BA in Music in Boston United States | Boston University

The Bachelor of Arts in Music program caters to students seeking a broad liberal arts education in music rather than intensive performance training. The BA program offers both a general track and three specialized concentrations:

BA in Music (General): This flexible pathway provides a comprehensive liberal arts music education with extensive course options and the greatest freedom in selecting music electives. The general track includes enough elective credits for students pursuing Music Education certification.

BA in Music with Musicology & Ethnomusicology concentration: Enables students to examine the complex connections between culture, politics, and musical traditions across Western and non-Western societies throughout history. Faculty expertise spans medieval music to contemporary pop, covering regions from Indonesia to Africa, and research methods from manuscript studies to digital technologies.
BA in Music with Music Theory concentration: Allows students to deeply investigate musical structures across genres and eras through theoretical, analytical, historical, and cultural lenses.
BA in Music with Global Music Studies concentration: Offers interdisciplinary approaches to studying music worldwide, incorporating performance, ethnomusicology, and theoretical analysis.

The BA program equips students for graduate studies and academic careers in musicology, ethnomusicology, theory, and composition, while elective options provide foundations for professional paths in music journalism, arts administration, publishing, and other music industry sectors.

Special Features
Students can enroll in up to 6 units of private lessons and/or ensemble participation, subject to audition results and instructor availability. BA students taking private instruction will incur an Applied Music Fee.
Interdisciplinary opportunities within the College of Fine Arts, including the sought-after Arts Leadership Minor.
Customizable electives that foster connections between music and other disciplines while supporting academic or career goals.
Option to pursue Music Education certification through the general BA track.
Program Objectives
BA in Music graduates will:

Exhibit understanding of music history, theory, and analytical techniques covering compositional styles from medieval to contemporary periods.
Show awareness of global musical traditions and non-Western music practices, including popular music forms.
Recognize music's intersections with social justice, racial and political issues, gender studies, cultural frameworks, and related artistic developments.