Lineup of John Wood Community College students during a vocal concert

Fine Arts (Music Performance)

The music performance associate of fine arts degree provides a challenging curriculum, one-on-one training, and a number of performance opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in music or simply improving musical skills. Classroom instruction includes music theory, ear training and music literature. Private lessons are offered in voice, piano, brass, woodwind, percussion, and guitar. Concert choir, vocal show ensemble, and band each participate in a rigorous concert schedule.

group of student playing musical instruments

Career Opportunities

  • Actors
  • Dancers
  • Kindergarten
  • Middle School and High School Teachers
  • Music Directors
  • Composers
  • Producers and Directors
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Suggested Pathway for Associate in Fine Arts Degree (Music Performance)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 131 Music Theory/Ear Training I Details 4
A study of the elements of melody and harmony. Special emphasis is placed on music notation fundamentals, reading, writing, and aural skills. This course is intended for students seeking a degree in music; however, others may enroll with consent of instructor. 2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MUS 151-168 Music Ensemble Act (Associate in Fine Arts Degree) Details 1
Band, chorus, vocal show. (May be repeated for credit in the same activity.) Only four semester hours in activity courses from music, physical education, and theater production, combined, may apply toward graduation.
MUS 151 Band Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students who show sufficient experience in instrumental music. The band performs both on and off campus. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 165 Chorus Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students. The chorus performs several major concerts as well as performing at selected college functions. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 168 Vocal Show Ensemble Details 1
Singers are selected from the chorus and concert choir. Instrumentalists need not be members of the aforementioned ensembles. The Vocal Show Ensemble performs a wide variety of literature ranging from Renaissance to modern jazz and pop. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MUS 170-182 Applied Lessons (Associate in Fine Arts Degree) Details 2
Private music lessons are available in voice, piano, brass instruments, woodwind instruments, percussion instruments and string instruments. Each course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
MUS 170 Applied Music - Voice I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in voice. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 171 Applied Music - Piano I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in piano. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 172 Applied Music - Organ I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in organ. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 175 Applied Music - Woodwinds I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 176 Applied Music - Woodwinds II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 177 Applied Music - Brass I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 178 Applied Music - Brass II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 179 Applied Music - Percussion I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 180 Applied Music - Percussion II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 181 Applied Music - Strings I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in strings. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 182 Applied Music - Guitar I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in guitar. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 188 Class Piano, Level I Details 1
Beginning class piano instruction for music majors and non-majors. Assumes no previous keyboard experience. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various PSY 101 / SOC 101 Details 3
Choose PSY 101 or SOC 101.
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901R
Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
ENG 130 Introduction to Film Details 3
This course introduces the basics of film production and analysis in order to help students understand and enjoy film as an art form. Students will be introduced to the formal elements of film production as well as fundamental principles of genre and narrative in order to understand how directors' decisions regarding these elements and principles create meaning.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 132 Music Theory/Ear Training II Details 4
Continuation of Music Theory I. Study of the harmonic and melodic practices of the 18th and 19th centuries. Emphasis will be placed on analysis, harmonization, and aural skills. 2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MUS 131
Various MUS 151-168 Music Ensemble Act (Associate in Fine Arts Degree) Details 1
Band, chorus, vocal show. (May be repeated for credit in the same activity.) Only four semester hours in activity courses from music, physical education, and theater production, combined, may apply toward graduation.
MUS 151 Band Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students who show sufficient experience in instrumental music. The band performs both on and off campus. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 165 Chorus Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students. The chorus performs several major concerts as well as performing at selected college functions. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 168 Vocal Show Ensemble Details 1
Singers are selected from the chorus and concert choir. Instrumentalists need not be members of the aforementioned ensembles. The Vocal Show Ensemble performs a wide variety of literature ranging from Renaissance to modern jazz and pop. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MUS 170-182 Applied Lessons (Associate in Fine Arts Degree) Details 2
Private music lessons are available in voice, piano, brass instruments, woodwind instruments, percussion instruments and string instruments. Each course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
MUS 170 Applied Music - Voice I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in voice. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 171 Applied Music - Piano I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in piano. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 172 Applied Music - Organ I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in organ. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 175 Applied Music - Woodwinds I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 176 Applied Music - Woodwinds II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 177 Applied Music - Brass I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 178 Applied Music - Brass II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 179 Applied Music - Percussion I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 180 Applied Music - Percussion II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 181 Applied Music - Strings I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in strings. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 182 Applied Music - Guitar I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in guitar. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 189 Class Piano, Level II Details 1
Class piano instruction for music majors and non-majors. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MUS 188 or consent of department
MUS 121 Introduction to Music Literature Details 3
