Asbury University Music Degree Programs
Asbury University’s music degrees are uniquely designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in music and music education and certification as music educators.
Whether you are a performer, composer, or you venture to teach a future generation of musicians, Asbury’s music department offers a degree path that is personalized to your interests and goals with opportunities to refine your talent and gain hands-on experience in your field.
Music majors can choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Education. In both programs, students acquire high proficiency in their chosen medium or instrument through private lessons, gain a base of knowledge in music theory, history and practice and learn how their faith can fuel their musical careers.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music
Asbury’s B.A. in Music degree program allows students to develop their musical talents and learn essential practices in the industry, like conducting, piano and music theory. Music majors tailor their studies through an area of emphasis and get various opportunities to play in ensembles or solo recitals throughout their degree.
This four-year program incorporates at least 124 credits of coursework, including general education courses. Through one of five areas of emphasis, you’ll receive focused instruction in key parts of the field like performance, pre-music therapy or composition/arrangement.
Requirements for the B.A. in Music degrees include:
- 33 credits in music major core classes
- 11-13 credits in chosen emphasis area classes and private music lessons
- Participation in ensembles and recital attendance each semester
- 47 credits in Foundations general education requirements
Foundations is a well-rounded general education curriculum that provides each Asbury student with background knowledge in essential areas like communication, philosophy and humanities subjects. See more detailed information about Foundations general education courses.
Review complete degree requirements for the B.A. in Music and learn more about each area of emphasis below.
▾ B.A. in Music—Composition and Arranging Emphasis
The Composition and Arranging major emphasis prepares students to explore careers as composers or arrangers, including those pursuing graduate-level degrees in the field. Students receive weekly private lessons in the composition of a wide range of styles and genres, including:
- Choral
- Orchestral
- Instrumental
- Keyboard
- Chamber music
- Electro-acoustic music
- Film scoring
As a music major with an emphasis on Composition and Arranging, the works you produce will be read by real ensembles and chamber groups on campus and be performed in public concerts and annual competitions.
▾ B.A. in Music—Instrumental Performance Emphasis
In the Instrumental Performance emphasis, you’ll enhance your B.A. in Music by developing and refining your God-given gifts on your particular instrument. Students in this program will have many chances to prepare and present performances, including the junior and senior recitals and the optional sophomore recital.
In addition to basic piano instruction and B.A. in Music requirements, instrumental performance majors take a number of private lessons as part of their degree. Private lessons are available in the following instruments:
- Voice, Piano, Organ, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Harp, Handbells, Percussion
Throughout your journey as an Instrumental Performance major, you’ll be guided by gifted, dedicated faculty with professional experience who will help you excel as a performer.
▾ B.A. in Music—Pre-Music Therapy Emphasis
Careers in music therapy involve the clinical and evidence-based development of music interventions to achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. This B.A. in Music emphasis starts you on the music therapy career path. You’ll learn how music therapists assess the strengths and needs of each client and provide treatment through playing, singing or listening to music.
If you’re moved by the prospect of using music to support the physical rehabilitation and improved emotional health of clients and their families, the Pre-Music Therapy emphasis ensures you understand the concepts and practices of music therapy in preparation for the higher levels of study required to become a credentialed professional in the field.
▾ B.A. in Music—Vocal Performance Emphasis
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music can audition for the Vocal Performance major emphasis at the end of their sophomore year. The Vocal Performance framework of study includes:
- Longer voice lessons and functional piano lessons
- Classes in vocal pedagogy and lesson teaching
- Study of the composers of choice for recitals
- Participation in either an opera or Broadway workshop performance
In this emphasis, you’ll participate in the senior recital as well as a junior recital.
▾ B.A. in Music—Church Music Leadership Emphasis
Majoring in the Church Music Leadership emphasis allows you to receive training in essential skills that lie in the intersection between music leadership and worship. You’ll take courses like:
- Piano Service Playing
- Church Music Administration
- Choral Music Pedagogy
Included in this emphasis area are an internship component and voice training, opening the path to careers in musical worship and church music leadership.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Education
Asbury’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Music Education is designed for students interested in teaching music or directing musical ensembles in public and private educational settings.
This four-year degree program constitutes a balance of core music coursework, courses in your chosen instrument emphasis and education and teaching methods courses. Requirements include:
- 65.5 credits in music major core courses
- 10-11 credits in instrument or voice lessons
- 11-18 credits in education courses (varies based on concentration area)
- Student teaching experience
- 44 credits in Foundations general education courses
Ensemble and performance requirements include one ensemble per semester and the senior recital.
Choosing the music education degree pathway at Asbury ensures you complete the coursework needed for music teacher certification in preschool through grade 12 and gain field hours through in-person experiences called field placements.
Review the degree requirements for the B.S. in Music Education’s five concentration areas and learn more about each major below.
