Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a degree designed for the emphasis of study in music within a liberal arts curriculum. Students pursuing the BA in Music typically conduct a significant amount of their course work outside the field of music and focus on the interrelationship of music with other academic disciplines.The student entering this program will be expected to take more courses in liberal arts fields than is required of students in the Bachelor of Music degrees. This degree can prepare one for graduate study leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as careers based on cultural concerns. This degree can also be oriented towards pre-professional or social and/or business opportunities.
If you are interested in a career in music as a performer, teacher, composer, or researcher, you will need to develop your skills to expand your knowledge of music. The Department of Music provides intensive musical training on the collegiate level for musicians preparing for a profession in music education, music performance, jazz studies, musical theater and general studies in music, while serving non-music majors and music minors with a variety of offerings. Musical performance is a vital component of all programs. Individualized instruction allows for a nurturing environment reflecting high regard for the musical legacies of the past as well as preparedness for the future. Graduates in music have gone on to careers as professional performers, public school music teachers, band directors, choral directors, church musicians, and private music teachers.
As a music major or minor, you will be required to declare a major performing area (voice, piano, trumpet, etc.). In addition to being proficient on your instrument, music majors must also demonstrate a knowledge of music theory. Students who have a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of music theory upon entry into a music program are much more likely to succeed in all fields of musical study. All entering freshmen and those who have previous college credit but are new to the music major must take a music theory diagnostic examination before being advised into their first semester of coursework. This exam is given by the Music Departmental office. Those with adequate knowledge will be placed in MUSI 1211 - Elementary Part Writing and Analysis (2 Credit Hours) and MUSI 1101 - Elementary Ear-Training and Sight Singing I (2 Credit Hours) .
All entering music majors must also perform a placement audition before a faculty panel in their major performing area. These auditions will be scheduled prior to the start of classes. Students are expected to demonstrate background and experience through their high school programs or prior collegiate work in musical ensembles, private study, church music, etc. Students without this background must show extraordinary potential to be admitted as a music major. Students who are unable to demonstrate these abilities will not be admitted into the music program and will be advised to seek another major.
The Department of Music, a program fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of music offers two degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Music
- Bachelor of Music in Performance (instrumental, vocal, piano and jazz studies tracks), and Bachelor of Music in Music Education (vocal and instrumental tracks)
https://www.augusta.edu/pamplin/music/futurestudents.php
Program Contact
Program Accreditation
The music unit is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Admissions Information
For more information on admissions requirements, please visit the Office of Admissions website. https://www.augusta.edu/admissions/
Progression & Graduation Requirements
Grade of C or better is required for all courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Music Common Core Curriculum and Liberal Arts Emphasis Curriculum areas.
