Music
The Degree
Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Outlook
According to the U.S. Labor Department, employment opportunities for
music educators in elementary and secondary schools should increase
as a large number of teachers reach retirement age in the near future. Competition
for performance musicians will continue to be keen, as clubs and restaurants
seek highly talented musicians. The Music degree program at Finger
Lakes Community College offers you theoretical skills and performance
opportunities to prepare you to continue your education.
The Program
The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Music at FLCC is designed to enable you to transfer into four-year baccalaureate degree programs in music. The program is also an appropriate course of study if you are preparing for one of the many careers in music that do not require a four-year degree. This challenging curriculum includes courses in music history, theory, and master composers, in addition to applied music and music ensemble.
Facilities: Our program is supported by a substantial new facility that includes music recording studios, music rehearsal hall, applied music studios, practice rooms, and a midi keyboard laboratory.
Honors Courses: The College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
The opportunity for you to gain experience in performance is a popular
feature of the music program at FLCC. Students perform as
part of the Finger Lakes Chorale, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, College Singers,
Finger Lakes Camerata, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Guitar Ensemble.
The Graduates
Graduates from the program have transferred to baccalaureate music programs at SUNY Colleges at Fredonia, Geneseo and Potsdam, the Eastman School of Music, Nazareth College of Rochester, the Berklee College of Music, Middle Tennessee University, and others*, and enjoy a variety of careers including public school teaching, private piano, voice and guitar instruction, church choir direction, church organist, and jazz performance.
Salary: According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average annual earnings of salaried musicians and singers in 2000 were $36,740. Earnings often depend on the number of hours and weeks worked, a performer’s professional reputation, and the setting for the performance. Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, including music educators, ranged from $37,610 to $42,080 in 2000.
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.
The Scholarships
The Finger Lakes Chorale has recently established an award for an outstanding student in Music who plans to continue his or her education. For details, contact a member of the Music faculty.
The Faculty
Professors and instructors in the Music and Music Recording Technology programs hold master’s and/or doctorate degrees from such institutions as The Eastman School of Music, SUNY Buffalo and Ithaca College. They are all classically trained and practicing musicians. Several are working composers and have had works commissioned. Most of the faculty perform on a regular basis. The Music Recording instructors have much professional experience in the music industry as audio engineers. They have also worked with many professional musicians throughout the country. The adjunct faculty are many, and are all musicians. Meet our faculty.
