From Classroom to Concert
NHCC students can explore and develop their musicality through an array of classroom and performance opportunities.
We Make Music at NHCC!
Did you participate in high school choir, band, orchestra, pep or jazz band? All experience levels are welcome, and NHCC’s ensembles are here to keep the music in your life:
- Concert Choir and Chamber Singers
- Jazz Band
- Concert Band
- Orchestra
- Rock/Small Ensembles
- Lessons for guitar, piano, singing, and other instruments
We have strong community ties: new students, recent grads, and retirees are well-represented. No matter what your major is, ensembles are a great way to make new friends, experience fun rehearsals and performances, and get involved on campus!
Spring Concert Dates 2025
- February 8: 9th Annual JazzFest
- March 19: 3rd Annual Joint Concert Band Concert with SCSU
- May 2: Choral & Vocal Concert
- May 5: Orchestra Concert
- May 6: Jazz Ensemble Concert
- May 7: Concert Band Concert
Work With Great Instructors
Our instructors earned degrees from top schools like Eastman, University of North Texas, CCM, and the San Francisco Conservatory, and perform internationally. Our students earn AFA degrees and transfer to 4-year programs like U of MN Duluth, Mankato, Concordia, University of Oregon, and University of Northern Iowa.
Meet the Music Instructors
Students at North Hennepin are fortunate to be able to learn from highly educated and experienced music instructors from a variety performing backgrounds.
Paying For College
NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota.
Financial Aid
- Scholarships are money you don't have to repay
- Grants are money you don't have to repay
Free College Tuition
The North Star Promise scholarship program provides free college tuition to eligible students. Find out if you might be eligible.
Program Roadmaps
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Music Curriculum
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSC 1241 | Music Theory I | n/a | 3 | |
| MUSC 1242 | Music Theory II | n/a | 3 | |
| MUSC 1251 | Ear Training and Sight Singing I | n/a | 2 | |
| MUSC 1252 | Ear Training and Sight Singing II | n/a | 2 | |
| MUSC 1300 | Music in World Cultures | n/a | 3 | |
| MUSC 2170 | History of Music I: Medieval Through Classical Eras | n/a | 3 | |
| MUSC 2180 | History of Music II: Romantic Era to the 21st Century | n/a | 3 | |
| MUSC 2241 | Music Theory III | n/a | 3 | |
| MUSC 2242 | Music Theory IV | n/a | 3 | |
| MUSC 2251 | Ear Training and Sight Singing III | n/a | 2 | |
| MUSC 2252 | Ear Training and Sight Singing IV | n/a | 2 |
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 2170
Course Title: History of Music I: Medieval Through Classical Eras Goal Areas: 06,08 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a historical survey primarily of music rooted in the European tradition. The timeframe of study will focus on eras referred to as the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods with some references to the roots of western music in ancient cultures. Music will be studied from the viewpoints of musical styles, genres, performance practices, as well as cultural and historical contexts of those eras.
Course Title: History of Music I: Medieval Through Classical Eras Goal Areas: 06,08 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a historical survey primarily of music rooted in the European tradition. The timeframe of study will focus on eras referred to as the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods with some references to the roots of western music in ancient cultures. Music will be studied from the viewpoints of musical styles, genres, performance practices, as well as cultural and historical contexts of those eras.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 2180
Course Title: History of Music II: Romantic Era to the 21st Century Goal Areas: 08,06 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a historical survey primarily of music rooted in the European traditions. The timeframe of study will focus on eras referred to as the Romantic and late Romantic periods through the 20th century. Music will be studied from the viewpoints of musical styles, genres, performance practices, as well as cultural and historical contexts of those eras.
