MCC Music Studies Program Earns National Accreditation from NASM
Manchester, Conn. (March 20, 2017) – The Manchester Community College Music Studies program is the first and only community college program in the state to earn accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). MCC joins a small circle of elite programs in the New England region with NASM accreditation.
Other colleges and universities in Connecticut holding the prestigious accreditation are the University of Connecticut, The Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, Western Connecticut State University and Central Connecticut State University. NASM accreditation aligns the MCC program with other 600 accredited programs across the country, as well.
Accreditation also assures that students enrolled in the music studies program at MCC are receiving the same level of music instruction as one would receive during the first two years of a baccalaureate music program.
Also among the many benefits of NASM accreditation are increased opportunities to create transfer articulation agreements with more colleges in the area. Articulation agreements are helpful to any student studying at MCC looking to transfer credits and have them accepted by the senior-level institution. Manchester Community College currently has such an articulation agreement with Eastern Connecticut State University.
Applying for the NASM accreditation was a rigorous process that Deborah Simmons, Ph.D., coordinator of the MCC Music Studies program, and Carolina Flores, Ph.D., a professor in the program, dedicated many hours to for several years as they developed the program.
“Music students who are seeking an affordable education should be more likely to look at our program now that we hold national accreditation,” Dr. Simmons said.
Dr. Flores added, “This accreditation increases the likelihood that students can complete their first two years of music study at an affordable cost and then transfer their credits to continue in a baccalaureate program of their choice.”
About the MCC Music Studies Program – MCC’s program is the only nationally accredited music studies associate degree program in the state. It prepares students with the knowledge and skills required for direct employment in a music-related career or with a transfer-oriented course of study toward a baccalaureate degree in the music profession. The program also provides students with exceptional and affordable music instruction in the areas of music history, music theory, music technology and music performance. Individualized vocal and instrumental instruction is also offered. For more information and how to audition, visit www.manchestercc.edu/music.
