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Student at band rehearsal
Apply Now on the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree

Estimated Completion

120 credit hours (4 years)

Application Process

  1. Admission to Tarleton State University - Undergraduate Studies
  2. Audition with appropriate faculty member
  3. Pass a qualifying music theory test prior to the beginning of the student's first academic term in music

Cost

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B.A. in Music

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is designed for maximum flexibility. Three concentrations are available with this degree:

  • Music Business offers instruction in the business aspects of the Music Industry. This concentration includes courses in audio technology, production, and artist management.
  • Musical Theatre offers courses in acting, dancing, costumes, and other theatre arts skills.
  • General is a concentration that allows the student the flexibility to choose various electives to complement music instruction.

Jump Right In

For more than one hundred years, Tarleton State University has served as an important center of music education in North Central Texas. Today we continue to provide a first-rate education for students who desire to become professional musicians, as well as a variety of other opportunities for Music majors.

Accreditations

Related Programs

Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:

Plan Your Future

Music sheets on a bandstand

Career Opportunities

Obtaining this degree can lead to career opportunities such as:

  • Music Educator
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Performer
  • Arts Administrator
  • Music Journalist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Musicologist

And much more!

Band playing outside for an audience

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students in our department have multiple opportunities to study abroad, which will enhance their educational training. For instance, students will have the opportunity to travel to Ireland, where they will learn more about the diverse musical styles in another country, as well as discover the historical background of Irish folk music. Studying abroad can be one of the most character enriching and academically rewarding experiences a student can have.

Student talking to an employer at a Career Fair.

Career Services

Career Services offers students a wide variety of professional development opportunities that can translate into careers. A few of these programs include:

  • Resume assistance
  • Business etiquette dinners
  • Job fairs
  • Mock interviews
  • On-campus interviews
  • Career counseling

And much more!

Program Objectives

  • Students who earn this degree will have an experience in the Liberal Arts that covers a wide range of topics, double major in Music and another subject of their choice, as well as the chance to progress to a professional career in the Music Industry after graduation.
  • Students will complete an internship, which will place them in hands-on positions with music business organizations and companies. Through their internship, students will be provide with valuable real-world experience and connections in the industry.
  • Promote excellence in education through teaching, research, and service

Coursework Highlights

Class Number Class Name
MUEN 2121 Ensemble
MUAP 2231 Applied Music Majors
MUAP 4121 Applied Lessons for Majors
MUSI 1310 Popular Music in America
MUSI 1320 Introduction to Audio Technology
MUSI 3116 Performance Practices of Ensembles
MUSI 3301 Sound Engineering
MUSI 4248 Scoring and Arranging for Ensembles

For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.

Additional Required Courses for Concentrations

Music Business

Class Number Class Name
MUSI 4301 Music Business Internship
COMM 3322 Arts and Entertainment Promotion
ACCT 2301 Principles of Accounting l - Financial
MKGT 3312 Marketing
MGMT 3301 Principles of Management

General (without Music Business)

Class Number Class Name
MUSI 4133 Capstone Course in Music
FINA 4301 The Arts in Contemporary Society
Advanced electives are require for both concentrations.

Facilities and Features

Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center

Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center

The Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center is home to the Department of Fine Arts. The following facilities are available to all Music students, as well as to students from other areas of Fine Arts:

  • 721 - seat auditorium
  • 216 - seat theater
  • 90 - seat workshop theater
  • 22 offices for faculty, staff, and students
  • 20 music practice rooms
  • 7 music studios
  • 4 classrooms
  • 2 rehearsal halls
  • 2 computer labs
The Sound of Fury Band at a halftime performance.

Organizations

The department of Fine Arts offers a variety of organizations including:

  • Kappa Kappa Psi
  • Tau Beta Sigma
  • Mu Phi Epsilon
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Percussion Ensemble

Past Performances

The Tarleton State University ensembles and bands have had the privilege to perform in several places and at several events across the world, such as:

  • Carnegie Hall
  • Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago
  • Central Park in New York City
  • Osaka International University, Japan
  • Lorenzo de Medici, Tuscania, Italy
  • New Year's Day Parade, London, United Kingdom
  • St. Patrick's Day Parade, Dublin, Ireland
Students playing their instruments.

Annual Festivals and Camps

The Department of Fine Arts hosts the following annual festivals and camps:

  • All-Region Clinic (ATSSB/TMEA Concert & Jazz)
  • Brass Day
  • Jazz Festival
  • International Band Festival
  • Percussion Festival

Check out our Annual Festivals and Camps page for more information.