The University of Arizona has offered instruction in music since the late 1800's. Today, the Fred Fox School of Music ranks among the country's foremost institutions of higher education in music. A nationally and internationally recognized faculty of artists and scholars provides instruction, inspiration, and guidance to the School's approximately 500 music majors. Fred Fox School of Music graduates hold significant teaching, performing, and administrative positions throughout the country and abroad. In the years ahead, The University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music will continue to play an important role in the training of performing artists, teachers, and scholars.

The program offers students a liberal arts education focusing on the study of music. While majors study an instrument or voice, the emphasis is less on performance and more on music history and appreciation.

A Music major in the Theory/History/Criticism concentration combines knowledge of music history, literature, and theory with piano, writing, and analysis skills to form a strong career foundation. Graduates may work as music educators, writers, critics, historians, or cultural promoters. This concentration is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in music, history, library science, or cultural studies.