Graduates will use the skills and knowledge they gain to build musical careers ranging from performance to education to various music industry positions. They will also be well prepared to continue their studies at a four-year institution.

1. Affordable, high-quality music education close to home, provided by dedicated and experienced faculty who are passionate about music and about teaching. 
2. Learn music theory and history and perform in a music ensemble.
3. Grow in your musical creativity and musicianship!

Students will:

• demonstrate proficiency in music theory, notation, harmony and part-writing
• apply their knowledge of music theory, notation and harmony at the keyboard
• demonstrate proficiency in sight reading on their instrument and sight singing
• notate musical materials from dictation
• demonstrate proficiency on the piano through the performance of standard repertory
• perform in an instrumental or vocal ensemble
• demonstrate knowledge of music history, musical styles, genres and composers
• demonstrate fundamental understanding of music business
• demonstrate fundamental understanding of acoustics

As with any craft, practice is key to success.  Successful students dedicate significant time and effort in order to thrive in our rigorous program.   

Performing ensemble classes require participation in live concerts, sometimes in the evening or on weekends. 

Required private instruction on your instrument or voice will involve additional expense.

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. If students are not high school graduates, they may be eligible for admission to the College’s 24 Credit Hour Program. If students are home schooled, they may be eligible for admission.

Note: Although this is an open admissions program, music placement assessment is required for registration into certain courses. Consult with an Arts and Communication Department music faculty member.

Although the A.A.S. is designed primarily as a professional degree, many graduates do transfer to baccalaureate programs at other colleges. The program prepares students for successful results on theory placement assessments and auditions leading to acceptance into such programs. SUNY Orange enjoys an articulation agreement with SUNY Purchase guaranteeing acceptance and transfer of all SUNY Orange credits assuming basic entrance criteria are met.

Career opportunities exist in the following fields:

• performing/recording artist
• record production
• music composition
• music education
• media careers
• music retail/wholesale
• music publishing
• music law
• music management/ promotion
• publicity
• facility/concert management
• music therapy
• journalism
• music library science
• instrument construction/ repair

Note: Some careers require training beyond the two-year degree.

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This program is primarily available during the daytime on the Middletown campus. Some required courses are offered in the evening.