The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music is designed for students who seek to deepen their musical skills while enjoying a broad liberal arts education paired with top-tier conservatory training. This flexible program allows you to combine your musical pursuits with other academic interests through options such as a double major, dual degree, or secondary major. It's an ideal path for those preparing for advanced study in music or for professional careers in various fields.
We offer both full and partial scholarships for incoming undergraduate music students.
Learning Outcomes
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, submit the CWRU Application along with the Music Arts Supplement (questionnaire and audition videos) on your primary instrument or voice.
For more details on the admission and audition process, please visit the Undergraduate Applications section.
Program Requirements
The Music BA requires that 43-51 of the total 120 credit units necessary for the degree be devoted to music study, with the remaining credits devoted to the general education requirements for the University and the College of Arts and Sciences, a possible minor program, and a liberal selection 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; and upper-level elective in music history/analysis/education.
Find detailed program requirements, course distribution, and a sample plan of study in the General Bulletin.
Music Handbook and Advising
Undergraduate music majors should review the Undergraduate Music Handbook and use the Advising Forms to track their academic progress across course requirements. These tools, along with other resources, are available on the Current Undergraduate Music Majors page.