Bachelor of Arts in Music
Develop your musical potential through performance and individual attention.
"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 at Ole Miss develop closer social and professional connections than any department on campus."
Asher Mitchell (B.A. in Music '18)
Associate, Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm.
About this Program
The Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Music. Music students develop their full potential by participating in a wide range of musical experiences, including performing in the many and varied ensembles, receiving individual attention in studio lessons, and taking classes in the theory, history, and pedagogy of music.
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.
Music majors acquire a broad knowledge of music history, literature, and theory, as well as skill in performance, conducting, composition, and analysis. Majors conclude their college career with the performance of a senior recital in Nutt Auditorium.
Majors 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
- Chamber ensembles
B.A. vs B.M.
Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts in Music or a Bachelor of Music in Music.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Music has a deeper and wider general education foundation. It allows greater compatibility with other areas of study due to the required minor field of study (or double major).
- The Bachelor of Music in Music offers emphases in music performance or music education, each with a concentration in instrumental, keyboard, or voice.
The Value of a Music Degree
Music majors acquire a broad knowledge of music history, literature, and theory, as well as skill in performance, conducting, composition, and analysis. Our students explore a universal language that knows no barriers while learning specific strategies for advancing their musical craft.
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
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Arts
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree
B.A. in Music
Program Location
Required Credit Hours
124
Degree Requirements
Find the degree requirements for the music major and minor below. For a full description, visit the online catalog.
Students in the B.A. in Music degree complete 56 credit hours. They study their major instrument and are members of ensembles every semester in the four-year program. They also participate in student recital for six semesters. In addition, they take 11 required courses and complete music electives to bring the major to 56 hours.
- Mus 100: Student Recital
- 6 semesters of Major instrument
- 8 semesters of ensembles (4 of major ensembles, 4 of any ensemble)
- 9 credit hours of music electives (at least 8 hours at 300-level or higher)
- Mus 498: Musical Synthesis and Assessment
Music History and Literature
- Mus 101: Introduction to Music Literature
- Mus 204: World Music Cultures
- Mus 301: History of Music I
- Mus 302: History of Music II
Music Theory
- Mus 105: Music Theory and Analysis I
- Mus 106: Music Theory and Analysis II
- Mus 205: Music Theory and Analysis III
- Mus 206: Music Theory and Analysis IV
- Mus 305: Form & Analysis I
- Mus 347: Introduction to Music Technology
Students in the minor in music complete 20-21 credit hours. It is offered to students who wish to make music part of their liberal arts education.
- Mus 100: Student Recital
- Mus 101: Introduction to Music Literature
- Mus 105: Music Theory and Analysis I
- Mus 204: World Music Cultures
- 2 ensemble courses
- 2 studio courses
- 2 music electives from:
- Mus 301: History of Music I
- Mus 302: History of Music II
- Mus 303: Vocal Literature I
- Mus 304: Vocal Literature II
- Mus 312: Keyboard Literature
- Mus 313: American Musical Theatre
- Mus 371: Elementary School Music
- Mus 405: Instrumental Arranging
- Mus 517: Afri-American Musical Traditions
- Mus 518: History of Jazz
What is Music?
Connect with a Music Major
Sofia Euyoque
- Service and Community Engagement
Why did you choose the music major?
See Sofia’s AnswerMajor Music Advantage
Our Robust Scholarship Program
million in department scholarships awarded to music majors
What can I do with a music degree?
- Owner, Burnham Enterprises
- Director of Bands, Southaven
- Choral Director, Ocean Springs
- Director of Bands, Itawamba Comm. College
- Music Faculty, Arizona State University
- Music Faculty, Berklee College of Music
- National Trainer, Time to Teach
- Music Director/Conductor, "Cats"
- Professional Singer, Salzburg Opera Co.
- US Air Force Band
- Musical Director, Second City
- Project Coordinator, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- Music Engraving Manager, Warner Brothers
- Music Director, Cordova Presbyterian Church
- Piano Accompanist, New Orleans Rec Department/ Ballet Association Center for Dance
- President, MS Band Master's Association
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?