The Music Department offers both a liberal arts degree (B.A.) and specialized pre-professional degrees (B.M.E., B.M. in Composition, and B.M. in Performance). The B.A. has no entrance requirements; pre-professional degrees require auditions or portfolio review.
Students interested in performance or composition often assume they need the B.M. They don’t! Both degrees offer the opportunity for the same core training. The difference is in what else the degrees require you to take. See below.
Not sure which is right for you? Contact any faculty. We can help you find the right degree, prepare for placement exams and auditions, and plan your course of study.
Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.)
The B.A. in Music combines musical study with a broad liberal arts education. At 10 credits, this degree works well for students pursuing music alongside other academic interests, including double majors.
You choose your area of emphasis, which determines the form of your I.S.:
- Performance (recitals and a paper)
- Composition (a portfolio of original works)
- Musicology or music theory (a research thesis)
- Music technology or recording and production (flexible; determined with advisor)
- An interdisciplinary blend you design yourself
This degree prepares students for graduate studies in music or other fields, as well as careers that benefit from musical training and liberal arts education.
Bachelor of Music Education in Public School Teaching (B.M.E.)
The B.M.E. prepares students to teach general, choral, and instrumental music in PK–12 schools, leading to Ohio’s Multi-Age License in Music. This 30-credit program combines musical training with teaching experience and requires careful course planning; see our suggested course sequence to make sure you are on the right path.
Entrance requirements (typically completed at the end of your first year):
- Audition before a three-person faculty jury
- Repertoire: high intermediate-level pieces from several historical periods
- Submit audition request to the Chair at least three weeks in advance
While preparing for your audition, you can declare a B.A. in Music to access the reduced lesson fee on your primary instrument. If your audition is not successful, you may re-audition in the first two weeks of the following semester.
Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Composition
The B.M. in Composition prepares students for graduate study and professional work as a composer. The 24-credit program pairs composition with immersive musical studies. It requires careful course planning; see our suggested course sequence to make sure you are on the right path.
Entrance requirements (typically completed at end of third semester):
- Submit scores for two or more original compositions to the Chair (include recordings or MIDI realizations when possible)
- Two-person faculty committee reviews your work
While preparing for your audition, you can declare a B.A. in Music to access the reduced lesson fee on your primary instrument. If your audition is not successful, you may re-audition in the first two weeks of the following semester.
For complete degree requirements, see the catalogue’s Degree Requirements section. Additional Special Notes are in the catalogue’s Areas of Study section.
Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Performance
The B.M. in Performance prepares students for graduate study and careers as performing artists. The 24-credit program pairs performance with immersive musical studies. It requires careful course planning; see our suggested course sequence to make sure you are on the right path.
Entrance requirements (typically completed at end of first year):
- Audition before a three-person faculty jury
- Repertoire: challenging works from several historical periods
- Submit audition request to the Chair at least three weeks in advance
While preparing, you can declare a B.A. in Music to access the reduced lesson fee on your primary instrument. If your audition is not successful, you may re-audition in the first two weeks of the following semester.