Students choosing the bachelor of arts degree can expect a substantial amount of musical study encompassing about three years. This degree offers a choice between two options: a) a performance track, or b) a research track. The performance track will culminate with a recital normally given during the sixth (and last) semester of study. The research track will culminate in the presentation of a final research project or document. Both the research and the performance options require that a minor area of study be included in the program of studies.
Majors in Music (BA/BM) will be able to:

• Perform in solo and ensemble settings with the technical and musical skills requisite for artistic self-expression.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the solo repertoire of their instrument and the interpretative skills needed to execute the range of styles in that repertoire.

• Read solo and ensemble literature at sight with fluency.

• Demonstrate an understanding of music theory, including the principles of common-practice harmony, musical form and compositional process.

• Demonstrate aural comprehension of common-practice music.

• Utilize the keyboard as a tool to support music learning.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the styles, genres, composers, forms and processes of the standard periods of art music in the Western European tradition.

• Demonstrate the ability to synthesize historical and style-analytical information.