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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

Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

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

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

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

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:

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

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

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

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:

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 & Enrollment

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

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallMarch 1August
SpringSeptember 30January

Deadlines Without Scholarship Application

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallJune 30August
SpringNovember 30January

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.

Photo of Kelsi Butcher

Kelsi Butcher 

College Enrollment Counselor

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

Schedule an Appointment
CLASS Advising Information for Current Students

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

Andrew Hakenewerth

EKU 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 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 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

521 Lancaster Avenue
Foster 101
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3266
music@eku.edu

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