Bachelor's Degree in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music at Southern Utah University provides a comprehensive liberal arts education with a focus on music. Ideal for students not pursuing a professional music career but seeking a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance, this degree offers flexibility with elective options in music and the arts. Graduates are well-equipped for diverse careers in music and other fields, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
College: Performing and Visual Arts
Department: Music
Emphases Available for Music Majors
The Instrumental Performance Emphasis at SUU is designed for students aiming to become professional musicians. It provides extensive training in various instruments, including brass, woodwind, strings, percussion, and jazz, through a personalized and student-centered approach. The small class sizes and expert faculty allow for tailored instruction and ample performance opportunities, fostering both technical skill and artistic expression. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in orchestras, bands, and as solo artists.
Academic Catalog Program MapSUU’s Piano Performance Emphasis prepares students for professional careers as pianists by offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes keyboard collaborative arts, piano literature, performance history, and piano pedagogy. The emphasis on small class sizes allows for individualized attention and numerous performance opportunities across genres and settings, including piano, jazz, choir, and symphony orchestra. This program is ideal for students looking to develop their skills as concert pianists, accompanists, and educators.
Academic Catalog Program MapThe Vocal Performance Emphasis focuses on training students to become professional singers through a combination of rigorous coursework and personalized instruction. The curriculum includes studies in English and Italian diction, vocal pedagogy, opera, musical theatre production, and choir ensemble experiences. SUU’s small class sizes and expert faculty ensure individualized coaching and ample performance opportunities, making it an excellent choice for aspiring opera singers, choral performers, and voice teachers.
Academic Catalog Program MapDiverse Career Paths in Music and Beyond
Graduates of the B.A. in Music program at SUU can pursue various careers, including private teaching, performing in community bands and orchestras, and participating in choirs and pit orchestras. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on discipline and versatility makes music majors attractive candidates for law and medical schools, opening up pathways beyond traditional music careers.
Where have SUU Music majors been hired?
Data gathered by the SUU Career Center
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
SUU’s music program boasts top-notch facilities that support an immersive learning experience. The new Music Center, a 44,000-square-foot building set to open soon, will feature classrooms, labs, studios, and a 510-seat concert hall. These spaces provide students with the tools and environment needed to excel in both practice and performance.
Collaborative Student Opportunities
Music students at SUU have numerous opportunities to collaborate across a variety of ensembles, such as choirs, bands, strings, piano, and percussion groups. The close-knit community fosters a supportive environment where students can grow together, share knowledge, and gain practical experience in performance and musicianship.
Nationally Accredited and Recognized
SUU's Music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and is part of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, which is accredited by NASAD, NASD, and NAST. This makes SUU the first public university in Utah to earn all four accreditations, ensuring a high standard of education in the arts.
To qualify for a teaching license, students must take professional education courses through SUU's Department of Teacher Education. Please see the degree requirements for Secondary Education Licensure.