traditional undergraduate on campus

Music (associate degree)

Trevecca’s Associate of Arts in music is a two-year degree program which combines a strong liberal arts education with a solid foundation in classical or commercial music. With courses ranging from music theory to commercial music history, this degree prepares you to pursue a four-year degree or a career in classical or commercial music.

Program Benefits

  • Learn from faculty who have valuable industry experience and contacts and who make an effort to know you personally.
  • Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
  • Take advantage of incredible internships and job opportunities available in the exciting Nashville music scene. 

What to Expect

As a student in Trevecca’s Associate of Arts in general and commercial music program, you can turn your passion for music into a degree. You’ll take part in foundational classes like aural theory and commercial music history while also having the chance to hone your skills in courses like wind ensemble, choral union, symphony orchestra and piano. Your degree also prepares you to transition seamlessly into one of our four-year degree programs if you choose to do so. Currently, Trevecca offers the following bachelor’s degrees in music:

You’ll learn from faculty with professional experience in a variety of roles in the music industry. Comprised of talented instrumentalists, vocalists, songwriters and industry experts, our music faculty knows how to create a successful career in today’s music industry, and they’ll share that wisdom and experience with you. As a result of the incredible connections our faculty have with the music industry, our past students have sung and played on TV, in the studio and on the live stage with A-list commercial artists.

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your music degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Career Opportunities

With your music degree from Trevecca, you’ll be well-prepared to continue your studies in a four-year degree program or to excel in roles such as:

  • Vocal and/or instrumental performer
  • Commercial songwriter
  • Commercial arranger
  • Studio singer/player
  • Backing vocalist/player (live)
  • Private music/vocal teacher
  • Musical theatre performer

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*


Life, Calling, and Purpose
INT 1100
Students will begin a journey of self-awareness where they can identify their individual gifts and talents while considering how God can use their uniqueness within their field of interest. Goals of the course include building community, understanding leadership and service, and evaluating God's calling. Required of all first-time freshmen (those enrolling with less than 24 hours) who are younger than 24 years of age and have not taken a similar course at another accredited institution.
Theory I
MUS 2010

The study of music from Medieval Period to 1700. Students will be expected to compose and analyze music appropriate to the styles studied within the context of the era under investigation. Music notation software will be used to complete the requirements of this class; training on this software will be embedded in the class.

Theory II
MUS 2020

Continuation of Theory I. The study of music from 1700 to 1800.

Aural Theory I
MUS 2060

The development of music notation literacy and musicianship skills through sight-singing, ear training, and tonal/rhythm dictation in varying meters and modalities.

Aural Theory II
MUS 2070
Continuation of Aural Theory I. Further development of music notation literacy and musicianship skills through sight-singing, ear training, and tonal/rhythm dictation in varying meters and modalities.
Recital Attendance
MUS 1200

Required of all music majors. The graduating music student must have successfully completed a total of 6 semesters for four-year degrees and 3 semesters for two-year degrees. To receive a satisfactory grade, twelve music department-sponsored recitals, concerts, and music majors meetings must be attended during the semester. Graded S/U.

Applied Proficiency
MUS 2900

Every student in the commercial program will take a proficiency at the end of their 4th semester of study to test for basic performance competence. Lower division applied lessons must be taken every semester until this proficiency is passed. Graded S/U.

CLASS PIANO FOR COMMERCIAL STUDENTS
Class Piano I
MCM 1600

Beginning class piano for commercial music majors. Areas of study will include: (1) Aural transcription and dictation, (2) Scales and modes, (3) Harmonization by sight and ear; (4) Major and minor chord progressing, (5) Development of reading skills, and (6) Improvisation.

Class Piano II
MCM 1610

A continuation of MCM 1600. Beginning class piano for commercial music majors. Areas of study will include: (1) Aural transcription and dictation, (2) Scales and modes, (3) Harmonization by sight and ear, (4) Major and minor chord progressions, (5) Development of reading skills, and (6) Improvisation.

 
CLASS PIANO FOR TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
Class Piano I
MUS 1600

Beginning class piano. Goals for the semester include the student (1) knowing all major and minor five-finger scales, (2) being able to play major and minor I-V7-1 chord progressions in all keys, and (3) playing prepared pieces that include easy melody and accompaniment. This class is also designed to help prepare the student for MUS 1610.

Class Piano II
MUS 1610

A class designed to follow MUS 1600. Goals for the semester include the student (1) knowing all major and harmonic minor scales (one octave), (2) being able to play appropriate major and minor I-IV-I-V7-I chord progressions in all keys, (3) being able to appropriately harmonize melodies using I, IV, and V7 chords in major and/or minor by ear, and (4) being able to play pieces that are at an easy-to-intermediate level of difficulty. This class is also designed to help prepare the student for MUS 2600.

*This program also requires a Music History Choice, Applied Study and Choir/Wind Ensemble/TSO.

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.