Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music
Explore your passion for music through West Liberty’s flexible BA Music program. Build core musicianship, performance, and music history skills while tailoring your studies to your career goals.
Be Impossible
to Ignore
Our Music students learn how to stand out as performers, educators, composers, and leaders.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
Total Credits: 120
Outcome: A degree tailored by you to fit your career goals
Format: On campus with a capstone experience and an internship in your area of interest
Program
Overview
The flexible BA in Music degree allows students time to try different pathways to a career in music. Students can choose a minor in Music Production, etc., to focus the curriculum to fit their career goals.
The BA in Music gives you the freedom to explore your pathway to a career in music.
Who This
Program Is For
Producers, Singer-Songwriters
Students interested in pursuing professional careers as music producers and/or creators in the modern popular or classical music landscape.
Graduate Study
The BA in Music prepares students for further study towards a Master’s or Doctoral degree in music by emphasizing core musicianship alongside study in an area of specialization.
Non-Traditional Performance
Students who want to study non-traditional music performance such as musical theatre, electronic music, dance music, DJ-ing, etc.
Bachelor’s Degree Seekers
Students interested in returning to complete a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally and nationally accredited institution of higher learning.
What
You’ll Learn
Musicianship
- Skills in the understanding and practice of tonality, key relationships, musical form, rhythm, and harmonic structures both written and heard
- Classical, jazz, and popular styles of music across centuries of development
- Digital audio and music technology skills
Area of Specialization
- Students have the freedom to choose courses related to their area(s) of interest as either elective courses, a minor, or even another major
- Examples include Music Production, World Music, Theatre, Business, Psychology, etc.
Curriculum
Overview
The Music Core provides study in music theory, ear training, private lessons, ensembles, history, and music technology. Elective courses allow students to tailor their curriculum to one or more areas of interest.
Program Structure
- Music Core: 40 credits
- General Education: 37 credits
- Electives: 43 credits
Course Sequences and Requirements:
- Musicianship, Music Theory, and Ear Training courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C in order to progress to the next course in the sequence
- Private Lessons progress through Levels
- Capstone course codifies each individual students’ area of specialization
Admission Requirements
Students are encouraged to Apply for a Music Scholarship, but an audition is not required for admittance. Prior musical experience (high school band/choir, the ability to read music, etc.) is strongly encouraged.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates with the BA in Music degree are capable musicians who can
- Read and analyze music effectively
- Perform vocal or instrumental music expressively and with control
- Utilize technology effectively
- Demonstrate knowledge of history, style, genre, and musical trends
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as
- Music Producers and Creators
- Private Music Studio Teachers
- Professionals in the Audio Recording and Music Industries
- Music Teachers (certification and/or licensure may be needed)
Graduates can work in the following:
- Private Music Studio
- Recording Studio
- Record Companies and Labels
- Professional Musical Ensembles
- Freelance
Your career pathway will be the product of your desire to learn and develop skills as a musician, producer, performer, and teacher.
Admission
Requirements
Admission to the program does not require an audition. However, students seeking a music scholarship must audition to be eligible.
Requirements:
- Admission to West Liberty University
Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.
Cost, Aid
& Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps To
Enrollment
Step 1:
Apply to West Liberty University
Step 2:
BA Music Application
Questions? Contact the Department Chair
Dr. Matthew Harder, Chair
Department of Music & Theatre
West Liberty University
mharder@westliberty.edu
304-336-8296
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.