Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music
The Bachelor of Arts major in music is a flexible program for students with a variety of professional and personal goals in music. Students who have completed the BA in music have successfully gone on to careers in music education, music business, music production, music performance, academia, and many other professions. Many students also complete the BA as part of a double major.
Students with no experience studying music formally, including those who cannot read music, should meet with the Undergraduate Director, Dr. William Culverhouse, to discuss options for remedial work to prepare for declaring the degree path.
Performance and Research Opportunities
The music department has a number of ensembles that include the University Orchestra, choirs, Wind Symphony, opera workshop, jazz ensembles, Nukporfe African Drumming, and steel band, as well as a robust chamber music program. Students have additional performing opportunities via the department’s historic relationship with Tri-Cities Opera, the Binghamton Philharmonic, and other regional organizations.
Music majors also have the opportunity to pursue Undergraduate Research projects and departmental honors. Recent projects have explored the effects of musical practice on the human brain and advanced study in queer and Jewish identities in US-based composers, as well as several composition portfolios.
Coursework
Some courses to consider in your first year:
- MUS 121 – Music Fundamentals
- MUS 215 – Music Theory I
- MUS 216 – Musicianship
Click here for more information on ensemble courses
After You Graduate
Students in the BA in Music program have successfully continued to careers in music performance, music education, music business, music therapy, and music production, as well as working in the engineering, medical, legal, and financial fields, among many others.
