Academics

Grow your skills and develop your style on stage.

Students prepare to become professionals performing as woodwind, brass, string, or percussion instrumentalists, pianists, or vocalists and/or to gain acceptance into graduate programs at prestigious universities.

Bring your passion for music into the classroom.

Whether you want to inspire as a teacher, lead as an administrator or explore exciting areas of research, let your journey begin at the University of Mississippi. You can choose from four areas of emphasis: band, choral, keyboard, or orchestra. From classroom to stage, our acclaimed faculty will bring your music education goals into focus and help you succeed as a music educator. 

Musicology | Study music history in a small and tight-knit community of scholars.

Focus on music in all its manifestations from traditional notated repertories to a wide range of oral and improvised practices.

Ethnomusicology | Learn about the rich and diverse music cultures of the world.

Explore the human experience of music and the ways in which it intersects with communities, institutions, and other disciplines.

Understand the music you love on a deeper level.

Forge links with your solo instrument, ensemble performances, historical context, and philosophy of music as our nationally recognized faculty address all aspects of musical analysis. UM Music’s unique approach to music theory will prepare you for a professional career in music.

Pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

This program allows students to craft an individualized major with the philosophy of integration and collaboration at its core. Learning across disciplines fosters the kind of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills essential to success in future employment and graduate school. No matter what courses are put together, students can expect to gain the kind of skills critical to a liberal arts education—skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with a diverse group of people.

Include music as a part of your liberal arts education.

Continuing a study of music history and theory deepens understanding and enjoyment of music no matter what genre of music you like. If you plan to earn a degree in another subject area but want to keep music in your life, a minor in music could be a good fit. Talk with your advisor about adding a minor in music to your degree program.

The minor requires 20-21 hours which includes credit for performing in ensembles, attending music performances, studio lessons, and electives.