Bachelor of Music in Music
Prepare for a career in music education or music performance.
"The UM Music Department is a special place because everyone knows everyone, and you grow up alongside your peers. For the most part, you have the same professors throughout your college career which I like because they learn about you and how you learn."
Sofia Euyoque ('25)
B.M. in Music Education
About this Program
The Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.M. 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.
Emphases
Students select one of two emphases:
- Music Education. Students prepare to teach at all levels of K-12 grade, with concentrations in keyboard, voice, or instrument. The degree program exceeds the minimum Mississippi Teacher Certification standards in vocal and instrumental music.
- Design and Theatre Production. Students prepare to become a professional musician and, if desired, to attend graduate school. Students may concentrate in voice, keyboard, or instrument (woodwind, brass, string, or percussion).
Admission
The B.M. in Music degree has a competitive application process that is separate from the admission to the university. Visit the department website for more information about the audition process, including scheduling an in-person audition or submitting a video audition.
B.M. vs. B.A.
Students may choose between a Bachelor of Music in Music or a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Both degree programs require an audition.
- The Bachelor of Music in Music degree prepares students to become professional musicians and educators. B.M. students must choose one of the following emphases: music performance or music education, each with a concentration in instrumental, keyboard, or voice.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Music allows greater compatibility with other areas of study, and must be combined with a minor field of study (or double major). This well-rounded major is designed to provide the student with a broad liberal arts education as well as more specialized work in the applied area through a focus in either voice, keyboard, or instrument.
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, Chamber ensembles
- Steel Drum Band, Salsa Band
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 retail store manager
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Arts
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree
B.M. in Music
Program Location
Emphases
Music Performance, Music Education
Required Credit Hours
124
Degree Requirements
See the information below on the music major for the B.M. degree, and the requirements for the music minor. For a full description, visit the online catalog.
Students in the B.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Education, Instrumental concentration can earn certification in the following principal instruments: woodwind, brass, string, or percussion.
Music Performance:
- Principal Instrument including a 322 course (12 hrs)
- Mus 113, 114: Keyboard Musicianship I & II (4 hrs)
- Mus 100: Student Recital (6 semesters, 0 credit hours)
- Mus 398: Solo Recital (0 credit hours)
Ensembles:
Major Ensemble. Band for woodwind or percussion principals, orchestra for string principals (6 hours)
Music Theory:
- Mus 105: Music Theory and Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 106: Music Theory and Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 205: Music Theory and Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 206: Music Theory and Analysis IV (3 hours)
- Mus 305: Form and Analysis I (2 hours)
- Mus 347: Intro to Music Technology (1 hour)
- Mus 405: Instrumental Arranging (2 hours)
Music History and Literature:
- Mus 101. Intro to Music Literature (3 hours)
- Mus 204. World Music Cultures (3 hours)
- Mus 301. History of Music I (3 hours)
- Mus 302. History of Music II (3 hours)
Music Education:
- Mus 198. Vocal Methods for Instrumental Majors (1 hr)
- Mus 311. Intro to Music Education (3 hours)
- Mus 315. Fundamentals of Conducting (2 hours)
- Mus 316. Instrumental Conducting (2 hours)
- Mus 371. Elementary School Music (3 hours)
- Mus 375. Instrumental Music Methods (3 hours)
Professional Education:
- Edci 352. Education, Society, & K-12 Learner (2-3 hrs)
- Mus 422. Teaching Assessment&Classroom Mgmt (3 hrs)
- Edle 473. Student Teaching: Music Education (12 hours)
- Edsp 308. Introduction to Special Education (3 hours)
Other:
- Mus 498. Music Synthesis and Assessment (0 hours)
Woodwind, brass, and percussion principals (9 hours)
- Mus 161. String Class (1 hour)
- Mus 172. Flute (1 hour)
- Mus 173. Single Reeds (1 hour)
- Mus 174. Double Reeds (1 hour)
- Mus 187. High Brass (1 hour)
- Mus 189. Low Brass (1 hour)
- Mus 190. Percussion (1 hour)
- Mus 325. Techniques of Marching Band (2 hours)
String principals (8 hours)
- Mus 376. Teaching Music in Elementary School (1 hour)
- Select four secondary instrumental methods courses:
- Mus 172. Flute (1 hour)
- Mus 173. Single Reeds (1 hour)
- Mus 174. Double Reeds (1 hour)
- Mus 187. High Brass (1 hour)
- Mus 189. Low Brass (1 hour)
- Mus 190. Percussion (1 hour)
- Select three preparatory courses:
- Viln 100. Preparatory Violin (1 hour)
- Vila 100. Preparatory Viola (1 hour)
- Vcel 100. Preparatory Violoncello (1 hour)
- Stbs 100. Preparatory String Bass (1 hour)
Students in the B.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Education, Keyboard concentration complete the following courses.
