Music

Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)

If you plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in music, this two-year music pathway will provide the foundation you need to transfer at the junior level to a four-year college or university. This pathway is designed to meet Associate of Arts degree requirements with an emphasis in music. ...

If you plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in music, this two-year music pathway will provide the foundation you need to transfer at the junior level to a four-year college or university. This pathway is designed to meet Associate of Arts degree requirements with an emphasis in music. In this pathway, you’ll complete the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree while studying music theory, history and performance. You’ll grow as a musician through private instruction and many vocal and instrumental performance opportunities, including large and small ensembles, solo recitals, workshops with professional artists, and regional and national competitions. This degree prepares students to pursue further studies in music, humanities, business, social sciences, arts administration, and education, among other fields. A degree in music can lead to a variety of careers in music performance, composition, education, and various opportunities involving music technology. The creativity, critical thinking, research and analytical skills, and interpersonal skills developed in a music degree program enrich our lives and our communities, and are valuable skills that are sought-after by employers in many fields. Whether you want to teach music, become a professional performer or composer, or work in the music industry, this pathway will help you turn your musical talent into a career.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) Full time : 6 90

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

 

Step 1: Apply and register at South Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

90 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Classes are offered in various formats such as online (e-learning) and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals.
  • Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling, and WorkSource career services.
  • Visit the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
  • Visit the Tutoring Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
  • Get involved on campus! Check out some of the resources, clubs and activities available to you through Student Life and TRiO, RST, and more!
  • Participate in the SSC Music Club
MATH&107
Math In Society
5 units
MUSC&105
Music Appreciation
5 units
Foreign Language I
5 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create an educational plan with your advisor.
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
  • Attend transfer workshops and/or a transfer fair. Find more information on our Transfer Resources page.
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options.
  • Visit South’s transfer webpage for transfer information.
MUSC140 or 3 credit Music Performance Class with MUSC 126 Beginning Group Piano (2 credits)
Choose a course
variable units
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
Foreign Language II
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your educational plan with your assigned advisor.
  • Attend a resume building or career workshop.
  • Connect with potential universities (virtually or in person) and determine application deadlines.
  • Research and apply for scholarships.
HUM121 or ANTH&206 or HIST&126
Choose a course
5 units
ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
MUSC109 or MUSC160
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Begin building portfolio of work
  • Update your educational plan with your advisor.
  • Attend transfer workshops, including a personal statement workshop.
  • Write your personal statement.
  • Build relationships with faculty and staff at South to learn more about your pathway and future opportunities.
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
ENVS150
Environmntl Issues/Probl
5 units
MUSC116 or MUSC117 or DRMA105
Choose a course
5 units
College Choir II or 3 credit Music Performance Class with MUSC 127 Beginning Piano II (2 credits)
Choose a course
variable units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options.
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
  • Explore internships in your major/career.
  • Apply for graduation for your degree.
ENV160
Prin Env Sustainability
5 units
MUSC&141
Music Theory I
5 units
HUM105 or HUM121
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
12 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Finalize work on portfolio with faculty mentors.
  • Check in with your university for transfer planning.
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
  • Attend commencement ceremony.
PSYC&100 or SOC&101 or POLS&101
Choose a course
5 units
BIOL&100
Survey of Biology
5 units
3 credit Music Performance Class with MUSC 128 Beginning Piano III (2 credits) or College Choir III
Choose a course
variable units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2024-25.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit South's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

  • Sound Designer
  • Performer
  • Composer
  • Film Scoring
  • Music for Game Development
  • Band/Choral Director
  • Music Editing Engineer
  • Conductor
  • Music Therapist
  • Arts Management
  • Recording Producer/Engineer
  • Music Education

A bachelor’s degree or higher degree may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:

South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.

Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Arts, Design, and Graphics

Program Contact

New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll

Email: southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu 
Phone: 206-934-7943  

Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an educational plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program. 

Email: advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu 
Phone: 206-934-5387

Advising Contact

If you are already registered for classes or a returning student, please see your primary advisor to create an educational plan. If you need assistance getting connected to the appropriate advisor, visit the Advising Center website.  

Emailadvisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
Phone: 206-934-5387