Course Title: History of Music II: Romantic Era to the 21st Century Goal Areas: 08,06 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a historical survey primarily of music rooted in the European traditions. The timeframe of study will focus on eras referred to as the Romantic and late Romantic periods through the 20th century. Music will be studied from the viewpoints of musical styles, genres, performance practices, as well as cultural and historical contexts of those eras.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 2241
Course Title: Music Theory III Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: A continuation of Music Theory I & II, this course is the third of a four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory III and Music Theory IV are: Sixth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth chords and their variants; counterpoint (two-voice), formal structures (fugue, sonata allegro, rondo, variation); pre-20th century tonality and 20th century atonality; music composition not based in tonal sound. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Music Theory III Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: A continuation of Music Theory I & II, this course is the third of a four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory III and Music Theory IV are: Sixth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth chords and their variants; counterpoint (two-voice), formal structures (fugue, sonata allegro, rondo, variation); pre-20th century tonality and 20th century atonality; music composition not based in tonal sound. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 2242
Course Title: Music Theory IV Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: A continuation of Music Theory III, this course is the final in four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory III and Music Theory IV are: Sixth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth chords and their variants; counterpoint (two-voice), formal structures (fugue, sonata allegro, rondo, variation); pre-20th century tonality and 20th century atonality; music composition not based in tonal sound. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Music Theory IV Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: A continuation of Music Theory III, this course is the final in four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory III and Music Theory IV are: Sixth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth chords and their variants; counterpoint (two-voice), formal structures (fugue, sonata allegro, rondo, variation); pre-20th century tonality and 20th century atonality; music composition not based in tonal sound. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 2251
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing III Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the third of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing III Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the third of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 2252
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing IV Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the final of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing IV Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the final of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1241
Course Title: Music Theory I Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is the first of a four semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory I and Music Theory II are: notation, intervals, rhythm, scale patterns, melodic forms, harmonic conventions, four-part chorale structure, formal structure (binary, ternary). While this course is open to all, to be successful in this course, entering students must have a solid knowledge of note names, scale patterns and note rhythms such as that learned in MUSC 1200 Fundamentals of Music. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Music Theory I Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is the first of a four semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory I and Music Theory II are: notation, intervals, rhythm, scale patterns, melodic forms, harmonic conventions, four-part chorale structure, formal structure (binary, ternary). While this course is open to all, to be successful in this course, entering students must have a solid knowledge of note names, scale patterns and note rhythms such as that learned in MUSC 1200 Fundamentals of Music. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1242
Course Title: Music Theory II Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: A continuation of Music Theory I, this course is the second of a four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory I and Music Theory II are: notation, intervals, rhythm, scale patterns, melodic forms, harmonic conventions, four-part chorale structure, formal structure (binary, ternary). This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Music Theory II Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 3
Course Description: A continuation of Music Theory I, this course is the second of a four-semester series of courses that study the theoretical and structural basis of music. Among the major topics covered in Music Theory I and Music Theory II are: notation, intervals, rhythm, scale patterns, melodic forms, harmonic conventions, four-part chorale structure, formal structure (binary, ternary). This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1251
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing I Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the first of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. While this course is open to all, to be successful in this course, entering students must have a solid knowledge of note names, scale patterns and note rhythms such as that learned in MUSC 1200 Fundamentals of Music. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing I Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the first of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. While this course is open to all, to be successful in this course, entering students must have a solid knowledge of note names, scale patterns and note rhythms such as that learned in MUSC 1200 Fundamentals of Music. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1252
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing II Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the second of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Title: Ear Training and Sight Singing II Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is the second of a four-semester series of courses that trains students to read music immediately and accurately at sight and to recognize and play sound patterns, intervals, and rhythms. Students will learn to take musical dictation, sing melodies, rhythm patterns and intervals at sight, and play patterns, rhythms, and intervals on the keyboard without hesitation. This course is required for AFA music majors.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1300
Course Title: Music in World Cultures Goal Areas: 08,06 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course teaches music primarily from non-Eurocentric cultures which may include but is not limited to Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, African, Native American, and African American. Through their studies of the diversity of world music, students will develop a broader understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
