Your music career starts here.
Expand your musical horizons and build solid fundamentals through a mix of theory and performance with SCC's Music Transfer Interest program. Earn your AA degree while completing music coursework required for most bachelor's degree music programs.
Program Location
Why study music at SCC?
Learn Work-Ready Skills: Learn actual skills in music technology while at SCC and start earning a living as a musician immediately.
Perform. Now: Opportunities to perform abound. On campus and off, SCC has formed special relationships with area arts organizations and ensembles to provide opportunities to our students to perform regularly.
Rub Shoulders with Professional Jazz Musicians: SCC hosts musicians from across the country throughout the year to perform at special performances and workshops throughout the community.
Learn from Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced musicians and educators who are passionate about helping you succeed. Our dedicated faculty members are committed to providing personalized attention and guidance to help you reach your musical goals.
Save Money Now, Transfer Later: We believe that pursuing your passion for music should be accessible to everyone. SCC's low tuition and financial aid options to help make your education affordable. Then transfer with confidence that you're prepared to complete your bachelor's degree.
What you'll learn
- Unlock the secrets of music through rigorous music theory and aural skills coursework
- Improve your individual abilities as a musician through private one on one study with a professional on your given instrument or voice
- Rehearse and perform with fellow musicians and learn how to communicate your ideas as a collective whole
- Learn how to be a relevant musician in today's world by taking classes that teach basic recording and editing skills along with creative uses of digital and analog electronic instruments
Where this degree can take you
- Complete your degree in Music Performance, Education, Business, Technology, or Therapy and find meaningful work in those fields. SCC will prepare you for all options upon transfer.
- Jump right into work at a studio, church, or live music venue as a production or sound engineer with skills learned in your digital audio production classes.
Did you know
Music professor Dr. Pappas works as a composer for TV? He will teach you how to put your music skills to work in classes specifically designed to prepare you for the world of music technology.
The SCC Music Club produces a regular podcast. Join the club and be part of the conversation.
Contact Us
West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu
Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu
A.A. students with a Music Transfer Interest enroll in a mix of humanities requirements, core music coursework, and music electives. Classes focus on vocal and instrumental music, music history, and music theory. This Transfer Interest prepares students to transfer to study music education, business, therapy, media, or performance. Upon graduation students should expect to enter a 4-year program as a junior.
Summary Sheet
The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.
Curriculum Sequence
| Fall Semester I | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENG-105 | Composition I | 3 |
| SDV-108 | The College Experience | 1 |
| MUS-185 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| MUS-100 | Music Appreciation | 3 |
| ZZZ-SOC | Social Science Course | 3 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| MUS-120 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS-121 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| Take course totaling 3-4 credits | ||
| ZZZ-MAT | Mathematics Course | 3-4 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| MUS-140 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUS-162 | Instrumental Ensembles | 1 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 18 - 19 | |
| Spring Semester I | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENG-106 | Composition II | 3 |
| MUS-120 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUS-135 | Music Theory Lab I | 1 |
| SPC-112 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Take one of these courses totaling 1-2 credits | ||
| MUA-101 | Applied Voice | 1-2 |
| MUA-120 | Applied Piano | 1-2 |
| MUA-124 | Applied Guitar | 1-2 |
| MUA-126 | Applied Strings | 1-2 |
| MUA-170 | Applied Woodwinds | 1-2 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| MUS-140 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUS-162 | Instrumental Ensembles | 1 |
| Take course totaling 3-5 credits | ||
| ZZZ-MSC | Math or Science Course | 3-5 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15 - 18 | |
| Fall Semester 2 | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MUS-136 | Music Theory Lab II | 1 |
| MUS-121 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| Take 1 of these courses totaling 3-5 credits | ||
| ZZZ-HUM | Humanities Course | 3 |
| ZZZ-SCI | Science Course | 3-5 |
| ZZZ-LAB | Lab Science Course | 3-5 |
| Take 1 of these courses totaling 1-2 credits | ||
| MUA-101 | Applied Voice | 1-2 |
| MUA-120 | Applied Piano | 1-2 |
| MUA-124 | Applied Guitar | 1-2 |
| MUA-126 | Applied Strings | 1-2 |
| MUA-170 | Applied Woodwinds | 1-2 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| MUS-140 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUS-162 | Instrumental Ensembles | 1 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 9 - 12 | |
| Spring Semester II | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MUS-205 | Jazz History and Appreciation | 3 |
| MUS-306 | Digital Music Production I | 3 |
| ZZZ-SOC | Social Science Course | 3 |
| ZZZ-SOC | Social Science Course | 3 |
| Take one of these courses totaling 1-2 credits | ||
| MUA-101 | Applied Voice | 1-2 |
| MUA-120 | Applied Piano | 1-2 |
| MUA-124 | Applied Guitar | 1-2 |
| MUA-126 | Applied Strings | 1-2 |
| MUA-170 | Applied Woodwinds | 1-2 |
| Take 1 of 2 courses | ||
| MUS-140 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUS-162 | Instrumental Ensembles | 1 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 14 - 15 | |
ENG-105 - Composition I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.
