Where Talent Meets Training.
This Associate of Arts in Music offers a rich foundation in theory, performance, composition, ear training, sight singing, voice, instrumental immersion, and ensemble work. Built to transfer into four-year bachelor’s degree programs—including music education—the curriculum balances rigorous musical training with general academic coursework. With excellent facilities, dedicated studio spaces, and faculty committed to both artistry and technical mastery, students emerge equipped for careers in teaching, performance, composition, research, or therapy.
Career Opportunities and Income
Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.
Learning & Career Pathway
The Associate of Arts in Music is primarily intended to support student transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a university.
San Jacinto College works with many Houston-area and Texas universities that offer bachelor’s degrees that are a great next step after earning the Associate of Arts in Music. The MAPS tab above shows transfer plans for these universities. If you know where you want to transfer and your intended major, use that plan to choose the right courses at San Jac.
Learning Outcomes and Career Skills
A student completing this transfer associate degree will be able to:
- Analyze and interpret musical structures through analysis of harmony, melody, and rhythm.
- Perform standard repertoire with appropriate technique, stylistic interpretation, and artistic expression.
- Demonstrate quantitative and empirical skills related to the historical, theoretical, and performance practice of the discipline.
- Work collaboratively to create, perform, or discuss artifacts of creative activity.
- Analyze the effects of the creative process or skillsets of the individual creator and apply findings toward the development of a personal creative practice.
- Analyze the effects of music on society for its influence on social norms and culture.
Locations
College Admission
San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.
Program Admission
There are no additional admission requirements for the Music program; you only need to complete your application to the College, as noted in “College Admission” above, and follow the enrollment steps.
Plan of Study
1MUSIC
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI 1311 | Music Theory I 1 | 3 |
| MUSI 1116 | Sight Singing and Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUEN Ensemble | 1 | |
| MUAP Major Instrument | 2 | |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| EDUC 1100 | Learning Framework | 1 |
| MUSI 1181 | Piano Class I 2 | 1 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Term | ||
| MUSI 1312 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| MUSI 1117 | Sight Singing and Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUEN Ensemble | 1 | |
| MUAP Major Instrument | 2 | |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II | 3 |
| HIST 1301 | United States History I | 3 |
| MATH 1314 or MATH 1332 | College Algebra or Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Summer Year One Term | ||
| Life and Physical Science (Natural Science) | 4 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Third Term | ||
| MUSI 2311 | Music Theory III | 3 |
| MUSI 2116 | Sight Singing and Ear Training III | 1 |
| MUEN Ensemble | 1 | |
| MUAP Major Instrument | 2 | |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
MUAP Private Lesson | ||
| Piano Class II | ||
| Piano Class III | ||
| Piano Class IV | ||
MUEN Ensemble | ||
| GOVT 2305 | Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics) 3 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | United States History II | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| MUSI 2312 | Music Theory IV | 3 |
| MUSI 2117 | Sight Singing Ear Training IV | 1 |
| MUEN Ensemble | 1 | |
| MUAP Major instrument | 2 | |
| MUSI 1307 | Music Literature (050) | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
MUAP Private Lesson | ||
MUEN Ensemble | ||
| GOVT 2306 | Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics) 3 | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
If MUSI 1303 Fundamentals of Music is required, MUSI 1311 Music Theory I and MUSI 1116 Sight Singing and Ear Training I may be taken in the spring semester with MUSI 1312 Music Theory II and MUSI 1117 Sight Singing and Ear Training II taken in the summer term. Fundamentals may also be taken in the summer term before the first fall term.
- 2
Private piano lessons may be taken by those with a substantial piano background; class piano not required for piano majors. Class piano is not required for piano majors; however, students must take a course substitution. Students may see the Department Chair for this change. Class piano prepares Music Majors for the Piano Proficiency exams required upon transfer. Keyboard (piano) competency is a requirement for most baccalaureate degrees. The department recommends that students continue enrollment in MUSI 1182 Piano Class II, MUSI 2181 Piano Class III, and MUSI 2182 Piano Class IV to pass this baccalaureate degree requirement successfully.
- 3
Students who have taken GOVT 2301 or GOVT 2302, but not both, should check with an Program Advisor on how to complete the 6 SCH.
If you do not see your transfer school, please follow the Plan of Study. For more information, contact an Admissions Advisor. Please speak to an advisor at San Jacinto College and the transfer institution to ensure this Transfer Plan is accurate and complete. For a list of all MAPs, students may go to Transfer Plans A-Z. Students may filter for specific universities, disciplines, or degrees, and print individual MAPs.
Music