Music

The Music Associate of Fine Arts degree at Nashville State provides aspiring musicians with a comprehensive foundation in music theory, performance, appreciation, and musicianship. Students study their chosen instrument or voice, piano, music history, and other core disciplines while preparing for a career in music or to transfer into bachelor's degree programs in music. The program supports careers and advanced study in music performance, education, composition, music business, and other creative industries.

Associate of Fine Art

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Start your educational career at Nashville State and benefit from smaller class sizes and one-on-one attention. Select from courses in Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Voice, Guitar, Piano, and many more.

Length

Two years

COSTS

About $9,452 total in tuition and fees.

More About Costs

COURSE LIST

Catalog

After Nashville State

Guarantee a successful transfer to complete your bachelor’s degree at a Tennessee public university with the help of Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs). Complete all the courses listed on the Music A.F.A. degree TTP at Nashville State, and you will have completed the first two years of a 4-year bachelor's degree.

More About Transfer Degrees

Campus Availability: The majority of Music courses are only offered on our White Bridge campus; - however, some may be available online. Gen ed courses are available on all campuses and online. To check current course offerings check the class schedule.

Roots Logo

Nashville State Roots

Nashville State’s School of Arts & Humanities Music A.F.A. program and the Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education have partnered up to launch Nashville State Roots!

About the Program

Nashville State Roots is a community-centered music program that embraces tunes from the musical traditions of many cultures in the United States and beyond. Our goal is for musicians of all backgrounds to play in community together, nurturing talent, preserving musical traditions, and building connections across generations. By providing affordable instruction and scholarship support, we aim to ensure that music is accessible and thrives in every corner of our community.

Current Offerings

Ensemble: The Nashville State Roots ensemble is open to anyone who plays an instrument traditionally associated with folk music and is aged 12* and older (*for interested students under age 12, please contact music@nscc.edu to inquire about registering). You do not have to be a Nashville State student or employee to be a part of Nashville State Roots.

For more information and to register for Nashville State Roots, click below or visit this link.

Click here to register

Upcoming Events

The Music Program at Nashville State presents a variety of events each semester ranging from concerts to workshops with guest artists and more. Concerts are free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of the Nashville State Community College Foundation through the Music Impact Fund. If you would like to donate to support these events, you may do so at this link.

NEW THIS FALL: Contra dances are coming to Nashville State! Featuring music by Nashville State Roots with special guests and professional dance callers, these nights will be full of dancing, music, and fun! Suggested Donation: $5-25

Unless otherwise noted, all events are held in Falcon Theater in the H-Building at the White Bridge Campus. See below for directions to Falcon Theater.

Date and Time	Event Description	Additional Details
Sept. 24 (Thurs.), 7:30 - 9:30 PM	Contra Dance with Nashville State Roots	Special musical guest, Brian Hanlon, and caller, Crystal Melton. Beginner lesson: 7 PM
Sept. 29 (Tues.), 7:30 PM	Concert: Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra	Doors open at 7 PM
Oct. 1 (Thurs.), 5:30 - 8 PM	Guest Artist Series: Darol Anger	Bring an instrument or sit back and enjoy the music!
Oct. 8 (Thurs.), 5:30 - 8 PM	Guest Artist Series: Tashina Clarridge	Bring an instrument or sit back and enjoy the music!
Oct. 29 (Thurs.), 7:30 - 9:30 PM	Contra Dance with Nashville State Roots	Special musical guest, Jeremy Lekich, and caller, Elijah Jaime. Beginner lesson: 7 PM
Nov. 6 (Fri.), 2:00 PM	Concert: The Paul Brock Band	Doors open at 1:30 PM
Nov. 10 (Tues.), 7 PM	Concert: Jazz Strings feat. Billy Contreras	Doors open at 6:30 PM Performance includes student & faculty musicians
Nov. 12 (Thurs.), 5:30 - 8 PM	Guest Artist Series: Bonnie & Nick Norris	Bring an instrument or sit back and enjoy the music!
Nov. 19 (Thurs.), 7:30 - 9:30 PM	Contra Dance with Nashville State Roots	Special musical guest, Brian Hanlon, and caller, Crystal Melton. Beginner lesson: 7 PM
Dec. 1 (Tues.), 7 PM	Concert: Open-Mic Showcase	Open to all student musical performances! Contact music@nscc.edu to ask about sign-ups
Dec. 3 (Thurs.), 7 PM	Concert: Nashville State Choir	Thank you for supporting student performances!
Dec. 8 (Tues.), 7 PM	Concert: Nashville State Jazz Band	Thank you for supporting student performances!
Dec. 10 (Thurs.), 7 PM	Concert: Nashville State Roots	Thank you for supporting student performances!

To see a full calendar of events at Nashville State, visit the Events page.

support music events

DIRECTIONS TO FALCON THEATER:

If you are using GPS guidance, set your route to 126 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37209.
From White Bridge Pike, turn onto the road next to the Nashville State Community College sign (it may appear on the map as Marine Corps League Blvd).
Drive down that road and turn right immediately into the parking lot.
When you are facing the buildings for the school from the parking lot, the H building is the one furthest to the right. You can enter the building three ways:
- Via the doors at the drop-off half-circle drive along the road that you used to enter campus
- Walk up the large walkway between the H building and the adjacent building, then turn right to enter through the doors
- Enter through the lower glass doors on the side of the building facing the parking lot