Harper College

Music Sample Transfer Plan

Hands playing the piano

Pursue your future in music

Transfer majorsArts icon


  • Applied music
  • Composition
  • Music education
  • Music theory and literature

Get your Associate in Fine Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution. Students can pursue degrees, transfer programs and private study in a challenging but comfortable environment that provides all the tools for success:

  • A strong curriculum that builds students' skills and confidence
  • Exceptional solo and ensemble performance opportunities include piano, guitar, vocal and jazz ensembles, as well as symphonies and vocal groups
  • Mentoring by faculty of more than 50 professional artists and scholars with real-world experience that includes performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Edgar Gabriel's StringFusion and the Grant Park Orchestra.

Studying music at Harper is a convenient and affordable way to begin your college education. Academic advisors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year university you plan to attend.

Sample transfer plan

This sample transfer planning guide meet the requirements of the Associate in Fine Arts - Music degree. The music emphasis at Harper College is designed to provide the student with a program equivalent to the first two years of most four-year college programs, with emphasis in music education, musicology, composition, applied music, and theory and literature. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.

Completion of the Associate in Fine Arts degree does not fulfill the requirements of the Illinois General Education Core Curriculum. After transfer, Associate in Fine Arts - Music students will need to complete the General Education requirements of the institution to which they transfer.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements (Hours required: 67)
NumberCourse TitleCredits
First Semester
Applied Music2
ENG 101Composition I3
Ensemble1
Humanities and Fine Arts 13
MUS 111Theory of Music I3
MUS 115Aural Skills I1
MUS 120Introduction to Music Literature3
MUS 165Class Piano I22
Hours18
Second Semester
Applied Music2
ENG 102Composition II3
Ensemble1
Humanities and Fine Arts 13
Mathematics 33
MUS 112Theory of Music II3
MUS 116Aural Skills II1
MUS 166Class Piano II22
Hours18
Third Semester
Applied Music2
Ensemble1
MUS 211Theory of Music III3
MUS 215Aural Skills III1
MUS 265Class Piano III22
Physical and Life Science 43
SPE 101Fundamentals of Speech Communication3
Hours15
Fourth Semester
Applied Music2
Ensemble1
MUS 212Theory of Music IV3
MUS 216Aural Skills IV1
MUS 266Class Piano IV22
Physical and Life Science 44
Social and Behavioral Science 53
Hours16
Total Hours67
1

Select one course from Humanities and one course from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count as either category. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Fine Arts - Music degree for the approved courses in this category.

2

MUS 165, MUS 166, MUS 265, and MUS 266 may be passed by proficiency exam.

3

Refer to the Associate in Fine Arts - Music degree for approved courses in this category.

4

Select one Physical and one Life Science course. At least one must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Fine Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

5

One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Fine Arts - Music degree for the approved courses in this category.

 
 

Resources

For more information about studying music at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 9/30/26