Mission
The Fine Arts Department at Riverland Community College is a comprehensive arts program dedicated to developing the students' intellectual and creative potential in art, music and theatre, through quality instruction and a variety of performance/exhibition opportunities by expecting a high standard in all artistic endeavors.

Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) - Music
The AFA in Music is awarded to students completing 64 credits of music and general education courses. The AFA in Music is designed primarily as a transfer degree, fulfilling the first two years of study of a bachelor's degree in music. This degree allows students to complete the standard four semester sequence of theory/sight singing/ear training, focus on developing performance skills in the major instrument, attain ensemble experience, demonstrate piano proficiency, and to complete three-quarters of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum for general studies.

• An AFA in Music communicates the focus is in the student's chosen art form-music
• Students will have a directed course of study that will prepare them for transfer to a four-year college, university, or conservatory, or to enter the field.
• Transfer institutions will have a clearer understanding of the focus and scope of the student's training and education.
• Performance courses and private study ensure the student's involvement in acquiring performance skills and application.

• AFA available - one of only a few Minnesota colleges to offer the AFA degree
• Excellent opportunities for participation, no matter what your experience level
• Articulation agreements in place to ensure smooth transition to university study
• Access to RCC Casual Classics Concert Series, nationally recognized visiting artists, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Paramount Theatre, and Austin Artist Series performances
• Low student to faculty ratio
• Affordable on-campus housing

Helpful Background:
Students wishing to pursue the AFA in Music should have taken the standard college preparatory courses, especially those in music. The most successful music students have at least basic note reading and piano skills. Piano study is highly recommended, though not necessarily a requirement for beginning the AFA degree. High school or other choir or band experience is also beneficial.

Transfer and Career opportunities:
Students completing an AFA in Music can look forward to a smooth transfer to a college or university enabling the successful student to then complete a bachelor's degree in two to three years, depending on the student's emphasis and upon the individual program. The successful AFA student who has a completed degree in hand may choose to pursue a career in music at that point. A person who has earned an AFA in Music as a transitional or terminal degree may then be qualified to teach private music lessons, work in music industry, music retail, mass media, recreational therapy, church music/music ministry, or a in host of other arts-related careers.

About the Department:
The Riverland Music Department is an active and vital presence in the college and its communities. The department continues to grow in size and scope, offering a variety of courses, performances opportunities, and concerts. Some students involved in Riverland Music ensembles intend to be music majors, however participation is open to all students. Riverland's ensembles give regular performances throughout the state and region, and have appeared in Alice Tulley Hall (Lincoln Center), and Carnegie Hall.