COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Music (BM) degree is a professional and performance-focused music program designed for students who want advanced training in music performance, theory, composition, conducting, jazz, or music education. The 124-hour curriculum combines general education courses with intensive music study, including music theory, ear training, music history, form and analysis, applied lessons, ensemble participation, recital performances, pedagogy, literature, conducting, and specialized track courses. Students must complete eight semesters of private instruction on a primary instrument or voice area, participate in orchestras, bands, choirs, or jazz ensembles, and perform junior and senior recitals as capstone experiences. The program includes several concentration tracks such as Voice, Piano, Winds/Percussion/Strings, and Jazz, each offering specialized coursework like opera theatre, collaborative piano, chamber music, jazz ensemble management, diction, improvisation, and conducting. Students also develop professional musicianship through recital classes, advanced music history, pedagogy courses, and piano competency requirements. In addition to performance skills, the degree emphasizes academic and analytical understanding of music through advanced theory, counterpoint, scoring, and historical studies. General education requirements include English composition, humanities, mathematics, sciences with labs, social sciences, and communication studies to provide a balanced educational foundation. The curriculum is certified by the National Association of Schools of Music and prepares graduates for careers as professional performers, music educators, studio musicians, conductors, composers, collaborative artists, and arts professionals, while also providing preparation for graduate studies in music or related fields. The BM degree is more intensive and specialized than a traditional music BA, focusing heavily on professional-level artistic development, technical mastery, live performance experience, and comprehensive musical training across both practical and academic areas of music.