Music

Do you like to sing or play a musical instrument? Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano, guitar, drums, or another instrument? Are you looking for a music program that provides a supportive atmosphere and exciting, rewarding opportunities to compose, perform, and record music?

Interested in this program?

Why should I choose this program?

Whether you’re seeking a career in music education, technology, studio or live music performance, or simply looking for a community to foster your creative growth, the Music department at HFC is home to a rich and diverse atmosphere that welcomes musicians of any kind.

Our curriculum will train both your ear and mind, and will give you the foundation you need to succeed in a variety of music fields.

Music Education

With courses designed to transfer to a four-year university, HFC Music is an excellent place to start your path toward teaching K-12 band or choir.

Music Technology

Our one-year Recording Arts Certificate can get you Avid Pro Tools User Certified and ready to work fast. Many students combine this with a two-year music degree so they will be prepared to sit on either side of the recording booth. We also offer foundational training on live sound engineering, music notation software, and other music-related technologies.

Music Performance

With several bands and vocal ensembles, as well as private vocal or instrumental lessons, student recitals, and recording projects, HFC Music has no shortage of performance opportunities throughout the year.

General Musicianship

Our community is great place to connect with other creative minds and our courses offer practical and immediately applicable skills. A graduate of Henry Ford College Music will be challenged to perform with confidence, practice with discipline, think critically, research accurately, collaborate effectively, and aim for constant improvement.

What skills will I learn and improve?

  • Perform and rehearse music
  • Auditioning
  • Practice habits to improve technique
  • Booking and promotion

What are my career opportunities?

Median Salary

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

  • Musician
  • Singer
  • Recording Artist
  • Music Director
  • Composer
  • Freelance musician
  • Private music instructor

Program features and benefits

  • Music Ensembles

    Participate in a variety of music ensembles and performances.

  • Annual Collage Concert

    All bands and choirs on stage together!

  • Performances, Special Events, and Travel

    If you are in band or choir, you'll 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.

  • Studio 2 Stage

    Studio 2 Stage is an exciting new collaboration between HFC Music and HFC Recording Arts. First introduced in the Winter 2022 semester, Recording Arts students and Performing Ensemble members work together to produce a professional recording (CD and digital release) while preparing for live on-stage concerts.

    Musical selections are recorded, edited, mixed, and mastered in the HFC Recording Studio by HFC staff and Recording Arts students. Members of vocal and instrumental ensembles gain studio recording experience and are able to fine-tune their performances by listening to preliminary recordings during the rehearsal process.

  • Transfer Opportunities

  • Scholarship opportunities for music students

Recent News

Musicians playing the trumpet at a concert.

Free Autumn Jazz Concert on campus

Join us for the Autumn Jazz Concert on Dec. 11. Admission is free.
HFC's Chorus singing in matching black dresses and necklaces.

You are invited to “Circle of Refuge” winter Choral concert

Please join us for the "Circle of Refuge," an HFC Choral concert celebrating the refuge created by gathering together during times of change, on Dec. 5.
A close up of a vintage suit with an enamel rainbow heart pin with Dear Harvey title.

HFC Theatre presents “Dear Harvey”

HFC Theatre's first major production of the 2024-25 academic year, “Dear Harvey,” will debut Nov. 15 and run through Nov. 23.
Portrait of Vanessa El-Zein.

Auditions for “Torn Apart, Together” October 7

All HFC and UM-Dearborn students are welcome to audition on Oct. 7 for the brand-new musical theatre production, "Torn Apart, Together."

Testimonials and Endorsements

Anthony J. L.

Music Director, Multi-Instrumentalist

The music program at HFC gave me an incredible foundation to become a well-rounded musician. I graduated in 2005 and because of the practical skills given to me by dedicated instructors, I have made a living as a working musician ever since. With an enthusiastic introduction to music theory, ear training, classical performance, and music technology, HFC music paved the way for my success as a guitarist, vocalist, bassist, recording engineer, producer, orchestrator, and conductor.

The three years of study at HFC taught me the value of endless learning. From there, I went on to earn a master’s degree in music, pursue my artistic dreams, and continue the life-long pursuit of knowledge, skill, and artistry.

I credit HFC—and the incredible instructors there—for so much of my musicianship.

Jeremy P.

Music Therapist

The Associate Degree in Music gave me the foundation to which I owe all of my current musical success. I gained both the skills and personal connections necessary for the many musical jobs I have done or am currently doing, including private music teacher, music entertainer, cocktail music provider, songwriting, arranging, music technology lab assistant, music activity director at a day camp, vocal music director for children’s theater, and hospice music therapist.

After receiving my associate degree from HFC, I transferred to EMU to study music therapy. I found myself better prepared and more comfortable in the “real” world of music than many of my peers. I attribute this advantage to my time spent at HFC. The there took a personal interest in me and genuinely wanted me to succeed. Missing was the ultra-competitive and cutthroat attitude that often exists in other music schools. I strongly recommend this program to anyone with an interest in expanding his or her musical skills and knowledge.

Bonnie S.

Music Director

I studied music at HFC, then transferred to Wayne State University to study Vocal Music Education. The training at HFC prepared me well for Wayne State in all areas of music. Furthermore, my education at HFC prepared me for the challenges I would face as a musician and as an individual. Specifically, studying culture and language through studying music has allowed me to understand many perspectives and traditions of people with different backgrounds than my own. I have been able to communicate with people from all walks of life through music. I have been working as a full-time musician for more than a decade, currently working more than 40 hours each week as a private instructor, church musician, and singer at a living history exhibit. I fully love what I do, and I am grateful to HFC's music department for helping me turn my dreams into a reality.

Faculty

Lists the faculty associated with this program and their contact information.

Lead Faculty, Director of Bands
ajlai@hfcc.edu
John Hartwick, B.M.
Director of Applied Music
jhartwick@hfcc.edu
Amy Saari, M.M.
Director of Henry Ford Chorus
asaari@hfcc.edu
Gina D'Alessio, M.M.
Music - Teaching - AFO
gmdalessio@hfcc.edu