Music Degree

The comprehensive music degree is a great option for students seeking a general approach to their music education. This option provides students with a solid understanding of music composition and theory, as well as experience participating in musical ensembles on campus.

Here are just a few examples of the courses you’ll take:

• Aural skills
• Music theory
• Instrumental or choral composition and arranging
• Music history

• View the Academic Catalog
• View the 4-Year Plan

Do you enjoy the technical side of music? You could be a good candidate for this program. Our audio production emphasis centers around the digital framework needed for successful audio production. You’ll gain valuable music production experience as well as a plethora of opportunities to master the equipment and technology behind production.

Here are just a few examples of the courses you’ll take:

• Music theory
• Audio technology and recording
• Aural skills
• Live sound theory and practice
• Choral or instrumental composition and arranging

• View the Academic Catalog
• View the 4-Year Plan

Students interested in combining the worlds of business and music together are encouraged to consider this program. A major in music with an emphasis in business provides a foundational education fit for all musical and entrepreneurial-minded individuals. This track is especially great for students looking to pursue a career in arts and music management, entrepreneurship, studio teaching and management and more.

Here are just a few examples of the courses you’ll take:

• Music theory
• Accounting
• Aural skills
• Choral or instrumental composition and arranging
• Principes of management

• View the Academic Catalog
• View the 4-Year Plan

If you’re passionate about music and the overall health benefits it can provide, you may enjoy our wellness emphasis. This path prepares students for a successful career in counseling, music therapy, studio teaching and more. A popular career path with this degree is music therapy, which blends the worlds of wellness and music together for a fulfilling career choice.

Here are just a few examples of the courses you’ll take:

• Music theory
• Aural skills
• Health promotion
• Choral or instrumental composition and arranging
• Socio-psychological aspects of human performance

• View the Academic Catalog
• View the 4-Year Plan

Students interested in music are encouraged to consider our music minor, even if the end goal doesn't involve teaching or becoming a music professional.  For example, if your hope someday is to write web content for a music-related non-for profit, tacking a music minor on to your writing degree would be a great idea.

This minor program teaches students the fundamentals of sight singing and ear training, the theory of music and the literature and history of music. After taking the required courses, students can customize their minor from a list of approved electives.

Here are just a few examples of the courses you’ll take:

• Music theory
• Literature and history of music
• Aural skills
• Applied music

View the Academic Catalog

No. Scholarships are open to anyone - not just music education majors! Performance scholarships are awarded on the basis of music auditions and academic achievement. You may be expected to submit an audition tape to be considered for certain music scholarships.  

While our music education program certifies students to teach music in a K-12 classroom, the music major does not. This major centers on the general foundation of music; students interested in teaching music in a classroom should check out our music education program.  

Students who want to incorporate music into their future career to some capacity are encouraged to pursue this minor. Oftentimes, students who know they love music but don’t necessarily want to teach are great candidates. A minor in music is also a great safety net if you decide to pursue music full-time someday! 

A cumulative list of first-year, admissions-based undergraduate student scholarships can be found here. Music-specific scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and music auditions. For specific information about music scholarships, students are encouraged to reach out to a Northwest music faculty member or by emailing the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at fparts@nwmissouri.edu.