Why Study Music at OCC?
Ocean County College’s Music concentration is an immersive experience in the performing arts which will illuminate a path forward for students interested in majoring in music. 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 no matter where you are starting from.
What You Will Learn
Over the course of four semesters of study, you will build a strong foundation in three keys areas of music study: performance, theory (written and aural), and music history. One-on-one lessons with our faculty of distinguished artists will help you build the requisite tone and technique four years schools are looking for, guiding you through core repertoire written for your instrument, and eventually preparing an effective audition program. Music Theory courses explore the language and science of music, empowering you to analyze scores and inform your performance decisions while music history courses diversify your knowledge of important repertoire, revealing critical elements of performance practice relevant to your instrument.
Core skills and competencies include:
- Master refined tone and fluent technique on your primary instrument
- Use goal-oriented practice strategies to prepare mature repertoire
- Analyze the history, genres, and style periods of western concert music
- Perform harmonic and structural analysis to inform artistic decisions
- Apply professional interpretation and phrasing to solo and ensemble work
- Build stage presence and audition readiness through frequent live performances
Where Passion Becomes a Career
Music majors often pursue careers as performers, composers, arrangers, or recording artists, as well as roles such as music directors, producers, or sound engineers. Graduates also find opportunities in education, media, and the arts, with many continuing to study or enroll in professional training to advance careers in performance, composition, or teaching.
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 graduates are well-prepared to take that next step — Stockton 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
60 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 strong foundation in performance, music theory, and history while working one-on-one with distinguished faculty to master your instrument.
Bachelors
Transfer seamlessly to four-year institutions like our partners at Kean Ocean and Stockton University to complete your degree in performance, education, or music therapy.
Career
Prepare for a professional life in music by developing the technical expertise and mature repertoire needed for auditions, teaching, and live performance.
Have any Questions?
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