The Nashville area has many opportunities for working musicians. Volunteer State Community College has a new Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Professional Music designed to help those musicians advance in their careers. It’s also a path for younger musicians to build their chops to get ready for the workplace. Students can focus on areas that include Country and Americana Music; Church and Gospel Music; Jazz and Rock Music; Songwriting, and more. Job possibilities include Studio Musician, Live Musician, Musical Director, and Songwriter.
“For working musicians, this is an opportunity to learn more about music theory from professional musicians and award-winning songwriters. We can help skilled students get better at their craft,” said Music Department chair, Ben Graves. “We also provide performance and recording opportunities for younger musicians. The goal is to provide them with a path into the music workplace.”
The Professional Music program combines individual music instruction, music theory, entertainment industry practices, and regular college performances. Students have access to the Vol State analog and digital recording studios.
Vol State has several other music programs, including an Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A) music degree for transfer to a university, and the Entertainment Media Production program, with one emphasis in music production and another in music business. For more information visit www.volstate.edu/music.