Music Performance:
- Principal Instrument (10 hrs)
- Voice (8 hrs)
- Mus 214. Intermed. Keyboard II
- Mus 100: Student Recital (6 semesters, 0 credit hours)
- Pian 322 or Orgn 322
- Mus 398: Solo Recital (0 credit hours)
Ensembles:
- Major Ensemble - band, chorus, or orchestra (4 hours)
- Any ensemble or Mus 308 (3 hours)
Music Theory:
- Mus 105: Music Theory and Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 106: Music Theory and Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 205: Music Theory and Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 206: Music Theory and Analysis IV (3 hours)
- Mus 305: Form and Analysis I (2 hours)
- Mus 347: Intro to Music Technology (1 hour)
Music History and Literature:
- Mus 101. Intro to Music Literature (3 hours)
- Mus 204. World Music Cultures (3 hours)
- Mus 301. History of Music I (3 hours)
- Mus 302. History of Music II (3 hours)
Music Education:
- Mus 311. Intro to Music Education (3 hours)
- Mus 315. Fundamentals of Conducting (2 hours)
- Mus 371. Elementary School Music (3 hours)
- Mus 381. Choral Conducting I
- Mus 383. Choral Methods and Admin
- Mus 384. Choral Literature and Arranging
Professional Education:
- Edci 352. Education, Society, & K-12 Learner (2-3 hrs)
- Mus 422. Teaching Assessment&Classroom Mgmt (3 hrs)
- Edle 473. Student Teaching: Music Education (12 hours)
- Edsp 308. Introduction to Special Education (3 hours)
Other:
- Mus 498. Music Synthesis and Assessment (0 hours)
Music Performance:
- Voice, must include Voic 322 (12 hours)
- Mus 113. Fundamental Keyboard I
- Mus 114. Fundamental Keyboard II
- Mus 213. Intermed. Keyboard I
- Mus 214. Intermed. Keyboard II
- Mus 100: Student Recital (6 semesters, 0 credit hours)
- Mus 207 (2 hours)
- Mus 398: Solo Recital (0 credit hours)
Ensembles:
- Major Ensemble - chorus (7 hours)
Music Theory:
- Mus 105: Music Theory and Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 106: Music Theory and Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 205: Music Theory and Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 206: Music Theory and Analysis IV (3 hours)
- Mus 305: Form and Analysis I (2 hours)
- Mus 347: Intro to Music Technology (1 hour)
Music History and Literature:
- Mus 101. Intro to Music Literature (3 hours)
- Mus 204. World Music Cultures (3 hours)
- Mus 301. History of Music I (3 hours)
- Mus 302. History of Music II (3 hours)
Music Education:
- Mus 311. Intro to Music Education (3 hours)
- Mus 315. Fundamentals of Conducting (2 hours)
- Mus 371. Elementary School Music (3 hours)
- Mus 381. Choral Conducting I
- Mus 383. Choral Methods and Admin
- Mus 384. Choral Literature and Arranging
Professional Education:
- Edci 352. Education, Society, & K-12 Learner (2-3 hrs)
- Mus 422. Teaching Assessment&Classroom Mgmt (3 hrs)
- Edle 473. Student Teaching: Music Education (12 hours)
- Edsp 308. Introduction to Special Education (3 hours)
Other:
- Mus 498. Music Synthesis and Assessment (0 hours)
Students in the B.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance, Instrumental concentration can earn certification in the following principal instruments: woodwind, brass, string, or percussion.
