Bachelor of Music (BM)
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a bachelor level degree in the US focused on music performance, composition, or education, preparing students for professional careers or advanced studies.
Careers open to music graduates
Institutions awarding this level in music (1,085)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Berklee College of Music · Boston
- Full Sail University · Winter Park
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Middle Tennessee State University · Murfreesboro
- University of Rochester · Rochester
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- Oberlin College · Oberlin
- Los Angeles Film School · Hollywood
- New School · New York
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- New England Conservatory of Music · Boston
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- Belmont University · Nashville
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- Rowan University · Glassboro
- Manhattan School of Music · New York
- New York University · New York
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- West Chester University · West Chester
- Juilliard School · New York
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- University of Oregon · Eugene
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- James Madison University · Harrisonburg
- Brigham Young University · Provo
- University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder
- Stephen F. Austin State University · Nacogdoches
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Musicians Institute · Hollywood
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- Montclair State University · Montclair
- William Paterson University · Wayne
- Lawrence University · Appleton
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- Sam Houston State University · Huntsville
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- University of Hartford · West Hartford
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- Vanderbilt University · Nashville
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- University of Houston · Houston
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Columbia College Chicago · Chicago
- Ithaca College · Ithaca
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire · Eau Claire
- Cleveland Institute of Music · Cleveland
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- San Francisco Conservatory of Music · San Francisco
- Oklahoma City University · Oklahoma City
- California State Polytechnic University · Pomona
- Purchase College · Purchase
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Jacksonville State University · Jacksonville
- East Texas A&M University · Commerce
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- The University of Texas at San Antonio · San Antonio
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- California State University, Chico · Chico
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- State University of New York at Potsdam · Potsdam
- California Institute of the Arts · Valencia
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- St. Olaf College · Northfield
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- University of Central Oklahoma · Edmond
- Millersville University · Millersville
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania · Indiana
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- Boston University · Boston
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music · San Juan
- Western Carolina University · Cullowhee
- University of Georgia · Athens
- SUNY Fredonia · Fredonia
- University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- University of Massachusetts Lowell · Lowell
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- Oregon State University · Corvallis
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- Stetson University · DeLand
- Brown University · Providence
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Towson University · Towson
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- Capital University · Columbus
- University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
- Luther College · Decorah
- Baldwin Wallace University · Berea
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette · Lafayette
- Florida International University · Miami
- Texas Woman's University · Denton
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- City College of New York · New York
- University of the Arts · Philadelphia
- Northeastern University · Boston
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania · Bloomsburg
- DePaul University · Chicago
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- Purdue University Fort Wayne · Fort Wayne
- Rider University · Lawrenceville
- Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- Miami University-Oxford · Oxford
- University of California-Irvine · Irvine
- Texas Christian University · Fort Worth
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- Furman University · Greenville
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts · Winston Salem
- Central Washington University · Ellensburg
- Ramapo College · Mahwah
- Western Washington University · Bellingham
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Texas A&M University – Kingsville · Kingsville
- University of New Haven · West Haven
- Wheaton College - Illinois · Wheaton
- Snow College · Ephraim
- Los Angeles College of Music · Pasadena
- Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh
- Carthage College · Kenosha
- Catholic University of America · Washington
- San Francisco State University · San Francisco
- Utah Valley University · Orem
- Rollins College · Winter Park
- Curtis Institute of Music · Philadelphia
- Emory University · Atlanta
- East Tennessee State University · Johnson City
- Murray State University · Murray
- Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- Illinois State University · Normal
- Baylor University · Waco
- Metropolitan State University of Denver · Denver
- Roosevelt University · Chicago
- University of North Alabama · Florence
- CUNY Queens College · Queens
- University of Denver · Denver
- Lee University · Cleveland
- Azusa Pacific University · Azusa
- College of Saint Rose · Albany
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- University of Redlands · Redlands
- California Lutheran University · Thousand Oaks
- Southern Methodist University · Dallas
- Morehead State University · Morehead
- University of California-Davis · Davis
- Virginia Tech · Blacksburg
- Utah State University · Logan
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- Old Dominion University · Norfolk
- Biola University · La Mirada
- University of Vermont · Burlington
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- Stevens Institute of Technology · Hoboken
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Lincoln
- New Jersey City University · Jersey City
- Tarleton State University · Stephenville
- University of the Pacific · Stockton
- Troy University · Troy
- University of Idaho · Moscow
- Millikin University · Decatur
- University of Northern Colorado · Greeley
- Wesleyan University · Middletown
- Washington State University · Pullman
- Rice University · Houston
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County · Baltimore
About
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a bachelor level degree typically completed in about four years of undergraduate study in the United States. It is offered by four-year institutions accredited by regional agencies and sometimes programmatically accredited by music-specific organizations. This degree is designed for students passionate about music who seek a comprehensive education combining practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The BM prepares graduates for various music careers such as performance, composition, conducting, or teaching. It holds a recognized place within the US higher education system and often requires completion of credit hours and maintenance of a competitive GPA.
