At the School of Music, there are two different degrees you can pursue: a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Music (BA) or a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in one of nine different majors. Students in the BA program spend about half of their time in music and the other half studying other areas in the liberal arts, while students in the BM program spend more of their time in music than in the other liberal arts. Below, you'll find some more information about the degree programs and our ten major options.
The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Music is for students who want a broad-based education in the liberal arts as they study music in detail. This is often referred to as the "academic" degree option. There are two options for this degree:
- Vocal or Instrumental Option
- Theory or Music History Option
A BA degree in the field of Ethnomusicology is available through the General Studies major. Contact David Sayrs at (206) 616-7302 or dsayrs@u.washington.edu for more information.
The Bachelor of Music degree is for students who want to emphasize professional training during their undergraduate careers. This is often referred to as the "performance" degree option, even though you can major in non-performance areas.
- Composition*
- Guitar
- Jazz Studies
- Orchestral Instruments
- Organ
- Music Education*
- Piano
- Strings
- Voice
*Note: There are additional requirements for students interested in Music Education and Composition. Music Education students must also pass an audition/interview with Music Education faculty members. Composition students can only apply to the Composition major after 1) completing two years of undergraduate study, 2) taking introductory composition courses, and 3) submitting a portfolio.
A "minor" is an area outside of your major that you study in some detail, but not as much detail as your major. If you are majoring in any subject EXCEPT music, you are eligible for a minor in music.
To receive a minor in music, you must complete 25 credits of music classes, including:
- Four credits in courses dealing with the elements of music (e.g., Music Theory, Music History)
- Five credits dealing with a particular area of music (e.g., The Opera, The Orchestra)
You may also participate in music ensembles and private lessons; however, private lessons are available through audition only if there is space after all music majors have registered. You do not have to audition to pursue a minor in music. Students who do not wish to declare a minor in music may also participate in private lessons (if space is available) and ensembles.
