Music, A.S. - SUNY Niagara

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Music, A.S.

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Program Overview

The Associate in Science Music Degree program services both acoustic and electronic musicians. At SUNY Niagara, students will concentrate on the performance of their major instrument as the program prepares them for transfer into baccalaureate programs. Students are offered a multitude of academic and ensemble courses as well as many performance experience opportunities.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To afford students ample opportunity to perform in a variety of venues on their major instrument or voice.
  • To improve musicianship in a variety of classical and contemporary music experiences.
  • To prepare students for a successful audition leading to acceptance as transfer students into Music Education, Music Performance, Recording Technology, Music Business or other music-related programs at four-year colleges, universities and conservatories.
  • To provide students with a well-rounded music and liberal arts education.
Catalog Information
Music Musicianship AS Curriculum Overview
Music Recording AS Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Music, A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Music A.S. serves both acoustic and electronic musicians. Choose the Musicianship or Recording track, build your skills in theory and performance or audio production, and prepare to transfer.

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What careers does a Music A.S. lead to?

  • Performer
  • Music teacher
  • Composer or arranger
  • Worship or church musician
  • Sound engineer or technician
  • Producer or production manager
  • Music therapist
  • Music business, publishing or sales

Many music careers, including teaching and music therapy, need a bachelor’s degree or more. This A.S. is your first step.

What will I learn to do?

  • Perform in ensembles
  • Read and write music theory
  • Build your ear with aural skills
  • Understand classical and popular music history
  • Record and edit in Pro Tools (Recording track)
  • Prepare for transfer auditions
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$53,520$79,430
Sound engineering technicians$59,600$78,390
Music directors and composers$42,760$63,700
Audio and video technicians$41,430$58,080

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. Teachers need a bachelor’s degree and New York State certification. 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.
  • High school teachers: Jobs are expected to grow about 19%, with about 420 openings each year.
  • Audio and video technicians: Jobs are expected to grow about 10%, with about 20 openings each year.

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

Sources

Where do music professionals work?

  • Schools and colleges
  • Churches and places of worship
  • Recording studios
  • Concert venues and theaters
  • Music retailers and publishers
  • Your own studio or freelance business

Where will I get hands-on experience?

  • Music ensembles every semester (Musicianship track)
  • Campus concerts and community recitals
  • Pro Tools, sound and electronic music courses (Recording track)
Sources

How do I get there?

  1. Study music theory, aural skills and music history.
  2. Choose the Musicianship or Recording track.
  3. Finish the 62-credit A.S. and prepare your transfer audition or portfolio.
  4. Transfer to a four-year college, university or conservatory.

The A.S. prepares you to transfer into music education, performance, recording technology, music business or related programs. The Recording track also prepares you for Avid Pro Tools certification exams.

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 140 Piano Musicianship
  • MUS 192 Audition Preparation
  • MUS 242 Conducting
  • ARP 101/110 Introduction to and Essentials of Pro Tools
  • MUS 150 Introduction to Sound
  • MUS 190 Critical Listening and Acoustics
  • MUS 191 Electronic Music and MIDI

Courses vary by track. Check each track’s info sheet for details.

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.