2026-2027 Course Catalog

Commercial Music (AS)

60 Credits

The Associate of Science in Commercial Music provides a high-quality two-year curriculum that completes the first two years of a baccalaureate degree in commercial music. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate comprehension of harmonic analysis, transposition, songwriting, fundamentals of software-based music production, aural intervallic and chord identification, melodic and rhythmic dictation, history of popular music in America, fundamental piano proficiency, ensemble performance, and instrumental or vocal facility through applied study with artist-level faculty.

The Associate of Science in Commercial Music prepares a student for transfer into the third year of a baccalaureate commercial music program, in particular, those students pursuing a four-year degree in commercial music, music production, music industry, or music business.
 

Core Courses – 34 Credits

BUSN 1125Entrepreneurship

3 cr

MUSC 1124Rock and Roll History

3 cr

MUSC 1131Music Theory 1

3 cr

MUSC 1132Music Theory 2

3 cr

MUSC 1135Songwriting

3 cr

MUSC 1147Popular Music Ensemble

1 cr

MUSC 1151Applied Music 1

1 cr

MUSC 1152Performance Class

0 cr

MUSC 1159Piano Proficiency Exam

0 cr

MUSC 1177Making Digital Music

3 cr

MUSC 1181Ear Training 1

2 cr

MUSC 1182Ear Training 2

2 cr

MUSC 2251Applied Music 2

1 cr

MUSC 1147, MUSC 1151, and MUSC 2251 - 2 semesters each required

MUSC 1152 - 4 semesters required

Choose 2 ensemble credits from the following:

MUSC 1145Jazz Ensemble

1 cr

MUSC 1146Jazz Combo

1 cr

MUSC 1147Popular Music Ensemble

1 cr

Each course may be taken up to 4 semesters total.

Choose additional 4 credits from the following courses:

MUSC 1113Concert Choir

1 cr

MUSC 1116Concert Band

1 cr

MUSC 1123Jazz History

3 cr

MUSC 1141Vocal Ensemble

1 cr

MUSC 1142Guitar Ensemble

1 cr

MUSC 1144Instrumental Ensemble

1 cr

MUSC 1145Jazz Ensemble

1 cr

MUSC 1146Jazz Combo

1 cr

MUSC 1170Jazz Improvisation 1

2 cr

MUSC 1176Intro to Music Tech 1

2 cr

MUSC 1190Diction for Singers 1

2 cr

MUSC 1191Diction for Singers 2

2 cr

MUSC 2270Jazz Improvisation 2

2 cr

MUSC 2276Intro to Music Tech 2

2 cr

MUSC 1116, MUSC 1141, MUSC 1142, MUSC 1144, MUSC 1145, MUSC 1146 may each be taken up to 4 semesters total.

Additional Required Courses – 26 Credits

ENGC 1101College Writing

4 cr

ENGL 1186Introduction to Poetry

3 cr

Complete one of the following four courses:

COMM 1100Introduction to Communication

3 cr

COMM 1101Fundamentals of Public Speaking

3 cr

COMM 1111Interpersonal Communication

3 cr

COMM 1121Small Group Communication

3 cr

Complete 16 additional credits from at least three of the following MnTC Goal areas: 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, or 10.

Other Degree Requirements

  • Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for college-level coursework (courses numbered 1000 and above) completed at Normandale.
  • Earn a minimum of 15 college-level credits at Normandale.

Coursework in this degree program satisfies a portion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). Please see MnTC Degree Audit Report.