Course Title: Music in World Cultures Goal Areas: 08,06 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course teaches music primarily from non-Eurocentric cultures which may include but is not limited to Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, African, Native American, and African American. Through their studies of the diversity of world music, students will develop a broader understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Lessons - 1 credit for 4 semesters. See course numbers for your instrument's 1/2 hour lessons. Students may take 1 hour lessons, but only 4 credits total will count toward degree. All semesters must be lessons in the student's major instrument. | ||||
| MUSC 1510 | Applied Music: Guitar or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1610 | Applied Music: Voice or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1810 | Applied Music: Piano or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1830 | Applied Music: Strings or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1850 | Applied Music: Percussion or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1860 | Applied Music: Brass or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1870 | Applied Music: Woodwinds or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 2010 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons | n/a | 2 | |
| Music Large Ensemble Participation - 1 credit for 4 semesters. Students must participate in a large ensemble music performance for 4 semesters. | ||||
| MUSC 1130 | Concert Choir or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1160 | Large Instrumental Ensemble | n/a | 1 | |
| Depending on student placement level, choose 2 credits from the following (Piano Proficiency Requirement) | ||||
| MUSC 1801 | Class Piano I or | n/a | 2 | |
| MUSC 1802 | Class Piano II or | n/a | 2 | |
| MUSC 1810 | Applied Music: Piano or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 2010 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons | n/a | 2 | |
| Music Small Ensemble - 2 credits. Additional options include: Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble Theatre practicum (pit band performance musical theatre stage acting performance). | ||||
| MUSC 1150 | Chamber Singers or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1170 | Instrumental Jazz Ensemble or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 1180 | Small Group Performance Ensemble | n/a | 1 | |
| Depending on student placement level, choose 2 credits from the following (Guitar Proficiency Requirement) | ||||
| MUSC 1501 | Class Guitar I or | n/a | 2 | |
| MUSC 1502 or | ||||
| MUSC 1510 | Applied Music: Guitar or | n/a | 1 | |
| MUSC 2010 | Advanced Applied Music Lessons | n/a | 2 | |
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1501
Course Title: Class Guitar I Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is open to all students. It is designed for beginners or for guitar students wishing to fill in gaps in their knowledge from previous musical experience. It covers basic guitar techniques and musicianship skills used in a variety of different styles of music. Students will also study different types of written musical notation. It also introduces improvisation and song writing. Student must provide their own guitar (preferably acoustic) in good playing condition.
Course Title: Class Guitar I Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is open to all students. It is designed for beginners or for guitar students wishing to fill in gaps in their knowledge from previous musical experience. It covers basic guitar techniques and musicianship skills used in a variety of different styles of music. Students will also study different types of written musical notation. It also introduces improvisation and song writing. Student must provide their own guitar (preferably acoustic) in good playing condition.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1510
Course Title: Applied Music: Guitar Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is open to all students and consists of private guitar instruction lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students, beginners through advanced, can, in consultation instructor, pick areas of focus depending on their tastes and needs. These may include: guitar technique (i.e. chords, scales finger-picking) theory, reading, ear-training, analysis, improvisation, repertoire development and interpretation. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.Student must provide their own guitar (preferably acoustic) in good playing condition.
Course Title: Applied Music: Guitar Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is open to all students and consists of private guitar instruction lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students, beginners through advanced, can, in consultation instructor, pick areas of focus depending on their tastes and needs. These may include: guitar technique (i.e. chords, scales finger-picking) theory, reading, ear-training, analysis, improvisation, repertoire development and interpretation. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.Student must provide their own guitar (preferably acoustic) in good playing condition.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1610
Course Title: Applied Music: Voice Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private voice instruction with lessons of one-half hour per week. Students will expand upon basic vocal technique and skills and will extend their technical ability and style interpretation skill through vocal repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret and create artistic expression through song. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply. MUSC 1600 Class Voice strongly recommended before taking this course.
Course Title: Applied Music: Voice Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private voice instruction with lessons of one-half hour per week. Students will expand upon basic vocal technique and skills and will extend their technical ability and style interpretation skill through vocal repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret and create artistic expression through song. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply. MUSC 1600 Class Voice strongly recommended before taking this course.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1801
Course Title: Class Piano I Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: This course offers basic piano instruction and technique for the student with no previous training in piano. Students will learn basic piano techniques and skills and be introduced to different playing styles. Students will be introduced to music and history of different cultures as related to the piano.
Course Title: Class Piano I Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: This course offers basic piano instruction and technique for the student with no previous training in piano. Students will learn basic piano techniques and skills and be introduced to different playing styles. Students will be introduced to music and history of different cultures as related to the piano.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1802
Course Title: Class Piano II Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: The purpose of the course is to build upon skills and musicianship begun in Class Piano I, allowing the student to continue gaining a better understanding of playing the piano and a greater appreciation of music in general. Both technique and musicianship will be addressed. Scales and/or exercises and music theory will be part of every class lesson. To be successful in this class, the student should have completed MUSC 1801 Class Piano I or be at the equivalent skill level.
