CT State Community College-Manchester is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Music (NASM.). Adhering to the standards established by the association, the music degree offered at CT State Manchester provides students with instruction comparable to the first two years of a four-year degree in music.

The curriculum focuses on the following: music history, music theory, music technology, music performance, and individualized vocal and instrumental instruction. The curriculum prepares students with the knowledge and skills appealing to work force pursuits (i.e., music retail stores, piano repair shops, faith-based institutions and community theater) or with a transfer-oriented course of study (i.e., music education, music therapy) towards a baccalaureate degree program in the music profession. The program also serves an ever-expanding population of students, of all ages,  seeking personal enjoyment in the study of music. Students may enroll in the program on a full- or part-time basis. The music faculty and staff bring an understanding of the community college student to their teaching.

Students who are thinking of transferring are encouraged to meet with a member of the music faculty to discuss how courses transfer to other institutions. Many graduates have successfully received baccalaureate degrees from one of the four Connecticut state universities, the University of Connecticut, the University of Bridgeport and the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford.