Music
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Arts-Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) degree with a concentration in Music. This degree prepares students for transfer to pursue further studies in music, music performance, humanities, business, social sciences, art administration, among other fields. The degree allows students to explore the field of music through history and culture, introductory reading and writing of the musical language, electronic music, and music performance. Students transferring into a music program will need to take two years of music theory at the transfer institution in order to pursue the job opportunities listed on this page.
Students in this pathway develop skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, intercultural fluency, creative expression, fundamentals of reading and writing music, and digital music production. Students also develop knowledge, language, and concepts of music within cultural and historical context. This pathway also includes individual instruction for instruments and/or voice and performance experience (choir, band, etc.).
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) | Full time : 6 | 90 |
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
Before Quarter One
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies Math (if needed)
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies English (if needed)
- Apply for Financial Aid and other funding before your first quarter. Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college.
- Transfer previous college credits to North if applicable.
- Attend New Student Orientation.
- Explore placement options: take the math and English placement tool if needed.
- Make an informed choice on the number of units to take each quarter.
- F-1 international students must enroll full time (12+ units) each quarter and check in with the International Programs office before the start of the quarter if enrolling in less than 12 units and/or before starting any work or volunteer experience.
- If you need academic accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Disability Services.
Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.
Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.
Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List
90 UnitsA sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.
Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.
Click to see details
- Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. Learn more about Starfish here.
- Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling, and career services.
- Come to the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
- Visit the Student Learning Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
- Check out campus life: Student Clubs and Affinity Groups, TRIO, Equity & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- Contact the Music Coordinator or the Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences about performance-based courses.
- Create an education plan with your assigned advisor.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
- Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
- Attend a variety of music performances including acoustic concerts, operas, and traditional jazz.
- Visit North's Transfer webpage for transfer information.
- Update your education plan with your assigned advisor.
- Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs.
- Attend “Making Learning and Teaching Visible” campus event very spring.
- Attend campus lectures and forums from the Arts, Humanities & Social Science division.
- Talk with your advisor or the music program coordinator if taking a two unit class.
- Update your education plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor.
- Consult with music faculty about your resume/portfolio.
- Consider continued participation in a performance experience (band, chorus, individual instruction).
- Contact Music department at potential universities to research transfer entrance and audition requirements.
- Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair.
- Write your personal statement for university applications.
- Meet regularly with coach or teacher to prepare for and/or record auditions.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
- Consider interviewing musicians in fields you are interested in working in.
- Prepare video and/or audio and recorded performance or schedule live auditions.
- Apply for the AA degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
- Check in with university for transfer plan.
- Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
- Attend on-campus graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
More Information
Tuition and Funding
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2024-25.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.
Career Opportunities
A Music Foundations pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
- Performer
- Music Educator
- Composer
- Music Producer
- Music Therapist
- Music Critic
- Music Historian
- Music Theorist
- Musicologist
- Ethnomusicologist
- Music Curator
- Music Librarian
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit
www.bls.gov/oes.
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete the AA-DTA degree, additional educational opportunities include:
- A Bachelor's degree or higher in Music, Music Education, Music Theory or related programs.
North Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Central Washington University, and Western Washington University. Music Foundation graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.
Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.
Additional Information
Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.
Area of Study
Arts, Design, and GraphicsProgram Contact
Music Department Coordinator
Craig Grayson
craig.grayson@seattlecolleges.edu
Location
IB 2312
Division Contacts
(206) 934-3709
Mailing Address
NSC Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Division
9600 College Way N
3nc2312
Seattle, WA 98103