BM or BMus Bachelor of Music 2026

Bachelor of Music in Composition

Designed for students who want the maximum training in compositional technique at the undergraduate level, this degree offers a comprehensive introduction to writing single line melodies and counterpoint, traditional and contemporary harmony, various notation methods, and musical development throughout history. You’ll also learn to create a compositional process, write idiomatically for voice and orchestral instruments, and compose for the new tools of the electronic studio. You’ll develop a portfolio of music that will be suitable for auditioning for graduate school and launching a career as a composer.

The BMus program is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career as a performer, educator or music producer. You’ll complete the same coursework as a BA but have more opportunities to take courses outside of the department in other Arts disciplines. This allows you to explore different ideas and perspectives and to work with students from other areas of the university. BMus students often end up working as performers, teachers, music producers and managers, music therapists, or in the business side of the industry.

Bachelor of Music Therapy

BMus is an academic degree that prepares students for careers in performance, composition and production. It requires a rigorous program of study in music and includes a broad range of liberal arts courses. Students also take private lessons and participate in ensemble performances. Some BMus students also choose to pursue graduate school.

In the BMus music therapy degree, students learn how to use music as a therapeutic medium. They complete a combination of academic coursework and clinical internships to gain experience working with patients. This degree is accredited by the American Music Therapy Association.

A BMus music therapy degree can prepare you to work as a music therapist in hospitals, geriatric facilities, hospice programs, and rehabilitation centers. You’ll be able to help people improve their cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. This is an excellent career choice for students with musical skill and ambition. The program is four years long and includes an extensive clinical internship.

Bachelor of Music Questions and Answers

University-level music studies can prepare you for a wide range of graduate occupations, including teaching and working with children in addition to performing or writing music.

Composition, conducting (band, choral, or orchestral), dance, instruments (percussion, strings, or winds), music education, musicology, piano, and voice are some of the most major topics.

A degree in music performance gives students the knowledge and abilities to become versatile musicians and to build long-lasting careers in the music business.

Accredited universities, colleges, and academic institutions all over the world provide music courses.

Job opportunities:
• Sound designer
• Private music teacher
• Sound technician
• Music therapist
• Special effects technician
• Music producer
• Secondary school teacher
• Sound broadcasting/film/video
• Musician
• Sound engineer

The average undergraduate tuition and fees for the Music Performance program in 2026 is $30,849 for out-of-state students and $10,015 for residents of the state.

Your exposure to a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz, traditional world music to modern repertoires, electronic and digital music application, will be enhanced by a degree in music. Studying music theory, composition, and musical arrangement will all be combined with classroom and studio work.

Top music schools:
• Royal College of Music
• Berklee College of Music
• Curtis Institute of Music
• New England Conservatory of Music
• Mannes School of Music
• Indiana University – The Jacobs School of Music
• University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
• The Juilliard School
• Yale School of Music
• The Royal Academy of Music

The 4-year Bachelor of Music (BM) program offers a broad education that gives students a well-rounded foundation for a career in music.

The majority of music-focused bachelor’s degrees may be completed in four years.