Blending the Right Notes Creates Harmony
At IUP, we blend together the right courses, professors, and requirements to help students achieve success. As a BA in Music major, you'll find the excellence of our program, the expertise of our faculty, and the value of our recital policy will be your keys to a great education.
As a music major, you'll be expected to attend recitals in concert halls on campus regularly and participate in ensembles for eight semesters. To meet the ensemble requirement each semester, you can choose from more than 20 groups, ranging from Marching Band and University Chorus to Music Theater and String Ensemble.
The basic courses are similar to those for the other music bachelor's degrees; however, the General Studies track has the highest number of free electives. These could be used to take a minor in another field, such as theater or Entrepreneurship for Fine Arts.
Admission to the Music Department requires satisfactory completion of an audition in addition to the university general admission requirements. At auditions, we realize many of you have talent that hasn't yet had the benefit of instruction to reach its greatest potential. Our faculty will nurture that talent and guide you in developing your skills.
Students Who Complete the BA in Music Will:
Content Knowledge
Learning Outcome
Understand broad trends in Western music history and discover a diverse body of musical literature. They will evaluate the function and meaning of music-making across various cultures and historical eras. They will write effectively about the history of music.
Disciplinary Skills
Learning Outcome
Demonstrate proficiency with voice or a musical instrument. They will synthesize broad training in music with work in disciplines like entrepreneurship, communications, or visual arts to create products and experiences that reflect their intended career path.
Learning Outcome
Examine and interpret the materials, forms, and conventions of Western art music. They will develop comprehensive musicianship skills, including score-reading ability and basic keyboard proficiency. They will write effectively about the technical features of music.
Work Capacities
Learning Outcome
Collaborate with their peers by performing regularly in small and large ensembles. They will master basic conducting and rehearsal techniques. They will recognize the value of performance as a means of community engagement and enrichment.