Associate in Fine Arts Music Degrees - Southwestern Illinois College

Our caring and professional faculty are ready to guide you toward a career in music. If you want to be a high school band or choir director, music therapist, elementary school music teacher, or pursue your passion for performing, we’re here to help you take that first step!

ASSOCIATE IN FINE ARTS (0050) – MUSIC PERFORMANCE

ASSOCIATE IN FINE ARTS (0051) – MUSIC EDUCATION

These degree programs are intended for students majoring in music and planning to transfer to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor’s degree. AFA music students complete their general education requirements at SWIC along with a significant portion of the typical freshman/sophomore music major coursework. Students interested in pursuing the AFA-Music Performance or Music Education degree program should consult with Dr. Andy Jensen, Music Department Chair at andrew.jensen@swic.edu before enrolling in courses.

The graduation requirements are identical for both degrees (0050) and (0051). Students may switch between degree plans, but must choose one when applying for graduation. We encourage students to choose the degree that best fits their future plans in music, but do so knowing they will be able to seamlessly choose a different degree plan at their chosen transfer institution.

Transfer requirements vary by receiving institution. It is the responsibility of students to check with potential transfer institutions regarding any particular requirements they may have. For more information visit iTransfer.org.

Suggested Course of Study

FIRST YEAR

Spring Semester
CourseDescription Credits
MUS 105: Music Theory ICore Music Curriculum4
MUS 112: Class Instruction in Piano IICore Music Curriculum2
200 Level Private Applied LessonsCore Music Curriculum2
Performance EnsembleCore Music Curriculum1
ENG 102: Rhetoric & Composition IIGeneral Education Requirement3
COMM 151: Fundamentals of Public SpeakingGeneral Education Requirement3
Social/Behavioral Science CourseGeneral Education Elective3
Total Semester Credits:18

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester
CourseDescription Credits
 MUS 106: Music Theory IICore Music Curriculum4
200 Level Private Applied LessonsCore Music Curriculum2
Performance EnsembleCore Music Curriculum1
Additional Ensemble or 100 Level Applied LessonsMusic Elective1
MUS 102 or MUS 110Fine Arts/Humanities Elective3
Life Science CourseGeneral Education Elective4
Social/Behavioral Science CourseGeneral Education Elective3
Total Semester Credits:18
Spring Semester
Course Number Course Description Credits
 200 Level Private Applied LessonsCore Music Curriculum2
Performance EnsembleCore Music Curriculum1
Additional Ensemble or 100 Level Applied LessonsCore Music Curriculum1
Physical Science CourseGeneral Education Elective4
Human Well-Being CourseGeneral Education Elective2
Humanities CourseGeneral Education Elective3
Math CourseGeneral Education Elective4
Total Semester Credits:17