Music Department – University Studies Associate in Fine Arts in Music (A10700)

The Associate in Fine Arts in Music (A.F.A. in Music) degree is designed for students who wish to transfer to one of the UNC Bachelor in Music (B.M.) programs under the Associate in Fine Arts in Music to Bachelor in Music Articulation Agreement (A.F.A. in Music to B.M. A.A). There are ten B.M.-granting institutions within the UNC system: Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, UNC School of the Arts, UNC Wilmington, and Western Carolina University.

A.F.A. in Music graduates must meet the admission requirements and associated timelines as published by each B.M. program. In addition to meeting entrance requirements, A.F.A. in Music graduates may also be required to audition depending on the entrance requirements of each institution. Acceptance into any B.M. program is not guaranteed. Each student must follow the admissions process of the specific receiving university.

The Associate in Fine Arts in Music degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of 61 semester hours of college transfer courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use. More specifically, students foster a greater understanding of social and personal responsibility, communication, critical thinking, and technical literacy as student learning outcomes.

To be eligible for the transfer of credits under the A.F.A. in Music to B. M. A.A., A.F.A. in Music graduates must obtain a grade of “C” or better in each course an earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions. Courses offered through bilateral agreements may not transfer to all receiving universities.

UNC Charlotte Bilateral Articulation Agreement. 
If you are interested in transferring to UNC Charlotte to earn a Bachelor of Music, please check the Bilateral Articulation Agreement between Sandhills Community College (Associate in Fine Arts Music Program) and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Department of Music). This agreement lists the different music programs offered by UNC Charlotte and how A.F.A Music courses will transfer. This articulation agreement comes into effect Fall 2019.

 

Special Program Requirements

Students enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Music and Music Education program must demonstrate the appropriate level of vocal or instrument proficiency. Non-music majors may be allowed to enroll in music theory and performance classes only after demonstrating the appropriate level of proficiency prior to registering for MUS 121, 131, 133, 135, 137, 141, and 161. Students with little or no music background should enroll in MUS 111 and MUS 151. Woodwind, brass, and string students are required to provide their own instruments. Percussion students are required to provide their own sticks and mallets.

 

Unique Aspects

Several music scholarships and awards are available annually to qualified students, and music instruction is available at no additional cost.

Successful transfer to a senior institution is one of our curriculum goals.

A music faculty active as performers, clinicians, and adjudicators is available for both private and group instruction with an emphasis on individual attention and small class sizes.

Computer-assisted instruction is integrated into all areas of the curriculum. The program provides instruction in an electronic keyboard lab with computer-based music workstations.

Our graduates have successfully transferred to senior institutions in North Carolina and out-of-state to pursue careers as choir and band directors, performers, audio engineers, music merchandisers, and ministers of music.

Many of the best sounds on the campus of Sandhills Community College come from the practice rooms, the studios, the classrooms, and the newly remodeled Owens Auditorium in the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (opening November 2019) where both music majors and non-majors participate in a variety of campus and community performances.

 

Contact Information

Professor Ryan Book, Department Chair Fine Arts
126 Wellard Hall
(910) 695-3828
booka@sandhills.edu