A study of the terminology, vocabulary and structure of music literature and style through the history and examination of selected composers and materials. IAI: F1 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
AST 101 Elementary Astronomy Details 3
An elementary survey of the nature and behavior of the solar system and the regions beyond and of basic physical processes occurring throughout the universe. IAI: P1 906
Prerequisites: (none)
AST 102 Elementary Astronomy Lab Details 1
A laboratory course than examines astronomical phenomena and concepts, including the solar system, stars and galaxies, planetary motions, atoms and radiation and the origin and evolution of the universe through the use of hands-on experiments and observation and analysis of astronomical data. Supplement to Elementary Astronomy 101. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours
Prerequisites: Intended to be taken concurrently with AST 101 or with previous completion of AST 101
MUS 231 Music Theory/Ear Training III Details 4
A continuation of Music Theory II. The study of melodic and harmonic practices of the 19th century. Includes emphasis on chromatic harmony and aural skills. 2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MUS 132
Various MUS 151-168 Music Ensemble Act (Associate in Fine Arts Degree) Details 1
Band, chorus, vocal show. (May be repeated for credit in the same activity.) Only four semester hours in activity courses from music, physical education, and theater production, combined, may apply toward graduation.
MUS 151 Band Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students who show sufficient experience in instrumental music. The band performs both on and off campus. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 165 Chorus Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students. The chorus performs several major concerts as well as performing at selected college functions. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 168 Vocal Show Ensemble Details 1
Singers are selected from the chorus and concert choir. Instrumentalists need not be members of the aforementioned ensembles. The Vocal Show Ensemble performs a wide variety of literature ranging from Renaissance to modern jazz and pop. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MUS 270-282 Applied Lessons Details 2
Private music lessons are available in voice, piano, brass instruments, woodwind instruments, percussion instruments and string instruments. Each course is repeatable 1 time.
MUS 270 Applied Music - Voice II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in voice. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 271 Applied Music - Piano II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in piano. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 272 Applied Music - Organ II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in organ. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 275 Applied Music - Woodwinds I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 276 Applied Music - Woodwinds II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 277 Applied Music - Brass I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 278 Applied Music - Brass II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 279 Applied Music - Percussion I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 280 Applied Music - Percussion II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 281 Applied Music - Strings II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in string. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 282 Applied Music - Guitar II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in guitar. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 288 Class Piano, Level III Details 1
Class piano instruction for music majors and non-majors. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MUS 189 or consent of department
Fourth Semester Details
BIO 105 Human Biology Details 3
This is an introductory course emphasizing the biology of human beings, including human organization from the atomic level to the biosphere, basic anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and human interactions with the environment. Selected topics of discussion will include how science works and its impact on the human condition, biotechnological advances and ethical considerations, human wellness and disease, and the impact humans have on the environment. IAI: L1 904
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MUS 232 Music Theory/Ear Training IV Details 4
A continuation of Music Theory III. The course includes the study of form and analysis, 20th century compositional techniques, and aural skills. 2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MUS 213
Various MUS 151-168 Music Ensemble Act (Associate in Fine Arts Degree) Details 1
Band, chorus, vocal show. (May be repeated for credit in the same activity.) Only four semester hours in activity courses from music, physical education, and theater production, combined, may apply toward graduation.
MUS 151 Band Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students who show sufficient experience in instrumental music. The band performs both on and off campus. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 165 Chorus Details 1
Membership is open to all JWCC students. The chorus performs several major concerts as well as performing at selected college functions. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 168 Vocal Show Ensemble Details 1
Singers are selected from the chorus and concert choir. Instrumentalists need not be members of the aforementioned ensembles. The Vocal Show Ensemble performs a wide variety of literature ranging from Renaissance to modern jazz and pop. 0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MUS 270-282 Applied Lessons Details 2
Private music lessons are available in voice, piano, brass instruments, woodwind instruments, percussion instruments and string instruments. Each course is repeatable 1 time.
MUS 270 Applied Music - Voice II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in voice. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 271 Applied Music - Piano II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in piano. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 272 Applied Music - Organ II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in organ. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 275 Applied Music - Woodwinds I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 276 Applied Music - Woodwinds II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in woodwinds. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 277 Applied Music - Brass I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 278 Applied Music - Brass II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in brass. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 279 Applied Music - Percussion I Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 280 Applied Music - Percussion II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in percussion. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 281 Applied Music - Strings II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in string. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 282 Applied Music - Guitar II Details 0.5-2 (Varies)
Private music lessons in guitar. This course is repeatable 1 time. A special lab fee applies.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
MUS 289 Class Piano, Level IV Details 1
Class piano instruction for music majors and non-majors. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MUS 288 or consent of department
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.