Course Title: Class Piano II Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: The purpose of the course is to build upon skills and musicianship begun in Class Piano I, allowing the student to continue gaining a better understanding of playing the piano and a greater appreciation of music in general. Both technique and musicianship will be addressed. Scales and/or exercises and music theory will be part of every class lesson. To be successful in this class, the student should have completed MUSC 1801 Class Piano I or be at the equivalent skill level.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1810
Course Title: Applied Music: Piano Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private piano instruction with lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon basic piano technique and skills and will extend their technical ability and style interpretation skill through piano repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret and create artistic expression through piano literature and performance. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Title: Applied Music: Piano Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private piano instruction with lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon basic piano technique and skills and will extend their technical ability and style interpretation skill through piano repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret and create artistic expression through piano literature and performance. This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1830
Course Title: Applied Music: Strings Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon basic technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Title: Applied Music: Strings Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon basic technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1850
Course Title: Applied Music: Percussion Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on percussion instruments (e.g., drums, xylophone, marimba, or tympani) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Title: Applied Music: Percussion Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on percussion instruments (e.g., drums, xylophone, marimba, or tympani) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1860
Course Title: Applied Music: Brass Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on a brass instrument (e.g., trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Title: Applied Music: Brass Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on a brass instrument (e.g., trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1870
Course Title: Applied Music: Woodwinds Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on a woodwind instrument (saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe or bassoon) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Title: Applied Music: Woodwinds Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is private instruction on a woodwind instrument (saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe or bassoon) lessons of 1/2 hour per week (during fall and spring semesters). Students will expand upon their technique and skills, extending their technical ability and style interpretation through repertoire from various cultures and historical periods. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on the instrument. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 2010
Course Title: Advanced Applied Music Lessons Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is private instruction for advanced students on their instrument (voice, piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion) with lessons of one hour per week. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on their instrument. Students' advanced technical expertise will be incorporated into artistic expression and interpretation of repertoire that challenges their technique and demands artistic finesse and critical analysis. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply. Admission to this course is by permission only. PLEASE CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR FOR PERMISSION TO REGISTER.
Course Title: Advanced Applied Music Lessons Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 2
Course Description: This course is private instruction for advanced students on their instrument (voice, piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion) with lessons of one hour per week. Students will extend their ability to interpret their musical performance and create artistic expression through solo repertoire performed on their instrument. Students' advanced technical expertise will be incorporated into artistic expression and interpretation of repertoire that challenges their technique and demands artistic finesse and critical analysis. Student must provide their own instrument.This course may be repeated for credit. Special Music Fees apply. Admission to this course is by permission only. PLEASE CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR FOR PERMISSION TO REGISTER.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1130
Course Title: Concert Choir Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course includes the study and performance of choral repertoire. Through active learning students will participate in collaborative artistic study culminating in choral performance of works from a variety of cultures and historical periods. The day section of choir meets twice per week and the night section of choir meets once per week. May be repeated for credit.
Course Title: Concert Choir Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course includes the study and performance of choral repertoire. Through active learning students will participate in collaborative artistic study culminating in choral performance of works from a variety of cultures and historical periods. The day section of choir meets twice per week and the night section of choir meets once per week. May be repeated for credit.
