Music

Program Information

On-Campus

Casper College has a robust Music Department with many more opportunities than a typical two-year school and rivals many four-year programs as well. Hone your skills on your primary instrument with one-on-one lessons, be a vital part of excellent ensembles directed by top-notch faculty and get the foundational training that you need to successfully transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in either music performance, education, or composition. The first two years at Casper College includes the entire music core courses in music theory, history, and piano skills, fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

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Program Options and Timelines

Degrees and Certificates

Our associate degrees have been tailored to transfer easily to four-year programs. The A.A. degree offers multiple concentrations based on your goals—choose from Vocal or Instrumental Performance, Music Education, or Composition. We also offer a certificate program in the Art of Sound Recording that can be completed in as little as one year or completed alongside another degree.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Music

Cost and Financial Aid

Casper College is a national leader in “affordable excellence,” consistently ranking as one of the best values for higher education in Wyoming. We are committed to helping you understand the investment you are making in your future by providing transparent cost information and personalized support. While individual costs vary based on residency and course load, many students use a combination of federal grants, the Hathaway Scholarship, and other funding sources to help manage their educational expenses.

We encourage you to use our net price calculator and contact our financial aid office for a customized estimate of your costs and aid eligibility.

Career Paths

An associate’s degree in music develops your skills and disciplines to become a professional in the field of music. Many of the careers require additional training at the bachelor’s level, but quite a few paths are available with no further training.

Performer
K-12 Music Educator
Private Music Instructor
Sound Technician or Producer
Audio Engineer
Composer or Arranger
Music Therapist
Arts Administrator

Accreditation

Casper College is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This prestigious accreditation ensures that our curriculum, faculty, and facilities meet the highest national standards for music education.

Transfer Opportunities

At Casper College, we continuously evaluate our Music A.A. degrees to keep them transfer-ready into four-year institutions. By starting at CC, you can benefit from participating in the top ensembles right away, saving money while building your skills to make you competitive when you transfer. Learn more at Transfer Agreements.

Program Resources

Resources

Scholarships

2026-2027 Activity Scholarship Application—Awarded by the Casper College Music Department to excellent student musicians in exchange for ensemble and lesson participation, audition required. Students from any major may apply. Follow instructions detailed on the activity scholarship application.
2027-2028 Activity Scholarship Application— Awarded by the Casper College Music Department to excellent student musicians in exchange for ensemble and lesson participation, audition required. Students from any major may apply. Follow instructions detailed on the activity scholarship application.
Casper College Scholarships — Both merit and need based scholarships are available. Scholarship awards are intended to recognize academic and other achievements, to encourage performance, and to assist as many qualified students as possible.

Music Department Handbook

Protecting Hearing Health for Students

Protecting Hearing Health for Students (PDF)

Protecting Hearing Health for Faculty and Staff

Protecting Hearing Health for Faculty and Staff (PDF)

Guide to Protecting Your Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health Everyday

Guide to Protecting Your Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health Everyday (PDF)

Program Outcomes

Use and demonstrate knowledge of the various theoretical elements of music, both visually and aurally.
Demonstrate sight-reading (both on primary instrument and piano) and sight-singing skills.
Develop and apply basic piano skills.
Analyze music in its historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts with appropriate research.
Develop and perform a repertoire of music literature of appropriate genres, periods, and styles.
Utilize appropriate technology to record, edit and notate music.
Develop and demonstrate the discipline and professionalism essential to success as a musician.

Ensembles

College Band

Open to all students with experience on brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Jazz Ensemble

This laboratory group is open to all students with previous instrumental music experience. The jazz ensemble performs at assemblies, concerts, shows, and on tour.

Prerequisites: Experience in music, preferably jazz. Students should be proficient on one of the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, drums, or piano.

Collegiate Chorale

Collegiate Chorale (MUSC 1400) is a non-auditioned ensemble made up of music majors, scholarship singers, other CC students from all over campus, and community members. It rehearses on Monday evenings and performs 2-3 times a semester. In addition to standard choral repertoire, Chorale regularly performs in collaborations like the annual Christmas Tapestry, Music of the Masters, and with the Wyoming Symphony. Directed by Dr. Zachary Vreeman, vreeman@caspercollege.edu

Chamber Singers

Chamber Singers (MUSC 1412) is the auditioned flagship ensemble of Casper College Choirs. It is the primary ensemble for music majors and scholarship singers but is open by audition to anyone in the CC community. Chamber Singers rehearses 4 times a week and performs 2-4 times a semester, including occasional regional touring and regular collaborations in Christmas Tapestry, Music of the Masters, and Wyoming Symphony performances. Directed by Dr. Zachary Vreeman, vreeman@caspercollege.edu

