Instrumental Music

If you're focusing on instrumental music, your first two years of study will provide the fundamental groundwork applicable to all music disciplines as you work toward earning an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree at EFSC. To achieve this, you'll need a minimum of 60 college-level credits, with 36 dedicated to general education courses and 24 to electives.

Out of the general education credits, six must be in the humanities, and we highly recommend that instrumental majors take Survey of Music Literature (MUL 2010) to fulfill three of those humanities credits.

As a music student, we advise you to enroll in at least eight or nine credits of music classes per term. String, wind, and percussion majors typically take nine credits per term (which count as electives towards the A.A. degree), while piano and guitar majors typically take either eight or nine credits, depending on which major ensemble you participate in.

Music students may be eligible for program scholarships.

Given the diverse ensemble options available, students pursuing a music major often take around two-and-a-half to three years to complete their A.A. degree.

For a successful transfer to a university with a music program, you'll generally need 68 to 72 credits. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from EFSC advisors and music faculty, who are ready to assist you in planning your courses as you work toward your degree and prepare for a bachelor-level music program. Also be sure to contact an advisor at the institution you plan to transfer to  and review prerequisite course requirements and any audition process.