Bachelor of Music Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Music degree is designed for students who wish to prepare for professional careers in music as performers, teachers (private studio, university, secondary and elementary levels), church musicians, conductors, or composers and arrangers. The curricula leading to this degree are based on a philosophy which recognizes the necessity of rigorous professional training in all aspects of music, with correlative and supporting studies in the liberal arts. The peculiar demands of music training are such that students preparing for a career in music must agree to a greater amount of specialization in their undergraduate period. The curricula leading to the Bachelor of Music degree contain approximately two-thirds music and one-third liberal arts core. This degree provides necessary preparation for graduate study in music.

A broad core of general studies is included in each curricula to help music students heighten their awareness of natural phenomena, social involvement, and ethical values. Recognizing that certain subject matter areas and learning processes are common to all baccalaureate degrees in music, the programs of study in the Bachelor of Music degree share a music core required for all majors. These courses attempt to develop basic musicianship through studies which prepare the student to function as performer, listener, historian, theorist, conductor, composer, and teacher.

The following table includes the common General Education Core and Music Core of all music majors leading to the Bachelor of Music Degree through the School of Music at Belmont University. Complete coursework for each major in music can be accessed through links on the web page, Music Degree Programs.