Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Music?
The Department of Music offers the Bachelor of Music degree in performance and music education as well as the Bachelor of Arts in Music. The Bachelor of Music degree programs are for the development of professional competencies leading to careers in music performance, music education, and/or the pursuit of graduate degrees in music. The Bachelor of Arts in Music combines the breadth of a liberal arts tradition with concentrated studies in music It is intended for students who have strong musical abilities and are preparing for a wide variety of careers, musical and non-musical.
Competencies
- Performance
- Specialized skill in one or more instruments or voice
Ability to sight read, transpose, improvise
Skill in ensemble performance
Knowledge of foreign language for the vocalist
Practical facility at the piano - Theory/Literature
- Knowledge of music literature from all style periods, genre, and world music
Thorough knowledge of music theory including sight-singing, ear-training and analysis
Working knowledge of foreign language (required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music) - Related Skills
- Knowledge of behavioral sciences
Specialized knowledge in one or more of the music industries
Library training
Opportunities - Careers
- Performance
- Performer:
- Symphony orchestra
- Opera
- Private studio
- Concert soloist
- Armed Forces/band, orchestra, chorus
- Studio musician
- Jazz, rock, commercial musician - Music Industry
- Publisher/editor
Manufacturing representative
Manager
Instrument repair person - Education
- Teacher/public or private schools; with advanced degrees - college, university, conservatory
Supervisor
Consultant
Administrator - Related
- Music therapist
Church musician
Music librarian
Music critic/journalist
Arts management coordinator
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
The Bachelor of Arts with Music Concentration can prepare students for further study in arts management, music therapy, performance, theory, composition, musicology, and various fields of music industry.
Opportunities - Experiential
Both music and non-music majors are invited to audition for the various performing organizations. For instrumentalists these include the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensembles, and Trumpet Ensemble. For vocalists they include the Collegiate Chorale, Chamber Singers, Men's Glee Club, Choraliers, and Opera Ensemble.
Opportunities also exist for participation in several student academic and service organizations including the Miami University Music Scholars, Delta Omicron, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Music (119 Center for Performing Arts, 529-3014)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Building, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - School of Fine Arts (Joyner House, 529-6010)
- * Miami Plan Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the School of Fine Arts and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.