Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree program have foundational academic and applied musical training combined with a broad program of general studies outside of music. The curriculum provides a broad coverage of music rather than intensive concentration on a single segment or specialization.

Learning Outcomes

• The ability to hear, identify, and work conceptually with the elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, timbre, texture.

• An understanding of compositional processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the ways these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces.

• An acquaintance with a wide selection of musical literature, the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources.

• The ability to develop and defend musical judgments.

• Students will become knowledgeable in music history, music theory, basic conducting, and aural skills.

• Students develop skills and knowledge in foreign languages and in the liberal arts that will enable them to function in an allied field.

• Students will become competent performers

The Student Experience

An excellent resource for music students is the McKay Music Library, host to recordings, software, and scores and sheet music. If you want to get involved in your department, consider joining the Student Advisory Committee or a performance ensemble. The U’s performance groups include symphonic band, the Utah marching band, choir, jazz, opera, orchestra, and small ensemble formats.

Career Opportunities

Students who receive a BA in music are eligible to pursue careers in music performance, either solo or as part of an ensemble, or become music teachers and instructors. Based on the allied courses taken with your music courses, you can find work in a number of areas: entrepreneurship students might decide to pursue music-related startup opportunities, while educators can incorporate music in their classrooms in unique ways. If you decide to attend graduate school, jobs as music therapists, professors, and administrators are also possible.