Performing Arts Schools in Phoenix, AZ with Degree Descriptions

There are 5 schools within 20 miles of Phoenix, Arizona, that have performing arts degree programs. Read an overview of 3 schools' programs, requirements and admission info and find out which school is the right one for you.

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Comparison of Schools near Phoenix with Performing Arts Programs

Performing arts hopefuls have many options to choose from in the Phoenix area. Arizona State University is situated less than 11 miles from downtown Phoenix, in Tempe. This school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in dance, music and theater. Glendale Community College is located about 12 miles from Phoenix. This 2-year school offers certificates and associate's degrees in dance, music business and theater. Phoenix College is a 2-year school located in Phoenix and is within 3 miles of the downtown area. Students can earn certificates and associate's degrees in music, music business and theater.

Arizona State University Glendale Community College Phoenix College
Performing Arts Degree Programs Offered Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Master of Fine Arts in Dance
Master of Music in Performance
Master of Arts in Theatre
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre
Doctor of Musical Arts in Music (Conducting)
Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre (Theatre for Youth) 		Certificate of Completion in Music Business
Associate of Fine Arts in Dance
Associate in Applied Science in Music Business
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts - Theatre 		Academic Certificate - Music
Certificate of Completion - Music Business
Certificate of Completion in Technical Theatre
Associate in Applied Science - Music Business
Associate in Arts, Fines Arts - Theatre
Related Programs Offered Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Master of Fine Arts in Dance - Interdisciplinary Digital Media and Performance
Doctor of Philosophy in Music in Music Education 		Certificate of Completion - Audio Production Technologies
Associate in Applied Science in Audio Production Technologies
Music Transfer Program 		Certificate of Completion - Audio Production Technologies
Associate in Applied Science - Audio Production Technologies
School Type 4-year; public 2-year; public 2-year; public
Total Enrollment (2011) 72,254* 21,376* 12,565*
Campus Setting Midsize city Midsize city Large city
Tuition and Fees (2011-2012) $9,720 in state
$22,319 out-of-state* 		$1,854 in-state
$7,638 out-of-state* 		$1,854 in-state
$7,638 out-of-state*
% of Full-Time Beginning Undergraduates Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2010-2011) 89%* 74%* 89%*
Acceptance Rate (2010) 87%* N/A - Open admissions* N/A - Open admissions*
Retention Rate (2011) 84% of full-time students
67% of part-time students* 		58% of full-time students
37% of part-time students* 		57% of full-time students
33% of part-time students*
Graduation Rate (2011) 57%* 15% (23% transfer-out rate)* 19% (23% transfer-out rate)*
Relevant Facilities 5 performance facilities, 2 theaters, 1 playhouse Performing Arts Center Recital hall and theater
Noteworthy The Fine Arts graduate programs were ranked number 22 in the nation** Performing arts scholarships available One of the most respected and long-lived theater programs in the state
Distance from Downtown 10.8 mi. (18 min.) 12.3 mi. (24 min.) 2.9 mi. (9 min.)

Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **U.S. News and World Report 2012 rankings of Fine Arts programs.

Degrees at Arizona State University

Performing arts programs are available through the university's Hershberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Programs include dance, music and theater. Some courses are even available online. The faculty is comprised of about 10 members in dance, 75 in music and 30 in theater and film.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance

This interdisciplinary program is based on creativity and research. Would-be dancers need to pass an interview to enter the program. Courses include movement practices, moving histories and dance practices. All students also complete a transition project over the course of their final year.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

This 4-year degree includes studio and piano instruction, music theory coursework and music history courses. Students may also be required to attend specific concerts. Candidates for this program must take part in undergraduate auditions.

Bachelor of Music in Performance

Prospective students must apply to the university and the School of Music. Live auditions are required. Aspiring musicians can choose from specializations in collaborative piano, guitar, jazz, keyboard, music theater, voice or an orchestral instrument. The student ensemble program offers additional educational experiences to students. Ensembles may be available in choir, jazz, instrumental, percussion or opera.

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Applicants take part in an audition and interview/portfolio review for program admittance. The program can provide experience in performance, design, production and theater for youth. The school is fully equipped with production shops, a playhouse, 2 theaters and instructional/rehearsal areas. Concentrations in acting or design and production are also available.

Master of Fine Arts in Dance

Professional dancers who want to look into new possibilities in dance might be interested in this 60-credit program. Students and their advising committees design the culminating projects for degree completion, usually based on future career goals. The program requires an applied project, which is designed with the help of their advising committee.

Master of Music in Performance

Voice applicants to this program need to upload a video recording to be considered for live auditions. Keyboard and instrumental candidates can take part in live auditions or upload recorded auditions that meet the school's requirements. This program is comprised of 32 credits hours, including 8 hours of studio instruction, 8 hours in an area of concentration and 16 hours of music theory/history/electives. All students need to complete the written comprehensive exam to graduate from the program.