SDV-108 - The College Experience
|
Lecture: 1 |
Credit: 1 |
This course is designed to empower new students to successfully transition to college. Students will learn academic success skills, strategies for personal development and exploration, college culture and expectations, and how to access college resources and services.
MUS-185 - Class Piano I
|
Lecture: 1 |
Credit: 1 |
Class Piano I introduces the student to fundamental aspects of playing the piano including music reading, appropriate performance technique, and keyboard understanding as it relates to basic melodic and harmonic structures.
MUS-100 - Music Appreciation
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This is a general overview course which includes basic music concepts and elements of the art, a general historical look and critical approach. Music as it has evolved from the beginning to present-day is studied. This involves listening to musical examples.
ZZZ-SOC - Social Science Course
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Courses fulfilling the Social Science requirement address the behavior of humans as individuals and groups. These courses cover the academic disciplines of economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Social Science courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
MUS-120 - Music Theory I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course is offered to students who wish to increase their musicianship through better understanding of the materials and structure of music and to those who plan to major or minor in music. The general purpose of the course is to help the student gain the necessary basic concepts of music fundamentals and harmony which will support more advanced theoretical instruction. Prerequisite: MUS-102 or MUS-185. Corequisite: MUS-135.
MUS-121 - Music Theory II
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course is a continuation of Music Theory I. Requires attendance at music programs as specified by the music faculty. Prerequisite: MUS-120. Corequisite: MUS-136.
ZZZ-MAT - Mathematics Course
|
Lecture: 3-4 |
Credit: 3-4 |
Courses fulfilling the Mathematics requirement address the properties and relationships of numbers, formulas, and operations, as well as the real world application of these concepts to analyze data. Any mathematics course of the 100-level or above can fulfill this requirement. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
MUS-140 - Concert Choir
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
Open to all college students who enjoy the aesthetic experience of choral singing. The choir is a performing group which meets regularly and performs a wide variety of choral literature. The choir presents programs throughout the college area and participates in state community college music activities. Maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
MUS-162 - Instrumental Ensembles
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
This course is open to students who seek creative expression through ensemble performance. Credit is granted to those who meet requirements for rehearsals and performances through participation in the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, the Southeast Iowa Concert Band or an established instrumental ensemble at Southeastern Community College. A maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
ENG-106 - Composition II
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
A continuation of study of the principles of writing begun in ENG-105. Emphasis is placed on persuasive writing, critical analysis and the MLA research paper. Time will also be spent exploring print and electronic research sources and learning effective research strategies. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: ENG-105, with a minimum grade of C-.
MUS-120 - Music Theory I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course is offered to students who wish to increase their musicianship through better understanding of the materials and structure of music and to those who plan to major or minor in music. The general purpose of the course is to help the student gain the necessary basic concepts of music fundamentals and harmony which will support more advanced theoretical instruction. Prerequisite: MUS-102 or MUS-185. Corequisite: MUS-135.
MUS-135 - Music Theory Lab I
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
This course is to develop skills in reading and hearing pitch, rhythm, melodic and harmonic sounds of music. The course is based on the principal that a qualified musician must develop reading, singing and notation skills in order to achieve acuity of aural perception and make this acuity effective in the use of these skills. Corequisite: MUS-120.
SPC-112 - Public Speaking
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis.
MUA-101 - Applied Voice
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction in voice. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-120 - Applied Piano
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on piano. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-124 - Applied Guitar
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on guitar. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-126 - Applied Strings
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on a string instrument such as violin, viola, or cello. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-170 - Applied Woodwinds
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on a woodwind instrument such as flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, or saxophone. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUS-140 - Concert Choir
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
Open to all college students who enjoy the aesthetic experience of choral singing. The choir is a performing group which meets regularly and performs a wide variety of choral literature. The choir presents programs throughout the college area and participates in state community college music activities. Maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
MUS-162 - Instrumental Ensembles
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
This course is open to students who seek creative expression through ensemble performance. Credit is granted to those who meet requirements for rehearsals and performances through participation in the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, the Southeast Iowa Concert Band or an established instrumental ensemble at Southeastern Community College. A maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
ZZZ-MSC - Math or Science Course
|
Lecture: 2-4 |
Lab: 0-2 |
Credit: 3-5 |
Courses fulfilling the Math or Science requirement address quantitative and/or scientific reasoning skills. Any course of 100-level or above from mathematics or a science discipline can fulfill this requirement. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
MUS-136 - Music Theory Lab II
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
Continuation of MUS-135. Prerequisite: MUS-135. Corequisite: MUS-121.
