Be inspired while inspiring others.
A degree in music prepares students for careers in a wide range of specialties including professional performance and education/teaching. In addition, students may also hold positions in the music industry or work as musical entrepreneurs. Graduates with music degrees understand that self-discipline, collaboration, creativity and adaptability are central to the work of musicians.
Program type:
Major, BA
Format:
On-Campus
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Bachelor of Arts in -
Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music inspires performers and composers by delivering a well-rounded education with the instruction necessary for success in a variety of music careers and entrepreneurship. This well-rounded education for performers, composers, scholars, teachers and the university community offers instruction necessary for success in a variety of music careers, entrepreneurship and life-long learning.
UMSL's Music Department is committed to teaching, research/creativity and public service. In addition to its role of advancing knowledge as part of a comprehensive research university, the Music Department advances the university’s land grant tradition by enhancing the cultural life of the St. Louis metropolitan area, providing high quality and accessible educational experiences in music.
Outcomes and Career Outlook
Upon completion of the BA in Music, graduates will have the technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression; understand the common elements and organizational patterns of music and their interaction; have the capacity to create original or adapted music; have a basic knowledge of music history and repertories through the present time; have the ability to work on musical problems by combining their capabilities in performance, aural, verbal and visual analysis, composition/improvisation, history and repertory.
Employment of music majors is projected to grow up to 11% to 2030, with a median annual salary of $63,000, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
63,000
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Career Opportunities
- Accompanist
- Artistic Director or Manager
- Composer
- Entrepreneur
- Film Scoring
- Music Production
- Music Therapist
- Performer
- Song Producer
- Sound Design
- Talent Scout/Representative
- Vocal/Instrumental Coaching
Plan of study
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan
Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the NC-SARA state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.
Student organizations
Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a music major:
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.
Undergraduate research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.
