B.A. in Music
Develop your musical potential through performance, individual attention, and the study of the theory, history, and pedagogy of music.
There are two paths to study music at the University of Mississippi. Choose between the Bachelor of Arts in Music or the Bachelor of Music with emphases in music education or music performance. The B.A. allows greater compatibility with other areas of study, while still providing specialized training in the applied concentrations of instrumental, keyboard, or voice.
Key Benefits
Music majors acquire a broad knowledge of music history, literature, and theory, as well as skill in performance, conducting, composition, and analysis. The student musical experience is enriched by unique opportunities and facilities such as the Living Music Resource, the Blues Archive, David H. Nutt Auditorium, Gertrude C. Ford Performing Arts Center, and the Paris-Yates Chapel.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Careers related to music include music teacher, performer, accompanist, arranger, arts administrator, church musician, composer, conductor, instrument technician, music publisher, music contractor, music retail store manager, and recording technician.
Experiences Offered
Music majors conclude their college career with the performance of a senior recital in Nutt Auditorium. Majors are required to participate in four semesters of a major ensemble and four semesters of any ensemble. Ensembles include bands (Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band), choirs (Ole Miss Concert Singers, Men's and Women's Glees, Chamber Singers), Opera Theatre, University Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Drum Band, Salsa Band, and Chamber ensembles.
B.A. in Music Faculty
Faculty in the Department of Music at the University of Mississippi include specialists on all instruments and voice, as well as scholars of music history, theory, and pedagogy.
Course Requirements
To complete the B.A. with a major in music, a student must complete the following courses: music performance (major instrument) (12 hours); ensembles, to include four semesters of major ensemble (band, chorus, orchestra) (4 hours) and four semesters of any ensemble (4 hours); Mus 100 (6 semesters, 0 credit hours); music theory, to include Mus 105, 106, 205, 206, 305, and 347 (15 hours); music history and literature, to include Mus 101, 204, 301, and 302 (12 hours); music electives, as approved by an adviser (at least 8 hours in upper-division courses) (9 hours); and Mus 498 (0 credit hours).
Admissions Requirements
An entrance audition demonstrating technical skills, musicianship, and musical literacy is required, and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students usually require several years of formal training in a school band, choir, or orchestra, along with private lessons. Transfer students must provide a list of repertoire studied in studio lessons at their previous institutions.
Asher Mitchell
A transfer student from Hinds Community College, Asher (2018) was active on campus with numerous ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Pride of the South marching band, and the Mississippians jazz band, the oldest and longest running collegiate jazz group. As lead tenor saxophone for this highly selective group, Asher toured France and Italy where they performed at two of Europe's largest and most prestigious jazz festivals: Jazz a Juan festival in Juan-les-Pins, France, and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy. They also performed in Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rome. After graduation, Asher plans to enroll in the University of Minnesota Law School and then practice at a firm in the Twin Cities.
Why study music at UM?
"A degree in music from Ole Miss shows that you are a student who manages time well and can wear a variety of different hats. I guarantee that music students develop closer social and professional connections than any department on campus. Plus, the scholarship opportunities through the department make Ole Miss a competitive choice."
Student Organizations
The Department of Music hosts chapters of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota, a national music fraternity for women, Pi Kappa Lambda, a music honorary society, the National Association for Music Education, the American Choral Directors Association, and the American String Teachers Association.