Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Degrees

Dive into a world where your love for music can blend seamlessly with a broad academic journey. The Bachelor of Arts in Music programs at Grand Canyon University can help you refine your musical talents while exploring diverse subjects, preparing you for career opportunities in performance, education or the music industry. Discover the harmony of creativity and intellect with a BA in Music or other specialized music programs.

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Follow Your Passion for Music

Whether you're drawn to performing, composing or exploring the rich history of music, following your musical interests can open doors to growth and discovery. Embrace this opportunity to refine your skills, express your creativity and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

The College of Arts and Media supports this pathway by offering a variety of bachelor’s degrees in music, emphasizing creative expression, music production, performance techniques and leadership collaboration. These programs are designed to help you develop into a well-rounded musician.

GCU offers BA in Music degrees with an on-campus experience that combines academic coursework with hands-on learning opportunities. These programs take full advantage of the vibrant campus environment, allowing you to immerse yourself in music while benefiting from direct interaction with faculty and peers. The campus life at GCU supports your personal and professional growth, making it an ideal setting for developing your musical talents.

 

GCU music student singing in the recording studio

Discover BA in Music Degrees at GCU

Whether you're interested in pursuing a bachelor’s in music or exploring various music specializations, GCU offers a range of programs tailored to support your musical experience.

Instrumental Performance

Explore our instrumental performance emphasis programs, where you’ll receive focused training to help you enhance your skills on your instrument. Gain comprehensive music training and valuable performance experience to help you prepare yourself for a career in music.

Piano Performance

Our piano performance emphasis programs focus on piano techniques, interpretation and performance. Develop your skills and explore career possibilities in fields such as piano performance, teaching or composition through specialized instruction and practical experience.

Voice Performance

Experienced faculty in our voice training emphasis programs will teach you vocal performance skills through focused training in technique, expression and show performance. Enhance your abilities and gain experience to pursue professional opportunities in performing, teaching or related fields.

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Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

GCU holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), demonstrating our ongoing commitment to providing a quality education. This accreditation underscores our dedication to delivering excellence.

Bachelor of Arts in Music Coursework

A BA in Music covers essential topics crucial for your growth as a musician. Our specialized emphasis programs explore areas such as:

  • Performance techniques
  • Music theory and history
  • Composition
  • Music education
  • Vocal and instrumental pedagogy
  • Arranging and orchestration
  • Music business and management

Offering a comprehensive curriculum to support your development and deepen your expertise in your chosen musical discipline, our music education methods can help prepare you to become a professional in the music industry.

GCU student working in the recording studio

To enroll in our undergraduate music programs, specific educational prerequisites must be met. Connect with a university counselor by completing the form on this page to discover our undergraduate admission criteria.

Adding a minor in music from the College of Arts and Media can complement your undergraduate music degree. Explore our range of minor options based on your talent: piano, vocal or instrumental. These minors can help you develop character, creative problem-solving, higher-level thinking and leadership skills as you prepare for your music career.

You get to sing all different genres of music, grow in your classical voice and grow in your individual solo voice. GCU works with you on your solo voice and gives you great instructors and vocal coaches who just keep pushing you to do better in the craft that you have!

Abigail Hitman Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Voice Performance, 2024 Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're considering a music degree, you might have questions about the program, career opportunities and specialization options. Explore our frequently asked questions to gain a better understanding of what the field of music has to offer.

A Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is an undergraduate program designed for students interested in a broad study of music, including performance, theory and history. It offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore various musical disciplines and develop their artistic and academic skills. This degree is ideal for those looking to pursue careers in music.

The primary difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music and a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree lies in their focus and curriculum. A BA degree typically offers a broader liberal arts education with the flexibility to explore various academic subjects alongside music, focusing on music theory, history and performance. In contrast, a BM degree provides more intensive, specialized training in music, emphasizing advanced performance skills, composition and music theory, and often requires more focused coursework in music and related fields.

The time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree in music generally depends on the specific program and individual pace. Typically, it involves a combination of coursework, practical training and performances, all of which contribute to the overall length of the program. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it will take you to earn your degree.

Yes, our music degree programs offer opportunities to specialize in particular areas, such as performance, composition, music education or music technology. Specialization options allow you to focus on your area of interest and tailor your studies to your career goals.

 

GCU student singing with microphone on stage

Career Paths for BA in Music Graduates

Graduates who earn an undergraduate music degree may have a wide array of opportunities to explore upon graduation, such as musicians, singers and secondary education schoolteachers who help others find their love for music. Some graduates may seek positions within settings such as:1

  • Concert halls
  • Churches
  • Club halls
  • Recording studios or film production agencies
  • Radio or music stations
  • Schools or arts organizations

Student Resources

You will have access to exceptional campus resources, including modern practice facilities and studios equipped with professional-level equipment, offering a valuable glimpse into the music industry. Along with knowledgeable faculty who specialize in their craft, these facilities are designed to support and enhance your musical education and practice.

Related Programs

A range of music programs can accommodate various interests, providing options beyond a core music degree. These related programs can cater to different aspects of music, such as performance, technology and education, allowing you to explore your specific passion and career goals within the field.

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Sept. 5, 2024.

Explore our undergraduate music degrees to find your path and start shaping your musical future today.