MUS-121 - Music Theory II
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course is a continuation of Music Theory I. Requires attendance at music programs as specified by the music faculty. Prerequisite: MUS-120. Corequisite: MUS-136.
ZZZ-HUM - Humanities Course
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Courses fulfilling the Humanities requirement address human history, languages, literature, philosophy, and the arts. These courses span a wide range of academic disciplines. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Humanities courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
ZZZ-SCI - Science Course
|
Lecture: 2-4 |
Lab: 0-2 |
Credit: 3-5 |
Courses fulfilling the Science requirement address the knowledge and concepts used to understand the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Any course of 100-level or above from the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, or environmental science can fulfill this requirement. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
ZZZ-LAB - Lab Science Course
|
Lecture: 2-4 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 3-5 |
Courses fulfilling the Lab Science requirement incorporate hands-on experimentation and observation by students in the study of science. Any science course of 100-level or above including laboratory credit from the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, science, or environmental science can fulfill this requirement. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
MUA-101 - Applied Voice
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction in voice. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-120 - Applied Piano
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on piano. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-124 - Applied Guitar
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on guitar. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-126 - Applied Strings
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on a string instrument such as violin, viola, or cello. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-170 - Applied Woodwinds
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on a woodwind instrument such as flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, or saxophone. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUS-140 - Concert Choir
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
Open to all college students who enjoy the aesthetic experience of choral singing. The choir is a performing group which meets regularly and performs a wide variety of choral literature. The choir presents programs throughout the college area and participates in state community college music activities. Maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
MUS-162 - Instrumental Ensembles
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
This course is open to students who seek creative expression through ensemble performance. Credit is granted to those who meet requirements for rehearsals and performances through participation in the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, the Southeast Iowa Concert Band or an established instrumental ensemble at Southeastern Community College. A maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
MUA-101 - Applied Voice
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction in voice. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-120 - Applied Piano
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on piano. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-124 - Applied Guitar
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on guitar. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-126 - Applied Strings
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on a string instrument such as violin, viola, or cello. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUA-170 - Applied Woodwinds
|
Lecture: 1-2 |
Credit: 1-2 |
Private instruction on a woodwind instrument such as flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, or saxophone. Students will be expected to perform at a public recital at the end of the term. Credit is granted for the specific areas studied, based on the amount of work, time and involvement as specified by the music faculty before enrollment. An additional fee is charged for each applied music area selected. One weekly 30-minute lesson is one credit. One weekly 60-minute lesson is two credits. Students may earn a max credit of 8 semester hours.
MUS-205 - Jazz History and Appreciation
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Studies the elements and history of jazz music with concentration on critical listening skills. Includes a review of jazz history, styles, genres, form and content, composers and social and historical events of the past and present that influence music selections.
MUS-306 - Digital Music Production I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Digital Audio Production I introduces students to basic theories and techniques of digital audio recording, editing and mixing. Instruction utilizes current industry software digital audio workstation and covers the fundamentals of the operation of the software, as well as audio and MIDI recording and editing. This course provides students with real-world examples and frequent hands-on assignments, that will provide a solid foundation in all aspects of audio production. Prerequisites: MUS-120 or MUS-185. Corequisite: MUS-185, if prerequisite is not met.
ZZZ-SOC - Social Science Course
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Courses fulfilling the Social Science requirement address the behavior of humans as individuals and groups. These courses cover the academic disciplines of economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Social Science courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
ZZZ-SOC - Social Science Course
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
Courses fulfilling the Social Science requirement address the behavior of humans as individuals and groups. These courses cover the academic disciplines of economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Social Science courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.
MUS-140 - Concert Choir
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
Open to all college students who enjoy the aesthetic experience of choral singing. The choir is a performing group which meets regularly and performs a wide variety of choral literature. The choir presents programs throughout the college area and participates in state community college music activities. Maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
MUS-162 - Instrumental Ensembles
|
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 1 |
This course is open to students who seek creative expression through ensemble performance. Credit is granted to those who meet requirements for rehearsals and performances through participation in the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, the Southeast Iowa Concert Band or an established instrumental ensemble at Southeastern Community College. A maximum of 4 semester hours may be earned.
Daniel Pappas - Associate Professor - Music
Email: dpappas@scciowa.edu
BA, Grace College
MM, University of North Carolina
DMA, University of South Carolina