Academics
Music
Music is an integral part of our lives.
It can bring tears to the eyes or shivers down the spine. It can tie you to a moment in your past, push you to finish a workout, flame your creativity or to the ones who make it – be your voice to the world.
If you are interested in creating music or want to master the art, then the Illinois Central College Music Program is for you!
Why Illinois Central College?
Since 1977, the Music Program at Illinois Central College has been one of only a few community colleges in the state that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). That means not only will you receive a quality education, but you will also be able to transfer to a 4-year college or university easily.
“…what you learn in music theory lines up with everything else and all the teachers work so well together. It’s perfect, they make sure you understand, and they have a music theory tutor as well, which is an employment opportunity for students.” – Mina (Vogel) McIntire
What We Teach
We teach students about Theory, Musicianship, Piano, Music History and more! You will be able to participate in Vocal Jazz, Concert Choir, Concert Band, Chamber Singers, or Hard Bop Jazz Band. Ensembles are open to all students within the College regardless of program of study!
Illinois Central College now offers two new music programs:
- Music Business — Associate in Arts (Transfer Program)
- Music Industry — Associate in Arts (Transfer Program)
Degree
Associate in Arts (Transfer Program)
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Requirements
Select a course number below to see a course description.
Required General Education Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| ENGL 110 | COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| ENGL 111 | COMPOSITION II | 3 |
| COMM 110 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION: PRESENTATION AND THEORY | 3 |
| PSY 110 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE * | 3 | |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE * | 3 | |
| MATHEMATICS * | 3 | |
| LIFE SCIENCE * | 3 to 4 | |
| PHYSICAL SCIENCE * | 3 to 4 | |
| MUS 148 | INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN MUSIC | 3 |
| MUS 149 | INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC LITERATURE | 3 |
| HUMANITIES * | 3 |
Required Program Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| APPLIED MUSIC ** | 8 | |
| ONE PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATION *** | 4 | |
| MUS 110 | CLASS PIANO I **** | 2 |
| MUS 170 | THEORY I | 3 |
| MUS 171 | THEORY II | 3 |
| MUS 180 | MUSICIANSHIP I | 1 |
| MUS 181 | MUSICIANSHIP II | 1 |
| MUS 270 | THEORY III | 3 |
| MUS 271 | THEORY IV | 3 |
| MUS 280 | MUSICIANSHIP III | 1 |
| MUS 281 | MUSICIANSHIP IV | 1 |
* See specific requirements for Associate in Arts Degree.
** Students should enroll in applied music each semester. If a student enrolls for more than four semesters, the last number of the sequence may be repeated.
*** For each semester of enrollment in applied music, she/he must also enroll in a performing organization. Students should complete 2 semesters at the 100 level of each performing organization before progressing to the 200 level.
**** If a student's primary instrument is piano; MUS 110 is not required.
Students enrolled in the Associate in Arts degree program must meet with their assigned academic adviser to plan a specific course schedule meeting Illinois Central College and personal requirements in addition to requirements for the institution to which transfer is intended.
To maximize musical skill development, each level of Theory, Musicianship, and Class Piano should be taken concurrently (ie.: MUS 110, 170, 180; MUS 111, 171,181; MUS 210, 270, 280). If the student's primary performance medium is piano, the Applied Piano numbers may be substituted (ie.: MUS 117,170, 180; MUS 118, 171, 181; MUS 217, 270, 280).
Recommended Course Sequence
| Semester | Courses |
| Summer Semester | MUS 136 |
| Fall Semester 1 | Applied Music; Performing Organization; MUS 110; MUS 170; MUS 180; ENGL 110; Mathematics; MUS 148 |
| Spring Semester 1 | Applied Music; Performing Organization; MUS 171; MUS 181; ENGL 111; Life Science; PSY 110 |
| Fall Semester 2 | Applied Music; Performing Organization; MUS 270; MUS 280; MUS 149; COMM 110; Social Science |
| Spring Semester 2 | Applied Music; Performing Organization; MUS 271; MUS 281; Physical Science; Humanities; Social Science |
Program Contact Information
Arts and Behavioral Sciences Department
Room 124A
(309) 694-5113
Illinois Career Cluster
Education and Training
Career Pathway:
Teaching/Training