The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music is a flexible and rigorous program for students who wish to develop their musical abilities while engaging in a broad liberal arts education. Offered through the College of Arts and Sciences as part of the Joint Music Program with the Cleveland Institute of Music, this degree combines conservatory-level training with opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration.
Ideal for students pursuing advanced study in music or careers across a wide range of fields, the BA in Music provides the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest—such as performance, theory, composition, or musicology—and supports combinations with other academic interests.
Our program emphasizes a broad foundation in music within the context of a liberal arts education, allowing students to combine their musical studies with other disciplines such as business, engineering, psychology, cognitive science, or technology. The BA in Music reflects this interdisciplinary spirit, encouraging students to explore connections between music and a wide range of academic fields through flexible curriculum options and supportive advising.
While many students choose to combine music with a second major or degree, it is not required. The program supports a variety of academic pathways:
- Double Majors within the College of Arts and Sciences
- Dual Degrees (e.g., BA in Music and BS in Engineering)—with careful planning, this option can be completed in four years
- Secondary Majors in Music while completing a BS in another school
Students are encouraged to declare additional majors or degrees early and work closely with faculty advisors to plan their academic path.
We offer competitive scholarships—both full and partial tuition—for incoming undergraduate music students!
Learning Outcomes
The BA in Music program provides a strong foundation in performance, music theory, history, and collaborative musicianship. It encourages intellectual curiosity, artistic exploration, and interdisciplinary study, preparing students to think critically and creatively about music in a variety of academic and professional contexts.
As a student in the BA in Music program, you will:
- Achieve proficiency in your primary performance medium, whether instrument or voice.
- Apply musical knowledge effectively in collaborative settings, demonstrating professionalism and integrating technical skills in ensemble performances.
- Gain proficiency in tonal and post-tonal music theory and analysis techniques.
- Show mastery in rhythmic concepts and skills through eurythmic classes, including musicianship through keyboard improvisation, pedagogy and movement awareness.
- Critically assess major musicians, musical styles, techniques, and cultural trends from Western music history.
- Write substantial critical evaluations of musical works and concepts in Western classical and popular traditions, utilizing your knowledge in performance, theory, history, and education.
Admission
Interested in shaping your musical future with a flexible and comprehensive program? Start your application today and discover the opportunities awaiting you at Case Western Reserve University.
To apply for the BA in Music, applicants must:
- Submit the CWRU Application and Music Arts Supplement, which includes a digital questionnaire and video audition on the primary instrument or voice.
For detailed application and audition information, please refer to the Undergraduate Applications page.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts in Music requires that 42–50 of the 120 total credit units necessary for the degree be devoted to music study. The remaining credits fulfill Unified General Education Requirements (UGER), a possible minor or additional major, and a wide range of elective courses.
Music requirements include:
- Applied lessons, recital, and jury exams on a primary performance medium
- Participation in ensembles
- Courses in music theory, eurhythmics, and music history
- Upper-level electives in music history, analysis, or music education
Detailed program requirements, course distribution, and a sample plan of study can be found in the General Bulletin.
Advising and Student Resources
Undergraduate students in the BS in Music Education program are supported by a variety of tools and resources:
- Undergraduate Music Handbook
A comprehensive guide to Department of Music policies, procedures, and deadlines. - Current Undergraduate Students Page
Access advising forms, checklists, and links to academic support services. - General Bulletin – Undergraduate Academics
University-wide academic policies, degree requirements, and course descriptions.