Music

Purdue University in West Lafayette

The Department of Music offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music and is built around a 42-46 credit coursework structure with concentrations in Music Technology, Jazz Studies, Music Theory and Composition and General Music Studies. The program also provides students the flexibility to earn two degrees via the Degree+ program. Additionally, a 21-credit certificate in Music Technology and a 15-credit Minor in Music History and Theory are offered. A wide-range of courses is open to all students and include music theory, composition, music history, music technology, rock music, jazz and world music. The Music programs integrate a multidisciplinary learning approach exploring past, present and future directions of music that are designed to cultivate “thinking musicians.” This major is designed for students who have a passion for music, its traditions and what might lie beyond past and current practices.

Students who are admitted to the university have up to one full year to pass an audition and/or interview. The audition/interview expectations vary somewhat from one concentration to another. See the Auditions and Interviews page on the Department of Music website for more information.

All liberal arts majors prepare students with the skills identified as contributing to becoming a successful professional: communication and listening thoughtfully, possessing insights into others, creative/critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to make connections across complex ideas.