Music Performance, A.A.
The Music Performance program at Prairie State College offers students the opportunity to develop their skills as vocalists and instrumentalists through comprehensive training and hands-on experience. Whether you aspire to perform professionally, pursue further education, or simply deepen your passion for music, our program provides a supportive environment to hone your craft. Designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or careers in the music industry, the program emphasizes performance, technique, and music theory to help you achieve your goals.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Music Performance?
While competition can be strong, many graduates find careers as professional musicians,
solo or ensemble performers, music teachers, session musicians, or involved in music
production and management. Building a strong network and gaining experience can enhance
job prospects. Overall, a degree in music performance offers diverse opportunities,
but success often depends on talent, persistence, and industry connections.
With a degree in music performance, students can pursue careers as professional musicians,
including solo artists, band members, or ensemble performers. They can work as music
teachers, either privately or in schools, or become session musicians and recording
artists. Opportunities also exist in music production, sound engineering, event planning,
and arts administration. Additionally, some graduates perform in theater, film, or
television, or continue their education for teaching, conducting, or advanced performance
roles.
Suggested Curriculum
This curriculum is designed to prepare students for transfer into a Bachelor of Arts
degree program in music performance. It offers a comprehensive foundation in music
theory, literature, keyboarding, aural skills, ensemble performance, and private instruction,
alongside general education courses in communication, humanities, sciences, mathematics,
and social sciences. This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge
necessary for advanced study in music at a university level, where admission is competitive
and often requires auditions and placement testing.
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
- ENG 101 Composition I (C1 900) - with a grade of C or better
- ENG 102 Composition II (C1 901R) - with a grade of C or better
- COMM 101 Principles of Communication (C2 900)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)
Select three courses from the list for Area B with at least one course from humanities and one from fine arts, one English course numbered 200 or above is recommended.
Area C: Mathematics (3 credits)
Select one math course from the list for Area C.
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
Select one life science course and one physical science course from the list for Area B. One course must have a lab component.
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)
Select three courses in at least two different disciplines from the list for Area E.
Take one musicianship course each term for a total of 16 credits.
- MUSIC 101 Musicianship I
- MUSIC 102 Musicianship II
- MUSIC 201 Musicianship III
- MUSIC 202 Musicianship IV
Select from Ensemble Groups I-IV: Take one each term for a total of 4 credits.
- MUSIC 110 Concert Choir
- MUSIC 120 Wind Ensemble
- MUSIC 152 Jazz Ensemble I
- MUSIC 153 Jazz Ensemble II
- MUSIC 162 Vocal Jazz Ensemble I
- MUSIC 163 Vocal Jazz Ensemble II
Select from Applied Music Instruction I-IV (Private Music Lessons):
- Take one each term for a total of 8 credits.
- MUSIC 191 Private Applied Music I
- MUSIC 192 Private Applied Music II
- MUSIC 291 Private Applied Music III
- MUSIC 292 Private Applied Music IV
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Gainful Employment Disclosures - 2026
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Music Technology Certificate
(MUSIC.TECH.TCE) This program is designed to be completed in 18 months.
This program will cost $7,378 if completed within normal time. There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed. Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $0 of debt.
Faculty Contact Information
Jonathan Pierre
Associate Professor, Music Production
Email: jpierre@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-2954
Office: 3267
Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.
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