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Program Details
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Program Details

Music, A.F.A.

Associate of Fine Arts
Northern Virginia Community College

Purpose: This program is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills to make them competitive for admission and transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Music. As part of the curriculum, students will study and receive training in performance on a major instrument or voice and take courses that cover topics such as musicianship skills and analysis, music composition and improvisation, and music history and repertory. Entering students should possess a basic understanding of reading sheet music notation, as determined prior to enrollment in Music Theory I through a content review examination. Students who pursue the Music major must successfully complete a number of performances to meet program learning objectives. During the second semester of the first year, students will perform two musical selections of contrasting style (applied instruction jury). In the second year as students near graduation, they must successfully perform in a recital (capstone recital). Applied Music courses will require additional fees/studio charges.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Transfer Degree
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Applied music students: Tuition and studio fees are payable to the College. Applied proficiency requirements must be met in order for students to advance to the 200-level of applied music courses. Piano proficiency skills are required of all music majors.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Music, A.F.A.
63
Music, AFA
63
560 Plan GPA/Cum GPA 202425
63
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 47 credits may be applied to this program.
English Requirements
9
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 200 Level Literature
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
SDV Requirement
1
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SDV 101
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Math Requirements
3
MTH 154
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Category:
AND
Complete courses from the following Course:
Social/Behavioral Science Elective Requirement
3
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Physical or Life Science with Lab Elective Requirement
4
Physical or Life Science with Lab Elective
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Music Requirements
43
MUS 111
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 112
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 141
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 142
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 211
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 221
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 241
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 212
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 222
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 242
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 298
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS Ensemble
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select from the following: MUS 135, MUS 137, MUS 144, MUS 148, MUS 237, or MUS 248.
MUS 2 Advanced Applied Instruction on Major Instrument
8
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select from the following: MUS 136, MUS 145, MUS 147, MUS 155, MUS 165, MUS 175, MUS 185, MUS 236, MUS 243, MUS 245, MUS 255, MUS 265, MUS 275, or MUS 285.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
Credit for Prior Learning NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
43891
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts Degree in MusicAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts - MusicAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Fine ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Film SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in ArtAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Theatre/DramaAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1121.00Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-2041.00Music Directors and ComposersConduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-2042.00Musicians and SingersPlay one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-1019.00Artists and Related Workers, All OtherAll artists and related workers not listed separately.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1012.00Craft ArtistsCreate or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1013.00Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and IllustratorsCreate original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-4021.00PhotographersPhotograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 63 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Music, A.F.A. at Northern Virginia Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $219 Per Credit $13,797 $0 $13,797
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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