Play. Teach. Inspire.
Music is more than what you do—it’s who you are.
Whether on stage or in the classroom, music has the power to move people, shape culture and ignite creativity. Owens’ Music Education/Performance, AA degree transforms that passion into a rewarding career.
With this cost-effective pathway, you’ll complete your first two years while building essential skills, knowledge and hands-on experience. You’ll learn, perform and grow alongside dedicated instructors and passionate peers, gaining stage-ready confidence and a solid foundation for your musical future.
Music thrives on collaboration—working with fellow musicians, students and audiences develops your teamwork, communication skills and lifelong professional connections. As a performer or educator, you’ll enrich lives and inspire others to discover their own love of music.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Arts (AA)
Department
Department of Creative Arts and Media
Required Credit Hours
61-66
The Path Forward
4
Semesters (typically 2 years)
14-16
Students per class, offering a personalized learning environment
From Classroom to Concert Hall
In your first semester, dive into music theory, aural skills, basic piano and applied lessons on your primary instrument while participating in dynamic ensembles like the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble or College-Community Chorus. These collaborative experiences provide performance practice and help develop you into a well-rounded musician.
The curriculum seamlessly blends practical training with comprehensive academic preparation. You’ll explore the rich history of Western music, examine the profession of music and build foundational knowledge in composition, mathematics, social sciences and the humanities—all carefully aligned with the Ohio Transfer Module to ensure seamless transfer to four-year institutions.
Through dedicated private lessons with professional musicians, active ensemble participation and immersive coursework, you’ll steadily refine both your technical precision and expressive artistry. You’ll culminate your studies with a solo recital that prepares you for future auditions and showcases your growth as a performer.
Whether you’re preparing for a career in teaching or performance, you’ll graduate with the skills, experience and confidence needed to advance your musical journey to the next level.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective communication in their area or concentration of study.
- Demonstrate their ability to access and interpret information within their area or concentration of study.
- Think critically to anticipate, recognize, and solve problems within their area or concentration of study.
- Add value through service to their community or area/concentration of study.
Career Outcomes
Graduate prepared for seamless transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music performance or education. With a strong academic foundation supporting your artistic ambitions, you’ll be ready for career paths such as music teacher, studio musician, private instructor, orchestral musician, solo artist or music therapist.
The field offers remarkable flexibility—from teaching in schools and community programs to performing in orchestras and solo settings. Your career will continually challenge you to refine your technical skills, artistic expression and musical knowledge, keeping both mind and talents sharp.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“To be a part of everything here and to be around a group of people like I have been at Owens, I should have come here way earlier in my life.”
Joe Smith, Broadcast Media Technology, ’25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.