▾ B.S. in Music Education—General Music Education
Students in the General Music Education track of the B.S. in Music Education will work to become experts in non-ensemble-specific music education. As a General Music Education major, you’ll be exposed to the standard methodologies in music pedagogy like Orff Schulwerk, Kodaly and Modern Band and complete a field placement in preparation for music teacher certification for grades P (preschool)-12.
This broad emphasis area helps students start their careers as music educators or pursue graduate degrees that open opportunities for advanced professorial careers or leadership positions in educational institutions.
▾ B.S. in Music Education—Instrumental Music Education
In the Instrumental Music Education major concentration, you’ll combine your passion for playing music and your interest in working with students. In addition to developing your musical skills and knowledge, you will learn how to teach all band and orchestra instruments, ensemble leadership skills and practices of music program administration.
As an Instrumental Music Education major, you will have many practical experiences in the area’s schools that will prepare you for leadership in this exciting and fulfilling field. As a music educator, you will influence both the music development and the personal growth of your students.
▾ B.S. in Music Education—Vocal/Choral Education
Courses in the Vocal/Choral Education emphasis area of the B.S. in Music Education encompass the story of choral literature, choral pedagogy and choral rehearsal technique. You’ll learn how to expertly teach choir students of all ages, from elementary to adult.
In addition to preparing for teacher certification for grades P-12 through field placements, in the Vocal Education emphasis, you’ll also have the opportunity to work with choirs on campus in the Asbury music program.
▾ B.S. in Music Education—Combined Instrumental/Vocal Education
The music degree emphasis in Combined Instrumental/Vocal Education allows you to explore teaching careers in both choral and instrumental fields. You’ll pursue teacher certification allowing you to work broadly with choirs, bands, orchestras and general music.
If you’re excited about a future role in music education, the Combined Instrumental/Vocal Education degree emphasis fulfills the educational and experiential requirements for certification grades P-12, opening doors to careers teaching music or directing music programs.
Add a Music Minor to Any Asbury Degree
Asbury’s music degree programs have the flexibility to align with any career path you seek. If you are moved to combine your musical talents with study in a complementary field like business, ministry or psychology, Asbury’s Music Minor can be added to any Asbury major. Explore the complete list of Asbury undergraduate programs.
Review the course requirements for the Minor in Music.
Music Areas of Study Careers
Earning a bachelor’s degree in music is key to beginning or advancing a career in playing, composing and teaching. A degree in music also prepares students to pursue the graduate study needed for advanced roles like music therapist or professor of music.
Asbury University’s bachelor’s degree in music, as well as the bachelor’s degree in music education, offers multiple tailored areas of emphasis, allowing you to follow the career path that speaks to your personal and professional goals.
Asbury music program alumni have found success in such varied career paths as:
- Private music teacher
- Music school administrator
- Recording or performance artist
- Choir, orchestra or band director
- International school music teacher
- Recording engineer
Why Earn a Music or Music Education Degree at Asbury University?
Music Major Scholarships and Auditions
Music majors can be considered for exclusive performance-based scholarships in addition to the many GPA-based scholarships already awarded to Asbury students.
When you apply to one of our music degree programs or the music minor, you’ll complete an audition that allows you to perform in University ensembles and qualify for these competitive scholarship opportunities.
Review detailed information about auditions and music scholarships, including how to prepare for your audition.
Find more information about Asbury University tuition and aid.
Dedicated Spaces for Music Majors
Music majors and music education majors have access to the department’s 25 student practice rooms, a community-building student lounge and the recently renovated Jameson Recital Hall. Jameson Hall’s acoustician-designed space houses student performances of all genres, styles and ensemble types, from large concerts to solo recitals.
Music Department Events and Ensembles
Gain unparalleled experience performing with your talented peers through joining an Asbury Ensemble. These ensembles perform on campus, regionally and even internationally, mentored by experienced faculty.
Whether you are studying choral performance, a wind or brass instrument or a specific genre of music, see a complete list of ensembles you have the opportunity to join.
The music department holds many events, from recitals to workshops and clinics. Check out the music department calendar and concert schedule for all events.
Supportive Faculty and Student Resources
In addition to a full-time music faculty that all hold doctorates in their field, the Asbury University music department provides resources that help students take advantage of academic and experiential opportunities to further their education. These resources help students tailor their private lessons and take advantage of performance opportunities.
[Current “What are Asbury Music Alumni doing with their degrees?” diagram]
Asbury Music Programs Admissions
To learn more about the admissions process for the B.S. in Music Education or the B.A. in Music, review Asbury admissions requirements, check out the music deopartment’s Frequently Asked Questions and contact the department with any questions.
Apply to Asbury University Music Majors
The music degrees at Asbury University prepare students for careers as knowledgeable and creative educators, performers and leaders through personalized study and performance excellence.
Whether you’re called to a career in music after graduation or to pursue further graduate study, our B.A. in Music and B.S. in Music Education degree programs equip you with the personal and professional skills you need to defy expectations and cross boundaries using the power of music.
Ready to become a music major at Asbury? Schedule a visit to campus or begin your application.