The mission of the Old Dominion University Department of Music is to prepare a richly diverse and talented student body to enter the professional world as outstanding leaders in music education, performance, composition, sound recording, and research. We promote excellence through our recognized, highly dedicated and supportive teaching and performing faculty, along with exceptional lectures, performances, and master classes by internationally known guest artists and scholars. As an urban center for musical resources, ODU serves to bridge the student body to the greater community through public performances, workshops, practicum and continued collaboration with schools and local organizations. Students will continue to be inspired to participate as leaders actively engaged within the arts community and beyond, while learning to express, cultivate and share their musicianship.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music allows students to specialize in music within a broad liberal arts degree program. Students may select 18 credit hours of upper-level music courses or may choose an emphasis in either music history, music theory or jazz areas. Students planning on graduate study in music theory or history should consider this program.