Program Overview
The A.A. in Music combines a solid general-education core, a 12-hour biblical/theological foundation, and two full years of intensive musicianship training. You will study harmony, sight-singing/ear-training, literature, basic conducting, applied lessons on your principal instrument or voice, and perform with ensembles every semester. Graduates leave with the musical skills, academic credits, and spiritual grounding needed to enter ministry, continue into our B.A./B.M./B.M.E. music majors, or audition at other senior colleges.
Program at a Glance
Credential: Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Music
Total hours: 66 semester credits
Delivery: Residential study—weekly ensembles, lessons & recital lab—plus online Gen-Ed where available
Typical length: Two academic years of full-time study (15–17 credits each fall & spring)
Entry terms: August | January
Ready?
Apply TodayProgram at a Glance
Credential: Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Music
Total hours: 66 semester credits
Delivery: Residential study—weekly ensembles, lessons & recital lab—plus online Gen-Ed where available
Typical length: Two academic years of full-time study (15–17 credits each fall & spring)
Entry terms: August | January
Ready?
Apply TodayDegree Requirements
1. Orientation – 3 credits
• FYI 101 Student Success
2. General Education – 18 credits
• English Composition I & II (ENG 151, 152)
• Mathematics (MA 130 or higher)
• Communication (COM 200)
• Humanities elective (HUM 101, HUM 103, or Literature Survey)
• Science w/lab elective
• Social Science elective (PSY 201 recommended)
3. Biblical/Theological Foundation – 12 credits
• BF 101 Old Testament Survey
• BF 103 New Testament Survey
• EV 201 Personal Evangelism
• SF 101 Spiritual Formation
4. Music Major – 33 credits
• Harmony I-IV (MT 101, 102, 201, 202)
• Sight-Singing/Ear-Training I-II (MT 103, 104)
• Basic Conducting (MC 210)
• Music Literature (MH 201)
• Applied Music (private lessons)
• Class Piano or Secondary Applied Music
• Large Ensemble each semester
• MUS 101 Recital Lab (every semester, 0 credit)
What You’ll Learn
You’ll master basic music theory, sight-singing, and performance skills; build ensemble and leadership experience; and develop a Christian understanding of the role of music in worship and culture.
Career & Academic Pathways
Transfer to B.A. in Music, B.M. in Worship Leadership, or B.M.E. in Music Education
Church musician, accompanist, or ensemble leader
Private teaching or music ministry roles
Preparation for advanced music or worship studies
What You’ll Learn
You’ll master basic music theory, sight-singing, and performance skills; build ensemble and leadership experience; and develop a Christian understanding of the role of music in worship and culture.
Career & Academic Pathways
Transfer to B.A. in Music, B.M. in Worship Leadership, or B.M.E. in Music Education
Church musician, accompanist, or ensemble leader
Private teaching or music ministry roles
Preparation for advanced music or worship studies
Ready to start your journey?
Let us help you. Fill out a form or contact us at: 800-328-2660 ext. 460 or admissions@buf.edu