Dec 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Associate of General Studies using Piano Teacher Certificate


Schoolcraft program code # AGS.00042

The Piano Teacher curriculum is designed for pianists to pursue professional careers as private piano teachers. It is structured to provide instruction in piano teaching materials and techniques as well as music theory and history. In addition, students are given numerous opportunities to observe and teach children enrolled in group piano classes on campus. (Two supervised teaching sessions of children are required.) The program is aligned with beginning and intermediate requirements provided in Michigan’s Student Achievement Testing and the Royal Conservatory programs.

In order to enter Keys for Piano Teachers, each applicant must audition to demonstrate an appropriate level of musicianship. MUSIC 121 - Class Piano 1  and MUSIC 104 - Basic Materials in Music Theory  may help to develop the skills necessary to successfully pass the audition. Contact the Music department for further information. Applicants having successfully completed the Keys for Piano Teachers Skills Certificate are automatically eligible and coursework will transfer.

Any student wishing to pursue an associate degree can apply all 28 credits from the Piano Teacher Certificate toward an Associate of General Studies (AGS) degree. Depending on the desired career path, discuss other options for an associate degree with an academic advisor.

Applied Music has an added fee.

Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or discuss their options with an academic advisor. Number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.

Sample Schedule of Courses


First Year


Second Year


Fall Semester


  • English Communication  - Select first General Education English Communication course Credits: 3 **
  • Mathematics  - Select General Education Mathematics course Credits: 3 **
  • Natural Science  - Select General Education Science course Credits: 4 **
  • Social Science  - Select General Education Social Science course Credits: 3 **
  • Electives - Select courses supportive of occupational and academic goals Credits: 3
Total Credits: 16

Winter Semester


  • English Communication  - Select second General Education English Communication course Credits: 3 **
  • Natural Science  - Select General Education Science course Credits: 3 **
  • Social Science  - Select General Education Social Science course Credits: 3 **
  • Electives - Select courses supportive of occupational and academic goals Credits: 7
Total Credits: 16

Program Total: 60 Credits


*These classes are offered on a rotational basis. Contact Liberal Arts office for current offerings.

**Please check Schoolcraft General Education requirements to determine course options.