Opera Workshop

A performance-based class designed to provide experience and opportunities for singers interested in exploring the genre. Students will learn basic performance techniques and will improve their dramatic abilities through the performance of an operatic scene.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Vocal Ensemble/Contemporary Singers

Vocal Ensemble/Contemporary Singers (MUSC 1410) is an auditioned ensemble for students who enjoy singing in jazz and contemporary styles. They participate in Jazz Night concerts each semester and perform at the Kinser Jazz Festival each February. Though not required, most singers in “Triple-C” are also members of Chamber Singers. Rehearsals twice a week, performances 2-3 times per semester. Directed by Dr. Zachary Vreeman, vreeman@caspercollege.edu

Chamber Orchestra

A performance class open to all string players on campus. This course is designed to cover a variety of literature from primarily the Baroque era.

Open to all students on campus, BOCES students and community members regardless of their field of study.

Chamber Music

Designed to provide students with training in the ideal medium of chamber music (small ensembles, such as trio, string quartet, etc…), where they can apply and integrate all elements of their musical knowledge.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Faculty

Nathan Baker - Music Theory, Low Brass Instructor

Larry Burger - Sound Design & Audio Engineer Educator

Eugenie Burkett - Adjunct Percussion Instructor

Gary DePaolo - AdjunctViola Instructor

Jennifer DePaolo - Violin Instructor, Chamber Orchestra Director, NASM Coordinator

Paula Flynn - Class Piano, Piano Adjunct Instructor, Accompanist

Jane Hamman - Adjunct Harp Instructor

Joshua Mietz - Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor, College Band Director, Jazz Ensemble Director, Executive Director of Kinser Jazz Festival

Eirik Haugbro - Adjunct Bass Instructor

Delores Thornton - Adjunct Flute Instructor

Veronica Turner - Adjunct Voice Instructor

Zachary Vreeman - Academic Chair, Music, Theatre, and Dance, Collegiate Chorale Director, Chamber Singers Director, Contemporary Singers Director, Instructor

Don Williams - Adjunct Trumpet Instructor

Tim Jones - Adjunct Cello Instructor

Ethan Lorentz - Adjunct Guitar Instructor

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Use and demonstrate knowledge of the various theoretical elements of music, both visually and aurally
Demonstrate sight-reading (both on primary instrument and piano) and sight-singing skills
Develop and apply basic piano skills
Analyze music in its historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts with appropriate research
Develop and perform a repertoire of music literature of appropriate genres, periods, and styles
Utilize appropriate technology to record, edit and notate music
Develop and demonstrate the discipline and professionalism essential to success as a musician

FAQ

How do I apply for this program?

Applying is easy and free! You can start your journey by filling out our online application using the button at the top of this page. There is no application fee for Casper College.

How do I get started if I have more questions?

The best first step is to “Request Information” using the button at the top of this page or schedule a campus visit. We’d love to show you our state-of-the-art facilities and introduce you to our friendly faculty.

Is financial aid available for this program?

Yes. Most credit-bearing programs are eligible for federal financial aid, grants, and our many institutional scholarships. More information about financial aid.

Can I transfer these credits to a four-year university?

Casper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and certain programs may also offer specialty accreditation. Casper College has strong transfer agreements with the University of Wyoming and many other regional and national universities. More information about transferring to or from Casper College.

What if I’m not a "traditional" student?

You’ll fit right in. We serve a diverse community of learners of all ages, including students balancing work and family. We offer flexible scheduling and support services designed to help everyone succeed, no matter where they are in their life journey.

What is the learning environment like?

We pride ourselves on a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of about 12 students. This allows for the individualized service and real-world connections that define the Casper College experience.

Are there ways to get involved outside of my classes?

Absolutely! Casper College has many student clubs and organizations. Whether you want to join the Student Senate, the Esports Club, or even the T-Bird Gaming Club, there is a community here for you. More information about student clubs and activities<.

Is on-campus housing available?

Yes, we have both a residence hall and apartment options. Apartments are generally recommended for our sophomores and nontraditional students. You can even view our housing and meal rates right on the website to help with your planning. More housing information. More information about dining options.

Where exactly is the campus located?

Our beautiful campus is situated right between Casper Mountain and the North Platte River, offering a great mix of academic life and outdoor adventure. More information and campus map.

Casper College has given me so many opportunities. The faculty truly care, and I’ve grown more confident in myself as a musician. It’s a great place to begin your musical journey.

Jared, Music Program Student