Program Description
If you want to make music your life’s work, consider the University of Utah’s music degree. The Bachelor of Music is a professional degree accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The U has a variety of emphasis areas for students to choose from:
- Classical Guitar Performance
- Instrumental Performance
- Jazz Composition
- Jazz Performance
- Music Composition
- Music Education: Choral
- Music Education: Instrumental
- Music History & Literature
- Music Theory
- Organ Performance
- Piano Pedagogy
- Piano Performance
- Vocal Performance
Prior to admission to the program, all students must audition on their major instrument or voice. Once admitted, you will take a variety of theoretical and practical courses: the music curriculum consists of courses in music theory, conducting, music history, large ensemble performance, chamber ensemble performance, keyboard, and private lessons. Through a combination of academic coursework, technical instruction, and hands-on training, students will graduate prepared to enter exciting careers in music and music instruction.
The School of Music audition information can be found here.
The Student Experience
An excellent resource available to all music students is the McKay Music Library, which holds recordings, software, and scores and sheet music you can use as aids in your studies. If you want to get involved and meet fellow peers, consider joining the Student Advisory Committee or the Music Society. The U also has several performance ensembles you can join: groups include band, choir, jazz, opera, orchestra, and small ensemble. ArtsPass gives you free access to the hundreds of arts events that occur on campus each year, your ArtsPass is loaded on your student ID card. For a chance to network and gain career skills, attend an ArtsForce workshop or event.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation, students are full-fledged musicians and can pursue work in a variety of fields and areas. If you chose instrument or vocal performance as your emphasis track, become a full-time performer either solo or as part of an ensemble. Students who studied composition may choose to create, perform, and sell their own musical ideas, while musical education majors can teach in elementary schools, secondary schools, or offer private lessons. Students who wish to continue their studies at the graduate level can find work as professors, administrators, music therapists, or advisors.