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 ...

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) Part time : 9 90

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

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 Units

A 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

Quarter 1
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
MUSC&105
Music Appreciation
5 units
MATH&107
Math In Society
5 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
MUSC125
Creativ Mus Fundamentals
5 units
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
Integrated Studies: ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
Integrated Studies and Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your educational plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor.
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
BIOL125 or Natural World Lab Science
Choose a course
5 units
HUM105
Intercultural Comm
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines.
  • Consult with music faculty about your resume/portfolio.
World Language I: French or German
5 units
MUSC110
Intro to World Music
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
  • 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.
  • Contact Music department at potential universities to research transfer entrance and audition requirements.
  • Talk with your advisor or the music program coordinator if taking a two unit class.
World Language II: French or German
5 units
MUSC140 or MUSC154 or Individual Music Instruction
Choose a course
variable units
Quarter 7
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Consider interviewing musicians in fields you are interested in working in.
  • Prepare video and/or audio recorded performance or schedule live audition.
  • Consider continued participation in a performance experience (band, chorus, individual instruction).
  • Apply for Summer financial aid.
World Language III: French or another elective
5 units
MUSC185
Computer Music Recording
5 units
Quarter 8
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Write your personal statement for university applications.
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
  • Apply for the AA-DTA degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
PSYC&100 or SOC&101 or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a course
5 units
HEA150 or NUTR&101 or Natural World
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 9
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Check in with university for transfer plan including potential additional auditions.
MUSC113
Music In The U.S.
5 units
GEOL&101 or Natural World
Choose a course
5 units

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 Graphics

Program 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

Advising Contact

Contact the Arts, Design and Graphics Area of Study advisor 

206-934-3658