B.A. in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music combines conservatory-level music experiences with a strong liberal arts education to prepare students for success in the 21st century. Twenty-seven percent of this degree program is elective credits, facilitating completion of double and triple majors or a broad array of minors within four years of study. B.A. students may complete Pre-Med, Pre-Law, Engineering, Business, Computer Science or other programs in conjunction with a well-rounded music degree.
Students intending to major in the Music must perform an audition on their principal instrument (includes Voice) as outlined in the Required Undergraduate Audition Repertoire section of this website, and complete a theory and aural skills examination.
View additional information on undergraduate admissions and auditions.
Degree Program
The following is the current course of study for the degree. Current students should refer to the SMU Catalog (maintained by the Registrar's Office) listings under their year of matriculation to find their authoritative degree plan.
| Requirements for the Degree |
Credit Hours |
| UC/GEC Requirements |
varies |
|
Music Arts and Skills
- MUAS 1020 Music Pathways: Exploring Meadows and Your Future (one enrollment fall term of first year)
|
0 |
|
Music Arts and Skills
- MUAS 1010 Recital Attendance (each term of residence except fall of first year)
|
0 |
|
Composition and Theory
|
12 |
|
Music History and Literature
|
8 |
|
Composition and Theory or Music History
- MUTH Elective (3000 level or above)
or
- MUHI Elective (4000 level)
|
3 |
|
Class Instruction for Performance (PERB Class Piano)
|
2 |
|
Private Studies 3200 or 3100 (eight credits required/14 credits maximum) (or composition in combination with private studies)
|
8 |
|
PERE Ensemble (minimum four terms)
|
4 |
|
Music Electives (may include senior project)*
|
11 |
|
Meadows Elective/Corequirement
|
(3) |
|
Community Experience
|
0-1 |
|
Free Electives (hours vary as needed to meet
University residency and degree requirements
|
varies |
| |
122 |
*
Of the 11 music elective credits, a minimum of three credits must be music classes from the 3000 level or higher, selected from the following areas: MPED, MPSY, MUED, MUHI, MUPD, MUTH, MUTY. Multiple one- or two-credit electives may be taken in place of a three-credit elective.
The B.A. degree is intended to serve students seeking to combine a music degree with interests in one or more of the following: a broad liberal arts education, the possibility of exploring the interdisciplinary relationship of music coursework to coursework in other areas of the Meadows School and the University as a whole, a dual degree, a minor, preparation for medical school or law school, preparation for graduate study in music, participation in the SMU Honors Program, or a term or summer of study abroad.