- Degree level: bachelor level, about four years
- Offered by accredited four-year institutions
- Focus on music practice and theory
- Prepares for professional music careers
- Includes performance and academic components
- Requires credit hours and GPA standards
How to get in
Admission to a Bachelor of Music program generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of an audition demonstrating musical skills. Applicants often submit SAT or ACT scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The Common App is frequently used for application to many institutions offering this degree. Selectivity varies by school, with more competitive programs requiring higher performance levels and academic records. Some programs may require placement exams or interviews in addition to the audition.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Successful audition essential
- Standardized tests like SAT or ACT considered
- Use of Common App at many schools
- Selective admission based on talent and academics
- Possible interviews or placement exams
Format and schedule
The Bachelor of Music is structured as a full-time program lasting about four years, typically requiring completion of a set number of credit hours. Students engage in a combination of individual lessons, ensemble participation, and classroom instruction. Some programs include opportunities for internships or practical experiences, though this varies by institution. Evaluation methods commonly include juries, recitals, written exams, and coursework. Attendance is usually on campus, with a consistent academic calendar and semester system.
- Full-time study over about four years
- Combination of lessons, ensembles, and classes
- Credit hours required for graduation
- Performance evaluations like juries and recitals
- Possible internships or practical experiences
- Campus-based with semester system
What next?
Graduates with a Bachelor of Music can enter the professional music world as performers, educators, composers, or conductors. Many also pursue graduate studies such as a Master of Music or specialized certifications. The degree can lead to eligibility for certain music licensure or certification exams depending on the career path. Transfer agreements may facilitate continuation into advanced programs. The BM provides a foundation for diverse careers in music and related fields.
- Careers in performance, education, composition
- Pathway to graduate music degrees
- Eligibility for some licensure or certification exams
- Transfer agreements support further studies
- Preparation for professional music careers
- Opportunities in related creative fields
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Music?
A Bachelor of Music focuses more intensively on music practice and performance, while a Bachelor of Arts offers a broader liberal arts education with less emphasis on performance.
Do I need to audition to get into a Bachelor of Music program?
Yes, auditions are typically required to assess your musical skills and suitability for the program.
Can I transfer credits from a community college to a Bachelor of Music program?
Many four-year institutions have articulation agreements allowing transfer of relevant credits, but policies vary by school.
Is the Bachelor of Music degree recognized outside the United States?
Recognition depends on the institution and accreditation; the degree is well-regarded in the US but may require evaluation abroad.
What kinds of careers can I pursue after earning a Bachelor of Music?
Graduates often become performers, teachers, composers, or conductors, or continue with graduate studies.
Are there financial aid options available for Bachelor of Music students?
Yes, students can apply for FAFSA and may receive scholarships, including merit-based awards specific to music.
How important is maintaining a good GPA in a Bachelor of Music program?
Maintaining a competitive GPA is important for graduation and eligibility for some scholarships or graduate programs.
Can I work while studying for a Bachelor of Music?
Many students work part-time, but balancing work with the program’s demands, especially performance requirements, can be challenging.