Parking and Directions

General Questions

• Where are music classes located?

  The ACC Music Department is primarily based at the Highland Campus, where most of our specialized facilities are located. We also offer select music courses at the Northridge Campus and online.

• How do I get started taking classes?

  Your first step is to apply and be admitted to Austin Community College. Once you are an official student with an ACCeID number, you can register for open-enrollment music classes or schedule an audition for course approvals.

• Can members of the community take music classes?

  Yes. ACC supports lifelong learning! Community members and non-majors are welcome to take music classes. You must be registered as an ACC student to enroll.

• Are there courses available for complete beginners?

  Yes. We offer several introductory courses that require no prior musical experience or auditions, including:

  • MUSI 1181 — Piano Class I
  • MUSI 1183 — Voice Class I
  • MUSI 1192 — Guitar Class
  • MUSI 1188 — Percussion Class
  • MUSI 1306 — Music Appreciation
  • MUSI 1310 — American Music

FAQs

• Can I take a music class?

  If you are actively pursuing an AA or a four year degree in music all of the music courses are open to you. We are unable to accept non-majors into our program, however we encourage non-majors to participate in our various ensembles.

• What does full-time or part-time student mean?

  Students who take 12 hours or more are considered full time. Any less than that is
  considered part time. 12-15 hours is a normal full time load. Students can actually take
  up to 18 hours in a semester, but that is highly discouraged because of the huge amount
  of work it entails.

• If I am part-time and only take two classes per semester can I still graduate in two years?

  It would be impossible for a student to be part time and graduate in 2 years. A degree is
  60 hours, which equals 15 hours per semester. Most students at ACC will take 2-3
  years to finish their degrees.

• If I am part-time does that mean I am only required to take half of the required courses?

  No. All AA degrees at ACC are 60 hours

• I want to be a full-time student and I work 40 hours per week.

  This is nearly an impossible task. Being a full time student is nearly equivalent to a full
  time job. If you try this, you will either have problems at school or work, most likely both.

• Are all of these classes required? Why are they only worth 1 credit hour?

  Every music class in your degree is required. Some classes (like ensembles) are only
  one credit hour, yet take 4 hours a week, plus practice time. Music is a difficult skill to
  accomplish. You aren’t just learning information like you do in most classes. You are
  using information you learn to develop a skill, which takes time.

• Is it normal to be taking 8-9 classes per semester?

  In Music, yes, it is very normal. Since many classes are 1-2 credit hours, it appears you
  have a lot of classes. This is the same for every music degree in the United States.

• Shouldn't I be taking my "basics" first?

  Because we have so many different music classes that are spread out over the entire
  degree, students must only take 1-2 “basic” classes at a time.

• I saw academic advising first and they registered me for 12 credits of core classes. I don't think I have time to start music classes.

  Your core classes need to be spread out across four or more semesters so that you can
  take enough music classes in sequence to develop your skills. If you wait until your
  “basics” are finished to start your music degree, you will have wasted 2 years and have
  to stay another 2 years to graduate.

• I didn't see academic advising and I can't register because of TSI holds.

  Our Music Advisor cannot release holds on your account. Only Academic Advisors can
  do that. It is recommended to take care of any holds on your account prior to meeting
  with the Music Advisor.

• Wait?! Are all of the music courses at the highland campus?

  All Music Courses are at Highland because we have a lot of specialized equipment and
  rooms that are only at that campus.

• I can only take evening or weekend classes.

  There are very few if any classes for music offered nights/weekends. We have offered
  some music classes as late as 4:30 or 6:00 pm to help accommodate work schedules,
  but we can only offer sections that have enough students.

• Can I take all my courses online?

  Music is a very difficult subject to learn online. There is a great deal of complicated,
  hands-on work that students must do. The skills are simply not obtainable via online
  classes.

Ensembles & Performance

• What ensembles are available?

  ACC offers a variety of performing groups, including:

  • Wind Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Orchestra
  • Choir
  • Small Chamber Groups

  To see a complete list of our ensembles, click here: Ensembles

• Can non-music majors join an ensemble?

  Yes. Our ensembles are open to music majors, non-majors, and community members alike.
  (Note: Ensembles are performance groups and are not open to complete beginners—prior vocal or instrumental experience is required).

• Are there entrance requirements or auditions for ensembles?

  Yes. To receive registration approval for an ensemble, you must contact the ensemble director to receive audition information and instructions.
  (Note: If you are auditioning as a Music Major, this process is covered during your departmental audition).

New Music Majors

• How do I enroll as a Music Major?

  All degree-seeking music majors must complete a departmental audition prior to program acceptance:

  1. Visit our Prospective Students page on the ACC website for full audition guidelines.
  2. Complete both online application forms to schedule your audition.
• What should I prepare for my Music Major audition?

  Prepare two contrasting pieces or exercises that showcase different aspects of your musical training (e.g., one fast and one slow piece, a technical exercise alongside a solo piece, or excerpts from band, orchestra, or choir repertoire).

• Who can take one-on-one private lessons (Applied Music)?

  One-on-one applied instruction (courses with the MUAP prefix) are reserved exclusively for degree-seeking music majors. Students must pass the departmental audition to receive registration approval for applied lessons.

Advising & Contact

• Who is the advisor for Music Majors?

  For degree planning and course selection, contact the dedicated Music Department advisor:

  Jackie Carter – [email protected]

• How do I contact the Music Department?

  Email: [email protected]

  Phone / Text: 737-203-6185