Music Performance:
- Mus 100: Student Recital (6 semesters, 0 hours)
Ensemble:
- 4 semesters of any ensemble
- 4 semesters of major ensemble
- 4 hours of instrument chamber ensemble
Music Theory:
- Mus 105. Music Theory and Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 106. Music Theory and Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 205. Music Theory and Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 206. Music Theory and Analysis IV (3 hours)
- Mus 305. Form and Analysis I (2 hours)
- Mus 347. Intro to Music Technology (1 hour)
One advanced Music Theory from:
- Mus 505. Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 506. Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 507. Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 508. Advanced Ear Training (3 hours)
- Mus 512. 16th Century Counterpoint (3 hours)
- Mus 514. 18th Century Counterpoint (3 hours)
Music History and Literature:
- Mus 101. Intro to Music Literature (3 hours)
- Mus 204. World Music Cultures (3 hours)
- Mus 301. History of Music I (3 hours)
- Mus 302. History of Music II (3 hours)
Instrumental Concentration:
- Major instrument, including 342 and 442 (18 hours)
- Mus 113: Fundamental Keyboard Musicianship I
- Mus 114: Fundamental Keyboard Musicianship II
- Mus 213: Intermediate Keyboard Musicianship III
- Mus 214: Intermediate Keyboard Musicianship IV
- Mus 315: Fundamentals of Conducting
- Mus 385: Instrumental Music Pedagogy
- Mus 405: Instrumental Arranging
- 6 hours of music history or music literature electives
- 6 hours of music electives
Students in the B.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance, Keyboard concentration complete the following courses.
Music Performance:
- Mus 100: Student Recital (6 semesters, 0 hours)
Ensemble:
- 4 semesters of band, chorus, orchestra
- 2 semesters of instrumental chamber ensemble
- 4 hours of any ensemble
Music Theory:
- Mus 105. Music Theory and Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 106. Music Theory and Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 205. Music Theory and Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 206. Music Theory and Analysis IV (3 hours)
- Mus 305. Form and Analysis I (2 hours)
- Mus 347. Intro to Music Technology (1 hour)
One advanced Music Theory from:
- Mus 505. Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 506. Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 507. Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 508. Advanced Ear Training (3 hours)
- Mus 512. 16th Century Counterpoint (3 hours)
- Mus 514. 18th Century Counterpoint (3 hours)
Music History and Literature:
- Mus 101. Intro to Music Literature (3 hours)
- Mus 204. World Music Cultures (3 hours)
- Mus 301. History of Music I (3 hours)
- Mus 302. History of Music II (3 hours)
- Mus 312. Keyboard Literature (3 hours)
- 6 hours of upper-division music history/lit electives
Other:
- Mus 498
Keyboard Concentration:
- Major instrument, including 342 and 442 (18 hours)
- Mus 308 (2 semesters)
- Mus 315. Fundamentals of Conducting
- Mus 414. Piano Pedagogy (2 hours)
- Music performance electives (4 hours)
Students in the B.M. in Music with an emphasis in Music Performance, Vocal concentration complete the following courses.
Music Performance:
- Mus 100: Student Recital (6 semesters, 0 hours)
Ensemble:
- 3 semesters of band, chorus, orchestra
- 2 semesters of instrumental chamber ensemble
- 4 hours of any ensemble
- Mus 308 (2 semesters)
Music Theory:
- Mus 105. Music Theory and Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 106. Music Theory and Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 205. Music Theory and Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 206. Music Theory and Analysis IV (3 hours)
- Mus 305. Form and Analysis I (2 hours)
- Mus 347. Intro to Music Technology (1 hour)
One advanced Music Theory from:
- Mus 505. Analysis I (3 hours)
- Mus 506. Analysis II (3 hours)
- Mus 507. Analysis III (3 hours)
- Mus 508. Advanced Ear Training (3 hours)
- Mus 512. 16th Century Counterpoint (3 hours)
- Mus 514. 18th Century Counterpoint (3 hours)
Music History and Literature:
- Mus 101. Intro to Music Literature (3 hours)
- Mus 204. World Music Cultures (3 hours)
- Mus 301. History of Music I (3 hours)
- Mus 302. History of Music II (3 hours)
Other:
- Mus 498
Vocal Concentration:
- Voic 342 and 442 (18 hours)
- Mus 113. Fundamentals of Keyboard Musicianship I (2 hours)
- Mus 114. Fundamentals of Keyboard Musicianship II (2 hours)
- Mus 213. Intermediate Keyboard I (2 hours)
- Mus 214. Intermediate Keyboard II (2 hours)
- Mus 207. Singers’ Diction I (2 hours)
- Mus 208. Singers’ Diction II (2 hours)
- Mus 303. Vocal Literature I (2 hours)
- Mus 304. Vocal Literature II (2 hours)
- Mus 315. Fundamentals of Conducting (2 hours)
- Mus 381. Choral Conducting I (2 hours)
- Mus 529. Vocal Pedagogy (2 hour)
A minor in Music is offered for students who wish to make music part of their liberal arts education.
Required Courses:
- 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
See all Mus courses in the catalog.
What is Music?
Major Music Advantage
Our Robust Scholarship Program
Million in department scholarships are 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 Community 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.
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