Music, Certificate - SUNY Niagara

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Music, Certificate

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Program Overview

The Music certificate program is designed for those who wish to develop their musicianship and explore an academic program in music. It provides students the opportunity to assess their musical skills and explore the College learning environment. The program offers practical application in music composition, ear-training, sight-singing, and basic piano skills, and develops an understanding of Western Art Music as well as American popular music. Courses offer a hands-on approach to writing, understanding, and demonstrating concepts in music and the experience of college-level academic course work.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • Developing the sense of responsibility and self-discipline required to compete in the workplace.
  • Fostering the ability to use creative decision-making and problem-solving skills as part of the design process.
  • Learning the fundamental principles of drafting to help the student develop the tools and skills required to compete in the workplace.
Catalog Information
Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Music Certificate

SUNY Niagara’s 30-credit Music Certificate helps you build your musicianship and try college-level music study. You’ll study theory, ear training, piano, music history and performance in two semesters.

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What careers does this certificate lead to?

  • Performer or studio musician
  • Worship or church musician
  • Composer or arranger
  • Music copyist
  • Music producer
  • Music retailer or sales representative
  • Music reporter or critic
  • Music teacher

Some of these careers, such as teaching, need a bachelor’s degree or more.

What will I learn to do?

  • Write and compose music
  • Train your ear and sight-sing
  • Play basic piano
  • Perform in ensembles
  • Understand Western art music
  • Explore American popular music
Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job Starting pay Median pay
K-12 teachers, including music (needs a bachelor’s degree)$53,520$79,430
Sound engineering technicians$59,600$78,390
Music directors and composers$42,760$63,700

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. The teacher figures are for high school teachers, which includes music teachers. Many musicians are self-employed or work part time, and those earnings aren’t included here.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

  • Music directors and composers: Jobs are expected to grow about 15% from 2022 to 2032, with about 45 openings each year.
  • Musicians and singers: Jobs are expected to grow about 12%, with about 85 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Music careers are competitive, so strong skills and performance experience matter.

Sources

Where do music professionals work?

  • Churches and places of worship
  • Recording studios
  • Concert venues and theaters
  • Music stores and publishers
  • Schools and community music programs
  • Your own studio or freelance business

Where will I get hands-on experience?

  • Music ensembles both semesters
  • Hands-on courses in writing and performing music
Sources

How do I get there?

  1. Study music theory, aural skills and music history.
  2. Build piano skills and perform in ensembles.
  3. Finish the 30-credit certificate in two semesters.
  4. Start working in music, or continue your education.

Want to go further? Ask an advisor how your courses may count toward the Music A.S.

Which courses prepare me?

  • MUS 171/172 Written Theory I and II
  • MUS 183/184 Aural Skills I and II
  • MUS 117/118 Music History & Repertoire I and II
  • MUS 133 American Popular Music
  • MUS 140 Piano Musicianship
  • MUS Two music ensemble electives
Sources
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Program Learning Outcomes

The assessment of student learning outcomes is not only a key indicator of program effectiveness, it is also one of the standards of excellence identified by the Middle States Commission (Standard 5) and is required through the SUNY assessment initiative.

View Learning Outcomes.