The Bachelor of Arts in Music provides a liberal arts approach to music theory, practical musicianship, music technology, sight singing, and dictation. These then provide a framework for advanced study in music history, choral and instrumental conducting, commercial music, and music literature. Music students choose an emphasis in music theory or performance.
The music theory emphasis gives a foundation to those seeking a career in music composition and arranging. The performance emphasis serves the needs of those students who wish to teach privately, consider a career as a full-time performer, or teach applied lessons at the college level.
Music majors also participate in solo and ensemble performances, attend and perform in recitals, and take voice and piano classes, providing extensive, diverse musical experiences. Additionally, students have the opportunity to intern with the Los Angeles/Hollywood music industry, local schools, and churches. Graduates leave APU ready to apply advanced musical knowledge to a career in music or graduate study.
UVA in Italy: Take Women, Gender & Sexuality Courses in Siena. Earn direct UVA credit. Take WGS 3320 Global Perspectives on Gender & Sport during the summer program with UVA Professor Bonnie Hagerman. Interested in the fall or spring program? Take WGS 3680 Foodscapes in Women’s Writing, Culture and Society. Immerse in Italy.
APU also offers Bachelor of Music (B.M.) programs in Commercial Music, Composition, Music Education, Music and Worship, and Performance.
Meet the Faculty: John Sutton
Meet John Sutton, DMA, professor in the School of Music (College of the Arts)
Get to know our School of Music faculty.
Is This Major Right for You?
You’re a Music major if you:
- Want to share your passion for music with others.
- Enjoy the creative process.
- Have talent and skill in writing, arranging, or performing music.
- Seek a well-rounded, balanced musical foundation with a liberal arts approach.
- Want to pursue graduate study.
My experience in the APU music program has been invaluable to me. I have learned more than I ever thought I would about music, but more importantly, it has helped me find out who I am as a person and as a musician. I’ve found a way to combine my passion for Christ and my passion for music in a way I never thought possible.
Note: This information is current for the 2019-20 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.
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Choosing & Using Your Major
Only a handful of jobs require specific majors, and the vast majority of careers can be reached through countless different majors. Most college majors don't offer specific preparation for a single type of work. In a survey of UVA Arts and Sciences graduates, only 27% reported a direct connection between their undergraduate major and their current career.
What can you do to choose a major that you love?
- Take the CareerExplorer self-assessment that is designed to help you assess your skills, interests, and values.
- Identify your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths or Strong Interest Inventory with a UVA Career Counselor.
- Stop by 1515 for a Coffee Chat with a Career Counselor - no appointment needed.
- Talk with your UVA Association Deans, College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Advisors, and College of Arts and Sciences Directors of Undergraduate Programs about your academic path, major requirements, and choosing a major.
Undergraduate Majors at the University of Virginia
Below are the undergraduate majors available at the University of Virginia.
College of Arts and Sciences
Below is a list of Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Science degree programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Virginia. The full list of undergraduate programs including majors, minors and Distinguished Majors Programs can be found on the UVA College of Arts & Sciences Majors & Minors webpage.
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Mcintire School of Commerce
School of Architecture
School of Nursing
Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
Curry School of Education
- B.S./M.S. in Teaching
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Foreign Language Education
- English as a Second Language Education
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Social Studies Education