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1150
Course Title: Chamber Singers Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is a select auditioned group of singers which will perform a wide spectrum of choral repertoire from Madrigals to Vocal Jazz. Auditions will be held early fall semester for the yearly commitment. May be repeated for credit.Strongly recommended to take Concert Choir concurrently
Course Title: Chamber Singers Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is a select auditioned group of singers which will perform a wide spectrum of choral repertoire from Madrigals to Vocal Jazz. Auditions will be held early fall semester for the yearly commitment. May be repeated for credit.Strongly recommended to take Concert Choir concurrently
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1160
Course Title: Large Instrumental Ensemble Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is an instrumental performance ensemble that plays a variety of musical literature. Enrollment is open to all students who are able to minimally play their instrument at a High School level. The ensemble is open to all students who meet this criterion. Students should provide their own instrument. Percussionists should provide their own sticks/mallets. This group meets once/week.May be repeated for credit.NOTE: Student should be able to minimally play instrument at a High School levelNOTE: Student should be able to minimally play their instrument at a High School level
Course Title: Large Instrumental Ensemble Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is an instrumental performance ensemble that plays a variety of musical literature. Enrollment is open to all students who are able to minimally play their instrument at a High School level. The ensemble is open to all students who meet this criterion. Students should provide their own instrument. Percussionists should provide their own sticks/mallets. This group meets once/week.May be repeated for credit.NOTE: Student should be able to minimally play instrument at a High School levelNOTE: Student should be able to minimally play their instrument at a High School level
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1170
Course Title: Instrumental Jazz Ensemble Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is an instrumental performance ensemble that plays a variety of jazz literature. Enrollment is open to all students who are able to read written musical notation for their instrument. Ensemble is open to all students. Students should provide their own instrument. This group meets once per week. May be repeated for credit.NOTE: Student should be able to minimally play instrument at a High School level
Course Title: Instrumental Jazz Ensemble Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is an instrumental performance ensemble that plays a variety of jazz literature. Enrollment is open to all students who are able to read written musical notation for their instrument. Ensemble is open to all students. Students should provide their own instrument. This group meets once per week. May be repeated for credit.NOTE: Student should be able to minimally play instrument at a High School level
Course Subject: MUSC
Course Number: 1180
Course Title: Small Group Performance Ensemble Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is a small ensemble performance opportunity. An ensemble work may be made up of strings, percussion, winds, guitars, voice, or any instrumental grouping that may be possible depending on need and interest. Depending on their primary instrument, a student will be placed in a section of this course that corresponds to their instrument. The ensemble will play a variety of composed and/or improvised literature. Primarily for AFA music students, the course is open to all who have the ability to read musical notation and perform competently. However, permission for placement into the course is required. Music faculty must be consulted for placement in the appropriate section. Weekly rehearsals and end-of-semester performance is required. Additional rehearsals may be required. May be repeated for credit.
Course Title: Small Group Performance Ensemble Goal Areas: 06 Credits: 1
Course Description: This course is a small ensemble performance opportunity. An ensemble work may be made up of strings, percussion, winds, guitars, voice, or any instrumental grouping that may be possible depending on need and interest. Depending on their primary instrument, a student will be placed in a section of this course that corresponds to their instrument. The ensemble will play a variety of composed and/or improvised literature. Primarily for AFA music students, the course is open to all who have the ability to read musical notation and perform competently. However, permission for placement into the course is required. Music faculty must be consulted for placement in the appropriate section. Weekly rehearsals and end-of-semester performance is required. Additional rehearsals may be required. May be repeated for credit.
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1202 | College Writing II or | n/a | 2 | |
| ENGL 1203 College Writing I | ||||
| ENGL 1200 | Gateway College Writing or | n/a | 4 | |
| ENGL 1201 | College Writing I | n/a | 4 | |
| COMM 1010, COMM1110, COMM1310 - 1 course | ||||
| COMM 1010 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking or | n/a | 3 | |
| COMM 1110 | Principles of Interpersonal Communication or | n/a | 3 | |
| COMM 1310 | Intercultural Communication | n/a | 3 | |
Course Subject: COMM
Course Number: 1010
Course Title: Fundamentals of Public Speaking Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides instruction and practical experience in the basics of public speaking. This course has a performance component: students are expected to create and deliver informative, persuasive and other types of speeches.
Course Title: Fundamentals of Public Speaking Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides instruction and practical experience in the basics of public speaking. This course has a performance component: students are expected to create and deliver informative, persuasive and other types of speeches.
Course Subject: COMM
Course Number: 1110
Course Title: Principles of Interpersonal Communication Goal Areas: 01,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This introductory course looks at communication in one-to-one relationships in friendships, families, the workplace, and elsewhere. Students will be challenged to discover and assess their own communication strengths and weaknesses as they define and discuss what it means to be a competent interpersonal communicator. Course content includes both theory and practice (skill development).
Course Title: Principles of Interpersonal Communication Goal Areas: 01,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This introductory course looks at communication in one-to-one relationships in friendships, families, the workplace, and elsewhere. Students will be challenged to discover and assess their own communication strengths and weaknesses as they define and discuss what it means to be a competent interpersonal communicator. Course content includes both theory and practice (skill development).
Course Subject: ENGL
Course Number: 1200
Course Title: Gateway College Writing Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: Gateway College Writing Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Subject: ENGL
Course Number: 1201
Course Title: College Writing I Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing I Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Subject: ENGL
Course Number: 1202
Course Title: College Writing II Goal Areas: 02,01 Credits: 2
Course Description: This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content.
