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Bachelor of Music

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Music

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 - 131 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

EKU
College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences
School of Music
Bachelor of Music

← School of Music

Explore Music Through a Flexible Program of Study

At EKU’s School of Music, you will receive a relevant music education through individualized attention, student-centered learning, and a comprehensive program of study. Customize your degree based on your area of interest: music composition, music education, music performance, or music industry. As a musical leader, you will be able to enhance the fabric of your community, the Commonwealth, and beyond through the power of music.

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Career Outlook

Employment of musicians and singers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Common Job Titles

A music degree can open a variety of career opportunities.

Job Titles Include:

Public school music teacher
Private school music teacher
Private lesson teacher
Professional musician
Sound engineer
Entrepreneur
Artist management
Professional musician
Private school music teacher
Private lesson teacher
Professional musician
Private school music teacher
Composer
Arranger
Music editor

Where EKU Graduates Have Worked

EKU music graduates have found employment in a variety of organizations and sectors.

Employers Include:

Hurst Music
Pickett Brass
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
ESPN
Roland Instruments
Disney
Independent Professional Musician
Washington State

EKU Career Services

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
Interviewing tips and coaching
Career documents review
Job search

Why EKU?

Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
No application fee
Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Expert faculty and individualized instruction
Entrepreneurship and career development focus
Top-notch learning facilities, including computer labs, practice rooms, and performance halls
Participate in a variety of ensembles to build your skills and camaraderie with fellow musicians

Program Options

Choose between five concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

Music Composition

The Bachelors of Music in Music Composition is designed to prepare students for engaging in the music industry as an entrepreneur and composer. Students develop a portfolio of compositions for solo, chamber, and large ensemble settings and synthesize knowledge in advanced musicology, literature, and theory.

Graduates pursue graduate studies in music theory or composition.

Relevant coursework: Advanced theory, private composition lessons, music literature, music leadership in nonprofits, and a final recital of original works
Intense focus on developing and recording a composition portfolio
120 credit hours

Music Performance

The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance is designed to prepare students for engaging in the music industry as an entrepreneur, performer, studio teacher, and leader in the non-profit space. Students develop performance skills in their applied area, apply it to chamber and conducted ensemble settings, and synthesize knowledge in advanced musicology, literature, and composition.

Graduates are hired across the arts industry or pursue graduate studies in music performance, conducting, composition, administration, or education.

Relevant coursework: Applied lessons; music literature; studio teaching techniques; music leadership in nonprofits; theory and musicology; and a final recital.
Intense focus on solo and ensemble performance
120 credit hours

Music Industry

The Bachelor of Music in Music Industry is designed to prepare students for engaging in the music industry as an entrepreneur, administrator, and leader in the non-profit space. Students develop business skills to market, manage, and publish, along with music and recording arts skills to participate in various aspects of the broad music industry.

Graduates are hired across the arts industry or pursue graduate studies in music performance, conducting, composition, administration, or education.

Relevant coursework: Industry coursework, recording and film scoring, business electives, music leadership in nonprofits, cooperative projects, and internship
Includes business, publishing, and marketing focus
Management, recording, and broadcasting
120 credit hours

Music Education

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education is designed to prepare students for teaching music in all genres and at all levels. Students develop new knowledge regarding the pedagogy, philosophy, and application of music teaching. This degree leads to initial licensure as a certified educator in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Graduates are hired as elementary music educators, band, choir or orchestra directors, or pursue graduate studies in music performance, conducting, administration, or education. The education program prepares students to teach music, no matter the context, across the industry.

Relevant coursework: Applied, ensembles, pedagogy, theory, musicology, technology, assessment, behavior modification
Certification in all areas of music education
Customizable: Student teach abroad, focus on your desired area of study
131 credit hours

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

Innovation & Entrepreneurial Thinking
Psychology
Business
Public Relations
Communication Studies

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission

The bachelor of music in music education is designed to prepare students for teaching music in all genres and at all levels. Students develop new knowledge regarding the pedagogy, philosophy, and application of music teaching. This degree leads to initial licensure as a certified educator in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Graduates are hired as elementary music educators, band, choir or orchestra directors, or pursue graduate studies in music performance, conducting, administration, or education. The education program prepares students to teach music, no matter the context, across the industry.

A minimum of 120 credits* are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

*131 credits required for Music Education concentration.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Deadlines WITH Scholarship Application

Term	Application Deadline	Classes Begin
Fall	March 1	August
Spring	September 30	January

Deadlines Without Scholarship Application

Term	Application Deadline	Classes Begin
Fall	June 30	August
Spring	November 30	January

Step One: Apply to EKU and select Bachelor of Music as your major.

Step Two: Apply to the School of Music and schedule an audition.

Students are required to successfully audition to be accepted into the School of Music. Audition deadlines are below. For more information and to schedule an audition, view our audition information page.

The School of Music at Eastern Kentucky University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are certified by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Kelsi Butcher

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2705
kelsi.butcher@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

See All Student Stories

Andrew Hakenewerth

EKU Master of Music Performance Graduate

Earning my Masters Degree at Eastern Kentucky University was everything for me. My dream was to teach music in higher education, and that would not be possible without a masters degree. For myself, Eastern Kentucky was paramount in my learning and networking, because without my time spent at EKU, I would not have had the opportunity to continue my doctorate at the University of Kansas, and then have the job I enjoy now.

Amanda Tipton

EKU Master of Music Education Graduate

Earning my Masters degree at EKU gave me the opportunity to learn more about the theory side of education, while also giving me the freedom to dive into aspects of music education that interested me the most. During my final project, I was able to do a deep dive into five different comprehensive music education curriculums and that knowledge was instrumental in helping me to feel prepared for my new role as a full time general music educator. The faculty at EKU are some of the most caring educators I’ve had the fortune of meeting. I always felt supported by…

LeMorris Hunt

EKU Master of Music Conducting Student

The EKU faculty aided in my success because I was very prepared for the work force in my degree area. I was given many of the updated skills and teaching techniques in the field to help me stand out in any interview process. I was also given tips and points on how I could build my resume and portfolio. EKU is a great place to learn and grow. You get a first class education without the first class prices. The music department has great professors who have a thriving career but are not untouchable.

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Contact Information

School of Music

Foster Music Building
Room 101
2400 Crabbe Street
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3266
music@eku.edu

Department Directory

Bachelor of Music

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Music

School of Music

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences