Music & Music History

Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to obtain an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Music. In this pathway, students complete the general education requirements for the degree while studying music theory, history, and performance. Students will grow as musicians through ...

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to obtain an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Music. In this pathway, students complete the general education requirements for the degree while studying music theory, history, and performance. Students will grow as musicians through private instruction and many vocal and instrumental performance opportunities, including large and small ensembles, solo recitals, workshops with professional artists, and regional and national competitions. 

This program prepares students to pursue further studies in music or a related field at a four-year college or university, as well as teaching valuable skills that are desirable to employers in a variety of music-related fields, including sound design, composing, recording production and more. 

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) Full time : 6 90-95

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at Seattle Central College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

90-95 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start and college placement, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Classes are offered in various formats such as online (e-learning) and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
  • Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
  • Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
MUSC126
Beg. Group Piano 1st Qtr
2 units
MUSC&105
Music Appreciation
5 units
HDC101
Orientation to College
3 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
17 UNITS
To-Do List
ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
MUSC&141
Music Theory I
5 units
MUSC127
Beg. Group Piano 2nd Qtr
2 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
17 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
  • Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
MATH&107
Math In Society
5 units
MUSC128
Beg. Group Piano 3rd Qtr
2 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
MUSC116
Rock Music I
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
17 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
  • Research and contact Music and Music History departments at potential universities
  • Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
  • Attend transfer day at prospective university
  • Write your personal statement for university applications
Natural World Lab Science
Choose a Course
5 units
MUSC110
Introduction to World Music
5 units
MUSC221
Group Piano 4th Qtr
2 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
12 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships
  • Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
  • Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities
  • Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university
Natural World
Choose a Course
5 units
MUSC118
Electronic Music Origins EDM
5 units
MUSC222
Group Piano 5th Qtr
2 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
17 UNITS
To-Do List
Natural World
Choose a Course
5 units
MUSC204
History of Jazz
5 units
MUSC223
Group Piano 6th Qtr
2 units
HUM105
Intercultural Communication
5 units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2024-25.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit Central's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

A Music and Music History pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Performer
  • Educator  
  • Composer or arranger (film, video games, advertisements) 
  • Sound designer 
  • Music software developer 
  • Music event recorder 
  • Music studio owner/teacher 
  • DJ 
  • Music copyist 

A Bachelor’s degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/.  To discuss additional careers options, speak with faculty once you begin classes or contact the Career Exploration Center. CareerServicesCenter@seattlecolleges.edu or 206.934.4383 

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include, but are not limited to:  

A Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music History, or a related field at a four-year college or university.

Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Music graduates from Central have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact a Central advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Music programs in Washington state or around the country. 

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Arts, Design, and Graphics

Program Contact

For more information, contact
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division
206.934.4164
AHSS.Central@seattlecolleges.edu