Music, AA/AS
Program Description
The Associate of Arts/Science (AA/AS) in Music at Utah Tech University is a stackable, two-year degree that blends rigorous musicianship with applied, technology-infused training to prepare students for transfer into bachelor’s programs or immediate entry-level roles in the creative and performing arts sector. Students develop individual proficiency through four semesters of private lessons on their principal instrument or voice and build collaborative, professional skills through required participation in large and specialized ensembles (e.g., concert choir, symphonic band, orchestra, jazz, chamber, electro-acoustic, opera scenes). Core studies in music theory, aural skills, and performance practice are complemented by opportunities to engage with contemporary music tools and live sound workflows, aligning with Utah Tech’s polytechnic focus on hands-on, industry-relevant learning.
Designed for flexibility and upward mobility, the AA/AS in Music offers a clearly sequenced, stackable curriculum that can be completed in two years and articulates to most Liberal Arts Bachelor’s degrees in the USHE system, as well as to Commercial Music, Media/Digital Arts, and related fields. Students seeking a bachelor’s in music education will need to investigate the requirements and timelines of the institution to which they plan to transfer. Students benefit from applied learning experiences—including concerts, recordings, and community partnerships—that connect classroom study to regional workforce needs in live events, audio support, arts organizations, education support roles, and media-adjacent creative work. Graduates emerge with strong performance fundamentals, collaborative and project skills, and digital fluency that position them for successful transfer and diverse careers in the evolving creative economy.
Program Curriculum
60 Credits
Utah Tech General Education Requirements
All Utah Tech General Education requirements must be fulfilled. A previously earned degree may fulfill those requirements, but courses must be equivalent to Utah Tech's minimum General Education standards in American Institutions, English, and Mathematics.
General Education Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English | 3-7 | |
| Mathematics | 3-5 | |
| American Institutions | 3-6 | |
| Life Sciences | 3-10 | |
| Physical Sciences | 3-5 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Literature/Humanities | 3 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts: Foreign Language Requirement | 3-8 | |
| Complete one of the following: | ||
- Complete 8 credits numbered 1000 or above in a single foreign language, through earned credit (grade C or higher), credit by examination, or vertical credit from the courses listed on the GE Foreign Language Requirement page 1 | ||
- Complete a 1020 or higher foreign language course listed below (grade C or higher) | ||
- Receive 8 FLATS exam credits for FLAT 1000 | ||
- Receive 8 transfer credits GEFL 1000 (grade C or higher) in a language not currently taught at Utah Tech | ||
| Available only to students who are nonnative English speakers, complete one of the following: | ||
- Complete 8 credits of ESL courses listed below (grade B or higher) | ||
- Submit one of the following test scores required for unconditional Utah Tech admission: TOEFL (61 iBT, 173 CBT, or 500 PBT); or Michigan (70); or USU-IELE equivalent score. Other tests may be accepted for admission to Utah Tech but will not fulfill this requirement. Official scores must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. | ||
Music Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 1000R | Concert Attendance | 0 |
| MUSC 1110 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 1120 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUSC 1130 | Ear Training & Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 1140 | Ear Training/Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 2110 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUSC 2120 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUSC 2130 | Ear Training/Sight Singing III | 1 |
| MUSC 2140 | Ear Training/Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| MUSC 2180 | Introduction to Music Technology | 3 |
| MUSC 2350 | Fundamentals of Conducting | 2 |
| Complete two (2) semesters of the following: | ||
| MUSC 18XXR: Private Lessons I (Voice or Instrument)or 1 | ||
| MUSC 184XR: Private Applied Lessons I (Voice or Instrument) 1 | ||
| Complete two (2) semesters of the following: | ||
| MUSC 28XXR: Private Lessons II (Voice or Instrument) or | ||
| MUSC 284XR: Private Applied Lessons I (Voice or Instrument) | ||
| Complete four (4) semesters of Large Ensemble from the following: | ||
| MUSC 3250R | Concert Choir | 1 |
| or MUSC 3310R | Symphonic Band | |
| or MUSC 3350R | University Orchestra | |
| Complete 2 semesters of Small Ensemble from the following: | ||
| MUSC 1320R | Varsity Pep Band | 1 |
| MUSC 1340R | Marching Band | 1 |
| MUSC 3200R | Opera Scenes Workshop | 1 |
| MUSC 3270R | Chamber Singers | 1 |
| MUSC 3330R | Jazz Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 3360R | University Chamber Orchestra | 1 |
| MUSC 3370R | Guitar Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 3390R | Electro-Acoustic Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 4430R | String Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUSC 4431R | Woodwind Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUSC 4432R | Brass Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUSC 4433R | Piano Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 4434R | Early Music Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 4435R | New Music Ensemble | 1 |
| MUSC 4485R | Percussion Ensemble | 1 |
1.COURSE FEE REQUIRED. See course fee tab for details.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 60 college-level credits (1000 and above).
- Complete at least 20 semester hours of credits at Utah Tech for institutional residency.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
- All Core Discipline Requirement Courses must be passed with a C or higher.