The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music at BU School of Music is for students who desire a broad liberal arts education while exploring music without a strict focus in performance, composition and theory, or music education. The major prepares students for graduate work and academic careers in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and composition, and for professional careers in music criticism, music librarianship, music publishing, arts management, and other wide-ranging areas of the music and arts industry.
The BA in Music (without concentration) offers breadth and depth in a liberal arts music degree and provides students with a large selection of courses within the major and the most flexibility of all the routes in choosing music electives. The General BA route contains sufficient elective units to be used for those students seeking Music Education licensure.
Curriculum requirements for the BA in Music can be found on the Academic Bulletin.
Did you know…
Boston University Produces a Global Music Festival Each Year?
The all-day outdoor festival celebrates extraordinary international music, educational events, and a global bazaar at BU – all free and open to the public.
WHERE MELODY MEETS AMBITION
Grace Yuk (CFA’25)
BA Music
Through my experience at BU, I was able to uncover a new side of myself that I never expected to have. BU took me out of my comfort zone and provided me with challenges which helped me to discover more about myself. Moreover, through the program, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London at the Royal College of Music. In the future, I hope to be involved in the music industry and business world. Ever since I was young, I was always interested in music, how it is created, what sparked the creation, who influenced what, and how people utilize their talent to create such an amazing masterpiece. Through my experiences in the industry, I want to be able to be a part of the answer for those questions.
Opportunities
Students may take up to 6 units of private instrumental or vocal instruction towards the degree and will typically study with a graduate assistant. Eligibility to study with a School of Music faculty member is determined by audition and faculty availability. BA students (newly admitted students and transfer students) who choose private instrumental and vocal instruction will be charged an Applied Music Fee.
Situated within a large, top-tier research institution, students can in music studies while also pursuing additional majors and/or minors in other fields such as humanities, sciences, and health. Participation in University Hub courses with a vast array of options offered by nearly every college, school, and department on campus.
Flexibility to pursue additional academic areas of study, including rigorous academic minors or concentrations, or a dual degree.
Next Steps for Applicants
The best way to determine if BU is right for you is to visit us in-person or remotely. Observe classes. Faculty members are available to meet with you and to discuss your educational interests, individual learning needs, and career goals.
Explore our admission requirements, financial tools, and resources to determine if the program is the right match. Reach out to visitSOM@bu.edu with any questions along the way.
