C4E and ARC Build the
First Fully Online Music AA-T
Degree in California
Discover how Connect For Education helped Dr. Steven Thompson revolutionize the music program at American River College and create California’s first fully online Associate of Arts in Music for Transfer degree, which paved the way to ARC's articulation agreement with Berklee School of Music.
Educator Story
This groundbreaking initiative helped ARC achieve full enrollment in just two days, broadening access for diverse student groups.
60%
Of students demanded asynchronous online education
2 Days
50 student classes filled in two days
Zero
Canceled classes due to low enrollment
First
California Community College to offer a fully online Associate for Arts in Music for Transfer degree
THE CHALLENGE
Increasing student demand for music courses
American River College (ARC) faced significant challenges with their on-campus music courses, which often languished through the enrollment period and occasionally had to be canceled due to low enrollment. Only 19% of ARC’s students preferred face-to-face instruction, underscoring the need for more flexible learning options.
To address this, ARC aimed to reach a diverse range of students, including those caring for family members, managing disabilities, dealing with geographical constraints, participating in dual enrollment or advanced education programs, and retirees returning to education. These students had a strong desire to earn music degrees but were hindered by their unique circumstances and commitments.
Dr. Steven Thompson, a pivotal figure in ARC’s music department, sought solutions by consulting with vendors from Denmark, Australia, and across the United States. Despite the availability of excellent tools, none could seamlessly integrate with ARC’s campus Learning Management System (LMS) or bookstore. Even after extensive discussions with developers, no suitable solution emerged.
Dr. Thompson required a flexible platform that would allow music instructors to dynamically build and adjust courses, modifying the curriculum as needed throughout the term. This adaptability was essential to meet the diverse needs of ARC’s student population and ensure the success of their music program.
School Background
With about 30,000 students each semester, American River College (ARC) is one of California's larger colleges. Their aim is to provide inclusive education; to benefit both students and the community.
ARC offers various associate degrees and programs to prepare students for the workforce, or to transfer to a four-year university.
About the Professor
Dr. Steven Thompson teaches introduction to music, basic musicianship, and directs the orchestra at American River College. He has written textbooks, Introduction to Music of the Western World and Basic Musicianship.
Dr. Thompson is music director for the Napa Valley Regional Dance Company, guest conductor with Symphony Napa Valley, and founder of Symphony Orchestra of Northern California.
The Solution
Transitioning to Fully Online
Music Degrees
Connect For Education (C4E) collaborated closely with Dr. Thompson to develop the tools instructors needed to transform their paper textbooks into dynamic online resources.
Dr. Thompson appreciates C4E’s innovative and proactive approach to program development, including creative assessment strategies. He noted that C4E excels at "even making some crazy stuff work" to ensure the learning experience is positive, accountable, and highly engaging. He also emphasized, "unlike other publishers, C4E is run by people with expertise in the discipline of music. They have made online music education truly exciting for both teachers and students."
With C4E, instructors now have the flexibility to create and modify their "online textbooks" on the fly, which is crucial for maintaining academic freedom over their teaching content. C4E has provided American River College with a unique online environment tailored to their music learning approach, making it accessible to a diverse range of students.
"C4E courses are academically strong and robust. The platforms are user friendly and the support is there for both students and instructors. The students I've talked to really appreciate what's available. I've looked at everything out there and I still come back to you guys as the winners."
THE RESULTS
Fully Online Music Education with High Retention
This groundbreaking initiative led to an articulation agreement with Berklee School of Music with plans to expand the online AA-T program nationwide.
Increased Sign-Up and Retention
ARC’s online music courses continue to attract high enrollment numbers and maintain excellent retention rates, indicating strong student satisfaction and engagement.
Expanded Course and Program Offerings
C4E’s provided American River College (ARC) with unique learning platforms to enhance their online music course offerings. These additions have not only enriched ARC’s curriculum, but provided students with comprehensive learning experiences.
Fully Online
Through the partnership with C4E, ARC successfully transitioned their Associate for Arts in Music for Transfer degree program into a fully online format, making quality music education accessible to a wider audience. This accomplishment reinforces their institution's dedication to innovation and inclusivity in higher education.
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