Bachelor of Music in Music

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.  
• Music Performance. Students prepare to become a professional musician or 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 (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

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