Course Title: College Writing II Goal Areas: 02,01 Credits: 2
Course Description: This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content.
Course Subject: COMM
Course Number: 1310
Course Title: Intercultural Communication Goal Areas: 08,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: The influence of culture is an especially important and sensitive issue facing us today. A person's culture strongly influences his/her identity, beliefs, expectations, and communication style. This course explores communication across culture as defined by nationality, gender, and ethnicity while concentrating on effective use of communication in all of these areas.
Course Title: Intercultural Communication Goal Areas: 08,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: The influence of culture is an especially important and sensitive issue facing us today. A person's culture strongly influences his/her identity, beliefs, expectations, and communication style. This course explores communication across culture as defined by nationality, gender, and ethnicity while concentrating on effective use of communication in all of these areas.
Natural Sciences (Goal Area 3) - 4 credits: ANTH1020(3), BIOL1000(4), BIOL1001(4), BIOL1002(4), BIOL1030(4), BIOL1101(4), BIOL1102(4), BIOL1120(3), BIOL1130(4), BIOL1160(4), BIOL1200(4), BIOL1350(3), BIOL1360(4), BIOL1610(1), BIOL1650(1), BIOL2020(4), BIOL2030(4), BIOL2100(4), BIOL2111(4), BIOL2112(4), CHEM1000(4), CHEM1005(3), CHEM1010(4), CHEM1030(4), CHEM1061(4), CHEM1062(4), CHEM2061(5), CHEM2062(5), GEOG1010(3), GEOL1010(2), GEOL1020(2), GEOL1030(2), GEOL1040(2), GEOL1110(4), GEOL1120(4), GEOL1130(4), GEOL1150(4), GEOL1160(4), GEOL1850(3), GEOL1851(1), NSCI1000(4), NSCI1010(1), NSCI1020(1), NSCI1030(1), NSCI1050(4), NSCI1060(3), NSCI1061(1), NSCI1070(3), NSCI1071(1), NSCI1110(4), NSCI1120(4), PHYS1000(4), PHYS1030(4), PHYS1050(4), PHYS1070(3), PHYS1071(1), PHYS1120(4), PHYS1140(3), PHYS1201(5), PHYS1202(5), PHYS1231(4), PHYS1232(4), PHYS1400(3), PHYS1410(1), PHYS1450(3), PHYS1460(1), PHYS1601(5), PHYS1602(5)
Mathematics/Logical Reasoning (Goal Area 4) - 3 credits: CSCI2010(4), MATH1010(3), MATH1031(3), MATH1032(3), MATH1080(3), MATH1090(4), MATH1120(3), MATH1130(3), MATH1140(3), MATH1150(3), MATH1160(4), MATH1170(4), MATH1180(5), MATH1190(5), MATH1200(3), MATH1221(5), MATH1222(5), MATH2010(3), MATH2220(5), MATH2300(4), MATH2400(4), PHIL1050(3)
History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Goal Area 5) - 6 credits: ANTH1010(3), ANTH1130(3), ANTH1140(3), ECON1050(3), ECON1060(3), ECON1070(3), GCST1501(3), GCST1504(3), GCST1505(3), GCST1964(4), GWS1501(3), GWS1504(3) GWS1505(3), HIST1010(3), HIST1020(3), HIST1030(3), HIST1110(3), HIST1120(3), HIST1130(3), HIST1140(3), HIST1200(3), HIST1210(3), HIST1220(3), HIST1230(3), HIST1240(3), HIST1270(3), HIST1700(3), HIST1800(3), HIST1900(1), HIST2500(3), HIST2600(3), HIST2700(3), POLS1100(3), POLS1140(3), POLS1600(3), POLS1700(3), POLS2130(3), PSYC1110(3), PSYC1150(3), PSYC1160(4), PSYC1165(3), PSYC1170(3), PSYC1210(3), PSYC1220(3), PSYC1250(4), PSYC2110(3), PSYC2320(3), PSYC2330(3), PSYC2340(3), PSYC2350(3), SOC1110(3), SOC1710(3), SOC1750(3), SOC2110(3), SOC2200(3), SOC2210(3), SOC2410(3), SOC2730(3), SOC2750(3)
Goal Areas 7, 9, or 10 - 3 credits: ANTH1020(3), ANTH1130(3), ANTH1140(3), ASL1300(3), BIOL1030(4), BIOL1160(4), BIOL1200(4), BIOL1600(1), BIOL1610(1), CHEM1000(4), CHEM1010(4), COMM1110(3), COMM1310(3), COMM1610(3), COMM1810(3), COMM2610, ECON1050(3), ENGL1450(3), ENGL2300(3), ENGL2320(3), ENGL2330(3), ENGL2340(3), ENGL2350(3), ENGL2370(3), ENGL2380(3), ENGL2390(3), ENGL2410(3), ENGL2450(3), ENGL2460(3), ENGL2570(3), ENGL2900(3), ENGL2950(3), GCST1030(3), GCST1040(3), GCST1210(3), GCST1211(3), GCST1212(3), GCST1213(3), GCST1220(2), GCST1301(3), GCST1320(3), GCST1501(3), GCST1502(3), GCST1503(3), GCST1700(3), GCST1964(4), GCST1978(3), GCST2410(3), GEOG1000(2), GEOG1010(3), GEOG1040(3), GEOG1190(3), GEOL1010(2), GEOL1020(2), GEOL1030(2), GEOL1040(2), GEOL1120(4), GEOL1150(4), GEOL1160(4), GEOL1850(3), GEOL1851(1), GWS1501(3), GWS1502(3), GWS1503(3), HIST1200(3), HIST1210(3), HIST1220(3), HIST1230, HIST1240(3), HIST1270(3), HIST1700(3), HIST2600(3), HIST2700(3), INTD1030(3), INTD1040(3), INTD1210(3), INTD1211(3), INTD1212(3), NSCI1110(4), PHIL1020(3), PHIL1040(3), PHIL1070(3), PHIL1110(3), PHIL1120(3), PHIL1200(3), PHIL1210(3), PHIL1220(3), PHIL1230(3), POLS1100(3), POLS1140(3), PSYC1165(3), PSYC1170(3), PSYC1220(3), PSYC2110(3), PSYC2340(3), SOC1110(3), SOC1130(3), SOC2110(3), SOC2210(3), TFT1210(3), TFT1310(3), TFT1350(3)
| 15 Credits must be earned at NHCC |
| Total Credits Required | 68 |
| Notes To complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, in addition to the courses listed above the student will need to take these additional MnTC Goal Area Goal Area 3: 3 credits with one Goal Area 3 course that includes a lab component. Goal Area 5: 3 credits Goal Area 9 or 1: 3 credits in each goal area required; remaining credits depend on studentandrsquo;s choices of electives. Some courses fulfill two goal areas. | |
2025-2026
The Associate of Fine Arts in Music is designed to provide a broad background in music for students planning to transfer to another college or university to complete a bachelor's degree in music performance, music education, or music business. The degree includes rigorous academic studies along with group performance experiences, individual lessons and solo performance opportunities.
Develop a foundation of essential knowledge about the cultural, social, and natural worlds, and individual wellbeing by:
- Demonstrating skill in the foundation music courses
Develop intellectual and practical skills, including:
- Verbally and visually communicating their knowledge of music history, theory and performance
- Competently analyzing and critiquing their own performance as well as that of others
- Competently using the concepts of theory, history and performance in creative processes
Demonstrate personal and social responsibility, including:
- Developing constructive, organized work habits and professional interpersonal and communication skills
- Developing an understanding of the creative accomplishments of other people and cultures, past and present, in the development of the field of music
- Studying the ethics of the use of ideas, information and creative works as a foundation for respect of intellectual ownership
Integrative Learning, including:
- Managing the process of creative problems in music from conceptualization to performance
- Performing competently and artistically as an individual and in groups
- Demonstrating problem solving that employs technical skills and comprehension of the historical context of music with application in theory and performance
Be prepared to transfer to and succeed at an upper level academic institution.
​Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Information on careers, including career descriptions, salary data, and employment outlook is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and O*Net Online website.
​If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information
An Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete a program in a designated discipline in fine arts. The A.F.A. degree is designed for transfer to a baccalaureate degree.
Completion of an A.F.A. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
Developmental Coursework Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information º£½ÇÉçÇø is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.
º£½ÇÉçÇø is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440
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If you're ready to get started, apply to NHCC. If you'd like to learn more, you can visit campus or request information.
