Ball State University offers a bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) in Music through the School of Music in the College of Fine Arts.
Why choose a music degree?
- Four concentration options: Choose from Applied Music, Music Creation and Composition, Music Exploration, or Music Industry.
- Flexible curriculum: Combine core music study with electives that allow you to explore multiple musical interests or complementary academic fields.
- Performance opportunities: Build musicianship through applied lessons, ensembles, piano study, recitals, and senior projects.
- Creative and professional preparation: Develop skills in performance, composition, music technology, entrepreneurship, or music industry, depending on your concentration.
- Career development: Complete College of Fine Arts professional development courses focused on career readiness and the transition to professional life.
What you'll study as a music major
All students complete a common music core that includes subjects such as:
- music theory
- sight singing and ear training
- music history
- piano
- applied lessons
- ensemble participation
- recital or capstone experience
- career development in the arts
Depending on your concentration, additional coursework may include:
- advanced music theory
- composition
- electronic music
- creative music technologies
- music history
- music production
Course availability varies by semester. For more information about specific course requirements visit the course catalog or speak with an academic advisor.
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Concentrations
The Music Creation and Composition concentration is focused on developing skills in producing new works of music for the concert hall, film scores, video games, and more. This concentration features one-on-one composition lessons from our award-winning faculty, the flexibility of a BA/BS degree to pursue a wide variety of musical studies, and numerous elective options to suit your interests. You can take courses in music technology, arranging, orchestration, composing for visual media, and more.
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The Applied Music concentration is for students who want to specialize in the performance of their instrument within the context of a well-rounded music experience. Students in this concentration can select elective courses in other specialties in the School or pursue further performance study, depending on their interests. This degree is well suited for a minor within the School or a double major with another degree on campus.
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The Music Exploration concentration is our most open-ended program, offering numerous opportunities for a student to craft an individual study of music suited to their interests and goals. This is the ideal program to combine a general interest in music with another area in order to double major in music and journalism, music and business, or some other combination. As this program does not require an audition for admission, it is a good option for a student to pursue study in music while anticipating transferring to another program.
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The Music Industry concentration blends the creative and business sides of the music world. With access to professional music production facilities and the opportunity to collaborate on real-world projects, you’ll gain experience in music entrepreneurship, marketing, and media.
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What career options are available for music majors?
Depending on the concentration, experience, portfolio, and career interests, graduates may pursue roles such as:
- performing musician
- composer
- arranger
- music producer
- recording engineer
- music industry coordinator
- arts administrator
- music marketer
- live sound technician
- music entrepreneur
- community arts professional
- private music instructor
Advanced positions and professional designations may require additional education, experience, examinations, or licensure. This list is not comprehensive, if you don't see your preferred profession in this list speak with a faculty member or an academic advisor about career opportunities.
Music BA/BS vs. Music Performance BM
Ball State offers both the Music BA/BS and a Bachelor of Music Performance (BM).
The BA/BS is more flexible and allows students to customize their studies across performance, composition, music history, technology, or the music industry while leaving room for interdisciplinary coursework.
The Bachelor of Music Performance is a more intensive degree with more required performance and studio coursework designed primarily for students preparing for professional performance or specialized music careers.
Students should compare each program's curriculum, performance expectations, and long-term career goals before selecting a degree. Speak with an academic advisor for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates pursue careers in performance, composition, music production, recording, music business, arts administration, education, and entrepreneurship.
As a Music major, you could develop artistic, technical, and professional skills such as:
- Musicianship through advanced performance, music theory, ear training, and sight reading.
- Performance skills by participating in ensembles, applied lessons, recitals, and live performances.
- Creative expression through composition, arranging, improvisation, or songwriting.
- Collaboration and teamwork by working with conductors, ensembles, and fellow musicians.
- Communication skills through performance, rehearsal, and artistic interpretation.
- Critical listening and problem-solving to evaluate performances and refine musical techniques.
- Music technology using recording software, digital audio tools, and production techniques (depending on your concentration).
- Leadership and professionalism through rehearsals, performances, project management, and career preparation.
- Time management and discipline by balancing practice, coursework, rehearsals, and performances.
- Adaptability and creativity by performing, composing, producing, and responding to diverse musical styles and performance settings.
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Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in our program? We require an audition on voice or a traditional instrument for the Bachelor of Arts in Music Applied Concentration in addition to the University-wide application. The other concentrations in BA/BS do not have this requirement.
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