Why Choose Music at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ?
Music at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ is built on a foundation that every serious musician needs: theory, history, analysis, and performance. From there, you choose the path that fits your goals. The Bachelor of Arts in Music pairs with a strong musical core with the flexibility of a liberal arts degree, while the Bachelor of Music in Performance is an intensive track for musicians aiming to master their instrument or voice.
What ties both together is real musicianship and real stage time. You progress through a full theory and history sequence, learn to analyze the music you play, and develop your craft through applied lessons, ensembles, and recitals. You work closely with faculty who know you and your sound, in a program where performance is not an afterthought but the point.
What You’ll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- A strong foundation in music theory, from fundamentals through advanced harmony
- The ability to analyze musical form, structure, and post-tonal materials
- A broad knowledge of music history from the ancient world to the present
- A working knowledge of music repertoire through listening and score study
- Performance skill in your applied area, developed through private lessons and ensembles
- Conducting fundamentals for choral and instrumental settings, in the performance track
- Studio teaching skills through applied pedagogy, in the performance track
- The experience of preparing and presenting juried recitals before faculty and the public
Courses You'll Take
These core courses anchor the major for every music student:
MUS 121, Music Theory I
MUS 122, Music Theory II
MUS 221, Music Theory III
MUS 327, Form and Analysis
MUS 301, Music History I
MUS 302, Music History II
Bachelor of Music in Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Performance builds on this core with additional study:
MUS 235, Survey of Music Literature
MUS 304b, Conducting
MUS 380, Junior Recital
MUS 480, Senior Recital
Performance students also complete advanced conducting, intensive applied study in a chosen area of voice, instrument, or keyboard, ensembles, and pedagogy, presenting both a junior and a senior recital. Bachelor of Arts students follow a more flexible plan, completing applied study, ensembles, additional upper-level music electives, and a junior project (MUS 381). All music majors complete applied lessons, class piano, ensembles, and Recital Hour, and must pass a piano proficiency examination.
Career Possibilities
Performing Musician
Performs as a soloist or ensemble member in concert, recording, worship, or commercial settings.
Private Music Instructor
Teaches individual lessons on voice or an instrument, tailoring instruction to each student's goals.
Music Director
Leads and shapes the musical direction of an ensemble, production, church, or organization.
Composer or Arranger
Writes and arranges original music for performers, productions, or media.
Accompanist
Provides skilled keyboard or instrumental support for soloists, ensembles, and rehearsals.
Music Industry Professional
Works in areas such as production, publishing, arts administration, or recording, supported by a strong musical foundation.
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