Associate Degree in Music | North Hennepin C.C.

If you’re passionate about music, the Music AFA degree is a great place to start developing the skills and talents to pursue a musical career. The curriculum, taught by experienced faculty, provides a broad background in music, and allows students to transfer credits to complete a bachelor’s degree in music performance, music education, or music business. In addition to completing coursework, students will have the opportunity to participate in solo and group performances, and individual lessons.

Quick Facts

Overview

The Music AFA curriculum includes music history, theory, and performance. Choose from a wide variety of performance options, including guitar, voice, piano, strings, percussion, brass, woodwinds and more. The combination of coursework and performance will provide students a broad background to explore different areas of music before transferring credits to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Delivery Method: In-Person, Hybrid

Important Links

Music AFA Curriculum PDF

Music Course Outlines and Descriptions

Free College Tuition - North Star Promise Scholarship

Time to Complete

The Music AFA degree can be completed in four or five semesters. Transferring credits into NHCC may result in the program taking less time. Taking classes on a part-time basis will require additional semesters.

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Costs

Tuition & Fees:
$218.48 per credit (60 credits)
$228.10 per fully online credit

Tuition Details

What You Will Learn

• Gain an understanding of cultural, social, and natural worlds and individual wellbeing.

• Learn how to communicate about music history and theory, and critique performances.

• Develop professional and interpersonal communication skills, an appreciation of others’ accomplishments, and respect for intellectual ownership.

• Perform competently and artistically, and demonstrate problem solving skills.

After NHCC

After completing the Music AFA degree, students are ready to transfer to a bachelor's degree program in music performance, music education, or music business. Students should work with an advisor on deciding and preparing to transfer to a bachelor's program.

NHCC students can explore and develop their musicality through an array of classroom and performance opportunities.

band performing on stage with audience in the background

students standing on risers on stage singing

students in a classroom working at desks with pianos

students singing together in a classroom

close view of full orchestra performing on stage

student strumming guitar with a microphone near by

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

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.

students talking with an instructor in a music classroom

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.

NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota.