Why Study Music Education at OCC?
Ocean County College’s Music Education concentration is an immersive experience in the performing arts which will illuminate a path forward for students interested in majoring in music education. Our faculty of experienced and caring professionals will meet you where you are developmentally, assessing your strengths and weaknesses in order to create a comprehensive plan for meeting your goals as a performer and future educator.
Note: The State of New Jersey requires a 3.0 Grade Point Average for any certification candidate.
What You Will Learn
Over four semesters, you will build a strong foundation in the three pillars of music study: performance, music theory, and history. Our distinguished faculty provide one-on-one lessons to help you master the tone and technique required by four-year institutions, guiding you through core repertoire and the preparation of an effective audition program. Through the study of music theory and history, you will learn to analyze scores and apply historical performance practices to your instrument. Additionally, entry-level psychology and education courses will provide the essential groundwork for your transition into a four-year degree program.
Core skills and competencies include:
- Develop a refined tone and fluent technique on your primary instrument
- Use goal-oriented practice strategies to master complex repertoire
- Apply professional interpretation and phrasing to your performances
- Understand the major style periods and genres of concert music
- Analyze the harmonic and structural elements of musical compositions
- Prepare mature audition repertoire and gain live performance experience
Where Passion Becomes a Career
Music Education majors typically pursue careers as K–12 music teachers, teaching band, choir, orchestra, or general music in schools, and may also work in curriculum development or instructional coaching. Graduates can also advance to postsecondary teaching, private instruction, or leadership roles in arts education, with some pursuing graduate study in music or education to expand career opportunities.
Transfer Opportunities
Credits earned at Ocean County College transfer to four-year colleges and universities, giving students the flexibility to continue their education at accredited institutions. Music Education graduates are well-prepared to take that next step — Kean University is among our transfer partners where OCC graduates can complete their bachelor’s degree.
Connect with our Transfer Services team to ensure a smooth path to your bachelor’s degree.
At A Glance
Length
59 credit hours
~2 Years to Complete
Cost
For Ocean County Residents
Summer – $206 per credit
Effective Fall – $216.00 per credit
Modality
In Person
Academic Pathways
This program is designed to transfer. Where you go next is up to you! After earning your degree at OCC, seamlessly transfer your credits to a four-year college or university, setting the stage for continued academic and career success.
Associate
Build a foundation in performance, theory, and history while receiving one-on-one mentorship from distinguished faculty.
Bachelors
Transfer seamlessly to four-year partners like Stockton University to continue your degree in music performance or education.
Career
Gain the technical expertise and audition readiness needed for a professional path in teaching or live performance.
Have any Questions?
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