Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.)

A broad musical experience coupled with a concentration of choice

The Music Department's B.A. program offers students the opportunity to indulge extensively in their music work while still devoting more time to liberal arts studies than is possible when students pursue the Bachelor's of Music (B.Mus.) degree.

Music majors may choose from four concentrations:

• music history and literature
• performance
• theory and composition
• jazz studies

What can I do with a B.A. degree?

Students may pursue employment in a number of musical areas or they may pursue graduate work. Still some graduates may keep music as their constant companion while pursuing employment in a different area they've had the time to explore while at UVM as a music B.A. major. Learn about careers in music.

What is the difference between a B.A. degree in music and a B.Mus. degree?

A Bachelor of Arts is a liberal arts degree in which students pick a major (music) and a minor (for example, biology, math, English), allowing them to explore a variety of academic interests. Many of our students choose to double major in music and another subject, in which case a minor is not needed. A Bachelor of Music is a professional, not liberal arts, degree that requires more credit hours in music. B.Mus. students do not have a minor, but must complete the same general distribution requirements of the B. A.

Curriculum

All students interested in majoring in music must first pass an entrance audition on an instrument or voice. In order to complete the major, all students must attain intermediate level on a single instrument or voice; must have or acquire piano skills sufficient to pass the piano proficiency examination; and must pass a junior standing examination, usually at the end of the sophomore year, before being permitted to declare a concentration.

• Learn more about auditions
• Read about the B.A. curriculum for all four concentrations in the UVM Catalogue

 

Last modified January 10 2013 03:03 PM