Degree and Certificate Options
Music, A.A.
Transfer to pursue a degree at a 4-year college.
Purpose
2-3 Years
Estimated Program Length
50% or more
Online
What Will I Learn?
The mission of the Music department at KCKCC is to develop well-rounded musicians through theory and practice — artistically, intellectually and technically. This is achieved through studying and performing music of not only the classical tradition, also in the jazz and contemporary popular styles. Students integrate theory and practice in an environment that helps them become active learners through relationships with faculty — who themselves continue to grow as artists and teachers.
The music program continues to build a national reputation for excellence in choral and jazz performance. KCKCC is considered one of the finest community colleges for music, nationwide, particularly in the jazz and contemporary/commercial genres. The goal of the associate of arts in music is to prepare students to transfer to a four-year music program, both in and out-of state. The program is also designed for students to become performing musicians immediately and many have been successful performing as professional musicians, both within and outside of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Career Paths
The degree is designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year music degree program, both in and out of state. The program is also designed for students to become performing musicians immediately. Many of KCKCC’s graduates are successfully performing as professional musicians, both within and outside of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Additional careers this program prepares graduates for are music education, music performance (classical, jazz and commercial music), music industry studies (in relation to audio engineering) and music therapy.
Points of Pride
The KCKCC Music department continues to build a national reputation for excellence in choral and jazz performance. KCKCC is considered one of the finest community colleges for music, nationwide, particularly in the jazz and contemporary/commercial genres. KCKCC has received 67 Student Music Awards from Downbeat Magazine between 2017 and 2025; performed 11 times at the Kansas Music Education Association In-Service Workshop, four times at the Jazz Education Network National Conference, and two performances at Carnegie Hall, among many other regional and national performances.
Student Perspective
“Everybody, all of the faculty, really cares about not only making you a good musician but also making you a better person. They push us to be the absolute best we can be. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
*Potential salaries use third-party national and regional aggregated data, some of which may be estimates. Results may not reflect local or timely trends. Some careers listed may require additional education or degrees beyond those offered at KCKCC. Completing a program, degree, or certificate does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.