Music, B.A.
Develop your musical potential through performance and individual attention.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Music. Music majors 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 (Campus Band, Concert Band, Pride of the South, Sound of the 'Sip, Symphonic Band)
- Choirs (Concert Singers, Men's and Women's Glees, University Chorus)
- Opera Theatre
- University Orchestra
- Ole Miss Jazz
- African Drum and Dance Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Orchestra
- Chamber ensembles
- UM Salsa Project
- Woodwind & Brass 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.
Music careers include:
- Music teacher
- Performer
- Accompanist
- Arranger
- Arts administrator
- Church musician
- Composer
- Conductor
- Instrument technician
- Music publisher
- Music contractor
- Music retail store manager
- Recording technician
On this Page…
Program Information
Degree
B.A. in Music
Required Credit Hours
124
Program Type
Major
Minor
Program Location
School
Duration
4 Years
B.A. in Music
Curriculum
Learn about the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Video: Get to Know the Department of Music
Hear firsthand from students, faculty, and staff about the Music program.
Connect with a Music Major
Hear from current students what it's like to pursue a degree in Music.
Sofia Euyoque
Why did you choose the music major?
See Sofia’s Answer
Benton Donahue
What would you tell a high school student about your major?
See Benton’s Answer
Linna Zheng
Why is the Department of Music a special place?
See Linna’s AnswerOur Robust Scholarship Program
million in departmental scholarships awarded to music majors
Music Careers
- 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
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
Admissions Counselor
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
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?