: 0-6
These requirements may be shared with other AGEC Requirements.
 
Cultural Diversity in the US [C]Credits: 0-3
0-3
 
Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G]Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course in the Global Awareness [G] or Historical Awareness [H] area.
 
MCCCD Additional Requirements
MCCCD Additional RequirementsCredits: 0-6
Courses in this area may also be applied to AGEC Requirements. To minimize total credits required for degree and maximize transferable credits, it is recommended that courses be selected that meet more than one requirement wherever possible.
 
Oral CommunicationCredits: 0-3
COM100Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR
COM110Interpersonal Communication (3) OR
COM225Public Speaking (3) OR
COM230Small Group Communication (3)0-3
 
Critical ReadingCredits: 0-3
CRE101College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0)0-3
Course Area Key
General Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Select courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 67 semester credits. Consult with an Academic Advisor.

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, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.