Master of Arts in Theatre

This graduate program is geared towards K-12 teachers, students who plan to continue their studies at the doctoral level or individuals who want to expand their theater knowledge. This 30-credit program requires students to complete a thesis and a written comprehensive examination. Scholarly writing samples are required as part of the application package.

Master of Fine Arts in Theatre

Areas of concentration for this master's degree include performance design, theatre for youth and performance. Each program spans 3 years and requires the completion of 60 credits. Applicants to the performance design option need to submit a portfolio and take part in an interview for admission. The theater for youth concentration requires completion of an internship and written/oral comprehensive exams. The performance option requires an audition and interview for admission.

Doctor of Musical Arts in Music (Conducting)

This program offers emphases in wind band, choral, orchestral and music/theater. Most students entering the program have a master's degree in music. Highly-qualified musicians who aspire to become scholars and conductors complete 90 credits of coursework along with written/oral exams, research papers and performances.

Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre (Theatre for Youth)

Applicants to this PhD program must submit samples of scholarly writing; interviews are also recommended. This 90-credit program includes a 30-credit core with 24 credits of research for the dissertation and 6 hours of study in research methodology. Students are required to complete a foreign language exam, the finalized dissertation and written/oral comprehensive exams.

Degrees at Glendale Community College

This school has roughly 35 faculty members between the music, dance and theater sections of the Performing Arts Department. Glendale Community College offers students multiple performance chances along with individualized instruction opportunities in the classroom.

Certificate of Completion in Music Business

The curriculum consists of 37 credits and can be useful to music performers or business students. This program is intended to be flexible and includes courses in marketing, aural perception and digital audio workstation. The program also requires a music internship.

Associate of Fine Arts in Dance

This intense 2-year program is aimed at aspiring dancers who plan to transfer to a 4-year school or pursue a career in dance. This degree program includes dance training in jazz, modern and ballet. Students get to participate in 2 concerts each year.

Associate in Applied Science in Music Business

This program is designed for students who wish to become performers or work on the business side of the music industry. Students can expect to take courses in music recording, music history and music promotion. All students also participate in a music internship.

Associate in Arts, Fine Arts - Theatre

This program assists students in fulfilling a performance or portfolio requirement for future admissions to a 4-year school. In addition to general education requirements, learners complete fine arts and theater courses.

Degrees at Phoenix College

Located within 3 miles of downtown Phoenix, this 2-year school offers performing arts programs in music and theater. Phoenix College has one of the oldest theater programs in the state, and some the associate's degrees are transferable to 4-year schools.

Academic Certificate - Music

Students can learn fundamental skills in music theory, composition, history and performance. While earning the 44.5-45.5 required credits, students also put together a portfolio or performance repertoire that can be used to gain admittance to a 4-year program. This program is focused on broadening a student's musicianship and is not designed for a particular career field.

Certificate of Completion - Music Business

Emphasizing marketing and business studies, this program can be useful for performers and business students alike. Students must complete 40 credits worth of courses, including music industry entrepreneurship, merchandising, studio music recording and self promotion. The program also requires an internship.

Certificate of Completion - Technical Theatre

This 53-credit program includes training in the technical aspects of the theater, such as set design and construction, lighting and sound. Students can also learn skills for working with backstage personnel. Many of the courses in this program can be used to satisfy the requirements needed to earn an Associate of Fine Arts.

Associate in Applied Science - Music Business

Students interested in learning about the business side of music must complete 62 credits for this associate's degree. Performers or business students can learn about accounting, marketing and small-business ownership. The program also features courses specifically related to the music business, such as music merchandising and studio recording.

Associate in Arts, Fines Arts - Theatre

Students can choose concentrations in acting, technical work and design or directing. This program is designed for students who intend to transfer to a 4-year school. Foundation courses include theater production, acting and technical theater. Students then choose at least 12 credits of restricted elective courses in their specialized area of study.

Other School Options

South Mountain Community College is located about 7 miles from downtown Phoenix, while Paradise Valley Community College is situated about 18 miles from the center of the city. Between these 2 schools, students who wish to delve further into the world of performing arts can find certificate or 2-year degree programs in dance, theater and music business.

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4 Popular Schools

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  • Southern New Hampshire University

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  • Penn Foster Career School

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Other Schools:

  • University of Arizona

    School locations:
    • Arizona campus Tucson
    Areas of study you may find at University of Arizona include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Dance
      • Drama and Theatre Arts
        • Theatre Design and Technology
      • Fine Arts and Studio Art
      • Musical Arts
    » Research University of Arizona's Programs

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