Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music degree offers a diverse curriculum for those desiring a broad liberal arts education with a concentration in music. Students pursuing this degree will sample courses in each of the major musical areas (history, theory and performance) in addition to strengthening their artistry on their primary instrument or voice. The degree prepares students for graduate school, careers in education and a wide variety of other musical activities and professions.    

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Admission Requirements

  • Complete the Application and Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
  • Declaring a major in music assumes basic evidence of musicianship and performance ability. To demonstrate music skills, all incoming first-year and transfer students are required to complete an audition/performance evaluation prior to their first semester. This assists faculty in determining each student’s readiness for entry into juried private-lessons, ensembles and academic music classes. Upon completion of the performance evaluation, faculty advisors will assist students in planning a first year of study best suited to their needs.

Special Considerations 

  • The Piano Proficiency examination must be passed prior to completion of 60 credits in the program. Music majors may be denied enrollment in certain upper-division music courses until this jury examination is passed. While not a degree requirement, it is recommended that students take MUS A156 Functional Piano in their first two years to prepare for this exam.
  • Music majors taking juried private-lessons must during each semester of enrollment: 1) perform in at least one student recital; 2) stand for jury finals; 3) attend and provide technical support for department-approved concerts and recitals.
  • Music majors choosing the Performance emphasis must complete a 30-minute junior-year recital and 60-minute senior-year recital. In these recitals, students must satisfactorily perform a program of artistic merit in public.
  • Music majors choosing the Education emphasis must complete a 30-minute senior recital. In this recital, students must satisfactorily perform a program of artistic merit in public.

Graduation Requirements

Core Academic Courses
MUS A131Music Theory I3
MUS A132Music Theory II3
MUS A133Aural Skills I1
MUS A134Aural Skills II1
Complete one of the following two courses:3
Music of Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions
World Indigenous Music
MUS A220Music in Western Culture3
MUS A231Music Theory III3
MUS A232Music Theory IV3
MUS A233Aural Skills III1
MUS A234Aural Skills IV1
MUS A331Form and Analysis3
MUS A380Conducting3
Core Performing Courses
Private lessons on the major instrument:
MUS A161Private Lessons2
MUS A162Private Lessons2
MUS A261Private Lessons2
MUS A262Private Lessons2
Major Ensemble 110
University Singers (voice)
Chamber Music and Accompanying (piano)
University Wind Ensemble (brass, winds, saxophone, percussion)
University Sinfonia (strings)
University Jazz Ensemble (saxophone, guitar, percussion)
University Guitar Ensemble (guitar)
Master Class 24
Instrumental Master Class
Piano Master Class
Voice Master Class
Total50
1

Five semesters of Major Ensemble are required. Choose the class appropriate to the major instrument.

2

Four semesters of Master Class are required. Choose the class appropriate to the major instrument.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 39 credits must be upper division. 

Honors in Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Music recognizes distinguished achievement by conferring programmatic honors in music. In order to receive honors in music, a student must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a declared music major;
  • Meet all requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Music;
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 in all music courses applicable to the degree;
  • Meet the requirements for Graduation with Honors;
  • Receive an honors score (based on criteria established by the department) on a comprehensive examination for majors.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing a degree in Music will be able to:

  • Demonstrate technical proficiency on a chosen instrument appropriate to the degree with an attendant functional proficiency on piano.
  • Demonstrate and analyze through musical literacy the basic technical principles used in the construction of music and its basic forms.
  • Communicate a knowledge of the various musical periods and representative forms from those periods in the social, artistic and political context of each.