Overview of Degree Options

The Department of Music offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music. The music curriculum is designed to provide students with knowledge of their musical heritage and the great masterworks of music literature. Additionally, a foundation in theoretical studies and musical skills allows students to understand and appreciate music in an intellectual manner. Performance experience develops technical skills and artistic sensitivity. All of the department's programs are based in the liberal arts in the belief that a broad, general education is an appropriate preparation for both the well-rounded musician and the educated individual.

Students pursuing a music degree at UAH must complete the Music Core (40 credit hours) and one or more of the emphases below. The music core is a classical-based degree in music. This means that all music majors, regardless of emphasis, must have a primary "instrument" from the "classical music" world, i.e., voice, piano, organ, classical guitar, or a traditional band or orchestral instrument. The course of study includes ensemble and solo performance on the primary instrument. Additionally, students in any music emphasis other than music education must complete the Liberal Arts General Education Requirements (53 credit hours). Students in the Music Education Emphasis must complete a different set of General Education Requirements (38 credit hours).

Emphases:

• The Liberal Arts emphasis allows for a traditional liberal arts education, with a minor or second major in another field. This can also be used for a second degree, with an earlier non-music degree serving as the "second major."
• The Music Education emphasis (vocal or instrumental) integrates a strong base of liberal arts, music, and professional education courses, and leads to certification to teach at all levels N-12 (Class B Professional Teacher's Certificate) in either vocal or instrumental music.
• The emphasis in Music Performance offers additional in-depth music instruction focused on traditional performance skills.
• The Jazz emphasis offers additional instruction in jazz theory, jazz history, and jazz performance. This is in addition to the traditional music instruction in the Music Core. This means that students in the jazz emphasis must also have a classical-based primary instrument.
• The emphasis in Music Technology incorporates computer technology into the curriculum, giving students the opportunity to combine interests in music, computers, and engineering. This is in addition to the traditional music instruction in the Music Core. This means that students in the music technology emphasis must also have a classical-based primary instrument, and must perform in ensembles and solo recitals.
• The Music Business emphasis is designed for students who want to work in either the for-profit or non-profit sectors of the music industry. In addition to the music core, this emphasis offers courses in marketing, management, and finance.
• The emphasis in Church Music offers courses in church music and administration, as well as support courses in philosophy and psychology. This is designed to prepare students for careers in church music.
• The emphasis in Piano Pedagogy is designed for pianists who want to prepare themselves to open their own piano teaching studios. In addition to the standard music core of classes, this emphasis offers piano pedagogy classes and internships and courses in marketing and entrepreneurship.

For a complete listing of degree requirements for these curricula, please refer the the Music Department section of the UAH Catalog.

Those interested in pursuing studies in music either as a music major or as a non-major, and/or auditioning for music scholarships of all types should fill out the Prospective Student Information form. You will be placed on the mailing list for further information about scholarship auditions.