Program Details

Associate of Fine Arts - Music

Associate of Fine Arts

Tidewater Community College

The Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree with a major in Music 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 in Music Theory I through a content review examination. Students who do not pass will be advised to enroll in MUS 8 - Fundamentals of Music, for one semester, before enrolling in MUS 111 - Music Theory I.

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. Additional information about the program is available online at tcc.edu (search keyword "Music").

Courses required for the Music major are available on the Norfolk Campus.

Outcomes

Music Theory - Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of diatonic and chromatic musical theory as applied to songwriting and composition.
Advanced Applied Music - Students will be able to perform a sample of the repertoire from their semester of study in a Music Student Recital at the end of the semester.
Advanced Music Ensembles - Students will be able to perform repertoire from their semester of study in one or more performances with the ensemble by the end of the semester.
Capstone Recital - Students will be able to perform repertoire from their semester of study in one or more performances with the ensemble by the end of the semester.
Advanced Class Piano - Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of keyboard harmony skills on the piano.
History of Music - Students will be able to demonstrate a variety and depth of music appreciation by being able to identify contrasting elements of music from different periods and different cultures, explain selected technical components, explain selected aesthetic components, and describe and recognize musical variances.

Program Overview & Guidance

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Delivery Mode

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Hybrid

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Transfer Degree

Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses	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 Tidewater Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights	TCC had 6 graduates in 2020-21, 4 graduates in 2019-20, 3 graduates in 2018-19, and 1 graduates in 2017-18 in the AFA program in Music.

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-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: Tidewater Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

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Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

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Number of Transfer Students

3364

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer. https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

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 College	Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Music	Associate	Associate of Fine Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Music, A.F.A.	Associate	Associate of Fine Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts Major	Associate	Associate of Art	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
25-1121.00	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	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.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-2041.00	Music Directors and Composers	Conduct, 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
27-2042.00	Musicians and Singers	Play 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
25-2031.00	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations

Cost To Complete

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

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Estimated Cost for the Associate of Fine Arts - Music at Tidewater 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	$165	Per Credit	$10,395	$0	$10,395	Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Fees
Institutional Fee	$7	Per Credit	$441	0	$441	Used to fund expenses related to campus parking including, but no limited to parking improvements, signage, parking lot repairs, lot security, and overall improvements. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$189	0	$189	Used to fund various student activities and programs including, but not limited to honor societies, leadership training, community and cultural events, clubs, athletics, student publications, and learning assistance. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Auxiliary Capital Fee	$20	Per Credit	$1,260	0	$1,260	Used to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for which state General Fund dollars are not permitted. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.

*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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