Contemporary Music Degrees (Curriculum Guide)
A contemporary music bachelor’s degree combines musicianship with focused study in performance, composition, production, education, or the music business. Compare the degree’s curriculum, audition rules, credit total, cost, and accreditation before choosing. A BA, BM, or BS can lead to related paths, but course requirements differ by school. Use a semester plan to check fit and time to graduate.
Students exploring music degrees often find many labels for programs that share some classes but lead to different kinds of study. One college may focus on performance; another may pair music with audio technology, songwriting, or business. The degree name alone does not show how much time you will spend in lessons, ensembles, production labs, or general education.
I encourage students to start with the work they want to learn, then read the course list. A useful comparison shows what you will study, what you must demonstrate to enter, and what it will cost to finish. The guide below explains those differences and gives you a method for comparing programs.
Contemporary music degree types and admissions
A music degree is a planned course of study that joins music classes with general education and other requirements. Programs may emphasize performance, songwriting, composition, production, education, or business. Degree names are not standardized across all colleges, so compare each program’s published curriculum and admission rules.
BA, BM, and BS: what changes?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) often includes a broader liberal arts education alongside music. A Bachelor of Music (BM) often places more credits in music study and may require regular applied lessons, ensembles, and performance milestones. A Bachelor of Science (BS) may pair music with technical or applied subjects, such as audio technology, depending on the school.
These are common patterns, not guarantees. A BA in music at one college can differ from a BA at another. Read the course requirements and check how many credits are in the major, general education, and electives.
| Degree or emphasis | What to look for in the curriculum | May fit a student who wants to… |
|---|---|---|
| BA in music | Music courses plus broader study outside the major | Combine music with another field or explore varied electives |
| BM in performance or composition | Applied lessons, theory, ensembles, and juries or recitals | Focus much of the degree on musicianship and performance |
| BS in music technology or production | Technology, recording, or production courses alongside music | Study music-making with a technical emphasis |
| Music business | Business courses with music-industry topics | Learn about areas such as promotion, management, or rights |
| Music education | Music study plus teacher preparation requirements | Prepare for teaching, subject to local credential rules |
A jury is a performance review, often before faculty. A capstone is a final project or other culminating requirement. Schools use these terms in different ways, so ask what each milestone involves and whether it adds fees or credits.
Auditions, portfolios, and entry requirements
An audition is a live or recorded demonstration of musical skill. A portfolio is a collection of work, such as compositions, recordings, or production projects. A program may require one, both, or neither. Requirements, repertoire, deadlines, placement tests, GPA expectations, and test-score policies vary by school.
Check the current admissions page and catalog for each program. If an audition is required, confirm the allowed pieces, recording format, accompanist rules, and date. For a portfolio, ask what kinds of work count and whether you may submit collaborative projects.
Do not assume that an admission decision to the college also admits you to the music major. Some schools use a separate process or require placement in music theory or applied lessons. Get the steps and dates in writing.
Check accreditation and published information
Institutional accreditation is a review of a college by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Check the institution in the Department’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, or consult CHEA’s directory. Also confirm that the program and degree you want are offered at the campus and in the format listed.
Some music units hold accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM accreditation is voluntary. Its absence alone does not show that a program is unaccredited or poor quality; it is one detail to consider alongside institutional accreditation, curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student support.
Key step: Make a shortlist by emphasis, then verify the exact degree, admissions process, and accreditation status for each school.
Degree curriculum, credits, and performance milestones
A curriculum is the full set of courses and milestones required to earn a degree. Music programs commonly combine general education, music theory, aural skills, applied study, and ensembles, but the balance varies. Use the school’s degree audit or catalog to find the actual credit total and sequence.
Common course areas
Music theory studies how music is structured, including elements such as harmony and form. Aural skills train students to hear, identify, and notate musical patterns. Applied study means one-to-one or small-group instruction on an instrument or voice. These subjects may appear in several terms and build on earlier coursework.
A program’s focus shapes the rest of the plan. Performance students may have frequent lessons and ensemble requirements. Composition students may take writing courses and complete a portfolio or recital. Production students should check for recording, mixing, software, and studio courses. Business students should review how music classes fit with the business curriculum.
Ask how often students take lessons, whether lessons carry separate fees, which ensembles are required, and whether participation is available in every term. These details can affect both workload and time to graduation.
Credits, sequencing, and transfer
Many U.S. bachelor’s degrees require about 120 semester credits, but music programs may require more. Ensembles, applied lessons, and courses offered in a set sequence can affect the total. Do not treat 120 credits as a universal limit or assume every course will transfer.
A prerequisite is a course or skill requirement that must be met before taking another course. For example, a student may need one theory course before enrolling in the next level. If a required course is offered only once a year, missing it can delay later classes.
Transfer students should request a written evaluation of prior credits before committing. Ask which credits count toward the degree, which count only as electives, and which music requirements must be completed at the new school. Then request a term-by-term degree map.
