Music
Associate of Arts
Program Details
The Music degree includes vocal and instrumental components, as well as courses in music, history and theory. The general program is designed to provide students with a foundation in music theory and history. Performance opportunities in both vocal and instrumental music enhance a student's understanding and skill level. The Music degree prepares students for careers in music performance, education, composition, conducting, retail music industry, music publishing and music therapy. The degree also prepares students for further study at a four-year institution. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of C or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following general education patterns- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements (Local General Education), or California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
Music Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2025-2026.
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Actors
No high school diploma/GED, Bachelor's degree
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 0
- High salary: 0
- Average salary: 0
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Master's degree, Doctoral degree
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 47,040
- High salary: 194,530
- Average salary: 80190
Choreographers
High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 33,080
- High salary: 94,090
- Average salary: 55600
All Careers in Music (11)
| Media Programming Directors | Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 83,480 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media Technical Directors/Managers | Bachelor's degree | Rising | 83,480 |
| Producers and Directors | Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 83,480 |
| Talent Directors | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Rising | 83,480 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Master's degree, Doctoral degree | Stable | 80,190 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Declining | 64,580 |
| Music Directors and Composers | Master's degree, Bachelor's degree | Stable | 63,670 |
| Choreographers | High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school | Stable | 55,600 |
| Actors | No high school diploma/GED, Bachelor's degree | Stable | |
| Dancers | High school diploma/GED, No high school diploma/GED | Rising | |
| Musicians and Singers | - n/a | Declining |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
