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Careers to Consider: Music

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Dewey conducting the band.

This article is part of a series spotlighting HFC academic and workforce programs leading to great careers. To view all HFC programs, visit this link.

HFC’s music program is one of the most extensive and accomplished music programs offered at any community college in the state of Michigan.

HFC musicians have performed at four Presidential Inaugurations and internationally, as well as regionally and locally.

HFC's music program is academic and community-focused. Music and non-music majors, as well as community members of all ages and backgrounds, have the opportunity to:

What you will learn

HFC’s music faculty – headed by music maestro G. Kevin Dewey – will work closely with you to build the foundation that you need to achieve your artistic and musical goals. The associate degree in music program, which spans two years, begins with an introduction to music theory class. It includes training in the following areas:

  • Ear training (learning to listen to and understand music)
  • Performance development
  • State-of-the-art music technologies

You will learn and improve the following skills:

  • Performing and rehearsing music
  • Auditioning
  • Practicing habits to improve technique

Perform in an ensemble

If you are in band or chorus, you will perform at end-of-semester concerts and the annual President’s Collage Concert. There are also opportunities to perform at campus and community special events. HFC music groups have also traveled numerous times within North America and Europe.

HFC offers seven music ensembles that are open to all HFC students (regardless of your major) and community members, including:

  • Henry Ford Big Band: Founded in 1983, the Big Band has performed at major jazz festivals throughout the world. They have entertained at four Presidential Inaugural Celebrations in Washington, D.C. In 2017, they toured as concert headliners in locations throughout Italy and France. In addition to concerts, the Big Band performs numerous dance and civic engagements throughout the year.
  • HFC Chorus: Featuring the talents of HFC students, faculty, and staff, as well as local residents, who perform a wide variety of music, including classical, pop, jazz, Gospel, and Broadway hits. The Chorus has traveled to Chicago, Stratford, and Toronto for tours. The Chorus also performs at HFC’s commencement ceremonies, civic functions, and for community organizations.
  • Renaissance Voices: A select women's vocal ensemble that performs the most exquisite and challenging pieces in treble choral literature, focusing on a cappella music in a variety of styles and languages. This ensemble has toured overseas four times and has released three CDs.
  • Blue Fusion: A vocal jazz group comprising 12-16 singers and rhythm section, Blue Fusion presents exciting music in a variety of styles, including performing a cappella with its own rhythm section and with HFC's Studio 110 band. This group participates annually in the Gold Company Invitational Vocal Jazz Festival at Western Michigan University.
  • Midnight Blue: This accomplished vocal jazz ensemble performs a cappella with its own rhythm section and with the Henry Ford Big Band. It performs the most challenging vocal jazz arrangements. This group also participates annually in the Gold Company Invitational Vocal Jazz Festival at WMU.
  • Metropolitan Symphony Band: This ensemble includes HFC students, advanced placement students from high school, students from neighboring universities, and adult members of the community. The band performs traditional concert band literature and orchestral transcriptions.
  • Studio 110: This “big jazz band” has members of all ages from advanced high school students to current HFC students to members of the community. Studio 110 plays a wide variety of jazz favorites and often collaborates with Blue Fusion.
  • Vanguard Voices & Brass: Sponsored by the City of Dearborn, Vanguard Voices, a mixed chorus and brass ensemble, is HFC’s choir-in-residence. It proudly sponsors the Vanguard Premieres, a composition contest and commission program that has introduced more than 40 new compositions to the choral world.

“The Music Program at HFC is more than just a program, it’s a family. Not only did the music program make me a better musician, but a better person holistically. There is love, support, and a sense of family in the program,” said HFC alumnus Byron Brooks.

Career and life opportunities

A degree in music can bring many different opportunities, including:

  • Musician
  • Singer
  • Recording artist
  • Music director
  • Composer
  • Private music instructor
  • Music teacher (P-12 level)
  • Music professor (college level)

We always recommend you talk to one of our friendly, expert advisors to make sure you are on the right track.

There are also scholarship opportunities for students studying music at HFC.

After you have completed the music program, successful students can transfer to a 4-year educational institution to complete your final two years of your undergraduate program. HFC has articulation agreements in several areas with 4-year educational institutions to make transferring easier. Some of our partners include:

  • Wayne State University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Oakland University
  • The University of Michigan-Dearborn

For questions or more information, contact Dewey at 313-845-6474 or kdewey@hfcc.edu.

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