Compare program plans before applying
Use this checklist for each school. Fill it with details from the current catalog, department, and financial aid office rather than relying on broad program descriptions.
| Item to compare | What to record |
|---|---|
| Total credits | Published credits needed for the exact degree |
| Music requirements | Theory, aural skills, lessons, ensembles, and milestones |
| Admission | Audition or portfolio rules, placement steps, and deadlines |
| Time to finish | Likely course sequence, including courses with limited availability |
| Added costs | Lesson, instrument, software, travel, recording, or performance expenses |
| Transfer policy | Written decision on how prior courses apply |
| Aid renewal | Conditions for keeping grants, scholarships, and other aid |
Key step: Build a semester plan before enrolling. Include prerequisites, ensembles, applied study, electives, and the final recital or project if required.
Academic success, facilities, and student experience
A music student’s weekly experience depends on more than the catalog. Practice space, ensemble access, class size, equipment, and advising can shape how you use the program. Ask current students and staff specific questions, then compare their answers with written policies and the published degree plan.
Facilities and support
Visit the spaces you expect to use, in person or through a college tour. Ask whether practice rooms need reservations, what instruments or recording equipment students can access, and whether production labs have open hours. If you need particular software or hardware, confirm what the program provides and what students must buy.
Find out how advising works. A useful adviser can help you track prerequisites and milestones, but students should also keep their own degree audit and course records. Check when required courses are offered and how students get into limited-seat ensembles or lessons.
Keep your academic and aid plan on track
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the standard a school uses to check whether a student is moving toward a degree at an acceptable pace. Federal aid rules require schools to assess qualitative progress, completion pace, and maximum timeframe. Each school sets applicable GPA and pace thresholds in its SAP policy.
Before enrolling, read the policy and ask how withdrawals, repeated courses, or a change of major may affect aid. Check your progress each term. If a course sequence or audition milestone changes your plan, speak with an adviser and financial aid staff before making a decision.
A planning example can reveal risks early. Suppose a transfer student has general education credits but few music courses. The student should ask for a written credit review, confirm placement in theory and applied study, and map required ensembles. This is a planning scenario, not a promise that any specific school will accept those credits.
Key step: Compare the expected time and net cost to finish, not just the advertised tuition. Include aid renewal terms, extra program costs, and credits that may not apply.
Career pathways and portfolio development
A music degree can build skills for several directions, but a degree title by itself does not guarantee a job or a specific career outcome. The curriculum, practical experience, location, and additional qualifications all matter. Review what students make and perform during the program, not only the career list in a brochure.
Build evidence of your skills
A portfolio gives examples of your work. Depending on your focus, it may include recordings, compositions, production samples, performance videos, or project notes. Ask whether students receive feedback on portfolios and whether they can use class projects in applications or auditions.
Look for chances to perform, collaborate, complete internships, and work with recording or event teams. Ask the department how students find these opportunities and whether they are required, paid, or credit-bearing. Before graduation, gather strong work samples and references, and learn what further study, credentials, or auditions may be relevant to your goals.
Compare pathways with your intended work
A performance emphasis may support further auditions or graduate study, while production study may help build technical skills and work samples. Music education programs may include teacher preparation, but the steps to become licensed depend on the state. Music business study can cover industry topics, yet students should check the actual courses and internship options.
When a school cites employment or graduate-school outcomes, ask how the figures were collected, how many graduates they cover, and what roles they count. Compare program-specific evidence where available. Do not rely on broad career claims without details.
Key step: Choose a program that helps you produce work, gain experience, and meet the requirements for your next step.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover common questions about choosing and completing an undergraduate music degree. Because degree rules differ by college, use them as a starting point, then confirm details in the current catalog and with the program.
Is a BA or BM better for contemporary music?
Neither is automatically better. Compare music credits, applied study, ensembles, electives, and final requirements with your goals.
How many credits does a music bachelor’s degree require?
Many bachelor’s degrees require about 120 semester credits, but some music programs require more. Check the specific degree audit.
Do I need to audition for a music degree?
Some programs require an audition, portfolio, placement test, or separate admission. Check each program’s current rules and deadlines.
Is NASM accreditation required?
No. NASM accreditation is voluntary. Also verify the college’s institutional accreditation through a recognized source.
Can I transfer credits into a music program?
Often, some credits may transfer, but how they apply varies. Request a written evaluation and degree map before enrolling.
What courses are common in a music degree?
Many programs include theory, aural skills, applied study, ensembles, and general education. Emphasis courses depend on the program.
Will a music degree guarantee work in the music industry?
No degree guarantees a job. Review the program’s practical work, internships, portfolio support, and specific outcome data.
What should I ask about program costs?
Ask about net price, aid renewal, lesson fees, instruments, software, travel, performance costs, and likely time to finish.
How do I compare two music programs?
Compare their degree audits, admission rules, course sequence, facilities, transfer policies, net cost, and student work.
What is the first step if I am unsure about my focus?
Choose two or three possible emphases, compare their required courses, and ask each program how students can explore before declaring.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Matthew Ellison. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
