This program provides college level music curricula and classes equivalent to those found in the first two years of baccalaureate music programs at four-year colleges, universities, and music conservatories. After satisfactorily completing degree requirements, the student will be academically eligible for transferring to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree in music performance, music education, music therapy, music theory, music composition and music history.

Mission

The mission of the South Suburban College Music Department is to offer educational and service programs in music for the Chicago south suburban and Northwest Indiana communities it serves. In keeping with the mission statement of the college as a whole, the music department is dedicated to:

• High quality education, training, and services for all individuals who have the ability to benefit from our programs through community ensembles, private lessons, and music courses.
• Providing programs that are accessible and affordable to a diverse community of learners via online, college-credit, continuing education and community education courses.
• Presenting a wide variety of musical performances and offerings that will enhance international cultural diversity and understanding.
• A community of staff, faculty, and students that create an environment and resources for learning through a highly-trained music faculty, who are professional performers, theorists, composers, engineers and conductors.
• Collaboration with area elementary, middle and high schools to provide ancillary learning opportunities through clinics, festivals, guest artists, guest performances and guest conducting.
• Up-to-date facilities and technology that help prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, using state-of-the-art music labs, rehearsal facilities and “smart” classrooms.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who complete courses in the South Suburban College music department will be able to successfully demonstrate:

• An understanding and appreciation for music of multiple cultures
• Aural skills
• Keyboard harmony skills
• Knowledge of music history
• Knowledge of music theory and compositional techniques
• Music performance skills

Additional Information

Admission to the AFA in Music is open to any student striving for a professional career in music. Contact the Music Department about auditions and music placement examinations.

Associate in Fine Arts with Concentration in Music Recommended Transfer Curriculum

This curriculum is designed to facilitate smooth transfer to a four-year institution for the completion of a baccalaureate degree in music performance, music education, music therapy, music theory, music composition and music history.

Students will need to complete additional general education requirements in humanities and social and behavioral sciences at the institution to which they transfer. The reduced credits in general education at SSC enable students to complete the required sequences of music courses during their freshman and sophomore years, which replicates the distribution of general education in the four-year institutions. Students should consult the Transfer Center regarding transferability of elective courses.

Faculty are available during scheduled office hours to advise music students.